Reviews by ROKET
85
Superb Follow-Up to Rome
ROKET | May 12, 2013 | Review of Medieval II: Total WarRome TW was limited by the technology of the day. It lacked a bit in the graphics department and battles could become repetitive after a while with difficulty soaring in some situations. It need a bit more variety and a bit more scale and thats where Medieval TW came in.
Gameplay: The game plays very similar to that of Rome. You get an RTS TBS hybrid game with a large campaign map and glorious real time battles. There are a few new features and the scale of battles have been tweaked with larger variety in land geometry and AI.
Presentation: The setting provided for one lush environment to play it. The updated graphics really gave you a sense of immersion and it was a true sight to behold watching your huge armies glinting in the sun as they marched forward into battle. You also got a bunch of new siege weapons and that provided for even more fun.
Overall great game.
90
Best in the Series
ROKET | May 11, 2013 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the SamuraiShogun 2 was the first time I was able to play a TW campaign to the end. I lost, of course, but didnt regret getting there. I looked forward to starting Fall of the Samurai and when I did I found a game that reflected CAs best. The series had finally grown to include everything it was supposed to have and provided a gameplay experience that was solid.
Gameplay:
As you know, this is a stand alone game and still includes Total War's signature RTS and TBS hybrid elements. This time around you get a plethora of new units, buildings and missions. The gameplay is streamlined and relatively faster than other campaigns. You take either the Pro Emperor or Pro Shogunate side and fight your way to dominance. Gone are the needs for specific regions besides the capital to win and this time around allies are very useful and helpful. You get the feeling that a huge struggle is underway and you must pull your own weight. Naval dominance is extremely important and you constantly have to battle with your people to maintain order. Modernization just sucks. lol.
Presentation: This game is very well optimized and I had no problems running the game. Its also the best looking and while some in games settings are crappy and require outside tweaking I still had a good time. Nothing beats the glint of iron shining off of your ironclads and nothing feels as good as seeing your riflemen pepper the enemy in distinct explosive volleys. I love it. The new units and buildings are great and CA tried hard to add variety this time around in terms of battles.
Overall I really liked this game and it felt very refined:
90/100
90
The Reason for Building my First Computer
ROKET | May 11, 2013 | Review of Rome: Total WarThis game is the reason why I built my first computer. I hadnt played an RTS game in a long time and had never played a TBS game before either. All I knew whats that you could mass and command huge armies and that it was one hell of a game for war.
CA had only created Shogun and Medieval TW before making this game but had none the less built a reputation as one of the best RTS TBS hybrid games.
Gameplay: As mentioned above the game is a hybrid with both RTS and TBS elements. You play the campaign using a Civ style campaign map and can play out battles in real time using the games RTS engine. Within those battles you can pit thousands of men against one another. Pure epic. There were 2 types of battles: open plain head to head battles and then the siege type battles. There was also a nice variety in units ranging from normal infantry to ranged archers and catapults. It was amazing.
Presentation: for its time Rome was one of the best RTS games out there and featured some of the best war sounds Ive heard in games. There was nothing like hundreds of men charging into raised shields and watching the battle play out.
I was never any good at the game and never managed to beat a campaign but loved it all the same. The history and the scale made it wonderful and it was truely a labor of love from CA. Hopefully Rome 2 will be even better.
90/100
60
Wasnt the Greatest, Even in its Day
ROKET | April 27, 2013 | Review of Evil GeniusI played this game a long time ago - back when all I cared for was OWNING games and even then I didnt like it.
Gameplay:
The gameplay was very clunky. From positioning rooms to the UI you got a game that made no effort to help the user. It also didnt help that the premise for the game was terrible and gameplay didnt vary much between characters.
Presentation:
The game was...err...ugly. To say the least. It was nice to have in 3D and sure textures were glossy but the animations and overall look of the game was very bland and not very pleasant to look at.
Conclusion:
If you want to waste money, buy the game. If you want a good dungeonesque builder game, look elsewhere.
80
Better Than the First With Missed Opportunities
ROKET | April 27, 2013 | Review of Darksiders III preordered this game from GMG. I was excited and ready to continue the story of the 4 Horsemen. Darksiders 2 boasted better graphics, refined systems, the same great combat, and LOOT. Everything seemed very promising - until I started to play.
Story:
The story isnt as involved as before. Your quest to clear War takes you through multiple settings, has you interact with multiple different characters, and takes you on an action packed ride that is satisfying to play. The only problem is that you dont care for...anything. None of the characters grow and none of them really interest you as you discover them. You do as you like in the end (as Death) and never really do anything for anyone.
Gameplay:
Its no secret that this game borrows a ton of gameplay for a few different games. I wont name them but you will see when you play. It isnt a bad thing - as its hard to be original in this industry - but there are a lot of things that could have been done differently. The first and most annoying thing is BACKTRACKING - I really hated having to go through some places more than once. The pace of the game is also variable and you arent always told whats going on. Puzzles are sometimes really irritating and time consuming.
The action combat is great, however, and really does the series justice. You also get a bunch of gadgets - however useless some may be - and also get a plentiful loot system that produces nice upgrades over time. Possessed weapons are also awesome and really make you feel powerful.
Presentation:
Do yourself a favor and use SweetFX. Turn of SSAO and AA in game first and apply SweetFX. Its awesome. The textures and overall look of the game are lower resolution BUT with SweetFX the game looks freaking great.
The story and dialogue are presented in a lackluster way to be honest but the voice acting isnt bad. The first two zones are great but the first one really takes the cake in its beauty and scale. I really loved the first zone and the enemies within.
Conclusion:
The game IS better than the first game with less clunk and tons of action along with better gameplay but the game drags on and on with very little increase in pace and with a story that gets lost alongside dozens of kill quests. The scale of this game is far greater than the first but to its own detriment. It really should have consolidated a bit or worked harder to keep the world alive.
90
LOVE This Game!
ROKET | April 2, 2013 | Review of Chivalry: Medieval Warfare PREI dont know about everyone else but this game is awesome. I have yet to find a game with more responsive and satisfying controls and melee combat. Its just great.
The game is broken into a few different modes. The most common are Team Deathmatch or Team Objective modes. In TDM you flat out just kill each other in wonderful grizzly combat. In TO mode you are given a task and have to carry those tasks out while also pushing back the enemy forces.
The player can also choose from 4 different classes who in turn can choose from about 3 different weapon styles that are also broken into different types. As you get kills you unlock different and arguably better weapons and lord is it satisfying.
The visuals are also great. Armor metal looks amazing and the environments and outfits really give you a good sense of atmosphere. The effects are also really nice from great sound to sparks when weapons clash. You also feel the force behind your weapons and that only adds to the satisfaction.
The game is currently populated well and grows with every sale. You can always find a good server and connection issues are few. Buy this game - you wont be disappointed. :D
90/100
90
Huge and Beautiful
ROKET | April 2, 2013 | Review of Battlefield 3™: Armored Kill (NA)This pack really mixed things up. Not only did DICE provide a pack that really contrasted its CQ pack but also provided BF3 players with an homage to BF games of the past.
For this pack you got 4 new maps a bunch of new vehicles. Most notably you got the tank destroyer, artillery, and AC130 Gunship! You also got 4 massive new maps with the map Bandar Desert being the largest. I thoroughly love playing on Bandar Desert and nothing beats the opening game rush as half a dozen tanks and two to three helis blaze out onto the map. Really feels like a full on war for supremacy. The artillery is awesome as well with long range and very effective attacks. The tank destroyers are wonderfully fast and Im not kidding when I say you NEED a vehicle to be effective on this map.
Aside from all that you also have the gunship. Its on rails but you get to control the weapons and man is that fun. You either control a big cannon or Havok style gunner that is good for rapidly delivering shells to a target.
Overall loved this pack.
90/100
75
Decent Though Not as Exciting
ROKET | April 2, 2013 | Review of Battlefield 3: End Game (NA)I didnt know what to expect with this expansion. The new maps looked okay but didnt differ much from the look of other maps in other packs. I liked the new vehicles and I liked the new modes but it didnt suck me back in like the Aftermath expansion pack.
You get 4 new maps spread across 4 different climate back drops and around 3 new vehicles to go with the new game modes. Capture the flag is back but I dont know if its as popular as DICE had hoped. We all know that BF became all about the rush and conquest modes but Im not complaining.
I cant say I enjoyed this pack nearly as much as the first 4 and thats kind of disappointing. I would have liked a few new weapons and more incentive to dirt bike my way across the long maps.
You cant say DICE didnt try and the easter eggs are fun but lord did they need to mix it up a bit more if they really wanted to finish up BF3 with a bang.
75/100
90
Great Addon
ROKET | April 2, 2013 | Review of Battlefield 3: Aftermath (NA)I dont know about everyone else but I thoroughly enjoyed the first two expansion packs to this game. I got new guns, I got new vehicles and quite a few great new maps.
When I saw Aftermath I got even more excited. I didnt know what to expect but the game looked very different compared to the expansions before. The color scheme was different, the environments behaved differently and the maps were just right in size.
You get 4 maps - as Im sure you would expect - and a few new vehicles. You also gained access to the XBOW and a few new game modes. My favorite new game mode to date is definitely the Scavenger mode they introed through this expansion and the XBOW is a delight if you get good at it.
The maps were also very different and enjoyable. The grizzly urban combat in this pack along with the bright yellows of the middle eastern cities make for one hell of a combat zone and I love it.
90/100
80
A TBS RPG
ROKET | April 1, 2013 | Review of King's Bounty: The LegendI want to start by saying this game is crazy hard. I couldnt to save my life progress or earn enough cash to consistently move forward in the game and while I did have fun and loved the exploration and combat - I still felt the difficulty could have been trimmed a tad.
Story: I cant say the story is very important in the game and while it IS there and you do get some voice work and a main quest - it all gets lost as you go through the world and game. Not exactly the high point.
Gameplay: Most of you time will be spent exploring the map with your main character saddled on a horse and galloping across the fantasy land the game is set in. You encounter hostile creatures and find different bits of treasure as you explore and there is definitely a sense of tension as you try to pic and choose your battles. The TBS chess like combat segments are fun but again - I have to elaborate on how difficult the game can be. The AI is ruthless and most stacks still receive a good beating after each battle.
Presentation: The game is pretty and stylized. You dont have spectacular detail or massive maps but you do get crisp character models and pleasant cartoonish graphics that give you something relaxing to look at as you explore.
Overall the game is alright but very hard. Also - it has a really hard time running on Windows 7.
80/100
85
Good After a While
ROKET | March 31, 2013 | Review of Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the YearThis game took me forever to finish. I liked it at first but then took a break after losing a bit of interest. Months and months later I went back and forced myself to play and finish it and man was I very pleased with the outcome.
Story: The story here is actually pretty good. You get introduced to many familiar characters and over time build a sense of care for the different characters. The game does well to make sure no character is overbearing and fits well into the small spaces of Arkham Asylum.
Gameplay: The gameplay and animations have a tendency of being ridged from time to time but no other game has had a more solid hand to hand combat system. It was satisfying and you really got a sense of force behind your attacks. You also get a nice variety of gadgets and while some gameplay can be limited and repeated the game did well to mix things up when necessary. You also get a variety of nice upgrades to choose from.
Presentation: The game was very good looking for its time. I liked the voice acting and liked the visual presentation but wasnt blown away. I cant complain about the presentation much and it was great for a hero game like this.
An okay 85/100
85
Better Than the First
ROKET | March 31, 2013 | Review of Batman Arkham City: Game of the YearI want to start by saying that this game was really good. It is very well the best Batman game or hero game ever made and RockSteady did well.
Story: Believe it or not I think that this is the weakest part of the game. As you play through the story really starts to get lost in the city and everything slows down. The sense of urgency really starts to decay at times and while it was still good - you still didnt feel like you were doing anything important in the end.
Gameplay: I have yet to play an action game that feels as good as this game. The combat is spectacular and nothing beats thrashing through a massive group of enemies with nothing but your fists. The DLC you get with this game also gives you access to 3 or so other characters that you can use in arena style horde modes and man...such a satisfying mode to play. Nightwing is one hell of a fighter and Robin is freakin ruthless.
Presentaiton: This game has frame rate issues if you want to run it at max-ish settings. I have a great system and an overclocked processor and still the game had annoying frame rate issues. I couldnt understand it. Aside from that the voice acting is great and the game is actually quite beautiful.
An okay 85/100
95
Spectacular
ROKET | March 31, 2013 | Review of The Witcher II: Assassins of Kings Enhanced EditionI bought this game knowing it had not only been improved but also that it was one of the best RPGs every made. It took a long time for me to get to the game and even longer for me to take the time out to finish it but never have I been so engrossed and pleased with a game like this - it was literally the best thing I played during all of 2012.
Story: The story in the Witcher 2 is nothing short of wonderful. Its deep, its clever, and its engrossing. The nonlinear build and branching conversations make for one hell of a ride and ensure that you play entirely your way. The game is broken into 3 Acts and is paced with the gamer in mind. The first Act introduces you to all of the games mechanics and provides a detailed introduction to the story. The story is also very grizzly and isnt afraid to throw a curveball or two just to keep you on your toes. Its wonderful. It gave new meaning to the RPG for me.
Gameplay: You'll notice right away that the game plays a bit different from the first one. You dont have the click timed attacks of the first game but instead gain a sort of intensity as you attack. The game feels more like an action game than before and you feel several times more mobile than you did before. You also have a new skill tree and a slightly different alchemy and crafting system. I really liked it and found the game to be very nice and challenging.
Presentation: The game is GORGEOUS. I cannot emphasis this enough. Its beautiful and runs wonderfully. Get SweetFX loaded and bam...theres nothing like it. It also runs more smoothly with SweetFX installed. Some complain about the number of cutscenes in the game but I dont know how else you could have delivered such a good story. I really liked the cutscenes and all or most were rendered in-engine. You also have SPECTACULAR voice acting.
The game is currently in version 3.4 or so and it shows. CDProjekt Red really did well by its fans. Theres nothing like this game anywhere. Its beautiful and I really learned to love all the characters.
95/100
90
Blew My Mind
ROKET | March 28, 2013 | Review of GRIDWhen I first saw this game I was enthralled. I couldnt believe how much they packed into the game and was instantly hooked. The game featured a damage system, realistic physics, an intense racing experience and multiple disciplines to experience. There was also a ton of cars and a nice involved campaign that challenged you to make your way up from rookie to expert.
Graphically the game is amazing and immerses you immediately. The car models are amazing and so are the tracks. I loved the screech of the tires and the sway of the camera as you rip around a turn. Its such a great experience and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a game that isnt a total sim but isnt a total arcade game either. I see GRID as a great middle ground racer that you can just have fun with.
75
Good but Felt Off
ROKET | March 28, 2013 | Review of DiRT 2When I first played this game I was expecting an awesome new addition to the sparse rally racing game scene. It was alright and the game was gorgeous but when I started driving I didnt get as much enjoyment as I expected. The cars handled oddly and the sense of speed wasnt all there as a result.
The interface was also a bit lame though detailed and slightly pleasing to the eye. The damage modeling and car models were also good but you didnt see as many cars and variety wasnt really there. The tracks were also meh and you didnt get much rally style racing. They focused more on circuit racing and the commercial x-games style aspect of the sport and I didnt really like that.
Get this game if its cheap but if you can - get Dirt 3. Its better.
Thanks.
96
Absolutely Amazing
ROKET | March 28, 2013 | Review of DiRT 3Ive played a lot of rally racing games and very few have felt good. My absolutely favorite is and remains to be RallySport Challenge 2 from the original Xbox and from then until I played Dirt 3 I hadnt found a single game that mimicked the joy of offroad racing as much as RSC2.
First off the campaign in this game is amazing and wonderfully lengthy with a nice variety of events and a ton of features. You unlock more cars and teams as you play and you're constantly challenged to stay on top and do your best because each higher placement earns you more points and I love the point and reward system. You also get a nice variety of tracks which can be further expanded with DLC. These tracks range from dirt to snow and from long rally challenges to short and circular circuit tracks.
The cars in this game are great and handle really well. You feel the power behind the tires and the sounds do well to give you a sense of realism. You also cant mention the cars and environment without mentioning the utterly superb damage modeling and system. I love crashing just to see how the car will react. Its just so satisfying to tear up a fence at 100 mph. Haha.
The multiplayer for this game is less than well populated and I really hate that. I really believe they should have skipped on Games for Windows Live in favor of a more structured and dedicated Multiplayer system because driving with friends and randoms alike is just fun. There ARE hackers from time to time though...:(.
All in all this is an amazing game. I love it and still play it. It is SO worth the money and more and will provide you with countless hours of gameplay and challenges. Get it.
95/100
75
Frustrating and Uninspiring at Times
ROKET | Dec. 23, 2012 | Review of Alan WakeI bought Alan Wake a while ago during a sale and figured Id get to it soon enough with its action and good story telling elements. Months and months passed buy and I only just gave the game a chance. Overall I cant say Im terribly impressed.
Gameplay wise the game is smooth with decent animations and responsive gunplay but Alan is a generally out of shape whiny oddity to say the least. The gameplay also got very repetitive, dull, and predictable at times. I often found myself asking WHY out loud as I walked up to stretches of forest or parking lots. I understand keeping the game intense but it was intense in the same exactly way too often than not.
The story of Alan Wake is good but annoying at times. You find yourself wondering what to believe and Im not so sure I want to play Inception the game when Im investing 10ish hours into playing and finishing the game. You gain clarity as you progress and thats nice but the game doesnt really pick up until episode 4 of 6. You keep wondering if you're ever going to make any progress. They also dont really give you upgrades until around episode 5. What were they thinking?
The presentation of the game is probably the highlight. You gain good atmosphere from the graphics and everything is crisp and mostly high rez. I liked what I saw and the vast landscape was quite ominous. As others have said, the game isnt really scary, its just startling at times with an annoying death looming if you dont have your wits about you. The lighting and animations were nice if a little rigid.
Overall, not so great. Give it a go if you want story. You can get the complete pack for pretty cheap these days.
90
Worth it
ROKET | Dec. 8, 2012 | Review of Dead Space 2 (NA) DNSI had trouble with the first game. It was clunky, slow, and didnt keep my attention for long. I got this game on sale and took a very long time to play it. I didnt think Id get into the mood to play it for a long time but one day decided to make myself play it. I was so very pleasantly surprised.
Story: The story is presented very well. I liked the cutscenes and dialogue a lot. You pick up after the first game. Theres a movie out that tells the story of one of the characters in game called Dead Space Aftermath (I think) and that helps a lot to catch you up on what happened just before you wake up in Dead Space 2.
Gameplay: So much tighter than the first game. You dont feel as much clunk and the M/K controls are very fluid - if not better than using a controller. You get a much of new and old enemies to kill and man - some are seriously terrifying. You are tense straight through this game...its awesome. The weapons and upgrade system are effective and very satisfying. You really get the feeling that you're making yourself safer but the upgrades never turn you into a steamroller.
Presentation: This game is sooo much better looking than its predecessor. I loved the detail and the gruesome atmosphere. It was really awesome. The engineering suits on their own were so freakin cool looking. The lighting and textures were also very well done. There were times where I felt total dread walking into dark areas. I loved it. Haha.
Verdict: Freakin loved it. Get it. Its on sale ALL the time.
85
Great DLC
ROKET | Dec. 8, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3: Aftermath (NA) dnsI really like this DLC.
Gameplay: same great gameplay from BF3 we all know. Maps - while a little confusing at first - are very nice and very detailed. You get new weapons, vehicles, soldier models, vehicle models and nice new dynamics to the maps. The new Scavenger mode is also very nice and fun to play. You have to watch for the enemy but also watch for guns along the floors marked with blue arrows. Its quite nice. Gameplay can also be very vertical while very urban and tight. These are medium sized maps that have enough space most times for a few vehicles and one or two helis but thats it. I think they wanted to go medium after going small and then huge with the last two DLCs. Welcome addition if you ask me.
Presentation: These maps are beautiful and very detailed. Right now people joke of how they have a yellow filter over them rather than a blue but its great. I love how they look and how detailed they are.
Verdict: Get it, get it.
95
Gearbox Listened - Brilliant Game
ROKET | Dec. 8, 2012 | Review of Borderlands 2 (NA) DNSQuality: Exellent Game Length: 47+ hours (Main Quest + Tons of Side Quests)
Story: The story was wonderful and fulfilling - despite SOME pacing issues. I loved the presentation, the dialogue was utterly hilarious and could take it down a few notches to semi serious when needed. Gearbox put a lot of love into the dialogue and easter eggs were EVERYWHERE.
Gameplay: Faster paced and gritty but smooth and fun. I didnt like back tracking or having to walk on larger maps but otherwise the overall gameplay was VERY VERY solid. I loved the satisfaction of destroying those robots. Also the game - even on normal - was very challenging. One mission got me killed SOOOO many times. One note though - pace your play. I was grinding near the end until the final missions - those made it SOO worth it.
Presentation: BEAUTIFUL. I loved how the game looked. They kept it simple but put detail into everything. It was like playing a very sexy looking comic. Freakin amazing. Remember to turn on PhysiX if you can AND used SweetFX. It makes the game look soooo nice. SO SO nice.
Verdict: Get this game damn it. I finished the game and now Im very willing to get the DLC. lol. Next sale...next sale.
95/100
95
Great Once Over Learning Curve
ROKET | Oct. 12, 2012 | Review of Guild Wars 2: Digital Edition (NA)I wanna start by saying that you should be ready for a slight learning curve. There were things I just simply couldnt understand at first and didnt really enjoy the game until I saw everything I could do and benefit from.
This game is awesome. Ive played WoW and EVE and while this game is pretty different you get a game that is thoroughly enjoyable. The game features consistent and fun PvP, story driven PvE and a somewhat dynamic questing system that really rewards you for being a team player.
This is the first game where Ive wanted to play alts. In WoW you make an alt when you get bored but in this game you make an alt to experience each of the five races and any of the 8 different classes. The game is content packed right from the start. Each race has its own story to follow that can vary greatly according to options you choose during character creation. I made two Charr characters and chose between the Blood and Ash Legion during character creation and found out that you interact with different characters depending on who you side with.
The trait system - as I found out later - is also very deep and really adds a huge amount of strategy to PvP. I was mindblow when I saw just how deeply I could customize my characters skills just by tweaking traits.
Customization, in terms of armor and look, is also much better this time around than it was in the first GW. As you loot and quest you gain new armor pieces and weapons and can upgrade your toon at a very steady and satisfying pace.
WorldvsWorld is also a great addition. As you progress and help out your server you gain perks that trickle down to EVERYONE on the server whether it be boosts to crafting or any other skills.
Lastly - the graphics and art of this game are amazing. I love it and the game looks even better when using Sweet FX. You should check it out.
All in all this game is very highly recommended.
70
Fun but Muted
ROKET | Oct. 12, 2012 | Review of Hard ResetI bought this game with high hopes. I wanted a mindless action game - and got what I wanted - but it didnt feel as fun as I had hoped. The immersion within the game felt lacking. You walked around a dreary landscape and took in some good visuals but in the end the game seemed dead and boring.
From a gameplay point of new you get two distinct weapons and use them to decimate...robots. Tons...of robots. Now that wouldnt be bad if you got to see other NPCs around but you dont really get to and shooting at vicious mindless robots gets old after a while.
The game also chugged at times even running on my OCed i5 2500k and GTX 570. I dont understand why the game couldnt be better optimized if its PC exclusive. The graphics and effects were pretty decent but I found myself detached as some effects and textures seemed out of place.
If you're looking for a decent mindless action game with no story - go ahead and play this but I couldnt like it as much as I had hoped. Not really recommended.
85
Great But Had Unnecessary Features
ROKET | Oct. 12, 2012 | Review of BioShock® 2 DNSThe trend these days is to release a game with multiplayer just to extend the games lifetime no matter what type of game it is. Some games pull it off because they have a gameplay system that welcomes multiplayer and others just dont fit.
Bioshock was a game that centered itself around an extremely impressive atmosphere and story. Ive never been so emotional in a game and held Bioshock in high regard.
For a long time I didnt want to pick up Bioshock 2 because of how disappointed so many people seemed to be but after picking it up and seeing all the things they got right I cant argue towards ignoring this great single player title.
The story and dialogue along with the solid gameplay from the first game were great. You had crisp graphics and solid gunplay with good variety in weaponry even though you're restricted to the arm of the big daddy you play somewhat.
The only problem I had with the game is the dead multiplayer and the inclusion of Games for Windows Live which caused problems when it came to logging in and ensuring saving was possible. Companies need to abandon GFWL. It just doesnt work.
All in all I recommend this game and give it a good 85/100.
95
Very Pleased
ROKET | Oct. 12, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3™: Armored Kill (NA) dnsArmored Kill. I loved Close Quarters (CQ) but Armored Kill (AK) blew it out of the water. I have to admit - fatigue was setting in by the time I unlocked the last gun in CQ and I found myself caring more for kills and the newest guns than just having fun on great maps.
First let me start by saying these maps are HUGE. GIGANTIC. AMAZING. BEAUTIFUL. Ive enjoyed them immensely. You get 4 maps and something like 6 new vehicles ranging from tank destroyers to artillery and the brand new AC 130 Gunship. You also get a brand new game mode called Tank Supremacy.
Like CQ - AKs maps are beautiful and well thought out. Some are better than others but I still enjoy playing on all of them. You get Bandar Desert - the largest map in Battlefield history, Alborz Mountains, Armored Shield and Death Valley. All of the maps are different. Bandar Desert is set in the desert, Alborz Mountains is set in a snowy mountain area, and Armored Shield is set in a rural area of Russia.
All in all I HIGHLY recommend this DLC pack if you dont already have Premium.
90
Unexpected Pleasure
ROKET | Oct. 1, 2012 | Review of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (NA)I hated Oblivion, believe it or not, and didnt know whether or not I would like Skyrim. I bought the game for $30 and let it sit for a while thinking it would just be a repetative game that gave me nothing to like. I was dead wrong.
I started playing loved the game more and more as I explored and played. Nothing was more satisfying than using the bow and arrow and I was in awe of how vast and omenous the game was as I travel. I was terrified of going around corners and loved the urgency of the story. I world drove you to fight and help the people around you.
The story in Skyrim in epic to say the least. Its starts off strong and flings you all across Skyrim fighting off dragons and exploring the mysteries of the land. I love it still.
Gameplaywise the game is far better than Oblivion ever was with kill cams and marvelous finishing moves to really get you into the combat. The dialogue and animations are great with only a few stiff animations here and there to put some spots on the overall presentation.
I cannot tell you how beautiful this game is. A few mods and some SMAA later and this game is a joy to explore and see. I love it and would highly recommend exploring the Steam Workshop for the game.
All in all I highly recommend this game. It was something else for me and I hope it is for you too.
85
Bumpy Start, Great Finish
ROKET | Oct. 1, 2012 | Review of Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of StalingradI didnt know what to expect with this game. I wanted it pretty badly when it first came out only to find out the game was a total disappointment at launch. Bugs and crashing. It was a mess.
Fast forward to present day with dozens of patches under its belt and this game is amazing. Feels like no other game and works wonderfully.
There IS a single player but I havent touched it much. Its fully fleshed out and working but I focused my attention on the multiplayer. You see right from the start that there are always servers and that dozens of them are full most of the time. The community isnt harsh either with most people being on the same skill level.
There are objectives in the game which generally involve overwhelming a position but it isnt as simple as standing still until you cap a point. No, you must have more people there than the enemy for an extended period of time to win the point. This makes for great team efforts and getting kills is all the more satisfying.
I really liked that they incorporated vehicles into the game but I found playing with the vehicles very clunky. The gunplay was great otherwise with only lag to mess things up.
The damage and kills are realisitc and I loved that about the game. You dont have to pump out a clip to down an enemy.
All in all I really highly recommend this game.
95
Arkham Asylum Was Addicting - AC is Crack
ROKET | Oct. 1, 2012 | Review of Batman: Arkham CityImprovement was key in AC. Everyone knew where AA went wrong and how it could have been better and Rocksteady listened to everyone. The game kicked ass. There is nothing else like it. Never have we seen such well done super hero games.
The story in AC is great, full of twists and great dialogue. The voice acting is top notch and the animations - especially with physiX enabled is amazing. The visuals in this game blew my mind and there is nothing like having a great story enhanced by great animations and voice acting.
The gameplay in AC is refined. Smoother and focused. You have all the original gadgets from AA unlocked from the beginning and you get many more along the way. There is so much more variety and freedom. I loved flying around and unlocking new skills.
I highly recommend this game to all. It has a game of the year edition now with all content and I cant tell you how much I love the Robin and Nightwing DLCs. So much fun.
If theres anyhting I dont like at all...its freaking Games for Windows Live. Such a trashy DRM system.
77
Freaked Me Out But Crap Port
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of Dead Space (NA) DNSThis game was good looking, had tons of atmosphere and scared the hell out of me but didnt have the performance to back it up.
The story in this game is awesome. It has atmosphere, horror, and mystery all throughout and has you creeping through each corridor hoping you dont run into one of the freaky creatures you see in the game.
Gameplay-wise the game has some great features but the controls were clunky and slow. I didnt like having to pray that I could turn around in time to kill off a monster.
On top of the clunkiness the game also didnt perform very well. It had frame rate issues and didnt have many graphics options to tweak and that on its own was very annoying to deal with.
Graphically the game was alright but had some rough edges such as bland textures and general lack of antialiasing.
Get it if you really want to play it but only on sale.
80
Who Doesnt Like Grenade Launchers?
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of Deus Ex Human Revolution: Explosive Mission PackThis pack was made for two people, those who like to blow things up and those who like to fight head on. This game is beautiful and content packed already and getting this content only make the game better. As with the other guns in the game the grenade launcher is badass looking and the explosives are very useful. Highly recommended on sale.
80
Great Sniper, Money is Always Good
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of Deus Ex Human Revolution: Tactical Enhancement PackI really enjoyed using the sniper. Not only does it look badass but it also performs really well. I liked being a silent killer and having this options earlier in the game really made for a nice experience. Extra money is also always good. I dont remember using the shotgun very much but it was still cool to look at.
85
Blew My Mind
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of BioShock DNSWhen I first bought this game all I wanted to do was see it for myself. I wanted to see the insane water graphics and physics and want to see just how beautiful it was and I wasnt let down.
Gameplay-wise the game played well with great gunplay and gameplay mechanics that made for generally nice customization and very interesting characters to help immerse you even further.
The story for this game blew me away. It was moving and interesting all the way through. The atmosphere creeped me out and scared me much of the time. I had to look around every corner. There is no other game that made me scream NOOOOO like this game did.
Ive already mentioned how awesome the graphics were so Ill leave you at that. Highly recommended. See for yourself.
90
Vietnam Done Right
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Vietnam (NA)I loved this expansion even more than the base game. It was detailed, it was elaborate and it was large scale. I loved the combat and absolutely loved the new guns and vehicles.
When you guy this expansion you just simple enter the code into the in game menus and bam - you're in. When you first get into the expansion menus you're met with Vietnam war era music and have access to all weapons from the beginning.
Graphically you get a feast of lush maps with detail everywhere from scorched earth to beautifully detailed character models that really set the two factions apart. It really is a joy to play.
This expansion really makes the map feel like a huge gritty battlefield and I highly recommend you pick this up if you buy Bad Company 2. Its well worth it.
85
Great Fun and Gunplay
ROKET | July 28, 2012 | Review of Max Payne II: The Fall of Max PayneI began playing this game unsure if it would be very good. The story was somewhat interesting at first but felt slow and the comic book cutscenes didnt do much to connect me with Max. Rockstar is good about making games with good stories but the game felt sluggish at time nonetheless.
From a gameplay standpoint this game was one of the best third person shooting mechanics of any game Ive played. It was solid and the bullet time was super fun to use. It also had just the right amount of challenge to it and ushered you a long as you fought.
I played the game on PC and it performed very well. I never had any crash issues and graphically the game was awesome for its time. You saw the moisture on Max's jacket and the waves following the bullets in bullet time.
Overall - get this game - it was super fun and with Max Payne 3 out you can go from one to the other with no problems.
90
The Definitive Tactical RTS Game
ROKET | July 20, 2012 | Review of Company of HeroesThis game is in a genre of its own. It boasted Tactical RTS combat, great graphics, and several great campaigns. Relic put a lot of love into this game and while the multiplayer isnt as active as a game like Starcraft 2 - you still get a great and very well built game that defined and entire sub category of RTS games.
In this game you dont focus on your base, you do build structure to enable new units and build heavier stuff but in the end its all about the map and the control points. You HAVE to go out and capture the map if you want to succeed. If you just sit around in your base - you get decimated.
The graphics in the game were superb for its time and STILL are with great particle effects and brilliant combat effects that make for an intense and very entertaining experience. I simply LOVED the explosions.
In addition to great graphics they also had great mechanics such as a cover system and a fully destructible map that really added a great dynamic to games.
If theres any gripe I had with the game it was the poor support for hotkeys. I couldnt get a feel of them as well as I did for SC2. The game also had a good but of balance issues with the Axis side simply tearing things up most games.
All in all - this game is amazing and well worth your time even if you just play the singleplayer campaigns.
HIGHLY Recommended.
70
Ruthless and I Love it
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2 DLC - Ikko Ikki ClanI didnt know you got so much content with this DLC when I first bought it. I scooped it up with the rest of the DLC and now Im very satisfied. The campaign Ive been playing has been spiced up by the crazy Ikko Ikki and I like it. CA has been doing a decent job so far and I really like Shogun 2. Recommended.
95
Great Game from Beginning to End
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas DNSI obsessed about this game constantly before finally obtaining a copy and playing it all the way through. The story, graphics, and gameplay (for the time) were mind blowing and I had a truly great time with the game.
The game itself is packed with content and Ive never seen so much customizability in an open world single player game. I spent hours pimping out my many rides and storing them in my various garages. You could get any car to go fast and look good. You could literally do basically anything you wanted in the game from flying to skydiving and man was it fun.
The game is still very played and there are even mods that add multiplayer if you so desire. Rockstar hit a home run with this game and are bringing it back in the form of GTAV soon enough.
I highly recommend this game.
75
Could Enjoy This Game
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Call of Duty: Black OpsI stopped respecting CoD games after MW2. I really like MW2 but it all became a gimmick after that. Sure BOps introduced a lot to multiplayer and set itself apart in a few ways but it was really just more of the same.
Graphically the game was generally unimpressive and unchaged from MW2. You didnt get much more detail and the special effects always had this fake vibe to them that showed you just how half assed the game was and still remains.
Gameplay was alright though a little clunky and online hackers didnt help the multiplayer - it became as stupid as MW2 and the devs and company didnt do much of anything to stop it.
The story of the game was also dull. I played through it but found my head spinning most of the time. There were some cool moments here and there but others you were left wondering wtf just happened and why.
Overall, dont waste your time.
Not Recommended.
85
Changed My Perspective
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Rome: Total War Gold EditionI started off playing traditional RTS games that involved resource gathering building units in real time only worrying about the economy on the current map. I loved those games and still do but was through off in a good way by the completely different style involved with Rome Total War.
This was my first TW game and I cannot tell you how much I loved it. There was nothing like turtling you Roman infantry as you approve a castle wall and blasting it away with catapults. Other TW have yet to be as exciting with regards to melee combat. It was a thrill to play.
My only problem with this game was its learning curve. I sucked at it. lol. I sucked hard. I loved it but I couldnt get a grasp of how to succeed.
Anyway, I recommend this game to anyone wanting to wage war in the Roman era. Rome II is on its way too.
85
Brilliant Setting and Game
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Medieval II: Total War Gold EditionI enjoyed Rome TW a lot and played it for a long time before giving up. It was a good game but I couldnt really get a grasp of how to succeed in the game as there was much to learn and I spent a lot of my time performance testing.
Anyway, when I saw Medieval 2 TW I was immediately impressed by the improvements and how beautiful it looked. The weaponry was more advanced and the presentation of war was even more impressive. I loved watching cavalry clash into a line of swordmen - the sounds and clamoring of steel made the game bold and exciting.
I never got into the multiplayer but spent a lot of time with the campaign before quitting again. I didnt performance test as much - as there were few issues - but the game still had a huge learning curve and I rarely got my economy going very well. haha. I still love the game though.
Recommended.
90
One of my Favorites
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Grand Theft Auto IV DNSMany people rag on this game because there was a lot that Rockstar decided to take out of the game and while I myself was slightly disappointed in some of those loses I still had a huge amount of fun with this game.
Rockstar introduced two awesome new features into GTA4 - the new physics engine and the cover system. This made the gunplay and driving SO much fun compared to previous titles. The world, though a bit smaller, was also more alive and detailed and really made the experience even more enjoyable.
I would have liked more variety in the guns and vehicles but in the end I still had fun because you could interact with nearly everything in the game. Even dying was fun. lol.
Another thing I liked about GTA4 was the story - it was good and involving and I really enjoyed going through it. I hope to finish Episodes from Liberty City soon because Rockstar really knows how to tell a story. I dont care what anyone says. Haha.
75
Clunky
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of King Arthur CollectionI tried to like this game and relished the opportunity to mix up the TBS and Tactical RTS genre by playing with fantasy units in a brand new setting but when I played I ran into not only a clunky interface but into crappy performance as well.
Graphically I expected the game to be a little better having come out after Total War games like Medieval and the like but this dev provided a game that was somewhat inconsistent.
The performance of the game puzzled me as well. I couldnt understand why I had a hard time playing the game when the Total War games performed generally well.
This game may entertain for a while but doesnt have the mileage built into it to provide an experience worth your time. Id go with a mod for Medieval TW or something rather than this game.
70
Good Variety
ROKET | July 8, 2012 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2 DLC - Sengoku Jidai Unit PackI scooped up all the DLC for Shogun 2 when I bought the game and have been really pleased so far. These units, though dispersed amongst the clans, are great and add a nice variety to the roster of available units. Multiplayer is spiced up by this bundle but I do wish you could use more than one at any given time.
70
Great Addition
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2 - Hattori Clan DLCThis game is already packed with content and CA keeps it coming with these content packs. At first I thought there was only a clan given through the DLC but they also include a Historical Battle and armor foy our Avatar which is also cool. Id recommend waiting for a sale to pick it up just to make it that much sweeter but overall - I like what I get.
85
Tons of Content - Decent Gameplay
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Killing FloorThis game is better than Left4Dead when it comes to sheer content and some gameplay mechanics. I liked Left4Dead - dont get me wrong - but it wasnt a game that could provide long term play.
Killing Floor provides tons of free content such as maps, new weapons and mods and paid DLCs and gives a player tons of gameplay through a very active and strong player base.
Gameplay is solid in this game though there are a few clunky features such as movement and interface that hamper some of the experience.
Visually the game is slightly bland but can be very detailed and pleasing. I do feel as though the models and animations could have been less rigid. Some of the perspectives were also off.
This game is also very highly multiplayer focused with hundreds of servers and thousands of players. Theres always something to do. You CAN go offline and play with bots but thats just lame. Haha.
Overall - I recommend this if you're burnt out on L4D. Its a good game and is constantly and consistently support by both Tripwire and its community.
65
Wasnt Very Good
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of HomefrontI went into this game not expecting much. It had a boring story, crappy visuals and generic gunplay that dulled the game to a puddle of gray.
The gunplay in the game is similar but not the same as Call of Duty. Call of Duty does a better job, however crazy their games are, and makes Homefront look amateur.
The story is also ridiculous with stupid characters and events that make no sense. It was basically just a stupid attempt to 1 up CoD and it failed - and CoDs stories arent even that good so thats saying something.
Visually the game was terribly inconsistent with crappy textures everywhere and good models mixed with trashy detailing.
I didnt like this game at all. Not recommended.
65
Was Too Hyped Up to Succeed
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Spore (NA)This game was almost too ambitious with so much going on and so much promised that you almost knew before it was released that it wasnt going to deliver.
The game is shallow. That may seem harsh but it really is and doesnt give you as much as it advertises. You start off playing a minigame of cat and mouse consuming smaller creatures to grow larger and larger until you are able to move from the sea to the land. This part is slightly entertaining and introduces you to the customization system but it otherwise dumb.
When you get to land you begin to progress from era to era exploring the small "planet" you are on until you get to the space age. All the while you are designing and redesigning different aspects of you civilization and potentially sharing you designs and civilizations with the interwebs. If you do share you have the possibility to discover and interact with the worlds of other players. The only caveat is that you dont interact with the players themselves - you just download their world and play in it.
If you play through this cycle the game is very short and doesnt really entertain along the way other than to allow you to fully customize your characters and world as you progress. Combat and world interaction is very lackluster as are the very bland and underwhelming visuals.
I do not recommend this game AT ALL. Its just terrible.
85
Great But Wasnt Friendly
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 2 Complete Collection (NA) dnsThis game changed the world of First Person Shooters. It served as a benchmark for generations of PC hardware and provided hours of fun for thousands upon thousands. The only problem was that it wasnt too easy to get into once so many people had already begun playing.
The gunplay, to me, wasnt as great with rigid animations and odd recoils that made it quite difficult to master the many guns available to the player. I tried hard to earn kills and unlocks but the grind was too much most of the time.
The vehicles were good but most of the time you didnt last very long and could not rack up a good amount of kills. This was my favorite part of the game but I wasnt very good.
The multiplayer itself was vast and very well built. You could find full servers all the time and network performance was generally very good.
The performance of the game was also top notch. It seemed like DICEs labor of love and you could see the polish shine through in everything in the game.
Graphically the game was also brilliant with mind blowing visuals for the time.
Overall Id say go for Bad Company 2 or Battlefield 3 - it was just a lot easier to get into those games and get good. This game was good but I never enjoyed it as much as the others.
90
Very Pleasantly Surprised
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Men of War: Assault Squad - Game of the YearI bought this game on sale and liked the value I was getting with all the DLC and multiplayer packs. I knew I would like the skirmish missions and tell you now that after holding out for so long - I have never been so pleasantly surprised in my life. This game is great.
Yes, there is no distinct campaign, but I dont really remember having ever played an RTS game solely for its story or campaign. This game provides you with missions spanning 5 different factions and several different locations. Each faction has its own units and all units play a different way.
The DLC you get with this bundle also expands the number of skirmish missions you get and let me tell you - it really really adds value to the game to be able to play through so many additional missions.
Gameplay-wise I LOVE being able to control each unit and also love being able to have direct control. It just so satisfying and thankfully isnt an overpowered feature as you still have to strategically move and engage the enemy.
Performance is also solid and the visuals, while not the best, are great and consistent the whole way through. I love the explosions and how you feel the force behind it as a tank explodes. Its brilliant.
Multiplayer has a big learning curve so be ready to lose and get hammered. Thankfully I met some nice individuals who were good sports and I think Ill be liking multiplayer more and more over time.
Overall - very highly recommended. It changed how I look at tactical RTS games - I honestly cannot look at Company of Heroes the same ever again.
85
Buy it for Crusader
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of The Stronghold CollectionIf there is any game within this collection that I loved the most it was Stronghold Crusader. I cannot tell you how many hours I spent on that pointless campaign just trying to beat out the challenges and building huge castles.
I loved resource management, I loved the units, I loved combat, and I loved the satisfaction of tearing down the enemy block by crumbling block. It was magnificent.
The best part of Crusader was that it could run on any computer and ran wonderfully. It was just an amazingly solid game with great controls and the ability to customize your castle any way you liked.
I highly recommend this value bundle just for the sake of Crusader.
80
Was a Good Trial
ROKET | July 3, 2012 | Review of Empire: Total WarEmpire was probably one of the most anticipated Total War game to be released by CA. It promised brilliant visuals, brand new combat using muskets and other gun powder age weapons, and also promised a revamped multiplayer and a multiplayer campaign.
For the most part CA came through with most of their promises but after failing to provide the multiplayer campaign and a few other features, faith in the series began to wane. CA patched the game less and less frequently until at one point support was simply dropped in favor for Napoleon TW.
I played the game for over 40 hours only to quit after experiencing unbearable performance issues even with a great system.
For the most part the games gameplay was solid but as with past TW games you never really had a point to play. It was a conquest game that had preexisting game parameters and then it just let you sit and do your thing. That wasnt bad but it wasnt an attention keeper.
There were also aspects of the game that felt boring. Naval combat, one of many new features to the game, performed very poorly and were often very slow and uneventful. It was nice to watch but you rarely had much fun.
Multiplayer was lackluster as well. Finding a game was cumbersome and performance was again poor. There wasnt much incentive to play.
All in all I dont consider the game to be terrible but it wasnt as good as Napoleon or Shogun 2. It was a trial - an experiment to see what worked. They only got it right in Shogun 2.
90
One Spectacular Game
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Dragon Age: Origins (NA) dnsI knew I was going to love this game before I even got it and cant tell you how many hours I spent battling through this wonderful game.
Visually this game is stunning with only a bad texture here and there to tarnish its beautiful and colorful presentation. It is gritty, mature and bloody and really comes across as a game built to present its dark setting.
From a sound point of view this game is also great with awesome voice acting and wonderful atmosphere and battle sounds to enhance an already visually immersive game.
The gameplay in this game is tight. There is no clunk, no stutter, no lag - nothing. Everything blends seemlessly whether you play close up in the third person action view or from a far in the isometric strategic view.
The story of the game is also very good. If you happen to pick up the ultimate edition of this game you'll get not only the main campaign but an expansion and 9 DLC packs to boot. Its amazing.
All in all I VERY HIGHLY recommend this game to any RPG fan. Go out and get the Ultimate Edition - you will never regret it.
70
Okay Game but Not as Good as Burnout 3
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Burnout Paradise: Ultimate Box (NA) DNSWhen I bought this game I expected tight controls that would let me zip around the streets with ease but found clunky, problematic controls instead. I also thought the game would be visually stunning as well but later realized that there were gaps and inconsistencies in textures and models here and there.
From a gameplay standpoint the game wasnt bad but as mentioned before - the controls didnt do the game any favors. The world mechanics were also very clever and cool but part of me wanted to experience Burnout 3s set events again rather than drive around an open world looking for stuff to do.
The world itself was fun with jumps and things to destroy everywhere but many aspects where copy and pasted across the map and that got old fast.
I used to love the challenging crash mini games of the previous title and was very disappointed that they didnt make a come back in this game.
In terms of DLC - you get SOME extra cars and motorcycles but there are still MANY other DLC packs that you just DONT get and that cost upwards of $10 or $15 for near to nothing at all in terms of content. This is another game I never went back to playing after I quit.
Not Recommended.
87
Great Fun
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Kings Bounty Armored PrincessI bought this game at the same time as The Legend and was very pleased with what I got. The game was even more visually pleasing, had a more interesting story, and gave me awesome music along with the already great gameplay.
I had SO much fun exploring the islands and found everything I discovered to be very exciting. It was a great sense of progression to finally discover the map that allowed you to travel to the next island and intense when avoiding and battling your new enemies.
My only problem with this series has been its difficulty. There were times where I wish I could just push the easy button it was so hard. I didnt how I would pay for a new army if I lost and had to creep along in most areas just to make sure I could get anywhere.
The addition of the dragon to the combat board made the combat very fun. You could save up fury points throughout combat and at the right moments turn the tide of the match.
Overall I really liked this game and recommend it.
85
Entertaining but Very Hard
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Kings Bounty: The LegendI sucked at this game but loved it too. The game was very visually pleasing and a joy to explore. I loved discovering hidden loot, revealing the dark corners of the map and fighting my way to the next areas on the awesome hex turn based boards.
My only problem with the game, however, was actually performance. It wouldnt run on Windows 7 and always gave me a hard time. Other than that, however, the game was great fun if not terribly challenging. There were times where I wondered how the hell I would get anywhere with the trashy army I had amassed.
Overall if you are a fan of turn based rpgs - start here and move on down the series. I love the real time exploration and found the combat very satisfying when I wasnt getting smacked around.
85
Was a Worthy Sequel But Ended My Investment in CoD
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2This game wowed me at first. There was plenty of content, a decent campaign, a great multiplayer and great visuals to back it all up. It also ran very well on PC and for the most part IWnet wasnt all that bad despite being a bit clunky and slow to find games.
The story in the campaign wasnt bad and had you blasting through some very intense and interesting scenarios that kept you on the edge of your seat. I liked it, for the most part, but it was also very short.
Gameplay-wise the game was solid and very fun. I loved kicking ass in multiplayer and didnt find any clunkiness or glitches that broke the game until a few months later when IW basically dropped support.
This is where I explain my end of investment. I havent bought a CoD game since and that is certainly because of their crappy support of the game. Hacking became and epidemic and IW did nothing to stop it. By the time I stopped playing there was hacking in every game and I couldnt enjoy it anymore. IW could have done a better job but instead opted to screw everyone on PC.
For what it is - I recommend the game. For IWs crappy support - you best go with BF3.
75
Like Crack...For a Time
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of BorderlandsI was excited to play this game. I bought it and 3 DLCs thinking Id get hours upon hours of fun but in the end didnt get what I expected.
The visuals of the game are bland. Plain and simple. It was stylized yes but lacked any sense of life. You traversed the vast open spaces thinking you were totally and utterly alone with no life anywhere in sight. It made for a very depressing experience.
Gameplay-wise the game is fun and solid but the guns also lacked both flare and visual variety. You ran into guns that were more powerful but looked the same as the ones before and boy was that turn off.
The story was also forgettable with nothing to really push you to go out and progress. Sure you leveled up and sure you got new abilities but you rarely felt an incentive to care.
I think it is true that the game would have been better in co-op but I think its quite stupid to build a game that HAS to be played that way to be enjoyed. Not all players have the time to sync with others and play.
I had a friend who loved the game through and through and all I could think was that it made sense considering how empty headed he was. I know thats mean but...utterly true.
80
Go For Gold
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Tropico 3 DNSThis game is great but is even better if you go for the Gold Edition which goes on sale all the time. It comes with the expansion Absolute Power and expands on the buildings and other aspects of the game.
This game by itself is both hilarious and fun but may lack content compared to other games and the gold edition. Visually the game is nice and has great lighting but can be inconsistent with textures.
I still, however, vouch for this game and say that you'll be entertained for a good couple of hours at least trying to get your islands up and running.
Recommended but go for gold.
85
This Game Makes Me Smile - Every Time
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Tropico 3: Gold Edition DNSThis game first and foremost is a city builder and a good one at that. I bought this game and Dawn of Discovery at the same time and enjoyed the short bursts that I played this game more than the long hours of Dawn of Discovery. Both games are great but this one is more satisfying up front.
You start off with near to nothing on your island and, as you play through the game, you are challenged to create a working economy using the resources you find on the island.
Visually the game is wonderful but can be inconsistent when it comes to textures at times. I love the lighting and just how lush the island can look with green everywhere.
Gameplay-wise the game can be a bit clunky but once you get used to it you dont feel as put off.
Now, the reason why I smile every time I play is that the game is just hilarious. You arent supposed to take the setting or story too serious and just live out the humor. Its great. The towns come to life as you progress and citizens either react well or poorly depending on how much of an ass you want to be. I always found it hilarious when protesters came out to play. Haha.
Highly Recommended
85
Empire is the Problem Child - Napoleon is Great
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Empire and Napoleon: Total War - Game of the Year EditionI hated Creative Assembly after they released the blunder that was Empire Total War. They screwed everyone and then quit supporting the game. It wasnt until Napoleon TW that CA began the process of redeeming itself. Napoleon introduced more improved and more interesting campaigns and increased the performance of the game.
This package comes with Empire TW, all of its DLC, and Napoleon TW and all of its DLC. For the value - I recommend this game and think you should get it.
85
CA Began its Redemption Here
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Napoleon: Total WarAfter buying Empire Total War and experiencing my first crappy experience with Creative Assembly and their terrible support for Empire - I vowed never to buy another Total War game again.
That was until I got Napoleon TW for cheap and finally got to play. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did they provide two campaigns for the game but they also revamped the visuals and combat.
There is nothing like marching your line infantry into the thick of combat and seeing those muskets fire. The blasts, the sounds, everything were great.
The campaign map also got a facelift with better visuals and some great streamlining. I also liked the new environments and the way the environment behaved as a character of its own.
Theres much more I could mention about this game but it goes on sale all the time. If you are looking for a great strategy game set in the Napoleonic Era - look no further.
80
Great But Underwhelming
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Batman: Arkham AsylumI tried to like this game. I installed it again and again trying to get into it and finish but it just didnt happen. There was just something about the controls and generally unchallenging difficulty that threw me off. I couldnt feel any attachment or drive to proceed and resolve the overall problem.
That isnt to say the game was bad, however, because that was just my opinion on the game but when it came to story delivery and the actual combat gameplay - the game was very solid. The only hole in the gameplay was the use of Batmans gadgets and how most of the gameplay only centered around punching the hell out of a bunch of goons from one room to the next. There could have been more stealth, more use of gadgets and more general freedom to play the game as you like but it just wasnt there.
A good game to play if you get it cheap - otherwise I didnt have a great experience with it.
75
The Game is Odd But Can Satisfy
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Wings of Prey 1I bought this game and then bought my joystick to play it thinking it would be a good time. The game is visually beautiful with wonderful cockpit effects and insanely detailed landscapes.
Gameplaywise the game is good and bad and odd all at the same time. Ive played the IL2 games before and they all had tight, responsive controls. Wings of Prey had what I thought were tight controls but there were spots in flight were the plane wouldnt respond correctly - even when set to simulator difficulty.
Im sure the game is fine on arcade difficulty but what I experienced on that setting is a scripted, not very challenging campaign. This is another game I really think I should have purchased.
70
Wasnt As Great
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Lara Croft And The Guardian Of LightAs much as I wanted to like this game I just couldnt get into it. The game is solid, with consistent visuals, solid controls, and a good bit of challenge but the game doesnt really give me much to get excited about. The weapons were meh, the enemies were generic, and the collectibles and puzzles were kind of...dumb.
I even bought all the DLC along with the game anticipating that Id play through everything but just couldnt in the end. It was a waste I really wish I didnt make. Not recommended.
90
Adds a Good Deal
ROKET | June 30, 2012 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2 - Blood Pack DLCIf there was anything missing from every Total War game - its blood. Before this DLC all you would see is a small mist of something redish colored and then the soldier would fall down. The game was still satisfying but now...now you KNOW you've destroyed them when the arrows fly.
If you are a fan of Total War and of age to see the brilliant mess this DLC introduces...please buy it. You wont regret it. Highly recommended.
85
Great but Not the Best in the Series
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Mass Effect 2 (NA) dnsThis game was a great 30 hours ride that gave you great characters, great voice acting, great action and a good if not a little tiny bit shallow story.
I was jaded after playing this game because Bioware opted to ax a ton of features from the game that were present in ME1. The story was good but at times you wondered what the hell you were doing chasing the collectors who seemed to be a very random faction that appeared out of nowhere. I also didnt like Shepards "rebirth" in that it seemed too far fetched even so far into the future when most of the series had been grounded in some sort of believibility.
From a gameplay perspective the game was also a bit wonky with much of the RPG elements removed. The cover system felt clunky and the gunplay felt a bit lacking. It wasnt terrible by any means but didnt feel as good as ME1.
Overall I liked the game and thirsted for more by the end but still felt as though there could be several important improvements. The end boss was also extremely freaking lame. Im sorry...but it was.
90
One of the Best Sci Fi RPG/Shooters in Existence
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Mass Effect (NA) dnsI played ME1 a little while after release and didnt really know what I was getting into when I bought it but was blown away by the end. I never expected for an RPG and Third Person Shooter to be integrated to well into one of the best Sci Fi settings I had ever seen.
Gameplay wise you got a third person shooter that used a cover mechanic system and a variety of gunplay and what would come to be known as a biotic system that gave you something similar to magic force powers. Haha. It was both satisfying and challenging and fun.
In addition to active gameplay you also got an awesome RPG system that let you allocate points as you leveled up. It allowed for a lot of customization and went well with the loot system and upgrades.
The story for ME1 was also amazing and epic in scale. You traversed the entire galaxy trying to save the various races from an impending threat.
I loved this game and highly recommend it.
90
Left Me With a Huge Smile on My Face
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Mass Effect 3 (NA) dnsI didnt know what to expect with Mass Effect 3. ME2 had been an okay game and nothing had really lived up to ME1 so I had low expectations going into ME3. With the inclusion of a multiplayer mode and the onset of many pre-order DLCs I had relegated the title to a gimmicky mess.
Now, the only reason why I played the game was because I had actually won it through a competition. It wasnt that I didnt want to finish the trilogy but I wasnt going to pay full price for a joke. In the end, however, I was terribly wrong.
Mass Effect 3 proved to be an AMAZING ride with characters and voice acting that blew me away. The best comparison I could give is playing through a conflict in a good few episodes of Star Trek with the action and explosiveness of Star Wars. It was brilliant. You rally the galaxy and your choices truly do affect the races and characters you encounter.
The gameplay of the series was also greatly improved in this title and I really liked the new gunplay and cover mechanics. It was far less wonky than in ME2.
Now, its true that the end didnt reflect those decisions as much but the whole point of the game wasnt to have the ending vary that much. Thankfully, however, an extended ending is being released on June 26th, 2012.
From a multiplayer perspective the game is surprisingly good and high quality with FREE DLC being released on a regular basis.
All in all this title is well worth it and great from the beginning to the end. I cant tell you how much fun I had and highly recommend this title.
90
Was Extremely Impressed
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand DLC (NA) dnsRevisiting BF2 maps for the first time in a long time in all their revamped glory was a wonderful experience. The maps not only gave you a far more detailed representation but also gave you maps that were already masterfully build. The contest on these maps can be fierce and I know I enjoy capturing each point.
In addition to the maps DICE also opted to provide 10 new weapons that unlock after completing assignments. These weapons are great and really mix up the experience. If you dont already have this pack - buy it. If you know you're going to buy all the DLC anyway - go get Premium right now - this pack comes with it!
Lastly - if theres any issue I have with these maps - its that there can be some slowdown at times because they employ enhanced destruction and that can tax your FPS a fair amount.
95
Extremely Satisfying and Rewarding
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3 (NA) dnsIve played almost every BF game to date with BF 2142 and Bad Company 2 being my favorites from titles past. I know many look back at BF2 as the greatest game on earth but I never really could get into or good at the game and dont have as many fond memories of it - it was good but not spectacular to me despite the revolutionary changes it introduced.
For me BF3 is everything I want in a shooter. Amazing gunplay, vehicle combat, amazing guns and satisfying customization that doesnt make itself the point of the game. Ive always loved Rush mode, conquest and just how large scale the battles can be. You DO have to work with each other and Ive never felt such satisfying combat.
The game is also absolutely beautiful maxed out and I still love just watching the physics and scenery as I trek through the maps. This along with Battlefield Premium make for a game that is out to satisfying the player and keep you playing for the long run rather than for just a year and then brush you off. I really enjoy BF3 and highly, highly recommend the game to anyone who likes online shooters.
90
Very Impressive Expansion
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3: Close Quarters (NA) dnsI was a skeptic at first - I wasnt going to buy BF3 - but after a time and some nice improvements I caved and was very pleased as a result. I managed to nab a limited edition copy of the game and got the B2K expansion but wasnt sure if I would jump on Close Quarters.
Fast Forward a few months and here we are with one hell of an expansion. You get 4 great and beautiful maps that give you varied scenery on top of a new sense of verticality you didnt get in the main game. You find yourself checking every corner of your screen for enemies and once you get used to the chaos the game plays wondefully. I rarely got slowdown and playing with the shotgun is oh so satisfying.
You also get 10 new weapons and man are they freaking awesome. I love the new AUG in particular and love the value you get in this expansion with not only new maps and guns but also two fun new game modes that really keep things intense.
I highly recommend this title - especially if you get it on the cheap here.
90
High Value and Great Fun
ROKET | June 22, 2012 | Review of Battlefield 3 Premium Service (NA) dnsBF3 fans know just how good BF3 is and many players are now in it for the long run. Some players may want to only get the DLC packs they like or think they would like but many other already know they are going to buy all the DLC anyway. Thats where Premium comes in. Heres what you get:
20 new maps, 20 new weapons, 10 new vehicles, and a variety of new assignments, items, and special events for members only. Thats a MUCH higher value than most other high profile multiplayer shooters like CoD.
For BF3 fans - this is a no brainer. Im already very pleased with Close Quarters and love the new features and content. You may be on the fence but this package is well worth the money. Especially if you buy it here on GMG for a discount!
Highly Recommended.
90
Battlefield Whether you Like it or Not
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (NA)I thoroughly enjoyed this game. I dont care what any of those BF haters say. The game was well built, well thought out, and worthy of its Battlefield title.
Gameplay wise you got a game that allowed you to excel while keeping everything grounded in reality. You got modern weaponry, tons of guns, and classic BF game modes such as conquest and the introduced Rush mode.
I spent 180 hours on the multplayer alone and will always love this game. Dont listen to anyone. Buy this game. I highly recommend it.
90
Beautiful Dynamic Shooter
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of Crysis (NA) dnsSome people look at Crysis as just simply a benchmark for testing a computers strength and for a time - I thought the same. But when I sat down to actually play the game I was met with a surprisingly good shooter.
You not only get to play how you want through stealth or brute force, but you also get great voice acting, a good story, and mind blowing graphics.
The world is vast and tactical combat is rewarded. You great variety of weapons and vehicles to do your job and there will be parts to the game that blow your mind.
Some others may tell you not to get this game but if you're a sci fi shooter fan that wants to play a great campaign - I highly recommend this game.
90
Very Fun Action Game
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of DarksidersI enjoyed Darksiders from beginning to end and I can rarely say that about a game. The campaign - played on hard - took me 27 hours and I loved it.
You get action, platforming, puzzle solving, and great environments all throughout and the best part is that the game doesnt lose itself by giving you random crap to mix things up. From beginning to end you get new weapons, you environmental obstacles and even new ways to travel the gigantic world.
Presentation wise you get great voice acting and animations along with a great story and ending. I didnt like God of War as much as I liked this game. I recommend this game ANY time anyone asks. It was awesome...and wonderfully gruesome.
80
Good for Fans
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War II: RetributionWhen I first bought Dawn of War II I was very pleased. It was a nice game with great graphics, great gameplay and a rather interesting story. Chaos Rising came along and introduced a few new things but didnt impress me much. I wasnt going to buy another DoWII game but then heard a lot of good about Retribution.
I have to say that I wasnt as impressed as I had hoped. I played through the rather dull campaign and tried some multiplayer but the game was so dead multiplayer wasnt fun anymore. It also didnt help that the matchmaking system was so terrible - even after they got rid of Games for Windows Live.
Gameplay wise the game is solid and pretty cool. The new factions mix things up a bit and give you something interesting to do. If theres any game mode thats used the most though its Last Stand. People are always playing that.
If you're a fan - go ahead and get this game. It isnt that bad. But for me - Im glad I didnt pay much because I didnt play much either.
85
Very Nice Game
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of Assassin’s Creed RevelationsI cannot tell you how many issues they fixed going from Brotherhood to Revelations. The combat is better, the economy is better, and the graphics are MUCH better.
The game is just so much more fluid with animations you only see in the best games. If you dont know already, the used the same facial expression tech they used in LA Noire and man does it really change things up. The improved graphics and models and textures make for an even more lively world that makes you both chuckle and stare.
The gameplay itself is more fluid with even better ways of moving through the environment. Unfortunately horses dont make a true come back but the city in this game is far different than Rome.
One specific new addition to the gameplay is the use of bombs which allow you to fight even more strategically. Theres nothing like blasting away 4 guards at once with a single toss.
If you're a fan of AC and want to continue the story of Ezio to its end - look no further - this game is great.
85
Surprised Me - Left Me Grabbing for More
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Deluxe EditionWhen I first heard about AC Brotherhood I was skeptical. It was a new AC game sure but it also introduced a form of multiplayer and threw me off. I discounted it as a gimmick.
Now, a few years after release I had finally finished AC2 and gave Brotherhood a try and man was I pleasantly surprised. Brotherhood not only improved on the AC formula but expanded on the gameplay by a huge amount. You are given the ability to quickly slash through enemies through better combat mechanics, ride through Rome on horses and support yourself economically by revitalizing Rome and making investments into the market. Its simply awesome.
The story itself was quite interesting - if a little slow - but you find yourself rooting full on for Ezio by the end of the game and that made me happy. I recommend this game.
90
Interactive and Beautiful
ROKET | June 20, 2012 | Review of BastionI had heard so much about this game that I simply HAD to buy it. I didnt know how it would play or how it would work but jumped anyway and was very glad soon after.
The game is beautiful to look at, listen to, and play. The narration is fun and you really feel as though you at interacting with the world around you and having an effect on what goes on.
Gameplay wise you get a great action platformer along with TONS of weapons to hack and stash your way through the levels. I did find the game a bit easy BUT it was fun nonetheless.
If you're looking for a great story, great world, and great gameplay that will last you about 7 hours - go no further. Bastion is great.
90
Best Sim Ive Played
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Rise of Flight - Iron Cross EditionIve had sims in the past - nothing particularly spectacular but they did the job. It wasnt until recently that I decided to try out Rise of Flight and I am SO glad I did. The game is BEAUTIFUL and the planes are an utter joy to fly.
The base game comes with 8 to 9 planes right off the bat and with a little extra money and a sale or two you can boost that number to 20 or 30 planes. I own 21 myself and only put $45 extra on top of the $10 I paid for the base game. And the best part is that I enjoy playing every single plane I got.
I use a Thrustmaster Hotas T-Flight Stick and it makes the flying extremely fluid. The combat itself is challenging but satisfying and is exemplified but the amazing physics engine.
I highly recommend this title if you're a sims fan or just want to try one. You wont regret it. The community for multiplayer is also great.
85
Never Had So Much Fun Doing Nothing
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Just Cause 2The game is huge, fun, and funny. You HAVE to remember that it doesnt take itself too seriously and builds its world around fun. Ive never had so much fun blowing crap up in my entire life. The game rewards everything you do with Chaos points and so you never feel ripped off as you go around the world creating havoc. The story is okay but its the satisfying gameplay that will have you coming back for more.
I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to play an awesome open world sandbox game. Remember to tether an enemy soldier to a car or heli at least ONCE...its hilarious.
85
Dont Compare the Game - Play it
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Mafia III went into Mafia 2 thinking it would be something like GTA but soon realized that it was a pleasure to play if I remembered that it was its own experience. The point wasnt the cars or city - the point was the story and amazing gun play.
The gameplay itself, including car handling, was soooo satisfying. I loved how it felt to fire the guns and kick mafia ass. The characters were great and I had sooo much fun going through it. The visuals were also really good and I enjoyed my adventures through the game as a result. I recommend this game and also recommend that you go in with a bit of curiosity rather than hope for GTA.
85
Great Game
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Assassin's Creed 2 Deluxe EditionIve always had fun with the AC Series. The first one blew me away with its climb anywhere system and now the rest of the series continues to get better and better.
The story in AC2 is awesome. It takes you through 4 or 5 different cities and gives you tons of backstory for the games. The gameplay and climbing mechanisms got a great face lift and had me hooked for hours on end. The game easily lasts 25 hours with the main and some side quests but you can easily extend that number to 30 hours or more doing all the side missions and even more if you try to find all the collectibles.
85
Gritty Fun
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Super Meat BoyI loved my time with SMB. It was insanely challenging and utterly hilarious to play. The art style is great, the story is funny, and the gameplay is wonderfully fluid.
The challenge level may induce some level of rage but the game is very satisfying. Remember that Shift is for sprinting. It'll help out a lot. I cant tell you how much I laughed while playing this game. It drove me nuts but had bursting with laughter each time I got blasted into a pile of red goo.
90
A Great War Game
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Wargame: European EscalationThere are a good few RTS games out there that play various roles within their sub genres Total War and Civ rule the TBS genre, Starcraft 2 rules the competitive RTS genre, and games like Hearts of Iron 3 rule the grand strategy genre. Wargame takes on a genre of its own in a sense.
Like games such as RUSE or World in Conflict - Wargame EE is an Tactical RTS that does away with base building and instead has you invest in unit management and tactical combat. Wargame is different though in that it doesnt give you infinite resources when it comes to ammo and fuel and units. It instead asks you to manage your front line while also managing your unit health, ammo, fuel and reserves. With all of that factored together you get a very satisfying and challenging game where you make sure to scout well before you push so as to ensure minimal losses.
I highly recommend this title for RTS fans.
90
I Love This Game
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Total War: Shogun 2Ive owned every Total War game since Rome Total War and have to say that this game is by far the best one so far. The other games were great but lacked campaigns and sufficient streamlining to satisfy any but the hardcore. That began to change in Napoleon Total War and came to fruition in Shogun 2.
Not only is the game more streamlined but its also beautiful and features a wonderful main campaign that pits against all the other clans for control of japan. I wasnt sure about the setting at first but grew to love the combat style and naval encounters. I also love the technology trees and character upgrades. Agents and generals all earn experience and points to allocate towards specific helpful skills and man do they help out. Shogun 2 makes it thrilling to manage your empire and march your way to the capital of Japan.
90
PreReview - Beta
ROKET | June 18, 2012 | Review of Guild Wars 2: Digital Edition (NA) PREThis game is amazingly solid for a game in beta. It looks beautiful, it runs well and plays amazingly. Everything is intuitive and the dynamic quest system they've employed is awesome. Character creation is also quite nice with a very decent variety in how to build your character.
I preordered the game and am quite happy about it.
85
Great Game and Good to Newbies
ROKET | June 13, 2012 | Review of Sid Meier's Civilization® VI know the Civ series has a huge following and a very large and very nostalgic player base but for those who are new to Civ or couldnt get into the game before now Civ V is a great place to start.
I played the demo before it was released and had a great time. It was a good chance to learn the game and as I played I enjoyed myself more and more. The streamlining provides for a nice experience and building a Civ from the ground up is so much fun.
Performance wise the game can be a little stubborn but overall it performs well. I really like the game.