stuartcee's GameSpot Friend's Reviews stuartcee's GameSpot Friend's Reviews stuartcee's GameSpot Friend's Reviews en-us Copyright (c)1995-2013 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. http://www.gamespot.com 20 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:55:23 -0700 GameSpot stuartcee's GameSpot Friend's Reviews http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/shared/promos/misc/gs_logo.gif http://www.gamespot.com 135 40 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 04:24:48 -0800 AtlanticRock reviewed The King of Fighters XIII for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/the-king-of-fighters-xiii/user-reviews/783530/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

I'm a MAJOR King of Fighters fan, but not a professional player. I've been playing this series for years because I love the mythology, character designs, and best of all the music. I was really into the series until 2003 came around. That title was so bad I really had lost my taste for the series and stuck with the old games.

King of Fighters XI (HUGE improvement over '03) was the next one in the series but due to some unfortunate circumstances it couldn't be brought over to America and was very hard to find; so I never got around to playing it much. It used the team-switch system from '03 but added dream cancels and really unique cast of characters that still to this day aggrivates me that such characters have never shown up again(Duck King, B. Janet, etc.)

KOF XII was the first HD KOF for the next-generation. The game was real bad but had some promising concepts. The new art direction reminded me of SNK's other fighting franchise: Art of Fighting. Major problem with this game was that it lacked any story, moves, and hell - a boss. It was basically a demo for KOF XIII, but that's kind of tarnishing the good name of KOF XIII because I'd rather just play the demo then look at KOF XII again.

King of Fighters XIII is a KOF fans dream and should already be apart of their collection. For those not into the series it's going to be hard to get into because the combo mechanics are very execution heavy.

Great cast of characters, vibrant backgrounds, online(haven't touched it - no GOLD), loads of missions and trials to grind out. The full package is here and this game is hands down my Game of the Year 2011 and favorite fighter of the past decade.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"AtlanticRock reviewed The King of Fighters XIII for the Xbox 360..." was posted by AtlanticRock on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 04:24:48 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/the-king-of-fighters-xiii/user-reviews/783530/platform/xbox360/ Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:38:12 -0700 WorldOfHurt reviewed Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for the PlayStation 3... http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-bad-company-2/user-reviews/774065/platform/ps3/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

Let's get the campaign over with straight away, shall we? Silly, goofy humour, very derivative but a good old blast.

But no-one plays this game for the SP, do they? Let's talk about MP.

Wow. Just WOW.

For many, many years I hated shooters. The reason? Spawn, run-around-like-headless-chicken, die. Repeat. Yawn.

So what is so different about BC2? Well, the sheer scale, for a start. There's none of this "so small I can shoot you from my spawn" rubbish. There are so many lines of fire and directions to attack from, you really need those squad-mates to back you up and offer a respawn point.

Good class divisions bolster different choices of playstyle. Recons can use those long scopes across the map, but they have to deal with bullet-drop and pseudo-realistic time to cross the distance, making sniping a tense affair. Engineers have the big rockets but have to make do with SMGs instead of rifles. Assaults have the accuracy and power. And medics have big support LMGs but are really there to keep everyone alive.

And then there's the total destructibility. Being able to blow a hole straight into the enemy base rather than go through that booby-trapped door...? Well, it's just obvious isn't it? Once you have experienced that, every other shooter feels like a nonsense.

And last, and definitely NOT least? The squad-based, objective mode called Rush. In this format, the defenders have to prevent the attackers from bombing a pair of crates - if the crates are taken, a new pair is activated further "behind enemy lines" and the action moves there, until eventually the attackers reach the crates at the defenders' base. The defenders can only win by forcing the attackers to respawn a fixed number of times by shooting them.

Simple, but oh-so-addictive :) I have put well over 100 hours into this game mode because it is practically perfect. As the attackers, there is the constant adrenaline-rush of sprinting into the enemy base with huge explosions all around you and gunfire whistling overhead, desperately trying to reach the base and set the charge. And as defenders, there is that desperation to reach and defuse the charge before the timer runs down. Both modes are significantly better when played as coordinated teams, and the maps are so dynamic thanks to destructibility that no game is EVER the same twice.

There are numerous vehicles - helicopters, quad bikes, jetskis and tanks, and you need to use every one at some point in order to achieve the win so they aren't just decoration.

And the effects - ringing in the ears from nearby explosions, perfectly pitched gunfire, rumbling tanks and helis, smoke and debris everywhere. The attention to detail is amazing.

But most importantly, as you progress up the ranks and unlock more weapons, you come to realise that ALL the classes are needed to keep your team winning - there is no unbalanced class, they really do all contribute to the goal. Seldom has teamwork been so much fun.

All in all, this is a fantastic and epic multiplayer experience, and moves the bar for all future shooters a long way upwards.

Awesome.

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]]> http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-bad-company-2/user-reviews/774065/platform/ps3/ Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:20:55 -0700 AtlanticRock reviewed Mortal Kombat for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/mortal-kombat-2011/user-reviews/769753/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

I'm a big fan of fighting games so when Mortal Kombat 9 was announced E3 2010 I was on the edge of my seat. I was never too into the MK series but loved the mythology. The games had a history of being a novelty then dying off quickly til the next installment. This title decided to change that by making it tournament worthy, which was the automatic deal breaker for me.

From the visuals to the audio, everything in this game is top notch and you can see that NetherRealm Studios went to work for fans of the series. So much content on this disc makes me wonder why Next-Gen fighters don't include this much right off the bat. I'm not one for mini-games but the Challenge Tower is a great addition that works so well with Mortal Kombat's silly humor that's been a staple for the series. Story mode is engaging, very well written, and the best I've seen in a fighter.

The combat is deep with the inclusion of the power meter which attributes to the enhanced moves, breakers, and x-ray attacks. Depending on the player you can play mostly defense(turtling) and manage to take down a strong opponent. Most fighters you have numerous rush-down characters, but MK9 makes you in control of how you master your character.

If you're into 2D fighters, this game is a godsend and should be in your collection. The online and balance tweeks that come in patches are proof that the team are focused on putting more content for this game.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"AtlanticRock reviewed Mortal Kombat for the Xbox 360..." was posted by AtlanticRock on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:20:55 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/mortal-kombat-2011/user-reviews/769753/platform/xbox360/ Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:18:05 -0700 angryfodder reviewed MX vs. ATV Reflex for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/mx-vs-atv-reflex/user-reviews/733988/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 8.0.

If you played untamed on the xbox 360, you'll know that its much the same game as unleased was before it. However, reflex is here, and it actually feels like a new game. The main change to the tried and tested forumula is the new control system. It doesn't sound like much, but the dual system control really changes the gameplay.

The key to getting good at previous MX games, was to learn the lines and jumps of the courses, to maintain a decent speed. This is still true of the latest game, but now you're in control of both the bike and the rider.

The left stick controls the bike, and the right stick controls the rider. It sounds complicated, and at first it can be, but once you start getting the hang of it, it becomes very rewarding. You feel alot more involved, as you have to simultaniously foucs on the bike, track and rider. Part of the reflex control system also includes a stack avoidance feature. If you land a jump badly, you won't automatically fall of as in previous games. This time around, an on screen prompt comes up to move the rider control stick in a set direction. Nail this fast enough and your rider will regain control. Take too long and he will fall from his bike.

The graphics have also had an overhaul. Its might not be the best looking game from a technical perspective, but the environments are rich and the outside tracks stretch for miles. Its worth making note of the new destructable track feature. As you ride a track, it will get torn up under your bike, atv or buggy. It doesn't make a massive difference to gameplay, but it looks great and is a great idea.

As with all MX games, there are a wealth of tracks and vehicles. The layout of the single player events is slightly better structured than in the previous games.

Overall, if you're a fan of ATV racing, this is well worth a look at.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"angryfodder reviewed MX vs. ATV Reflex for the Xbox 360..." was posted by angryfodder on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:18:05 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/mx-vs-atv-reflex/user-reviews/733988/platform/xbox360/ Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:11:43 -0700 WollfffffyBoy reviewed Test Drive Unlimited for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/test-drive-unlimited/user-reviews/728195/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

Test drive unlimited is an open world multiplayer racing game that'll keep you coming back time and time again. You can find a huge variety of vivid environments in TDU. You can fight through the treacherous mountain bends to the long straights of paradise by the beach. Every turn you make in test drive leads to discovering new exotic areas of lush terrain. As far as cars are concerned there is a massive amount to choose from, all with licensed names such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and many more.

Players are enabled to play single player progressing through different ranks and earning more money which potentially can be spent on houses, clothing for your character and those dream cars. There are a series of events you can participate in including simple minded races to taking rare cars from one side of the map to another for a high price, which is tense at some points for example having police tailing you, but once completed very satisfying and rewarding and can prove to be a very entertaining challenge. Players can also dive in and out of multiplayer mode which, essentially, is the same map of Hawaii but you can cruise around with other players and friends. All events in single player can be entered whilst online.

In multiplayer mode you can compete in different races after visiting various drive ins around the map as well as challenging other drivers at the flash of your headlights for high stake races. A big part of test drive unlimited's online is the ability to fork out some of your hard earned cash and making a club. You can invite friends and other players to your club and can take part in intra club races which are races between fellow club members or you can take it to the next level with inter club races, which allow club members to go into a lobby against another club and fight for club respect.

In the xbox 360 edition of TDU achievement points are used as a ranking system, this means you rank up and unlock different events and unlocks through the gaining of different achievements which for some brings a bigger objective and aim to the game and for the achievement hunters out there, this proves to be heaven in such a way that playing an enjoyable game just for the fun of it earns you more gamerscore! On the topic of achievements, there is a very useful built in achievement tracker which you can view from your house and find out how far away you are from your next bundle of G's.

TDU itself does not have a steep learning curve; players will simply find themselves racing against the best in no time. The early events prove to be a lot easier than some of the events you face later on. This is very effective for the players that struggle getting into the rhythm of the different cars. Every car on test drive has different handling physics to give the game that extra boost of realism although at some points the game can prove to be ridiculous for example drifting down a mountain range at over 180mph which for some is entertaining anyway. You can customise the colour and performance of your car and even change the interior, although the customisation could be a lot more detailed like that of other racing games.

In my opinion test drive unlimited is a very entertaining game with a lot of content to get through including many DLC packs and events and can be picked up at a bargain price for around £5 due to the game's old age. You may find prices may rise slightly due to the sequel coming soon in September 2010. If you enjoy casually cruising around in a luxurious car showing off then this is the game for you.

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"WollfffffyBoy reviewed Test Drive Unlimited for the Xbox 360..." was posted by WollfffffyBoy on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:11:43 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/test-drive-unlimited/user-reviews/728195/platform/xbox360/ Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:10:13 -0700 AtlanticRock reviewed Enter the Matrix for the Xbox... http://www.gamespot.com/enter-the-matrix/user-reviews/712140/platform/xbox/ ...and gave it a 8.0.

One of the only movie based games that I enjoyed in my life. The graphics were decent but not the best. I wish more time could've been spent on the lighting because it seemed like most of the time in the dark levels it was hard to see anything. Sound was amazing due to the developers having access to the sounds/audio from the actual movies.

The story focused on the side characters which was a plus because you got to learn about what else was going on during/before Reloaded. The length isn't all that long, but pretty good for a 3PS. This gen of gaming needs more fun/off-the-wall shooters like this, because it was really entertaining.

Problems with the game were alot of clipping and horrible framerate. Also, when the game went to the cutscenes there was alot of pausing. I don't know if it was rushed(which it most likely was, due to being a movie game), but they definitely did a bad job on bug/patches.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"AtlanticRock reviewed Enter the Matrix for the Xbox..." was posted by AtlanticRock on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:10:13 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/enter-the-matrix/user-reviews/712140/platform/xbox/ Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:39:22 -0800 WorldOfHurt reviewed BioShock for the PlayStation 3... http://www.gamespot.com/bioshock/user-reviews/702722/platform/ps3/ ...and gave it a 7.5.

Ok, I'm late to this party, but there was so much hype about this game when it came out I deliberately ignored it. But that many fans can't be wrong, can they...?

Yes they can.

This is an adventure game, set in the under-water kingdom of Rapture - a 19th Century Dystopia created by a flawed visionary called Ryan. You play a stranded intruder, dragged into a disturbing war the megalomanics vying for control, and their drug-powered "Splicer" armies, whilst trying to escape back to the surface. But the path to freedom is an arduous an complex one...

First off, let me just say that I hate games that have respawning enemies, just for the sake of keeping you busy. And this game has that in spades. Every time you go back to a room, it will have respawned a few splicers for you to tediously hack down. So I disliked it from the start.

And despite the ability to swap and change "plasmids" (read: magic powers) and weapons, you end up continually falling back on some favourite hand cannons unless forced, by lack of ammo or invulnerable enemies, to change. So that's not really a feature, either.

Ok - the beautiful surroundings are something to behold - the atmosphere is perfectly in keeping with the dark storyline, and the flourishes like the golden sheen around key collectables is perfect.

And the storytelling, via the in-game action and missions, and the collectable tape-recordings which flesh out the complex inter-relationships between the characters, is very well done. It is refreshing to have a game with such complex interplay and pacing in the narrative. The heart-wrenching relationships between Little Sisters and Big Daddies are artfully told.

But at the end of the day, the fighting is boring. You have to hack and slash so many splicers it becomes a tedious chore. Yawn, another spider splicer? Boom. And another nitro splicer? Bang.

And the exploring is so disorientating I found myself continually backtracking and trying to figure out where I had and had not visited. But you are forced to keep hunting for ammo and "Eve" (magic serum) so you cannot ignore the complex maps and just complete the objectives, you have to keep trawling through locations in the hope of a few bullets.

When all was said and done, completing it felt like a chore completed rather than the triumph it should have.

So in the end this is a very pretty but unfulfilling meat-grinder of a puzzle game, which pleases the eye but ends up frustrating the mind and soul.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"WorldOfHurt reviewed BioShock for the PlayStation 3..." was posted by WorldOfHurt on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:39:22 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/bioshock/user-reviews/702722/platform/ps3/ Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:00:55 -0800 WorldOfHurt reviewed Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PlayStation 3... http://www.gamespot.com/batman-arkham-asylum/user-reviews/702147/platform/ps3/ ...and gave it a 8.5.

A great game. Just really well done.

I didn't think so at first, the controls were tough to get the hang of after other 3rd person beat-em-up-adventures like Uncharted 2. But after persevering, getting a few upgrades, and working out the freeflow fighting thing, it just opens up into a truly great game.

This game nails the Batman style. It really immerses the player in the shadowy world the comic books portray. Gritty, brutal and thought-proviking, it is a superb rendition of the hero we know and love from years of devoted reading.

The fighting style is bang-on, with flowing combat and heavy hitting special moves right out of Dark Night Returns.

Nice puzzles, although a bit repetitive, give some side interest to the storyline and some good replay value. The Challenges, outside the main game, definitely increase the value of the package.

And when you finally get one of those 40+ freeflow combos going, knocking down a room full of perps in a beautiful martial ballet, there's only one thing you can say...

I am Batman.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"WorldOfHurt reviewed Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PlayStation 3..." was posted by WorldOfHurt on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:00:55 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/batman-arkham-asylum/user-reviews/702147/platform/ps3/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:23:26 -0700 AtlanticRock reviewed Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes From Liberty City for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city/user-reviews/689500/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.5!

When the two exclusive DLCs for GTA IV were announced I knew that was my very first reason to get an Xbox 360, because I am a GTA fan. I was even more pleased to figure earlier in the year that the 2 GTA downloadable episodes were going to be released on disc bundled together.

Now that I've gotten a chance to play both DLCs(just starting on Lost and Damned, at the moment.) - I have to say this is a great game. I loved the new features introduced in Ballad of Gay Tony and the story didn't disappoint neither. I can't go into detail about Lost and Damned because I haven't finished it yet, but so far it's a treat.

The only cons to the package so far is that these are two Episodes of Grand Theft Auto, so both stories individually are short, nevertheless this package is a great deal. But, those who bought them seperate will probably hate the length.

- Rock.

Get the full article at GameSpot

]]> http://www.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-iv-episodes-from-liberty-city/user-reviews/689500/platform/xbox360/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:34:36 -0700 InsultToInjury_ reviewed BioShock for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/bioshock/user-reviews/678175/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

You find yourself as Jack who has crash landed into Rapture. Not all is what is seems with enemies as the Splicers (adam addicts who have been mutated and deformed and a tad annoyed about it) run riot in the utopia while 1940s music plays through the background of the decor fits the 40s era. Big deep sea diver looking body guards stalk the halls with a little angel on their sholder. Your objective is simple, survive and help Atlas. The trials and tribulations of this adventure need to be played to be discovered and you will in awe as you discover the truth behing the underwater utopia. You have an array of general weapons but you also have plasmids you shoot our your left hand - fire, ice, electricity its all there and becomes extremely useful. You will pick up tapes along the way and meet characters such as Andrew Ryan, Sander Cohen an exceptional artist... the story is gripping, the combat fun and exciting... the enemies a tad obscure. This game isnt for the faint hearted it involves a complex story which if you look deep enough can show so much more. If you enjoy story over combat, or combat over story you will have a happy medium here.

The game is a classic and with the second one looming this game is not to be missed. I played it when it first came out but replaying it recently i felt the need to write a small piece just incase anyone is pondering about geting it.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"InsultToInjury_ reviewed BioShock for the Xbox 360..." was posted by InsultToInjury_ on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:34:36 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/bioshock/user-reviews/678175/platform/xbox360/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:59:49 -0700 AtlanticRock reviewed Batman: Arkham Asylum for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/batman-arkham-asylum/user-reviews/678146/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 10.0!!!

Finally a game that shows how badass and brutal Batman's world is. Playing this game for about 12 hours straight I had to remind myself to take a break because it was so much fun. Being a comic fan it was like a wet dream come to life watching Batman pull off all these combos(most of which I seen in the demo, but cool nonetheless), using all sorts of gadgets(which he has alot I might add), and cameos that left my breathless.

If you watched the animated series then the voice over work from Mark Hamill and Keven Conroy is going to be a delight. Even the side characters are well done. Great production from Rocksteady, you can tell they put their hearts into this game. Graphics, Sound, Gameplay, Controls, and Over-all presentation are top-notch.

This is the stand-out game for 2009 in my honest opinion, I look forward to Eidos and Rocksteady doing an Arkham Asylum II(at this moment I'm only 40% done with the game and i'm already asking for a sequel, lol).

Get the full article at GameSpot

"AtlanticRock reviewed Batman: Arkham Asylum for the Xbox 360..." was posted by AtlanticRock on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:59:49 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/batman-arkham-asylum/user-reviews/678146/platform/xbox360/ Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:16:42 -0700 silentlord833 reviewed Guitar Hero: Metallica for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/guitar-hero-metallica/user-reviews/654911/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 8.5.

DUN! DUNDUNDUN! BENTUM BENTUM BUN BENTUM BUN BEN BEN BUM!!!

If you like Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and all the fun happy goodness that comes with them, THIS is the game to get. Metallica is to rockinrolla music what (something snappy is to something creative).

After spending lots and lots of time playing Rock Band 2, I felt that the difficulty was seeming to wane, but I had forgotten that I was still playing the few Metallica songs in the library (downloaded content) in medium. I quickly remembered after attempting to play "Disposable Heroes" on Hard in GH: Metallica. This game is HARD. The library of Metallica songs is epic as far as the choices made. If you are a fan of the source material, you will not be dissappointed. The difficulty could be seen as a bad thing, but honestly these songs are hard to play for real, so they really shouldn't be dumbed down for the game.

The sound of the game is also as would be expected very very good. No surprise there, turn it up and let it out.

While as of yet, I have not gotten into all the different game modes, one worth noting is the 4v4 head to head challenges. You and three of your metal bangin friends can show off your stuff against another four person band via XBL, and it seems like the thing to do.

The extended library offers some different fare, some songs that are easily recognized, others not so much, all are fun to play. Plus, having Slayer, SamHain, and Machine Head on the game isn't hurting it IMO.

Achievements are all named after Metallica Songs, or other Metallic-esque things, so getting "Achievement Unlocked: ...And Justice For All" is pretty sweet.

not alot of downsides to this game, the only one I could think of, is if this is a first time Guitar Hero/Rock Band purchase, and play, it may be a little difficult to get into. Other than that, if you are a Metallica fan......Get it.

Graphics: 8 out of 10
Gameplay: 9 out of 10
Audio: 10 out of 10
Online: 9 out of 10

If you like: Any Guitar Hero or Rock Band game.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"silentlord833 reviewed Guitar Hero: Metallica for the Xbox 360..." was posted by silentlord833 on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:16:42 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/guitar-hero-metallica/user-reviews/654911/platform/xbox360/ Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:28:44 -0700 seventy5cent832 reviewed Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/cabelas-dangerous-hunts-2009/user-reviews/654162/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 2.0.

worst game i ever bought, thought it would be like the first one i had for xbox it wasn't, i just follow a story line that didnt allow me to free hunt for whatever i wanted, there are just challenges and the story, very disappointing. no free hunt... i don't even want to go into details. when an animal gets close, which happens all the time because you never see the animal coming, it goes into one of those "press the corresponding button things" after you hit a about 10 different buttons that are really easy, you get to knife the animal, i want to try and shoot it, nope it just puts you into that mode. and its REALLY easy. This was the only game Ive ever just went out and bought without looking at a review, bad choice for me. id advise look into another hunting game. id only buy this game for 1$.

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]]> http://www.gamespot.com/cabelas-dangerous-hunts-2009/user-reviews/654162/platform/xbox360/ Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:01:45 -0700 Xprimentyl reviewed Battlefield: Bad Company for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-bad-company/user-reviews/653461/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 7.0.

This title has the makings of a classic, in fact, there's is quite a bit to be appreciated online right out of the box in a unique, fully realized warzones replete with almost completely destructible environments, a vast arsenal at your disposal, vehicles covering land, sea and sky and fast-paced acrtion tying it all together. (Not to mention some decent, FREE downloadable content!) But the single player thus far has completey stepped on it's own feet creating an initially fun and destructive outing that turns into a grind of epic proportions.

The mission are pretty much samey "go here and kill everyone until ominous female voice over the radio radio tells you to go somewhere else and kill everyone." Simple enough to match the off-color humor that abounds throughout the game; it fairly well manages to keep the atmosphere light and airy in lieu of more serious and grave shooters like Call of Duty or Ghost Recon. Get's repetitve quickly, however; that's why the Frosbite engine allows you to blow up everything, so you can keep yourself entertained; kinda like a one-year-old in a playpen, trapped in a simple box but strangely content...

The maps are ENORMOUS which is generally a great thing... until you die and are re-spawned halfway across the map and miles from the objective you were approaching; obsessive hidden collectable seekers be warned; many a time, I found myself way off the beaten path for 20 minutes at a time only to me murdered and half to trek ALL THE WAY back to where I died. Hopefully you spawn near a vehicle or else you're in for an epic walk ala Lord of the Rings (and that strange, bald, emaciated, skeletal figure following you everywhere and talking to "his precious" is me, lost somewhere out in BFE looking for that last gold bar...

The team AI is terrible, easily the worst I've had the misfortune of dealing with. First of all, it's never quite explained why you, as the newest memeber of the Bad Company foursome, constantly find yourself LEADING your squad despite the Sarge, the gruff spiritual ancestor of Halo's Sargent Johnson, barking orders and "taking charge" in all the cinematics. Their genius is counter-pointed by seemingly brilliant enemy AI who wield fully automatic assault weaponry with surgical precision and are clearly only interested in killing YOU. Seriously, I can't count the number of times my squad of MENSA flunkies would be standing directly in front of four enemies in plain sight, not firing, and those same enemies would perceive me, the guy cowering behind the blown up building and stabbing himself in the chest with a miracle cure-all needle, as the threat!

All of this amounts to yet another game which has failed to balance its on and offline experiences and missed the mark on what easily could have been a GREAT game. If you're sold on a great mutliplayer experience, look no further; if you're off-line or more concerned with a rich single-player experience, you might wanna look elsewhere.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xprimentyl reviewed Battlefield: Bad Company for the Xbox 360..." was posted by Xprimentyl on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:01:45 -0700
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-bad-company/user-reviews/653461/platform/xbox360/ Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:58:54 -0800 AtlanticRock reviewed Street Fighter IV for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/street-fighter-iv/user-reviews/645081/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 6.5.

I couldn't wait to get this game in my hands... for anyone who's reading this that means they have no clue what to expect from a Street Fighter game, because any fan of 2D fighting games already know what this is all about.

The game is a mixture of Street Fighter II and Street Fighter III, they included so many new fighting mechanics so that experts and newbies can join in on the fun with no problem. They slowed the game down(certain characters like my main: Vega) but it's still fast paced. Unlockables are a plenty in this game and give any fan of the series to keep coming back for more single player action. Challenge Mode is something I haven't had much time with but I can tell it's something to keep the achievement hunters in check.

The story is the only downfall in the game, the anime intro's and endings seem so retarded and short they make no sense. I also wish DeeJay was one of the characters in the game to make it from the classics but eh, i digress.

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"AtlanticRock reviewed Street Fighter IV for the Xbox 360..." was posted by AtlanticRock on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:58:54 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/street-fighter-iv/user-reviews/645081/platform/xbox360/ Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:59:45 -0800 DarkElf2112 reviewed Too Human for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/too-human/user-reviews/640024/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 7.5.

There have been few games more universally panned by critics than Too Human. Look no further than right here at Gamespot for a generally negative review of this game. One would be left with the impression that Too Human is one of the worst games ever offered for the XBox 360. This is untrue. Most of the negative reaction no doubt comes from the ridiculous over hyping done by the games creative director Dennis Dyack. Dyack has been working on Too Human for many, many years and promising a revolutionary experience when the game was complete. Well, that's also untrue.

Graphics: Middle of the road quality. Some parts of the game look very impressive while others look a bit rough. Framerate is often choppy and thier are a few graphical hiccups that give the game an incomplete feel. It's not a bad looking game but it doesn't look like a game that has been in development for several years.

Story: You play as Balder, a Norse God in an Asgard merged with high technology. You progress through the story persuing the evil God of Mischief, Loki and trying to find answers regarding the death of your wife and your own grevious injury you had suffered. It's actually quite clever. It somewhat illustrates the point that technology can be so great that it can be construed as magical. It's an interesting take and a pretty good story all in all.

Gameplay: Too Human is an old fashioned loot game at it's heart. You will be constantly gaining new items, crafting your armor, leveling up, and gaining new abilities. The combat is a combination of stick melee and normal shooting with special abilities mixed in. It works and it's fun. Flying all over the screen hitting this enemy, tossing another in the air and using your guns to juggle him until dead is simply a blast to do! The camera leaves a lot to be desired but it doesn't break game. The campaign is not very long but you seem to be expected to use each of the five classes to go through the game over and over. That is not realistic nor a very entertaining prospect. The game could get very old and tiresome very quickly after too many play throughs.

In summary, Too Human is OK. Pretty good even. I got it very cheap on Ebay and certainly would not have paid full price for it but if you can pick it up cheap I recommend you do so. Judge the game yourself, don't go by hearsay.

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"DarkElf2112 reviewed Too Human for the Xbox 360..." was posted by DarkElf2112 on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:59:45 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/too-human/user-reviews/640024/platform/xbox360/ Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:25:53 -0800 DarkElf2112 reviewed Braid for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/braid/user-reviews/636952/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 8.0.

I wouldn't normally bother to write a review for an Xbox Live Arcade game but Braid isn't your average offering from the service. It is the most highly regarded and well received game from a place that is known more for old arcade ports or other quick and dirty fare. Braid is the brainchild of Jonathan Blow. A man who conceived and financed this project independently. This may explain why Braid has such a unique style in a world of mass produced junk games that usually appear on XBLA.

Graphics: Braid has a highly stylized "moving portrait" look to it that is pleasant and different. It's not extremely sophisticated but is is an XBLA title so don't expect it to look like Gears of War 2. The games style really allows it to compete quite favorably to a high end retail game.

Story: Hmmm. Good question. On it's face Braid strikes you as an homage to Mario Brothers. The main character, Tim, is seeking his princess. Below the surface the story appears much deeper. I say appears because I am skeptical of just how deep Braid really is. I don't consider myself a stupid man but at the end of the day, I still don't know what this game was about. The internet is rife with conjecture about the storyline. You'll find theories that range from it's about the Atomic Bomb to it's The very essence of loss. I kid you not, someone actually wrote that. There are mysterious hidden stars and strange sub-text throughout the game that help fuel the internet flames. Personally, I think Mr. Blow is having a bit of fun with us. In a masterstroke of marketing savvy, I believe the game is deliberately left to interpretation to appeal to the pseudo-intellectuals out there who always believe they are the smartest people in the room. "We get it, you don't. Nyah Nyah Nyah Nyah Nyah!". However, I think the joke's on you fellas£

Gameplay: One thing not up for debate is Braid's gameplay. The puzzles are very clever and the need to learn the games key element, time manipulation, is essential. I haven't played anything quite like it and that's saying something in a gaming world of the same old same old. Braid is right there with Portal in terms of bringing something new and fresh to the table. As short as the game is, you will be challenged and you will be entertained. When you finally reach that puzzle piece that has eluded you for an hour, it's very satisfying.

Braid is an expensive game by XBLA standards but the content is worth the extra $5.00 in my opinion. I have enjoyed full priced retail games much less than I did Braid. It's a game that is well worth playing and I recommend you do so.

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"DarkElf2112 reviewed Braid for the Xbox 360..." was posted by DarkElf2112 on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:25:53 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/braid/user-reviews/636952/platform/xbox360/ Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:39:37 -0800 DarkElf2112 reviewed Fable II for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/fable-ii/user-reviews/632546/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 9.0!

Fable 2 is the sequel to the original XBox role playing game from Lionhead studios. It is the brain child of Lionhead creative director/designer Peter Molyneaux who's reputation is considered anywhere from genius to con man. Molyneaux's games to me have been good but not great, ambitious but short of the mark. I have believed Molyneaux could sell ice to an Eskimo but never deliver on his own hype when it was time to boot up his game. This is the main reason why I waited a few months before picking up Fable 2. I was in no hurry to be disappointed. Fortunately, I was far from disappointed.

Graphics: The game is beautiful. There are some load screen hiccups and it helps to install it to your hard drive but the landscapes look great and all building interiors are accessible. The "ye olde days of yore" style connects spot on in a way I thought was tacky in Fable 1. This game looks as good as any game to date on the 360.

Audio: I have to make a point about the voice acting. It's really is top notch. The actors are actually funny when trying to be funny and execute other emotional material with equal skill.

Gameplay: I was extremely skeptical of the one button attack methods for melee, magic, and ranged weapons. It turned out to be rather pleasant. Fable 2 is not really about combat. Fighting is never a challenge and you will seldom be defeated. And when you are you are merely knocked unconcious for a few seconds before returning to the fight. The combat system is about feeling powerful and moving through the story. You are supposed to be in awe of yourself not constantly beating your head against the wall trying to defeat a boss.
Interaction with other characters is pretty much handled by script already determined by the game. You make decisions rather than interact. Including getting married, having children and acquiring property. It is basically hand-holding but I think Mass Effect's conversation system has left all other RPGs in the dust and spoiled us, so I don't hold this against Fable 2.
Following the tale and discovering amazing new treasures and places is extremely rewarding. The assorted zany folks running around Albion are also very entertaining to come across. And of course, your dog is a delight!
The biggest problem with Fable 2 is how short it is. Coming out approximately the same time as the mighty Fallout 3 didn't help. You can pretty much do everything there is to do in Fable 2, good and evil, in 30-40 hours (in Fallout 3 you're just getting started after 30 hours). This doesn't ruin the experience but more of Albion would have been nice.
Co-op is encouraged and works fairly well but again, you can't bring your actual character into your friends world or vice-versa. Not the end of the world but it would have been nice...

In conclusion, Fable 2 was a pleasure to play. In fairness, I didn't expect much so I was blown away by how well the game had come out. Fable 2 is probably not so much a sequel as it is what Peter Molyneaux had intended in the first place for Fable. In that case, well done Mr. Molyneaux.

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"DarkElf2112 reviewed Fable II for the Xbox 360..." was posted by DarkElf2112 on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:39:37 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/fable-ii/user-reviews/632546/platform/xbox360/ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:55:11 -0800 InsultToInjury_ reviewed Pokemon Diamond Version for the DS... http://www.gamespot.com/pokemon-diamond-version/user-reviews/631718/platform/ds/ ...and gave it a 8.5.

Now I will admit I am not a 10 year old boy. I am in fact a 22 year old girl who has made it her life ambition to get a full team of Evee's and an Oddish. With this you can be quite safe in the fact this game is not only for kids but for adults alike.

Pokemon first hit the scene in the 90s.... To cut to the chase we all know the games we all know the "gotta catch 'em all" format. This game is no different, but yet with it being almost identical to previous installments - it still stands on its own and you'll be glued to it hours and hours trying to catch your dream Pokemon.

So, with this game like the GBA versions before it came with two versions. Diamond and Pearl. Only difference a few Pokemon. I bought this the day it came out back in summer '07 and picked Diamond because I liked the cover more. Now of course you can hunt the various web pages to see which or if any has the most powerful ones to catch.

There are many a features on this which I love and make the game much more enjoyable. You can go underground and search for stones and hidden treasures. You can trade and play online. Granted I have yet to experience this and with a few horrible folk out there who may ruin in for everyone else I am not ready to jump on that band wagon. There are hundreds of Pokemon to catch, badges to win and lots of little hidden surprises.

Pokemon D/P is an enjoyable RPG for all ages. The premise is simple, but rewarding. In real time with the use of the clock app. you will be playing it literally morning, noon and night to find that one Haunter or Munchlax.

Take heed this game is what you make it. When you beat the elite 4, they say the game is just begining and in some ways they are right. You can start from the begining and find new hidden paths and stumble across a bizarre Pokemon in the bushes.

I think 9 times out of 10 most people have played a Pokemon game. Its not hard to pick up and play but getting the right balance to defeat your foes can be. It is definetly one of the best games out for the DS. And with the release of Platinum in 2009, Pokemon may evolve and change but the general basics of the game will not, but it will bring on board new fans to their old well played format.

In the end why change something when its great the way it is?

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"InsultToInjury_ reviewed Pokemon Diamond Version for the DS..." was posted by InsultToInjury_ on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:55:11 -0800
]]> http://www.gamespot.com/pokemon-diamond-version/user-reviews/631718/platform/ds/ Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:29:12 -0800 Xprimentyl reviewed Mirror's Edge for the Xbox 360... http://www.gamespot.com/mirrors-edge/user-reviews/629658/platform/xbox360/ ...and gave it a 8.5.

Every now and again, game designers sit around their conference tables and decide (rightly so) that the industry NEEDS an infusion of something NEW. So many have pursued tried and true ideas, added small twists, maybe slightly better mechanics or an interesting, gimmicky dynamic and passed of copy-cats of age-old games. Let's face it, for the most part in the FPS genre, we've been playing Doom with different textures and environments for 15 years. Don't get me wrong, I love my FPSs; don't know what I'd do without them, but when it all boils down, the games have not been that dramatically different: you run through corridors, shoot lame AI baddies and blow up crates and barrels.

Then comes something like Mirror's Edge. At it's core, it is a First-Person game, but the focus is so far from "shooting," calling it an FPS is simply wrong.

Mirror's Edge puts you behind the eyes of Faith, a gorgeously realized underground information runner in a not-to-distant dystopian future wherein the idea of privacy has been quelled as the government monitors and polices everything we do. As a "runner," Faith utilizes the art or sport of Parkour, free-running, that focuses on the quickest and most efficient ways of getting from one place to another through feats of incredible agility and athleticism: scaling walls, leaping over obstacles, tumbling and climbing up and down pipes. At the brink of much-needed societal change, Faith's sister (her professional opposite, a cop,) is framed for murder. Faith then sets upon a pretty straightforward quest to clear her sisters name and incite change. Nothing revolutionary there...

What makes Mirror's Edge stand apart is the fact that it is a First-Person title that really makes you FEEL you are your character. No mere screen-bobbing or looking down and seeing your feet to give the illusion of first-person here; Faith's movements are fluid and weighty; you see her arms pumping as she runs and every turn, jump, tumble and impact FEELS like it's happening to you. (As frustrating as it is, falling 20 stories to the ground below is a terrifyingly satisfying feeling!) Watching Faith reach out and grab ledges and poles, hearing the sound of her hands clamping down or her feet gaining momentum as she runs and her grunts of exerted force never get old. These mechanics have never been done so well in an First-Person title; it's funny that in the dozens of FPSs I've played, the first time I ever really FELT it would be in a game where guns are rarely given a second thought!

Graphically, this game is astounding. The scheme of bold, monochromatic colors set against the bleach-white cityscape gives Mirror's Edge a unique, beautiful and surrealistic feel. This is immediately counteracted by the fact that the environments and lighting are at times, disturbingly realistic.

The sound is excellent. Like I said, her footsteps on different surfaces, her breathing, the sound of her flesh squeegee-ing across glass and metal as she glides like water from one place to another, the sound of the wind blowing past "your" ears as Faith gains momentum, all of these are perfectly realized and set to an unlockable ambient electronic soundtrack that changes with the pace of the game. (Special kudos to "The Shard £ puzzle" track!)

The gameplay itself does get a bit repetitive and the scaling puzzles become a little obvious after you train yourself to "think" like a runner, but the longevity and the replayability comes in the form of time trials and global leaderboard-tracked "speed runs" for each of the campaign's 10 levels. There is a huge level of pride in picking up on the nuances of Mirror's Edge's non-intuitive control scheme: (i.e.: for the 360, Left Bumper is the "Jump" button and the typically mashed "A" button is mere context-sensitive, rarely-pressed after-thought.)

Overall, Mirror's Edge is a remarkably refreshing installment in "video gamedom;" it will likely not appeal immediately to a wide variety of gamers, but it is an amazing ride worth a few playthroughs at least (because you can always do it FASTER!) I can already foresee a cult following that will raise hell whenever an FPS comes out to utilize these mechanics and the vocal majority sounds off like it's something new! I believe everyone should at least try Mirror's Edge out to appreciate the experience; the set-pieces it has brought to the table in movement and unique First-Person feel have undoubtedly raised the bar. Enjoy.

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"Xprimentyl reviewed Mirror's Edge for the Xbox 360..." was posted by Xprimentyl on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:29:12 -0800
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