I was fortunate enough to get a closed beta code, and I've played the beta for a few hours. I'll try to keep this relatively short. First of all, the beta features a single map, "High Tension", which is a map that supposedly takes place in downtown Los Angeles. There are also two modes in the beta: Heist and Blood Money. Heist is like a twist on Capture the Flag where the Criminals must bring loot to the escape point, while the Police need to prevent it. In Blood Money, two teams of criminals work against each other to see which can get the most cash. In both matches, the games seem to go by fairly quickly, meaning you can play more games in Hardline than you likely could in Battlefield 4 in the same amount of time. For me, that's a positive.
My first impression of Hardline was something along the lines of, "Hm, this is pretty decent." Hardline's color palette is surprisingly... bright? I guess? I've seen some people say the game looks cartoonish. Personally, I like this look, as it suits the more-arcadey-than-Battlefield 4 feel of Hardline. Honestly, I feel like it has a Call of Duty-esque thing going on, but at the same time, it still feels distinctively Battlefield... just a bit more fast paced. Confusing? Not sure how else to word it for you. I really appreciate the level of recoil on guns in Hardline -- that's what really makes it feel more like Battlefield rather than Call of Duty.
The map that's in the beta is alright, even if it's a bit uninteresting. It's a city with a few buildings you can go in, but it seems small. Since there are only 16v16 teams in the beta though (will it be like that in the full game?), the map feels barren in spots. If Hardline does support 64 players, it's going to be hectic to say the very least, as High Tension doesn't feel like it'd play well with that many.
While Hardline is like Battlefield in many ways (imagine that!), there are a few key differences. First of all, there aren't really any assault vehicles. Sure, there are a few turrets on vehicles that you can use, but there aren't any heavily armored assault helicopters or tanks rolling around. Second, you pay for weapons and gadgets more than you actually unlock them. I don't mean that you do this in a Counterstrike sort of way, because whatever you buy is permanent, not just for a single match.
I've enjoyed Hardline the bit that I have played it. It's obviously hard to form much of an opinion based on a single map beta, but it's a game I'd potentially purchase. Many are crying that the game should be Battlefield 4 DLC because it feels like a mod, but that makes no sense. Does Battlefield 4 not feel like Battlefield 3? Comments like that make no sense to me.
If you're looking for something a little different, Hardline could be a great option when it releases. It's Battlefield with a nice little spin on it. If the game runs as smooth at launch as it has on the beta, it may be worth being a day one purchase.
4/5
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Monday, June 09, 2014
Food Review (Quesarito from Taco Bell)
Taco Bell's probably my favorite fast food chain. Not because they innovate or sell quality food, but because their uncanny ability of making cardboard and horse meat taste good for a reasonable price works for me. While I'll always be pissed at Taco Bell for refusing to make the Beefy Crunch Burrito a permanent menu item, the Quesarito is here... and guess what, it's a permanent addition to the menu.
For $2, I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the Quesarito. It has a decent heft to it, and you definitely get your money's worth for the size of it alone. But how does it taste?
Well, what the hell. It's Taco Bell. What can I tell you. Meat, cheese, sour cream, and the suddenly-put-on/in-everything-at-Taco-Bell-now chipotle sauce in a grilled tortilla. I've seen comparisons to the Beefy Five Layer Burrito, but this is different in that the tortilla is grilled here, there aren't any beans, and this is bigger. I personally prefer the Quesarito to the Beefy Five Layer because the former has some texture to it.
There is nothing incredibly original about the Quesarito at all, but the price is fair, and it's quite filling. I could see myself getting these time-to-time, but really Taco Bell. Let's get real. Why in the FUCK is the Beefy Crunch Burrito still not around, and why did you ever end the Volcano Menu? Too many options on the menu? It's made me go from having Taco Bell religiously, to being a fairweather observer, but that's not for this review.
The Quesarito: It's not bad, but it won't turn you on.
3.5/5
+ Good value, it's grilled, there's nothing inherently bad about it.
- Nothing new, and why is it an automatic permanent menu item? Really?
+ Good value, it's grilled, there's nothing inherently bad about it.
- Nothing new, and why is it an automatic permanent menu item? Really?
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
DVD Review (The Simpsons: The Complete Eleventh Season)
In my reviewing of The Simpsons seasons, I somehow forgot to do season eleven, so here it is. Season eleven of the show is when most Simpsons fans seem to agree that the show went down hill hard. Personally, I've found episodes worth watching more than once in many of the show's seasons. While I'll agree that there's nothing quite like seasons 1-10 of the show, there's still plenty to like about season eleven.
Most of the good episodes in season eleven are near the beginning of the season, a few of them presumably being carried over from season ten's produced episodes. As to be expected, there are some duds in this season worth pointing out: Saddlesore Galactica and Kill the Alligator and Run are notoriously unpopular episodes from this season and show in general, the latter being a surprise, considering it was written by Simpson legend John Schwartzwelder.
Per usual, you'll find a nice amount of bonus features throughout the boxset, as well as commentary for every episode. As a whole, season eleven is worth getting, in my opinion, even if you consider yourself a pretty modest Simpsons fan. While the quality of about the first two discs is much better than the last two as a whole, there are some solid episodes and great jokes throughout the entirety of the season.
3.75/5
Most of the good episodes in season eleven are near the beginning of the season, a few of them presumably being carried over from season ten's produced episodes. As to be expected, there are some duds in this season worth pointing out: Saddlesore Galactica and Kill the Alligator and Run are notoriously unpopular episodes from this season and show in general, the latter being a surprise, considering it was written by Simpson legend John Schwartzwelder.
Per usual, you'll find a nice amount of bonus features throughout the boxset, as well as commentary for every episode. As a whole, season eleven is worth getting, in my opinion, even if you consider yourself a pretty modest Simpsons fan. While the quality of about the first two discs is much better than the last two as a whole, there are some solid episodes and great jokes throughout the entirety of the season.
3.75/5
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