REVIEW: Madden NFL 11

Developer/Publisher: EA | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Madden NFL 11 arrives with little in the way of fanfare, which comes as no surprise considering how low a profile the NFL has on this side of the pond. Like many yearly updates, Madden can come across as nothing more than a roster update with more polished graphics but scratch beneath the surface and there’s a rewarding and redefined title on offer.

The mantra for Madden this time round is “Simpler, Quicker, Deeper” which may sound like the script to a low brow porn but in reality is exactly what the series needed. The simplification of the playbook interface makes for a far less daunting task for inexperienced players and shortens each match considerably which believe you me is a good thing. The use of sound bites of both offensive and defensive coordinators explains the multitude of strategic plays for each given situation acting as a handy tutorial for newcomers as well as allowing seasoned gamers a more thorough understanding of the sports depth.

The addition of Locomotion, a running engine allows for a more realistic approach. Rather than bashing the sprint button in order to gain speed the on field player automatically gains momentum making for a far more fluid and responsive system. The combination of the above new features makes for a more intuitive and rewarding game, the constant sense that each play could lead to something more.

Visually Madden 11 is somewhat disappointing, while it has received a visual polish the game can still look rather ropey at times, the overtly animated and awkward looking victory celebrations being the most obvious. Still the reinvigorated gameplay more than makes up for the at times ropey graphics and at least Madden haters will no longer be able to trot out the “its just a visual polish” criticism.

The biggest let down is once again the A.I. Watching as a team seem to deliberate lose a game trough bad play is at once frustrating and unforgivable. It can seriously suck the life out a game and result in much controller throwing. The occurence of injuries is absurd, turning them way down in the settings is advisable if you wish to keep player in the game for more than a few minutes. While casual gamers won’t notice these flaws experienced gamers will find them particularly distracting.

With all is said and done, Madden 11 is a return to form for the series and manages to appeal to both hardened gamers and newcomers alike. It may not be the perfect Madden game but it’s pretty damn close.

REVIEW: Crackdown 2

Developer: Ruffian Games| Publisher: Microsoft | Format: 360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher The original Crackdown was an interesting take on the sandbox genre. In it you took on the role of a cop in a futuristic city as you battled gangs and took ona variety of missions. The most interesting aspect of it all was that you were able to acquire and upgrade superhuman abilities, you could jump insane distances, pick up cars and throw them with ease aswell as a slew of others. The game was a refreshing and entertaining take on the genre and one which deservedly won it’s self a number of dedicated fans.

The sequel developed this time by Ruffian Games is pretty much more of the same. Considering the different developers most gamers expected a different approach but you’ll have trouble spotting any real difference. It’s pretty much the same game as the original only with different missions and a refined graphics engine. The story is something of a misstep here, you once more play a cop trying to bring peace to the city but this time you must not only fight the gangs but a disease which has been laying waste to the population. Bar this set up the story is pretty much non-existent. There is no coherent narrative and as such youre pretty much free to do as you see fit. In place of a story we instead get a fully created world to explore and abilities to earn and upgrade. The city is a sprawling metropolis which stretches for miles and given the hordes which roam the streets you’re never far from some action.

As with so many sequels of late the missions have been created so as to encourage co-op gameplay. Missions involve attacking enemy bases, capturing places on the map aswell as laying waste to hordes of enemies, all in all perfect multiplayer fodder. If you decide to go it alone, the missions remain exactly the same. It would have been nice to see some additional missions opened up to co-op gamers, it would certainly add a level of replayability that as it stands Crackdown 2 seriously lacks.

Crackdown 2 is fun when played alongside another friend but for gamers on their own it’s a repetitive and uninteresting title which soon grows tiresome. Fans of the first Crackdown will find a lot to like here but for everyone else Crackdown 2 is another title to add to the long list of missed opportunities.

REVIEW: Singularity

Developer:Raven Software |Publisher:Activision|Format: 360

The Bioshock comparisons are evident from the get go, special powers, unique and twisted enemies, upgradeable weapons and an enviroment directly out of your worst nightmare. Oh and don’t forget the rather tiresome audio logs full of useful information, useful that is as long as you’re willing to sit around listening to them. While these comparisons will no doubt be the focus for many there is much more here than yet another run of the mill shooter and unlike most of its ilk a few unique gameplay ideas saves the day.

The story unfolds on the Russian island of Katorga-12, the site of dastardly time manipulation experiments and being a sci-fi epic, the worst thing that can happen, does of course happen. A time shift sends our intrepid hero through time to a place where Russia is the worlds super power and an evil dictator runs the world now inhabited by mutated freaks. As the game unfolds you find yourself manipulating tears in time in order to jump back and forth in time in doing so changing the time line, it’s a unique idea which is perfectly executed.

As mentioned your time manipulation powers are integral to the gameplay, though like all good things in life too much of them robs them of their delight. The ability to unleash a time bubble which brings time contained within to a near standstill is a neat trick but it’s use makes gameplay rather formulaic and easy. By using the time bubble you can grab nearby enemies and easily dispatch them, repeat a few dozen times per area and in 8-10 hours it’s all over. Other abilities include being able to warp humans into mutated freaks and on the mutants themselves you can bring them to a near standstill or age their bodies till all that remains is dust. It’s all good wholesome family fun.

One of the most important aspects of any shooter is the control system and in Singularity the control system is intuitive and perfectly implemented. Movement and aiming are both spot on and the button layout makes for a title which can easily be picked up by even the most casual of gamers which considering the array of abilities on offer is no small feat.

The 8-10 hours of gameplay may not seem like much but considering the multiple endings on offer and dozens of rewards scattered throughout the levels re-playability is quite high making up somewhat for the rather lack struck multiplayer. Only two modes are offered and neither is exactly interesting, still with a few friends it will kill a rainy afternoon just don’t expect anything ground breaking.

Singularity is the definition of a good game which could have been a great one. It has it all, a great idea, inventive gameplay, great enemies but at the end of the day the repetitive gameplay robs it of greatness. That said, it’s still good fun and well worth at least a rental.

REVIEW: Green Day: Rock Band

Developer: Harmonix |Publisher: EA | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher The Guitar Hero franchise got in on the single band music title with Guitar hero: Aerosmith way back in 07 whereas it took Rock Band a further two years to release a title dedicated to one band. Considering that the band in question was the Beatles, one can forgive the delay. After the success of the Beatles Rock Band it was only a matter of time till we saw more single band title released and now it’s the turn of pop punk heros Green Day.

Following the beatles is a tough trick to pull off and while Green Day do have a vast catalogue of songs to draw from unfortunately the absence of key tracks from the band’s history is disappointing. Most of the tracks included are taken from the latter half of the bands life with Dookie and American Idiot represented here in their entirety with 12 tracks from 21st Century Breakdown on offer. Given the nature of the music the difficulty level is substantially less than that of the Beatles, 3 cord punk rock never was all that difficult to pick up and play.

Gameplay is the same as last years Beatles, you can do up to a three-part harmony with other singers and can utilise the No Fail option if you want to play through the full song but just don’t feel capable of succeeding on your own all in all there’s nothing different on offer here but let’s be honest why fix something which aint broken.

Greed Day Rock Band is exactly what it says on the tin, nothing more, nothing less. THe soldi selection of songs will appeal to fans though long time fans may feel short-changed given the absence of key moments in the band’s history. Your enjoyment of the game all depends on one thing, whether or not you love Green Days music and as such fans will find a lot to enjoy here. for everyone else, Beatles Rock band remains the definitive single band title.
.

REVIEW: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Developer: Ubisoft | Publisher: Ubisoft | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher

The last Prince of Persia title took the franchise in a rather different direction, employing as id did an open world design and gorgeous artistic graphics. It took a franchise which had grown rather tired and reinvigorated it. The latest release, to tie in with the just released film Sands of Time is something of a step back, which is no bad thing considering just how well it works.

The story focuses on the rivalry between our hero the prince and his brother, like most brothers at on time they got along but once evil inhabits the one brother, things have a habit of going sour. The story is a throw back to the superior Sands of Time and as such it really goes the extra mile in crafting a franchise entry which manages to hark back to older titles but at the same time still seem fun. Harking back to the Sands of time the game features intricate and elaborate level design, a hero who has the agility of a monkey, combat which is fun and puzzles which are actually puzzling.

Initial levels have a very paint by numbers feel and anyone whose played a previous title will find no surprises here. Add in the lackstruck and shallow combat and you have a recipe for disaster. Thank God then for the intricate a designed levels in which surprise lurks around every corner and a responsive control system which makes for entertaining if challenging gameplay.

The linear gameplay, a change to the open world design of the last game may seem like a step back but in reality it’s one of the games biggest strengths. The levels all work together with each new area building on the last as you constantly blend skills and abilities. The unlockable moves are the ones which make for such an interesting experience. The ability to freeze water at the touch of a button is the most widely used ability. Turning waterfalls into frozen walls to run across as at the tap of a button you crash through a previously frozen wall of water. It’s an interesting and highly rewarding feature which makes for some truly stunning moments.

Combat, unfortunately is rather lack struck. In past incarnations combat has never been the franchises  forte but it was always stylish enough to overcome such issues. In the Forgotten Sands it’s a bit of a mess, the camera seems to constantly point in every direction bar where you need and the rather simplistic nature of the combat means simply bashing the controls for a few minutes ensures you come out on top. While bosses are slightly more difficult they all seem to follow the same pattern, you avoid their attack before jumping on attacking. It’s simplistic and boring and constantly reminds you that you’re missing out on some superior platforming fun.

despite the initial hand holding and lack-struck combat there is more than enough fantastic platforming action on offer to satisfy fans of the franchise. At the end of the day the game is never less than entertaining and one of the funnest platforming titles in a long time. It’s shortcomings keep the game joining the ranks of the franchises better entries but it’s still a superior effort.

REVIEW: UFC: Undisputed 2010

Developer: Yuke’s| Publisher: THQ| Format: 360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher UFC Undisputed 2009 was one of last years biggest surprises. It offered an unprecedented realistic fighting sim which capitalised on the rising popularity of MMA by creating a faithful representation of the visceral violence we see in the ring mixed with some great gameplay. THQ obviously saw the potential that the series offered and with this years release they have addressed the issues that many had with the original title and given us one of the most realistic and entertaining fighting games available.

The first thing you notice about this years release is the expanded game modes. Alongside returning modes Exhibition, Ultimate Fights, and Career we now have Tournament, Title, and Event modes which offer a series amount of gameplay. The new modes offer a variety of different types of game, Tournament allows you to find a champion in whichever weight class you want.Event mode allows you to set up a fight card and then either play or simply sit back and watch, yes you read that right you can now watch two computer created fighters battle in the octagon though, let’s be honest most gamers will favour fighting themselves. These new modes may not redefine fighting games as we know them but they do add a lot of gaming hours which is something many fighting games lack of late.

As good as last years title was the career mode was for want of a better word, lacking. Thankfully this year has seen the mode drastically over hauled leading to a far more refined and realistic approach to a fighters career. Unlike the original title in which your fighter was thrown head first into the UFC unprepared for what lay ahead. You now must train your fighter and build him up at fight camp. It makes for a far more interesting approach which really pays off.One rather annoying aspect of this is that Stats have a habit to decreasing at an alarming rate when they are not trained. It’s quite frustrating as to properly keep your stats up involves repeated training rather than just honest to God fighting.

The gameplay has also had an over haul, grappling in last years edition was for want of a better word, lacking. Fights were so much about skill so much as looking for an opening and then using your best move to garner the upper hand. This time around asserting your dominance is far more strategic, rather than forcing opponents to the ground you can now pin them against the cage, the addition of finishing moves means ensures that fights no longer have to end in a KO or submissions.

The biggest criticism of the game concerns its strongest asset, career mode The number of tasks you must accomplish including training and gaining sponsorship makes for a rewarding if frustrating experience. WHile it’s nice to see developers including such a wealth of content the repetitive nature of it can be quite overwhelming for the casual gamer.

Online is yet another area in which the game scores highly. You can set up what are basically clans with other players and train together. You can also set up your own eight fight PPV event which you can then watch afterward as if it were a televised event. It’s a lot of fun and adds more playability to a game all ready buckling under the layers of content on offer.

UFC Undisputed 2010 doesn’t do anything drastically different but at the end of the day why fix something when it’s not broken. Building on 2009s foundation the game is one of the most in-depth fighting sims ever released. Newcomers may be slightly intimidated but for anyone who enjoyed last years addition they’ll be hooked from the get go. UFC Undisputed 2010 is a superb title which deserves space on any gamers shelf.

TRAILER: Deus Ex: Human Revolution Full E3 Trailer

It’s not often that we see a trailer for an upcoming title that literally leaves our jaws on the floor but if any title was likely to do just that it was the upcoming Deus Ex sequel. The game due for release early next year is shaping up to be one of the most visually stunning titles available.

The game is the third title in the hughly popular franchise and like previous titles is a first person shooter/role-playing title. The game will be a prequel to the original and is being developd by Eidos Montreal and Square Enix who are creating the CG sequences and will publsih the title.

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.

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.

Next Page »