I don't necessarily review EVERYTHING I eat... but this one was necessary. The Angus Three Cheese & Bacon from Arby's is one of the best things on the menu - but it comes at a cost - the sandwich alone is $5. Now, I know fast food looks nothing like it does in pictures or in commercials, but my eyes almost shot out of my sockets when I saw this sandwich - it's absolutely PUNY. There isn't much roast beef, and the bread is squished down. I would say, compared to the pictures/commercials, that the height of the actual sandwich is 1/3 of what's shown.
How does it taste? ... Did you read the first couple sentences? You actually taste each bit of this sandwich - the roast beef, the bacon, the cheese, AND the sauce, which I must say, is very good. Only problem I had was that there was a bit too much of it.
That about sums up all I had to say.
How's it taste? Ridiculously good.
How's the value? Pretty effing bad.
It tastes good enough though that I may get it again, even though I know I'm paying way too much for what I'm being handed.
4/5
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Food Review (Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet)
I've eaten more seafood in this past month than I have in the past 19 years of my life - I never used to like it. Anyway. The Wendy's Fish Fillet is back just in time for lent. Here are the nutrition facts for this sammich:
500 Calories (210 from Fat)
24 Grams of Fat (4 Saturated)
1010mg Sodium
52g Carbs
18g Protein
Not much else worth listing.
First of all, I don't know much about seafood, but I've been told that the freshest seafood has hardly any flavor and smell - and I'll say this sandwich delivered that. I personally don't understand why you'd want to eat something you can't taste, but I guess in seafood-speak, this is a surprisingly fresh piece of fish, considering I hardly got any taste or smell of fish off of this thing.
It's of a decent size - quite larger than the McDonald's Filet 'o Fish - and has a little bit of lettuce and tartar sauce. The tartar sauce is alright, but I prefer what's on the Filet 'o Fish at McDonalds.
My Premium Fish Fillet was actually so hot when I got it, it nearly burnt my tongue - and when I bit in initially, fish juice actually squirt out... or maybe it was grease. Whatever it was, I don't normally get a sandwich from a fast food place that tastes as fresh as this one did.
Would I recommend this? Sure, if you like your seafood nearly flavorless like it's... supposed to be..? It doesn't taste bad, but doesn't taste great either beCAUSE it has such a subtle flavor - I'll stick to the Spicy Chicken Sandwich for the most part, but if this were a mainstay on the menu, I'd probably get it time to time.
Is it better than McDonald's Filet 'o Fish? To me, no, because I actually like the fish-taste you get from the Filet 'o Fish, even if that means it's not quite as fresh as this one. Both of them are pretty good, but in very different ways. It's really personal preference - either way, you can't lose. They both taste good.
4/5
500 Calories (210 from Fat)
24 Grams of Fat (4 Saturated)
1010mg Sodium
52g Carbs
18g Protein
Not much else worth listing.
First of all, I don't know much about seafood, but I've been told that the freshest seafood has hardly any flavor and smell - and I'll say this sandwich delivered that. I personally don't understand why you'd want to eat something you can't taste, but I guess in seafood-speak, this is a surprisingly fresh piece of fish, considering I hardly got any taste or smell of fish off of this thing.
It's of a decent size - quite larger than the McDonald's Filet 'o Fish - and has a little bit of lettuce and tartar sauce. The tartar sauce is alright, but I prefer what's on the Filet 'o Fish at McDonalds.
My Premium Fish Fillet was actually so hot when I got it, it nearly burnt my tongue - and when I bit in initially, fish juice actually squirt out... or maybe it was grease. Whatever it was, I don't normally get a sandwich from a fast food place that tastes as fresh as this one did.
Would I recommend this? Sure, if you like your seafood nearly flavorless like it's... supposed to be..? It doesn't taste bad, but doesn't taste great either beCAUSE it has such a subtle flavor - I'll stick to the Spicy Chicken Sandwich for the most part, but if this were a mainstay on the menu, I'd probably get it time to time.
Is it better than McDonald's Filet 'o Fish? To me, no, because I actually like the fish-taste you get from the Filet 'o Fish, even if that means it's not quite as fresh as this one. Both of them are pretty good, but in very different ways. It's really personal preference - either way, you can't lose. They both taste good.
4/5
MLB 2K11 Soundtrack and Ratings
It's been nearly a week since the release, and there are still no 'professional' reviews out there, and the soundtrack isn't listed ANYWHERE, so I'll present it to you:
"Rearview Mirror" by Pearl Jam: 4.75/5
"Please Please Please" Shout Out Louds: 4.5/5
"Bad Reputation" Joan Jett: 3.5/5
"Repitition" The Willowz: 3.5/5
"Bought and Sold" Tab the Band: 4.75/5
"Pourin' Rain" Trenchtown: 4.5/5
"Unpaid Holiday" Trenchtown: 5/5
"Come On In" Corroded: 4/5
"Hard to See" Five Finger Death Punch: 4.25/5
"Better Days" The Wolfmen: 4.25/5
"The Hi Hi's" Double0Zero: 4.5/5
"You Should Learn" We Are Scientists: 5/5
"Anti-Venom" USS: 4.5/5
Overall, MLB 2K11 has a damn good soundtrack. I personally don't care much for Bad Reputation or Repitition, but then again, I don't care for female singers for the most part anyway. I think you're guaranteed to like at least one track in this game. Me? I like almost the whole thing.
"Rearview Mirror" by Pearl Jam: 4.75/5
"Please Please Please" Shout Out Louds: 4.5/5
"Bad Reputation" Joan Jett: 3.5/5
"Repitition" The Willowz: 3.5/5
"Bought and Sold" Tab the Band: 4.75/5
"Pourin' Rain" Trenchtown: 4.5/5
"Unpaid Holiday" Trenchtown: 5/5
"Come On In" Corroded: 4/5
"Hard to See" Five Finger Death Punch: 4.25/5
"Better Days" The Wolfmen: 4.25/5
"The Hi Hi's" Double0Zero: 4.5/5
"You Should Learn" We Are Scientists: 5/5
"Anti-Venom" USS: 4.5/5
Overall, MLB 2K11 has a damn good soundtrack. I personally don't care much for Bad Reputation or Repitition, but then again, I don't care for female singers for the most part anyway. I think you're guaranteed to like at least one track in this game. Me? I like almost the whole thing.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Food Review ("Pacific" Shrimp Burrito from Taco Bell)
Just in time for lent, the "Pacific" Shrimp Taco is back at Taco Bell, with a new Taco Bell concoction, the "Pacific" Shrimp Burrito. Here we go!
Straight out of a fish farm in a random third-world country, there are 6 pieces of "Pacific" shrimp found in each the taco and burrito - that's correct, 6. And the pieces aren't large at all. How much does the taco cost? The burrito? 2.79 and 3.69 respectively. Ridiculous, right? The burrito costs nearly a dollar more, and you get the same amount of shrimp.
Anyways, the flavor... I absolutely HATED seafood up until a few weeks ago when I randomly had a craving for fish. Today, I decided to give shrimp a try, which I always hated. For 3.69, I was expecting some kind of wonderful - welp, I got let down. The burrito is a decent size, so 6 measly shrimp were hidden in little areas. It seemed like every second or third bite had a bit of shrimp, while the bites in-between just consisted of the bread, lettuce, crunchy red strips, and the sauce. Mmm, DELICIOUS! (Not really.)
How's the shrimp? Well, I'm not necessarily a seafood aficionado, and haven't eaten a LOT of it in my day, but it tasted DECENT. Reasonable flavor, fair marinade... Worth-paying-3.69 decent? Hell no. This is one of those things you try just to say you had it, and then move on.
Pass.
2.5/5
Straight out of a fish farm in a random third-world country, there are 6 pieces of "Pacific" shrimp found in each the taco and burrito - that's correct, 6. And the pieces aren't large at all. How much does the taco cost? The burrito? 2.79 and 3.69 respectively. Ridiculous, right? The burrito costs nearly a dollar more, and you get the same amount of shrimp.
Anyways, the flavor... I absolutely HATED seafood up until a few weeks ago when I randomly had a craving for fish. Today, I decided to give shrimp a try, which I always hated. For 3.69, I was expecting some kind of wonderful - welp, I got let down. The burrito is a decent size, so 6 measly shrimp were hidden in little areas. It seemed like every second or third bite had a bit of shrimp, while the bites in-between just consisted of the bread, lettuce, crunchy red strips, and the sauce. Mmm, DELICIOUS! (Not really.)
How's the shrimp? Well, I'm not necessarily a seafood aficionado, and haven't eaten a LOT of it in my day, but it tasted DECENT. Reasonable flavor, fair marinade... Worth-paying-3.69 decent? Hell no. This is one of those things you try just to say you had it, and then move on.
Pass.
2.5/5
Friday, March 11, 2011
Game Review (Major League Baseball 2K11 - 360)
Finally - Major League Baseball 2K11 has been released, and to me, this is when the road to Opening Day seems less torturous. Is MLB 2K11 better than 2K Sports's past iterations? Read on to find out, or skip to the end for the TL;DR version.
[I should note that I have not played many 2K games the past few years. The last MLB 2K game I played frequently was 2K7. I played 2K8, 9, and 10, for very short periods of time.]
Graphics: 3.75/5 Initially, I found MLB 2K11 to be extremely underwhelming graphically. After playing about 5 games in different stadiums and getting a chance to immerse myself in the game, I'm actually fairly impressed. Regardless of that, I'll talk about the low-points first - I'm disappointed that 2K Sports has still not fixed the robotic/glitchy/snap-motion movements. I'm not SURPRISED none of that has really been patched up, but it's a shame - it really takes away from the experience, and just gives you constant reminders you're just playing a game. Another downfall for me would have to be the shadows on the players - they seem jagged and extremely unrealistic. On the field though, the shadows look pretty good, and the fact that the sun moves during games is a fantastic feature, as it affects the game quite a bit when the shadow creeps between home plate and the pitcher's mound. With all the criticism, you're probably wondering how I could score the graphics a 3.75. I'll tell you why, though - there are a couple big reasons. First of all, although the shadows on the characters are a HUGE bummer, the uniforms look really nice, and some of the character models are spot on. While lesser known players, like say, Brennan Boesch or Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers, look nothing like their real-life counterparts, (understandable, as they can't very well face scan all the MLB players.) the likes of marquee players like Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, among many, many others, look very well done. The second reason I score this as I did is that I REALLY like the menus in this game, whether it's the in-game pause menu, or at the main menu - not too busy, pretty clean, and just very well laid out. 2K11's got nothing on The Show as far as in-game graphics, but it's nothing to sneeze at.
Sound: 4/5 Gary Thorne, Steve Phillips, and John Kruk offer commentary in MLB 2K11, and do it quite well. In my opinion, Gary Thorne has one of the best voices for a baseball game, so for him to do MLB 2K11 was really great. While this isn't necessarily a comparison review between MLB 2K11 and MLB 11 The Show, the commentary in this game blows The Show out of the water. It's more interesting, and just seems more real and enthusiastic. The soundtrack in this game, as well as in many sports games I've played, is actually quite good, featuring some really nice songs from bands I hadn't really listened to - like We Are Scientists - and ones I had never even heard of, like Trenchtown, whose "Unpaid Holiday" is probably my favorite of them all. Other artists that offer their tracks include Pearl Jam, Pat Benetar, among others. There aren't very many songs on the track list, but the vast majority are nice choices.
Fun: 3.75/5 It's quite hard for me to score MLB 2K11 - it's really somewhere between a 3.75 and 4 rating (7.5 and 8). Seeing as how there is such a lack of polish and the game costs $60 and lacks any real new features causes me to give it the 3.75. Sure, they added the Dynamic Player Rating system, which makes the real-life players' performance effect the in-game players', is pretty cool, but that's not going to happen until the season starts, and that's about the only significant new feature added to 2K11. It's not at all a bad game, but it could really be a lot better. Whatever happened to setting concession prices in sports games? Sure, maybe many people thought it was lame and gimmicky or whatever, but I actually enjoyed things like that. Why do the players have to be so jerky and glitchy and botch plays that should quite easily be made? 2K Sports got a lot right with MLB 2K11, but they also could have done a lot more. For $60 every year, you expect something really new, and there isn't much here. My Player - keep in mind, haven't played much in the past - is fun and all, but the fielding (at least in the outfield, haven't tried anywhere else) is just awkward due to the camera angle, and the base running is an absolute chore. Basically, MLB 2K11 is nothing that will blow your mind. Is it better than recent MLB 2K games? In my opinion, yes, but not much better, so don't expect MLB 2K11 to be the greatest baseball game you have ever played.
3.75/5
+: Commentary, soundtrack, graphics grow on you - somehow, Dynamic Player Rating System, pretty solid baseball game.
-: Nothing special, STILL glitchy and buggy in many areas, injuries seem way too frequent.
[I should note that I have not played many 2K games the past few years. The last MLB 2K game I played frequently was 2K7. I played 2K8, 9, and 10, for very short periods of time.]
Graphics: 3.75/5 Initially, I found MLB 2K11 to be extremely underwhelming graphically. After playing about 5 games in different stadiums and getting a chance to immerse myself in the game, I'm actually fairly impressed. Regardless of that, I'll talk about the low-points first - I'm disappointed that 2K Sports has still not fixed the robotic/glitchy/snap-motion movements. I'm not SURPRISED none of that has really been patched up, but it's a shame - it really takes away from the experience, and just gives you constant reminders you're just playing a game. Another downfall for me would have to be the shadows on the players - they seem jagged and extremely unrealistic. On the field though, the shadows look pretty good, and the fact that the sun moves during games is a fantastic feature, as it affects the game quite a bit when the shadow creeps between home plate and the pitcher's mound. With all the criticism, you're probably wondering how I could score the graphics a 3.75. I'll tell you why, though - there are a couple big reasons. First of all, although the shadows on the characters are a HUGE bummer, the uniforms look really nice, and some of the character models are spot on. While lesser known players, like say, Brennan Boesch or Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers, look nothing like their real-life counterparts, (understandable, as they can't very well face scan all the MLB players.) the likes of marquee players like Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, among many, many others, look very well done. The second reason I score this as I did is that I REALLY like the menus in this game, whether it's the in-game pause menu, or at the main menu - not too busy, pretty clean, and just very well laid out. 2K11's got nothing on The Show as far as in-game graphics, but it's nothing to sneeze at.
Sound: 4/5 Gary Thorne, Steve Phillips, and John Kruk offer commentary in MLB 2K11, and do it quite well. In my opinion, Gary Thorne has one of the best voices for a baseball game, so for him to do MLB 2K11 was really great. While this isn't necessarily a comparison review between MLB 2K11 and MLB 11 The Show, the commentary in this game blows The Show out of the water. It's more interesting, and just seems more real and enthusiastic. The soundtrack in this game, as well as in many sports games I've played, is actually quite good, featuring some really nice songs from bands I hadn't really listened to - like We Are Scientists - and ones I had never even heard of, like Trenchtown, whose "Unpaid Holiday" is probably my favorite of them all. Other artists that offer their tracks include Pearl Jam, Pat Benetar, among others. There aren't very many songs on the track list, but the vast majority are nice choices.
Fun: 3.75/5 It's quite hard for me to score MLB 2K11 - it's really somewhere between a 3.75 and 4 rating (7.5 and 8). Seeing as how there is such a lack of polish and the game costs $60 and lacks any real new features causes me to give it the 3.75. Sure, they added the Dynamic Player Rating system, which makes the real-life players' performance effect the in-game players', is pretty cool, but that's not going to happen until the season starts, and that's about the only significant new feature added to 2K11. It's not at all a bad game, but it could really be a lot better. Whatever happened to setting concession prices in sports games? Sure, maybe many people thought it was lame and gimmicky or whatever, but I actually enjoyed things like that. Why do the players have to be so jerky and glitchy and botch plays that should quite easily be made? 2K Sports got a lot right with MLB 2K11, but they also could have done a lot more. For $60 every year, you expect something really new, and there isn't much here. My Player - keep in mind, haven't played much in the past - is fun and all, but the fielding (at least in the outfield, haven't tried anywhere else) is just awkward due to the camera angle, and the base running is an absolute chore. Basically, MLB 2K11 is nothing that will blow your mind. Is it better than recent MLB 2K games? In my opinion, yes, but not much better, so don't expect MLB 2K11 to be the greatest baseball game you have ever played.
3.75/5
+: Commentary, soundtrack, graphics grow on you - somehow, Dynamic Player Rating System, pretty solid baseball game.
-: Nothing special, STILL glitchy and buggy in many areas, injuries seem way too frequent.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Food Review (Bawls Mints)
One of my favorite candies ever! Bawls Mints are made from the same people that brought you Bawls Energy Drink (which I also recommend). Why they're called mints, I have no idea, but they taste really, really good. Each tin contains 75 'mints', with 1mg of caffeine per 'mint.'
The taste of these 'mints' I guess I could only maybe describe as a fruity vanilla flavor. And since they're carbonated, they fizz on your tongue. Drop one of these in a carbonated drink, and watch the bubbles fly.
While they won't perk you up quite as much as the guy on the packaging is, I can almost assure you you'll enjoy eating these things. Highly recommended!
5/5
The taste of these 'mints' I guess I could only maybe describe as a fruity vanilla flavor. And since they're carbonated, they fizz on your tongue. Drop one of these in a carbonated drink, and watch the bubbles fly.
While they won't perk you up quite as much as the guy on the packaging is, I can almost assure you you'll enjoy eating these things. Highly recommended!
5/5
Food Review ("Red" Penguin Caffeinated Cinnamons)
If you like cinnamon, you'll like these mints, simple as that. If you like caffeine, you'll like them even more. According to the packaging, each mint contains 7mg of caffeine, as opposed to say, a Bawls Mint, which has 1mg of caffeine per mint.
The mints are oval-shaped, white, and have little red-speck crystal things. They're a bit 'hot', but that's to be expected with cinnamon candies. A good buy.
5/5
The mints are oval-shaped, white, and have little red-speck crystal things. They're a bit 'hot', but that's to be expected with cinnamon candies. A good buy.
5/5
Food Review (Uncle Oinker's Savory Bacon Mints)
As stated in my Onion Ring Mints review, I got these from ThinkGeek.com.
For $3, you got 100 of these little mints. I really got them expecting a mediocre bacon flavor, and I didn't even get that. These 'mints' are ALMOST nauseating. First smelling them wasn't so bad, but if you keep wafting, it smells pretty unpleasant. It's hard to really explain the smell of these mints... B.O.? Maybe that. B.O. and Band-Aids.
But these mints taste neither like bacon nor mint. They taste SORT of like they smell - yes, B.O. and Band-Aids - but it's really rather mild, and they make your breath smell like B.O./Band-Aids when the mint is gone. As with the Onion Ring Mints, would be a good gag gift, but aside from that, I wouldn't repurchase.
2/5
+ Good gag gift.
- Price, smell, taste. Just not very good at all.
For $3, you got 100 of these little mints. I really got them expecting a mediocre bacon flavor, and I didn't even get that. These 'mints' are ALMOST nauseating. First smelling them wasn't so bad, but if you keep wafting, it smells pretty unpleasant. It's hard to really explain the smell of these mints... B.O.? Maybe that. B.O. and Band-Aids.
But these mints taste neither like bacon nor mint. They taste SORT of like they smell - yes, B.O. and Band-Aids - but it's really rather mild, and they make your breath smell like B.O./Band-Aids when the mint is gone. As with the Onion Ring Mints, would be a good gag gift, but aside from that, I wouldn't repurchase.
2/5
+ Good gag gift.
- Price, smell, taste. Just not very good at all.
Food Review (Onion Ring Mints)
These mints, along with my Bacon Mints, Penguin Mints, and Bawls Mints, I got from ThinkGeek.com.
First off, 100 mints are $2.99 from the site, which isn't outrageous, but then again, it definitely seems overpriced. When I opened up the top and took a whiff, I definitely could smell onion. After sniffing completely, the after-smell is almost that of a firework or burning tire. To be honest, it wouldn't surprise me if bits of fireworks or tires WERE put in the mints.
To be honest, they taste very little like onion rings. They don't taste terrible, but they also don't taste great. Once they're in your mouth, and you smell your breath, THEN you actually smell like onion rings.
These things are definitely good for a joke, but aside from that, I don't think anyone would really walk around with these in their pocket every day until they themself ate all 100 mints.
3/5
+ Smell like onion rings, great gag gift.
- They don't taste very good.
First off, 100 mints are $2.99 from the site, which isn't outrageous, but then again, it definitely seems overpriced. When I opened up the top and took a whiff, I definitely could smell onion. After sniffing completely, the after-smell is almost that of a firework or burning tire. To be honest, it wouldn't surprise me if bits of fireworks or tires WERE put in the mints.
To be honest, they taste very little like onion rings. They don't taste terrible, but they also don't taste great. Once they're in your mouth, and you smell your breath, THEN you actually smell like onion rings.
These things are definitely good for a joke, but aside from that, I don't think anyone would really walk around with these in their pocket every day until they themself ate all 100 mints.
3/5
+ Smell like onion rings, great gag gift.
- They don't taste very good.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Game Review (Call of Duty: Black Ops "First Strike" Map Pack)
A little under three months after the release of Black Ops, the game gets its first map pack released for a short-time exclusively on the Xbox 360. If you don't know already, it features four multiplayer maps: "Berlin Wall", "Discovery", "Kowloon", and "Stadium", as well as a new Zombie map called "Ascension."
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Ascension: 4.5/5 "Ascension" is the one and only Zombie map in the First Strike Map Pack. I've only played it about four times, but already, I'm enjoying it. I'm not 100% certain, but I'm pretty sure it takes place at a Russian nuclear facility. In my opinion, Ascension blows Kino der Toten out of the water, and may even be better than Five. I really like the map design, and it's relatively easy to find yourself around after two or three goes on it.
Berlin Wall: 4.25/5 As you could PROBABLY guess, "Berlin Wall" is supposed to take place in Berlin, Germany, near the Berlin Wall. Snow's on the ground, and turrets are ready to fire at those who walk into no-man's-land, which is a little strip of land (which is red on your mini-map) that ensures death if you can't run through it fast enough. The map is, I would say, medium to medium-large in size... with a good amount of areas to run to and around. To me, a bit, in a way, there are parts of this map that remind me of "Skidrow" from Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer. But anyways, this is a fair map. It's got some windows and pretty open areas for snipers, but still has some areas where it's pretty close quarters, encouraging others to use SMGs and assault rifles. I guess the downfall of this map is simply the fact that it seems to encourage camping a bit more than most maps. I've played Berlin Wall four or five times, and none of the times I've played it on Team Deathmatch has a team reached the 7500 score. Regardless of this, Berlin Wall is, in my opinion, an above average map, and a welcome addition to Black Ops.
Discovery: 4/5 This map, simply, takes place at an abandoned Nazi base. I must say, it's starting to grow on me. At first, I got a really bad impression, because a back quarter of the map - I can't really explain without saying the side with the catwalks, even if that's not what they really are - seems to house a good number of snipers. Not only there, but in many other buildings on the map, you will find a lot of campers in windows. I guess that shouldn't be unexpected, as people like to camp windows regardless of the map, but it's quite frustrating on Discovery especially. I've found that the absolute best way to navigate this map is to really be on the outside of it as much as possible to pick of snipers from the side, as well as anyone trying to cozy themself in a camping spot. Discovery is really, to me, a pretty average map to the average Call of Duty player. However, if you're a sniper, you're likely to like this one more than me.
Kowloon: 4/5 Kowloon takes place on rainy rooftops in Kowloon, China. This map features something no other Black Ops map does - a zipline. Two of them. They are what you'd think, they zip you from one area of the map to another. While that's all fine and good, while doing this, you are vulnerable to enemy fire. I must say, even though this is a pretty cool idea, I don't see it really ever working out unless you're in a situation where it's 1-on-1 on Search and Destroy and you need to plant or defuse a bomb quickly... it's just not very practical. With all the amount of shooting going around on map, it's almost impossible to use the zipline without at least being shot at. To me, Treyarch could have made it more useful by allowing those with a pistol secondary to be able to shoot while ziplining. Anyways, on to the map itself and not just the damn ziplines. Kowloon's a medium sized map that's pretty packed in with very few really open areas - it's definitely a run-and-gunner's kind of map. The map's template in my opinion isn't exactly pretty - dull, rainy, blah - but the map design isn't bad at all.
Stadium: 4.5/5 Stadium takes place at what I THINK is a Russian hockey arena. This is probably my favorite map out of this pack, and I may be the only one that thinks so, seeing as how I see a lot of people complaining about it. It's the smallest map from the pack, and the most action-packed. Stadium is the REAL run-and-gun map from First Strike. While Kowloon has that feel through most of it, Stadium features virtually no worthwhile sniping area, which I can approve of. There are a few little windows and whatnot a sniper could sit at, but they don't give a real good vantage point for them, and the map's just not big enough, but I can definitely approve of that. To me, it's a shame there isn't more to do inside the stadium itself, but the map is still a lot of fun.
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"First Strike" is a decent first map pack release from Treyarch - more than decent for the Black Ops snipers. "Berlin Wall", "Discovery," and even some bits of "Kowloon" all have pretty good sniping areas. Me not being a sniper, as said a bit above, I'm not COMPLETELY satisfied with this map pack, but it's quite alright. Even if there aren't any instant-classics from the four multiplayer maps, "Ascension" is a Zombie map that will certainly be played the hell out of by many for months to come.
Basically, if you're tired of Zombies, then 1200msp for 4 multiplayer maps may make you think two or three times before buying this pack. If you only like Zombies, odds are you won't pay 1200msp for this pack, unless you're desperate for a new Zombie locale. It's really unfortunate that they don't have separate packs for multiplayer maps and Zombie maps, but I guess Treyarch/Activision figures this is the best way to make their moolah. Lucky for me, I like multiplayer, and don't mind Zombies, so I didn't so much mind paying 1200msp. A lot of people will complain about the $15 price on this pack, but really, I don't see the problem in spending a bit of money to give a game you already enjoy playing something new - it gives the game staying power. And when you get a map pack like this, I really don't mind.
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4.25/5
+: "Ascension" may be the best Zombie map in Black Ops, Good pack for snipers, pretty decent variety in the maps.
-: 1200msp seems a bit high but it's not a big deal, no new guns/camos/titles or anything like that.
---
Ascension: 4.5/5 "Ascension" is the one and only Zombie map in the First Strike Map Pack. I've only played it about four times, but already, I'm enjoying it. I'm not 100% certain, but I'm pretty sure it takes place at a Russian nuclear facility. In my opinion, Ascension blows Kino der Toten out of the water, and may even be better than Five. I really like the map design, and it's relatively easy to find yourself around after two or three goes on it.
Berlin Wall: 4.25/5 As you could PROBABLY guess, "Berlin Wall" is supposed to take place in Berlin, Germany, near the Berlin Wall. Snow's on the ground, and turrets are ready to fire at those who walk into no-man's-land, which is a little strip of land (which is red on your mini-map) that ensures death if you can't run through it fast enough. The map is, I would say, medium to medium-large in size... with a good amount of areas to run to and around. To me, a bit, in a way, there are parts of this map that remind me of "Skidrow" from Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer. But anyways, this is a fair map. It's got some windows and pretty open areas for snipers, but still has some areas where it's pretty close quarters, encouraging others to use SMGs and assault rifles. I guess the downfall of this map is simply the fact that it seems to encourage camping a bit more than most maps. I've played Berlin Wall four or five times, and none of the times I've played it on Team Deathmatch has a team reached the 7500 score. Regardless of this, Berlin Wall is, in my opinion, an above average map, and a welcome addition to Black Ops.
Discovery: 4/5 This map, simply, takes place at an abandoned Nazi base. I must say, it's starting to grow on me. At first, I got a really bad impression, because a back quarter of the map - I can't really explain without saying the side with the catwalks, even if that's not what they really are - seems to house a good number of snipers. Not only there, but in many other buildings on the map, you will find a lot of campers in windows. I guess that shouldn't be unexpected, as people like to camp windows regardless of the map, but it's quite frustrating on Discovery especially. I've found that the absolute best way to navigate this map is to really be on the outside of it as much as possible to pick of snipers from the side, as well as anyone trying to cozy themself in a camping spot. Discovery is really, to me, a pretty average map to the average Call of Duty player. However, if you're a sniper, you're likely to like this one more than me.
Kowloon: 4/5 Kowloon takes place on rainy rooftops in Kowloon, China. This map features something no other Black Ops map does - a zipline. Two of them. They are what you'd think, they zip you from one area of the map to another. While that's all fine and good, while doing this, you are vulnerable to enemy fire. I must say, even though this is a pretty cool idea, I don't see it really ever working out unless you're in a situation where it's 1-on-1 on Search and Destroy and you need to plant or defuse a bomb quickly... it's just not very practical. With all the amount of shooting going around on map, it's almost impossible to use the zipline without at least being shot at. To me, Treyarch could have made it more useful by allowing those with a pistol secondary to be able to shoot while ziplining. Anyways, on to the map itself and not just the damn ziplines. Kowloon's a medium sized map that's pretty packed in with very few really open areas - it's definitely a run-and-gunner's kind of map. The map's template in my opinion isn't exactly pretty - dull, rainy, blah - but the map design isn't bad at all.
Stadium: 4.5/5 Stadium takes place at what I THINK is a Russian hockey arena. This is probably my favorite map out of this pack, and I may be the only one that thinks so, seeing as how I see a lot of people complaining about it. It's the smallest map from the pack, and the most action-packed. Stadium is the REAL run-and-gun map from First Strike. While Kowloon has that feel through most of it, Stadium features virtually no worthwhile sniping area, which I can approve of. There are a few little windows and whatnot a sniper could sit at, but they don't give a real good vantage point for them, and the map's just not big enough, but I can definitely approve of that. To me, it's a shame there isn't more to do inside the stadium itself, but the map is still a lot of fun.
---
"First Strike" is a decent first map pack release from Treyarch - more than decent for the Black Ops snipers. "Berlin Wall", "Discovery," and even some bits of "Kowloon" all have pretty good sniping areas. Me not being a sniper, as said a bit above, I'm not COMPLETELY satisfied with this map pack, but it's quite alright. Even if there aren't any instant-classics from the four multiplayer maps, "Ascension" is a Zombie map that will certainly be played the hell out of by many for months to come.
Basically, if you're tired of Zombies, then 1200msp for 4 multiplayer maps may make you think two or three times before buying this pack. If you only like Zombies, odds are you won't pay 1200msp for this pack, unless you're desperate for a new Zombie locale. It's really unfortunate that they don't have separate packs for multiplayer maps and Zombie maps, but I guess Treyarch/Activision figures this is the best way to make their moolah. Lucky for me, I like multiplayer, and don't mind Zombies, so I didn't so much mind paying 1200msp. A lot of people will complain about the $15 price on this pack, but really, I don't see the problem in spending a bit of money to give a game you already enjoy playing something new - it gives the game staying power. And when you get a map pack like this, I really don't mind.
---
4.25/5
+: "Ascension" may be the best Zombie map in Black Ops, Good pack for snipers, pretty decent variety in the maps.
-: 1200msp seems a bit high but it's not a big deal, no new guns/camos/titles or anything like that.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Food Review (Double Steak Burrito from Taco Bell)
Just thrown on the menu this past week, the Double Steak Burrito is along side the Quad Steak Burrito, as well as the Double and Quad Steak Quesadillas.
None of these options are particularly cheap. The Double Steak Burrito is $3.99. and you don't need me to tell you that for a Taco Bell item, that's pretty expensive.
The DSB has rice, fire-roasted salsa, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. I will say that they do give you a lot of steak on this burrito. Not just that, but the steak seems to be of a higher quality than the other steak on the menu.
It tastes pretty good, I'll give it that. I don't care for the fire-roasted salsa at all out of the packets, but with this burrito, it tastes pretty good. The marinade the steak is in with it ... they taste good together.
3.5/5
+: A lot of steak that seems to be of a higher grade than the other steak on the menu.
-: Pricepriceprice.
It's good, but I'm not sure if I'd get it again for the price.
None of these options are particularly cheap. The Double Steak Burrito is $3.99. and you don't need me to tell you that for a Taco Bell item, that's pretty expensive.
The DSB has rice, fire-roasted salsa, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. I will say that they do give you a lot of steak on this burrito. Not just that, but the steak seems to be of a higher quality than the other steak on the menu.
It tastes pretty good, I'll give it that. I don't care for the fire-roasted salsa at all out of the packets, but with this burrito, it tastes pretty good. The marinade the steak is in with it ... they taste good together.
3.5/5
+: A lot of steak that seems to be of a higher grade than the other steak on the menu.
-: Pricepriceprice.
It's good, but I'm not sure if I'd get it again for the price.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Game Review (Battlefield Bad Company 2 Multiplayer - 360)
Graphics: 4.5/5 Given that the maps are so large, that there's so much going on, that there are 24 players online, and that the frame rate holds steady almost all the time, I'd say the graphics are stellar. They aren't exactly 'clean' and looking quite as pretty as, say, a Gears of War or Modern Warfare 2, but like I said, for what it's running on, very nice.
Sound: 4.5/5 A good variety of voice overs, the explosions, guns, and vehicles all sound really great. I wouldn't say it's quite on the tier in some aspects as Call of Duty is - gun sounds in particular - but it no doubt sounds fantastic.
Control: 4.25/5 If you've played Call of Duty, you've played this, with a few subtle changes. There's no prone, for one thing, knifing is used with RB, throwing a grenade is LB, etc. The main problem I seem to have with the controls in this game involves walking. Sometimes when I walk through open doorways or in what seems to be an open area, my character will get stuck on seemingly nothing, sometimes resulting in a death. This is obviously frustrating... I'm not sure the cause? But it seems to happen sometimes. Luckily, the maps are huge and the areas are quite open ... this doesn't happen TOO often.
Fun: 4.5/5 Battlefield Bad Company has, from what I can see, just one flaw - lack of maps. I'm not sure of the number, but I'll guess 12... and it just doesn't feel like it. I guess maybe the maps seem to feel a bit too similar in some cases...? I can't put my finger on it, but that's about this game's only downfall besides the doorway glitching I've noticed. There's in-depth stats, a living community and devoted fan base, and a lot of fun to be had. If you've lost interest in Black Ops, you should try Battlefield. They're both completely different games in many ways, so if you don't like one, you're likely to like the other.
4.5/5
Sound: 4.5/5 A good variety of voice overs, the explosions, guns, and vehicles all sound really great. I wouldn't say it's quite on the tier in some aspects as Call of Duty is - gun sounds in particular - but it no doubt sounds fantastic.
Control: 4.25/5 If you've played Call of Duty, you've played this, with a few subtle changes. There's no prone, for one thing, knifing is used with RB, throwing a grenade is LB, etc. The main problem I seem to have with the controls in this game involves walking. Sometimes when I walk through open doorways or in what seems to be an open area, my character will get stuck on seemingly nothing, sometimes resulting in a death. This is obviously frustrating... I'm not sure the cause? But it seems to happen sometimes. Luckily, the maps are huge and the areas are quite open ... this doesn't happen TOO often.
Fun: 4.5/5 Battlefield Bad Company has, from what I can see, just one flaw - lack of maps. I'm not sure of the number, but I'll guess 12... and it just doesn't feel like it. I guess maybe the maps seem to feel a bit too similar in some cases...? I can't put my finger on it, but that's about this game's only downfall besides the doorway glitching I've noticed. There's in-depth stats, a living community and devoted fan base, and a lot of fun to be had. If you've lost interest in Black Ops, you should try Battlefield. They're both completely different games in many ways, so if you don't like one, you're likely to like the other.
4.5/5
Game Review (Skate 3 - 360)
Graphics: 3.75/5 I don't know if it's just my 360 or what, but Skate 3 is very underwhelming. The game doesn't look sharp, the game seems fairly bland, and it just looks about average... in fact, I feel like I remember Skate 1 looking better.
Sound: 4.25/5 You get a nice blend of music styles on the soundtrack, as well as great voice acting from pro skaters as well as some no-names. Not extraordinarily good, but I approve.
Control: 4.5/5 Skate 3's controls are about identical to games past. The controls are pretty precise, and it's obviously what's made Skate stand apart from the Tony Hawk games.
Fun: 4/5 Skate 3 is a good game. There isn't much to say about it. The story's pretty straightforward, and you'll have all of the stuff unlocked before too long. There's not much of anything new in this game that wasn't in Skate 2, so if you have that game, you probably have no need to get Skate 3, but if you haven't played Skate since the original, then for the $40 or less you'll pay for Skate 3 now, you should get it. It's not difficult, it's not extremely lengthy, but it's entertaining. (That's what she said.) I doubt you'll sit and play this game for hours at a time, but it adds variety to your game library if you don't already have Skate 1 or 2 there.
4/5
Sound: 4.25/5 You get a nice blend of music styles on the soundtrack, as well as great voice acting from pro skaters as well as some no-names. Not extraordinarily good, but I approve.
Control: 4.5/5 Skate 3's controls are about identical to games past. The controls are pretty precise, and it's obviously what's made Skate stand apart from the Tony Hawk games.
Fun: 4/5 Skate 3 is a good game. There isn't much to say about it. The story's pretty straightforward, and you'll have all of the stuff unlocked before too long. There's not much of anything new in this game that wasn't in Skate 2, so if you have that game, you probably have no need to get Skate 3, but if you haven't played Skate since the original, then for the $40 or less you'll pay for Skate 3 now, you should get it. It's not difficult, it's not extremely lengthy, but it's entertaining. (That's what she said.) I doubt you'll sit and play this game for hours at a time, but it adds variety to your game library if you don't already have Skate 1 or 2 there.
4/5
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Food Review (Beefy Crunch Burrito from Taco Bell)
I haven't made a food review in awhile, so here goes!
The Beefy Crunch Burrito from Taco Bell is a 99c limited-time item that has nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, seasoned beef, rice, and, the star of the show, Flamin' Hot Fritos. I've already had at LEAST 10 of these things by now, so here's my review.
First of all, I will say I don't care much for sour cream - Taco Bell ruined my like for it by putting so much of it on their burritos in just one corner of it. But ANYWAY, I must say, I enjoy this burrito - when the Fritos aren't soggy. The crunchiness of them just adds to the experience. So if you buy this burrito, don't let the steam get to the Fritos and make them soggified - it doesn't take long. For 99 cents, you can't really go wrong. I really recommend you try it.
4.75/5
+: Price, value, crunch.
-: The soggy ass Fritos when the burrito sits awhile.
The Beefy Crunch Burrito from Taco Bell is a 99c limited-time item that has nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, seasoned beef, rice, and, the star of the show, Flamin' Hot Fritos. I've already had at LEAST 10 of these things by now, so here's my review.
First of all, I will say I don't care much for sour cream - Taco Bell ruined my like for it by putting so much of it on their burritos in just one corner of it. But ANYWAY, I must say, I enjoy this burrito - when the Fritos aren't soggy. The crunchiness of them just adds to the experience. So if you buy this burrito, don't let the steam get to the Fritos and make them soggified - it doesn't take long. For 99 cents, you can't really go wrong. I really recommend you try it.
4.75/5
+: Price, value, crunch.
-: The soggy ass Fritos when the burrito sits awhile.
Game Review (DJ Hero 2 - 360)
Graphics: 4/5 DJ Hero's never looked stunning. The characters, venues, colors, and everything just look about average. DJ Hero 2's menu is very nice though. It's simple and clean, and that's just why I like it.
Sound: 4.5/5 To be quite honest, DJ Hero 2's setlist doesn't QUITE appeal to me as much as DJ Hero 1's. From what I can tell, DJ Hero 2 has mixes that have more hip-hop/rap/house/dance songs. In DJ Hero 1, they had a wider variety of mixes. Not to say DJ Hero 2 has bad mixes by any means, but I feel like DJ Hero 1 was more diverse, and I'm probably the only one.
Fun: 4.25/5 DJ Hero is an all-around fun, unique experience. Not too much has changed since the first time around - freestyle scratches is probably the biggest new feature - but the formula still works. While it's not a game you can play over and over and over again and for hours on end, it's a good bit of fun if you pop it in every once in awhile. If you liked DJ Hero 1, odds are you'll like this game as well. It's really just a matter of which disc has more mixes you prefer on it.
4.25/5
Sound: 4.5/5 To be quite honest, DJ Hero 2's setlist doesn't QUITE appeal to me as much as DJ Hero 1's. From what I can tell, DJ Hero 2 has mixes that have more hip-hop/rap/house/dance songs. In DJ Hero 1, they had a wider variety of mixes. Not to say DJ Hero 2 has bad mixes by any means, but I feel like DJ Hero 1 was more diverse, and I'm probably the only one.
Fun: 4.25/5 DJ Hero is an all-around fun, unique experience. Not too much has changed since the first time around - freestyle scratches is probably the biggest new feature - but the formula still works. While it's not a game you can play over and over and over again and for hours on end, it's a good bit of fun if you pop it in every once in awhile. If you liked DJ Hero 1, odds are you'll like this game as well. It's really just a matter of which disc has more mixes you prefer on it.
4.25/5
Monday, December 27, 2010
DVD Review (The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season)
Finally, I've gotten the 13th season of The Simpsons. While this is supposed to be far of a stellar season, I picked it up anyways. Here's my review for each individual episode, and the season as a whole. Enjoy!
---
[*] Indicates an "Epicsode"
Treehouse of Horror XII: 4.25/5 I thoroughly enjoyed House of Whacks, and Hex and the City and Wiz Kids were both pretty good. Not the best ToH, but pretty memorable in my opinion.
The Parent Rap: 4/5: A judge sentence Homer and Bart to be tied together. After Marge cuts the rope, her and Homer get their heads stuck in wooden stocks. Decent episode at best.
Homer the Moe: 4.25/5 Homer takes over Moe's Tavern as Moe decides to go back to school in hopes of getting a better bar. After doing so, he regrets it entirely.
[*] A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love: 4.5/5 C.M. Burns meets a girl whom he falls in love with and plans to marry (Played by Julia-Louis Dreyfus) but she ultimately leaves him for Snake.
The Blunder Years: 4/5 Homer gets hypnotized and starts screaming uncontrollably. It's soon found out that he had a run-in with a corpse when he was 12-years-old. That of which was the corpse of Smithers' dad.
She of Little Faith: 3.75/5 Homer builds a rocket with a hamster that crashes into the Springfield church. To raise money, advertisements are plastered everywhere. Lisa decides to switch religions, and is coerced back with Christmas.
Brawl in the Family: 3/5 Maggie calls the police on her own family while they are strangling one another, and get sent to a camp dealie with some guy. Bad episode. Forgettable.
Sweets and Sour Marge: 4.25/5 Marge gets sugar banned in Springfield, but Homer fights to get it back.
Jaws Wired Shut: 4.25/5 Homer breaks his jaw and needs it wired shut. While it's shut, Homer completely changes his attitude on life.
[*] Half-Decent Proposal: 4.5/5 Artie Ziff offers Homer and Marge $1 million dollars to get Marge for a weekend - one of the best episodes of the season.
The Bart Wants What it Wants: 4.25/5 Bart begins to date Rainier Wolfcastle's daughter. Soon, he breaks up with her, and realizes it was a mistake and tries to get her back.
[*] The Lastest Gun in the West: 4.5/5 Bart becomes interested in the cowboy look because of Buck McCoy. Bart soon learns his idol has alcohol and drug problems, and tries getting him back on track.
The Old Man and the Key: 4/5 Grampa begins to date a woman and finds out that the only reason she's really with him is because he can drive. Homer essentially becomes his dad's dad, and bans him from driving.
Tales from the Public Domain: 3/5 This episode contains 3-mini segments involving Homer, Lisa, and Bart, and are from the Odyssey, Hundred Years' War, and Hamlet. A very forgettable trilogy episode.
Blame it on Lisa: 3.25/5 The Simpsons head to Brazil to find an orphan boy. While there, Homer gets kidnapped, and the family needs to find money for ransom.
Weekend at Burnsie's: 4.25/5 Homer gets medical marijuana for his vision, and everything ends up going well for him. Homer on drugs? It's hard to dislike this episode.
Gump Roast: 3/5 In a super forgettable episode, Homer has a run-in with Krang and Kodos. To me, this episode didn't make too much sense, and seemed like it was just an episode full of clips of Homer from previous seasons.
I Am Furious (Yellow): 4.25/5 Bart creates a cartoon titled Angry Dad after Homer and uploads it to the internet. Homer finds out, and is soon infuriated. Stan Lee guest stars.
The Sweetest Apu: 3/5 Apu has an affair with the Squishee lady, and tries his best to keep it hidden from his wife, Manjula -- simply put, one of John Swartzwelder's worst written episodes.
Little Girl in the Big Ten: 3.25/5 Lisa befriends college students to get into college, while Bart gets bitten by a mosquito from China and put into a giant bubble. This episode has its ups and downs.
The Frying Game: 3.5/5 Homer gets arrested for killing a screaming caterpillar, and ends up having to do community service. Ultimately, he and Marge get accused of killing an old lady, but it turns out it was all a hoax and they were part of a TV show.
Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge: 3.25/5 The city loses power and sees an increase crime rate for that reason. As the crime rate rises, the police force dissipates, and Homer and SpringShield control the city.
---
Well, as expected, this season is disappointing to say the least - there are only 3 "epicsodes" in my mind, and even those episodes aren't exactly MUST SEEs. There are the standard extras, including every-episode commentary, a 6 minute "Best Of Ralph" video, commercials, slide shows, and more. To me, this may just be the worst season yet on DVD. It's not a terrible season, but it's still quite a disappointment.
3.25/5
---
[*] Indicates an "Epicsode"
Treehouse of Horror XII: 4.25/5 I thoroughly enjoyed House of Whacks, and Hex and the City and Wiz Kids were both pretty good. Not the best ToH, but pretty memorable in my opinion.
The Parent Rap: 4/5: A judge sentence Homer and Bart to be tied together. After Marge cuts the rope, her and Homer get their heads stuck in wooden stocks. Decent episode at best.
Homer the Moe: 4.25/5 Homer takes over Moe's Tavern as Moe decides to go back to school in hopes of getting a better bar. After doing so, he regrets it entirely.
[*] A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love: 4.5/5 C.M. Burns meets a girl whom he falls in love with and plans to marry (Played by Julia-Louis Dreyfus) but she ultimately leaves him for Snake.
The Blunder Years: 4/5 Homer gets hypnotized and starts screaming uncontrollably. It's soon found out that he had a run-in with a corpse when he was 12-years-old. That of which was the corpse of Smithers' dad.
She of Little Faith: 3.75/5 Homer builds a rocket with a hamster that crashes into the Springfield church. To raise money, advertisements are plastered everywhere. Lisa decides to switch religions, and is coerced back with Christmas.
Brawl in the Family: 3/5 Maggie calls the police on her own family while they are strangling one another, and get sent to a camp dealie with some guy. Bad episode. Forgettable.
Sweets and Sour Marge: 4.25/5 Marge gets sugar banned in Springfield, but Homer fights to get it back.
Jaws Wired Shut: 4.25/5 Homer breaks his jaw and needs it wired shut. While it's shut, Homer completely changes his attitude on life.
[*] Half-Decent Proposal: 4.5/5 Artie Ziff offers Homer and Marge $1 million dollars to get Marge for a weekend - one of the best episodes of the season.
The Bart Wants What it Wants: 4.25/5 Bart begins to date Rainier Wolfcastle's daughter. Soon, he breaks up with her, and realizes it was a mistake and tries to get her back.
[*] The Lastest Gun in the West: 4.5/5 Bart becomes interested in the cowboy look because of Buck McCoy. Bart soon learns his idol has alcohol and drug problems, and tries getting him back on track.
The Old Man and the Key: 4/5 Grampa begins to date a woman and finds out that the only reason she's really with him is because he can drive. Homer essentially becomes his dad's dad, and bans him from driving.
Tales from the Public Domain: 3/5 This episode contains 3-mini segments involving Homer, Lisa, and Bart, and are from the Odyssey, Hundred Years' War, and Hamlet. A very forgettable trilogy episode.
Blame it on Lisa: 3.25/5 The Simpsons head to Brazil to find an orphan boy. While there, Homer gets kidnapped, and the family needs to find money for ransom.
Weekend at Burnsie's: 4.25/5 Homer gets medical marijuana for his vision, and everything ends up going well for him. Homer on drugs? It's hard to dislike this episode.
Gump Roast: 3/5 In a super forgettable episode, Homer has a run-in with Krang and Kodos. To me, this episode didn't make too much sense, and seemed like it was just an episode full of clips of Homer from previous seasons.
I Am Furious (Yellow): 4.25/5 Bart creates a cartoon titled Angry Dad after Homer and uploads it to the internet. Homer finds out, and is soon infuriated. Stan Lee guest stars.
The Sweetest Apu: 3/5 Apu has an affair with the Squishee lady, and tries his best to keep it hidden from his wife, Manjula -- simply put, one of John Swartzwelder's worst written episodes.
Little Girl in the Big Ten: 3.25/5 Lisa befriends college students to get into college, while Bart gets bitten by a mosquito from China and put into a giant bubble. This episode has its ups and downs.
The Frying Game: 3.5/5 Homer gets arrested for killing a screaming caterpillar, and ends up having to do community service. Ultimately, he and Marge get accused of killing an old lady, but it turns out it was all a hoax and they were part of a TV show.
Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge: 3.25/5 The city loses power and sees an increase crime rate for that reason. As the crime rate rises, the police force dissipates, and Homer and SpringShield control the city.
---
Well, as expected, this season is disappointing to say the least - there are only 3 "epicsodes" in my mind, and even those episodes aren't exactly MUST SEEs. There are the standard extras, including every-episode commentary, a 6 minute "Best Of Ralph" video, commercials, slide shows, and more. To me, this may just be the worst season yet on DVD. It's not a terrible season, but it's still quite a disappointment.
3.25/5
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Game Review (Call of Duty Black Ops "The Multiplayer" - 360)
Call of Duty has, for recent years, been among the most played multiplayer games on Xbox LIVE, and Black Ops will no doubt continue to maintain similar popularity.
I've logged about 42 hours into the multiplayer so far, and while not too much has changed, the game remains as fun as ever. Unlike Modern Warfare 2, this game - in my opinion - has great maps top to bottom with maybe one or two exceptions, which is really great. [See my review of the maps in my past post.] Most of the changes/additions to Black Ops, like extra gun camos, recticle customization, emblem creation, and so on, don't change how the game is played, but do add a little extra fun to the multiplayer, I guess.
Black Ops LIVE has very few flaws. Fortunately, with Treyarch, you can trust that when a problem arises, they'll get off their asses and do something about it ASAP, unlike Infinity Ward. Some glitches worth naming have now been patched, leading to this waste of a sentence.
Trying to keep this review short, I'll go ahead and talk about Zombies - I hadn't played too much WaW, and didn't touch Zombies in it at all, but it never REALLY appealed to me. Black Ops has two Zombie maps on disc - one during World War II, and another to be unlocked after finishing the campaign. [Future Zombie maps are very likely to become available via DLC.] While I don't find Zombies awesomely fun, it is entertaining for about a half hour/hour at a time. But hey, to each their own. Future map releases for the Zombies gametype may change my opinion, but as of now, I only really enjoy the "Five" Zombies map. [The one unlocked after beating the campaign.]
Dead Ops is also available to play once you unlock it. [See YouTube if you don't know how to unlock it yet.] I guess the best way to describe Dead Ops is to compare it to Contra, but instead of being a side scroller, it's played bird's eye view. It's fun, and plays a lot like Smash TV, if you've ever played that game. The game looks good, there's a lot of Zombies to kill, and it's really a fun little addition to the game.
Overall, Black Ops - to me - is the best Call of Duty since the original Modern Warfare. The game feels more balanced, and despite a small handful of flaws, is much, much, MUCH better than the mess that was Modern Warfare 2. If you don't already have the game, pick it up as soon as possible.
4.75/5
[Few minor flaws keep it from being perfect, but they should be fixed in future updates ... Map packs will also give the game more variety.]
I've logged about 42 hours into the multiplayer so far, and while not too much has changed, the game remains as fun as ever. Unlike Modern Warfare 2, this game - in my opinion - has great maps top to bottom with maybe one or two exceptions, which is really great. [See my review of the maps in my past post.] Most of the changes/additions to Black Ops, like extra gun camos, recticle customization, emblem creation, and so on, don't change how the game is played, but do add a little extra fun to the multiplayer, I guess.
Black Ops LIVE has very few flaws. Fortunately, with Treyarch, you can trust that when a problem arises, they'll get off their asses and do something about it ASAP, unlike Infinity Ward. Some glitches worth naming have now been patched, leading to this waste of a sentence.
Trying to keep this review short, I'll go ahead and talk about Zombies - I hadn't played too much WaW, and didn't touch Zombies in it at all, but it never REALLY appealed to me. Black Ops has two Zombie maps on disc - one during World War II, and another to be unlocked after finishing the campaign. [Future Zombie maps are very likely to become available via DLC.] While I don't find Zombies awesomely fun, it is entertaining for about a half hour/hour at a time. But hey, to each their own. Future map releases for the Zombies gametype may change my opinion, but as of now, I only really enjoy the "Five" Zombies map. [The one unlocked after beating the campaign.]
Dead Ops is also available to play once you unlock it. [See YouTube if you don't know how to unlock it yet.] I guess the best way to describe Dead Ops is to compare it to Contra, but instead of being a side scroller, it's played bird's eye view. It's fun, and plays a lot like Smash TV, if you've ever played that game. The game looks good, there's a lot of Zombies to kill, and it's really a fun little addition to the game.
Overall, Black Ops - to me - is the best Call of Duty since the original Modern Warfare. The game feels more balanced, and despite a small handful of flaws, is much, much, MUCH better than the mess that was Modern Warfare 2. If you don't already have the game, pick it up as soon as possible.
4.75/5
[Few minor flaws keep it from being perfect, but they should be fixed in future updates ... Map packs will also give the game more variety.]
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Game Review (Call of Duty Black Ops "The Maps" - 360)
This is part one of three reviews I will have for Call of Duty Black Ops. Maps being part one, online play being part two, and the campaign being last - maybe I'm doing this in the complete reverse order as many other people would do, but I don't plan on playing the campaign for awhile.
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[*] indicates a bitchin' map.
(S) indicates a small map.
(MS) indicates a medium-small map.
(M) indicates a medium map.
(ML) indicates a medium-large map.
(L) indicated a medium map.
---
(L) Array: This is one of four maps on-disc for Black Ops that is snowy. Of the four, I'd say this one's my least favorite, mainly because it doesn't fit my playstyle. Being a big map, it tends to have long, drawn out games on Team Deathmatch, as people seem to camp a lot, and there are also a lot of snipers on this map as opposed to most others. It's not a terrible map, but it definitely caters more to the snipers. 4/5
(MS) Cracked: There are very few maps on this disc that I dislike, and Cracked is one of them... it just feels blah. Blown out buildings as a map has been done several times before in Call of Duty 2/3/WaW, and I'm pretty much over them - they were boring then, and they're more boring now. Not much to say about this map besides the obvious - don't get caught out in the open. 3.25/5
[*](L) Crisis: Some sites claim this is a medium map... to me, it sure as hell doesn't feel like it - BUT - it's a great one. It doesn't come up often in matchmaking for me, so when it does, it's a treat to play when it gets voted for. I think I like this map more than most people do because it's sort of nostalgic - it feels a bit like Death Trap and Enowapi from SOCOM II. Fun map, a ton of different areas, and it encourages all of what you'd expect to see in a Call of Duty game, with camping spots for snipers, as well as close-quarters areas for those that like to run-and-gun. 4.75/5
[*](S)Firing Range: Not quite small, not quite medium small, Firing Range is a SMALL-ISH map that I find a lot of fun... then again, I always tend to prefer the smaller maps. There's nothing particularly unique to be said about this map besides the fact that it's a hell of a lot of fun on virtually any game mode from my experience. 4.5/5
(M) Grid: The first Black Ops map I played, Grid is the second of four snowy maps on Black Ops, and what I would have to say is my favorite, although I'm not sure why. The way it's set up, it feels great on objective-based matches, but of course works fine and dandy on Team Deathmatch as well. Grid's almost a prime example of how I like the size of maps to be in games I play, and it's just fun all-around. 4.5/5
(ML) Hanoi: Hard to judge the size of this one as well - although I haven't played it much - but Hanoi, to me, is just a 100% average map. The fact that it's night-time and so blah on colors doesn't help. I've played about three matches on it, and I just think this one's utterly forgettable. Not terrible, but nothing awesome. 3.5/5
(ML) Havana: Feeling a bit bigger than Hanoi, Havana is said to take place in Cuba (Hence the map name.) This maps feels to me a bit like Crossfire from CoD4, but instead of such an open area in the middle, part was thrown behind a row of buildings. I'm probably the only one in the world that feels that way. Havana encourages a LOT of camping, as there are plenty of areas to do so, and I've yet to be in a game in Team Deathmatch where the game ended at 7500. If people stop camping this one so much, it could be a much more fun map. 4/5
(L) Jungle: When you hop online and see Jungle as an option to vote for, you may notice that it tends to not get picked. You may ask yourself, "Why?" and I'll tell you why - it sucks. I understand why they put a Jungle map on-disc, but it's just a frustrating map because it's essentially just one giant campfest. It looks cool upfront, but when you're actually playing it, it's very underwhelming and controller breaking. Eh. MAYBE it'll grow on me, but for now, it's in the pooper of Black Ops maps. 3.25/5
[*](M) Launch: This is the map I was most excited to play before release. I must say, I am a bit disappointed. The fact that when the rocket launches, those beneath it die is a pretty cool idea, but other than that this map's not that great. Like Havana, I found that part of this map reminded me of a CoD4 map - Ambush. The middle area of this map feels that way to me for some reason, except where the area is dipped down in Ambush, it's raised here. As said, fun map. Because of the atmosphere on this map - I can't believe I said that - it gets a star. 4.25/5
[*](S) Nuketown: Thank GOD! After the abominations that were the smallest maps in CoD4 and CoDMW2, ("Shipment" and "Rust" respectively.) Treyarch gives is something to smile about. Nuketown, by and away the smallest map in Black Ops, is fantastic fun. The games are quick and sweet with a lot of running and gunning and grenade chucking - a classic. 4.75/5
(M) Radiation: In a thawed out version of WMD, - eh. Almost. Sort of. Maybe. Feels inspired by - Radiation's good fun. The factory area where you can be incinerated is cool, but unfortunate for those that don't realize they're on a belt to the fiery pits of hell. Again, not a ton to say, but Radiation's just another good map - whether it be on Team Deathmatch, or especially on objective modes. 4.25/5
(MS) Summit: Don't plunge to your DEATH. This map's pretty narrow, but a lot of fun. Obviously, this is the third of four snowy maps in Black Ops - it's not the best one, but it's a close second I think. 4.25/5
(ML) Villa: This one seems to come up a lot, so get used to it. I didn't care for it much at first, but after playing several matches, I think I've accepted the fact this one's going to be thrown in my face a lot. It's a pretty big and open map with a few areas for snipers - but they can easily be flushed out. If you don't like sniping, an accurate assault rifle should do the trick. 4.25/5
(ML) WMD: Reminds me of Radiation, but a bit bigger with a few more buildings thrown in there. Hell, if you don't think they look similar, just look and compare the loading screen pictures! While they are quite similar, I prefer WMD to Radiation. And, oh!, this is the fourth and final snow map - alphabetically - in Black Ops... it also happens to be one of the best. 4.5/5
---
PHEW! That's it. Pretty half assed, but yeah. The maps in Black Ops, overall, are MUCH better than those in Modern Warfare 2. Next: Online play.
---
[*] indicates a bitchin' map.
(S) indicates a small map.
(MS) indicates a medium-small map.
(M) indicates a medium map.
(ML) indicates a medium-large map.
(L) indicated a medium map.
---
(L) Array: This is one of four maps on-disc for Black Ops that is snowy. Of the four, I'd say this one's my least favorite, mainly because it doesn't fit my playstyle. Being a big map, it tends to have long, drawn out games on Team Deathmatch, as people seem to camp a lot, and there are also a lot of snipers on this map as opposed to most others. It's not a terrible map, but it definitely caters more to the snipers. 4/5
(MS) Cracked: There are very few maps on this disc that I dislike, and Cracked is one of them... it just feels blah. Blown out buildings as a map has been done several times before in Call of Duty 2/3/WaW, and I'm pretty much over them - they were boring then, and they're more boring now. Not much to say about this map besides the obvious - don't get caught out in the open. 3.25/5
[*](L) Crisis: Some sites claim this is a medium map... to me, it sure as hell doesn't feel like it - BUT - it's a great one. It doesn't come up often in matchmaking for me, so when it does, it's a treat to play when it gets voted for. I think I like this map more than most people do because it's sort of nostalgic - it feels a bit like Death Trap and Enowapi from SOCOM II. Fun map, a ton of different areas, and it encourages all of what you'd expect to see in a Call of Duty game, with camping spots for snipers, as well as close-quarters areas for those that like to run-and-gun. 4.75/5
[*](S)Firing Range: Not quite small, not quite medium small, Firing Range is a SMALL-ISH map that I find a lot of fun... then again, I always tend to prefer the smaller maps. There's nothing particularly unique to be said about this map besides the fact that it's a hell of a lot of fun on virtually any game mode from my experience. 4.5/5
(M) Grid: The first Black Ops map I played, Grid is the second of four snowy maps on Black Ops, and what I would have to say is my favorite, although I'm not sure why. The way it's set up, it feels great on objective-based matches, but of course works fine and dandy on Team Deathmatch as well. Grid's almost a prime example of how I like the size of maps to be in games I play, and it's just fun all-around. 4.5/5
(ML) Hanoi: Hard to judge the size of this one as well - although I haven't played it much - but Hanoi, to me, is just a 100% average map. The fact that it's night-time and so blah on colors doesn't help. I've played about three matches on it, and I just think this one's utterly forgettable. Not terrible, but nothing awesome. 3.5/5
(ML) Havana: Feeling a bit bigger than Hanoi, Havana is said to take place in Cuba (Hence the map name.) This maps feels to me a bit like Crossfire from CoD4, but instead of such an open area in the middle, part was thrown behind a row of buildings. I'm probably the only one in the world that feels that way. Havana encourages a LOT of camping, as there are plenty of areas to do so, and I've yet to be in a game in Team Deathmatch where the game ended at 7500. If people stop camping this one so much, it could be a much more fun map. 4/5
(L) Jungle: When you hop online and see Jungle as an option to vote for, you may notice that it tends to not get picked. You may ask yourself, "Why?" and I'll tell you why - it sucks. I understand why they put a Jungle map on-disc, but it's just a frustrating map because it's essentially just one giant campfest. It looks cool upfront, but when you're actually playing it, it's very underwhelming and controller breaking. Eh. MAYBE it'll grow on me, but for now, it's in the pooper of Black Ops maps. 3.25/5
[*](M) Launch: This is the map I was most excited to play before release. I must say, I am a bit disappointed. The fact that when the rocket launches, those beneath it die is a pretty cool idea, but other than that this map's not that great. Like Havana, I found that part of this map reminded me of a CoD4 map - Ambush. The middle area of this map feels that way to me for some reason, except where the area is dipped down in Ambush, it's raised here. As said, fun map. Because of the atmosphere on this map - I can't believe I said that - it gets a star. 4.25/5
[*](S) Nuketown: Thank GOD! After the abominations that were the smallest maps in CoD4 and CoDMW2, ("Shipment" and "Rust" respectively.) Treyarch gives is something to smile about. Nuketown, by and away the smallest map in Black Ops, is fantastic fun. The games are quick and sweet with a lot of running and gunning and grenade chucking - a classic. 4.75/5
(M) Radiation: In a thawed out version of WMD, - eh. Almost. Sort of. Maybe. Feels inspired by - Radiation's good fun. The factory area where you can be incinerated is cool, but unfortunate for those that don't realize they're on a belt to the fiery pits of hell. Again, not a ton to say, but Radiation's just another good map - whether it be on Team Deathmatch, or especially on objective modes. 4.25/5
(MS) Summit: Don't plunge to your DEATH. This map's pretty narrow, but a lot of fun. Obviously, this is the third of four snowy maps in Black Ops - it's not the best one, but it's a close second I think. 4.25/5
(ML) Villa: This one seems to come up a lot, so get used to it. I didn't care for it much at first, but after playing several matches, I think I've accepted the fact this one's going to be thrown in my face a lot. It's a pretty big and open map with a few areas for snipers - but they can easily be flushed out. If you don't like sniping, an accurate assault rifle should do the trick. 4.25/5
(ML) WMD: Reminds me of Radiation, but a bit bigger with a few more buildings thrown in there. Hell, if you don't think they look similar, just look and compare the loading screen pictures! While they are quite similar, I prefer WMD to Radiation. And, oh!, this is the fourth and final snow map - alphabetically - in Black Ops... it also happens to be one of the best. 4.5/5
---
PHEW! That's it. Pretty half assed, but yeah. The maps in Black Ops, overall, are MUCH better than those in Modern Warfare 2. Next: Online play.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Game Review (Rock Band 3 - 360)
After over 2 years since Rock Band 2's release, Rock Band 3 is finally here with many new features. Quite understandably and obviously, Rock Band 3 is even better than the second.
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Graphics: 4.5/5 I could go for paragraphs and paragraphs - the graphics have quite vastly improved here over Rock Band 2. Despite a lack of many new venues, the character models are sharper, and shinier than in past games. Not only that, but the menus look absolutely fantastic. The whole new drop-in/drop-out at any time thing is really cool, there are extremely short load times that seem to be almost non-existent... the game just looks and runs greatly.
Sound: 4.75/5 Obviously, you can't please all people all the time with a soundtrack you put in a game. I am pleased with nearly the whole set list - even songs I didn't know and assumed I wouldn't like before playing, turned out to be a blast. You really have to give Harmonix credit - imagine you being in charge of finding a good balance of songs for keys, guitar, drums, and bass - Harmonix did it here almost flawlessly. And of course, just about ALL of the Rock Band songs that worked on Rock Band's 1 and 2 will work here, which is obviously great news to those like me who have invested hundreds, or even over a thousand dollars on DLC.
Fun: 4.5/5 Before I praise, I want to say that there are only two things that gripe me about this game. The first is that Rock Band 3 does away with the Career Mode that was in Rock Bands 1 and 2. Instead, there are maybe a dozen Road Challenges you can do. They feature random setlists, pre-made setlists, as well as make your own setlists. My second issue, and I suppose it's a minor one, is that it's very easy to 'beat the game.' While Rock Band 3 never really ends, as there are always challenges for you to do, after the Road Challenges, the game's 'story' is over with. Biggest bummer about that, is that it only takes a day or two of solid play time to finish it. Band 3 is Rock Band 2, and more. Was that obvious? Despite the minor flaws, Harmonix has done really everything fans requested. If you're burned out on the rhythm genre, then you should probably pass on Rock Band 3. But if you think you were just in need of something new, maybe the keyboard, pro guitar, or pro drum modes will do that for you.
4.75/5
TL;DR
+: Overall fun-to-play setlist, easy to search for songs you want to play, great new menus, updated graphics, hardly any loading times.
-: Not all songs that worked in Rock Band 1 and Rock Band 2 work in this game,(Anyway You Want It, Spoonman, Creep, Battery, Paranoid, etc.) including a few DLC songs as well. (The European songs that were on the Rock Band 1 disc don't transfer over.)
NOTE: Keyboard peripheral review coming later. Pro guitar peripheral coming much later - if ever.
4.5/5
---
Graphics: 4.5/5 I could go for paragraphs and paragraphs - the graphics have quite vastly improved here over Rock Band 2. Despite a lack of many new venues, the character models are sharper, and shinier than in past games. Not only that, but the menus look absolutely fantastic. The whole new drop-in/drop-out at any time thing is really cool, there are extremely short load times that seem to be almost non-existent... the game just looks and runs greatly.
Sound: 4.75/5 Obviously, you can't please all people all the time with a soundtrack you put in a game. I am pleased with nearly the whole set list - even songs I didn't know and assumed I wouldn't like before playing, turned out to be a blast. You really have to give Harmonix credit - imagine you being in charge of finding a good balance of songs for keys, guitar, drums, and bass - Harmonix did it here almost flawlessly. And of course, just about ALL of the Rock Band songs that worked on Rock Band's 1 and 2 will work here, which is obviously great news to those like me who have invested hundreds, or even over a thousand dollars on DLC.
Fun: 4.5/5 Before I praise, I want to say that there are only two things that gripe me about this game. The first is that Rock Band 3 does away with the Career Mode that was in Rock Bands 1 and 2. Instead, there are maybe a dozen Road Challenges you can do. They feature random setlists, pre-made setlists, as well as make your own setlists. My second issue, and I suppose it's a minor one, is that it's very easy to 'beat the game.' While Rock Band 3 never really ends, as there are always challenges for you to do, after the Road Challenges, the game's 'story' is over with. Biggest bummer about that, is that it only takes a day or two of solid play time to finish it. Band 3 is Rock Band 2, and more. Was that obvious? Despite the minor flaws, Harmonix has done really everything fans requested. If you're burned out on the rhythm genre, then you should probably pass on Rock Band 3. But if you think you were just in need of something new, maybe the keyboard, pro guitar, or pro drum modes will do that for you.
4.75/5
TL;DR
+: Overall fun-to-play setlist, easy to search for songs you want to play, great new menus, updated graphics, hardly any loading times.
-: Not all songs that worked in Rock Band 1 and Rock Band 2 work in this game,(Anyway You Want It, Spoonman, Creep, Battery, Paranoid, etc.) including a few DLC songs as well. (The European songs that were on the Rock Band 1 disc don't transfer over.)
NOTE: Keyboard peripheral review coming later. Pro guitar peripheral coming much later - if ever.
4.5/5
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Game Review (NHL 11 - 360)
Graphics: 4.25/5 Pretty good looking game - with just a few flaws. First off, when playing with classic/action/overhead/etc. camera angles, at the bottom of the ice/screen, the game will lag - online or off. Not terribly, but it's an annoyance. Another thing I noticed was that the character models are terrible. Even the big-name players hardly resemble their real-life counterparts. The ice looks nice, especially with the scratches from skates and the reflections. For ONCE in an NHL game, the fans look actually very good, and interact. For instance, if up against the boards, they stand up and bang on them. If you're the home team and leading, they stand and wave towels.
Sound: 4.25/5 The commentary in this game is about average - you will hear the same lines ad nauseum before too long. However, all the sounds on the ice, as well as the soundtrack in this game, are pretty excellent.
Control: 3.75/5 For the love of god, this nearly ruins the game. The controls are extremely precise - which is great for experienced players - but if you're just starting out, expect a frustrating experience if you try using the right stick for shooting/deking and what-not.
Fun: 4.25/5 While this game is superbly frustrating much of the time, it is still fun - scoring a goal in a hockey game has never felt more rewarding - it's just that much work to get one in the net. Anyways - back to the frustrations. When playing online right out of the gate, you have a skater with an overall rating of about 70. While online, you will encounter a lot of douche bags, on different levels. You will have the douche bags that love to go offsides even though there's a warning on-screen, the douche bags that don't know how to pass, the douche bags that play as goalie but could't catch a snail, and, of course, the douche bags that play this game 24 hours a day, 8 days a week, and are impossible to defend against with their 100 skater rating and insta-goal capabilities. This, coupled with the fact that good team mates are hard to come by, make NHL 11 one of the more frustrating games I have ever played. Online or off, expect a lot of unfairness. If I've learned one thing from this game, it's that, it doesn't matter how great of an offense or defense you have - it's about how good your goalie is. You can have a 99 offense and 99 defense, but if your goalie is below a 75, say hello to a giant deficit by the end of the first. As I play this game more and more, I will either enjoy it more, or just want to get rid of it. As of now, it's a love/hate thing for me. Ah, yes, and I'd also like to point out that the difficulty levels aren't very well done. Pro is far too easy for the most part, while Superstar - or whatever the next difficulty level up is - is just too hard most of the time. This is more of a rant than a review, and I could go on for paragraphs, but I'll sum it up for the ninety-third time; NHL 11 is well worth playing for its My Player mode, as well as its Card Team dealie, if you can get past the many frustrations along the way.
4.25/5
Sound: 4.25/5 The commentary in this game is about average - you will hear the same lines ad nauseum before too long. However, all the sounds on the ice, as well as the soundtrack in this game, are pretty excellent.
Control: 3.75/5 For the love of god, this nearly ruins the game. The controls are extremely precise - which is great for experienced players - but if you're just starting out, expect a frustrating experience if you try using the right stick for shooting/deking and what-not.
Fun: 4.25/5 While this game is superbly frustrating much of the time, it is still fun - scoring a goal in a hockey game has never felt more rewarding - it's just that much work to get one in the net. Anyways - back to the frustrations. When playing online right out of the gate, you have a skater with an overall rating of about 70. While online, you will encounter a lot of douche bags, on different levels. You will have the douche bags that love to go offsides even though there's a warning on-screen, the douche bags that don't know how to pass, the douche bags that play as goalie but could't catch a snail, and, of course, the douche bags that play this game 24 hours a day, 8 days a week, and are impossible to defend against with their 100 skater rating and insta-goal capabilities. This, coupled with the fact that good team mates are hard to come by, make NHL 11 one of the more frustrating games I have ever played. Online or off, expect a lot of unfairness. If I've learned one thing from this game, it's that, it doesn't matter how great of an offense or defense you have - it's about how good your goalie is. You can have a 99 offense and 99 defense, but if your goalie is below a 75, say hello to a giant deficit by the end of the first. As I play this game more and more, I will either enjoy it more, or just want to get rid of it. As of now, it's a love/hate thing for me. Ah, yes, and I'd also like to point out that the difficulty levels aren't very well done. Pro is far too easy for the most part, while Superstar - or whatever the next difficulty level up is - is just too hard most of the time. This is more of a rant than a review, and I could go on for paragraphs, but I'll sum it up for the ninety-third time; NHL 11 is well worth playing for its My Player mode, as well as its Card Team dealie, if you can get past the many frustrations along the way.
4.25/5
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