The title says it all, my friend.
First the Bad news; I will not have a review of Hitman: Absolution. YET. I simply procrastinated more then I should have. I will review it as soon as I can.
Then the Good News; first, I figured out how to fix my Xbox 360 and will have it up and running soon. Xbox fans, keep your fingers crossed.
Second, I am pleased to announced that instead of simply once a week, I will be writing posts every single day starting on the 15th of this month (its when my classes end). I will be making written reviews of games new and old as they come to me. Many of them will be retro reviews, and I will try to stay as current as possible. Weekly I will have video reviews, a feat made possible by buying a better (and much more expensive) HD video recording device. That should make video production smoother and less complicated. Also, I will make a special posting once a month concerning hot-button issues of the gaming community, akin to the spirit of "What Gamers Want". It was my most popular post yet, and I am a strong believer in giving fans what they want. I will need a month for each article only because inspiration takes time, and so does research.
The New Ryan's Video Game Review schedule, on December 15th 2012, will be thus:
Saturdays will be video reviews
Every 4th Sunday will be "Gamer's voice" type reviews,
Every other day will be a brief review of a game I played either recently or in the past.
I will still be using the seven word synopsis, as it makes it easy to post on Twitter and puts a more subjective spin on the traditional numbers system.
If this sounds like a good system to blog with, give me a shout out. If this sounds like a dumb idea, please give out constructive criticism. Either way, your comments are encouraged, so long as they are civil.
Thank you and have a good day :)
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Bad News Guys
It looks like I will either have to replace the AV cables on my 360, and/or take the whole thing apart to apply thermal compound; which means thorough research and a trip to the store. I.E. no videos today.
I will come back to this game once my 360 is in order; Black Ops 2 is a great game, and I intend to keep it.
Next week, however, I will be reviewing Hitman: Absolution for your pleasure.
Not telling you how just yet. That's going to have to be a surprise :)
Anyway, once I get my 360 up and running again, I will make a video review for Black Ops 2 Zombie mode as promised.
Sorry for the delay
I will come back to this game once my 360 is in order; Black Ops 2 is a great game, and I intend to keep it.
Next week, however, I will be reviewing Hitman: Absolution for your pleasure.
Not telling you how just yet. That's going to have to be a surprise :)
Anyway, once I get my 360 up and running again, I will make a video review for Black Ops 2 Zombie mode as promised.
Sorry for the delay
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Murphy's Law; Black Ops 2 Multi-Player Review
I gotta stop making promises I can't keep.
For those of you unfamiliar with the title's origin, Murphy's Law is thus:
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This applies directly to my Xbox 360.
First the controller won't connect, then I get the red ring of death, and then just as I breath a sigh of relief as the red ring only meant a disconnected cable, the AV stops working. Plus the EasyCap device won't work directly with Premiere Pro. Not my day.
I will unfortunately need to postpone the multi-player video until further notice. I will not make any promises this time, so as not to disappoint. Sorry for the inconvenience.
But I did get a chance to try out the multiplayer before it all went down south, so I do have a few words to say; the main one being that it's not all that different.
As I said in my video review, Campaign mode has always been a weak spot in the Call of Duty franchise; why I recommend games like Spec Ops: the Line for more story themed enthusiasts. That being said, the Multi-player is among it's strongest features most of the time in Call of Duty games. The design decisions that seemed to guide the creation of Black Ops 2 almost seems to prove it.
Because the Campaign mode seems better then the multi-player mode.
There are no Strike Team modes or access panels in multi-player, and I actually find myself missing the engaging (if still somewhat nonsensical) story of the Campaign mode. With multi-player its seems to follow the same mode as Black Ops 1 and Modern Warfare 3. You got your core mode, your hardcore, your perks, your different games modes, seems almost like a re-glossing of the same tried and true formula.
Not to say that it isn't good; Call of Duty has always had strong multi-player modes above all else. Most of the features that persisted were innovative upgrades made in the previous game that are streamlined toward simplicity and a more futuristic look. The point tally used for kill streaks is still there, but is now represented by a stylish meter with a slightly more complex score. The kill-to-reward ratio is still the same, and the only thing different is the way it is presented. Also have a new system for collecting new weapons, attachments, and gameplay perks that uses tokens. Basically instead of gathering 1000 or more points for a new weapon or perk, you only spend a single token on anything new. Like I said; more streamlined.
For those of you unfamiliar with the multi-player environment of Call of Duty games, be warned; there is a steep learning curve, as always. Unless you are familiar with what is called "noob-tubing", the price of admission to playing even a single game can be steep. And it is usually marked with your own multiple deaths. Understand that many people have been playing and buying this franchise of games since it was just another World War 2 simulator for the PC. The veterans who play this game will be right on top of this one, and will take all of there awesome skill with them. Don't get fustrated; everybody dies a lot, even when they are good.
Something to consider is what's called the "Season Pass" for the series. For an extra $25 you will get 4 extra maps to play on and a chance to play in more professional tournaments with a special interface. I wouldn't recommend this to casual players, as it is obvious this was made for die-hard fans in mind.
This game will play like almost any other Call of Duty game you played on multi-player, complete with exploding traps, campers, player rewards, and kill streaks. If you liked Call of Duty so far, and are ready to take the game tricks you know and love to the next level, get the season pass along with the game. If you got sick of the same mechanics and systems in Modern Warfare 3, try campaign and zombie mode instead.
For those of you unfamiliar with the title's origin, Murphy's Law is thus:
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This applies directly to my Xbox 360.
First the controller won't connect, then I get the red ring of death, and then just as I breath a sigh of relief as the red ring only meant a disconnected cable, the AV stops working. Plus the EasyCap device won't work directly with Premiere Pro. Not my day.
I will unfortunately need to postpone the multi-player video until further notice. I will not make any promises this time, so as not to disappoint. Sorry for the inconvenience.
But I did get a chance to try out the multiplayer before it all went down south, so I do have a few words to say; the main one being that it's not all that different.
As I said in my video review, Campaign mode has always been a weak spot in the Call of Duty franchise; why I recommend games like Spec Ops: the Line for more story themed enthusiasts. That being said, the Multi-player is among it's strongest features most of the time in Call of Duty games. The design decisions that seemed to guide the creation of Black Ops 2 almost seems to prove it.
Because the Campaign mode seems better then the multi-player mode.
There are no Strike Team modes or access panels in multi-player, and I actually find myself missing the engaging (if still somewhat nonsensical) story of the Campaign mode. With multi-player its seems to follow the same mode as Black Ops 1 and Modern Warfare 3. You got your core mode, your hardcore, your perks, your different games modes, seems almost like a re-glossing of the same tried and true formula.
Not to say that it isn't good; Call of Duty has always had strong multi-player modes above all else. Most of the features that persisted were innovative upgrades made in the previous game that are streamlined toward simplicity and a more futuristic look. The point tally used for kill streaks is still there, but is now represented by a stylish meter with a slightly more complex score. The kill-to-reward ratio is still the same, and the only thing different is the way it is presented. Also have a new system for collecting new weapons, attachments, and gameplay perks that uses tokens. Basically instead of gathering 1000 or more points for a new weapon or perk, you only spend a single token on anything new. Like I said; more streamlined.
For those of you unfamiliar with the multi-player environment of Call of Duty games, be warned; there is a steep learning curve, as always. Unless you are familiar with what is called "noob-tubing", the price of admission to playing even a single game can be steep. And it is usually marked with your own multiple deaths. Understand that many people have been playing and buying this franchise of games since it was just another World War 2 simulator for the PC. The veterans who play this game will be right on top of this one, and will take all of there awesome skill with them. Don't get fustrated; everybody dies a lot, even when they are good.Something to consider is what's called the "Season Pass" for the series. For an extra $25 you will get 4 extra maps to play on and a chance to play in more professional tournaments with a special interface. I wouldn't recommend this to casual players, as it is obvious this was made for die-hard fans in mind.
This game will play like almost any other Call of Duty game you played on multi-player, complete with exploding traps, campers, player rewards, and kill streaks. If you liked Call of Duty so far, and are ready to take the game tricks you know and love to the next level, get the season pass along with the game. If you got sick of the same mechanics and systems in Modern Warfare 3, try campaign and zombie mode instead.
here is my Seven Word Synopsis of the multi-player game mode
Simplified Interface
Same Mechanics
Good for Veterans
If I can get my Xbox working by tommorow (God willing) I will add a video to this post along with a review of Zombie mode. If not, expect a Hitman review for the PS3 next week.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Black Ops 2, Black Friday sales, and a Story to read.
Good things come to those who wait. And for you patient viewers, I have for you my very fist
video review. You can also check it out on my Youtube page if you like.
Enjoy
Yes, I understand that today is Friday.
I originally wanted to get this done last week. The Capture Device and the software used to make this proved to be a pain in my ass. Good thing it's Black Friday!
Speaking of which, here is a short list of great deals you can find on great games. This is my reward for all of your patience:
Recommended Games from Amazon.com:
Recommended Games from GameStop
That's just about it for today. Tommorow we will go over Multiplayer mode.
After that: ZOMBIES!
But before you go anywhere, and if your the kind of person who likes to read something besides video game reviews, try my short story The Loner posted in the contest below.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Video review is Postponed.
Sorry Guys and Gals,
The Easycap video capture device I'm using has been giving me greif all week; the audio driver is missing and I can't download it due to the new anti-piracy laws as of late. Thank you Uncle Sam.
I am going to need some serious editing and adjustments to make my footage into a video worth watching. If all goes well, it will be ready by tomorrow afternoon. I can't make any promises though; the sound I wound up with is terrible, and either needs serious tweaking or elimination. Probably the latter.
I also need to attend my mother's birthday party tomorrow. Promised her a hand made card and intend to keep that promise. I love my mom.
But fear not, those of you who read this humble blog regularly and diligently; good things come for those who wait. All I ask is that you wait a day or two for that video.
I will give you a sneak peak into it though; the game is AWESOME!
Details when I'm finished :)
The Easycap video capture device I'm using has been giving me greif all week; the audio driver is missing and I can't download it due to the new anti-piracy laws as of late. Thank you Uncle Sam.
I am going to need some serious editing and adjustments to make my footage into a video worth watching. If all goes well, it will be ready by tomorrow afternoon. I can't make any promises though; the sound I wound up with is terrible, and either needs serious tweaking or elimination. Probably the latter.
I also need to attend my mother's birthday party tomorrow. Promised her a hand made card and intend to keep that promise. I love my mom.
But fear not, those of you who read this humble blog regularly and diligently; good things come for those who wait. All I ask is that you wait a day or two for that video.
I will give you a sneak peak into it though; the game is AWESOME!
Details when I'm finished :)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Quiz Answers Revealed
Pencils down, kiddies. Time to reveal wheather or not
Spec Ops: The Line is right for YOU!
If you are reading this first, I strongly suggest you click on this link and read the questions first.
"Is Spec Ops Right for You?(Quiz)
There are only five questions, and there are no right or wrong answers. This is just a test to see
if Spec Ops: The Line is the kind of game you want to buy/rent/borrow/play period.
I did the review in this format mostly due to the controversial and nuanced form of engagement that this game offers. I find it much to my liking, and as a good departure from the rut most triple A titles tend to suffer from. But this is my opinion, not fact. Answering these questions will clarify your opinions on the controversies that come from this game, and should offer insight as to weather or not you actually want to play this or if this just isn't your cup of tea.
For each question, I will list what each answer means for you. The answers to each question will be lettered in red.
Here we go:
Hope these results give you an idea as to what this game is about. If you think you can handle mediocre gameplay with a bold, controversial message that isn't fun but engaging, you would want to buy this game.
If not, either rent it or leave it for someone else.
"Is Spec Ops Right for You?(Quiz)
There are only five questions, and there are no right or wrong answers. This is just a test to see
if Spec Ops: The Line is the kind of game you want to buy/rent/borrow/play period.
I did the review in this format mostly due to the controversial and nuanced form of engagement that this game offers. I find it much to my liking, and as a good departure from the rut most triple A titles tend to suffer from. But this is my opinion, not fact. Answering these questions will clarify your opinions on the controversies that come from this game, and should offer insight as to weather or not you actually want to play this or if this just isn't your cup of tea.
For each question, I will list what each answer means for you. The answers to each question will be lettered in red.
Here we go:
Question 1: Have you watched Apocolypse Now, and/or have read the book Heart of Darkness? If so, did you enjoy it? If not, would you want to read or watch either?
I made this question based both on my research of the game and my basic observations while playing it; I have seen Apocalypse Now! (great movie) and saw some stark similarities between the game and the film. You play as the commander of a three man squad of a crack team of special operatives, sent to the sand-blasted city of Dubai in search for a rouge commander gone missing. You soon learn the ugly truth behind what is going on and the horrors that is both war and humanity. Apocalypse Now! is the same basic set-up, except the target is in Vietnam. Both works are based off of the book Heart of Darkness, and relate the horrors of war as the center of darkness in the wilderness. It is grim, it is not fun, but it sure as hell is engaging.
a) yes, and I loved it! The dark message doesn't seem to bother you, if it doesn't encourage you outright. The subject matter is obviously well-suited to you, as is the type of engagement. Spec Ops: The Line might be just the kind of game you are looking for. This is obviously something your used to.
b) yes, but it wasn't my cup of tea. Obviously, this kind of dark allegorical story isn't something you find engaging, and Spec Ops:The Line is the kind of game not meant for players like you. I'm glad you gave both the movie and/or the book a chance, but the game hits retail at about $39.99. Unless you can rent it or get a great deal on it, I wouldn't even bother looking at it if I were you.
c) no, but they sound interesting. Buckle up your seat belt, partner; your in for one hell of a ride! This might mean you will enjoy it more then anybody who did NOT answer c, only because you have the benefit of surprise. And believe me, this game is full of surprises; mainly, the nasty kind...
d) no and I don't plan to. Got a MW3 tournament this weekend. Even though the last sentence of this answer was obviously a joke, it does allude to the reason I made this quiz; a lot of players just want to shoot stuff. You obviously have not read Heart of Darkness or watched Apocalypse Now! and you don't seem to show much interest in doing either. You seem like the kind of audience most developers would target; adrenaline junkies who like to frag noobs online. Spec Ops:The Line is a great game, but it's biggest weaknesses are its graphics and multi-player mode. This game was not made with you in mind.
Question 2: Did you ever play Gears of War? If you did, do you enjoy it? If not, would you buy it?
The game Spec Ops:The Line is a continuation of a game franchise that hasn't been released since the Playstation 1 era. The team that designed it, Yeager, knew that they could never compete with games like Call of Duty or Battlefield without going way over budget. So they took a move novel approach; abandoned game mechanics for a new type of engaging yet disturbing gameplay. This is not a game for you kids.
That being said, if I had to compare the actual "game" to anything on the market now, it would be Gears of War. Your preference and experience with said game will apply to this one very easily.
That being said, if I had to compare the actual "game" to anything on the market now, it would be Gears of War. Your preference and experience with said game will apply to this one very easily.
a) yeah, I love GOW! bought every game! You will find the basic button layout and cover mechanics intuitive and second nature. You might enjoy it the most, since this takes the game play you find the most comfortable, and puts it in a more grim, realistic setting. If you can tolerate the watered down control scheme and the somewhat unrefined graphic quality, you are in for a treat.
b)yeah, and it sucks the big one! You obviously played GOW and did not like it. This game plays very similar to GOW. Buy something else.
c) no, but I want to buy it sometime! Try this game instead. It's cheaper, and has a much better story to it.
d) no, and I don't want to buy it. EVER! This depends on why you would pick this answer. If it's because you don't like action games, then don't pick Spec Ops. If it is because you think the story for GOW stunk, then you need to at least give this game a try. you will not be dissapointed.
Question 3: How important are graphics in a game?
This question is pretty self explanatory. The game has good graphics, but not nearly as good as other action games of its kind. If you are the kind of player who would rather watch something pretty then be engaged through controversial subject matter, you might want to check the answers on this. Remember; pick the answer that is right for YOU!
a) they are everything in a game. The developers at Yeager games had not the budget or the technology to meet your expectations. Try something else.
b) good games sometimes have bad graphics If you can tolerate something that does not look like COD, this is definitely a game worth your time.
c)good games don't need good graphics This is your game. Rent to for the weekend.
d) who cares about graphics besides technophiles? If more people felt like you did, Okami would be a best selling game. Buy it.
Question 4: Do games always need to be fun?
If there is anything you can take away from this article and others like it, it is this; Spec Ops:The Line was not meant to be a fun game. This game engages the player with sorrow, horror, controversy, and profound messages. If you can't buy into that, don't buy the game.
a) Of course they do, you dumb S***! Go play Call of Duty instead
b) Games should be fun, more often then not. Try renting it, and see if its worth buying
c) Games don't always need to be fun. Buy it.
d) the Game industry's reliance on fun is holding it back as a whole. Buy it right now, and write a review on blogger!
Question 5: Is there something wrong with the shooting games of today?
This question is meant to measure one thing and one thing only; your tolerance for controversy. If you are the kind of person who thinks that games are "just a game" and "only meant to be fun" then you will not agree with this game's message. If you are willing to let go of the fact that you played COD:MW and GOW for half of your lifetime and they did not necessarily imply the best of what games have to offer, you will find the message in this game moving.
a) Of course there are; don't you watch the news?! I am surprised you would even read an article like this. Do keep in mind that despite its controversial content, this game actually agrees with you; this is a shooting game made to critique other shooting games. Enjoy the message, if you can.
b) Shooting games aren't all bad, but they desperately need improvement. I have one word for what this game will offer you, kind sir or madam; Vindication!
c) Shooting games are fine. Then you will disagree with the folks at Yeager.
d) WTF? Are you dissing my favorite game?! Quit trolling and GTFO. This is not your game.
Hope these results give you an idea as to what this game is about. If you think you can handle mediocre gameplay with a bold, controversial message that isn't fun but engaging, you would want to buy this game.
If not, either rent it or leave it for someone else.
Seven Word Synopsis
Engaging Game
Controversial Subjects
Pick with Care.
That's all I got for now. Join me on Saturday for my first ever video review.
Once again the subject is
Until next time.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Is Spec Ops right for you?(Quiz)
Spec Ops: the Line is like no other game you will play for a very long time. Not because the graphics are gorgeous, not because the game itself is a masterpeice. It's golden principle that makes this a must play game is the simple fact that it is not made just to have fun.
This is a game with an important message.
I won't give away what that message is this time (no spoilerz!) but I will give you some insight as to what this game is about and wheather or not you should fork forty dollars for it (cheap for a game, really).
How am I going to do this? Grab your pencils and paper, students! Its time to take the first evar
a) yes, and I loved it!
b) yes, but it wasn't my cup of tea
c) no, but they sound interesting.
d) no and I don't plan to. Got a MW3 tournament this weekend.
This is a game with an important message.
I won't give away what that message is this time (no spoilerz!) but I will give you some insight as to what this game is about and wheather or not you should fork forty dollars for it (cheap for a game, really).
How am I going to do this? Grab your pencils and paper, students! Its time to take the first evar
Game Review Quiz!
Today's Subject - Spec Ops:the Line
That's right; I will once gain go where no game reviewer has gone before, and instead of simply giving you reasons why or why not to buy this game, I will give you the chance to find out for yourself by answering five simple multiple-choice questions!
There are no right or wrong answers to this quiz. The results will reveal wheather or not you are likely to enjoy this game. The key word in italics is likely, and the next key word is enjoy. Spec Ops is kind of a depressing game...
We will go over the questions today, and I will reveal the answers in my next post. Here we go...
Question 1: Have you watched Apocolypse Now, and/or have read the book Heart of Darkness? If so, did you enjoy it? If not, would you want to read or watch either?
b) yes, but it wasn't my cup of tea
c) no, but they sound interesting.
d) no and I don't plan to. Got a MW3 tournament this weekend.
Question 2: Did you ever play Gears of War? If you did, do you enjoy it? If not, would you buy it?
a) yeah, I love GOW! bought every game!
b)yeah, and it sucks the big one!
c) no, but I want to buy it sometime!
d) no, and I don't want to buy it. EVER!
Question 3: How important are graphics in a game?
a) they are everything in a game.
b) good games sometimes have bad graphics
c)good games don't need good graphics
d) who cares about graphics besides technophiles?
Question 4: Do games always need to be fun?
a) Of course they do, you dumb S***!
b) Games should be fun, more often then not.
c) Games don't always need to be fun.
d) the Game industry's reliance on fun is holding it back as a whole.
Question 5: Is there something wrong with the shooting games of today?
a) Of course there are; don't you watch the news?!
b) Shooting games aren't all bad, but they desperately need improvement.
c) Shooting games are fine.
d) WTF? Are you dissing my favorite game?!
Answer the above questions truthfully as possible, then write them down. Check out the post "Quiz Answers Revealed" through the blog archive above to see what your answers mean, and if Spec Ops is worth picking up.
Next week will be my first video review. The subject....
Until Next Time!
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