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• 27May 13

  The Walking Dead Review

  The stench of rotting corpses fills the air, alone and separated from your group, fear begins to set in. As you scramble gingerly and take a glance of the inhospitable surroundings, a slight misstep could spell the end. In the distance, the sound of chewing and gnawing is all too familiar. A horde of walkers have claimed yet another life. When will it all end?

  Lee Everett, the games protagonist is first seen in a patrol vehicle on route to prison. A former university professor, his reputation is now tarnished and battered. What he doesnt know is that the next few days will make all that pale in comparison. Within minutes, a walker causes the vehicle to swerve and tailspin onto the side of the road, spiraling out of control into a ditch. Dazed momentarily, Lee makes his way out of the wreckage by breaking the windscreen.

  Lees very first encounter with a walker is truly memorable as the policeman, or at least whats left of him is crawling menacingly towards you. A quick glance to the right, you notice a shotgun beside you. Left with no choice, you are forced to put it out of its misery. Fumble and take too long to react, and it could get messy.

  

  The walkers here are no pushover

  The Walking Dead presents you with many different choices to play the game. Do you shoot someone to save them from the unimaginable pain of being eaten alive? Take supplies that isnt yours out of sheer desperation or risk starvation? Choosing to spare the life of a maniac isnt so easy when the opportunity presents itself. Be the guy who thinks of nothing but the safety of the group or one that everyone would loathe and despise. These are just some of the choices that the game presents to you. How you choose to respond, whom do you pledge your allegiance with, or decide to rescue they ultimately go a long way in altering the game. Which is why, playing differently on your next session just to see what other alternatives can unravel is very much encouraged.

  No zombie apocalypse would be complete without a well diverse cast, and this is where The Walking Dead delivers. Staples of the genre; college jock, the journalist with a keen eye, an overly protective dad, and an orphan are just some of the different people you will meet. Their motives and hidden agenda bring much conflict and tension once food and medication supplies run dry. Often at times, Lee will have to play peacekeeper and attempt to diffuse the situation.

  With top-notch writing, initiating conversations isnt a chore but an integral experience. Friendships turn hostile, uneasy alliances are formed out of sheer desperation, romance could spark as you get to know someone, this game has emotion down to a pat. And in an industry marred with many one-dimensional characters that fail to engage, the cast here are well-rounded and relatable.

  

  Amidst the chaos, humanity is very much alive

  Players use the left analog to control Lee while the right one is reserved for looking around the environment. Everyday tools such as shovels, ladders and wrenches can be used to get out of a sticky situation or to fight off incoming walkers. Conversations are more often then not, timed as you are forced to choose from four options to respond. Get caught telling a lie and you will be called on it, raising further suspicion on Lee. Your actions are also tied and timed to the D-pad. Be too quick and press on the trigger, and it will alert walkers to your presence. With the onrush of footsteps and no escape in sight, scanning the environment for an exit or a tool that you can use, is bound to set your heart racing.

  Point and click games will always have the issue of certain items and objectives not being highlighted clearly enough which is bound to frustrate and cause moments of aimlessly wandering around, but as they occur so rarely, it doesnt detract from the experience. If you appreciate a well woven tale that is high on drama and intrigue, $20 is all but a small sum. Ironically, The Walking Dead revives the slumbering point and click games from its grave to new heights, and sets the benchmark for others to follow. Season 2 cant come soon enough.

  

  Most bizarre moment (LOOK AWAY IF YOU HAVENT BEATEN THE EPISODE): Episode 2 will leave you disgusted once the motives of a group is revealed. Something about the St. Johns just doesnt seem right. With those shifty eyes and Brendas willingness to cook up a meal for our whole group, surely something is up. You see, they have a well thought out plan, survivors who wander onto the area will be presented with an offer that is too good to pass up on. Food for gas, you say? Fair trade in a world gone to shit. We will just keep you alive long enough and feast on your flesh. Its downright gory and sick, but thats what make this episode so awesome.

  Link to review: The Walking Dead

  Feel free to give me your critiques/suggestions on how I can improve

  • Posted May 27, 2013 8:46 am GMT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 23May 13

  Top 10 PS3 Exclusives

  The PS3 is one well rounded console that has seen the introduction of various exclusives, some brilliantly executed productions that put many an action film to shame, a cel-shaded strategy game that is as gorgeous as it is fun to play, to a broken mess of a game that failed to live up to its enormous hype (Lair is that game). Now we get that not everyone will agree with our choices, which has some omissions that may surprise you, and trust us, deciding upon the finalized list was an arduous task in itself. 

  Note: This article was also written by tjsmoke63, rigbybot127 which was initially posted on Leet Gamers Asia

  With that out of the way, here is the list:

  10. Resistance: Fall of Man (tjsmoke63)

  When the PS3 launched in 2006, it didnt exactly have a host of stand-out titles. One of them, however, that did stand out was a sci-fi first person shooter from Insomniac Games, who had previously been best known for their action platformers Spyro and the Ratchet and Clank series. Resistance: Fall of Man follows the exploits of Nathan Hale through an alternate history 1951 where the Earth has been invaded by a hostile alien species known as the Chimera. Hale makes his way through Britain, battling a variety of enemies while on foot and in vehicles (an early tank section stands out, and was one of the more fun missions in the game). Hale has at his disposal a wide array of weaponry with which to tackle the alien menace. In addition to your typical pistols and assault rifles, Insomniac, much as they did with the Ratchet and Clank series, also gives you some very creative pieces to take out your foe.

  

  The Chimera are relentless as they are diverse

  The Auger was one such weapon, whose primary attack is a rapid fire but the bullets burrow through walls and emerge with a greater strength, and the secondary attack creates a shield that blocks enemy fire, but allows you to shoot the enemy. With these weapons and documents you can find throughout the gameworld, Insomniac created a fresh alternative to your military shooters, and created a story that was both deep and rewarding. The game did well enough to spawn sequels. Resistance 2 hit consoles in 2008, Resistance: Retribution came out in the same year for the PSP, Resistance 3 hit consoles in 2011, and Resistance: Burning Skies released on the Playstation Vita. But none quite matched the first game, which still remains one of the best shooters to grace Sonys console.

  9. Heavy Rain (tjsmoke63)

  In 2010, developers Quantic Dream, the studio behind the PS2 game Indigo Prophecy (known as Fahrenheit in Europe) released a game that was very different from anything else on the consoles. More interactive drama than a standard game, Heavy Rain placed players in the shoes of four different characters in pursuit of the Origami Killer, a child murderer who leaves origami figures at the scene of the crime. The characters  include Ethan Mars, a man who has suffered tragedy and whose son is being held captive by the killer, Madison Paige, an investigative journalist, FBI profiler Norman Jayden, who has at his disposal a pair of high tech glasses that enable him to find clues, and Scott Shelby, a world weary private investigator looking into the case.

  

   Heavy Rains story puts many games to shame
  

  The game was unique in that there was never a Game Over screen. Instead, if your character died or simply failed a challenge, the story continued on, taking into account the players actions and adjusting the story accordingly. It gave the game an immense amount of replayability and multiple endings (one count puts the number of endings around twenty), meaning each player had a unique experience while going through the game. Some players disliked the reliance on Quick Time Events (QTEs) but for this game they worked well. Also, conversation choices were given, and you had a limited amount of time to make your choice, which in turn reflected on how other characters in the game would react to you. It was a very intense experience that many gamers and critics embraced, and remains one of the most unique entries in the PS3 library.

  8. Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time (rigbybot127)

  The latest installment in the beloved Ratchet & Clank series of platformers (not countng All 4 One, and Full Frontal Assault) sees the separation of the titular duo, a continuation of the plot element introduced at the end of Tools of Destruction, and throughout the entirety of Quest For Booty (though you dont have to play that one, as its $15 for 4 hours, and the beginning of ACiT sums it up nicely). Ratchet must embark on the single most dramatic journey in the series, as he races to rescue Clank from Dr. Nefarious, before he destroys the universe by using The Great Clock, of which Clank and his helper, Sigmund are the current keepers of; all while Ratchet learns of his race, the Lombaxes, from one of his fathers best chums, Allister Azimuth, who may know more about the Lombaxes than he lets on. It ties in great with Tools of Destruction, as well as directly explains things that put the events of said game in motion.

  

  With its Pixar esque graphics, its a sight to behold

  If not for the amazingly epic story, then definitely get it for the near-flawless platforming/shooting gameplay, and awesome set-pieces and battlefields, as well as some interesting new time puzzles on Clanks levels; this game of which contains the most Clank sections in the series history. They are fun and challenging, but arent very large in quantities, unless you wanna go for the bonus Gold Bolt ones, but your mind will probably be reduced to mush before you finish all those.

  7. LittleBigPlanet 2 (rigbybot127)

  This is as wet as a creative persons dream can get. LittleBigPlanet 2 unleashes what is (quite literally) hundreds of games worth of assets at you, to assure that you and up to 3 buddies can have all the fun platforming in beautifully creative user-created worlds, but with all these assets, you dont have to stop there! You have the ability to create racing games, fighting games, tower defense games, first-person shooters, and much more, all for what is now a $20 dollar price tag (along with however much you spend on the games seemingly endless amount of downloadable skins, featuring the likes of The Muppets, Sonic the Hedgehog, Assassins Creed, Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid, which comes with a special paintball gun, and basically any other intellectual property you can imagine; the DLC for the original is also compatible, which means even MORE to choose from).

  

  Multiplayer games are chaotically fun and a great ice-breaker

  6. God of War III (tjsmoke63)

  God of War III was the final chapter in the story of Kratos, finishing off the tale begun by Santa Monica Studio on the PS2. By this entry Kratos, the Greek warrior betrayed by the Gods, has reignited the Great War, and the game begins with Kratos storming Mount Olympus with the aid of the Titans. All does not go well, as Kratos is betrayed once again, this time by Gaia. The spirit of Athena appears once more to guide him, this time in search of the Flame of Olympus and Pandoras Box. Featuring plenty of characters and creatures from Greek mythology, the gameplay once again employed the brutal hack and slash found in the previous entries. Combos could be made using Kratos main weapon, the Blades of Exile, and the use of a secondary weapon, among them the Claws of Hades, the Nemean Cestus (a pair of fist gauntlets), and the Nemesis Whip.

  

  One word to sum up the GOW series; epic

  As before, unlocking chests released orbs that replenished both health and magic, as well as Gorgon Eyes, which upgraded health, Phoenix Feathers, which upgraded magic, and new to the series, Minotaur Horns, which upgraded items. In addition to combat, that game featured puzzles to solve and plenty of platforming sections. The story is a well written tale of vengeance, and is bolstered by strong voice acting and some jaw dropping visuals. The game remains of the best action adventure titles on the PS3, and offered a satisfying end to Kratos story, though Sony an Santa Monica Studio dont appear to be done with the character, as several prequels have been released. For those wishing to indulge in a fair amount of carnage this is the game to play.

  5. Valkyria Chronicles (david)

  A small nation overcomes all odds and emerges triumphant. War has never been forgiving and Valkyria Chronicles is filled with moments of sheer tragedy, personal loss that shakes the very foundations, and blooming romance that will tear at your heartstrings. Amidst the cookie cutter shooters and adventure games that has violence in spades, Valkyria Chronicles not only stands out for its beautifully crafted cel-shaded graphics but also for its unique and challenging gameplay. Like the Fire Emblem games which involve a lot of tactical planning and careful consideration before making a move, the sheer sense of accomplishment when you clear some of the latter stages is second to none. Which units do you deploy, who should make a quick dash through enemy lines, how to best thin out the enemys relentless assault? These are just some of the questions that players will ask themselves. And in a battle for supremacy  that can be shifted in one favor with one false move, the stakes are high in what is arguably the definite strategy game in PS3s long list of must-have titles.

  

  Selvaria, a deeply troubled antagonist

  4. Journey (rigbybot127)

  Journey is not a game in any traditional sense. Sure there are collectibles, and you move your character like one moves a character in a third-person game, but Journey eschews the normal video game format of quests, attacking, and health, as well as the ability to die at all; for a rich, gorgeous atmosphere, with beautiful lighting techniques utilized, (as you can see from the above screenshot, has the best sand in gaming) coupled with a rewarding narrative, that doesnt rely on heavy exposition or any dialogue whatsoever, and instead allows you and a completely random stranger to look past superficial details, simply make little chirping sounds to signal your new friend over, and create a real emotional connection with one another, as well as memories that will last forever, with a person youll never see again, all on that mighty trek towards the omnipresent mountaintop.

  

  A sight to behold

  3. Ni No Kuni (david)

  As far as JRPGs go, many havent been as good as they used to. Marred with dated mechanics that fail to recapture the excitement of progressing through a story, playing it too safe with predictable gameplay and relying on past successes simply isnt cutting it. Ni No Kuni with its strikingly beautiful animations is a game that is very much alive and a genuine throwback to JRPGs of old. With characters in which you genuinely care for, it sets itself apart by going back to basics, making exploration and leveling up fun again. Familiars, companions that you can serenade and recruit to your team after beating them, is a neat addition. Much like the addictive nature of Pokemon, there is much satisfaction to be gained when one manages to serenade a familiar. Varied in design and personality, each encounter with them calls for different strategies and weaknesses to exploit. With over a hundred of familiars to collect and train, one can easily spent countless hours just wandering around the mass landscape completing errands as well as hunting for that elusive familiar. This is one game you wouldnt want to miss.

  

  This truly is a beautifully crated game

  2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (rigbybot127)

  The full proverb is No Honor Among Thieves, which is certainly the case in Nathan Drakes second outing, and in most minds, his best. His first game showed a lot of potential, which was unfortunately not ceased due to clunky shooting controls and screen-tearing. Uncharted 2 takes its potential, and runs it up a very large hill, and has perfect framerate and zero screen-tearing, making it one of the most technically perfect console games ever made. Uncharted 2 pays homage to a lot of action-packed Hollywood movies (most notably the Indiana Jones series), and plays like a 12-hour movie, with all the action, romance, twists and turns you would expect from such; but the pacing is perfect, never gets stale, making it a joyride to play long after the credits roll.

  

  A well crated adventure game, that doesnt let up

  1. Metal Gear Solid 4 (david)

  Storytelling in games, ranges from the downright bizarre (go ahead and Google Seaman, dont say we didnt warn you) to one that leaves you on an emotionally charged roller coaster ride and never lets up. Metal Gear Solid 4 is that game. With precision and fluidity coexisting effortlessly, the narrative is at its strongest in Metal Gear Solid 4. You see Snake isnt the same man; diagnosed with accelerated aging, he is wrinkled, nurses his stiff joints and is looking a lot worse for the wear. Although some cutscenes in the Metal Gear Solid series may be overly long, viewing them in its entirety is integral if one is to fully soak in the epic narrative. And in a game that has them in spades, each cutscene blends in seamlessly with smart gameplay that lets you tackle a stage in numerous ways. Do you take the stealthy route and pick off enemies one by one or go in guns blazing, shooting the living daylights of anyone who gets in your path? The choices you make and overcoming them on the harder difficulties is extremely rewarding as it is fun.  The fact that it debuted 5 years ago and yet remains at the very top of the list, is testament to just how great this game is. And if by some means you havent played it yet, we strongly urge you to give it a go.

  

   

  Snake truly has seen better days

  Standout moment: The fight between Vamp and Raiden, is choreographed to perfection. Once a pushover and a big pet peeve of MGS2, Raiden is not only more composed but also a much bigger badass.

  • Posted May 23, 2013 12:41 am GMT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 10Mar 13

  Leet Gamers Asia Update

  Three weeks have passed since the inception of Leet Gamers Asia and the site is starting to take shape. We even managed to recruit two writers from GameSpot's very talented pool of bloggers/reviewers.

  Please let me know what you think about the site, or if you would like to write for us? Suggestions, feedback and critiques are all welcomed

   

  

  Keep staying awesome 

  • Posted Mar 10, 2013 10:46 pm GMT
  • Category: Games
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