Post by: Archem on March 18, 2006, 07:01:58 PM
I play a lot of games, and I'm sure you do, too. But, what if you want a game, but are afraid that it won't live up to your expectations? Well, that's why I'm here. I realize that you could find this kind of information online, but whose to say it's accurate, or even free? Nobody, that's who. And the best thing about this is, you can respond in a way that everyone can hear. So, please enjoy, make request, and leave feedback. Let's kick this off with a game called Super Princess Peach.
Super Princess Peach- Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Platformer
Graphics- Think Super Mario World, but with Peach.
Playability- Very good, tight controls, but somewhat touchy minigames.
Sound- Nintendo at its best.
Entertainment- It's fun fun fun, if not a bit easy. Don't read the hints if you want a challenge.
The bread and butter of a review, this is the overall summary! Bowser builds a new castle on Vibe Island, an island near the Mushroom Kingdom. Of course, he gets his hands on a magical staff, and unleashes havoc on the Mushroom Kingdom. With his newfound powers, he kidnaps Toads, Luigi, and even Mario! So Peach goes off to stop Bowser with a talking parasol named Perry. You get all of the Vibe abilities right off, and a few clever puzzles ensure that you're still using them way up until the end of the game. Although you don't need to, there is a shop that allows you to buy new abilities and even upgrade your Vibe meter and your health, as well as buying songs, minigames, and puzzle pieces. As a little extra to keep you exploring (something that has been absent in most previous Mario games), three Toads are hidden in each level, and must all be found in order to fight Bowser at the end of the game. I know it sounds like a lot, but it really isn't that hard, especially since you're alerted to the presence of a Toad whenever you enter a room with one in it. All in all, it's a blast to play, but comes off as a little easy for seasoned gamers like myself. But still not a bad game, especially if you have a DS and feel a bit starved of good old fashioned platforming fun. I give this game an 8 out of 10.
And thus ends my first review. Please leave questions, comments, and advice as to what you liked, disliked, or wanted to hear more from. Also, expect more of these, since I have plenty of games that are fairly new and have even more on the way.
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 18, 2006, 07:07:22 PM
Post by: Archem on March 18, 2006, 07:25:09 PM
Post by: FFL2and3rocks on March 18, 2006, 07:32:43 PM
Post by: Leon_1990 on March 18, 2006, 07:35:29 PM
Post by: FFL2and3rocks on March 18, 2006, 07:40:17 PM
Especially that bottom screen. :flower:
Post by: Archem on March 18, 2006, 07:40:21 PM
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
Post by: DragonBlaze on March 18, 2006, 08:35:35 PM
Quote
But, what if you want a game, but are afraid that it won't live up to your expectations? Well, that's why I'm here. I realize that you could find this kind of information online, but whose to say it's accurate, or even free? Nobody, that's who. And the best thing about this is, you can respond in a way that everyone can hear.
Then again, who's to say you're reviews are any more accurate than online reviews? :p
I see what you mean though, so I'm not gonna spoil your fun.
Post by: X_marks_the_ed on March 18, 2006, 08:38:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
*Lowers the fan over Shadus'.....*
Are we gonna have to repeat family guy here?
Anyways, nice, in-depth review. I now I'll cringe twice whenever the commercial airs.
Edit: This is it. My 500th real post. Oh well.
Post by: Leon_1990 on March 18, 2006, 08:48:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by FFL2and3rocks
True, true! :p But it could be a bit embarassing to have someone look over my shoulder while the screen looks like this.
Especially that bottom screen. :flower:
rofl
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 18, 2006, 09:13:40 PM
Post by: Archem on March 19, 2006, 02:16:12 AM
Black- PS2, XBox
ESRB Rating- Mature
First-Person Shooter
Graphics- Some of the best I've seen on current generation consoles by far.
Playability- Customizable controls are very helpful, but the locked look sensitivity is a problem if you like higher sensitivity. Nothing that you can't get used to.
Sound- Beautifully composed musical scores and sounds that really bring you into the game.
Entertainment- Great (albeit repeated) single-player, but no multiplayer hurts alot.
Black tells the story of a black-ops soldier who is arrested for charges of war crimes and excess collateral damage. The entire game is playing through his missions in Russia that follow the events of a terrorist organization, and its leader, Lennox. The graphics will blow you away, and the whole thing kicks off with a bang in a collapsing city. No action button means that you have to shoot down any doors in your way, but that's not a problem: ammo is far from hard to find. Grenades feel a bit iffy at first, but quickly begin to fit right into the combat. Most SMGs and Assault Rifles feel very similar, and all of them have either automatic fire, three-round bursts, or single round firing modes. The only differance in the SMGs and Assault Rifles is that SMGs have somewhat limited firing range. There are two kinds of shotguns, but they're the same as well. The only truly special weapons are the RPG, the Revolver, the sniper rifle, and the SAW, all of which are very powerful and have no silencers. The destructable terrain is a huge bonus, especially when the opposition is taking cover. The enemies generally fall after a headshot or two (based on armor), but body shots can take a clip or two. The game itself is a bit short, and really only holds up for two or three plays through, but the story is a nice thing to keep you motivated. And yes, the silencer can be helpful when sneaking into a room filled with masked and shielded adversaries. All-in-all, I'd give it an 8 out of 10.
Post by: shadus on March 19, 2006, 02:54:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by X_marks_the_ed
quote: Originally posted by Archem2
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
*Lowers the fan over Shadus'.....*
B]
What is that mean?
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 19, 2006, 02:59:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
Is that a G4 show? I don't really trust G4... Anywho, I say that I'm more trustworthy because I've been playing games more than some of the hired writers who are payed to sum up the games and give opinions based on groups. Not all are like that, but I've dealt with a few, so I trust my judgement. And the real catch I have is easier contact with practically assured response.
One person < Group
If a group of people like it, the buyer is more then likly going to like it. If one person likes it, then that's completly based on one opinion, hence the person might be completly different in tastes. The same could apply to the group, but if it's a group, there's a higher possiblity that someone in that group has the same idle tastes as the buyer's.
Post by: Archem on March 19, 2006, 03:07:09 AM
Commy Cool.
In any case, it would take more time to explain than to just accept or reject my reasoning. Accept or reject it, then forget about it.
Post by: Snake Eater on March 20, 2006, 01:34:42 AM
Post by: Archem on March 20, 2006, 03:19:39 AM
Post by: Snake Eater on March 20, 2006, 06:27:10 AM
Post by: Archem on March 23, 2006, 02:32:30 AM
Post by: shadus on March 23, 2006, 02:36:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by shadus
quote: Originally posted by X_marks_the_ed
quote: Originally posted by Archem2
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
*Lowers the fan over Shadus'.....*
B]
What is that mean?
I still want to know what that means..
Post by: Archem on March 23, 2006, 02:42:37 AM
Post by: rush_fan on March 23, 2006, 02:43:51 AM
Post by: Archem on March 25, 2006, 03:12:21 AM
Metroid Prime: Hunters
ESRB Rating: Teen
First-Person Shooter
Graphics: Oh my goodness... Think Metroid Prime (beautiful, by the way), but dumbed down just enough to prevent lag, but not so much to make it unbeautiful.
Playability- A little awkward at first, and prone to cause hand cramps, but after about twenty minutes, you've got it down pat, and it makes first-person on DS feel great.
Sound- I think they're using midi files for music (not a bad thing, however), but the sound effects really immerse you into the action.
Entertainment- Let's put it this way: I couldn't keep the details away from you until I finished the game.
Samus returns, but this time, she's got all the guns for the job (yes, Samus is a female. Sorry for ruining the secret, but it's been known for over a decade.) The base story is that a telepathic message has radiated throughout the universe carrying this message: "The secret to ultimate power lies in the Alimbic Cluster." The Galactic Federation intercepts this message, and becomes worried when they translate it. Naturally, they send in the galaxy's most revered bounty hunter: Samus Aran. Her orders- search for this "ultimate power", and either obtain it and keep it out of the wrong hands, or destroy it.
What started out as an unsuprisingly dull story and linear level designs quickly explodes into a massive scene. This game spans not just one, but TWO planets, and TWO derelict space stations! After attaining new weapons, you can open doors in previous places, vastly expanding the areas to explore. The game as a whole has far more graphical finess than I felt neccessary, which is a good thing for the gamer. Even the scan visor from the previous Prime games makes a return, despite its having less to scan (but that's not a problem, not in the least).
Samus has the same old good things in her arsenal: missiles, power beam, morph balls, morph ball bombs, and jump boots. And, the best part, she keeps ALL OF THEM!!! No more getting jumped by a group of weak enemies and losing everything, no more getting shocked and watching your equipment evaporate, no. She keeps all if it from start to finish. But, she also gets a whole arsenal of, get this, SIX weapons, including a sniper beam and a grenade launcher-style beam! And this is the part of the game that I honestly expected to be "tacked on" to a Metroid multiplayer game, but it turns out to be (for me) the REAL draw of the game.
But forget what you learned from Echoes, Samus CAN have her cake, and eat it too! Online multiplayer has all the bells and whistles, including a recruitable "rivals list" and a friends list. And, if the up to four person matched-up deathmatch games begin to grow old (not for a while, though), you can create your own game, and any active friends and rivals can join. Not to mention the seven different game modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill, Juggernaut, Capture the Flag, Territories, and a game called Bounty, that involves taking a token and scoring a goal with it. And you can even send text and voice messages to friends. The levels are actually mildly modified single-player areas, and there's a whole host of unlockable levels and the other hunters from single-player.
I could go on and on about the good things that this game has, and I could spend all of two minutes tops thinking of the bads that it has (not too many), but this review is currently the longest I've ever written. I'll leave you guys off with a few good screenshots. Trust me, they just don't do the game any justice.
Post by: rush_fan on March 25, 2006, 03:34:33 AM
they are amazing!!!!
Post by: Archem on March 25, 2006, 04:03:44 AM
Post by: Bluhman on March 25, 2006, 07:36:18 AM
Post by: Archem on March 26, 2006, 04:07:19 AM
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 26, 2006, 04:12:11 AM
Post by: Bluhman on March 26, 2006, 07:25:31 AM
Rated: T
Genre: Action RPG
Graphics-In perspective to other PC games, It's quite good-looking.
Playability-At first, in comparison to the previous TES title, Morrowind, Oblivion has a slightly different control and play style. However, in the span of the first 15 minutes, you'll get used to it.
Sound-What can be said? They're not great, but they were better than Morrowind's sound effects and music.
Entertainment Value-Again, what can be said? As entertaining, or moreso, than morrowind, but we can't really compare it to other games of such a small genre. The closest you'd get to what this genre is would probably be Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Story:
You are given the task of finding the hidden heir to a throne that sits empty, the previous emperor having been killed by an unknown assassin. With no true Emperor, the gates to Oblivion (the equivalent of hell in the world of Tamriel) open, and demons begin to invade Cyrodiil and attack its people and towns. It's up to you to find the lost heir to the throne and unravel the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel.
Of course, such a plot might seem somewhat dry, but there are so many sidestories in this game that the main one doesn't need to matter too much.
Features:
-Somewhat slick NPC AI, which act out conversations, battle moves, training sessions, drinking at bars, and sleeping.
-Revolutionized combat, which allows players to throw out power attacks by moving in a direction whilst charging up your attack. With this, simply tapping your mouse, or the attack button, in the XBOX360's case, will cause you to throw a streamlined flurry of slashes with your weapon. Also, a system of blocking has been inserted, which allows you to shrug off enemy attacks by taking minimal damage.
-Updated Sneaking System.
-Upgraded Magic System; Instead of having to put your weapon away to cast magic, you can easily switch between throwing spells and crushing your opponents with a weapon.
-A face-making system, allowing you to make your hero the prettiest person to walk the lands... Or a fat-faced weirdo.
-Realistic Physics, which enables you to pick up objects and throw them across a room, drag off dead corpses, which, by the way, realistically flop around... like they're dead, gives archery a sense of realism, and, of course, traps in dungeons.
-Automatic levelling system, where, as you level up, so shall opponents. This means that, no matter how powerful you might be, there shall always be someone to at least match you in strength.
-Horses are now in the game. You can't fight on horseback, however.
-Really Damn long game to beat everything. If you embrace this game with open arms, you'll find that finishing it will take a very long time.
My Experience with the game:
I had gotten the PC version of Oblivion right on the day it came out: March 21st. I studied it with caution; somewhat worried wether or not it would work well on my computer. Nonetheless, I opened it up, popped the CD in, installed the game, and booted it up.
After watching an intro movie, explaining the current perdicament of the world, I was immediately greeted with the face of a fairly average, dark-skinned man who was of 35 or 40 years of age. About a few miliseconds later, I realized that this was my character's face I was looking at. I scrolled through the races that were available for my character to be, among them being Imperials, what one might call the All-Around race of the game, Kajhits, cat people who can see in the dark and jump higher than any other race, Nords, Viking like people who excell in combat, Orcs (No explination needed... I hope.), Redguards, Brown-skinned swordsmen, who focus more on strength than endurance than the Nords or Orcs, Wood elves, Quick and small elves, Argonians, A lizard-like folk who can breathe underwater, Bretons, A magic-centered race, Dark Elves, A well-rounded race with dark skin and red eyes, and High Elves, Tall, golden-skinned guys who are incredible spellcasters.
Since I wanted to be big and strong, so as to test out the new combat system, I chose to be a Nord. Then, maticulously, I crafted the ugly, 40-year old face of the nord into a 20-year old, blone-haired warrior, I planned to give a Claymore, suit of armor,
[STRIKE]and trainer who uses a staff to whack wolves with[/STRIKE].
Shortly after that, I then discovered I was trapped in a prison cell. Greeted by another prisoners raspy voice, the prisoner across from my cell then began to taunt me, saying that I would die. Few seconds later, 2 guards and The Emperor, Uriel Septim, came walking to my cell. Uriel Septim, being the insightful dude he was, looked at me and said "You... I've seen you..." He walked up to me and we then talked. I shant tell you what the emperor said because
[STRIKE]I wasn't paying attention to what that silly goose was saying.[/STRIKE] that would spoil everything, but long story short, Uriel Septim's brothers were assassinated, and he was sure that he was to be next, and he had to escape. As to how I was involved in that story, I have no clue. Shortly after, The guards opened up a convenient secret passage in the wall, which we went through. The guards battled off some armored villanous men as we walked through the blue-lit stone halls. Then, at a doorway, we had to part pathes for some reason I forgot. The Emperor and his 2 guards went on ahead, and a few seconds later, a stone wall nearby conveniently crumbled, revealing a nifty back-passage that I could take, and 2 rats, which I battled off with my blade I had gotten from some guy who had died. Nonehteless, I cleaved right through those silly rats with some of my power moves, and went right on through.
In this room I found a skeleton who had a bow and arrows. I put on both, and tested out the archery sytem. As with actual archery, The more you pull back an arrow, the farther and faster it shall fly. Simply tapping the button will cause the arrow to uselessly flop right in front of you. Thankfully, you can re-retrieve your arrows after they've been fired... Sometimes.
I then found a lockpick, and a locked chest. Being the resourceful guy I was, I used the lockpick to open up the chest, but first, I had to play a Lock-picking minigame that involved raising tumblers in the lock. Since I wasn't a very good lockpicker, My lockpick moved sluggishly through the lock to the left and right. However, there was only one tumbler I needed to raise, so that lock was easy.
Deciding that there was no more to see here, I moved on and found the carcass of a Goblin. In his pockets I found an Iron key, and some other equipment. Using the iron key, I opened the door that was right next to the goblin and went on in.
After I entered this door, I was introduced to the concept of magic. Using a fireball spell that I had somehow initially started out with, I found a target; an unknowing rat, and fired the projectile at him. He set on fire and promptly was flung back a few feet. Did I mention he died? Anyway, after that, I was introduced to the usage of sneaking, involving a goblin that was facind the opposite way of me. I pressed the sneak button down, and an eye appeared in the center of the screen. This eye would light up if I were spotted. It never did light up for me, as I decided to just rush in there and slash that runt to death, which I did easily.
After passing through a number of caves, one with a swinging flail trap, and another with logs I could push down a hill, I came back into the stone, blue-lit halls which the Emperor and his 2 vassals had gone through to get where they were. They were ambushed by some more of those red-robed assassins that attacked me and the emperor earlier on. When the battle ended, and one of the guards wondered if I had followed them, I dropped down from the bove to confront them. The 2 guards approach me, suspicious that I was another one of those assassins, despite the fact I wasn't even wearing red, but then the Emperor ordered them to stop. He confronted me again; saying things about destiny and the gods. After a speech I didn't really listen to, I chose my birthsign. Birthsigns determine a special bonus for your character, which can range from a simple stat-increase, to an elaborate system of advantages and disadvantages, such as the "Atranoch" birthsign will demonstrate: When born under the Atronach, your magicka, or MP, as you silly folk call it, is doubled, but you cannot recover your magicka by any natural means. In other words, the only way you can possibly regain magicka as an atronach is by drinking a potion. Don't worry though, as the Atronach also has the very nifty ability to absorb oncoming magic attacks and add their power to his Magicka supply. This sign can make a mage extremley powerful, and extremley resillient. But since I wasn't feeling like absorbing magic, I just chose "The Steed" sign, which would offer me a high speed bonus, and moved on.
After going through another series of halls, we fell for a trap that the Assassins had set up. The guards fought vigorously for our lives, as me and the emperor hid in a backroom. Suddenly, the emperor confronted me saying that his time was up and that I had to deliver his amulet, the dragonfire amulet, to a priest he knew. Shortly after this, A secret passage behind the emperor opened up, revealing a rather nasty looking assassin, and the emperor was killed.
So after me and the guards fought off the remaining assassins, A guard went up to the emperors dead body. Shortly after, he then asked me where the Dragonfire amulet had gone. I told him that the Emperor had given it to me. The guard then gave me a key, and the ability to finally choose my class. Since I wanted to just get a move on with the game, I made my character a basic warrior. Afterwards, I went on to a secret passage through a sewer and finally got out of that rat hole.
Finally, I was outside..... And that's the end of my story.
Advantages:
+Extensive
+Above-Par Graphics
+Smart AI
+Involving Combat
+Cool dungeons
+Realistic Physics
+Face-making utility
Disadvantages:
-Computer-heavy
-Kind of expensive
-No horse combat
-Game is still somewhat glitchy
-Game doesn't utilize some feautres that I would have seen as VERY nice to have (such as a body-type system; THPS:3, GTA:SA, and The Movies all utilized such a system, what was stopping Oblivion from having this?)
-Might seem kind of Dumbed-down in comparison to Morrowind, but still a good game nonetheless.
Final score: 9.3/10
Post by: Razor on March 26, 2006, 11:09:34 AM
Regarding your previous review, I would like to remind you that ENTER is your friend.
Best Wishes,
Frankie Roosevelt.
On a similar topic related topic, ZOMG STILL CAN'T WAIT FOR SPORE!11
Post by: DarkFlood2 on March 26, 2006, 01:02:48 PM
---------------------------------------
Game: Tales of Legendia (TOL)
Graphics: Cell Shading with anime-style movie scenes
Music: Well, If you can get over the fact that the same, er about 10 songs are used over and over again.. the music is kinda nice.
Entertainment: Despite the linear gameplay, this game is quite adictive
Replay Value: Unlike TOS, this game has few sidequests and secret items (no optional bosses either to my knowledge) about a 3/10 replay value.
In this game, Senel Coolidge and his sister Shirley are on a boat (The reason why is later reveald in the game). the seas aren't at all calm and the boat is rocking heavily. Then, all of the sudden, a giant pillar comes from out of the water, destroying the small boat. When Senel wakes up, he notices that Shirley has touched seawater (which is toxic to her). A man named Will Raynard, just happening to be walking by notices them, and asks if they needed help. Senel refuses and takes Shirley to a freshwater pond and puts her under the water. Will thinks Shirley would down, but her (Shiley's) hair begins to glow blue and her wounds heal. Unfortunately, She gets kidnapped a few minutes later. And so begins your quest.. I was disappointed with this game. The story is worse than TOS, even though it's okay, it just seems like Namco pooped this one out. It does get painful how the music is reused, and the anime cutscenes aren't as good either. Sorry, but this game just desn't live up to it's potential.
So, to recap,
Graphics: 7/10
Entertainment: 8/10
Music: 6/10
Replay value: 3/10
Story: 7/10
Overall: 6.2/10
Post by: Archem on March 26, 2006, 07:05:56 PM
Post by: Razor on March 26, 2006, 07:13:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
Samus returns, but this time, she's got all the guns for the job (yes, Samus is a female. Sorry for ruining the secret, but it's been known for over a decade.) The base story is that a telepathic message has radiated throughout the universe carrying this message: "The secret to ultimate power lies in the Alimbic Cluster." The Galactic Federation intercepts this message, and becomes worried when they translate it. Naturally, they send in the galaxy's most revered bounty hunter: Samus Aran. Her orders- search for this "ultimate power", and either obtain it and keep it out of the wrong hands, or destroy it. What started out as an unsuprisingly dull story and linear level designs quickly explodes into a massive scene. This game spans not just one, but TWO planets, and TWO derelict space stations! After attaining new weapons, you can open doors in previous places, vastly expanding the areas to explore. The game as a whole has far more graphical finess than I felt neccessary, which is a good thing for the gamer. Even the scan visor from the previous Prime games makes a return, despite its having less to scan (but that's not a problem in the least). Samus has the same old good things in her arsenal: missles, power beam, morph balls, morph ball bombs, and jump boots. And, the best part, she keeps ALL OF THEM!!! No more getting jumped by a group of weak enemies and losing everything, no more getting shocked and watching your equipment evaporate, no. She keeps all if it from start to finish. But, she also gets a whole arsenal of, get this, SIX weapons, including a sniper beam and a grenade launcher-style beam! And this is the part of the game that I honestly expected to be "tacked on" to a Metroid multiplayer game, but it turns out to be (for me) the REAL draw of the game. But forget what you learned from Echoes, Samus CAN have her cake, and eat it too! Online multiplayer has all the bells and whistles, including a recruitable "rivals list" and a friends list. And, if the up to four person matched-up deathmatch games begin to grow old (not for a while, though), you can create your own game, and any active friends and rivals can join. Not to mention the seven different game modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill, Juggernaut, Capture the Flag, Territories, and a game called Bounty, that involves taking a token and scoring a goal with it. And you can even send text and voice messages to friends. The levels are actually mildly modified single-player areas, and there's a whole host of unlockable levels and the other hunters from single-player. I could go on and on about the good things that this game has, and I could spend all of two minutes tops thinking of the bads that it has (not too many), but this review is currently the longest I've ever written. I'll leave you guys off with a few good screenshots. Trust me, they just don't do the game any justice.
Because text looks nicer with enters, my old chum.
Post by: Archem on March 26, 2006, 07:20:25 PM
...
Uh... Scratch that last part.
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 27, 2006, 12:59:10 AM
things
do
look
better
with
enter.
....
enter
F
T
W
!
Post by: Archem on March 27, 2006, 01:18:00 AM
Post by: Drace on March 27, 2006, 04:47:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Razor
On a similar topic related topic, ZOMG STILL CAN'T WAIT FOR SPORE!11
I still hate you for telling me about this game in November / December...
Post by: Razor on March 27, 2006, 05:53:40 AM
Post by: shadus on March 27, 2006, 06:36:47 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on March 27, 2006, 07:40:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by DarkFlood2
Sorry, but this game just desn't live up to it's potential.
[/B]
Agreed, I bought this game because I loved TOS... and so far, I haven't seen any of the things that made TOS fun. The characters are much shallower, the story is weaker, and the main character uses his fists... gah... wish I hadn't paid $50 bucks for this now...
Well... I do have a review...
The Hobbit (Ps2, GC, Xbox)
Graphics - similar to the N64 Zelda games.
Music - Can't really review music, I always have the sound way low, and have my own music going
Entertainment - if you've read the book, the game is fantastic, but if not, the game can get quite dull, and is somewhat difficult at times.
Replay value - There are many things to collect, including 'silver pennies', which is money, and Courage points - which are like experience. Each level has a ton of each hidden, and you must search them out to get 100% on each level. You also wanna try and find each and every treasure chest, as there are often more then just money in them.
In the game, you play as Bilbo Baggins (to anyone who doesn't know, he is the uncle of Frodo Baggins in LOTR). You are recruited by the Wizard Gandalf to go with the 13 Dwarves, because they need a burglar. Bilbo believes this is a mistake, but goes along anyways. You begin the game in a dream, where you have all equipment, and are invincible, and you run around killing goblins, as well as trying to escape the dream. When you finish the 'Dream World' quest, you continue on. The first 'real' level of the game is in Hobbiton. You simply run around, completing all the optional quests, and collecting as many Courage Points and Silver Pennies as you possibly can find. Then, you enter the "Green Dragon Inn" and you continue to the next level.
The game follows the book by J.R.R Tolkien very well, but adds in massive levels. The gameplay is very similar to the Zelda games for 64.
One thing that I hated, was that every chest is trapped, and you have to play a little mini game to open every chest. If you fail at the mini game, you can be poisoned, or hurt.
Graphics: 7.5/10
Entertainment: 8/10 (6/10 if you haven't read the book though)
Music: ?
Replay value: 2/10
Story: N/A, since it is a story
Overall: I did like this game, and put many hours into defeating it. so I'll give it a 7/10 overall, because I did enjoy it.
Post by: Archem on March 27, 2006, 09:43:13 PM
*Shady Ultima received +10 Broadsword of Worldly Advancement.*
In other news, chronoman (my evil doppleganger) has agreed to review PSP games, but that still leaves open the spots for XBox 360, PC, and PS2 games. I can cover just about everything else on the (Full) Spectrum (Warrior) by myself, but if you would like to help, feel free to pm me.
Post by: Meiscool-2 on March 27, 2006, 09:57:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
+10 Broadsword of Worldly Advancement
That's nothin' compared to my STR + 2 Posting Swords of N00bslaying.
Post by: Shady Ultima on March 27, 2006, 10:02:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
Shady, you've seamlessly combined both my style of rating with DarkFlood's style, creating what could possibly be the most effective way of showing and telling. Good job.
*Shady Ultima received +10 Broadsword of Worldly Advancement.*
Saaweet action, now I can get rid of this -1 axe of discreetness lol
Post by: Archem on March 27, 2006, 10:14:52 PM
Post by: MrMister on March 27, 2006, 11:19:25 PM
Mass Chun Blade[Epic]
Sword - Two-handed
Damage: 200-240 Speed: 2.00
Damage Per Second: 110.0
Chance on hit: Causes 20 bleed damage every 3 seconds for the rest of the arguement.
Post by: Archem on March 27, 2006, 11:32:27 PM
Post by: X_marks_the_ed on March 27, 2006, 11:57:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by shadus
quote: Originally posted by shadus
quote: Originally posted by X_marks_the_ed
quote: Originally posted by Archem2
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
*Lowers the fan over Shadus'.....*
B]
What is that mean?
I still want to know what that means..
In an episode of family guy, Quagmire cannot control his perverted ways. His friends try to keep him from going ga-ga over women. Peter lowers a fanblade over Quagmire's penis while being forced to look at a Victoria's secret catalogue. To avoid an "accident", he has to think un-sexy thoughts to control his thoughts of the women in the catalogue.
I used this analogy as an unfunny joke because it sounded like Arhem had a "thing" for peach's running animation.
I think that sums it up in a nutshell. _sweat_
Post by: Archem on March 28, 2006, 12:36:20 AM
Post by: Shady Ultima on March 28, 2006, 05:26:26 AM
Graphics - Anime based out of battle, very good in battle graphics as well
Music - Can't really review music, I always have the sound way low, and have my own music going
Entertainment - If you like strategic RPG's this game is fantastic. The story is well thought out, and has many surprises throughout. The gameplay is typical of strategic RPGs, but when a skirmish ensues, it goes into a typical RPG style battle, with beautiful graphics of the characters.
You play as Ike, the son of Greil, who is the leader of the Greil mercenaries. He has trained you to be his successor, but due to your lack of skill, this is not going to be soon. You begin travelling with the group of mercenaries, and are told that the Kingdom of Crimea (which you are a part of) has been invaded by the Daeins. You go to investigate, and stumble across the princess. The game continues, and you must return the princess to her throne.
There are 2 different races, the humans, and the laguz, which are half human/half beasts. There are 3 different type of Laguz, beast, bird and dragon, and you are joined by representatives of each. Choosing who to be in your party from the many members who join you is a real plus in this game.
I rented this game for about a week and beat it, it is not a very long game, but if you like the gameplay, it is extremely addictive.
The game is set up into chapters, with no actual exploring allowed. You go into each battle after a story sequence, and after winning each battle, you return to the story sequence. This is probably the thing I dislike the most about the game, but it does help to speed the game up.
There is little replay value, except to try and beat the game with different characters.
Graphics: 8/10
Entertainment: 7/10
Music: ?
Replay value: 2/10
Story: 7/10
Overall: I enjoyed this game, and the story had me hooked, so I'll give it a 7/10 overall, because I although it is not the best game I have played, it is a very good GC title, which has few enough RPGs as it is.
Post by: shadus on March 28, 2006, 05:37:08 AM
Quote
Originally posted by X_marks_the_ed
quote: Originally posted by shadus
quote: Originally posted by shadus
quote: Originally posted by X_marks_the_ed
quote: Originally posted by Archem2
EDIT: By the way, the run animation is suprisingly mesmerizing. They should have a screen saver with Peach running continuously. No, it's nothing perverted, I just get lost while watching it.
*Lowers the fan over Shadus'.....*
B]
What is that mean?
I still want to know what that means..
In an episode of family guy, Quagmire cannot control his perverted ways. His friends try to keep him from going ga-ga over women. Peter lowers a fanblade over Quagmire's penis while being forced to look at a Victoria's secret catalogue. To avoid an "accident", he has to think un-sexy thoughts to control his thoughts of the women in the catalogue.
I used this analogy as an unfunny joke because it sounded like Arhem had a "thing" for peach's running animation.
I think that sums it up in a nutshell. _sweat_
But why me....
BTW good job Shady U.That was a game that I wanted to get a gamecube for.But I got a PS2...Damn it.
Post by: Archem on March 29, 2006, 12:38:08 AM
Post by: Snake Eater on March 29, 2006, 03:28:43 AM
Anyways, Oblivion rocks. I have playing it (basically) non stop since it came out. I love it.
Post by: Archem on March 30, 2006, 03:00:57 AM
Worms: Open Warfare - Nintendo DS, PSP
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Turn-Based Strategy
Graphics: Although it has 3D worms, the rest of the world is still 2D. I feel disapproving of the lack of some particle effects and such. 7/10
Playability: It feels just a little bit loose, and I've noticed that it's a bit more prone to glitching than other Worms games. 8/10
Sound: Many of the hilarious voices are still there, but a few key sound effects are MIA... 8/10
Entertainment: It may be a bit lacking in some departments, but at least it still has what made Worms so great in the first place. 9/10
(Note: This game was reviewed for DS. Any differences between the PSP and DS versions are not noted. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I'm poor.)
Those crazy worms are back, and this time, they're on the DS! Yeah, they're finally back to the 2D style of gameplay, and I for one am ecstatic. This game brings a great addition to all you strategy-loving gamers, and will be fun for many others. Unfortunately, I must say it has more than its share of flaws...
Several sound, like the flames of exploded barrels (and the explosions of the barrels themselves) are absent, and the 3D worms may not have been the best choice for the game. The victory jumping that I've grown so fond of has been replaced by a choppy-at-best hop. Many weapons are lost, leaving the grand total to about 22 weapons (not a bad selection, just a bit archaic by the newer releases status), but at least they're some of the better (and more commonly used) weapons.
It seems to be lacking the missions mode, and the challenges seems to have consumed it. It retains all the fun of multiplayer, and even has the (sadly, only four worm) team editor, (only three) scheme editor, and bot-team (part of regular team) editor. Most of the information, such as wind speed and direction, turn and round time, and overall team status, is translated to the bottom screen, leaving the touch screen possibilities almost nonexistant. It seems that the touch screen open for menu operations. And only the touching of the bottom of the screen can select options and stuff. No wi-fi feels a bit like a let down, but it's fun none the less.
If you can't get enough Worms (like me), or need a fun new strategy game that can be played on the go (like me), then get this game. If not, try one of the PC or console Worms games. Might I suggest Worms: Armageddon? Despite my many problems listed, this game's still a bucket of fun. Worms games are just not one of those games that's easy to list the fun parts of. Like a good platformer. It's just inbred fun. Oh, and by-the-way: loading screen. Yeah...
7.5 out of 10
Post by: X_marks_the_ed on March 31, 2006, 03:26:54 PM
Game name: Fable: The lost Chapters
Genre: RPG
Console(s): XBOX, PC, (I think PS2 as well)
Rating: ****-
You play the role of a hero with no name. In the beginning, your town is burned to the ground and your father killed. The rest is up to the player.
This game is very unique as you can be good OR evil. You may choose to go on quests to raise money and to explore new worlds, kick chickens and rob villagers and traders, or run around in silly outfits.
If you are holy, people will respect you and sell you things for less money. You will be surrounded in joy and happiness. It will be much easier to find and/or marry a villager. If you are holy, many good things happen to you. But you are expected to keep up this attitude. If there is any slippage in your balance, you will lose trust easily.
If you choose the dark side, you will have much more fun steal items and killing the annoying little children. Money will not be a burden as you will have plenty of it. Everyone will despise you and run from you. It will be very hard to find a girlfriend, and you will be fugitive. Your appearance will be very obvious and nothing you do will hide those horns on your head.
This game is very entertaining and very worthwhile. Sometimes it can be very addicting.
TIPS
------------------------
1. If you are unholy and you feel a bit lonely, wear the Bright Will User's Robe and your attractiveness will boost at least by 500 points.
2. Stay big berserk! Hero save after using berserk, and your character will stay huge until you use the spell again.
3. To get rich quick, kill everyone in Oakvale and buy every house. Set them all to rent out. Donate money until your are holy again. After about 3 game days, the villagers will return. Collect their rent and you will be on easy street.
Graphics: ***-- Sometimes, the ground texture doesn't load.
Sound: ***** Not too repetative.
Gameplay: ***** The choice of being holy or unholy rocks!!
Story: ***-- Not very original. (Bluhman's guide to cliches.)
Post by: Archem on March 31, 2006, 09:00:21 PM
Post by: Archem on April 02, 2006, 06:23:18 PM
Kirby: Canvas Curse- Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Platformer
Graphics- Very good. I thoroughly enjoyed the bright colors and the emotive sprites. 9 out of 10.
Playability- I rarely had trouble controlling the little balls, even with a more hands-off stylus based control scheme. 9 out of 10.
Sound- All the brilliant Kirby music is expertly redone for this release, and the sound effects are as crisp as a potato chip. 9 out of 10.
Entertainment- Let's see... I played through the game with all five characters. I'd say it's great, and has plenty of replay value. 9 out of 10.
Originally, I bought this game for my little brother's birthday (June of 2005. He's a pretty big Kirby fan), and I only had passing feelings towards this game. "It's nothing but a Yoshi Touch-and-Go! clone" I thought. "It can't be that good, but at least it'll keep him out of my room for a few days." Oh boy, was I wrong! About both... sadly.
This game started off with a very Kirby-esque story: A witch named Drawcia uses her magic paintbrush to take over Dreamland, and transforms Kirby into a helpless ball. Unfortunately for her, she drops her paintbrush, and you have to use it to guide Kirby to his goal: defeating Drawcia and restoring Dreamland to its former grace. So I practiced with moving him about. Easy as pie. Except for water movement. It would seem that most characters have a high buoyancy.
The number of abilities are a bit more limited than in other Kirby titles, but they all suit a purpose. Also, beating the game unlocks new characters, all of which have unique traits, such as inbred abilities, speed, momentum, health, and Kirby's exclusive ability to copy attacks.
There are only four bosses, three of which are played as minigames (pretty fun!), and Drawcia, who has a really creepy surprise at the end. Unlike the overpriced minigame known as Yoshi Touch-and-Go!, this game is an expansive platformer filled with fun and surprises, true to every aspect of the Kirby series, just with a new control style.
Additionally, there are plenty of unlockables that can be purchased with medals found scattered throughout the world and earned through minigames. There are even the common branching paths that lead to new areas and secrets, some of which I've yet to find! And when you get to the credits, have fun seeing how many monster names you know, and how many you can knock down (tap them). I can get all of them.
I really enjoyed this funtastic (is that a word?) title, and I think that those looking for fun, but willing to try something new, will be pleasantly surprised with this gem. I give Kirby: Canvas Curse a 9 out of 10.
Post by: rush_fan on April 02, 2006, 06:38:30 PM
Post by: shadus on April 02, 2006, 07:01:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by rush_fan
archem- very good idea- it is a lot easier to trust you guys than trust gamespot
Lol.
Post by: Archem on April 02, 2006, 07:33:06 PM
Post by: Archem on June 30, 2006, 03:02:50 AM
Wow. Prob'ly the biggest topic kick in my history of being here, but, what the hell, I didn't want to start a new thread when this is already open. Sorry for the kick, but I finally have some new games to review.
Half-Life 2: Episode One - PC
ESRB Rating: Mature
First-Person Shooter
Graphics: Well, it's the newest thing from Valve, and it's using their Source engine, and they have their new HDR thing going on, but I can honestly say I've seen better. But not much better. 9/10
Playability: Plays smooth as silk, and the AI has had some drastic improvements, so everything feels just as it should. 10/10
Sound: Some of the best I've ever heard, and all the awesome voicework I've come to expect from Valve is intact. 10/10
Entertainment: Want more from the world of Half-Life, but you're running on a budget? Or mebe you want something fun to keep you entertained for a few hours? In any case, this game's great. It's one failing grace is that a few areas are a bit frustrating, but don't give up when you encounter one. 9/10
Let me start this off with a fact: I'm a fan of the Half-Life series, and an avid FPS player. Now that that's off my chest, let's get down to business.
The compelling story known in the Half-Life series ended with an abruptfinish at the end of Half-Life 2, leaving most fans hanging. Oddly enough, the G-Man seems to have lost his touch, and over Gordon Freeman seems to have been compromised. Episode One is the story of Alyx and Gordon making a desperate attempt to escape from the insidious City 17 before the central Citadel explodes.
Most of the time, Alyx is your companin, going where you go, fighting and cooperating with you as you fight more headcrabs, zombies, and Combine soldiers. During the trip, you'll only separate from her for about twenty minutes, all told, so don't expect to feel alone anymore. Since she would be with you the whole time, her AI had to be overhauled to the point where she felt like a human, or at least an extremely competent bot. Due to a clever mix of AI and scripted events, she does almost anything you can do, and more.
Although this $20 trip only lasts a few hours (the average playtime is around 5 hours), but has enough replay value to keep you coming back for more. And in case you uninstalled Half-Life 2, or just never bought it, it works as a stand-alone product. It's also packaged with Half-Life Deathmatch: Source (the Half-Life 1 multiplayer, but with a physics engine) and Half-Life 2 Deathmatch.
This is another example of Valve's gameplay genious and brilliant story telling. Want an awesome single-player experience? Pick this game up. Want some kick-awesome multiplayer to waste the rest of your life playing? Grab this. You want to piss me off? Then don't get this game. But why would you deprive yourself just to make me mad? That's just stupid.
Half-Life 2: Episode One gets a 9 out of 10.
I was waiting for DarkFlood to do a review, but he waited too long, so here it is. Once again, sorry for the kick. I'm planning to do some more in the near future. Next One up: New Super Mario Brothers.
Post by: Drace on June 30, 2006, 05:23:53 AM
Post by: Archem on June 30, 2006, 05:15:02 PM
Post by: Drace on June 30, 2006, 10:53:39 PM
Shadow of Rome
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Action/Stealth
Platform: Playstation 2
Release date: Feb. 2005
Number of players: 1
ESRB Rating: Mature
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Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Storyline: 7/10
Multiplayer: N/A
Replay Value: 10/10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEW
Shadow of Rome is a game to remember. Not only because it's one of the best action games of the year, but also because it's one of the few games which feature Roman Gladiatorial battles.
The story is simple in the beginning with Caesar being murdered. But later on you'll find out that the story unwraps itselfs in conspiracy after conspiracy. Your main character is Agrippa, a big Roman soldier who's fighting against the Barbarians. After destroying the camp, of course with lots of other Romans fighting at your side, and defeating and capturing the bear-sized leader Barca, you return home. But when you walk into the city of Rome, your friend Octavianus runs towards you, telling you that Caesar is murdered and the suspect is none other than your father. His punishment, being murdered by the winner of the Gladiatorial games which honor Caesar. The two seperate. Agrippa becoming a Gladiator to save his father's life. Octavianus finds it a better way to reveal the truth and goes in search of it.
Thus the gameplay splits in two. Agrippa's part being filled with action and Octavianus' part being filled with stealth. As Agrippa you'll fight through the battles, using every weapon you can, breaking every bone, slicing of every arm, decapitating, cutting in half, pleasing the crowd, using bow and arrow, setting people on flame... well, there are hundreds of ways to hurt or kill your oponents. As Octavianus you'll try to evade battle. And if you get spotted, you'll have to run and hide.
The graphics, beautifull. Seeing your oponent walking around with those two arms you broke or sliced of is awesome. Or try cutting him in half, you'll love it. Well, do we have a clean arena? Of course not! It's filled with blood and body parts! The weapons look awesome too.
The sound is great. Great music that fits in perfectly. Endless shouts of pain, the roaring crowd. Just imagine a Gladiatorial battle or watch the movie Gladiator.
Replaying the game is 99% likely. Not only to replay those great battles(they have a mode to just replay those battles for points) but also to collect enough points for extras, secrets and cheats. No mather if you give this game a 10 or a 6, you'll replay it. At least I did to cut up some more people.
Sadly, there's no mutliplayer option and there's no way to cut of legs. The Stealth missions are mostly fillers, irritating and boring till you get to the parts that count.
The pros: Great gladiatorial battles. Great sound. Great graphics. Hundreds of ways to hurt or kill your oponent. Great story. Lots of plot twists.
The cons: Dumb A.I. while playing as Octavianus. Stealth mode is more of a filler, irritating and boring. No multiplayer option. Can't cut of the legs(maybe an option in a sequel )
Conclusion: A must-play, even if you hate Gladiatorial battles and ancient Rome.
Overal score: 8/10
Post by: Archem on June 30, 2006, 11:55:44 PM
Post by: Meiscool-2 on July 01, 2006, 12:30:52 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Drace
The score of Gamespot.com on Killzone should be burned. I like the game very. I would review it, but I haven't finished it yet.
Killzone was pretty good. I never completed it, but I liked the features with the gun movement.
A: You could see your damn hands, so it was real first person instead of a camera in the chest.
B: You shook when you got hit.
C: Very "Unreal Turny" style weapons, which is gewd.
Post by: Archem on July 01, 2006, 05:35:36 PM
Post by: Tomi on July 01, 2006, 07:29:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archem2
Good review, but I'm curious. Who or what is "SS"?
Star-scape :D
Post by: Archem on July 01, 2006, 08:13:08 PM
New Super Mario Bros. - Nintendo DS
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Platformer
Graphics: The entire world is just as you'd expect it to be; that is, 2D. But much to my delight, the enemies and characters are all in stunningly detailed 3D, just for eye-candy. 9/10
Playability: Everything has been tweaked from your last outing with Mario, so now he can stop on a dime, make picture-perfect leaps, and perform all his trademark moves with ease. 9/10
Sound: As with always, the classic Mario-style has made a return. Sadly, although they're good, the songs are somewhat less memorable than I would like.
Entertainment: Remember what got you into gaming? Mario. And if not Mario, then you aren't really into games yet. Well, it's all of what you remember, and more. Best Mario game in my book. 10/10
Ah, the glory days of Mario, when console gaming was just taking off, when simple thrills could keep you glued to your tv all day. Don't you wish there was a game nowadays that could do the same? Well there is. And, unsurprisingly, it's the same game that did it the first time around!
New Super Mario Bros. is the game to own for all you handheld gamers out there! Twenty years have come and gone, yet this iconic jumpman hasn't lost a step! Jumping is as simple as you can imagine, yet as complex as you want it to be, now that Mario has brought over his ground pound and his wall jumps, leading to endless hours of exploration, close saves, and awesome moves. The same old story is set up for you: Princess Peach is kidnapped by Bowser Jr. while Mario go to investigate a fire at the castle, so you have to lead him on his next adventure, with interesting twists and turns all around, waiting for you to discover them.
The level design is everything you could hope for: tedious jumping, Bullet Bills flying every whichway, fun new bosses, innovative new tricks like ropes and giant mushroom platforms, coins, and secrets in almost every level! I doubt that many people can find all the secrets to each level in just one go, but the challenge is always ther for you to try again at your leisure!
The high-flying new features include everything from spinny jump pads (which make you spin about like a helicopter for a while) to new foes and topsy-turvey rotating levels! Expect the unexpected when you pick up this game, and don't be afraid to feel humbled when you fail to meet a challenge that you thought was beneath you, that's just the charm of the series.
This is a tough review to type up, since not too many new things have been added, but that's possibly the best part! And if you've had your fill with single-player (I doubt that'll happen for a while, though), there's also a whole host of minigames available to play alone or with up to for friends... Off of just one game cartridge! And there's also a head-to-head versus mode where two players can make runs through single-player maps to see who can collect all three stars first!
All told, this game's a bit on the short side (you can go from start to princess in a few hours if you're good and can find enough shortcuts), but there's still plenty to explore and discover after you've beaten the game, such as finding all the Star Coins and finding every secret level! New Super Mario Bros. is the number one reason to get a Nintendo DS, and if you already have one, it's the number one reason to be glad you bought a DS. I give this game a 9/10.
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
To play as Luigi, hold L and R while selecting a file to play on.
It is very possible to skip worlds 4 and 7; I still haven't found them!
Despite the fact that they make you extremely vulnerable, Mini-Mushrooms should be held onto, as any small pipe can be used when small, and most contain secrets or unlock hidden levels.
Don't use an Item House Or a Mega Mushroom House unless you have an empty item slot, or else your new item will be wasted.
Don't rush to a Mushroom House, save them for when you need to save the game or when you need an item.
Coins can be collected by kicking turtle shells at them.
Hold down while doing a ground pound to continue your ground pound, as only tapping down will make you fall, then get back up immediately. By using this trick, you can get all the coins in a multi-coin block, as well as a mushroom.
SPOILERS END HERE!!!