Review: Prototype

Developer(s) ‎ Radical Entertainment ‎


Publisher(s) ‎ Activision ‎


‎‎Engine ‎ Titanium


Platform ‎ Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (reviewing on Xbox 360)‎

Release date ‎ PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 ‎


June 2009‎


‎‎Genre(s) ‎ Action-adventure, Third person, Open world


Mode(s) ‎ Single-player ‎


Rating(s) ‎ ESRB: M


               OFLC: MA 15+‎


               PEGI: 18+‎



Personally, I am not a big fan of open-world game. I do have standards of game ‎selection and this genre isn’t my cup of tea until I hear about this game and the ‎other one which I will make a review very soon once I tasted enough fleva for the ‎feva of “inFamous”. This gave me game me a different feel of open world game ‎since it’s gory, bloody and a mind-blowing moves of the character. Like from a ‎well known similar game (grand theft auto) missions scattered throughout the ‎area and at some point will give you choice weather you’ll be a hero or a badass ‎mother “beep!”. Excuse my French… but this little man’s abilities makes him an ‎upside down (not to mention crazy) protagonist. Who would think that you can ‎travel so fast, glide, crazy melee attacks and disguising other’s flesh and clothes ‎for some stealthy missions? Sound cool and made me think that this will be a ‎one bad ass game of the year (2009). Who am I kidding? Lets just review this ‎one and find out if it can live up to most of the gamer’s expectations.‎






Presentation:‎


It’s bloody, its gory, and engaging just to know what the heck is going on around ‎the guy and what made him into a biological killer. However, the presentation ‎was killed by another factor of the game that dramatically deprive from our high ‎expectations. Although storyline is ranged from nice-to-good but not grown ‎breaking as other good games that came at the same year so its safe on this ‎part.‎


Score:‎ ‎ ‎ ‎8.5/10‎






Graphics:‎


Surprisingly, it looked more like a high-end PS2 graphics, but I do salute the fast ‎phased actions it has although I really wish that they worked more on it than ‎releasing it on time. ‎


Score:‎ ‎ ‎ ‎8/10‎






Gameplay:‎


This hurts my nuts so bad, after I invested hours of gameplay I finally gave one ‎word description of the game. “Repetitive” as simple as that. Sure its cool running ‎around the place and strike a pose with your small-but-terrible maneuvers but ‎hey, it gets too boring and it warns me off so fast not to mention the feeling that ‎you’ll be doing something similar missions that makes me say like “urgh! Again? ‎Didn’t I just did something similar before?”. Leveling up is one good thing with so ‎many choices to make but it gave a crack to me when I discovered that you’ll just ‎repeat the same “1 2 3 combo” over and over to the enemies till they’re down or ‎even till you end the game. The least thing that keeps the game alive is the story. ‎Whenever you consume a certain person or an enemy, you’ll discover a short ‎clips of their memories that will lead you to solve the mysteries but really, you’ll ‎get that “repetitive” feeling sooner than later. ‎


Score:‎ ‎7.5/10‎






Audio:‎


At most times of the game, the voice acting was well delivered and effects were ‎okay. The voice acting and effect during animation was impressive enough to ‎capture your attention to know more about the plot. So the audio was good-to-‎great but not enough to cover up their gamepaly flops. ‎


Score:‎ ‎8.5/10‎






Overall:‎

Repetitive is the word of this game. It looks and feels badass but they failed to ‎keep your motivation at the high level by giving you same old missions and same ‎old killing combos over and over again. This game is for rent/borrowing and not ‎for keeps. Not enough power to dominate GTA for sure but I do hope that ‎whenever or if they ever make another one I would not mind to have it another ‎look. ‎


Score ‎ ‎8/10‎






Pro(s)‎


Badass killing moves, abilities and insane roaming ability


Interesting storyline


Bloody and gory


Nice stealth mission


‎ ‎


Con(s)‎


Repetitive will bore you


So many similar missions


~Mookie-Mookie~So many good abilities but the killing procedures are down to repetitive‎

Review: Dead Space

Developer(s) ‎ EA Redwood Shores

Publisher(s) ‎ Electronic Arts
‎ ‎
Engine ‎ Godfather game engine

Platform ‎ Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (reviewing on Xbox 360)‎

Release date ‎ October 2008‎
‎ ‎
Genre(s) ‎ Survival Horror, Third Person Shooting (TPS)‎

Mode(s) ‎ Single-player ‎

Rating(s) ‎ BBFC: 18‎
ESRB: M
OFLC: MA15+‎
PEGI: 18+‎
USK 18‎
‎ ‎
Wow! A brand new year and a brand new decade to start. I have been away from ‎my blog for a little too long. Luckily, I took my time heading back to my old ‎purchased games from last year (not to mention I haven’t finished them most so I ‎had to head back). But even at the final day of 2009 (after watching Dead Space: ‎Downfall) I went out and bought me two old games Dead Space and Gears of ‎War. I know it’s a little late but I had to buy them both for a good price and all ‎thanks to Mr. Habib at Eagle Software in Shola Mall. “So in 2010 I am officially ‎open to horror games and movies”‎

Survival horror game isn’t new for us. Two well known titles were Resident Evil ‎and Silent Hill and both franchise made a name and kept their diehard fans ‎happy and satisfied (well at least most of them if not). Moreover, up until now ‎both franchises are still making new titles. In 2008, a new title was release from ‎an unexpected company and that was EA (Electronic Arts). As far as I noticed ‎from that year, EA released two interesting titles that I have never seen before ‎from them (the other one was Mirror’s Edge but that’s a different story). ‎

But since this is another review article, I mind as well talk about it so here we ‎go…‎

Presentation:‎
Before the release, EA launched Comics and a site specialized for the game. A ‎very intriguing and moving presentation that left me puzzled with “oh s@#t!” or ‎‎“WTH is going on?” moments. When I finally got a hold of the game, I had to say ‎that it wasn’t bad but could have been better (harsh am I not?). Surely, I salute ‎the sounds and surprising attacks of the uglies but the run-in-the-mill plot and ‎missions deprived the thrill a bit and left me bored by doing almost the same old ‎tasks over and over. Environment was very well crafted and original for a ‎repulsive horror-in-space piece. ‎
Score:‎ ‎ ‎ ‎8/10‎

Graphics:‎
Before the release, EA launched Comics and a site specialized for the game. A ‎very intriguing and moving presentation that left me puzzled with “oh s@#t!” or ‎‎“WTH is going on?” moments. ‎
Score:‎ ‎ ‎ ‎9/10‎

Gameplay:‎
New things caught my attention like activating the menus, I’m used to take my ‎time browsing the menus. For me it’s the same as pausing the game. But DS ‎develop something which is browsing them without pausing. Pretty neat and ‎challenging at the same time, so whenever I brows I have to make sure to do it in ‎a safe place or fast (like healing). In weapons, there are no best weapons in the ‎game. Each of them is useful in certain situations, so it matters depending on ‎how you use and upgrade them. Not much puzzles to solve though but the zero ‎gravity gameply was fun leap from one place to the other and also short space ‎battles…you can’t seem to hear them scram in space (I guess they borrowed the ‎theory of the saying “in space, no one can hear you scream”). Controls were ‎responsive (compared from another TPS I tried “Ghost Recon: Advance ‎Warefare 2 which was horrible). The theme isn’t new but the concept was a little ‎different yet stirs a different direction. ‎
Score:‎ ‎9/10‎

Characters:‎
Well, they’re limited and easy get acquainted though well phased voice acting is ‎well delivered.‎
Score:‎ ‎9/10‎

Overall:‎
This is something new to me. Gameplay hour was worth its price. Just like RE ‎and Silent Hill franchise, I would like to have a new franchise like Dead Space to ‎include on the list. ‎
Score ‎ ‎9/10‎

Pro(s)‎
Character and the environments is well delivered.‎
Sounds really made a great horror feeling.‎
Weapons and its features are interesting (I wonder if they cane make a ‎multiplayer battle using these weapons in the future…cool!!).‎
Zero-G is fun.‎

Con(s)‎
Missions tend to get a little repetitive in an odd way.‎
Not as innovative in plot-making and storytelling as I hoped for. ‎
Predictable plot. ‎

Good Hunting Guys!

~Mookie-Mookie

My 2010 XBOX 360 GAMES (including whish lists)

The year 2009 is near to a close and 2010 has several upcoming titles to come out in line. I gathered up some of my picks with my personal comments and here they are:


Mass Effect 2 Release date Jan 2010
The kickoff can’t get any better than a sequel from an award winning Action/RPG game. I tried the 1st part and liked it. My anticipation for the sequel is fair and hopeful to break the ice while it’s the 1st month of year.



Bioshock 2 Release date Feb 2010
I played the 1st and I enjoyed a different experience of FPS gameplay in a different twist and RPG elements. One of my anticipated title of 2010.



Dante’s Inferno Release date Feb 2010
Devil may cry titles were inspired by the book. Therefore, I will not take a second chance on getting this game. The novel book has imaginative and twisted vision of “Hell” itself but it is entertaining despite the entire sensitive spiritual context in it.



Final Fantasy 13 Release date Mar 2010
As a die hard fan of FF7. I should give this one a try (like I always do from the previous title except FF 11 online). Positive reviews are everywhere, so my choice still stand as FF7 is still my number one FF game. But we’ll see…



Gears of War 3 Release date Q4 2010
This franchise was one of the Major reason why I bought XBOX 360, tried the 1st and 2nd titles and I was content. Now I have to wait and hope it will release with another BANG! (Exited even though there’s no release date yet).



Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 Release date Unannounced
The 1st one is one of my GOTY 2009. the announcement came out as a teaser and wow it’s a direct sequel and the fizz of all the issue was Arkham has moved? Where? Just take a look at the trailer.



Metro 2033 Release date Mar/Apr 2010
This might work. A new title entry with the somewhat similar concept of “F.E.A.R.” but based in Russia. I better take a closer look at this and hope for the best.



Alan Wake Release date Q2 2010
This has been in production for a very long time. Trailers are making me want to know what the heck is going on at Alan’s world.



Brink Release date Q4 2010
Imagine “Mirror’s Edge” with guns. With a co-op and multiplayer features, I’m pretty sure it’s a promising title (so far).

Aliens vs. Predator Release date Feb. 2010
Dose my eyes deceived me? I heard the last news that it will be out around Feb 2010. well anyway I’m a sucker of AVP franchise and sadly I never got the chance to try their old AVP FPS game before. Maybe its just me but I really love the concept of AVP.

Medal of Honor: (new title) Release date Unannounced
A contender for MW? Why not? I’m keeping my doors open for MOH now that they moved to a modern setting. Lets face it, Call of duty was inspired from MOH.

Well to wrap things up. It’s been a nice ride for 2009 and for other future games that I will mention will only mean that they just came after I posted this article. I’m hopeful for the undetermined future games and all the best to the ones that will release for 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL GAMERS OUT THERE!!!

Cheers!!!

Mookie~Mookie

Review: Fallout 3: Game of the year edition

Developer(s) Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks & ZeniMax Media

Engine Gamebryo

Platform Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (reviewing on Xbox 360)

Release date PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
October 2008

Genre(s) Action role-playing

Mode(s) Single-player

Rating(s) BBFC: 18
CERO: Z (18+)
ESRB: M
OFLC: R16
OFLC: MA15+
PEGI: 18+

It’s December and finally I came to close my game lists of year 2009. my long awaited game has been put to rest for now and I felt like getting me another “award winning” game (or so they speak) just to have a look of what’s the fuss was all about. Luckily, I bought Mass Effect for 50 SR (13.33 $) which wasn’t bad (review will be posted separately for it) and Fallout 3: Game of the year edition.

Both were special in their own ways but I have to focus on the Fallout 3 since that’s what written on the main title.

I was skeptical at first because I wasn’t really a fan of Elder Scrolls 3 and I blew and sucked big time.

So after playing this baby (played 15 hours straight during Eid Al-Adha Holiday), I should make a review about it just to share my love and respect of the 2008’s RPG game of year (was beaten by MGS4 as game of year but I’m an MGS fan).

Presentation:
This one really fooled me right when I first checked the main menu and thought of cheesy music of 50s; but I was so wrong from picturing it that way. I never would imagine how twisted it was. I mean can a post apocalyptic could ever get anymore dreadful than this? A brief story will explain how it became like this. After a nuclear bomb explosion, the United States of America became a Capital Wasteland, but some limited people was taken shelter called “the vaults” the hero/heroine resides on Vault 101 and as the child grew up, he/she escaped from the Vault searching for his/her father’s whereabouts and the reason why he left the Vault 101. It really is engaging storyline to it and as you progress in search for your father, you’ll encounter many side quests as optional tasks. Yeah, those side quests really dragged me to push it to the limit and put my a** on the chair for hours! To make the long story short, presentation was nicely enough for me to invest the other day for a 15-hour straight gameplay (no rest and some people I know had days playing it!). Sounds and visuals gave a definite impact and sometimes terrifying on what lurks ahead.
Score: 9.0/10

Gameplay:
Character creation comes first and while your still at Vault 101, you’ll be given a chance to carefully create your ideal hero/heroine and stats for survival. For those who think Fallout 3 is a fulltime FPS/TPS game, please do not expect it to come highly to that category, mainly its more an RPG than a shooter. Although you are required to use any means necessary to defend yourself from the outside world of The Capital Wasteland and that includes using weapons. Weapons on the other hand were from familiar firearms, home made, advanced and weird but deadly; all are present at your disposal and can be use on special occasions depending on your style. While venturing the world you’ll get a chance to talk to interact with them and some may give you helpful information or main/side quests. Karma system is one of the game’s features that will determine your balance of good/evil nature; so Karma is what we really think it is as common Karma and it will determine on what type of ending you will get at the end of the campaign. As you level up, just like any other RPG I played, you’ll get perks and its up to you where to put that points just to improve your survival skill in the world. The cool thing to add while on battle was the V.A.T.S. (also known as the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System); by activating it, you’ll get a chance on where to hit your enemy and what are the effects and chances to get a successful hit or a one hit kill if lucky. Systematically cool to watch in bullet time and at the same time gruesome sometimes when you’re killing a human target (the other day I blasted a ghoul’s head and saw jaw and eye balls flying off in bullet time….O_o). it’s really controversial and not really for everyone to see so keep it away from the eyes of those who’s not into violence. There are almost limitless possibilities by customizing your player and tons of places to explore in the capital wasteland and to add the expansions really add many things to do. So there’s lots of things to do that kind of letting you say “just one more quest and I’m done for today” but ended up playing another hour.
Score: 9.5/10

Characters:
They’re all well crafted. Voice acting is superb that sometime makes you remember them throughout the game. But I was shocked when a kid cursed by using the “F” word on me, but not really a big deal, maybe I’m not used to hear kids saying those stuffs but it’s all good.
Score: 9/10

Overall:
Whoa! Just like that. However, I really s**t you not that this is a very long game and replayability is high. I never would have thought I’d get hooked in a game like this and I’m glad that I finally stashed it in my “best games of Xbox 360” collections. It won’t please everyone including to the hardcore FPS/TPS fans but it’s an open invitation to all gamers. Weather you’re in RPG or FPS/TPS action or a collector like me. Fallout 3 is a gem and deserves to recognize in history and many years to come for RPG lovers.
Score 9/10

Pro(s)
Character graphics is the weakest link of this game but the environments were in a different curve.
Sounds really keep you terrified whenever you lurk in a dark area.
Very high rate of replayability.
Anything is possible for customization your way of playing the game
Get ready to invest countless hours in this game including the expansions.

Con(s)
Character graphics.
Inventory limits (I carry a lot of loot in my back because i tend to head back after a very long quests but wth, its my opinion)
Addictive (two genre in one game, what could possibly go wrong?)

---Mookie-Mookie