REVIEW: Alan Wake

Developer: Remedy| Publisher: Microsoft | Format: 360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Alan Wake was a long time coming, first announced five years ago it has in the years since been repeatedly delayed and shifted platforms before finally in recent weeks appearing on the 360. After such a ling wait and repeated setbacks one could be forgiven for fearing the worst, thankfully any fears can be forgotten now that we have the finished product.

The game follows Wake, a best-selling writer suffering from a bout of writer block. Returning to his hometown with his wife Alice he hopes to relight the writing spark. As one would expect things don’t go according to plan and shortly after getting settled a series of rather strange events is set in motion. First Alice disappears soon to be followed by the appearance of evil creatures called the Taken. To survive Alan must utilise a small selection of weapons, most effective of which his trusty flashlight.

The game has long been touted as being more than a game, something along the lines of a mini series and as such the game unfolds in a series of episodes. After each episode you are greeted with a quick recap, reminiscent of shows such as Twin Peaks and the X-Files. Much like the X-Files most of the action takes place in wooded ares and mountains as you fight against the Taken and other nasties. As mentioned, your flashlight is the most powerful weapon, and is the only one which can truly keep you safe. THe flashlight will break through enemy shields while COnventional armoury such as revolvers allow you to send them shuffling off this mortal coil. Other light emitting devices such as flares and flash bangs can be utilised but it’s best to ensure that at all times you have your flashlight and a fresh supply of batteries.

The repetitive nature of the gameplay, flashlight + revolver does grow tiresom but the ever mounting sense of tension is truly superb. Like all great supernatural/horror tales you are never sure where the next enemy/fright will spring from. The Taken can come bounding from any direction leading to some truly heart stopping moments.

The games biggest fault is that it can easily be clocked  in under 8 hours and while there is some re-playability offered and downloadable episodes in the work once cant help but feel a little short-changed.

Like all great B movies, the game offers some truly menacing sound effects and atmospheric music coupled with some rather serviceable B grade voice acting. The relaxed nature of the voice over does at times rob the game of some suspense though is rather fitting considering the nature of the game. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the games less than hi-def resolution but it must be said usually the game is a sumptuous affair with Bright Falls looking stunning albeit lacking in NPC’s most of the time. The lighting effects are truly stunning and unmatched by any title currently available.

ALan Wake has it’s faults, the short running time and poor voice acting but at the end fo the day it really is a great action game which brings out the best in the 360. It won’t change the world of gaming but will entertain like few other action horror titles.

REVIEW: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

Developer: EA|Publisher: EA | Format: PS3/360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Every four years for a few weeks the entire world is captivated by the world cup. Beginning in June it celebrates soccer and everything that is great about it with the worlds greatest countries competing against one another in dizzying displays of skill from some of the worlds best players. EA’s 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa is exactly what it says on the game, the gaming tie in to the big event.

As in previous incarnations of the game players select their team any one of 199 on offer, work through the qualifiers and then compete in the main event. Getting to the main event is no easy task but like all good things in life, persevere and the game will pay you back in spades. One of the most impressive aspects of the game is not the gameplay but rather the way in which the animated crowds can so easily influence a game. The atmosphere they create allows for a truly realistic feel to games which really raises the bar for Fifa titles.

Many people will no doubt find the prospect of a second Fifa title in a little over 6 months rather daunting, after all it how much different can it be? The changes are quite subtle, passing has been redefined and is now far more fluid. The AI has improved and there is a finesse to aspects such as tackling an penalty kicks. Penalties are now rather more difficult and make previous version rather simplistic looking. While a small change it drastically us thpe ante and allows for some truly nail-biting moments.

The game spares no expense in simulating the real thing. Graphically it really is just gorgeous to look at as players run, pass and slide across fresh grass. The in-game camera coupled with the superb graphics really gives the player the feeling of being there. As always the replays are one of the most entertaining aspects of the game allowing you so see just what you did right or wrong and how to improve upon it in the future.

Audio is for want of a better word fantastic. Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend offers and energetic and often amusing commentary with their constantly on the ball remarks. When taken alongside the superb graphics and gameplay it creates a truly great overall package.

The biggest complaint is that at times the automatic player selection can be rather confusing, the game automatically switches to the person closest to the ball which can momentarily leave you lost. It’s a small complaint and one which really doesn’t diminish the overall package.

Fifa World Cup 2010 is one of the most impressive sporting titles to come along in quite a while. It offers the realistic gameplay fans love while simultaneously offering newcomers an easy introduction. Those who all ready splashed out on Fifa 2010 may feel a little hard done forking out another 50+ euro but for fans and casual gamers alike there is a lot to love here making it an essential title for any sports fan.

TRAILER: Sonic 4 Episode 1

SEGA have unveiled the latest trailer for the upcoming Sonic 4 Episode 1 which will be available on download in the latter part of this year. The game originally due for release over the Summer has been put pushed back to allow the developers additional time to ensure that the finished title meets the high standards set by the franchise.

The game will be available on Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN, Nintendo WiiWare and the iTunes App Store in late 2010.

TRAILER: Sonic 4 Episode 1

REVIEW: Splinter Cell Conviction

Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft | Format: 360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Sam Fisher is back, only this time he’s a desolate shell of the man he used to be. An emotionally frail and angry individual with nought but revenge on his mind. His daughter dead and those whom he believed he could trust betrayed him, Sam is a man with but one driving thought, revenge.

The game follows Sam’s quest for the truth, doing so in a manner more befitting Jack Bauer than the Sam Fisher we all know and love. People routinely have their faces caved in by urinals, hands impaled by knives and all manner of other nasty torment is visited upon them. It’s a far cry from the silent stealth based gaming were used to.

The story told through flashbacks is a break neck paced tale of intrigue, double-crossing and twists the likes of which we have come to expect from the series. The sense of urgency prevalent throughout gives the fame the feel of a cinematic spy thriller with a finale which perfectly concludes Sam’s story.

The most obvious change is the manner in which stealth based gameplay of old has been replaced not with a fast paced shooter but rather something in between. Rather than rely on sticking to the shadows you are now offered the opportunity to delve a little deeper into the action. No longer will you spend your time slinking around in the shadows as you wait for a guard to turn his back, a quick bullet to the face now does the trick.

The addition of the mark and execute ability makes quick work of groups of enemies. The move allows you to utilise slow motion and chain together a series of brain matter spattering silent head shots which can seriously change the out come of near any encounter. It’s a rather simple addition which drastically changes the gameplay.

Perhaps the oddest aspect of the game is the manner in which enemy soldiers gleefully taunt you making them easy to locate and dispatch giving the game at times a rather early 90s action film feel. You get the impression that many of the baddies would be more at home in a Steven Seagal film rather than hunting one of the worlds most admired and feared killers.

The two single player campaigns are rather short-lived, but are fun while they last. The second campaign follows Archer and Kestrel is intended for cooperative gaming in which every other scene involves dispatching hordes of enemies. It’s thoroughly good fun and easily the best co-op campaign yet that the franchise has offered.

Visually the game is stunning though the decision by the developers to fade to black and white at times does rob the title of much of the visual sheen. The transition to back and white is done so as to show that you are hidden from enemy view and in doing so elevate some of the reliance on the HUD. While it’s a valiant effort you do wish that like the game play a happier medium could have been reached and the glorious visuals left as they were.

Thankfully the stunning voice acting is left alone with the always superb Michael Ironside once more returning as Sam. The rest of the cast are well-played and when coupled with an epic score the game really does deliver in the sound department.

Conviction may not be the series finest hour but it does offer a great return to form. Those who have stayed with the franchise since day one will find a game which not only offers closure but a feeling that the best is yet to come. It won’t rewrite the books on gaming but it will offer one of the most entertaining, cinematic spy gaming experiences around.

REVIEW: God of War III

Developer: Santa Monica Studio| Publisher: SCEA | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Let’s be honest, after the first two parts of SCS’s epic trilogy, God of War anything less than a final of unrelenting violence and death coupled with an interesting story and perfect game mechanics would be seen as a failure. Thankfully as expected God of War 3 is one of the most unflinchingly violent and entertaining games ever released.

GoW II tells the ongoing chronicle of Kratos’s attempt to ascend Mount Olympus in order to slay his father Zeus and end the reign of the Gods. The game is but one constant boss battle interrupted intermittently by random lesser villain slaying and tasks to be accomplished and like the first two games it is done remarkably well.

Anyone who has player either of the previous incarnations will no doubt be aware that to slay a boss you must first beat them to within an inch of their lives until an O appears above their head at which means that it’s time to button bash in accordance to the onscreen prompts to ensure a truly epic finishing blow. Unlike previous games the prompt buttons have been moved to the sides of the screen making it easier to keep your eye on the action and hit the corresponding buttons at the same time.

As one would expect the game makes full use of the PS3’s power and delivers what can only be described as the most viscerally violent game on the console. Graphically the game is astounding with every aspect tailored to perfection, as the camera zooms in to Kratos it suddenly becomes obvious just how much care has gone into the game. The attention to detail is exquisite, be it the shading of the armour or the manner in which light is reflected. It really is a joy to behold and pushes the console like no other recent release.

Criticism of the game is difficult to come by, sure it is rather short but while it lasts its glorious, a constant blast of breathtaking gameplay which never stops to let you catch your breath, that’s what the cut scenes are for.

At the end of the day, GoW III is an unrelentingly violent good time which will no doubt feature in every best of 2010 list. It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s unbelievably fun, just make sure the kids don’t get anywhere near it as it is also the very definition of an adult game.