Graphics: 4.75/5 Completely fantastic. The cars, tracks, and sense of speed are remarkable. The game even runs great to boot. My only itch is with the in-car review mirrors. What's up with the PS1 graphics there? Anyway, as said, great looking game. Every car looks different inside, too.
Sound: 4.5/5 The cars sound unbelievable. Try putting on some headphones, put the volume up, and go in-car view. What a great experience. The engines and crashes and different surfaces you race on sound great. The flaw with the sound here for me are the tedious line repeats over your inter-com. The acting isn't good and there are only five lines of seems; all of which you hear in every race.
Control: 4.75/5 I could only wish I had the 360 wheel... still though, the game controls really great. Each car controls differently, too, better yet. Not much else can be said about the controls except that they are virtually perfect.
Fun: 4.75 So much can be said about this game - I'll try to keep it a little short here. First, it should be known that you start needing a certain amount of money to fix up your car. After a few races, you'll raise enough money to get to the meat of the game. This all really works out well because Codemasters gives you a chance to really get familiar with the game. As you race, you get money for new cars and Rep in three separate regions: The US, Europe, and Japan. Reputation gets you more races and a higher rank, buy more on that later. US type tracks are generally more intimate and city-based. You'll find yourself racing through San Francisco, Detroit, Long Beach, and Washington DC. On Europe, you race on more open-sided tracks - Indy car races aren't uncommon. And in Japan, you will me doing a lot of one-on-one races down mountain sides, and drift races/challenges. Basically, all three regions vary pretty well and give this game some staying power. Anyways, back to the career really quick. Not to really "spoil" what happens a few seasons in (there isn't a story anyway) but you will eventually get a teammate. This teammate can be hired and fired by you. Depending on price, you can get a skilled or unskilled player, agressive or passive racer, and so on. This gives the game even more depth. Overall, GRID has to be my favorite racing game in a long while, if not ever. Think Burnout and Gran Turismo; a game with depth, great graphics, cool crashes, and more. GRID truly is a must play of you haven't played it yet - racing fan or not.
4.75/5
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Game Review ( Quantum of Solace - 360 )
Graphics: 3.75/5 Explosions are cool and Bond looks a lot like Daniel Craig, but the fame can lag miserably with smoke on screen, and the graphics overall just aren't spectacular.
Sound: 4/5 Voice acting from Daniel Craig and nice overall, but the guns sound very... I don't know... arcade-y, and the lines repeated in multiplayer will likely lead to one killing thyself.
Control: 4/5 Almost exactly like Call of Duty 4, but with a behind-the-wall feature a la Rainbow Six Vegas. Works nicely. Only real problem for me is "wall sticking" when you don't want to.
Fun: 3.75/5 QoS is a pretty good game. It's a LOT like Call of Duty 4/5 with a few differences, and without the real drive to play. You can buy your guns, you don't level up with ranks. Really though, once you get the Hutchinson "shotgun", you'll molest anybody in the game. This "short ranged shot gun" is an auto-kill-in-one-shot machine... it may get the record for scrubbiest gun ever in any game. And you can silence it! Anyway, the maps in QoS made me chuckle. Not because they are bad, but there are maps that seem to be ripped from CoD 4 with slight modifications. Say hello to Countdown, Wet Works, and more! And, to my pleasent surprise, there is a map that looks quite a bit like a part of Facility from Goldeneye. Quantum of Solace doesn't get the reviews it deserves for the most part. It's got a fun single player, and the multiplayer is fun, too, despite virtually everyone using the damn Hutchinson "shotty". QoS is ideal as a play all week long rental, but I wouldn't pay more than, say, $25 for this game that just isn't that amazing.
Sound: 4/5 Voice acting from Daniel Craig and nice overall, but the guns sound very... I don't know... arcade-y, and the lines repeated in multiplayer will likely lead to one killing thyself.
Control: 4/5 Almost exactly like Call of Duty 4, but with a behind-the-wall feature a la Rainbow Six Vegas. Works nicely. Only real problem for me is "wall sticking" when you don't want to.
Fun: 3.75/5 QoS is a pretty good game. It's a LOT like Call of Duty 4/5 with a few differences, and without the real drive to play. You can buy your guns, you don't level up with ranks. Really though, once you get the Hutchinson "shotgun", you'll molest anybody in the game. This "short ranged shot gun" is an auto-kill-in-one-shot machine... it may get the record for scrubbiest gun ever in any game. And you can silence it! Anyway, the maps in QoS made me chuckle. Not because they are bad, but there are maps that seem to be ripped from CoD 4 with slight modifications. Say hello to Countdown, Wet Works, and more! And, to my pleasent surprise, there is a map that looks quite a bit like a part of Facility from Goldeneye. Quantum of Solace doesn't get the reviews it deserves for the most part. It's got a fun single player, and the multiplayer is fun, too, despite virtually everyone using the damn Hutchinson "shotty". QoS is ideal as a play all week long rental, but I wouldn't pay more than, say, $25 for this game that just isn't that amazing.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Game Review ( GTA IV: The Lost and Damned - 360 )
Graphics: 4/5 A step down from the core GTA IV game - only because there's an unnecessary film grain added in by Rockstar. Thankfully, it can be turned off. ( Go into the menu and turn "Noise Effect" off. )
Sound: 5/5 Better than the main game. The voice acting is great as usually, with some funny moments, the TV shows are funny, and the Liberty Rock songs are ace. "Funk #49", "Highway Star", "Run to the Hills", "Renegade", etc. Songs from the disc version of the game are also mixed in, and these songs can be heard on the radio even when you go back to Niko's story. Niceee.
Control: 4/5 To be honest, I don't like it much. Rockstar changed up the bike controls a bit to make them easier to control for the noobies and even more skilled players. I don't like it at all, mainly because on turns the bikes tend to spin out, when they never used to before. Also, it's harder to fall off your bike - you basically have to go top speed head-on into a wall or car to fall off.
Fun: 4.25/5 A great value at $20, but there are some issues. First, Johnny isn't exactly what you'd call a "likable" character. Niko was a naughty boy himself but Johnny is just... a dick - you'll know what I mean if you download TLaD. ( Which you should. ) The story doesn't suck you in a BUNCH, and the gang wars and races, while fun at first, are really just repetitive - especially if you play them a lot. The multiplayer is okay, but some modes ( Like Lone Biker ) throw you in the same starting point every round. It is definitely fun, but WHY the same spot? And finally - the weapons. The "mini-shotgun" as I call it and grenade launchers are great - it's just a shame they can't be used outisde of TLaD. Anyways yadda, yadda, yadda, TLaD is a good deal at $20 - despite there being a fully nude... guy. ( Yes, a penis. We see a penis. ) and there are a few pretty easy achievements. All you really have to do is beat the story and by then you'll have 250 achievement points. Did I mention the story was 10 hours or so long? And this DLC only costs $20? What are you waiting for exactly?
4.25/5
Sound: 5/5 Better than the main game. The voice acting is great as usually, with some funny moments, the TV shows are funny, and the Liberty Rock songs are ace. "Funk #49", "Highway Star", "Run to the Hills", "Renegade", etc. Songs from the disc version of the game are also mixed in, and these songs can be heard on the radio even when you go back to Niko's story. Niceee.
Control: 4/5 To be honest, I don't like it much. Rockstar changed up the bike controls a bit to make them easier to control for the noobies and even more skilled players. I don't like it at all, mainly because on turns the bikes tend to spin out, when they never used to before. Also, it's harder to fall off your bike - you basically have to go top speed head-on into a wall or car to fall off.
Fun: 4.25/5 A great value at $20, but there are some issues. First, Johnny isn't exactly what you'd call a "likable" character. Niko was a naughty boy himself but Johnny is just... a dick - you'll know what I mean if you download TLaD. ( Which you should. ) The story doesn't suck you in a BUNCH, and the gang wars and races, while fun at first, are really just repetitive - especially if you play them a lot. The multiplayer is okay, but some modes ( Like Lone Biker ) throw you in the same starting point every round. It is definitely fun, but WHY the same spot? And finally - the weapons. The "mini-shotgun" as I call it and grenade launchers are great - it's just a shame they can't be used outisde of TLaD. Anyways yadda, yadda, yadda, TLaD is a good deal at $20 - despite there being a fully nude... guy. ( Yes, a penis. We see a penis. ) and there are a few pretty easy achievements. All you really have to do is beat the story and by then you'll have 250 achievement points. Did I mention the story was 10 hours or so long? And this DLC only costs $20? What are you waiting for exactly?
4.25/5
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Game Review ( Rock Revolution - 360 )
Graphics: 3.25/5 Character models look decent, but really the only thing that makes the game somewhat attractive are the venues. Everything else is pretty terrible. The audience is the same looped over model, and the bassist and guitarists strum the same note all song, even whenthr instrument isn't being played. Worse yet is the singer, who sings without any movement or emotion - at least the drummer is better than the Guitar Hero drummer.
Sound: 3.5/5 40 tracks, and all but two are covers. It's really hard to judge the covers... Some are great, while some like Chop Suey and Spirit of the Radio ( Which uses two singers in the song at different times. ) are literally laughable. For the most part, the soundtrack is pretty "okay", covers and all. Major downfall is only having 40 songs.
Control: 3/5 Bizarre as can be. On guitar, the hammer ons just seem impossible to hit at times because of the way the fret board comes directly down at the speed it does. The drum layout: atrocious. I plugged in my Rock Band 2 set and decided to give Last Resort a go. Look, I can 5* songs like Kool Thing on Rock Band so I'm not slouch - needless to say I failed Last Resort in seconds. The seven pads for the Rock Revolution drums stay on screen and you're expected to play - not easy - especially since the bass pedal icon, instead of being a bar, is a round logo. Very weird, and hardly worth getting familiar with.
Fun: 3/5 The game is bad - but not as bad as people seem to think. It only costs $20 new, for 40 songs, to play on guitar. ( I believe drums are not even worth learning. ) Rock Revolution just seems like it wasn't made to contend with Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Instead, it feels like a beta test - and a pretty mediocre one at that.
Sound: 3.5/5 40 tracks, and all but two are covers. It's really hard to judge the covers... Some are great, while some like Chop Suey and Spirit of the Radio ( Which uses two singers in the song at different times. ) are literally laughable. For the most part, the soundtrack is pretty "okay", covers and all. Major downfall is only having 40 songs.
Control: 3/5 Bizarre as can be. On guitar, the hammer ons just seem impossible to hit at times because of the way the fret board comes directly down at the speed it does. The drum layout: atrocious. I plugged in my Rock Band 2 set and decided to give Last Resort a go. Look, I can 5* songs like Kool Thing on Rock Band so I'm not slouch - needless to say I failed Last Resort in seconds. The seven pads for the Rock Revolution drums stay on screen and you're expected to play - not easy - especially since the bass pedal icon, instead of being a bar, is a round logo. Very weird, and hardly worth getting familiar with.
Fun: 3/5 The game is bad - but not as bad as people seem to think. It only costs $20 new, for 40 songs, to play on guitar. ( I believe drums are not even worth learning. ) Rock Revolution just seems like it wasn't made to contend with Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Instead, it feels like a beta test - and a pretty mediocre one at that.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Game Review ( Mercenaries 2 - 360 )
Graphics: 3.75/5 Mostly unimpressive. While the game runs well for the most part, the game looks more like an Xbox 180 game than Xbox 360. Character models are decent, world looks meh... the fact that you can basically destroy anything you want is definitely cool, though. It's just a shame the framerate drops and there are some seriously weird graphical issues here and there. The explosions almost make up for it.
Sound: 3.25/5 Decent may be generous. Voice acting is average, and you will be hearing a lot of the same lines over and over again very quickly. The guns and explosions and the like are alright, buy again, not spectacular.
Control: 3.75/5 Its all fine and good and not much is too wrong with it... Well maybe a few things. Tanks control strangely, the camera feels strange, you hold A to drive - what is this a PS1 game? Seriously though, this game heavily reminds me of the game Star Wars Battlefront with the way it controls. Not a bad thing, but
it is different. Also, if you've layer Mercs 2, you'd better know your controller. This game is surprisingly deep and you might sort of want to learn how to do everything otherwise you'll get pwnd out of nowhere by an RPG while trying to figure out how to call your helicopter buddy.
Fun: 3.75/5 From what I've played, Mercs 2 is a good game. Somewhat repetitive, a lot of driving, difficult and seemingly impossible at times without a co op buddy, but the game is fun. May not be worth $60, but if you like blowing stuff up, this game is a must play. Unless you have someone to play with, don't buy this game because I think you'll find it to be more frustratingly easy ( Youll know what I mean ) than delightfully and overwhelmingly fun. Basically - rent it.
3.75/5
Sound: 3.25/5 Decent may be generous. Voice acting is average, and you will be hearing a lot of the same lines over and over again very quickly. The guns and explosions and the like are alright, buy again, not spectacular.
Control: 3.75/5 Its all fine and good and not much is too wrong with it... Well maybe a few things. Tanks control strangely, the camera feels strange, you hold A to drive - what is this a PS1 game? Seriously though, this game heavily reminds me of the game Star Wars Battlefront with the way it controls. Not a bad thing, but
it is different. Also, if you've layer Mercs 2, you'd better know your controller. This game is surprisingly deep and you might sort of want to learn how to do everything otherwise you'll get pwnd out of nowhere by an RPG while trying to figure out how to call your helicopter buddy.
Fun: 3.75/5 From what I've played, Mercs 2 is a good game. Somewhat repetitive, a lot of driving, difficult and seemingly impossible at times without a co op buddy, but the game is fun. May not be worth $60, but if you like blowing stuff up, this game is a must play. Unless you have someone to play with, don't buy this game because I think you'll find it to be more frustratingly easy ( Youll know what I mean ) than delightfully and overwhelmingly fun. Basically - rent it.
3.75/5
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Just got GameFly again.
I'll be posting a lot more reviews now that I got GameFly again.
Happy playing.
-Alex
Happy playing.
-Alex
Monday, January 12, 2009
Drink Review ( Recon Coffee NRG Cola )
This may very well be the most disgusting things I have ever tasted. It's coffee + cola + it's sugar free. The can looks cool, like camoflauge, so I got it. Boy do I regret it. The smell itself almost made me vomit. It smells like burning hair with rubbing alcohol. The taste? Oh god. Coke + coffee is a TERRIBLE mix. And THEN it's sugar free. This is the worst energy drink I've ever had byfar.
.25/5
Nice looking can.
.25/5
Nice looking can.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Game Review ( Gears of War 2 - 360 )
-Note: This will likely be my last review for a couple months.-
Graphics: 4.75/5 Near perfect - I noticed instantly the game looked sharper than in Gears of War, but there are also some things holding the game back. Mainly, the texture details don't come in quickly, and there are times at the start of multiplayer matches for instance, that your whole character looks like a blurry blob for a few seconds before the graphics load in. Not a big deal though, because the game looks great when it does load. Also, the game suffers from pretty terrible lag at times on Xbox LIVE matches. Sometimes the games run smoothly, and other times the matches are absolutely unplayable.
Sound: 4/5 The gun sounds seem to have been upgraded, ( The sniper sounds the most different ) but the dialogue really remains as it did in Gears 1. Cheesy, somewhat emotionless, and pretty average. That's not to say the game sounds bad, but the dialogue is very average for a game that overall actually sounds pretty good.
Control: 4.5/5 ONLY A 4.5? WTFZ?! I rate it this for a couple reasons. First, the shotgun is less effective in this game, and the direction it shoots is different. Also, the BoomShot is still like it was after the Gears 1 update. And finally, the sniper will not down players even if it is an active reload. Instead, it just does more damage. There are also issues with the camera after being knocked down by a smoke grenade. When your player is down and standing up, the camera gets all screwed up, and it just seems unfinished.
Fun: 4.5/5 It's pretty hard to effectively rate Gears of War 2 as it is now. The campaign is certainly fun and more entertaining than the first, but that won't take you forever to do. The multiplayer is (likely) what you bought this game for, and if you did, it's really a love it or hate it kind of thing. Some elements have been added that shouldn't have been, ( Mortars in multiplayer are pretty unfair, you have to admit, although they are fun to use. ) and some are welcome additions, such as the fixed sniper, and chainsaw duels. Basically, for anything you wanted fixed from Gears 1, something else got screwed up in Gears 2. The most aggravating thing though is what I stated earlier on - the lag/framerate issues. 5v5 in Gears 2?! SWEET! It kind of sucks to say that Epic didn't figure out how to keep the lag down while doing so. I mean, with a game as big as everyone knew this would be, and to make the matches 5v5 instead of 4v4 without making the connections at least DECENT was just stupid. If Epic couldn't pull off 5v5, they should have left it at 4v4 - I'd be fine with that. Overall, the multiplayer is decent fun, but the amount of B.S. and inconsistency really makes it frustrating for the hardcore gamer. It is also sometimes quite difficult to get into a matchmaking game. Often times you can sit in the multiplayer lobby for upwards of 10-20 minutes watching your game "Find Players"... then restart. The best new addition really has to be Horde mode, in which you and up to four other people can attack a horde of Locust that come in "waves", all the way up to 50. The game gets super intense, and it really is a blast. Basically, when Cliffy B said Gears of War 2 would be "Bigger, better, and more bad ass" than Gears 1, he forgot to also say "Gears 2 will be more laggy, inconsistent, and frustrating than ever before."
4.5/5
-Subject to change after an update or two.-
Graphics: 4.75/5 Near perfect - I noticed instantly the game looked sharper than in Gears of War, but there are also some things holding the game back. Mainly, the texture details don't come in quickly, and there are times at the start of multiplayer matches for instance, that your whole character looks like a blurry blob for a few seconds before the graphics load in. Not a big deal though, because the game looks great when it does load. Also, the game suffers from pretty terrible lag at times on Xbox LIVE matches. Sometimes the games run smoothly, and other times the matches are absolutely unplayable.
Sound: 4/5 The gun sounds seem to have been upgraded, ( The sniper sounds the most different ) but the dialogue really remains as it did in Gears 1. Cheesy, somewhat emotionless, and pretty average. That's not to say the game sounds bad, but the dialogue is very average for a game that overall actually sounds pretty good.
Control: 4.5/5 ONLY A 4.5? WTFZ?! I rate it this for a couple reasons. First, the shotgun is less effective in this game, and the direction it shoots is different. Also, the BoomShot is still like it was after the Gears 1 update. And finally, the sniper will not down players even if it is an active reload. Instead, it just does more damage. There are also issues with the camera after being knocked down by a smoke grenade. When your player is down and standing up, the camera gets all screwed up, and it just seems unfinished.
Fun: 4.5/5 It's pretty hard to effectively rate Gears of War 2 as it is now. The campaign is certainly fun and more entertaining than the first, but that won't take you forever to do. The multiplayer is (likely) what you bought this game for, and if you did, it's really a love it or hate it kind of thing. Some elements have been added that shouldn't have been, ( Mortars in multiplayer are pretty unfair, you have to admit, although they are fun to use. ) and some are welcome additions, such as the fixed sniper, and chainsaw duels. Basically, for anything you wanted fixed from Gears 1, something else got screwed up in Gears 2. The most aggravating thing though is what I stated earlier on - the lag/framerate issues. 5v5 in Gears 2?! SWEET! It kind of sucks to say that Epic didn't figure out how to keep the lag down while doing so. I mean, with a game as big as everyone knew this would be, and to make the matches 5v5 instead of 4v4 without making the connections at least DECENT was just stupid. If Epic couldn't pull off 5v5, they should have left it at 4v4 - I'd be fine with that. Overall, the multiplayer is decent fun, but the amount of B.S. and inconsistency really makes it frustrating for the hardcore gamer. It is also sometimes quite difficult to get into a matchmaking game. Often times you can sit in the multiplayer lobby for upwards of 10-20 minutes watching your game "Find Players"... then restart. The best new addition really has to be Horde mode, in which you and up to four other people can attack a horde of Locust that come in "waves", all the way up to 50. The game gets super intense, and it really is a blast. Basically, when Cliffy B said Gears of War 2 would be "Bigger, better, and more bad ass" than Gears 1, he forgot to also say "Gears 2 will be more laggy, inconsistent, and frustrating than ever before."
4.5/5
-Subject to change after an update or two.-
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Game Review ( Vigilante 8 Arcade - 360 Arcade )
Graphics: 3.75/5 Look good, like an average arcade game nowadays from Xbox Live, but the explosions look like powdered cheese flying everywhere, and the frame rate drops at times, sadly. The levels look great, though.
Sound: 4/5 If you remember Vigilante 2, this is the music from that. Memories flood in... also, there are car noises, explosions, and all of that... above average, and pretty good for an arcade game.
Control: 4.25/5 This broke the game for most people, but I got it right away. It is somewhat strange, but if you can't adjust quickly, you must not play many video games. The cars do feel "loose" and seem to turn freely, but it's not as bad as it's made out to seem. If you're skeptical, just download the demo.
Fun: 4/5 For $10, this seems like a fair purchase, and should be a no brainer for Vigilante 8 fans. Some old-school characters come back, you can "customize" your car, and there is one DLC pack coming out soon for 320 MSP including 2 new levels and a couple new cars. The camera angles are screwed up sometimes, there is lag on multiplayer, and some dislike the controls, but to me, this is a solid remake of a really great game. I recommend it more-so if you intend to play it alone / locally.
4/5
Sound: 4/5 If you remember Vigilante 2, this is the music from that. Memories flood in... also, there are car noises, explosions, and all of that... above average, and pretty good for an arcade game.
Control: 4.25/5 This broke the game for most people, but I got it right away. It is somewhat strange, but if you can't adjust quickly, you must not play many video games. The cars do feel "loose" and seem to turn freely, but it's not as bad as it's made out to seem. If you're skeptical, just download the demo.
Fun: 4/5 For $10, this seems like a fair purchase, and should be a no brainer for Vigilante 8 fans. Some old-school characters come back, you can "customize" your car, and there is one DLC pack coming out soon for 320 MSP including 2 new levels and a couple new cars. The camera angles are screwed up sometimes, there is lag on multiplayer, and some dislike the controls, but to me, this is a solid remake of a really great game. I recommend it more-so if you intend to play it alone / locally.
4/5
Game Review ( AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack - 360 )
Graphics: 4/5 Same as Rock Band 1, and so is the interface. Yeah - it's Rock Band 1, with 18 songs. Really simple. You can't make a character either, but why does it matter?
Sound: 5/5 Not all would really care for this pack because, as you can see, it's live, from 1992 at Donnington. Personally, I've almost exclusively heard AC/DC live, and live only. I think the songs sound great. There is also an over 10 minute version of Jailbreak that is actually surprisingly fun.
Control: 4.75/5 The charts are really good here. Thunderstruck has all hammer-ons for the intro in case you were wondering, but in Rock Band 1/2 with the transfer, only the green notes are hammer-ons, all else are strummed. I don't know of any more significant chart changes, but this one I noticed, and many disliked it. Personally, I play it much better this way because it helps with my timing, and it's more realistic. And ah yes, "Let There Be Rock" on expert drums is, indeed, a BITCH.
Fun: 5/5 Might just be the best $40 I've ever spent. You're spending just over $2 per song, for 18 songs, and over 99 minutes of music. And it's AC/DC, one of my very favorite bands. If you like AC/DC, this is well worth it. If you like playing guitar, this is well worth it. If you don't like AC/DC and play drums, this may not be worth it. I find the drums really fun to play, even though the charts are super simple for the most part. To me, this is a must buy.
5/5
( P.S. Watch out for "High Voltage" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" on Expert guitar. That is all. )
Sound: 5/5 Not all would really care for this pack because, as you can see, it's live, from 1992 at Donnington. Personally, I've almost exclusively heard AC/DC live, and live only. I think the songs sound great. There is also an over 10 minute version of Jailbreak that is actually surprisingly fun.
Control: 4.75/5 The charts are really good here. Thunderstruck has all hammer-ons for the intro in case you were wondering, but in Rock Band 1/2 with the transfer, only the green notes are hammer-ons, all else are strummed. I don't know of any more significant chart changes, but this one I noticed, and many disliked it. Personally, I play it much better this way because it helps with my timing, and it's more realistic. And ah yes, "Let There Be Rock" on expert drums is, indeed, a BITCH.
Fun: 5/5 Might just be the best $40 I've ever spent. You're spending just over $2 per song, for 18 songs, and over 99 minutes of music. And it's AC/DC, one of my very favorite bands. If you like AC/DC, this is well worth it. If you like playing guitar, this is well worth it. If you don't like AC/DC and play drums, this may not be worth it. I find the drums really fun to play, even though the charts are super simple for the most part. To me, this is a must buy.
5/5
( P.S. Watch out for "High Voltage" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" on Expert guitar. That is all. )
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Game Review ( Guitar Hero: World Tour - 360 )
Graphics: 4/5 The venues look stunning - just about all of them really look good. Maybe not graphically, but just the way they're laid out. The audience is probably the most pitiful looking thing. There are duplicated of the same character standing in groups of five. Uhhh... As far as the band members, the drummer doesn't play to the beat of the music/hit every note most of the time as the Rock Band drummer does, and the characters don't feel real at all. They are emotionless on stage. Bummer.
Sound: 3.75/5 Once again, doesn't stack up to Rock Band. The Rock Band 2 set was just better overall. World Tour of course has some great songs, my favorites including the most obvious ones and a few others, but the majority of the songs are weak. And what's with the spanish songs like La Bamba? Really? Does that belong in a Guitar HERO game? Another thing that I wasn't expecting to see but would have liked to have seen ( or heard ) is the crowd singing along.
Control: 4/5 While most of the songs are a lot of fun to play on drums, I can't say the same about the guitar. While I know Neversoft likes to make songs "challenging" they do it in an unnecessary fashion. Neversoft has an eternal hard-on for using three button chords at least 50 times in nearly every song. It's not that it makes the song hard necessarily, but Neversoft thinks so, and it's just annoying and funny at the same time. The one big thing that people will be hating this game for quite a bit if they have Rock Band 2 drums is that they aren't velocity sensative in World Tour, and, more annoyingly, you have to use star power by hitting the yellow and blue pads at the same time. This can take getting used to for some people - it can be hard to do without breaking a combo.
Fun: 4/5 Overall, Guitar Hero: World Tour is not a bad game, but it's not what it was cracked up to be at all. The music maker isn't too fun, and you'll find yourself using it as a freestyle mode more than not, and there are very few interesting and fun songs up on GHTunes. The track list is fairly weak compared to Rock Band 2, the characters aren't realistic ( although there is great customization ) and the game just isn't as fun as Rock Band. While the menus and the like look great, it seems Neversoft may have spent more time with designing them than trying to find a few more fun songs to play in the game.
4/5
Sound: 3.75/5 Once again, doesn't stack up to Rock Band. The Rock Band 2 set was just better overall. World Tour of course has some great songs, my favorites including the most obvious ones and a few others, but the majority of the songs are weak. And what's with the spanish songs like La Bamba? Really? Does that belong in a Guitar HERO game? Another thing that I wasn't expecting to see but would have liked to have seen ( or heard ) is the crowd singing along.
Control: 4/5 While most of the songs are a lot of fun to play on drums, I can't say the same about the guitar. While I know Neversoft likes to make songs "challenging" they do it in an unnecessary fashion. Neversoft has an eternal hard-on for using three button chords at least 50 times in nearly every song. It's not that it makes the song hard necessarily, but Neversoft thinks so, and it's just annoying and funny at the same time. The one big thing that people will be hating this game for quite a bit if they have Rock Band 2 drums is that they aren't velocity sensative in World Tour, and, more annoyingly, you have to use star power by hitting the yellow and blue pads at the same time. This can take getting used to for some people - it can be hard to do without breaking a combo.
Fun: 4/5 Overall, Guitar Hero: World Tour is not a bad game, but it's not what it was cracked up to be at all. The music maker isn't too fun, and you'll find yourself using it as a freestyle mode more than not, and there are very few interesting and fun songs up on GHTunes. The track list is fairly weak compared to Rock Band 2, the characters aren't realistic ( although there is great customization ) and the game just isn't as fun as Rock Band. While the menus and the like look great, it seems Neversoft may have spent more time with designing them than trying to find a few more fun songs to play in the game.
4/5
Game Review ( Far Cry 2 - 360 )
Graphics: 4.5/5 The game looks great. Fantastic really. The single player world is HUGE, and there are very few loading times. The graphics in the game are what really bring this game to life.
Sound: 4.5/5 Some say the sound is the best part of FC2, and I disagree. It is really good, but the graphics and gameplay are much better. It would be better if your own character talked, but since there are a lot to choose from, I can see why it wasn't done.
Control: 4/5 Good, but not great. Actually very similar to Call of Duty 4 - and the controls aren' the only thing similar. Anyway, the layout is about the same except you can't prone, and the sprinting is a little more annoying in this game. It is impossible to make a sharp turn while sprinting, which can be frustrating especially on smaller multiplayer maps with a lot of stuff like Love Shacks.
Fun: 4.5/ Far Cry 2 is very underrated, and it has a strong fanbase for a reason. Far Cry 2 has a map maker in which you can make literally any map to your desire ( Unless you want to construct YOUR OWN buildings, seeing as how it's not possible. There is only a set of pre-made buildings, which is really SICKENING. ) but it takes about an hour or so to get really used to. The multiplayer is also, contrary to what many people say, is fantastic. There is definitely B.S. in there, I'll give them that, but what online shooter doesn't have that? For instance - you can shoot an RPG at a truck, and it won't blow it up in one shot -- nope -- it takes TWO hits, even if you shoot a guy on the turret on the back of the truck, he still won't die, and if he gets out and you then shoot the truck, it will say "so-and-so killed himself." That is certainly aggrivating. Also, the longer you wait to get the game, the more likely you are to get frustrated with it, seeing as you how you get "diamonds" when leveling up which are used to upgrade your primary and secondary weapons. While Far Cry 2 isn't perfect, the online play certainly needs to be experienced. Think of it as Team Fortress 2, but without the cartoony-look.
4.5/5
Sound: 4.5/5 Some say the sound is the best part of FC2, and I disagree. It is really good, but the graphics and gameplay are much better. It would be better if your own character talked, but since there are a lot to choose from, I can see why it wasn't done.
Control: 4/5 Good, but not great. Actually very similar to Call of Duty 4 - and the controls aren' the only thing similar. Anyway, the layout is about the same except you can't prone, and the sprinting is a little more annoying in this game. It is impossible to make a sharp turn while sprinting, which can be frustrating especially on smaller multiplayer maps with a lot of stuff like Love Shacks.
Fun: 4.5/ Far Cry 2 is very underrated, and it has a strong fanbase for a reason. Far Cry 2 has a map maker in which you can make literally any map to your desire ( Unless you want to construct YOUR OWN buildings, seeing as how it's not possible. There is only a set of pre-made buildings, which is really SICKENING. ) but it takes about an hour or so to get really used to. The multiplayer is also, contrary to what many people say, is fantastic. There is definitely B.S. in there, I'll give them that, but what online shooter doesn't have that? For instance - you can shoot an RPG at a truck, and it won't blow it up in one shot -- nope -- it takes TWO hits, even if you shoot a guy on the turret on the back of the truck, he still won't die, and if he gets out and you then shoot the truck, it will say "so-and-so killed himself." That is certainly aggrivating. Also, the longer you wait to get the game, the more likely you are to get frustrated with it, seeing as you how you get "diamonds" when leveling up which are used to upgrade your primary and secondary weapons. While Far Cry 2 isn't perfect, the online play certainly needs to be experienced. Think of it as Team Fortress 2, but without the cartoony-look.
4.5/5
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Game Review ( iCopter - iPhone/iPod App )
iCopter is a "rip-off" of the ever-popular Copter flash game in which you fly a breaking down helicopter through a cave. This app costs 99 cents.
Graphics: 2/5 Super simple. Green ( or red or blue background, depends one if you change the settings ) and a simple helicopter ( that can be changed, although there are only two choices. ) Nothing special here. Annoyingly though, the game will sometimes hiccup, which can cause you to crash. Lame!
Sound: ???/5 For one, I'm not sure the game has sound, and second, I wouldn't really know because I always listen to music when playing this app.
Control: 3.5/5 If you played the computer version, this is much different. The game moves a lot quicker, and the game is overall quite a bit harder.
Fun: 3.75/5 Not a bad app to kill a few minutes. Challenging, but fun. It's just a shame it isn't free and the game occasionally hiccups. Still, if you're a fan of the flash version of this game, this is worth a download. Hey, it's only a dollar.
3.5/5
Graphics: 2/5 Super simple. Green ( or red or blue background, depends one if you change the settings ) and a simple helicopter ( that can be changed, although there are only two choices. ) Nothing special here. Annoyingly though, the game will sometimes hiccup, which can cause you to crash. Lame!
Sound: ???/5 For one, I'm not sure the game has sound, and second, I wouldn't really know because I always listen to music when playing this app.
Control: 3.5/5 If you played the computer version, this is much different. The game moves a lot quicker, and the game is overall quite a bit harder.
Fun: 3.75/5 Not a bad app to kill a few minutes. Challenging, but fun. It's just a shame it isn't free and the game occasionally hiccups. Still, if you're a fan of the flash version of this game, this is worth a download. Hey, it's only a dollar.
3.5/5
Game Review ( Flick Bowling - iPod/iPhone App )
Price: $4.99, but on sale for limited time at 99 cents.
Basically, I downloaded this game because it got great reviews at the $5, and it dropped down to only a buck. I can start by saying - those that think this was a bargain at $5 are stupid.
Graphics: 4.5/5 Among the best in the App Store that I can see. Great 3D graphics, good looking characters, and a big selection of bowling balls. The game is just lacking alleys. There is only one default one, but there is (supposedly) going to be a free update later this month adding another one.
Sound: ???/5 Gah, sorry - can't say. I only heard the menu music. From that, I got the impression that this is just another sub-par sounding game. However, the bowling sounds could be great. I don't know, though, because I was listening to music.
Control: 3.75/5 Took me a little while to get used to - it was really quite frustrating. Early on, I was flicking really quickly, so quick that the ball would very slowly roll down the lane. The trick is to do a nice swift, not-too-fast flick to get a super fast roll. Once you get the controls down, the game feels good.
Fun: 4/5 For a dollar, this is definitely worth it. If it was $5, I'd say HELLZ NAW! There are eight characters, high score tracker, and a lot of bowling balls. That's all fine and good, but where is the "Tournament Mode", or stat-tracking, or even character specific stats? I don't understand why a $5 game wouldn't have things like this. Also, the A.I. as pretty bad. Almost always, based on the difficulty setting, the A.I. will get the same amount of pins. For instance, on easy, he almost always gets 7 pins, followed by a spare or near spare. Medium, 8 pins first try and seemingly always a spare. On hard, the guy is a machine, getting a strike nearly every time. Flick Bowling, like I stated already, is worth it for the price it's currently at. The game is just sometimes inconsistent, and it's lacking features that a game of this seemingly-great quality should have.
4/5
Basically, I downloaded this game because it got great reviews at the $5, and it dropped down to only a buck. I can start by saying - those that think this was a bargain at $5 are stupid.
Graphics: 4.5/5 Among the best in the App Store that I can see. Great 3D graphics, good looking characters, and a big selection of bowling balls. The game is just lacking alleys. There is only one default one, but there is (supposedly) going to be a free update later this month adding another one.
Sound: ???/5 Gah, sorry - can't say. I only heard the menu music. From that, I got the impression that this is just another sub-par sounding game. However, the bowling sounds could be great. I don't know, though, because I was listening to music.
Control: 3.75/5 Took me a little while to get used to - it was really quite frustrating. Early on, I was flicking really quickly, so quick that the ball would very slowly roll down the lane. The trick is to do a nice swift, not-too-fast flick to get a super fast roll. Once you get the controls down, the game feels good.
Fun: 4/5 For a dollar, this is definitely worth it. If it was $5, I'd say HELLZ NAW! There are eight characters, high score tracker, and a lot of bowling balls. That's all fine and good, but where is the "Tournament Mode", or stat-tracking, or even character specific stats? I don't understand why a $5 game wouldn't have things like this. Also, the A.I. as pretty bad. Almost always, based on the difficulty setting, the A.I. will get the same amount of pins. For instance, on easy, he almost always gets 7 pins, followed by a spare or near spare. Medium, 8 pins first try and seemingly always a spare. On hard, the guy is a machine, getting a strike nearly every time. Flick Bowling, like I stated already, is worth it for the price it's currently at. The game is just sometimes inconsistent, and it's lacking features that a game of this seemingly-great quality should have.
4/5
Game Review ( Asphalt 4: Elite Racing - iPhone/iPod App )
A4:ER is - simply put - the best racing game from the app store. Even though the price is steep at $10, you will find more depth than any other racing game in there. I'll keep the review as short as possible. Basically, I'll tell you there are 9 different tracks, ranging from New York, Dubai, Los Angeles, Paris and so on, and 28 unlockable cars.
Graphics: 4.75/5 This is an iPod/iPhone and this thing has graphics better than those of the DS? Get out. The different tracks and cars look fantastic, and the frame rate pretty rarely drops. This game is gorgeous. Easily the best looking App I have, I'll tell you that.
Sound: 1/5 Turn. It. Off. I played less than half a race with the sound on before turning on my music. The drift sound is quite possibly the most annoying sound I've ever heard in my LIFE. The music and the like isn't necessarily bad, but it's just a lot better to be able to listen to your own music rather than a REEEEKWWWWEEEEEEE!!!! every three seconds when turning a corner. Gah! My ears are bleeding thinking about it.
Control: 3.75/5 There are three different ways to control. You can use the accelerometer ( Move iPod/iPhone side-to-side to steer ) tap ( Left side to go left, right side to go right. ) or steer using the on-screen steering wheel, which I only tried to use once but gave up because it just seemed pointless. One thing all three controls have in common are that your car is ALWAYS accelerating. Nothing to press to move, it happens automatically, which is actually pretty cool. My real beef with the controls are that none of the three work spectacularily well. Although the "tap" mode is best, it's still hard to control drifts and the like.
Fun: 3.75/5 When you first play A4:ER, you'll likely love it or hate it instantly. I for one loved it. But after playing all the tracks about four times over each, I realized that the game was $10 for a reason. It does have depth, ( 28 cars to unlock like I said, including some pretty good customizing ) but only about $10 worth. If you do buy this game, I recommend you really pace yourself, otherwise you're going to regret it. You'll fly through the game and realize that it wasn't worth $10. This game is great for Burnout/Need for Speed/Cruis'n U.S.A. fans, since it has features similar to those all in one, but it's just to easy to fly through. Sure, there's multiplayer, but it's seemingly impossible to find anyone that is playing online. I recommend, unless you really can't wait, getting Need for Speed from the App store, which is due out in November. Not to say A4:ER is incomplete, it just seems to be missing a few things, and it's sort of hard to really justify the $10 price tag.
3.75/5
Graphics: 4.75/5 This is an iPod/iPhone and this thing has graphics better than those of the DS? Get out. The different tracks and cars look fantastic, and the frame rate pretty rarely drops. This game is gorgeous. Easily the best looking App I have, I'll tell you that.
Sound: 1/5 Turn. It. Off. I played less than half a race with the sound on before turning on my music. The drift sound is quite possibly the most annoying sound I've ever heard in my LIFE. The music and the like isn't necessarily bad, but it's just a lot better to be able to listen to your own music rather than a REEEEKWWWWEEEEEEE!!!! every three seconds when turning a corner. Gah! My ears are bleeding thinking about it.
Control: 3.75/5 There are three different ways to control. You can use the accelerometer ( Move iPod/iPhone side-to-side to steer ) tap ( Left side to go left, right side to go right. ) or steer using the on-screen steering wheel, which I only tried to use once but gave up because it just seemed pointless. One thing all three controls have in common are that your car is ALWAYS accelerating. Nothing to press to move, it happens automatically, which is actually pretty cool. My real beef with the controls are that none of the three work spectacularily well. Although the "tap" mode is best, it's still hard to control drifts and the like.
Fun: 3.75/5 When you first play A4:ER, you'll likely love it or hate it instantly. I for one loved it. But after playing all the tracks about four times over each, I realized that the game was $10 for a reason. It does have depth, ( 28 cars to unlock like I said, including some pretty good customizing ) but only about $10 worth. If you do buy this game, I recommend you really pace yourself, otherwise you're going to regret it. You'll fly through the game and realize that it wasn't worth $10. This game is great for Burnout/Need for Speed/Cruis'n U.S.A. fans, since it has features similar to those all in one, but it's just to easy to fly through. Sure, there's multiplayer, but it's seemingly impossible to find anyone that is playing online. I recommend, unless you really can't wait, getting Need for Speed from the App store, which is due out in November. Not to say A4:ER is incomplete, it just seems to be missing a few things, and it's sort of hard to really justify the $10 price tag.
3.75/5
Game Review ( Line Rider iRide - iPod/iPhone App )
What internet-using flash-game junky HASN'T played -- or at least heard of Line Rider? In case you haven't, in Line Rider you draw a track for the sled-dude ( Bosh, I believe is his name. ) and make him to basically whatever you want, including flips and jumps. You can also add scenery to the background, and whatever else you want. This flash game has come to the App Store.
Graphics: 1.5/5 Simple, and still not as good as the on-the-net version. The graphics look grainy, even though they are so simple. Doesn't matter, though, because you wouldn't buy this game based on graphics anyway.
Sound: 1.25/5 Just annoying - the sound should just die. I recommend simply listening to music... I'm not sure why sound was even added to the game.
Control: 1/5 This is where the game took a shit for me. Basically, there are two main drawing tools. One that draws straight lines, and another free-draw line drawer. When I was using the free-draw pen, it kept making straight lines, making it physically impossible to make even a simple loop. Worst controls ever.
Fun: 1.25/5 For me, I had zero fun with this. As a matter of fact, I deleted this app without backing it up, making me completely waste my $3. Line Rider was great on the computer, but I've found Line Rider iRide to be buggy buggy buggy. However, there is a "community" feature that allows you to upload and download other creator's tracks. Great idea, but I have no idea how it turned out, seeing as how I was so frustrated with the game I deleted it. Basically, this game is broken. Possibly just for me, seeing as how other people have it and love it, but I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to take the risk. Buyer beware.
1.5/5
Graphics: 1.5/5 Simple, and still not as good as the on-the-net version. The graphics look grainy, even though they are so simple. Doesn't matter, though, because you wouldn't buy this game based on graphics anyway.
Sound: 1.25/5 Just annoying - the sound should just die. I recommend simply listening to music... I'm not sure why sound was even added to the game.
Control: 1/5 This is where the game took a shit for me. Basically, there are two main drawing tools. One that draws straight lines, and another free-draw line drawer. When I was using the free-draw pen, it kept making straight lines, making it physically impossible to make even a simple loop. Worst controls ever.
Fun: 1.25/5 For me, I had zero fun with this. As a matter of fact, I deleted this app without backing it up, making me completely waste my $3. Line Rider was great on the computer, but I've found Line Rider iRide to be buggy buggy buggy. However, there is a "community" feature that allows you to upload and download other creator's tracks. Great idea, but I have no idea how it turned out, seeing as how I was so frustrated with the game I deleted it. Basically, this game is broken. Possibly just for me, seeing as how other people have it and love it, but I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to take the risk. Buyer beware.
1.5/5
Hardware Review ( iPod Touch 8GB )
Although I got this awhile ago, I've been playing with it a LOT since. I've finally gotten around to writing a review... anyway, I finally got it. The iPod Touch 8GB, the same day the 2nd gen, 16GB, built-in-speaker-same-exact-price version came out... don't know why I didn't get that one.
Anyway, I'll start out with the look - sexy. Looks just like the first-gen iPhone, but it just doesn't make calls. ( Well, actually, there is a free "App" in the "App Store" that-- well, nevermind. ) The back of it does have the much hated ( at least by me ) chrome that gets scratched super easily. Transversely, however, the front is nearly impossible to scratch. I saw a YouTube video where a guy tried to scratch the screen with a box cutter to no avail. Being in disbelief, I tried something similar with a bottle cap - I'll just say the video is legit. It's hard to believe that this thing is that hard to scratch. It smudges easily, and a lot, but doesn't scratch.
Secondly, the features - several. Unless you have the 2nd-gen iPod Touch, you can download the "App Store" to your iPod Touch for a fee of $9.95. ( Unless you Jailbreak it - good luck though. Nearly bricked my iPod. ) Basically, the "App Store" features a whole lot of "Applications" made by people and companies, and there are literally thousands. Here you can find games, travel, education, entertainment, music, and a whole bunch of other apps. Although most of the good ones you have to pay for, they are generally pretty reasonable, and you get a good idea of how good an app really is just by reading a few reviews or trying the "Lite" version of the app, if there is one available. Once an app is downloaded, it will download to your - what I will call - homepage, where you can have several pages of apps. Also at the homepage is the other stuff. Music, videos, photos, settings, calender, contacts, among other things that come with the iPod upon purchasing. The most notable however, being Safari, which is the internet. And, if you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot with decent/good bandwidth, works very well for the most part. My only real complaint is that sometimes, for no reason, pages will lag, causing you to mess up your typing, and sometimes even throwing you back to the "home page" for no reason at all. That's actually just about my only biff with this iPod - the thing is great.
Basically, if you don't have an iPod or MP3 player by now, you shouldn't get this iPod Touch. Why? Because you should get the NEWER and BETTER iPod Touch that also costs $300 but has 16 GB instead of 8GB. I do however recommend you get a warranty, seeing as how Apple products seem to fail in the long run. ( I know they do for me, anyway. ) If you don't have a cell phone yet for any reason or need a new one, AND have the money to pay $70+ a month for it, get the new iPhone 3G which is essentially this, just with a phone, obviously.
4.75/5
Anyway, I'll start out with the look - sexy. Looks just like the first-gen iPhone, but it just doesn't make calls. ( Well, actually, there is a free "App" in the "App Store" that-- well, nevermind. ) The back of it does have the much hated ( at least by me ) chrome that gets scratched super easily. Transversely, however, the front is nearly impossible to scratch. I saw a YouTube video where a guy tried to scratch the screen with a box cutter to no avail. Being in disbelief, I tried something similar with a bottle cap - I'll just say the video is legit. It's hard to believe that this thing is that hard to scratch. It smudges easily, and a lot, but doesn't scratch.
Secondly, the features - several. Unless you have the 2nd-gen iPod Touch, you can download the "App Store" to your iPod Touch for a fee of $9.95. ( Unless you Jailbreak it - good luck though. Nearly bricked my iPod. ) Basically, the "App Store" features a whole lot of "Applications" made by people and companies, and there are literally thousands. Here you can find games, travel, education, entertainment, music, and a whole bunch of other apps. Although most of the good ones you have to pay for, they are generally pretty reasonable, and you get a good idea of how good an app really is just by reading a few reviews or trying the "Lite" version of the app, if there is one available. Once an app is downloaded, it will download to your - what I will call - homepage, where you can have several pages of apps. Also at the homepage is the other stuff. Music, videos, photos, settings, calender, contacts, among other things that come with the iPod upon purchasing. The most notable however, being Safari, which is the internet. And, if you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot with decent/good bandwidth, works very well for the most part. My only real complaint is that sometimes, for no reason, pages will lag, causing you to mess up your typing, and sometimes even throwing you back to the "home page" for no reason at all. That's actually just about my only biff with this iPod - the thing is great.
Basically, if you don't have an iPod or MP3 player by now, you shouldn't get this iPod Touch. Why? Because you should get the NEWER and BETTER iPod Touch that also costs $300 but has 16 GB instead of 8GB. I do however recommend you get a warranty, seeing as how Apple products seem to fail in the long run. ( I know they do for me, anyway. ) If you don't have a cell phone yet for any reason or need a new one, AND have the money to pay $70+ a month for it, get the new iPhone 3G which is essentially this, just with a phone, obviously.
4.75/5
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Game Review ( Rock Band 2 - 360 )
Graphics: 4/5 Virtually no changes at all graphically - there are a few new venues and instruments and the like, but nothing else has really changed, which could or could not be a good thing.
Sound: 4.75/5 Most definitely the best soundtrack in any music game. AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Metallica and other well-known musicians are in this game. Also, ALL songs in the game are masters. While all that is fine and good, the soundtrack is far from perfect. It seems that for almost every great song there is a bad one stinking up the place. Overall though, there's no denying this really is quite an epic soundtrack.
Control: 5/5 "Rock Band is too easy"... How many times have you heard that? I don't think anyone will be saying that after playing through Rock Band 2. Songs like "Bodhisatvva" , "Pain Killer" , "Battery", and others, are truly insane. Those three particular songs are also equally as hard or harder on drums. Rock Band 2 also intruduces hammer-on chords, most notably in the song "Bodhisattva". This game will challenge even the well seasoned Guitar Hero and Rock Band veterans.
Fun: 4.75/5 Rock Band 2, for $60, is one hell of a good investment. You're getting over 80 songs for under a dollar each! Rock Band 2 is in a way, disappointing. For thing, the drum trainer is a joke for anyone that plays on expert... It could be very helpful for the noobs though. Basically, if you enjoyed Rock Band, you'll definitely love this game, too. However, one big letdown is the lack of any significant features. Besides drum trainer and battle of the bands mode, there isn't anythin really all that amazing added to this game that weren't in the original. Still, $60 for 80 plus songs makes this more than worth it. Oh, and don't forget to buy the new drums. (Review coming soon.)
4.5/5
Sound: 4.75/5 Most definitely the best soundtrack in any music game. AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Metallica and other well-known musicians are in this game. Also, ALL songs in the game are masters. While all that is fine and good, the soundtrack is far from perfect. It seems that for almost every great song there is a bad one stinking up the place. Overall though, there's no denying this really is quite an epic soundtrack.
Control: 5/5 "Rock Band is too easy"... How many times have you heard that? I don't think anyone will be saying that after playing through Rock Band 2. Songs like "Bodhisatvva" , "Pain Killer" , "Battery", and others, are truly insane. Those three particular songs are also equally as hard or harder on drums. Rock Band 2 also intruduces hammer-on chords, most notably in the song "Bodhisattva". This game will challenge even the well seasoned Guitar Hero and Rock Band veterans.
Fun: 4.75/5 Rock Band 2, for $60, is one hell of a good investment. You're getting over 80 songs for under a dollar each! Rock Band 2 is in a way, disappointing. For thing, the drum trainer is a joke for anyone that plays on expert... It could be very helpful for the noobs though. Basically, if you enjoyed Rock Band, you'll definitely love this game, too. However, one big letdown is the lack of any significant features. Besides drum trainer and battle of the bands mode, there isn't anythin really all that amazing added to this game that weren't in the original. Still, $60 for 80 plus songs makes this more than worth it. Oh, and don't forget to buy the new drums. (Review coming soon.)
4.5/5
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Game Review ( Guitar Hero: Aerosmith - 360 )
Graphics: 4.25/5 Looking better than Guitar Hero III at least. The graphics look cleaner, and the animations are really good. There is still "clipping" though, which is somewhat annoying, but the game looks solid. The venues are also very nicely done.
Sound: 4.25/5 The soundtrack is pretty good in this one. Despite its name, GH:A doesn't have tracks EXCLUSIVELY from Aerosmith. There are some songs by Joe Perry ( Guitarist of Aerosmith ) The Clash, Stone Temple Pilots, among other bands. Still, most of the game does have Aerosmith tracks from back in the seventies to today.
Control: 4/5 Figures - you will likely notice a lot of these guitar expert tracks are made strictly to make them more difficult. It doesn't work, but you'll know what I mean when you see them. A lot of the songs, mostly earlier ones, have a lot of chord hopping, and other songs also have green + orange chords and just a lot of fret presses you would likely not see in a game made by Harmonix. Still, some of the charts are actually super fun. The main riff of "Walk This Way" is easy, but very fun to play.
Fun: 4.25/5 It's hard to say if this game's worth buying. If you are a HUGE Aerosmith nut, you've probably already bought it since it's been out for ~2 months. If you're not that big of an Aerosmith fan, it's better that you rent it. I beat the game in just about one sitting, five starring every song on expert except for one bonus song all in one attempt. The game is easy - quite a bit easier than Guitar Hero III. The achievements are also more reasonable in this game as well as opposed to Guitar Hero III which had some really bogus ones. I highly recommend this as a rental, whether you like Aerosmith or not, for the achievement points if you're a SCOREWHORE, or just for fun if you really like Guitar Hero.
4/5 ( You just likely won't be coming back to this game after you play each song through once or twice unless you really like Aerosmith. )
Sound: 4.25/5 The soundtrack is pretty good in this one. Despite its name, GH:A doesn't have tracks EXCLUSIVELY from Aerosmith. There are some songs by Joe Perry ( Guitarist of Aerosmith ) The Clash, Stone Temple Pilots, among other bands. Still, most of the game does have Aerosmith tracks from back in the seventies to today.
Control: 4/5 Figures - you will likely notice a lot of these guitar expert tracks are made strictly to make them more difficult. It doesn't work, but you'll know what I mean when you see them. A lot of the songs, mostly earlier ones, have a lot of chord hopping, and other songs also have green + orange chords and just a lot of fret presses you would likely not see in a game made by Harmonix. Still, some of the charts are actually super fun. The main riff of "Walk This Way" is easy, but very fun to play.
Fun: 4.25/5 It's hard to say if this game's worth buying. If you are a HUGE Aerosmith nut, you've probably already bought it since it's been out for ~2 months. If you're not that big of an Aerosmith fan, it's better that you rent it. I beat the game in just about one sitting, five starring every song on expert except for one bonus song all in one attempt. The game is easy - quite a bit easier than Guitar Hero III. The achievements are also more reasonable in this game as well as opposed to Guitar Hero III which had some really bogus ones. I highly recommend this as a rental, whether you like Aerosmith or not, for the achievement points if you're a SCOREWHORE, or just for fun if you really like Guitar Hero.
4/5 ( You just likely won't be coming back to this game after you play each song through once or twice unless you really like Aerosmith. )
Monday, July 07, 2008
Game Review ( Cold Storage Map - Halo 3 - 360 )
Cold Storage was released today (7-7-8) for free from Bungie. But, it's not REALLY free unless you have the Heroic and Legendary map packs. Speaking of that, the Legendary Map Pack has gotten a price change. Instead of being 800 MSP, it's now 600.
I never played the original version of this map in Halo 1, so I can't do a comparison, but I can tell you that Cold Storage is not that great of a map. It is best for FFA fans ( I'm not one ) as opposed to players that prefer teams. Cold Storage is a pretty small map, with teleporters everywhere. The map includes a battle rifle, plasma rifle, sniper, shotgun, and the like in standard slayer mode. Cold Storage is a pretty decent map, overall. If you were thinking about getting the Legendary Map Pack, now is the time to do it. Heroic, Legendary and Cold Storage - 7 maps - for only 600 MSP if you're just getting them right now. One hell of a deal. Cold Storage isn't a bad map, but it isn't a good map - I can see why Bungie remade this map and made it free.
3.75/5
I never played the original version of this map in Halo 1, so I can't do a comparison, but I can tell you that Cold Storage is not that great of a map. It is best for FFA fans ( I'm not one ) as opposed to players that prefer teams. Cold Storage is a pretty small map, with teleporters everywhere. The map includes a battle rifle, plasma rifle, sniper, shotgun, and the like in standard slayer mode. Cold Storage is a pretty decent map, overall. If you were thinking about getting the Legendary Map Pack, now is the time to do it. Heroic, Legendary and Cold Storage - 7 maps - for only 600 MSP if you're just getting them right now. One hell of a deal. Cold Storage isn't a bad map, but it isn't a good map - I can see why Bungie remade this map and made it free.
3.75/5
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