If you looked through my collection you will not find any FPS games. Some people say I am missing out on great games but I will tell you that I just plain am not good at them. While my friends were playing Halo 3 I was playing Ninja Gaiden and Ratchet and Clank. From a few posts back you will see that I have the Sony Sharpshooter to go along with my PS Move and I love it. Socom 4 came out to OK reviews but I have a few friends who purchased PS3s and we wanted a game we could all play. Enter Socom 4... Mind you this is only the multi-player, I have not tried the single player campaign as of today, but its a lot of fun. Using the Sharpshooter is easy and accurate so if you have the gun this is a must have anyway but playing with a few friends takes me back to sitting around my room playing Nintendo Tecmo Bowl with some friends. The ability to make your own private room and play with just people on your friend's list is a blast. Teaming up against the AI has been fun and started "Socom Nights". The wives love it because we are home and know exactly what we are doing due to the screaming teamed with the profanity that spews from the depth of my man cave. The graphics are great, the soundtrack will not win a Grammy and the M rating is dead on because of the violence as well as the language. There is a slim possibility you may pick up a foreign language if you play this enough but the use will not be practical unless you are playing a game of hide and seek where you hate all the other players. The learning curve is a little steep but soon you will be throwing grenades with the best of them shouting "fire in the hole". I will review the rest of the game at a later date but right now just based on the multi player aspect I am willing to grade it right now. If interested shoot me your gamertag and you can see when we are playing and jump on in. We could use a vetran and we can always add one more newbie to the clan, headsets are preferred but not required.
Grade - B (Multi Player only)
I have not written a blog in a while and have had plenty going on both personally and professionally. To update what I am currently playing:
PS3: Socom 4 & LA Noire (the graphics are as advertised)
Xbox 360: Alan Wake (play it with the lights off)
PSP: Hot Shots Golf and Castlevania Dracula X (just started)
Wii: Batman Brave and Bold (I keep putting it in but not hitting the power button)
Alan Wake is as advertised. The constant battery gathering is a tad annoying but the story is great. The premise is very a "summer read" (or should I say e-read now?). The controls are good. I will review later. I picked this up at Blockbuster used for $10 and it had the downloadable content still in the box which was a plus.
Finally I am coming up on 100 hits to the site. Maybe we can do some kind of giveaway if I hit a 1000. Any ideas let me know...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Monopoly Streets - Mortgage it
When EA went on to make a "new updated" Monopoly Streets I sold off my "original" Monopoly Xbox 360 version and purchased the new one. I think I may have mortgaged the wrong property. Monopoly Streets is an updated version of Monopoly with fancy graphics but basically the same game play. I took it out of the back log last night and threw it in my PS3 just to be disappointed 2 hours later. The graphics are average, the characters are annoying and I just was not that impressed by it. Let me just give a few examples: Who ever thought of the "Daisy Duke" type girl for the wheel barrow should have to play Sonic the Hedgehog for the rest of his/her life. If I heard one more "Yee-Haw" I think I was going to throw the controller through the tv. The race car driver and boat captain are not much better either. The problem is it is the same animation over and over again. It gets to point where you are annoyed and can not hit the fast foward button fast enough. Next the dice shake is a 2 button push instead of one. Come on, if you want to change it up use the sixaxis or Move controller, it seems lazy and tacked on. The game also has people walking up and down the street that never interact with the characters and much like Casper they ghost right through when they walk by. Show them watching the construction being built or have them visit me in jail.
There are other ways to play to speed things up (dealing out the properties, Jackpot mode, etc.) if that is what you want but if you are having friends over I would not put this in unless there is nothing else to play. This is a game I looked forward to and felt like I got it for steal at $30 instead its getting traded in at Gamestop as part of the 2 for $50 deal for LA Noire which seems like a great idea. Two word review: Sad Face
Grade D - get the original
There are other ways to play to speed things up (dealing out the properties, Jackpot mode, etc.) if that is what you want but if you are having friends over I would not put this in unless there is nothing else to play. This is a game I looked forward to and felt like I got it for steal at $30 instead its getting traded in at Gamestop as part of the 2 for $50 deal for LA Noire which seems like a great idea. Two word review: Sad Face
Grade D - get the original
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Shoot - Fun on the Rails + PS3 Sharpshooter !!
Let me start this review saying that I picked up The Shoot on clearance at Target for $9.98 and it was well worth that. The Shoot is a classic arcade rail game that you just point and shoot with the PS Move controller. The basis is a bit simple, you are the star actor and go around shooting whatever comes at you without hitting the "civilians". The director yells "encouragement" to you why you go through the levels. The levels are simple. Let me stress this game is for casual and trophy folks only. Do not pick this up and expect the depth of Killzone 3 or Resident Evil 5. There is no blood so the kids can play and everyone can see how accurate the Move is. The graphics are fine the director gets annoying 10 minutes in. Despite some of the flaws I found myself having some fun. In some parts you have to duck to take cover and others you have to dodge knives and other objects thrown at you. I was into it. There are some power ups that include slowing time down, a shot that kills most enemies on the screen and one that allows you to go Rambo and not having to worry how many shots you fired. Accuracy does come into play it is not just how many times I can fire on the screen. The "draws" are a bit hard to get used to ("draw when he pulls his gun" is more difficult then it should be). The game is average and if you can find it for $15 or less this is fun distraction before you "move" onto your next game. But stay away at full retail....
Grade - C (one of the best clearance games I have bought)
Also this week I purchased the new PS3 Sharpshooter gun. This is easy to use and a blast to play with. The set up is simple and buttons light when the pieces are put together correctly. Some would argue it is a little heavy with the Move wand and analog stick in it but after trying the Killzone 3 demo with it I was hooked. You will like the pump reload to give that slight sense of realism. I am not a FPS guy. I do not own any FPS shooter games. As a matter of fact I was upset the end of Ninja Gaiden 2 because of how much you had to rely on the bow and arrow. The gun is the best "gun" I have used since I was Duck Hunting some 20 years ago on the NES. At $40 its not bad but if you want to wait there is supposed to be a Socom 4 pack that includes game and gun. This gun dusted off my PS Move
Grade - A
Agree or disagree with the reviews, let me know...
Games I just started PS3: LBP2 and Enslaved Xbox 360: Peggle
Monday, February 7, 2011
Brains? Plants Vs Zombies Review
As far as XBLA goes Limbo and Castle Crashers are some of my favorites but running close behind is Plants vs. Zombies. The disc version of the game is yet another tribute to Pop Cap games and all their Peggle goodness. At $20 the disc is the way to go and not just because you get the addicting Peggle (and the less addictive Zuma). PvZ is just a fun tower defense game with great graphics. If you liked Pixel Junk Monsters on PSN then you should have this game for the 360. The premise is very simple: zombies are coming in the backyard and you must use different plants to stop them using everything from pea shooters to mushrooms. The level design is very straight foward and your strategy will vary from board to board depending on the elements. You must deal with day, night, water, rooftops and more. The Zombies vary by design and you will have to choose the right set of weapons to defeat different creatures of the night. In my opinion the zombies with a balloon are by far some of the toughest to defeat with the pole jumping zombies right behind.
This game is the right amount of challenge and fun with boards taking as little as 15 or so minutes. This game also stars Crazy Dave who works as the shop keeper to add extra weapons to the arsenal. He is a trip when he comes on the screen. This game is for all ages and is very pick up and play. This game also features some mini games that are quick and fun to play. Zombie bowling is fun, don't worry its nothing like Wii Bowling. On these long winter nights this game is both economical and fun but can be hard to find so you may have to look around. I looked this morning and Best Buy did not have it listed on their Buy One $19.99 and get one half off sale.
Grade - A
This game is the right amount of challenge and fun with boards taking as little as 15 or so minutes. This game also stars Crazy Dave who works as the shop keeper to add extra weapons to the arsenal. He is a trip when he comes on the screen. This game is for all ages and is very pick up and play. This game also features some mini games that are quick and fun to play. Zombie bowling is fun, don't worry its nothing like Wii Bowling. On these long winter nights this game is both economical and fun but can be hard to find so you may have to look around. I looked this morning and Best Buy did not have it listed on their Buy One $19.99 and get one half off sale.
Grade - A
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Update: Force Unleashed 2 - PS3 - This is not the game you are looking for...
One of my Christmas gifts this year was the brand new Force Unleashed II for the PS3. As a child that grew up in the Star Wars era this game is right up my alley. The first game was great (I had the good ending for the first one) and I am disappointed to say the second one is not. Let me explain before the hate mail starts. I am almost through the game so its not liked I picked it up for 10 minutes and thought more of the same. The story is not as good as the first one and I am not ruining anything for you by telling you the cameos by Yoda and Boba Fett are just that... cameos. As a matter of fact the Yoda subplot actually feels tacked on. The gameplay is the same so its mostly pick and play. The new force rage is very much like God of War. The double jump dash is a bit annoying you will find yourself really having to concentrate to make a few crucial jumps. The violence is minimal and if the kids watch the cartoon they can handle this. One thing that is funny at first but quickly becomes annoying is the chatter among the stormtroopers. The funniest one is at the beginning on Kamino when they talk about learning to swim. The boss battles are either easy or hard you will find the board with the casino fun to "explore". If you want more information on the boss battles shoot me a message I will help where I can.
Grade - C - Sorry George Lucas
Update: I finished this game last week and let's just say the end does not save this game. My only suggestion is when it comes to choices you may want to go toward the light and use You Tube for the other.
Grade - C - Sorry George Lucas
Update: I finished this game last week and let's just say the end does not save this game. My only suggestion is when it comes to choices you may want to go toward the light and use You Tube for the other.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
How can I win the Holidays but be "cool"?
One of the questions I get from parents and friends is "What game and/or system do I buy for _______?" I know that the 13 year old wants Call of Duty: Black Ops and its assumed the younger kids want something for the Wii. I have a problem with both these gifts. Here are some tips on how to give "cool gifts" and a way to be a Santa...
Let's deal with the teenage crowd first. A 13 year can play Black Ops and be really good at it, the problem I have is going online with a game like this. The single player campaign is only half the game in most of these FPS. I have heard the argument you can't always control what your kid does on Xbox Live or PSN but you can. There are a ton of other great games out there this Holiday season. Black Ops promotes little Billy being locked in his room yelling into his headset till 3 in the morning. Its the Holidays damn it lets get everyone in front of the Xbox, PS3 and Wii. Here's a few winners to try instead:
ModNation Racers - PS3 - this game is Mario Kart but better. The commentary is funny and the controls are very pick up and play. Plus the races are short so everyone gets a turn.
Viva Pinata - Xbox 360 - There mini games are fun and can get fierce fast. Plus some of the games favor the players who are losing to make it closer so anyone can win
Pac Man Championship Edition - Xbox 360 - Look online on sites like Ebay for the compilation disc which I think has Uno on it to. Its a throw back for 30 something gamers and puts you on the same plane as the new generation. Again games are timed at 5 minutes so its outstanding.
Super Mario Bros. Wii - 4 player action and not a lot of buttons to learn. Much like Pac Man brings old and new gamers toward a common goal... fun.
Lego Anything - All platforms - Lego games are very good games for parents and kids to play together. The games themselves are easy. Finding 100% of the items and unlocking everything is tough. Plus for parents the guides are all over the Internet so if you can't find something look it up. Let the good people at Google help you find it. I find IGN has a great site with good guides.
Move and Kinect are great family fun but are much more expensive. Move can be costly at $100 for the starter kit and $50 for an additional wand but that covers 2 people. Only 2 people can play Kinect at a time for the same $150. Both come with a game and are fun. For the Move, if kids are around EyePet is pretty cool and for Kinect Kinectamals is cool too.
Most the games listed above can range from $10 - $40 with the peripharals (Move and Kinect) going for much more. Also those maybe harder to find.
I know what you are thinking though what is going to make me look like the hero this Holiday season.....
Another game system... I know I know but its always cool to have 2 systems. The PS3 is one of the best BluRay players on the market and the new Xbox slim has built in Wifi and a new sleek design. What better way to graduate from the Wii then to get into "next generation gaming". Want to make it better, have it hooked up on Christmas morning. If you have a great gift idea, leave it in the comments.
Let's deal with the teenage crowd first. A 13 year can play Black Ops and be really good at it, the problem I have is going online with a game like this. The single player campaign is only half the game in most of these FPS. I have heard the argument you can't always control what your kid does on Xbox Live or PSN but you can. There are a ton of other great games out there this Holiday season. Black Ops promotes little Billy being locked in his room yelling into his headset till 3 in the morning. Its the Holidays damn it lets get everyone in front of the Xbox, PS3 and Wii. Here's a few winners to try instead:
ModNation Racers - PS3 - this game is Mario Kart but better. The commentary is funny and the controls are very pick up and play. Plus the races are short so everyone gets a turn.
Viva Pinata - Xbox 360 - There mini games are fun and can get fierce fast. Plus some of the games favor the players who are losing to make it closer so anyone can win
Pac Man Championship Edition - Xbox 360 - Look online on sites like Ebay for the compilation disc which I think has Uno on it to. Its a throw back for 30 something gamers and puts you on the same plane as the new generation. Again games are timed at 5 minutes so its outstanding.
Super Mario Bros. Wii - 4 player action and not a lot of buttons to learn. Much like Pac Man brings old and new gamers toward a common goal... fun.
Lego Anything - All platforms - Lego games are very good games for parents and kids to play together. The games themselves are easy. Finding 100% of the items and unlocking everything is tough. Plus for parents the guides are all over the Internet so if you can't find something look it up. Let the good people at Google help you find it. I find IGN has a great site with good guides.
Move and Kinect are great family fun but are much more expensive. Move can be costly at $100 for the starter kit and $50 for an additional wand but that covers 2 people. Only 2 people can play Kinect at a time for the same $150. Both come with a game and are fun. For the Move, if kids are around EyePet is pretty cool and for Kinect Kinectamals is cool too.
Most the games listed above can range from $10 - $40 with the peripharals (Move and Kinect) going for much more. Also those maybe harder to find.
I know what you are thinking though what is going to make me look like the hero this Holiday season.....
Another game system... I know I know but its always cool to have 2 systems. The PS3 is one of the best BluRay players on the market and the new Xbox slim has built in Wifi and a new sleek design. What better way to graduate from the Wii then to get into "next generation gaming". Want to make it better, have it hooked up on Christmas morning. If you have a great gift idea, leave it in the comments.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Kinect - the new Guitar Hero or Wii
I'm guilty I am an early adopter. I bought the PS3 bundle from Wal Mart so I could get it "first day". I bought the Move and Kinect also (my review of Move is in an earlier blog). So over the weekend family and friends gathered at our house for a party and I put on the Kinect, before I get to the results I want to go over the set up.
1. I have an Xbox Elite 120gb (the old one) with a wireless adaptor
2. I have a pretty good amount of room
3. I still had to move furniture
4. I am pretty good with the set ups
It took me some where between 10-15 to get the wires where I wanted them and to hook up my wireless adaptor. I would give yourself between 45-60 minutes set up time before the game play can start. So do not unbox this thing at a party and tell Santa to hook it up before Christmas morning. Put the disc in and away I went. Directions are easy to follow on screen. Now to the fun...
The disc is some typical mini games but its fun and fast. There are five different mini games to start. All show off the fun of the controller. There is an aquarium mini game where there are cracks in the tank. The now famous "human breakout" that was used in the demos at E3 where you hit a ball back at the wall, a rafting game, a pop the bubble game that is located in space and a running game where you need to duck/jump when cued. Each game is easy to learn. See it once and away you go. This is where the party fun begins. Each person can jump right into Kinect view and start to play. At our party everyone from 10 year old nephew to my 40 year old brother jumped in the same spot on the floor and played with minimal problems. Each game takes 5-7 minutes at most. The best part of this process was Kinect will take 3 pictures of you playing during game play. Some you will see coming others you will not. The fun ensues with the ones you are not expecting. Everyone had fun.
This is the new Guitar Hero/Wii. Let me explain.
1. This may be hard to find, you can see by the Amazon icon this thing is selling upwards of 20% over cost and some stores are already out for now. MSRP is $150
2. This is fun for the whole family. Grandma can get up and plug the leaks and its fun to watch. With the camera I can already see the pictures that could be posted. Remember the famous Wii fit girl? http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?title=wii-fit-girl&videoId=262460
3. Its easy, remember picking up Guitar Hero and letting your four year old niece play the drums, I do.
4. How will it hold up in the long run? For the longest time my Wii was the expensive bookend I have ever had. Most of the games are the same but who cares until they are all the same. Everyone "bowled" on the Wii but what else was there? Nintendo was forced to change and years later everyone is catching up. Lets hope I don't just jump and duck.
5. Dance games and exercise games will be huge on this so college kids will go crazy for this. Its a party starter and whats funnier then when I reach for my drink so does my avatar. Plus my wife may want this so what is a better reason to buy it.
Grade - B
1. I have an Xbox Elite 120gb (the old one) with a wireless adaptor
2. I have a pretty good amount of room
3. I still had to move furniture
4. I am pretty good with the set ups
It took me some where between 10-15 to get the wires where I wanted them and to hook up my wireless adaptor. I would give yourself between 45-60 minutes set up time before the game play can start. So do not unbox this thing at a party and tell Santa to hook it up before Christmas morning. Put the disc in and away I went. Directions are easy to follow on screen. Now to the fun...
The disc is some typical mini games but its fun and fast. There are five different mini games to start. All show off the fun of the controller. There is an aquarium mini game where there are cracks in the tank. The now famous "human breakout" that was used in the demos at E3 where you hit a ball back at the wall, a rafting game, a pop the bubble game that is located in space and a running game where you need to duck/jump when cued. Each game is easy to learn. See it once and away you go. This is where the party fun begins. Each person can jump right into Kinect view and start to play. At our party everyone from 10 year old nephew to my 40 year old brother jumped in the same spot on the floor and played with minimal problems. Each game takes 5-7 minutes at most. The best part of this process was Kinect will take 3 pictures of you playing during game play. Some you will see coming others you will not. The fun ensues with the ones you are not expecting. Everyone had fun.
This is the new Guitar Hero/Wii. Let me explain.
1. This may be hard to find, you can see by the Amazon icon this thing is selling upwards of 20% over cost and some stores are already out for now. MSRP is $150
2. This is fun for the whole family. Grandma can get up and plug the leaks and its fun to watch. With the camera I can already see the pictures that could be posted. Remember the famous Wii fit girl? http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?title=wii-fit-girl&videoId=262460
3. Its easy, remember picking up Guitar Hero and letting your four year old niece play the drums, I do.
4. How will it hold up in the long run? For the longest time my Wii was the expensive bookend I have ever had. Most of the games are the same but who cares until they are all the same. Everyone "bowled" on the Wii but what else was there? Nintendo was forced to change and years later everyone is catching up. Lets hope I don't just jump and duck.
5. Dance games and exercise games will be huge on this so college kids will go crazy for this. Its a party starter and whats funnier then when I reach for my drink so does my avatar. Plus my wife may want this so what is a better reason to buy it.
Grade - B
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