Review: Call of Duty Black Ops Multiplayer (360/PS3)

The seventh game in the Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Black Ops, hit shelves November 9th. With everyone having such high expectations of this game, I couldn't help but have a gut feeling that this game wouldn't live up to the hype. Luckily, my gut feeling was wrong.

To be honest, my only initial interest in getting this game was for the zombie mode, because who doesn't love slaughtering zombies? Imagine my surprise, then, when I found that I enjoyed the rest of the online play as well. In fact, it seems a bit better than Modern Warfare 2's online play, with a lot of changes and added features. Some of these are admittedly the same, just with different names though. One that particularly stands out to me is the Second Chance feature, which gives your teammates the opportunity to revive you once you unlock pro... as long as you aren't a team killer or anything, in which case you might be out of luck. Clan tags, titles, and emblems are now all fully customizable, with the ability to create your own from a variety of icons to choose from. Unfortunately, all this customization isn't free, and like all the guns and equipment, have to be unlocked and purchased. Fortunately, the new Wager Match option, which allows you to bet on the outcome of your games, makes it easier to acquire the cash for all these new things.

While there are a lot of changes and new additions, there are unfortunately some things that got taken away. The biggest example of this is the lack of Commando Mode, which is unfortunate for all you knifers out there. In addition, the knife is actually much harder to wield in general in this Call of Duty than any of the other games in the series. The nukes are also gone, and have been replaced with... dogs. Yes, dogs. They are back, and they are harder then ever. Both dogs and gunships require an 11 kill-streak to acquire, which is now the highest streak available in the game, down from 25 in previous installments. While that is a bit of a shame, it fortunately does not take away from the game's fun factor.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this Call of Duty, and even the single player campaign has been a blast so far, with a story that seems much better than the games in the rest of the series. It really is outstanding, so much so that I don't want to spoil anything for you. You'll just have to pick up a copy of Black Ops today, if you haven't done so already.

Submitted By: Layanie Ahlers (Employee)

Preview: Uncharted 3 (PS3)

'Uncharted' Exclusive: Your First Look At 2011's Must-Play Videogame 'Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception'

by Jeff Jensen at Entertainment Weekly

If Indiana Jones or Robert Langdon is your definition of treasure-hunting action-adventure, then either you watch too many movies or read too many books — or you haven’t met Nathan Drake, the hero at the center the blockbuster videogame franchise Uncharted, exclusive to the PlayStation 3 platform. Last year, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves garnered widespread critical acclaim, bagged bunches of major videogame industry awards, and sold over 3.8 million copies worldwide. Hollywood’s a fan: A feature film from Columbia Pictures — adapted by helmer David O. Russell (Three Kings), produced by former Marvel Studios honcho Avi Arad and rumored to be starring Mark Wahlberg, the headliner of Russell’s forthcoming Oscar-baiting drama flick The Fighter – should be shooting just as the next game in the series, entitled Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, hits stores late next year. EW recently visited the Santa Monica, California offices of Uncharted’s developer, Naughty Dog, for a sneak peek at the sequel, and we returned wishing “late next year” was right damn now.

Here’s what we can tell you: First off, obviously the title is not “Uncharted 3: World of Deceit,” as has been rumored here and there on the Internet. Still: Good guessing with the “deceit” thing. According to Naughty Dog’s creative director Ann Hennig, the theme of deception plays out in multiple ways throughout the threequel, from Drake doing the deceiving to Drake being deceived to some mysterious deception about Drake’s very identity. The story focuses on the hero’s relationship with his mentor and father figure, fan fave Victor “Sully” Sullivan, and has him searching for a legendary lost city that will ultimately take him to the Arabian Peninsula and the vast wasteland of the Rub’ al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter. (Said legendary lost city has been known by various names, including “Iram of the Pillars” and the “Atlantis of the Sands".)

Uncharted likes to keep one foot (or at least a toe) grounded in history (Nathan’s ancestor is the British pirate, explorer and Navy officer Sir Francis Drake) and the plot of Uncharted 3 draws more from Drake’s exploits as well as from the life of T.E. Lawrence – not from his militant days as the fabled “Lawrence of Arabia,” but rather the Brit’s early years as an archaeologist. The inspiration for the story, says Hennig, came from Naughty Dog’s desire to take on the challenge of conceiving and building out gameplay scenarios within a desert locale — “challenge,” because organic elements like water, fire and sand are technically difficult to credibly render with animation. Says Hennig: “When we first came up with the idea of sand, you see everyone’s eyes light up here and go, ‘Yeah, that’s going to be really hard — let’s do it!’” Adds Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells: “We’re a bunch of nerds. We just look forsomething that will be a technical, artistic challenge, and allowed us to push into an area of the world and history we’ve never tapped into before.”

Uncharted 3 — which aspires to be an “interactive cinematic experience,” says Hennig, marked with character-driven storytelling — will also make more expansive use of motion-capture filmmaking techniques (think: the way James Cameron shot Avatar) that will enhance the quality of character performance. (In fact, Naughty Dog’s new Santa Monica digs includes its own mo-cap studio.) The execs at Naughty Dog walked us through one of the game’s levels, and while we can’t tell you anything about the locale (it actually wasn’t the desert), we can tell you that it was quintessential Uncharted, marked by dynamic camera work and gameplay that requires you to jump and climb through treacherous spaces that are in an almost constant state of change — or in this case, catastrophic collapse.  Innovations? Several, including enhanced backward climbing and the ability to fight multiple baddies at once. Finally, Wells stressed that much time and effort is being lavished upon expanding Uncharted’s online multiplayer and co-op capabilities, too; expect more details to come in the coming months. Doing so gives the consumer more value for their entertainment dollar — especially in a weak economy, and esepcially among videogame consumers more prone to buying just a few games a year. It also creates a market for additional downloadable content for purchase (Uncharted zombie maps, anyone?), and cultivates an avid community of what Wells calls “evangelists” that can help create buzz future products. “We want to take on the big boys of the multi-player genre,” says Wells, no doubt alluding to multiplayer giants Call of Duty and Halo. “It has become something here at Naughty Dog that will become an important part to all our games.”

Naughty Dog is remaining cagey about the release date for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, but expect it to drop around the same time that the first Nathan Drake novel, Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth, hits next fall. (According to Wells, 2011 marks the beginning of Naughty Dog’s push to make Uncharted a “transmedia” entertainment brand, with high quality, mythology-managed storytelling extensions of theUncharted universe created for various entertainment media, i.e. Star Wars.) That said, Uncharted 3′srelease date could be announced in the first trailer for the game, scheduled to air during the Spike Videogame Awards on Dec. 11.

Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)

Starring in his first platforming game in five years, Donkey Kong…well…RETURNS to try and dazzle audiences once more. Does Retro’s latest collaboration with Nintendo impress? Or is it one banana short of a bunch?

If you’re not familiar with how Nintendo platformer plots work, here’s a brief overview: something of value gets stolen from the hero, and they set out on a barrel-busting, platforming-jumping, head-stomping quest to get it back. Donkey Kong Country Returns is no different, as the massive monkey is out to retrieve his stolen hoard of bananas from a group of mysterious mind-controlling Tikis. Like previous games in the series, the plot serves little purpose other than to give a reason for the game’s existence, and in that respect, it does its job. One thing that the “Country” series has been known for, however, is its cutting-edge graphics, but while the watercolor world is easy on the eyes, it’s also plain to see that none of the Wii’s processors are getting pushed to their limits running this game. There are exceptions, though. The presentation is at its best when the background, foreground, and the scenery itself are all playing a crucial role in how you get to that next platform, not to mention the stunning “silhouette” levels, where you can only make out the outline of everything on screen. It’s a shame that these concepts weren’t used more often or at least in more creative ways.

Nobody comes to a Nintendo party for the atmosphere, though. They come for the booze (the gameplay) and the chicks (the fan service), and this bash does not disappoint in either of those areas. Moving Donkey Kong around is easy and responsive. If you ever wondered how they could improve the controls of the original, this is it. Little things like automatic running and lightning fast barrel-tossing fit this game snugly into the “easy to play, difficult to master” mantra, with an emphasis on DIFFICULT. Like its predecessors before it, this game demands lightning-fast reflexes and impeccable skill if you want to make it past the sonic-spewing bats, turbulent tidal waves, and monkey-munching spiders. This is especially true if you try to collect all the 'KONG' letters in each stage, which, by the way, are needed to access the extra stages in each world, which in turn all need to be beaten to open-up a special bonus after the final boss is introduced to your fist. Add this to time trials, hidden puzzle pieces, and even boss challenges, and it all means that if you plan on collecting absolutely everything, you’ll be spending more money on parrots than a pirate with a hoarding complex. Where this is most frustrating, however, is in the “on-rails” sections of the game, which would be an absolute blast if not for the collectibles slowing you down. Take my advice and forget about the extras the first time through so that you can realize how awesome these sequences are BEFORE becoming incredibly frustrated with them.

Retro proves once again that they know what made Nintendo characters famous to begin with, and that they embrace it wholeheartedly. This may come as no surprise, but look past the shallow setting, and you’ll find a fun, challenging experience that keeps giving and giving for a long time. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then swing by Donkey Kong Island, and tell Cranky I said “Hi”.

Submitted By: WhatTheFnu (Customer)

Review: PlayStation Move Sports Champions (PS3)

When the PlayStation Move was first announced, my first thought was “Oh God, not another Wii.....” I admit I am not a fan of motion controls; at least, that was until I got my hands on the Move. I had seen tech demos and gameplay, but I was still very skeptical about the whole motion control situation. Finally, I tried out a demo of Sports Champions (similar to Wii Sports in a sense), and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how responsive and precise the controls were. I went through and played everything from bocce ball to gladiator battles, and they all had the same level of precision and responsiveness. However, the place where this game truly shines is when you have two of the motion control wands. In the archery game, for example, you hold the bow in one hand and the arrow in the other, and it's actually similar to doing the real thing. The gladiator game also uses two controllers, as you hold the sword in one hand and the shield in the other. This one actually had me working up quite a sweat, as you have to really move to do well against the computer opponent. I soon found myself jumping around and swinging my arms in order to win, totally immersed in the game. While I enjoyed the games that used two controllers the best, this is not to say that the other games aren't fun as well. Bocce ball, ping pong, frisbee and golf are all playable with a single Move controller, yet they still feel very real to play and really immerse you in the experience. Also, all of the games in Sports Champions are multiplayer, which only adds to the fun.

All in all, Sports Champions, along with the PlayStation Move, was a very enjoyable experience and in my opinion has much better control and gameplay than the Wii. I will be looking forward to when a bigger variety of games come out that really make full use of the Move hardware, such as Killzone 3 and Resident Evil 5. I would absolutely recommend the PlayStation Move to anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the experience, or possibly even to get fit. I know the gladiator game sure burned off some calories for me.

Submitted By: Tom Ferko (Employee)

Review: Enslaved (PS3/360)

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a bold 3D adventure that not only dares to give you great gameplay, but also an enthralling story. However, does the lack of replay value make you want to sit this journey out?

Enslaved follows the story of two unlikely partners trying to survive in post-apocalyptic America. Trip is the unwilling captor of Monkey, a man with incredible strength and the power she needs to make a safe journey back home. The story is gripping, but the thing that will truly make you want to find out what happens next is the incredible emotion the characters display. The legendary motion capture work of Andy Circus pays off in dividends for Ninja Theory, as the subtle facial movements and body language these characters exhibit instantly sells you on their humanity, and it makes the game stand out, even when compared to other top-shelf games.

Gameplay-wise, Enslaved does just as good a job. Jumping from platform to platform as Monkey is as easy as it comes, without the fear that a misguided button press or the fact that you were mistakenly holding the wrong direction on the analog stick will send you helplessly hurdling into the nearest bottomless pit. Combat, on the other hand, is a love-it or hate-it system. Players weaned on combo-heavy action games like Devil May Cry and God of War may scoff at the simple light-attack-or-heavy-attack formula offered here, but there is no denying the charm of a system that’s as easy to pick up instantly and enjoy as it is difficult to master. Puzzles also play a part, being sprinkled throughout the world in a thoughtful, caring manner that doesn’t feel out of place. While basic, these sequences provide a nice contrast to the combat, and with the two being balanced so well, neither element gets boring very quickly.

What may stay your wallet, though, is an altogether waste of potential. Enslaved is a real treat the first time around, and without giving anything away, the ending WILL blow your mind, but once you’ve seen the credits roll, you realize there’s not much to come back to. Sure, you can scour levels for the collectibles you missed the first time, but this is only really appealing to trophy hounds. Another missed opportunity is Trip, herself, who despite having the ability to distract enemies and help in solving certain puzzles really feels rather useless. She’s certainly a step up from Ashley from Resident Evil 4, but you still can’t shake the nagging feeling that she could have brought a lot more to the table.

Enslaved is a whirlwind experience in a setting that manages to feel fresh and new (no doubt thanks to the addition of colors other than gray and brown). If you own a PS3 or 360, be it a rental or a buy, you need to play this game. The fresh takes on old gameplay standards make Enslaved stand out, and Ninja Theory deserves every dollar they can make for this effort.

Submitted By: WhatTheFnu (customer)

Review: Nier (PS3/360)

Nier is an action RPG developed by Cavia and published by Square Enix. It was honestly one of the best gaming experiences that I've had with a "modern RPG" in a long time. Many of the role playing games released nowadays seem repetitive and short to me, so this was really a pleasant surprise. The combat system, though not intuitive, is very enjoyable and easy to use once you learn it. The same can also be said for the magic system, which allows you to have up to four spells equipped at one time, one to each of the shoulder buttons. It's a very simplistic system, but it can be said that the limitations imposed upon you add to the strategy you have to employ in battle.

The world in which the game takes place is almost 'sandbox' in nature, as in addition to being able to roam freely, many quests are able to be completed at any time during the main story, at your leisure. These quests are plentiful and rewarding, with most giving you huge cash rewards that you can then use to upgrade your armor and weapons. The land itself is fairly expansive, paying tribute to games like Legend of Zelda, where you travel from place to place through connected plains and fields. However, it is not so expansive that it takes more than a few minutes to get from place to place, which in my mind makes it the perfect blend between expansive and manageable.

Graphically it's not the prettiest game in the world. The textures throughout the game are pretty bland for the most part, and the character designs for all the random villagers and people are heartbreakingly boring. This is especially obvious when compared to the uniqueness of the main characters. Nier, who shares his name with the game, is an incredibly hideous man. While this would ordinarily not be much of a recommendation, he is a nice change from the 'pretty boys' usually populating Japanese RPGs. His sidekicks, Kaine and Emille, are also refreshingly unique, both in design and personality.

The music throughout the game is also very well done, both haunting and relaxing at the same time. I found it to be just amazing, and it's one of the few soundtracks that I made it a point to go out and buy afterwards. The voice acting is also top notch, and the only thing that stops this score from being absolutely perfect is that the sound effects are rather repetitive and bland.

As far as stories are concerned, it's one of the best I have seen in a long time, and it blew the pants off of Final Fantasy 13 in my opinion. It starts out as a simple 'father seeks daughter' story, but by the end, all the twists and turns change it into a much more epic and resonating tale of revenge and betrayal.

Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable RPGs that I've played in a long time. It kept my interest throughout the hours I played it, and it actually turned out to be a bit of a challenge as well. Too many times I have sat back after playing a game that was entirely too easy, and been left feeling empty, as if I had wasted the time I put into it. I did not feel that way at all after Nier; it was just challenging enough to make me feel as if I had accomplished something by the end, and even make me want run through it another time. I highly recommend this game to anyone who is looking for an RPG of moderate length, who wants something different and fresh from what has come before it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Submitted By: Tom Ferko (Employee)

Import Review: Last Window The Secret of Cape West (DS)

Three years ago Nintendo released “Hotel Dusk: Room 215”, an incredibly atmospheric 'point-and-click' style adventure-mystery game and probably my hands down favorite game for the DS. I am absolutely thrilled that a sequel has been released, called “Last Window: The Secret of Cape West.” Unfortunately, for reasons that only make sense to executives at Nintendo, the game is not being released outside of Europe. But fear not, the DS's lack of region lock-out and the fact that “Last Window” is entirely in English, make this game 100% import friendly!

“Last Window” is set in Los Angeles during 1980, and takes place one year after the events in “Hotel Dusk.” However, it does not require knowledge of the previous game to be enjoyed, as the game stands completely on it's own. The storyline once again follows the investigation of Kyle Hyde, a former New York detective, this time as he attempts to solve the mystery of Cape West: a former hotel which has been converted into the apartments in which Kyle now lives. Eventually the story also entangles you in a mystery involving the murder of Kyle's father and his secretive past, both of which are somehow tied to the mystery of Cape West.

Just like “Hotel Dusk”, the player holds the DS vertically, like a storybook. Using the stylus, you engage in conversations with the residents, interact with environments, and solve puzzles. The conversations you have with the various residents can take many twists and turns, so beware: one misstep in a conversation can result in your failure to solve the mystery of Cape West. Thankfully, the game uses a very liberal system of check points so you won't be in too much of a bind when this happens to you, as it will, guaranteed. The game's puzzles also make full use of the DS features, including the microphone, as well as a wonderful puzzle involving the sleep function of the DS.

One of the great additions to “Last Window” is that every time you complete a chapter of the game, that chapter is then adapted into a novel, which can be read at anytime. This means that you not only get to enjoy the captivating gameplay, but a great novel at the same time too. The novel also acts as a hint section, directing players to certain characters should they have missed a certain clue or conversation.

This game just oozes atmosphere thanks to its film noir feeling and great mystery storyline, which is enhanced by beautifully animated character sketches and an excellent jazz soundtrack. It's no wonder that it is so easy to lose yourself in this story. If you find yourself longing for a great mystery adventure game, track down a copy of “Last Window” and enjoy it for yourself.

Submitted By: Aaron McKeever (Employee)

Preview: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (PS3/360)

"Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" is going to be coming out in two weeks, and to be honest, I'm actually pretty hyped about it. When it was first announced, I admit I had lukewarm feelings about it. However, as time went on and more info was released about the things you can do and the changes to the gameplay, I started to look forward to its release. Part of the reason for my initial underwhelming interest was that I was not a fan of the first Assassin's Creed. To me, it was unfortunately very repetitive, which eventually made it outright boring. I never even gave the second one a chance, I was so disappointed in the first one. Apparently that was a mistake, as word has it that it was significantly better than its predecessor. Needless to say, if my excitement about "Brotherhood" is any indication, I'll be picking up the second game soon.

In any case, "Brotherhood" picks up right where Assassin's Creed 2 left off, with Ezio enjoying his status and place of power in the assassin's guild. Unfortunately, that power is taken away almost immediately, so you will have to start from scratch. Much of the game seems to center on rebuilding a 'brotherhood' of assassins to reclaim Rome. The gameplay mechanics are essentially the same as the previous game, but now you are no longer alone: the biggest change to the gameplay is the ability to use the assassin's you have gathered in your missions. It's a welcome change in my opinion, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how using multiple assassins effects the mood of the game.

Also new to this game, and in fact the whole Assassin's Creed series, is a complete multiplayer experience. This was what peaked my interest the most in this title. If done right, I truly believe that this could turn out to be one of the deepest and most tactical online multiplayer experiences on the market. Sneaking around, blending in with crowds, trying to assassinate other people, all while they are trying to do the same to you sounds like an absolute blast to me. Apparently this game will also be built from the ground up simultaneously for both the 360 and the Playstation 3, so hopefully the sound and graphics quality will be equal on both systems, unlike the previous two games. Ubisoft has stated that this is their largest game to date, with the most number of preorders, so you might want to do likewise. I know I'm going to put in my preorder for "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" at Level Up Video Games today, just as soon as I finish writing this.

Submitted By: Tom Ferko (Employee)

Review: Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

When compared to the early concept footage from 2007, Kirby’s first outing on the Wii seems to have gone the Resident Evil 4 route when it comes to the finished product. Even without multiple allies and his trademarked powers, is this still a finely woven tale, or does it leave you frayed at the ends?

As far as story goes, it’s a standard tale of an evil wizard and a plot to control Kirby’s home of Dreamland. It’s your basic “good vs. evil” story, and the narrator sounds much like a father telling a bedtime story to his kids, but just because the story is straightforward doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. If you turn the lights down and let your mind go to a simpler place, you’ll soon pick up on its subtle charms. This probably isn’t a big shocker for long time fans, but what will be is the new gameplay.

The little pink protagonist’s abilities have been completely revamped in this title. Instead of swallowing enemies whole and using them as ammo or catalysts for transformations, Kirby simply winds his foes into balls of string that he can carry around and toss at will. Transformations still play a part, but not in the traditional sense. At certain points, Kirby will be able to morph into many different mega forms such as a UFO, a dune buggy, and even a dolphin. The new forms are area-specific, though, so be aware that you won’t be able to fight a boss with the tank’s missiles. This is most likely a design choice to minimize the exploitable nature of previous games and make you have to face Epic Yarn’s challenges on their own terms, but this is hampered by the fact that the game is so easy to begin with.

One curious omission is Kirby’s complete inability to die. Instead, if you get hit, your ring…er, BEADS go flying all over the place, and unlike a certain blue hedgehog, Kirby can easily reclaim every single bead lost if he’s fast enough. Even during boss fights, it’s totally impossible to fail no matter how much damage you take. To remedy this, the game awards you with medals for accumulating a good number of beads, and awards bonus currency for longer streaks without getting hit. Despite this, the fact that there’s virtually no penalty for getting hit combined with the Reading Rainbow narrator make it all too obvious why Nintendo has a reputation for being a kiddy company. Granted, that’s what some people like, and it’s a nice change of pace from the usual blood-drenched title, but if you can’t go 12 minutes without curb-stomping somebody, then the experience will quickly turn from Epic Yarn to Epic Yawn.

What really shines through in this game is the titular yarn. The graphics go far beyond a simple art style, and factor into the gameplay on levels you wouldn’t expect. It’s the little touches that make the graphics great, and it’s truly awe-inspiring to see all the tiny details that went into every single stage. The music is par for the course for any 1st party Nintendo title, with new songs accompanying an assortment of older tracks, but you may find some of these new tunes to be a little too tranquil and calm to keep you engaged in the action. We’re looking at YOU, Frosty Wheel.

Although it’s not cut from the same cloth, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is still woven from only the finest materials. The game is still fun on a basic level, and with the co-op, it’s a great way to get a friend in on the action. Just be aware that the greatest challenge you’re going to face is helping us come up with more yarn puns.

Submitted By: WhatTheFNU (Customer)

Review: Professor Layton & The Unwound Future (DS)

“A true gentleman should never keep someone waiting.” With finally releasing the third game of the Professor Layton series, it's good to see that Level 5 & Nintendo are starting to heed the Professor's words. Having quickened the pace of their release schedule, 'Professor Layton & The Unwound Future' is finally available on this side of the pond.

This time around, the Professor and his trusty young apprentice Luke are embroiled in a time traveling mystery, seemingly sending them to a London 10 years in the future, which desperately needs their help. The game also dives into the Professors back-story by introducing a plot point about the lost love of Hershell Layton's life. This storyline is incredibly touching and I'm not ashamed to admit that I got a little teary eyed over the ending. The voice-acting is also some of the best I have seen in any video game and the animated cut-scenes are excellently done.

The puzzles, just like with the previous two Layton games, are top-notch with more than a few of them being quite the challenge. Luckily, the hint system is back again, but this time it now includes a fourth “Super Hint”, which almost ensures your ability to solve the puzzle . This does not, however, flat-out give you the answer, because where's the fun in that right?

The game also introduces us to three new mini-games. First, we have a fun sticker storybook in which you collect stickers and place them in their correct spot to tell the story. Next is a puzzling delivery game where you must find the best route to deliver the merchandise and still beat the clock. Finally, we have an entertaining obstacle course game in which you must collect all the items and reach the goal in a limited number of moves.

With fun and thought provoking puzzles, supplemented by top-notch production quality and an excellent and heart warming story, 'Professor Layton & The Unwound Future' delivers on all fronts. It is definitely a must buy for anyone that owns a DS!

Submitted By: Aaron McKeever (Employee)

Review: Fallout 3 (360/PS3)

[PIP BOY MESSAGE ALERT: In honor of the upcoming “Fallout: New Vegas” we figured why not re-review Fallout 3. Make sure you check back soon for our forth coming review of 'New Vegas.'] 

First off, I must say 'good job' Bethesda, you have done it again! If you’re a big fan of Elder Scrolls games such as Morrowind or Oblivion you will love this game. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic Washington DC, but still set in a strange yet humorous pseudo 1950s world. You start the game off as a child being born, literally. Getting to choose your gender, ethnicity,  and name. Then starting the game off as a toddler you grow into an adult making choices that will determine what your strengths and weakness are at the beginning of your vault-dweller life. Due to circumstances out of your control, you eventually leave the vault which you have known your whole life for a world that your character has only heard about.

Once you leave the vault you are greeted by a bright sun that blinds you for a brief moment, and then your real adventure starts! The game can lead you down several paths, some good some bad, but ultimately you make the choice, as the main storyline can be beaten numerous ways. There are around 70 side missions in the game and the 5 expansions add an additional 30+ new missions. This game definitely delivers some bang for your buck!

The control style is pretty standard to a Bethesda type game, with a first person to third person type change taking place on the fly. As you level up you receive different types of perks that change your players attributes, from hacking a computer terminal, to how accurately you can shoot a gun, or how skillful you are at bartering for supplies. The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) allows you to stop time and target specific body parts, in the traditional turn-based style of the original Fallout. It's a fun system and works well with the severed limbs and decapitations served up in slow-mo guts and glory.

No matter what console you own, you should definitely play Fallout 3, which overcomes its issues by offering a deep and involving journey through a world that you will not soon forget. It has more in common with Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series than with previous Fallout games, but that is by no means a bad thing. Whether you're new to the universe or a Fallout devotee, untold hours of addictive game play are waiting.

Submitted By: Michael Aquirre (Employee)

Review: Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions (360/PS3)

Once upon a time, it was okay for a comic book game to be below average because sadly, it was the norm for the genre. Then came a little game called “Arkham Asylum.” Now we live in a new day and age where one can rightfully expect just a little more out of a superhero video game. Does Shattered Dimensions live up to this new standard, or do old habits die hard?

If you’ve read any number of comic books, you’ll know what to expect from the story. A mysterious tablet is shattered in a robbery attempt, and now it’s up to the original Spidey and three of his alternate selves (Ultimate, Noir, & 2099) to find the pieces before the entire universe falls apart with it. [EDITORS NOTE: Watch out for two cameos by “Peter Porker The Spectacular Spider-Ham”] It’s standard superhero fare, and it fits well considering the subject matter. However, it definitely wouldn’t have hurt if the writers had gone a step beyond. Extra effort has gone into fleshing out the many bosses, though, who add some much needed character to the stages. Don’t misunderstand: the many settings you’ll play in are certainly not lacking in variety, but the same can’t be said for the sparse mission types, which, despite minor differences, may start to feel stale after a while. It’s the numerous boss fights that are the true hallmarks, and while some could have used more polish, the ones that get it right REALLY get it right, delivering some truly unique and memorable experiences.

All four Spider-Man's have their own distinct personalities, as well as the original’s penchant for jokes. The voice actors are good enough to get away with Parker’s wisecracks, but what really sets the different heroes apart is how they all play. This is most evident in the “Noir” stages where sneaking is king, and gunfire is lethal. There’s something that just makes sense about adding a stealth element to a spider-centric character, and considering that the webs allow you to do take-downs from twenty feet away, it’s also extremely satisfying. The other three, however, aren’t so lucky, as they all suffer from some universal issues. Spider-Man has a tendency to gravitate towards perch points and narrow ledges, as well as moving incredibly fast when swinging. This means that it’s very hard to move precisely, and you may find yourself fighting the controls when Spider-Man randomly stops shooting webs to swing from, gets stuck under a platform mid-flight, or decides to perch on the nearby railing instead of landing on the ground when you’re fending off swarms of enemies. More bad news comes in the form of the “throwing” mechanic: because the game automatically chucks whatever you pick up at the nearest threat, it makes hitting a specific target almost impossible. This is made frustrating by the fact that many of the bonus challenges that you have to complete in order to unlock upgrades demand precision tosses, making the lack of a real lock-on system baffling.

Fighting Spidey’s enemies and the loose mechanics has its rewards. Concept art, character bios, and even alternate costumes from all over the character’s history make the fight worth it, but that’s all dependent on if that all holds any value to you. In that sense, it’s hard to recommend Shattered Dimensions to anyone who isn’t even remotely into Spider-Man, but if a twenty-hour romp through the many versions of New York with one of Marvel’s best heroes sounds like it’s right up your alley, then feel free to “swing” by.

Submitted By: WhatTheFNU (Customer)

Review: Ace Combat Joint Assault (PSP)

Ace Combat takes flight with its second sortie on the PSP, Joint Assault. It comes with some very welcome changes for the series, as it was starting to become a bit formulaic, even for a diehard Ace Combat fan like myself.

In Joint Assault you play the role of a rookie pilot with a PMC (Private Military Corporation) as you try to stop a group of terrorists bent on the destruction of the 'capitalist' world. The story does get a little convoluted once you uncover who is backing the terrorists and what their real plan is, but despite this, it's still enjoyable. This is probably the only time in a game that a PMC is portrayed as being the good guy, a nice change from the standard 'PMC=bad guy' formula. Speaking of changes, this is the first time an Ace Combat game has been set in the real world, rather than the fictional one of the past seven games, and the developers take full advantage of this.

Graphically Joint Assault looks like its PS2 brethren of Ace Combat 4, 5 & Zero, but for the first time in the series' history all of the game's levels are created using satellite imagery. This helps to make settings such as Tokyo, London and San Francisco very believable. The graphical models of all the aircraft are very well done and each aircraft handles as they should, helping cement the games reality. The 747 piloting mission, another first, definitely is a stand out representation of this individual plane handling. The game controls incredibly well, and I had no problem transitioning from using the flight stick I normally use for Ace Combat games to the PSPs control layout.

Joint Assault offers a robust multiplayer, with the online dogfights from Ace Combat 6 returning, but beware: you need some serious skills to hang with these aces. It also offers a series of co-op single player missions using the PSPs Ad-Hoc mode, giving the game its call-sign of 'Joint Assault'.

All around Ace Combat: Joint Assault is a must buy for any fan of the Ace Combat series, while still also being incredibly accessible to the casual player looking for something to pick up for their PSP.

Submitted By: Aaron McKeever (Employee)

Review: BlazBlue Continuum Shift (PS3/360)

The first Blazblue came out in 2009, spurred by the resurgence in popularity of fighting games. Its successor, Blazblue: Continuum Shift, builds upon the original and improves significantly on every aspect of the first game.

First off, the gameplay (like with any Arc Systems game) is extremely unique: every character plays completely different from one another. So, unlike games like Street Fighter where you learn basic moves that generally work for all the characters, Blazblue has character specific strategies that vary widely. This can make it a little difficult to switch to a different character with out some amount of practice to see how they play, but part of the fun in fighting games is learning how to play effectively and competitively. Despite the learning curve, however, new players are also encouraged to take up the game in its "beginner mode", which allows complex combos to be pulled off with the push of a single button. This way, people who don't normally play fighting games can jump in and enjoy the game together with more seasoned players.

Beyond the gameplay itself, which was already amazing, the game modes have been tweaked and expanded upon from the last game. They added a new challenge mode that allows players to go in and learn combos, ranging from basic to super advanced. There is also the addition of legion mode, a mode taken from the PSP version of Blazblue, in which players travel across a map attempting to defeat computer controlled players.

Fortunately, Arc Systems has wisely decided to balance the various character's moves and power levels a bit in this game, which is very welcome. They have added additional moves, as well as adjusted moves that already existed in order to create a better and more balanced experience. With the added bonus of down-loadable characters, there is no reason not to challenge your friends with Blazblue: Continuum Shift, right up until the next fighting game masterpiece from Arc Systems comes out.

Submitted By: Layanie Ahlers (Employee)

Preview: Halo Reach (360)

Rather than write a typical “preview” about Halo: Reach, releasing this September 14^th, talking all about the cool new aspects of the single player campaign or the improved multi-player system, we figured we would just post a bunch of cool videos about Reach instead. Enjoy!

   

Also, don't forget that we will be hosting a Midnight Release Party & Tournament, to celebrate the launch of Halo: Reach. The event begins at 7pm on Monday the 13^th. The cost of the tournament is free for anyone who has pre-ordered Halo: Reach with us. For those who have not pre-ordered the game, a Tournament Entry fee of $5.00 will apply. Limit one free entry per reserved copy of the game. The prize will be a free copy of Halo: Reach. For those of you who just can't wait, starting at 9pm, we will also be running a sneak peek of Halo: Reach in the back Gamers Lounge. As always, we will be giving out some other small prizes & swag and having drink & snack specials, all night long. We look forward to hanging out with everyone while we await what will likely be the best game of the year.

Submitted By: Aaron McKeever (Employee)

Review: Heavenly Sword (PS3)

Heavenly Sword is an older PlayStation 3 game, released in 2007, which still manages to offer hours of fun despite its age. The game was made especially for the PlayStation 3, and it showed gamers what the system is capable of. With character models that display a whole range of emotions in every part of their face, stellar motion capture performances, and breath-taking backgrounds and visuals, this game stands up to the test of time.

Heavenly Sword is an action game where you play as Nariko, a heroine of a small tribe trying to protect a legendary sword that holds a power like none other. This sword has the ability to change forms, which is what the combat system is based on. Instead of merely mashing on the main buttons to pull together amazing combo attacks, you have three different sword forms with matching stances that can be used. Holding L1 puts you in the ranged stance, where the sword separates into two parts that are swung around on chains (this drew a number of comparisons to God of War, but there's a reason it's used in both games: it's awesome). Holding R1 will trigger the power stance where you are slower, but your sword attacks are much stronger. You default to the speed stance, where your attacks are conversely weaker, but much faster. Nariko will automatically block attacks when you aren't attacking, and an interesting concept here is that you need to match the incoming attack type with the correct stance in order to properly block it.

In addition to Nariko, you are also thrown into the shoes of a young, playful girl named Kia from time to time. Her play style is completely different from Nariko, in that her weapon of choice is a bow gun. As such, her levels usually focus more on stealth, dodging, and marksmanship as opposed to just slaughtering everything in her path. The most awesome thing about these levels, however, is the 'aftertouch' feature. After you shoot an arrow, you can hold a button to suddenly zoom in on the arrow as it's flying. In this mode, you can physically change the trajectory of the arrow by either using the joysticks or the PS3's vastly under-used motion sensing technology. Incidentally, Nariko can also use this feature whenever she shoots a cannon. It's a lot of fun, and very satisfying to follow the arrow all the way to its intended, unfortunate target. All in all, Kia's levels definitely make a nice change of pace, but they aren't thrown in too often to where they're annoying.

Heavenly Sword, in addition to just being a fun game, also contains a number of unlockables, including new combos, behind-the-scenes videos, character art, and more. There is also a higher difficulty level that you can access after completing the game the first time. This adds to the replay value of the game, and even though it is short, it's truly fun, and I admit that I love this game and enjoyed playing it. If you haven't already done so, do yourself a favor and pick up this modern classic today.

Submitted By: Gerald Shaw (Employee)