REVIEW: Bioshock 2

Developer: 2K Games | Publisher: 2K Games | Format: PC

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher It’s been 10 years since the events in the original game and Bioshock 2 introduces a very different Rapture. While there is a certain familiarity to the place there has also been one hell of a remodel. After the fall 0f Andrew Ryan, Sophia Lamb took charge and has not only changed the city but also those who inhabit it.

You find yourself awakening as a Big Daddy prototype into a changed Rapture with only one objective in mind, find your little sister with whom you’ve been imprinted. As luck would have it you come to in during a time of political upheaval as a power struggle threatens to tear Rapture apart.

As expected there is a host of new enemy types on offer. Brute slicers who love to charge you down and attempt to help you shuffle off this mortal coil time after time. The biggest addition are the Big Sisters, kinda like a Big Daddy with roid rage. They can bounce around a room while at the same time attack you with both plasmids and weapons. They’re a nasty bunch whom take a lot of effort to take down. Strategy is the key here, a simple run and gun strategy won’t work and given how powerful the Big Sisters are don’t be too disappointed if you find yourself going down time after time.

Collecting ADAM has had something of an overhaul. Rather than the simplistic save em or kill em in the original, part 2 allows you to work with them. You use the little sisters to harvest the ADAM from dead bodies. While they are doing this you must act as their protector ensuring that the splicers don’t get near them.

Many gamers complained about the need to constantly switch between weapons and plasmids in the original. The rejigged control systems makes this far more intuitive with you being able to select which ever one you want without having to constantly juggle between the two. Upgrading of both is also back with this once more done at special plasmid vending machines.

The biggest change to the game is the inclusion of multiplayer. The story driven online mode offers a completely different story and setting as it puts you smack bang int he middle of the civil wear which tore the city apart prior to the events of the original. The traditional modes are all on offer albeit tweaked to the Bioshock style. You can utilise a selection of plasmids, weapons and a whole slew of additional elements such as turrets and a Big Daddy suit. As you level up your character more abilities and options become available ensuring repeat visits.

Once again the sound-scape is superb. the score is atmospheric and the use of period music adds an eeriness to proceedings. The ambient effects are perfectly implemented making for many a hair on end moment. Graphically the game looks pretty damn nice though technically it’s not that better looking that the original. This isn’t necessarily a draw back as Bioshock remains a thoroughly impressive looking title. The superb level design and art design further adds a level of intricate detail which makes the whole experience that much more realistic.

Bioshock 2 is that rarest of thing, a sequel which takes everything that was great about the original and improves on it. With it’s engaging and deep story, superb gameplay, excellent multiplayer and an all round sheen Bioshock 2 is head and shoulders above the competition.

REVIEW: Ninja Blade

Developer: From Software | Publisher: Iceberg Interactive | Format: PC

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Ninja Blade is if anything a uniquely odd game. It features a truly bizarre plot alongside some of the most breathtaking visually stunning action sequences of any game. One particularly astounding action sequence involves grabbing a bike in mid air as you land on top or a bus which is also in flight due to the actions of a massive city destroying worm similar in appearance to the sand worms in Dune. You race along the bus leaping from the bike as it sails into the open mouth of the worm as you throw a perfectly timed dart at the bikes petrol tank causing it to explode resulting in an explosion big enough to level a city. It’s balls to the wall insanity and all the better for it.

It’s important before playing the game to remember that it is a port of the 360 version and to play the game utilising a keyboard and mouse is asking for trouble. The only way to play Ninja Blade is with a game pad preferably a 360 controller. The in game prompts which decide your fate on regular occurrences were developed for a controller and as such don’t really work with the keyboard/mouse. Unfortunately even with your controller plugged in the keyboard prompts still appear onscreen. While it’s hardly a damning quality it is slightly annoying.

In the game you play as Ken Ogawa a member of an elite ninja clan whose mission it is to stop an ever growing worm based virus which is causing ordinary citizens to mutate into grotesque creatures. The insanity on offer is evident from the opening mission in which you skydive into the middle of the pandemic fighting flying monsters as you plummet to earth. After defeating enough bosses and enemies to fill your average game you find yourself betrayed by your team and left to fight on your own. One thing is clear and that’s that Ninja Blade doesn’t skimp on the gameplay.

Similarities are sure to be drawn to the Devil May Cry series and Bayonetta and while Ninja Blade offers a similar style of gameplay it does feel rather less fulfilling that those. While there is a selection of moves to use you find yourself favouring a small few which are more than enough to get you through the game. Where Ninja Blade does come up trumps is with the Prince of a style platforming. You run up walls, across gaps, swing from pole to pole and generally have fun thrashing around buildings as they collapse around you.

Finishing moves are as impressively over the top as one would expect. Buttons flash up on screen and if matched you can pull off a truly astoundingly stupidly impressive death knell. This type of lazy gameplay generally spells the end for a game but with a title as absurd as Ninja Blade it works am,azingly well. There really is no other way it could have worked.

Ninja Blade is the type of game that no one expects greatness from. It’s nowhere near as accomplished as some of it’s counterparts but it is certainly one of the most entertaining experiences on offer of late. It’s the gaming equivalent of a Michael Bay film only with added insanity. It’s thoroughly recommended for gamers looking for something a little different and with the pocket friendly price you really have no excuse not to give it a whirl.

REVIEW: Mass Effect 2

Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Format: 360/PC

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher At last it’s here and like many of life’s most enjoyable thin­gs it was well worth waiting for. With Mass Effect 2 Bioware have delivered one of this generations most impressive titles, one which effortlessly blends elements of numerous genres into a finished product which is head and shoulders above most titles currently available.

Set two years afer Mass Effect, part 2 begins like most sequels do with a rather dark future looming. A new alien race The Collectors are harvesting humans for the Reapers. Shepard and his/her unlikely crew of misfits set off on a suicide mission to try and save the future of the human race. Like all great sci fi, the interaction between team mates is often one of the most interesting and entertaining aspects of the game and Mass Effect 2 certainly delivers here. Given that the group is made up of sociopaths, religious zealots and assassins guarantees that there is near constant squabbling with team mates repeatedly engaging in shouting matches. With all this interaction the biggest let down is that once they board their ship the Normandy the character don’t do anything but wait around the same area. Were they allowed to walk around and interact with one another would allow for a more realistic and enjoyable experience.

The leveling up system has received something of an overhaul. Rather than trying to create a level 60 super soldier you spend more time balancing your team with a varied group of soldiers, techs and biotics. Getting above level 30 in ME2 is pretty much the same as reaching level 60 in ME. It takes a lot of work and dedication on the players part and given that side quests are harder to come by it can be a truly arduous task at times. In ME2 you must actively search out side quests and dong so I s no easy task. You must visit every planet to find an anomaly and once found you are allowed to land and embark upon the quest. It’s no easy task but it is rewarding. The sense of satisfaction one feels upon completing one of these quests makes it all worthwhile.

BioWare have truly delivered a genuinely unique game in the way the missions play out. On a number of pivotal missions such as the instance where you must fight a Thresher Maw alongside Grunt the new Krogan in you squad. On these missions you are able to choose from one of many endings. This choice generally involves the fate of a target or team mate and depending on how you play it the game differs drastically. At the end of the game you are given a number of choices which will ultimately decide your fate in part 3. It is these subtle yet devastating options which truly marks ME2 as one of the all time greats.

As expected the combat has been overhauled allowing for a more fluid gaming experience. The way to survive in the game is to study you enemy and learn their tactics. Enemy AI makes this rather difficult but one thing is certain, those who wrote off the original due to the poor combat will more than likely be swayed with this sequel. The role playing elements have been streamlined and simplified. Leveling up is easy as pie which allows more casual gamers an easier introduction to the game. Players are now able to learn new powers from their teammate and the ability to mater a new weapon during the game. You can also purchase upgrades from stores or unlock them. One of the new teammates Mordin is able to mine resources from planets across the Verse adding at least another 4 hours to a game already packed to the brim with gameplay.

Mass Effect 2 is so much more than just a game. It’s an experience unrivaled by any other title currently available. It’s an essential title which even the most casual gamer should invest in. In a word it’s perfection.

NEWS: Ubisoft’s DRM Server Issues

Ubisoft’s latest attempt to combat piracy was delivered a rather hard blow over the weekend when their new DRM servers overloaded leaving gamer unable to play the recently released PC version of Assassin’s Creed II.

The game requires gamers to have a constant internet connection otherwise the game is unplayable and more use as a coaster than anythign else.

Assassin’s Creed II which was released last week was one of the first titles to support the new DRM system and so far has been plagued with issues. Gamers have complained about connection outages, inability to connect and a slew of other issues which have left the game unplayable for many.

Ubisoft are working on fixing the problem as soon as possible with them apologising for the difficulties

More news on this as it becomes available.

NEWS: Red Dead Redemption Delayed

Rockstar games upcoming western Red Dead Redemption won’t be released this April as originally planned.

Announced today the delay means that the game won’t drop in stores till May 21st. The reason for the delay seems to have been done so to allow the company additional time to market the title.

NEWS: Sony Announce Secret Sequel Tomorrow?

There are a number of sources reporting that Sony will tomoorow unveil a sequel “we didn’t expect.” The announcement is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and while details are hard to come by we do know that it will be a first party title and will be unveiled by Gametrailers TV.

Speculation is rife with many suggesting that it could be Killzone 3 or another title from GoW developers Santa Monica Studios. It is also highly likely that the title could be developed by recently acquired Media Molecule.

Others are suggsting that it could be anythign from a Twisted Metal sequel to Motorstorm 3. What ever it is you can guarantee that it’s going top be big news for Sony whom after the past week are in need of some positive PR.

March Releases

At the start of each month Gamestoaster will suggest it’s essential titles due for relase in that month. At the end of the month Gamestoaster will then suggest which titles on the list are essential to any gamers collection.

For the month of March Gamestoaster’s big releases are:

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Limited Edition
Xbox 360/pS3/PC
Release date : 05/03/2010

Supreme Commander 2
PC
Release date : 05/03/2010

Murder She Wrote
PC
Release date : 05/03/2010

Final Fantasy XIII
Xbox 360/pS3/PC
Release date : 09/03/2010

Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising
PC Games
Release date : 12/03/2010

Yakuza 3
PS3
Release date : 12/03/2010

Way of the Samurai 3
PS3/Xbox360
Release date : 12/03/2010

Command & Conquer 4: Tiberium Twilight
PC Games
Release date : 19/03/2010

Dragon Age Origins: Awakening
Xbox 360/pS3/PC
Release date : 19/03/2010

Metro:2033
Xbox 360/PC
Release date:19/03/2010

God of War III
PlayStation 3
Release date : 19/03/2010

Just Cause 2 Limited Edition
Xbox 360/pS3/PC
Release date : 26/03/2010

Pokemon Soul Silver (Includes Pokewalker)
Dsi and DS Lite
Release date : 26/03/2010

Pokemon Heart Gold (Includes Pokewalker)
Dsi and DS Lite
Release date : 26/03/2010

StarCraft II
PC
Release date : 26/03/2010

Red Steel 2
Wii
Release date : 26/03/2010

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
PS3/PC
Release date : 30/03/2010

Video: Halo Reach Multiplayer

From what appears to be a leaked Korean trailer we have our first look at the upcoming multiplayer elements of Halo Reach. The trailer gives us a glimpse at the much anticipated jet pack and assassination elements as well as a quick look at some of the multiplayer modes on offer.

VIDE: Red Steel 2

With it’s March 26th release date fast approaching what better time to enjoy a new video featuring a range of the games more entertaining moves.

Red Steel 2 is the highly anticipated sequel of Red Steel, the first title ever announced & entirely designed for the Nintendo WiiTM.

Red Steel 2 is a first-person-action-game where you impersonate a lonesome fighter who can fight with his sword and his gun at any time. This sequel sets a new milestone by being exclusively designed for the Wii Motion PlusTM, greatly increasing the precision of the controls. The game is particularly intuitive: just pick up the controls and experience the strength of the swing of the sword of an expert fighter.

Fight your way through a grand solo campaign taking place in an edgy city in the middle of the desert.

Red Steel 2 brings you the best sword & gun fighting experience you’ll ever face on console!

KEY FEATURES:

BE THE SWORDMAN

You are a lonesome fighter, a badass with an attitude, a hard man full of mystery. Your goal is to defeat the wicked plans of a Warlord who has set his headquarters in the middle of a strange city.

Face various and increasingly stronger enemies and defeat challenging bosses in epic and intense fights. Discover the truth about your presence in this mystifying metropolis.

IMMERSIVE EDGY WESTERN SETTING

Your adventure takes place in a high-tech metropolis located in the middle of the desert, a place where the East meets the West.

EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FOR THE WII MOTION PLUSTM

Thanks to the Wii Motion PlusTM 1:1 recognition, your sword movements are precisely reproduced within the game. Slice the villains the way you want!

What’s more, the WMPTM measures the power of your swing. The harder you swing the Wiimote, the harder you swing your sword in the game!

This very intuitive concept makes the game really accessible. However the wide range of difficulty levels allows you to have a very challenging experience if you chose to.

Red Steel 2 is the core title for the WMPTM.

CLOSE COMBAT SYSTEM

The first-person-view drives you right to the center of the action and the WMP allows you to immediately feel like a powerful swordmaster and gunslinger.

Fight up to six enemies at the same time and feel free to use your sword or your gun at any time.

The Wii Motion PlusTM and the improved controls also allow you to master numerous combos with your sword and your gun. You can also trigger impressive and various finish kills on your enemies.

Parry your opponents’ attacks and deflects their bullets with your sword!

Upgrade and improve your weapons throughout the adventure.

NEWS: Download C&C:Tiberian Sun, Red Alert and More for Free

EA are now offering free downloads of many classic Command and Conquer titles to celebrate the upcoming release of C&C: Tiberian Twilight. Titles available on the site for free download are Tiberian Sun + Firestorm, Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert.

All titles are available for free download here.

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