One of the most popular, well known political and military thriller writers of all time, Tom Clancy has become extremely popular over the years with gamers for his well known Splinter Cell series, which follows Sam Fisher, a Jason Bourne-Esq character that works with a military group known as Third Echelon, battling terrorist threats and conspiracies both international and domestic.
Set three years after the death of his daughter, Sam Fisher, now retired, is contacted by an old friend, who informs him that hit men are after him. When he finds the leader of the hit men, he learns that a drug dealer named Kobin is responsible for his daughter's death, and this leads to Sam's mission in the game, which is to uncover the truth of his daughters death and the connection it has with his old line of work.
Set all around the world, this game is a fast paced, third person shooter that plays like Resident Evil but follows a Bourne Ultimatum story. Full of action-packed gameplay that involves a ton of weaponry and surreal settings that are full of life and rich textures, this game is a groundbreaking venture on the Splinter Cell series. Full of twists and turns that take the player into a million new directions, it is no wonder the series has been a fan favorite for years. And one of the things that makes this game so unique is the use of stealth and sneak attacks, which give you the ability to have quick executions and give Sam the element of surprise. Remember, Stick to the Shadows!
I must give this game a 9 out of 10, for its rich story, intricate plot twists, and action filled gameplay truly captured my mind the entire time I played. An added bonus also gives fans a prelude story for those who wish to play in a Co-op setting, and a challenge section to earn points and new weapons.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Dantes Inferno
It's not often that an epic poem that has spanned the past 700 years can be made into a bloody video game. However, Visceral games has made that game with the release of Dante's Inferno, based on the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri's. With stunning and graphic details, an amazing story, and the most vivid description and picture of hell every depicted, this game has beaten the odds and become a hit video game.
Set during the Crusades, Dante is a fierce warrior, who comes home from the war to find his wife, Beatrice, murdered. She appears to him as a spirit, and she knows of his sins and betrayal while at war. Before he can apologize, she is taken by Lucifer himself, and Dante must chase after her and straight into hell to find her so that she does not have to spend an eternity in hell. Traveling the 9 circles of hell, Dante must fight hoards of demons to save his beloved Beatrice.
Set as a third-person action game, players have two different weapons for an attack: the Grim Reapers Scythe and a blessed and holy Cross, which represent both the dark and light sides of Dante's personality. Players also get an option to either save the souls that have been turned into demons, or you can damn their souls even further into hell. These choices will have an outcome on how the game ends, and determine how Dante's soul will play out. Filled with famous people from history and literature, including the temptress Cleopatra and her lover Marc Antony, whom guard the Lust circles of hell. With all of this amazing gameplay an intricate story, I must give this game an 8 out of 10, for it is a great game, but has a lot of touchy and brutal language and scenes, which include a lot of sexual themes, especially in the lust level, (any heavily religious people or people who are especially uncomfortable with those types of situations, viewer discretion is advised for this game).
Set during the Crusades, Dante is a fierce warrior, who comes home from the war to find his wife, Beatrice, murdered. She appears to him as a spirit, and she knows of his sins and betrayal while at war. Before he can apologize, she is taken by Lucifer himself, and Dante must chase after her and straight into hell to find her so that she does not have to spend an eternity in hell. Traveling the 9 circles of hell, Dante must fight hoards of demons to save his beloved Beatrice.
Set as a third-person action game, players have two different weapons for an attack: the Grim Reapers Scythe and a blessed and holy Cross, which represent both the dark and light sides of Dante's personality. Players also get an option to either save the souls that have been turned into demons, or you can damn their souls even further into hell. These choices will have an outcome on how the game ends, and determine how Dante's soul will play out. Filled with famous people from history and literature, including the temptress Cleopatra and her lover Marc Antony, whom guard the Lust circles of hell. With all of this amazing gameplay an intricate story, I must give this game an 8 out of 10, for it is a great game, but has a lot of touchy and brutal language and scenes, which include a lot of sexual themes, especially in the lust level, (any heavily religious people or people who are especially uncomfortable with those types of situations, viewer discretion is advised for this game).
Mass Effect 2
In 2007, Bioware brought to video game and sci-fi fans everywhere one of the most epic, dramatic, and biggest character driven games to ever hit the market: Mass Effect. The story of Commander Shepard and the fight against the ancient Reapers has captivated the minds of millions of fans, and made it game of the year in 2007. In January 2010, Bioware upped the ante with Mass Effect 2, the groundbreaking sequel to it's Game of the Year.
Mass Effect 2 starts where the first game left off. Thanks to Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew, the Reapers were stopped, and humanity set itself as a full fledged member of the Council, a group of alien species and planets that have come together to become a galactic government. As the game begins, the Normandy is attacked by a new and unknown enemy. As the ship is obliterated, the crew escapes with their lives, save for Shepard, who stayed with the ship. Presumed dead, we come to learn that a human organization known as Cerberus has saved the Commander and have brought him back to life using cutting edge technology. When he wakes up, the remaining geth and the knew enemy are attacking the medical station he has been at for two years.
The gameplay takes place as a third-person shooter, and the mechanics are some of the smoothest gameplay that the video game industry has seen in ages. With cinematic cut scenes that make a person feel like they are at the movie theatre and a story that spans two whole discs, it is no wonder that fans have become obsessed with the series. The best part of this game is being able to control where the story goes, choosing what to say in response to questions, and making alliances with friends and enemies that will determine the final outcome of the longest, most grueling and exciting final battle. I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for it is fun, exciting, one of the most amazing stories, and the most exciting gameplay that I've seen in years.
Mass Effect 2 starts where the first game left off. Thanks to Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew, the Reapers were stopped, and humanity set itself as a full fledged member of the Council, a group of alien species and planets that have come together to become a galactic government. As the game begins, the Normandy is attacked by a new and unknown enemy. As the ship is obliterated, the crew escapes with their lives, save for Shepard, who stayed with the ship. Presumed dead, we come to learn that a human organization known as Cerberus has saved the Commander and have brought him back to life using cutting edge technology. When he wakes up, the remaining geth and the knew enemy are attacking the medical station he has been at for two years.
The gameplay takes place as a third-person shooter, and the mechanics are some of the smoothest gameplay that the video game industry has seen in ages. With cinematic cut scenes that make a person feel like they are at the movie theatre and a story that spans two whole discs, it is no wonder that fans have become obsessed with the series. The best part of this game is being able to control where the story goes, choosing what to say in response to questions, and making alliances with friends and enemies that will determine the final outcome of the longest, most grueling and exciting final battle. I must give this game a 10 out of 10, for it is fun, exciting, one of the most amazing stories, and the most exciting gameplay that I've seen in years.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Assasins Creed 2
For those who may not know me, I am a bit of a history buff, and the hit franchise Assassins Creed was the perfect blend of rich storytelling, great historical facts, and fun gameplay that I have come to know and love from the series. Assassins Creed 2 was no disappointment, and the rich diversity of characters in both past and present added to the already exciting mythology and history of the plot. The creators of this game, (Ubisoft, who is also responsible for the Prince of Persia franchise), put forth a great deal of time and effort in this game, and that hard work is quite evident in every aspect of the game.
The game follows Desmond, a descendant of a long line of Assassins, who is still the prisoner of Abstergo industries, who is a front for a long line of the Assassins longtime enemies, the Templar's. The Templar's are using Desmond by putting him in the Animus, a machine that allows him to relive the events of his ancestors, so that they can find legendary "pieces of Eden", valuable artifacts that hold information to the planets history and future. Another assassin, Lucy, helps Desmond escape, and with the help of two other Assassins, they set to work trying to train Desmond and find other pieces of Eden so that they can prevent Abstergo from destroying the world. From there, Desmond enters the mind of his ancestor, Ezio, a Renaissance assassin who is searching to destroy those responsible for the death of his father and brothers, who were the victims of a political plot.
This game features famous settings in Italian Renaissance, such as the Vatican and Italy itself, and even features the legendary Leonardo DaVinci, who serves as a key inventor for the Assassins. The scenery and visual effects of this game are so realistic that one would think they are really in Renaissance Italy, and the third-person angle gives gamers a wonderful view of the damage they inflict on their enemies. The game utilizes amazing weaponry, such as classic swords, daggers, throwing knives, and other great weapons.
Overall, I give this game a 10 out of 10, for the fusion of an original story with historical events is quite extraordinary, and the game challenges the mind of the gamer so that it gives gamers hour upon hours of fun filled action.
The game follows Desmond, a descendant of a long line of Assassins, who is still the prisoner of Abstergo industries, who is a front for a long line of the Assassins longtime enemies, the Templar's. The Templar's are using Desmond by putting him in the Animus, a machine that allows him to relive the events of his ancestors, so that they can find legendary "pieces of Eden", valuable artifacts that hold information to the planets history and future. Another assassin, Lucy, helps Desmond escape, and with the help of two other Assassins, they set to work trying to train Desmond and find other pieces of Eden so that they can prevent Abstergo from destroying the world. From there, Desmond enters the mind of his ancestor, Ezio, a Renaissance assassin who is searching to destroy those responsible for the death of his father and brothers, who were the victims of a political plot.
This game features famous settings in Italian Renaissance, such as the Vatican and Italy itself, and even features the legendary Leonardo DaVinci, who serves as a key inventor for the Assassins. The scenery and visual effects of this game are so realistic that one would think they are really in Renaissance Italy, and the third-person angle gives gamers a wonderful view of the damage they inflict on their enemies. The game utilizes amazing weaponry, such as classic swords, daggers, throwing knives, and other great weapons.
Overall, I give this game a 10 out of 10, for the fusion of an original story with historical events is quite extraordinary, and the game challenges the mind of the gamer so that it gives gamers hour upon hours of fun filled action.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars-Republic Heroes
The Star Wars franchise has been home to great films, fun TV series, and amazing video games, (recall the xbox Knights of the Old Republic games). The latest Star Wars game draws on the television series of the same name, Star Wars: The Clone Wars-Republic Heroes. The gameplay and visuals are similar to the TV series, and although it looks animated, the fun of being a Jedi Knight or a Clone Trooper is still the same.
Taking place between Season 1 and 2 of the series, the Jedi Knights must investigate when a techno assassin deals up a new weapon that could destroy the republic as we know it. Full of fun comic book antics, great mythology of the Star Wars universe, and third person action that allows gamers to explore every aspect of the universe, this game is a fun way to earn achievement's and play through a fun story. The only problem I found, however, is that the gameplay is very quick, and before you know it you have beaten the game, not allowing a lot of time to enjoy the level and allow gamers to challenge themselves. Other than that, the game if fun filled, non-stop action and adventure, with rich characters and a lively plot that will get any Star Wars fanatic excited. I give this game a 8 out of 10, for it managed to deliver an original story in a already well known franchise, and has a ton of fun gameplay to enjoy.
Taking place between Season 1 and 2 of the series, the Jedi Knights must investigate when a techno assassin deals up a new weapon that could destroy the republic as we know it. Full of fun comic book antics, great mythology of the Star Wars universe, and third person action that allows gamers to explore every aspect of the universe, this game is a fun way to earn achievement's and play through a fun story. The only problem I found, however, is that the gameplay is very quick, and before you know it you have beaten the game, not allowing a lot of time to enjoy the level and allow gamers to challenge themselves. Other than that, the game if fun filled, non-stop action and adventure, with rich characters and a lively plot that will get any Star Wars fanatic excited. I give this game a 8 out of 10, for it managed to deliver an original story in a already well known franchise, and has a ton of fun gameplay to enjoy.
Wolfenstein
While the typical WWII game can be both fun and exhilarating for some, I've always found it hard to really sink my teeth into. Sure, the visuals are great, but reliving some horrific battles that real men and women lost their lives to is something I've never been able to get into. But for the hit game Wolfenstein, the game both gave insight into the trouble of WWII, and allowed us a view of nonexistent battles and otherworldly creatures that were not seen by real men and women.
Following the series that started out as a basic 2-D and computer adventure, Wolfenstein follows B.J. Blazchowics has been sent by the OSA to sabotage a Nazi warship. When he arrives, he finds that a supernatural threat has emerged, due to the Nazi experiments with the Dark Dimension. B.J. must battle his way through the city of Isenstadt, free the people being terrorized by the Nazi forces, and stop an old adversary from releasing a dark energy that could destroy the world as we know it.
This 1st person shooter features great weapons that show the old school weaponry soldiers used during that time period, and uses real world visuals that really capture the horrors of both the war and the supernatural creatures of the game. Besides the weaponry, your character also uses supernatural crystals to move between the dark dimension and our world, allowing you to pass through unattainable areas and even slow down time. However, although the game is fun, it can be slow at times, and both the controls and scenery were a bit basic looking at times.
Overall, I give this game a 7 out of 10, because it does a great job of telling an original story while adding to an already popular franchise, but fails in certain areas to bring something unique, such as the visual effects and the basic gameplay.
Following the series that started out as a basic 2-D and computer adventure, Wolfenstein follows B.J. Blazchowics has been sent by the OSA to sabotage a Nazi warship. When he arrives, he finds that a supernatural threat has emerged, due to the Nazi experiments with the Dark Dimension. B.J. must battle his way through the city of Isenstadt, free the people being terrorized by the Nazi forces, and stop an old adversary from releasing a dark energy that could destroy the world as we know it.
This 1st person shooter features great weapons that show the old school weaponry soldiers used during that time period, and uses real world visuals that really capture the horrors of both the war and the supernatural creatures of the game. Besides the weaponry, your character also uses supernatural crystals to move between the dark dimension and our world, allowing you to pass through unattainable areas and even slow down time. However, although the game is fun, it can be slow at times, and both the controls and scenery were a bit basic looking at times.
Overall, I give this game a 7 out of 10, because it does a great job of telling an original story while adding to an already popular franchise, but fails in certain areas to bring something unique, such as the visual effects and the basic gameplay.
Borderlands
Hello there, my friends. I know it's been a while since I've preached the gospel to you, so to speak, so I am back, and have four new reviews for you. Let me start off with....
Borderlands
Borderlands was one of the most anticipated games of the year, and boy it sure did not disappoint. This game brought fourth a very mercenary, old-west feel that blended well with the post-apocalyptic setting and the alien-world, comic book view the story brought with it. Drawing off another hit series, "Left 4 Dead", this game focused more on the setting and background characters rather than the character you yourself played. Set on the alien planet of Pandora, "no relation to Avatar", the story follows four mercenaries who come to the planet in search of the legendary Vault, which houses vast treasures. After arriving on the planet, a mysterious woman reaches out to you, and throughout the game she guides you through the planet, going from town to town fighting ruthless bandits and bloodthirsty creatures. You must make a name for yourself on the planet, help the citizens of each town, and do whatever it takes to finally reach the Vault.
Like every 1st-person shooter, Borderlands hosts a wide variety of weaponry, from simple pistols to rocket launchers. A new addition to the game, however, is the use of a points system, where you have a ranked number, as do your enemies. Another great aspect of the game is the visuals. Rather than the typical real world look, this game takes another approach, and both the characters and the setting have a rather comic book look to them. Only the mystery woman has the real world look, which adds to her mystery rather than diminishes the game as a whole.
Overall, I give Borderlands a 10 out of 10, for the game is a true original, full of great action, a fun filled story, and a unique look that many games fail to live up to.
Borderlands
Borderlands was one of the most anticipated games of the year, and boy it sure did not disappoint. This game brought fourth a very mercenary, old-west feel that blended well with the post-apocalyptic setting and the alien-world, comic book view the story brought with it. Drawing off another hit series, "Left 4 Dead", this game focused more on the setting and background characters rather than the character you yourself played. Set on the alien planet of Pandora, "no relation to Avatar", the story follows four mercenaries who come to the planet in search of the legendary Vault, which houses vast treasures. After arriving on the planet, a mysterious woman reaches out to you, and throughout the game she guides you through the planet, going from town to town fighting ruthless bandits and bloodthirsty creatures. You must make a name for yourself on the planet, help the citizens of each town, and do whatever it takes to finally reach the Vault.
Like every 1st-person shooter, Borderlands hosts a wide variety of weaponry, from simple pistols to rocket launchers. A new addition to the game, however, is the use of a points system, where you have a ranked number, as do your enemies. Another great aspect of the game is the visuals. Rather than the typical real world look, this game takes another approach, and both the characters and the setting have a rather comic book look to them. Only the mystery woman has the real world look, which adds to her mystery rather than diminishes the game as a whole.
Overall, I give Borderlands a 10 out of 10, for the game is a true original, full of great action, a fun filled story, and a unique look that many games fail to live up to.
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