So Dawn Guard and Hearthfire have been out for a few months now with both adding several hours more Skyrim goodness to my spare time. However, due to my excessive playing and no Elder Scrolls game for at least another four years (which I will hate waiting for) DLC is a very good idea for fans. I, as a fan, would pay any amount of money to play more of Skyrim or have more varieties and differences from each of my characters. Enter Dragonborn DLC...
The main idea for this DLC is a hint from Bethesda's file names that you might be able to MOUNT DRAGONS. That's right; mount dragons. Some have said that this would kill the game as the story would not make much sense anymore but just imagine firing spells/arrows off your massive dragon as you torpedo towards an enemy. It might not make much sense anymore but it does sound pretty awesome.
Excitement for past Elder Scrolls' fans comes the idea that there are quest markers put in place that feature places in Morrowind, so a tour back to places like Solstheim, Telvanni, Castle Karstaag, Raven Rock and Miraak Temple could be on the cards. Personally, I'd like to visit Morrowind due to my lack of experience in the region which I would like to reconcile by spending several real-time days there. There's also Morrowind armour being available which would spice up dressing up characters a bit more and bring back some nostalgia for those that remember such things.
I'm certainly looking forward to the Dragonborn DLC and looking at the hints, it could be the best DLC for Skyrim yet. The price tag is still unconfirmed but I wouldn't be surprised if it was 1200-1600 MSP which can be seen as quite steep by a lot of people including me. Time will tell whether it will be worth buying but, as always, I'll be giving this blog updates on how the DLC will eventually pan out. Here's hoping it will be as good as it looks!
SkyrimAddict
Monday, 22 October 2012
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Assassin's Creed: Revelations: A very late review...
For Christmas last year, one of my main presents was Assassin's Creed: Revelations (AC: R). I have always been a massive fan of the series since my obsession with the first Assassin's Creed all those years ago... Anyway, I didn't play it straight away; I had Skyrim to keep me more than occupied despite my tradition of having the first game played on my Xbox 360 after Christmas being an Assassin's Creed game. I eventually got round to playing the game and due to two months or so of playing Skyrim, I just felt underwhelmed by the whole experience... It wasn't as big or as diverse an open world as Skyrim and it felt more like a movie than a game. I played up until Ezio Auditore da Firenze gets to Constantinople for the first time and then gave up to play more Skyrim. So... What brings me back? Assassin's Creed 3. I needed to play all of them to get an idea of what's going on. So, a few days ago I tore myself away from FIFA 13, sat down and played AC: R for the first time in about ten months... What have I been missing?!
Set in Constantinople when Ezio is in his 50/60s, the master assassin's main quest is to find the five Masyaf keys scattered around the city in underground spaces that require an assassin's touch to complete. The challenges over the five keys are varied from 3D platforming puzzles to on-rails chases to just plain-old killing everyone in sight... Which is nice... As usual for an Assassin's Creed game, there's a tonne of stuff to do which will keep you occupied for a few days/weeks/months/years depending on if you get addicted to it, which is likely. There's Sofia quests to do which involves recovering books and you meet the sultans of the Ottoman empire, do their dirty work and get angry at them... Obviously... This is Ezio's last game and it is suitably tear-jerking at his last scene. I won't spoil it for you though; you'll have to play it for yourself :P
The Ezio part of the story takes up about 80-90% of the campaign and for the other parts of the story, you have to complete Ezio's storyline so as to re-live parts of Altair's life and you have to collect Animus data fragments from around Constantinople to play through Desmond's life. This is most likely Altair's last game too and as such, it ties up all the loose ends and answers all the questions that fans such as myself may have had like what happened after Assassin's Creed (1) and did Altair find anymore pieces of Eden. As with the Ezio storyline, the end of this one is equally as gut-wrenching due to the amount of my time played on AC. Desmond's is weird. His story takes place inside the Animus due to a lack of synchronisation from him and his ancestors due to AC: Brotherhood and the end of that story (you really have to play all four to get all the references). It's not as emotional but is equally as interesting as the other two are passionate.
There's also a continuation on from AC: Brotherhood's multiplayer which I've had a few hours on and it is still as fun as Brotherhood's with a larger variety of ways to kill people now but with the same core mechanics that makes the multiplayer as fun and as stressful as last time.
I put off playing this game because of Skyrim. I have had lots of chances in the past to play it again but passed on all of them. I'm glad I finally did play AC: R but I'm also glad that Ezio and Altair's stories have been finished for two reasons; 1. Ezio's had three games and was beginning to get stale. 2. There were so many unanswered questions from Altair's life and 3. AC3 is going to be completely different and I cannot wait to play it. Less than a fortnight left!
Oh, and if you're thinking about buying this game, make sure you buy all of them. It won't cost more than £45 for all 4 and most probably quite a lot less, to be honest. For this post's link under my user name, there's a Let's Play from RoosterTeeth as they play on mulitplayer... It's very funny.
SkyrimAddict
Let's Play Assassin's Creed: Revelations - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-5CmCnmbVg
Set in Constantinople when Ezio is in his 50/60s, the master assassin's main quest is to find the five Masyaf keys scattered around the city in underground spaces that require an assassin's touch to complete. The challenges over the five keys are varied from 3D platforming puzzles to on-rails chases to just plain-old killing everyone in sight... Which is nice... As usual for an Assassin's Creed game, there's a tonne of stuff to do which will keep you occupied for a few days/weeks/months/years depending on if you get addicted to it, which is likely. There's Sofia quests to do which involves recovering books and you meet the sultans of the Ottoman empire, do their dirty work and get angry at them... Obviously... This is Ezio's last game and it is suitably tear-jerking at his last scene. I won't spoil it for you though; you'll have to play it for yourself :P
The Ezio part of the story takes up about 80-90% of the campaign and for the other parts of the story, you have to complete Ezio's storyline so as to re-live parts of Altair's life and you have to collect Animus data fragments from around Constantinople to play through Desmond's life. This is most likely Altair's last game too and as such, it ties up all the loose ends and answers all the questions that fans such as myself may have had like what happened after Assassin's Creed (1) and did Altair find anymore pieces of Eden. As with the Ezio storyline, the end of this one is equally as gut-wrenching due to the amount of my time played on AC. Desmond's is weird. His story takes place inside the Animus due to a lack of synchronisation from him and his ancestors due to AC: Brotherhood and the end of that story (you really have to play all four to get all the references). It's not as emotional but is equally as interesting as the other two are passionate.
There's also a continuation on from AC: Brotherhood's multiplayer which I've had a few hours on and it is still as fun as Brotherhood's with a larger variety of ways to kill people now but with the same core mechanics that makes the multiplayer as fun and as stressful as last time.
I put off playing this game because of Skyrim. I have had lots of chances in the past to play it again but passed on all of them. I'm glad I finally did play AC: R but I'm also glad that Ezio and Altair's stories have been finished for two reasons; 1. Ezio's had three games and was beginning to get stale. 2. There were so many unanswered questions from Altair's life and 3. AC3 is going to be completely different and I cannot wait to play it. Less than a fortnight left!
Oh, and if you're thinking about buying this game, make sure you buy all of them. It won't cost more than £45 for all 4 and most probably quite a lot less, to be honest. For this post's link under my user name, there's a Let's Play from RoosterTeeth as they play on mulitplayer... It's very funny.
SkyrimAddict
Let's Play Assassin's Creed: Revelations - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-5CmCnmbVg
Thursday, 11 October 2012
FIFA Freezing
- This is just a quick update to the "review" I posted earlier today -
I've played the Career mode twice. Once for a season with West Ham United and one with Bristol Rovers. Both times during the summer transfer window of the second season, the game freezes on me. And it continues to freeze. No reaction from the controller. Nothing. Looking on the Internet, people are saying they have a similar problem and it is an absolute shame because it is a great game. But, there needs to be a fix or update for it because at the moment, it ruins the experience when you can't play the game you've put so much effort into or if think that the game you're playing will freeze on you, which has happened 100% of the time for me.
Fix it EA.
SkyrimAddict
I've played the Career mode twice. Once for a season with West Ham United and one with Bristol Rovers. Both times during the summer transfer window of the second season, the game freezes on me. And it continues to freeze. No reaction from the controller. Nothing. Looking on the Internet, people are saying they have a similar problem and it is an absolute shame because it is a great game. But, there needs to be a fix or update for it because at the moment, it ruins the experience when you can't play the game you've put so much effort into or if think that the game you're playing will freeze on you, which has happened 100% of the time for me.
Fix it EA.
SkyrimAddict
FIFA 13
There is a massive craze for FIFA games amongst my peers. Being 17 years old kind of makes me the prime target for EA and their annual release schedule but I don't mind it. About half of my "friends" on Xbox Live got the game the day it came out... as did I. I've been following the brand for about six years now with my first game on my Xbox 360 being FIFA 09... Good times :')
Throughout the years, there has been a pattern in which one year there's a massive change or "revolution" of how the game is played and the next year is an improvement in which the game is refined or "evolved". This year is an "evolution" year. But don't be put off by that though; it's for the better.
The main new features of this game includes the use of variability of first time touches of the ball, Match Day mode and skill games...
First time touches - Changing this was a good idea; not all players can sponge the power of a shot as easily as Xavi or Messi and, depending on the power, angle, person passing and person receiving, the first time touch can be extremely erratic. I have played as Bristol Rovers, for example, and the way that balls fly everywhere when you try to play a clever pass, unlike division 1 teams, definitely adds to the realism of the game which can only be a good thing, right?
Match Day mode - Attempting to blur the gap between real football and simulated games comes Match Day mode; a game type where you can play current fixtures using current teams that have their ratings adjusted due to how they have been playing in real life. Playing as West Ham United, several players had their ratings adjusted with several defenders having their stats boosted due to a good defencive game the last time they turned out, whereas the injured footballers (Collision, O'Neil etc.) has their overall rating slashed due to a lack of "form" or at least, playing time. I played a few matches using this mode and it does feel good to have beaten the team that last thrashed your favourite side or to add to the victories. In all fairness though, it's not addictive and isn't essential to enjoying the game.
Skill games - Replacing the practise arena comes skill games; the new way that will make you addicted to FIFA for a few hours. Described as "helping beginners improve their game", EA has brought in an assortment of mini challenges that progress from Bronze to Silver to Gold and then to Skill Challenge in which getting Legendary status is what's required. The skill games are based on the basic attributes of players; shooting, short passing, lobbing, penalties etc. And at the point of writing, I have completed all skill games on Gold with one Skill Challenge on Legendary. They are great to waste a bit of time on when you find yet another match tedious but I have completed them quite easily, so maybe more to come? DLC?
In terms of the modes, there's FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), that allows you to relive some nostalgia due to its collector cards format, Seasons, that lets you play a series of games online against real people to progress to higher leagues and, of course, Career mode.
Career mode has always been my first port of call, as it were. When I a new FIFA game, I play about 50 hours on the Career mode before attempting other modes, just so that I can get used to the game. This time, however, I think I will probably spend more time due to an addition of several new features including internationals, different transfers, more interaction with your "team", the press and scouting.
The internationals part lets you play as an international side if you do well during the previous season. I, for example, played a season at West Ham. I won the league and the FA Cup and was offered to come and manage Peru, Bolivia or Chile... I'm not saying you start big but you don't have to give up your domestic side to manage your international team and I heartily recommend it.
The difference in transfers is not massive but it didn't need to be, anyway. The only real difference is the clubs won't let their star players go without some serious dosh laid out in front of them which can actually lead you to look elsewhere at lesser teams or future stars. This year you can also add players to a bid to secure a new player by offering them as part of the deal which is good for when your money is tight and nobody wants to buy that player anyway.
This FIFA also includes a considerable amount of more interaction and reaction from your players. During the transfer part, you have to say how the player will be used in the squad (crucial 1st team player all the way down to reserve team player) and if you don't keep your promises then the player will get really pissy with you. I bought two strikers due an injury problem. The two that were injured came back from injury. The two that I bought were in form and I enjoyed playing with them and so didn't change the strikers back. The two previously injured attackers got incredibly pissed off and demanded that they be transferred during the transfer period due to a lack of games. I can imagine that's what a real manager's life must be like and if so; I pity you managers because it is very frustrating.
The press is different this time in that rumours spread like wildfire and they seem to have an opinion on anything and everything you as the manager does. A player not scored in the last five games? Must be on the way out. A player refusing a contract? Disloyal. Refusing to take another job? Saint. Very much like real life, most of it is crap. Tread carefully.
Scouting is actually very similar to last year but I wanted to include it as I find it a great way of finding a new generation of stars. Definitely use it at the start of your career if you're planning long term.
The reviews for FIFA 13 are great. The game is, of course, great. If you like football/soccer then it's very, very good with only one negative of a career save that doesn't work due to freezing but it seems like an isolated incident so buy it anyway. Oh, and below my username is some more propaganda for you if you have some free time.
Enjoy.
SkyrimAddict
FIFA 13 propaganda - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KTWk2raYh8
Throughout the years, there has been a pattern in which one year there's a massive change or "revolution" of how the game is played and the next year is an improvement in which the game is refined or "evolved". This year is an "evolution" year. But don't be put off by that though; it's for the better.
The main new features of this game includes the use of variability of first time touches of the ball, Match Day mode and skill games...
First time touches - Changing this was a good idea; not all players can sponge the power of a shot as easily as Xavi or Messi and, depending on the power, angle, person passing and person receiving, the first time touch can be extremely erratic. I have played as Bristol Rovers, for example, and the way that balls fly everywhere when you try to play a clever pass, unlike division 1 teams, definitely adds to the realism of the game which can only be a good thing, right?
Match Day mode - Attempting to blur the gap between real football and simulated games comes Match Day mode; a game type where you can play current fixtures using current teams that have their ratings adjusted due to how they have been playing in real life. Playing as West Ham United, several players had their ratings adjusted with several defenders having their stats boosted due to a good defencive game the last time they turned out, whereas the injured footballers (Collision, O'Neil etc.) has their overall rating slashed due to a lack of "form" or at least, playing time. I played a few matches using this mode and it does feel good to have beaten the team that last thrashed your favourite side or to add to the victories. In all fairness though, it's not addictive and isn't essential to enjoying the game.
Skill games - Replacing the practise arena comes skill games; the new way that will make you addicted to FIFA for a few hours. Described as "helping beginners improve their game", EA has brought in an assortment of mini challenges that progress from Bronze to Silver to Gold and then to Skill Challenge in which getting Legendary status is what's required. The skill games are based on the basic attributes of players; shooting, short passing, lobbing, penalties etc. And at the point of writing, I have completed all skill games on Gold with one Skill Challenge on Legendary. They are great to waste a bit of time on when you find yet another match tedious but I have completed them quite easily, so maybe more to come? DLC?
In terms of the modes, there's FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), that allows you to relive some nostalgia due to its collector cards format, Seasons, that lets you play a series of games online against real people to progress to higher leagues and, of course, Career mode.
Career mode has always been my first port of call, as it were. When I a new FIFA game, I play about 50 hours on the Career mode before attempting other modes, just so that I can get used to the game. This time, however, I think I will probably spend more time due to an addition of several new features including internationals, different transfers, more interaction with your "team", the press and scouting.
The internationals part lets you play as an international side if you do well during the previous season. I, for example, played a season at West Ham. I won the league and the FA Cup and was offered to come and manage Peru, Bolivia or Chile... I'm not saying you start big but you don't have to give up your domestic side to manage your international team and I heartily recommend it.
The difference in transfers is not massive but it didn't need to be, anyway. The only real difference is the clubs won't let their star players go without some serious dosh laid out in front of them which can actually lead you to look elsewhere at lesser teams or future stars. This year you can also add players to a bid to secure a new player by offering them as part of the deal which is good for when your money is tight and nobody wants to buy that player anyway.
This FIFA also includes a considerable amount of more interaction and reaction from your players. During the transfer part, you have to say how the player will be used in the squad (crucial 1st team player all the way down to reserve team player) and if you don't keep your promises then the player will get really pissy with you. I bought two strikers due an injury problem. The two that were injured came back from injury. The two that I bought were in form and I enjoyed playing with them and so didn't change the strikers back. The two previously injured attackers got incredibly pissed off and demanded that they be transferred during the transfer period due to a lack of games. I can imagine that's what a real manager's life must be like and if so; I pity you managers because it is very frustrating.
The press is different this time in that rumours spread like wildfire and they seem to have an opinion on anything and everything you as the manager does. A player not scored in the last five games? Must be on the way out. A player refusing a contract? Disloyal. Refusing to take another job? Saint. Very much like real life, most of it is crap. Tread carefully.
Scouting is actually very similar to last year but I wanted to include it as I find it a great way of finding a new generation of stars. Definitely use it at the start of your career if you're planning long term.
The reviews for FIFA 13 are great. The game is, of course, great. If you like football/soccer then it's very, very good with only one negative of a career save that doesn't work due to freezing but it seems like an isolated incident so buy it anyway. Oh, and below my username is some more propaganda for you if you have some free time.
Enjoy.
SkyrimAddict
FIFA 13 propaganda - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KTWk2raYh8
Monday, 24 September 2012
Looking Back...:The Last Stand
I'm not a massive fan of computer gaming. Browser-based gaming has never been part of my gaming routine and has ceased to enthral me despite purchases of newer and better computers on my part with faster Internet connections, also. But, just like if you're not too keen on The Beatles, you have to respect it/them for their impact of their avenue of media. The Beatles revolutionised the way music turned out by creating (a) new genre(s). Browser gaming changed the way we spend/waste our time at school/work... And I respect it for that.
I first heard about The Last Stand (TLS) when I was shown it when I was round a friend's house.Having spent the night there for a sleepover, we were both tired and bloody bored, too. Having played a couple of games on his Xbox 360, he moved onto his computer and surfed the net for a bit. He then showed me TLS and I loved it. I don't know whether it was the fact that I was 11 or that I liked a bit of violence at the time but killing zombies appealed to me immediately and immensely.
The game is a third person shooter where you are behind "cover" and you have to kill zombies to stop them from reaching you and eating your brains (once the cover is destroyed then it's usually over as the zombies quickly descend upon you). The rest of the game is spent finding survivors to help you kill the zombies or looking for weapons. You can have up to seven survivors, including yourself, with the seventh survivor always brandishing a hunting rifle which can take out a zombie in one shot, so my advice would be to gather survivors as quickly as possible in your daylight hours so as to quickly obtain this asset.
In terms of weapons, there isn't a massive variety for your wall but it's big enough so as to keep you satisfied. There's standard pistols then it moves onto shotguns then machine guns with quirky weapons such as the chainsaw adding a little bit of "ommph".
To be honest, it's one of only a few browser games which I play occasionally. I have always adored it and my love affair has continued with The Last Stand 2 being released and 3 having its trailer on YouTube. It's free. The link's below. Have a go. :)
SkyrimAddict
The Last Stand - http://armorgames.com/play/269/the-last-stand
I first heard about The Last Stand (TLS) when I was shown it when I was round a friend's house.Having spent the night there for a sleepover, we were both tired and bloody bored, too. Having played a couple of games on his Xbox 360, he moved onto his computer and surfed the net for a bit. He then showed me TLS and I loved it. I don't know whether it was the fact that I was 11 or that I liked a bit of violence at the time but killing zombies appealed to me immediately and immensely.
The game is a third person shooter where you are behind "cover" and you have to kill zombies to stop them from reaching you and eating your brains (once the cover is destroyed then it's usually over as the zombies quickly descend upon you). The rest of the game is spent finding survivors to help you kill the zombies or looking for weapons. You can have up to seven survivors, including yourself, with the seventh survivor always brandishing a hunting rifle which can take out a zombie in one shot, so my advice would be to gather survivors as quickly as possible in your daylight hours so as to quickly obtain this asset.
In terms of weapons, there isn't a massive variety for your wall but it's big enough so as to keep you satisfied. There's standard pistols then it moves onto shotguns then machine guns with quirky weapons such as the chainsaw adding a little bit of "ommph".
To be honest, it's one of only a few browser games which I play occasionally. I have always adored it and my love affair has continued with The Last Stand 2 being released and 3 having its trailer on YouTube. It's free. The link's below. Have a go. :)
SkyrimAddict
The Last Stand - http://armorgames.com/play/269/the-last-stand
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Grand Theft Auto IV: A very late review... UPDATE
*As seen via other posts, I have "reviewed" GTA 4 despite only playing about six hours on it at the time. This post is an update for the review using the opinion I have gathered through rigorous playing*
I've played about 60% of story now and I have to say that it's top-notch stuff. The plots come thick and fast not depending on which person you choose to help/get employment from. And it's an interesting, grabbing story that makes you want to plow through it and see out Niko's adventure in Liberty City. A highlight was robbing a bank with the McRearys with the action, emotion and adrenaline of being chased by the cops, and other things besides, it makes you see through Niko's eyes... I even got to the point, after a six hour gaming session on this game, that I started thinking in Niko Bellic's voice. I'm not knocking it, the Russian accent is up there as one of the best, but it's alarming to think how attached you get to a fictional character.
An update of the game play includes that the buttons become second nature and do not feel unresponsive after playing it for such a long time. I am better at driving despite not being in complete control of the vehicle at all times... Yet the variety of cars is something that should definitely be commended (pick up trucks, family saloons, fire engines, police cars, ambulances, lorries, rubbish truck, convertibles, muscle cars and, obviously my favourites, sports cars) with the option to steal pretty much any vehicle... with a bit of an aversion due to the police liking to chase you for a few minutes if they see you committing the crime, leading to bumps, scrapes and (in extreme circumstances) the vehicle blowing up and killing anyone in a ten metre radius.
The array of weapons at my disposal soon increased after my last "review" and I had fun with automatic and semi-automatic machine guns, grenades, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and, of course, my trusty pistol. Due to it's accuracy, the pistol has always been my favourite since I first compared it to other guns. It's also easy to find ammunition with most of the police officers using the same make of pistol (luckily enough). I still listen to Liberty Rock Radio with their classics but I may use other stations if I forget to change it to LRR when I commit grand theft auto.
The criticisms that I wrote in the last "review" were somewhat harsh to GTA IV; "the camera angles when driving are always too far or too near... A middle ground would be nice. You can die really easily which sucks at the start when you have to pay to get healed up. It's a bit unrealistic when you date girls and they say it's been an OK date despite the fact that you've totalled her car... Also, when I try to cross a bridge there's always a police barricade there and they always kill me as I go past... Is that normal for the start of the game?"
There are retorts to each one with driving getting easier due to the amount of time spent cruising around in vehicles plus the use of pressing B giving a cinematic look to driving. You can indeed die easily at the start of the game, but as it progresses you learn to buy/obtain body armour... Not to mention that the cover system allows you to not get shot as much *face palm*. The date/totalling car part is still true... But hey, it makes it a bit easier to "hook up", as someone like me wouldn't say. And the police barricades are usually only there so that you unlock islands as the story progresses yet there are make-shift police barricades that are used in an attempt to stop you/slow you down during police chases, however these are not permanent.
And now for a final conclusion; 10/10 definitely. I couldn't rate it highly enough and even if I could, it probably wouldn't be enough. On a par with Skyrim too. And that's the highest honour I can bestow upon GTA IV.
SkyrimAddict
I've played about 60% of story now and I have to say that it's top-notch stuff. The plots come thick and fast not depending on which person you choose to help/get employment from. And it's an interesting, grabbing story that makes you want to plow through it and see out Niko's adventure in Liberty City. A highlight was robbing a bank with the McRearys with the action, emotion and adrenaline of being chased by the cops, and other things besides, it makes you see through Niko's eyes... I even got to the point, after a six hour gaming session on this game, that I started thinking in Niko Bellic's voice. I'm not knocking it, the Russian accent is up there as one of the best, but it's alarming to think how attached you get to a fictional character.
An update of the game play includes that the buttons become second nature and do not feel unresponsive after playing it for such a long time. I am better at driving despite not being in complete control of the vehicle at all times... Yet the variety of cars is something that should definitely be commended (pick up trucks, family saloons, fire engines, police cars, ambulances, lorries, rubbish truck, convertibles, muscle cars and, obviously my favourites, sports cars) with the option to steal pretty much any vehicle... with a bit of an aversion due to the police liking to chase you for a few minutes if they see you committing the crime, leading to bumps, scrapes and (in extreme circumstances) the vehicle blowing up and killing anyone in a ten metre radius.
The array of weapons at my disposal soon increased after my last "review" and I had fun with automatic and semi-automatic machine guns, grenades, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and, of course, my trusty pistol. Due to it's accuracy, the pistol has always been my favourite since I first compared it to other guns. It's also easy to find ammunition with most of the police officers using the same make of pistol (luckily enough). I still listen to Liberty Rock Radio with their classics but I may use other stations if I forget to change it to LRR when I commit grand theft auto.
The criticisms that I wrote in the last "review" were somewhat harsh to GTA IV; "the camera angles when driving are always too far or too near... A middle ground would be nice. You can die really easily which sucks at the start when you have to pay to get healed up. It's a bit unrealistic when you date girls and they say it's been an OK date despite the fact that you've totalled her car... Also, when I try to cross a bridge there's always a police barricade there and they always kill me as I go past... Is that normal for the start of the game?"
There are retorts to each one with driving getting easier due to the amount of time spent cruising around in vehicles plus the use of pressing B giving a cinematic look to driving. You can indeed die easily at the start of the game, but as it progresses you learn to buy/obtain body armour... Not to mention that the cover system allows you to not get shot as much *face palm*. The date/totalling car part is still true... But hey, it makes it a bit easier to "hook up", as someone like me wouldn't say. And the police barricades are usually only there so that you unlock islands as the story progresses yet there are make-shift police barricades that are used in an attempt to stop you/slow you down during police chases, however these are not permanent.
And now for a final conclusion; 10/10 definitely. I couldn't rate it highly enough and even if I could, it probably wouldn't be enough. On a par with Skyrim too. And that's the highest honour I can bestow upon GTA IV.
SkyrimAddict
Monday, 3 September 2012
Cool YouTube Users: officialxboxmag
I bought my first Xbox 360 magazine when I was first interested in Guitar Hero: World Tour. I bought the magazine with the glossy cover and Guitar Hero on the front despite the fact that it wasn't "official". I was, indeed, susceptible to anything that looked good so at the time I bought games depending on their trailers or cover art or what a friend owned. Then, about a year and a half after my first purchase, a member of my family offered to buy my magazine for me. Not knowing which one I usually purchased, they bought the Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) as it was the most expensive of the solely Xbox 360 magazines. Having read the magazine and used its disc, I was certain that I could only buy this magazine in the future months to come... And I still do.
As with most businesses/brands, they have their own Facebook and Twitter pages along with a very extensive website which is run by some top people (as is most of the things they do :S). The most recent of their uses of popular "social" websites is their use of YouTube.
Despite not having a lot of time to do YouTube videos (they have to work for their actual jobs), there is a large variety of videos that make up their uploaded videos section.In the last month or two it has, admittedly, been a lot about Minecraft due to the immense popularity of it on XBLA. However, even one game can bring about a diverse selection of different videos from an introduction, to gameplay to OXM Land which is basically their world and they let 100 people onto it to build whatever they want... The results are quite staggering and impressive.
That's not to say that it's just Minecraft. Their most popular videos have come from Matt Lees (AKA OXMJamSponge or "the guy with the weird hair-do") and his ability to make any game sound quite exciting. An example of this is Dragon's Dogma. Not an extremely successful game, by any means of imagination, but Matt has made introductions to different types of systems found in the video game including the Pawn system, level system and the different classes, though he's only shown us a few in his videos. :'(.
The most recent video of interest is a Star Wars 1313 gameplay video, with Matt asking someone from the development team about LucasArts' CGI effects team (which recently worked on The Avengers) while showing off the latest of gameplay shown by the developers. It looks really good, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it be for the next generation of consoles. However, it's Matt being there that consoles any worries about it and I'm sure it will be great whichever generation it comes out in.
I've been subscribed for about seven months and I always look forward to seeing an OXM video pop up in the subscriber's box... Maybe you should too.
SkyrimAddict
Star Wars 1313 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbhcsrYnW1c
Dragon's Dogma - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c8krHCKHDI&feature=relmfu
Minecraft introduction - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jt9dHr0Veo
As with most businesses/brands, they have their own Facebook and Twitter pages along with a very extensive website which is run by some top people (as is most of the things they do :S). The most recent of their uses of popular "social" websites is their use of YouTube.
Despite not having a lot of time to do YouTube videos (they have to work for their actual jobs), there is a large variety of videos that make up their uploaded videos section.In the last month or two it has, admittedly, been a lot about Minecraft due to the immense popularity of it on XBLA. However, even one game can bring about a diverse selection of different videos from an introduction, to gameplay to OXM Land which is basically their world and they let 100 people onto it to build whatever they want... The results are quite staggering and impressive.
That's not to say that it's just Minecraft. Their most popular videos have come from Matt Lees (AKA OXMJamSponge or "the guy with the weird hair-do") and his ability to make any game sound quite exciting. An example of this is Dragon's Dogma. Not an extremely successful game, by any means of imagination, but Matt has made introductions to different types of systems found in the video game including the Pawn system, level system and the different classes, though he's only shown us a few in his videos. :'(.
The most recent video of interest is a Star Wars 1313 gameplay video, with Matt asking someone from the development team about LucasArts' CGI effects team (which recently worked on The Avengers) while showing off the latest of gameplay shown by the developers. It looks really good, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it be for the next generation of consoles. However, it's Matt being there that consoles any worries about it and I'm sure it will be great whichever generation it comes out in.
I've been subscribed for about seven months and I always look forward to seeing an OXM video pop up in the subscriber's box... Maybe you should too.
SkyrimAddict
Star Wars 1313 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbhcsrYnW1c
Dragon's Dogma - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c8krHCKHDI&feature=relmfu
Minecraft introduction - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jt9dHr0Veo
Friday, 31 August 2012
Skyrim: new Hearthfire DLC
More DLC for the second best game of all time? Yes please! Skyrim Hearthfire looks a lot like Bethesda has looked at The Sims or Minecraft and gone "Yes. We need some of that in Skyrim. Make it done." This 400 MSP pack comes with the ability to buy a plot of land, get materials and then build your own home which you then maintain and add with furnishings and more and more rooms... Wow.
When I first saw rumours of this a few weeks back, I thought it was going to be a rip off and that I wouldn't need it. Then I saw the trailer... Yeah, it looks awesome with making your own rooms, being able to use fallen foes as trophies... And there's mounted mud-crabs obviously.
I hope the way it's laid out onto the controller makes it easy to make majestic houses and I do yearn for something in Skyrim to be glitch-free... Hopefully, this can deliver and rival The Sims in house making.
And if not? It's only 400 MSP.
SkyrimAddict
Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vb9NiZohcw
When I first saw rumours of this a few weeks back, I thought it was going to be a rip off and that I wouldn't need it. Then I saw the trailer... Yeah, it looks awesome with making your own rooms, being able to use fallen foes as trophies... And there's mounted mud-crabs obviously.
I hope the way it's laid out onto the controller makes it easy to make majestic houses and I do yearn for something in Skyrim to be glitch-free... Hopefully, this can deliver and rival The Sims in house making.
And if not? It's only 400 MSP.
SkyrimAddict
Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vb9NiZohcw
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Cool YouTube Users: OfficialNerdCubed
I initially found this YouTube channel when I was searching for Bully (video game made by RockStar) and I found a "Let's Play" by Nerd³. Needless to say, I was quite hooked just with that first video. Featuring the leader of the Procrastinators (the subscribers are the Procrastinators :S) he basically just does Let's Plays of various games. Of course, the person that plays the game has to be entertaining in his commentary and our leader is, indeed, very funny. Maybe it's because he gives out tonnes of random British culture references (he's British, funnily enough) but his humour is certain to cause anything from a giggle to ROFL or even get to the point of LMAO, though I'm quite sure that doesn't happen in real life... quite sure.
The video games he picks are also part of the entertainment. Games played include AAA titles such as Sleeping Dogs, Spec Ops: The Line and LA Noire, hints at his childhood with Hard Time, Robot Wars and I Wanna Be The Guy: Gaiden and just random fun games such as Sims 3, Red Faction: Guerrilla and Spore. There's also a kind-of obsession with simulators with Bus, Garbage Truck and Farming simulators... Boring games there but our leader is great at making them entertaining by failing miserably, speeding and parking a tractor on top of a car! Hilarity ensures.
I am quite a new Procrastinator and I haven't even watched a quarter of his videos but, when I get the time, I really do hope to; he makes any game have personality and fun. Except Tom Clancy: H.A.W.K 2... That game didn't deserve it apparently xD
Oh and below my user name is my favourite Let's Play by NerdCubed; it's nearly 50 minutes of pure laughter.
SkyrimAddict
The video games he picks are also part of the entertainment. Games played include AAA titles such as Sleeping Dogs, Spec Ops: The Line and LA Noire, hints at his childhood with Hard Time, Robot Wars and I Wanna Be The Guy: Gaiden and just random fun games such as Sims 3, Red Faction: Guerrilla and Spore. There's also a kind-of obsession with simulators with Bus, Garbage Truck and Farming simulators... Boring games there but our leader is great at making them entertaining by failing miserably, speeding and parking a tractor on top of a car! Hilarity ensures.
I am quite a new Procrastinator and I haven't even watched a quarter of his videos but, when I get the time, I really do hope to; he makes any game have personality and fun. Except Tom Clancy: H.A.W.K 2... That game didn't deserve it apparently xD
Oh and below my user name is my favourite Let's Play by NerdCubed; it's nearly 50 minutes of pure laughter.
SkyrimAddict
Nerd³ Plays... London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dJipUiJ9wY&feature=plcp
Monday, 27 August 2012
GTA 5
I haven't played San Andreas. I'm not a third through the story of GTA 4. I haven't got the expansion packs/DLC for GTA 4. In this respect, I shouldn't be that excited by GTA 5 due to my lack of knowledge of the series. But I am VERY excited. Looking through a few released screen shots of the game-in-progress, it is hard not to have great anticipation for a game that's been nearly four years in the making and looks stunning. The cars look amazing with better graphics and better control and I can't wait to have a go.
Grand Theft Auto 5 will be set in the city of Los Santos with it's sandy beaches, tall skyscrapers and poor slums that make the whole place sound like a juxtaposition. Of course, there's more than just the city this time with mountains, farmlands and a sea to explore. It really does look breath-taking and it is said that Los Santos by itself will be bigger than San Andreas and Liberty City combined... Yes, please.
With great graphics comes the speculation that this game will be for a next generation console. If this is the case then I have at least one reason to buy a new games console. xD
SkyrimAddict
Screenshot - http://cdn.medialib.oxm.co.uk/screens/screenshot_30958.jpg
Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkoHAzjnUs
Grand Theft Auto 5 will be set in the city of Los Santos with it's sandy beaches, tall skyscrapers and poor slums that make the whole place sound like a juxtaposition. Of course, there's more than just the city this time with mountains, farmlands and a sea to explore. It really does look breath-taking and it is said that Los Santos by itself will be bigger than San Andreas and Liberty City combined... Yes, please.
With great graphics comes the speculation that this game will be for a next generation console. If this is the case then I have at least one reason to buy a new games console. xD
SkyrimAddict
Screenshot - http://cdn.medialib.oxm.co.uk/screens/screenshot_30958.jpg
Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkkoHAzjnUs
Friday, 24 August 2012
Grand Theft Auto IV... A very late review
Having strict parents is somewhat a burden when it comes to what I can and
can't do. An example is that I wasn't allowed to stay up later than 10 pm on
weekdays when I was a bit younger and, until very recently, I've had to follow
the PEGI system of age ratings. I'm 17 and all the way through my life I have
only played 3s, 12s and 16s with a few BBFC age ratings of 15 too. After seeing
that I'm actually quite mature, my parents have finally allowed me to buy and
play age 18 rated games. By looking through to the back of my Official Xbox
Magazine, I realise that about a quarter of the games are age 18 rated. One of
the 10/10s has always been Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV) and, due to this
recommendation and all my friends having played it, I have always wanted to see
what Liberty City is like to play in.
I got the game from Amazon.co.uk for about £15 and I've played about 6 hours so far. GTAs have always been open world games that allow you to do whatever you want with a hint of story of reaching the top of the pile of criminals. The game play feels a bit weird as the buttons aren't as responsive as I would have liked but GTA IV makes up for this with the feeling of awesomeness as you commit grand theft auto/hijacking a car. A simple press of the Y button does this and the following police chase is a lot of fun, even if I am really bad a driving and I almost always crash into the back of a fellow motorist. So far I've used my fists, a knife, a baseball bat and a pistol for weapons with my favourite being the baseball bat... It's just fun to use, I swear!
There's a lot of awesomeness in other aspects of the game too; I, for one, love the radio stations in the car. I always listen to "Liberty Rock" radio station and occasionally Evil Woman by ELO or Mamma by Genesis plays and it feels genuinely great to cruise around, and smashing into things, while one of your favourite songs is being played in-game. I also love Niko Bellic and his attitude to most things; kick the living shit out of your problems and they will go away. Yay.
Criticisms of a 10/10 games seem to be in supply however; the camera angles when driving are always too far or too near... A middle ground would be nice. You can die really easily which sucks at the start when you have to pay to get healed up. It's a bit unrealistic when you date girls and they say it's been an OK date despite the fact that you've totalled her car... Also, when I try to cross a bridge there's always a police barricade there and they always kill me as I go past... Is that normal for the start of the game?
Conclusions to be made include that it's a great game to play (good game play, story and freedom) but whether it's a 10/10 game... It will have to pull out all the stops to get that status. :P
SkyrimAddict
I got the game from Amazon.co.uk for about £15 and I've played about 6 hours so far. GTAs have always been open world games that allow you to do whatever you want with a hint of story of reaching the top of the pile of criminals. The game play feels a bit weird as the buttons aren't as responsive as I would have liked but GTA IV makes up for this with the feeling of awesomeness as you commit grand theft auto/hijacking a car. A simple press of the Y button does this and the following police chase is a lot of fun, even if I am really bad a driving and I almost always crash into the back of a fellow motorist. So far I've used my fists, a knife, a baseball bat and a pistol for weapons with my favourite being the baseball bat... It's just fun to use, I swear!
There's a lot of awesomeness in other aspects of the game too; I, for one, love the radio stations in the car. I always listen to "Liberty Rock" radio station and occasionally Evil Woman by ELO or Mamma by Genesis plays and it feels genuinely great to cruise around, and smashing into things, while one of your favourite songs is being played in-game. I also love Niko Bellic and his attitude to most things; kick the living shit out of your problems and they will go away. Yay.
Criticisms of a 10/10 games seem to be in supply however; the camera angles when driving are always too far or too near... A middle ground would be nice. You can die really easily which sucks at the start when you have to pay to get healed up. It's a bit unrealistic when you date girls and they say it's been an OK date despite the fact that you've totalled her car... Also, when I try to cross a bridge there's always a police barricade there and they always kill me as I go past... Is that normal for the start of the game?
Conclusions to be made include that it's a great game to play (good game play, story and freedom) but whether it's a 10/10 game... It will have to pull out all the stops to get that status. :P
SkyrimAddict
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Looking Back...: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Having loved the Star Wars franchise since my discovery of it when I was
about 6/7 years old, I have gone on to buy each of the six films with my
favourite being Attack of the Clones. Because of my early obsession with the
brand, I have always been interested in Star Wars-esque video-games that come
out with several for the DS and Game Boy Advance being among a small
collection. The Force Unleashed was a re-boot to the franchise... and one that
was badly needed. Coming out in 2008, three years after the Revenge of the Sith
film, the whole idea of Star Wars needed to be shaken up and changed and that's
what Lucas Arts tried to do with this.
It follows the tidings of the secret apprentice of none other than Darth Vader (you play as Vader during the tutorial, if you're interested) and his struggle to find a place by Vader's side. The main idea is that "Starkiller" (as he is affectionately known by others) has to go around after the devastating Order 66 and mop up the last remaining Jedi that are still kicking around and causing a bit of trouble for Vader and the Emperor. Not to give too much away but there are few decisions you to make that ultimately swings which way the story goes and whether you will stay with the Dark Side of the Force but it's not completely your choice.
The game play is practical and an arsenal of Force powers are at your disposal as the game progresses with force pushes, grips on objects, lightning and chokes all making appearances in the game. There's a number of enemies too from the classic Storm troopers (Starkiller is meant to be secret so no-one's allowed to see him, even if they are on his side :S), Wookies and, of course, Jedi. There are also a few rudimentary puzzles that need "cracking" as it were, but they're not strenuous and happily fit the BBFC's 12 age rating due to their simplicity.
All in all, I've always had a blast playing this game even if there are a few things that can be boring such as the loading times, similar enemy types and it can get a bit too easy if you master basic combos. However, these factors shouldn't stop you from playing such a great new direction in the Star Wars franchise. If you haven't played it, pick up a copy... it's dirt cheap these days. If you have, then pick up Force Unleashed 2 which is basically more of the same... Which can only be good, right?
SkyrimAddict
It follows the tidings of the secret apprentice of none other than Darth Vader (you play as Vader during the tutorial, if you're interested) and his struggle to find a place by Vader's side. The main idea is that "Starkiller" (as he is affectionately known by others) has to go around after the devastating Order 66 and mop up the last remaining Jedi that are still kicking around and causing a bit of trouble for Vader and the Emperor. Not to give too much away but there are few decisions you to make that ultimately swings which way the story goes and whether you will stay with the Dark Side of the Force but it's not completely your choice.
The game play is practical and an arsenal of Force powers are at your disposal as the game progresses with force pushes, grips on objects, lightning and chokes all making appearances in the game. There's a number of enemies too from the classic Storm troopers (Starkiller is meant to be secret so no-one's allowed to see him, even if they are on his side :S), Wookies and, of course, Jedi. There are also a few rudimentary puzzles that need "cracking" as it were, but they're not strenuous and happily fit the BBFC's 12 age rating due to their simplicity.
All in all, I've always had a blast playing this game even if there are a few things that can be boring such as the loading times, similar enemy types and it can get a bit too easy if you master basic combos. However, these factors shouldn't stop you from playing such a great new direction in the Star Wars franchise. If you haven't played it, pick up a copy... it's dirt cheap these days. If you have, then pick up Force Unleashed 2 which is basically more of the same... Which can only be good, right?
SkyrimAddict
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Looking Back...: 007 Quantum of Solace
When I was younger, I didn't get much money to spend on weekends due to a meagre £5 a week in pocket money from my parents. Because of this, I couldn't buy the newest games for my new Xbox 360 due to being quite impatient and saving up two months of money didn't see like a good investment. Because of this, I bought my games from Virgin/Zavvi/Head, or whatever it's called these days, and they consisted of small, unpopular titles that didn't sell well in the market. One of the first games I bought from this little selection of games was James Bond's Quantum of Solace.
Following the non-release of a Casino Royale game, the makers decided to put both of the Daniel Craig films into one game and just name it after the second film. It's result is a great story (obviously :S), Gears of War-esque cover shooting and the awesomeness that comes with being 007. It was ranked as a 12 by the BBFC and you can see why with no gore and takedowns that results in just being punched in the face... Still, at the time I was captivated by the gameplay, gadgets and just shooting people, to be honest, and it certainly laid a path for my love for other shooters such as Halo and BF/BF2/BF3 etc.
All in all, it was one of the first "proper" games I played that wasn't football (soccer if you're American/foreign) and I'm glad I did as it set the tone for the rest of my gaming "career"... But it's not as good as Skyrim :P
SkyrimAddict
Following the non-release of a Casino Royale game, the makers decided to put both of the Daniel Craig films into one game and just name it after the second film. It's result is a great story (obviously :S), Gears of War-esque cover shooting and the awesomeness that comes with being 007. It was ranked as a 12 by the BBFC and you can see why with no gore and takedowns that results in just being punched in the face... Still, at the time I was captivated by the gameplay, gadgets and just shooting people, to be honest, and it certainly laid a path for my love for other shooters such as Halo and BF/BF2/BF3 etc.
All in all, it was one of the first "proper" games I played that wasn't football (soccer if you're American/foreign) and I'm glad I did as it set the tone for the rest of my gaming "career"... But it's not as good as Skyrim :P
SkyrimAddict
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Plague Inc.
After seeing a few pictures on random websites about a mobile game called Plague Inc. I really wanted to try it. The concept is basically using the idea of you being a disease and evolving to infect as many people as possible and eventually cause the extinction of the human race. It's essentially a strategy game and, as past posts show, I have a bit of a soft spot for strategy whether it's on PC, console or, as is this case, mobile.
I say mobile but it's just my iPod and I don't use it much. Plague Inc. has changed that however with a lot of game time going into trying to unlock new types of diseases such as fungus and biochemicals. It is fun to play and unlocks the mad scientist in all of us... A little bit anyway.
I must be off; the world needs me to cause its doom.
SkyrimAddict
I say mobile but it's just my iPod and I don't use it much. Plague Inc. has changed that however with a lot of game time going into trying to unlock new types of diseases such as fungus and biochemicals. It is fun to play and unlocks the mad scientist in all of us... A little bit anyway.
I must be off; the world needs me to cause its doom.
SkyrimAddict
Sunday, 12 August 2012
The Sorcerer's Apprentice for DS
On holiday I had my birthday. On my birthday people gave me presents. I got one video game and it was from my sister. She knew that the only console I could bring was my DS and so she had bought me The Sorcerer's Apprentice for DS. As with most DS games (outside of Mario, Pokémon etc.) it was mainly complied of mini games. The main idea of the game is to go around, using spells and killing inanimate objects brought back to life by an evil sorcerer who's trying to bring back the sorcerer that killed Merlin. Sounds awesome in theory... but as with most DS games, it's ambition is stopped by the DS's power (or lack of it) and there aren't even any cut scenes... just pictures. The use of the touch screen was for choosing different spells and yes, there was some fun to be had by firing off projectiles at "evil" plastic bags but (for me) the DS is just for Mario and Pokémon and this game just implements my position even further.
Oh, by the way, I'm back! Yeah, I've been on Deus Ex: Human Revolution most of the time since I got back and I'm actually starting to feel like a badass on it, which is good. I'm 26 hours in and I have no idea how much of the story I've completed... Oh well!
SkyrimAddict
Monday, 23 July 2012
Cool YouTube Users: Maxmoefoe
As I'm going away on holiday tomorrow, there won't be many posts over the next two weeks. On the plus side; Maxmoefoe! This YouTuber's speciality is prank calls "every f**ing thursday" with a mail show on Sundays, and as of today, Mondays. I was brought the attention of Max and his pranks when one of his videos was posted on Facebook and I subscribed a few days later due to the quality of the trolling he does. One of the videos includes him claiming he had bought a diet coke and someone had "jizzed" in it... Yeah...
The main reason I like him thought is that he's very down to earth. He knows he's not incredibly famous on YouTube and yet he still replies often on videos and takes comments from viewers as ideas for pranks... It's cool that he does it.
Still, no YouTube for a couple of weeks. :(
SkyrimAddict
The main reason I like him thought is that he's very down to earth. He knows he's not incredibly famous on YouTube and yet he still replies often on videos and takes comments from viewers as ideas for pranks... It's cool that he does it.
Still, no YouTube for a couple of weeks. :(
SkyrimAddict
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Having played Pokémon to the point at which I'm happy that I have a head start during my holiday, I've started to play Deus Ex: Human Revolution again. I say again as I got it for Christmas, played it for an hour, thought it wasn't for me and left it to gather dust with dozens of other games. I got it out a couple of days ago and started again with an intention of getting as far as possible before the holiday; and I bloody love it!
If I was to use some sort of comparison, think Skyrim meets Blade Runner with the a bit of Splinter Cell: Conviction thrown in for good measure... and it works too. It's story is based on "augmentations" that you, the main character, uses to "level up" and get stronger. Using augmentations is the controversial issue of the day with 1950s' USA style segregation of "AUGS ENTER FROM THE BACK" and just a general air of racism towards people who have altered their bodies. The plot is that you're a security guard following orders from the CEO of the company that makes the augmentations and you're trying to get information (and eventually justice) about an attack on the company 6 months ago.
The great thing about Deus Ex is that there is no set path; you can choose your way through the game. Your attack style and augmentations are all up to you to decide from stealthy and unseen (taking enemies out with melee while cloaked) to gun-toting and headstrong (rushing in and killing everyone before they know what hit them)... I'm the latter.
It's certainly very enjoyable and I long to play as much as possible. Also, it's dirt-cheap these days and I would heartily recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the freedom of Skyrim or the sci-fi/punk feel of Blade Runner.
As with most of Deus Ex: Human Revolution; it's up to you.
SkyrimAddict
If I was to use some sort of comparison, think Skyrim meets Blade Runner with the a bit of Splinter Cell: Conviction thrown in for good measure... and it works too. It's story is based on "augmentations" that you, the main character, uses to "level up" and get stronger. Using augmentations is the controversial issue of the day with 1950s' USA style segregation of "AUGS ENTER FROM THE BACK" and just a general air of racism towards people who have altered their bodies. The plot is that you're a security guard following orders from the CEO of the company that makes the augmentations and you're trying to get information (and eventually justice) about an attack on the company 6 months ago.
The great thing about Deus Ex is that there is no set path; you can choose your way through the game. Your attack style and augmentations are all up to you to decide from stealthy and unseen (taking enemies out with melee while cloaked) to gun-toting and headstrong (rushing in and killing everyone before they know what hit them)... I'm the latter.
It's certainly very enjoyable and I long to play as much as possible. Also, it's dirt-cheap these days and I would heartily recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the freedom of Skyrim or the sci-fi/punk feel of Blade Runner.
As with most of Deus Ex: Human Revolution; it's up to you.
SkyrimAddict
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Pokémon
I never liked Pokémon cards... I just didn't get round to collecting them as I was always surrounded by people who adored Yu-Gi-Oh and so (as with most things) I followed suit and became a collector of the other side of useless tat that was trading cards. Still, my cousin (who still loves it now) was the first to bring Pokémon video games to my attention with Pokémon Fire Red on Gameboy Advance capturing my thoughts on a holiday to Turkey; needless to say, as soon as I got back home I got myself a copy. I must have played several hundred hours on it, collecting all the Pokémon and trading for the ones that only Leaf Green had; I was obsessed as was most of the generation.
From then on, each new Pokémon game was quickly purchased upon release from Fire Red to Emerald to Diamond to Soul Silver, with Diamond being one of the most noteworthy due to the contrast of moving the franchise to 3D on the DS. The reason I give you this background information is due to the arrival of Pokémon White on DS that came today in the post from Amazon. I haven't played it yet (due to it's sole purpose of keeping me entertained on holiday) yet I hope to enjoy it as fully as I have with the other games on the same handheld console - my trusty first generation DS which will be celebrating it's 7th birthday as I celebrate my 17th... I can't believe it's survived thus far, to be quite honest.
I just look forward to the long, potentially boring, stretches of time that make up sitting next to the pool, travelling in hired cars and watching the adults play cards, and the moment of my DS being opened and dozens of hours being used to fulfil my need of nostalgia and entertainment.
Bring it on.
SkyrimAddict
From then on, each new Pokémon game was quickly purchased upon release from Fire Red to Emerald to Diamond to Soul Silver, with Diamond being one of the most noteworthy due to the contrast of moving the franchise to 3D on the DS. The reason I give you this background information is due to the arrival of Pokémon White on DS that came today in the post from Amazon. I haven't played it yet (due to it's sole purpose of keeping me entertained on holiday) yet I hope to enjoy it as fully as I have with the other games on the same handheld console - my trusty first generation DS which will be celebrating it's 7th birthday as I celebrate my 17th... I can't believe it's survived thus far, to be quite honest.
I just look forward to the long, potentially boring, stretches of time that make up sitting next to the pool, travelling in hired cars and watching the adults play cards, and the moment of my DS being opened and dozens of hours being used to fulfil my need of nostalgia and entertainment.
Bring it on.
SkyrimAddict
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Looking Back...: Age of Empires
Having the summer off can bring times of severe boredom and having gotten bored of all the "new" games I own (despite not having played at least 5...) which led me to the conclusion that I play an older game that I haven't played in years. Looking through my PC collection, I realise that I had a good gaming upbringing with such hits as LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth 2 and Rome: Total War (I was a violent child, it would seem). The game that caught my eye was Age of Empires. I have the first game and it's expansion pack in a single disc and it was my first PC game and quite possibly one of my first video games. :') Playing it brings a sense of nostalgia as I remember the day of just starting a death match and spending the whole game deforesting the trees on the map... Simple times.
From the perspective of my present self, I feel that the core game play is still top-notch and I am very sad that Ensemble Studios (the developer) went bankrupt; I love(d) 2 and 3 too.
Still; I have forests to chop down ;)
SkyrimAddict
From the perspective of my present self, I feel that the core game play is still top-notch and I am very sad that Ensemble Studios (the developer) went bankrupt; I love(d) 2 and 3 too.
Still; I have forests to chop down ;)
SkyrimAddict
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Cool Youtube Users: PewDiePie
Unlike the other two Cool Youtube Users I've mentioned, I have only just become aware of PewDiePie's existance... And that was due to my fascination with Happy Wheels. In any case, I found PewDiePie and have become a "Bro" due to the clicking of the "subscribe" button and with that comes great responsibility to sit through about 30 minutes of videos from the youtuber... And I love it!
A bit of background info would not go amiss, perhaps; PewDiePie is a Swedish guy living in Italy and he releases gaming videos of him playing (mainly) horror games with other video games coming in to lighten the mood. Despite the use of horror video games, PewDiePie always makes me laugh in his videos with his amazing reactions to anything scary (escpecially Slender XD) and his constant stream of obsenities in his wacky accent that just makes the whole experience very enjoyable. It's not just that though; his gf plays in some videos with the comments full of "THEY MAKES SUCH A GREAT COUPLE <3" etc. and they do seem to feed off each other (in the comedy sense)
As mentioned before, he has played a horror game called Slender about 10 times over all in 5/6 videos... The link below is for his first Slender video and it's the one that got me hooked on the Swedish youtuber... Tread carefully :P
Skyrim Addict
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMBG4Pn3Sg&feature=relmfu
A bit of background info would not go amiss, perhaps; PewDiePie is a Swedish guy living in Italy and he releases gaming videos of him playing (mainly) horror games with other video games coming in to lighten the mood. Despite the use of horror video games, PewDiePie always makes me laugh in his videos with his amazing reactions to anything scary (escpecially Slender XD) and his constant stream of obsenities in his wacky accent that just makes the whole experience very enjoyable. It's not just that though; his gf plays in some videos with the comments full of "THEY MAKES SUCH A GREAT COUPLE <3" etc. and they do seem to feed off each other (in the comedy sense)
As mentioned before, he has played a horror game called Slender about 10 times over all in 5/6 videos... The link below is for his first Slender video and it's the one that got me hooked on the Swedish youtuber... Tread carefully :P
Skyrim Addict
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZMBG4Pn3Sg&feature=relmfu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)