Tag Archives: FPS

XIII (PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Mac & PC)

XIII

Developer(s) – Ubisoft Paris, Southend Interactive (Xbox) & Feral Interactive (Mac)

Publisher(s) – Ubisoft, Marvelous Entertainment & Feral Interactive

Director – Elisabeth Pellen

Producer – Julien Barés

PEGI – 16

XIII was a game based on the comic book of the same name written by Belgian novelist Jean Van Hamme. According to Ubisoft president Laurent Detoc, the game would create “a world so unique and enthralling those gamers will become instantly engaged”. Even with a very new form of visual presentation in video games, I wouldn’t entirely agree with this.

Graphics – 7/10

The graphics were fairly well done for the time. This was, after all, the first-ever comic book-style first-person shooter. Its visual style is indeed the best thing about the game not only that, but it is also very well polished. I couldn’t see any glitches or anything like that while I was playing through it. I think the weak point about the game’s style is that the settings are extremely similar to that of games like Perfect Dark and Goldeneye 007, which would suggest that influences were somewhat too obvious. For example, the level whereby rooftops have to be traversed in order to elude police recapture was very similar to the opening level of Perfect Dark in conceptual design.

Gameplay – 5/10

Although this game was revolutionary for its time in terms of visuals, it wasn’t in terms of gameplay. Even for the time, this is a first-person shooter, which plays out pretty typically for most games in the genre. Any element of challenge in the game is presented through the stealth mechanics. Which again, are not as elaborated on as those found in games like Metal Gear Solid, or the first Sly Cooper. The game also has a small amount of incentive and variety. The more the player progresses, the more the main character’s memory is regained. Thus yielding more skills as the game progresses. But even so, this game can become very boring very quickly, in my opinion.

Controls – 7/10

The movement in this game is also particularly stiff. It can become an unnecessary chore to aim at times, and the auto-aim system can be particularly confusing. As the crosshair doesn’t fix itself onto targets properly. Also, the grapple hook used to traverse buildings or mountains can be difficult to get to grips with at first. But other than that, the game plays out fine in terms of controls.

Lifespan – 5.5/10

Typical of any standard first-person shooter, XIII can be finished within 6 hours. Visuals alone are never enough to keep people playing a video game. At the end of the day, it’s all about the gameplay. And there wasn’t enough of it in XIII to make it last as long as it may have been able to. The problem with developing linear first-person shooters. Or even linear games in general, is that very few of them have side quests and therefore contain next to no replay value apart from playing through it on a harder difficulty.

Storyline – 7/10

The game’s story is about a man named XIII. He wakes up on a beach with amnesia to find out he is the prime suspect in the president’s recent assassination, he must fight his way through the FBI, the CIA, and the criminal underworld. In order to uncover his identity and clear his name in the process. The game’s story is actually not bad, to be fair. There are a few decent twists and turns to it but the voice acting is a bit off. The standout performances, in my opinion, are that of both David Duchovny and Adam West, who play XIII and General Carrington respectively. This was based on a fairly popular comic book series. So it was always bound to have some depth in the story, at least. But overall, I think the developers chose to concentrate more on that and visual style than on gameplay.

Originality – 7/10

Obviously, the most significant features of this game are the stylized visuals, which would become a stable part of game franchises in the future. And the pretty compelling story. But as I keep pointing out, it’s all about gameplay ultimately, and there wasn’t enough innovation in that department to keep it enthralling in my opinion.

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Overall, I think first-person shooting fans should play through this game at least once, but I think it should probably be left at that. It’s terrible by any stretch of the imagination, but I think the novelty wears off after a while, as there doesn’t seem to be enough substance in gameplay to keep it entertaining throughout.

Score

38.5/60

6/10 (Average)

Wolfenstein: The New Order (Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 & Xbox One)

Wolfenstein The New Order

Developer(s) – Machine Games & id Software

Publisher(s) – Bethesda Softworks

Director(s) – Jerk Gustafsson & Jens Matthies

PEGI – 18

Wolfenstein: The New Order is a shooter set in an alternative reality. Which has the player character fighting in a small resistance faction to overthrow the Nazi empire. Although there have been better first-person shooters than this come and gone, I think it’s certainly a step in the right direction towards developers making shooters with considerably more substance in gameplay than the likes of Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Spec Ops.

Graphics – 9.5/10

This game presents what is among the current pinnacle of graphical capability in video games. It was developed using id Software’s id Tech 5 engine. This was used to develop Rage, which is in my opinion not only one of the best games of the seventh generation but also the best thing id Software has ever done. Machine Games must have realized the immense graphical value of Rage. And wanted to bring that to the table with Wolfenstein, which was an excellent move in my opinion.

But aside from that, the game is also conceptually compelling. As well as graphically compelling, as it combines a unique take on what kind of a horrific dystopian the world could have been if Germany had won World War II (despite heavily fictional elements, such as robotic soldiers) with an extremely realistic portrayal of the horrendous realities and conditions of war and conflict. As such, in lieu of the Wolfenstein tradition, the factors of blood, and gore. Disturbing imagery in this game is through the roof. So readers are warned.

Gameplay – 7/10

Compared to most shooters around at the moment, there is a fair bit more substance and more to play for in Wolfenstein. Indeed, alternative game modes can be unlocked through the completion of side quests. As well as having the option to occasionally play through classic Wolfenstein 3D levels. But the factor that I was sorely disappointed by was that though it had a strong feeling of Rage about it, I felt as if the RPG element of that game was wanting.

There were side quests. But I think the game was far too linear for side quests to be more of a prominent factor in the game. I believe that by that token alone, this game could have been much more than what it turned out to be. However, for a linear shooter, it does play out well enough. It’s challenging and there is some replay value to be had for playing through it twice.

Controls – 10/10

Whilst Wolfenstein doesn’t bring anything new to the first-person shooting genre in terms of controls, first and foremost, there are no problems with the formula chosen. But this was to be firmly expected, as this game was developed using an engine made by id Software. The company that popularized the genre with Doom years ago. It’s actually interesting to see how similar the control scheme of this latest game is compared to Wolfenstein 3D.

Lifespan – 5.5/10

I was let down by how short a time one playthrough lasts for how much more emphasis there is on side quests and extras in comparison to other shooters. Such as Killzone: Shadow Fall for example. The game seems like the first seemingly fleeting experience in that respect. Although there is indeed enough substance in gameplay to at least keep it entertaining for the short time it lasts I can’t help but feel that there’s also more than enough substance in gameplay to have made it last much longer than it did.

Storyline – 7/10

The story of Wolfenstein 3D centers around US Captain William Blazcowicz, who after having fought in World War II, sustains a head injury. This keeps him in a Polish care home for 14 years. Come 1960, having regained cognitive function, he escapes with his carer after the Nazis ravage the care home, to find out that the Germans have since won the war and the Nazi Party now governs the world.

Blazcowicz, along with a secret resistance faction based in the heart of Berlin, resolves to overthrow the Nazis and end their reign of tyranny and oppression. For me, though I won’t give away anything else that happens in the game, there were moments in the story, which made it somewhat hard to follow at times. But having said that, the game also includes some very emotionally powerful and tense moments. And presents a small element of moral choice as well as the portrayal of the consequences of such. But I also think that the factor of fighting Nazis is an extremely satisfying story element in itself. As has been demonstrated by id Software many times before.

Originality – 6/10

As I alluded to in regards to the control scheme, The New Order doesn’t really revolutionize the genre in any specific way, it is unique in the respect of how closely Machine Games have stayed true to the source material of its classic Wolfenstein predecessors games in terms of gameplay. With re-vamps of old series, that’s not an element normally found. For example, the latest Tomb Raider game has more or less completely reinvented the entire series. But with The New Order, it actually feels a lot like a classic Wolfenstein game. But with some modern first-person shooting elements added to it at the same time. Such as the weapon selection wheel for instance.

Happii

Overall, Wolfenstein: The New Order is good for two playthroughs. Making for about 12 hours of entertainment. I do think it could have been done with a bit of an extra push. But it is still a fairly entertaining game. And much better than many other shooters currently on the market.

Score

45/60

7.5/10 (Good)

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (Nintendo 64, Switch, PC & PlayStation 4)

Turok Dinosaur Hunter

Developer(s) – Iguana Entertainment

Publisher(s) – Acclaim Entertainment

Designer – David Dienstbier

Producer(s) – Jeff Spangenbreg & Darrin Stubbington

PEGI – 16

Although this game was heavily slated as being a Doom clone, and with critics drawing inevitable similarities with the likes of Duke Nukem and Quake, there are those who still believe that Turok truly was the game to pioneer the 3D first-person shooting genre. This game remains one of my favorite shooters on the Nintendo 64 for many reasons.

Graphics – 8.5/10

The first of which being is that though the visuals may not have aged well by today’s standards, they were exemplary at the time. Though there are a few glitches, the developers made up for that in the amount of diversity there is in level design and their attention to detail. Perhaps one of the biggest innovations they made in terms of graphical quality was the inclusion of effects such as fog. Not only does it add to the omnipotent atmosphere. But it also adds an element of tension. Since players will have a few seconds to react due to the limited visibility.

Gameplay – 8/10

Another innovation that Iguana Entertainment made was in terms of gameplay. Unlike any other first-person shooter around at the time, including Doom or Quake, the original Turok took place in an open-world environment. Allowing players a certain level of freedom in exploration. There are a lot of secrets to uncover throughout, as well as a plethora of enemies. And of course, dinosaur-shooting action, to sink their teeth into, and immerse players into the game.

Controls – 7/10

Since at the time, 3D shooters were very much a question of trial and error, at least until the release of Perfect Dark, in my opinion, the control scheme of Turok can be pretty awkward. Unlike in most first-person shooters of today, the character is moved using the Nintendo 64’s C-button controls. Effectively an additional d-pad on the controller, which was used to adjust camera angles in most other games on the system. The analog stick, on the other hand, was used to look around. I think in particular, using the C-buttons to move made jumping from one platform to the other, as was required from time to time, unnecessarily complicated. If Iguana Entertainment had just thought of using the analog stick to move the character around. As Rareware would go on to do with Perfect Dark, this game could have been even better than how it turned out.

Lifespan – 4/10

Unfortunately, for an open-world 3D shooter, lifespan also seemed to be a case of trial and error. Since Turok can only be made to last for about four or five hours tops. Since there were games at the time. This made use of even less space than Turok, with which to have more gameplay substance, I don’t think it would be plausible to try and put that down to reasons such as hardware limitations or lack of memory within the cartridge. Rather that should simply be put down to the developer’s imagination, or lack of it.

Storyline – 6/10

Playing out like most other video games in terms of story, there isn’t much to differentiate it from others. Based on a comic book of the same name, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter follows the story of a Native American time-traveling warrior named Tal’Set. He was passed down the mantle of Turok since he was the eldest male of his tribe. As a Turok, Tal’Set is charged with protecting the barrier between Earth and the so-called Lost Land.

He must do this by assembling a powerful weapon called the Chronoscepter. And defeating the Campaigner. An overlord, who plans to use the Chronoscepter to break the barrier between Earth and the Lost Land, and rule over both dominions. Judging by the Campaigner’s appearance, intentions, supernatural powers, and desire to rule over multiple worlds, I can immediately draw similarities between him and Shao Khan from Mortal Kombat. So much so, that it almost sounds like the same story.

Originality – 9/10

Despite the number of comparisons I can draw with Turok and many other video games, the fact of the matter remains that until this game came along. Open worlds in first-person shooters were non-existent. And would not become a standard until many years later. Even if I was unable to realize or appreciate such a fact when I was first playing it. Though it has its influences in terms of visuals and story, there was no other game like it. And it remains a cult classic to this day among Nintendo 64 owners. Introduced to the series in time before it would eventually be left into obscurity.

Happii

Overall, the introduction to the Turok series, Dinosaur Hunter, still remains a very enjoyable game. And one I would recommend to anyone wishing to explore past Nintendo game libraries. Though Goldeneye 007 is synonymous with pioneering the 3D first-person shooting genre, there were things in Turok that made it stand out just as much. If not, more so.

Score

42/60

7/10 (Fair)

Tower of Guns (PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 & Xbox One)

Tower of Guns

Developer(s) – Terrible Posture Games

PEGI – 7

Tower of Guns is a Roguelike first-person shooter. With elements of many different games of its kind. Including Doom and Borderlands. Expecting a simple run-of-the-mill shooter beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how excellent a game it is. This is a testament to how far the indie movement has come since its recent establishment.

Graphics – 8/10

Making use of cel-shaded visuals and robotic enemies, not only is the game conceptually interesting. However, the developers have cleverly made it suitable for a wide demographic since there is no depiction of graphic violence. Whilst it could be argued that many of the different enemies are quite generic, the bosses are anything but that. Ranging from robotic goat heads (a homage to the last boss in Doom II) to a room of spikes. The only gripe I have with the visuals is that the developers rushed to render them since there are a fair few glitches. But when enough enemies appear on the screen at any one time, it can severely affect its frame rate.

Gameplay – 10/10

The game simply involves shooting through the many enemies that appear on the screen and advancing to the next level. The game also encourages exploration to a certain extent. Offering items in hidden areas, which players must discover in a manner similar to either Doom or Duke Nukem 3D. There is also an endless mode. Allowing players to play for as long as they either desire or as long as their abilities will allow them before they are killed. The amount of weapon variety in the game is also pretty impressive. The player has to unlock each one through different means as they go, therefore providing even more replayability. Each room is also randomly generated so that each playthrough also presents players with a new challenge every time.

Controls – 10/10

The game control scheme is definitely the most simplistic I’ve experienced in a modern-day first-person shooter. This to me, is like a breath of fresh air, having played a lot of first-person shooters with overly ambitious control schemes such as Brink. And to an extent, Destiny. It’s extremely straightforward, and most fans will be able to go from any other game in the genre to this one without skipping a beat. It would also serve as an excellent starting point for any gamers looking to get into the genre but don’t know where to start.

Originality – 6/10

Though no other developers had ever thought of creating a Roguelike FPS before this, there is no denying that this game has its influences. Such as Borderlands in its visual style, and Doom in its basic premise of gameplay (indeed, FPS games today are still considered by old-school gamers to be Doom clones). And even Half-Life in its ominous soundtrack. However, in a market, that is now saturated by this particular genre of video game, it’s extremely difficult to make a shooter that stands out to any extent. And I think props are due to Terrible Posture Games for developing a shooter with this much replay value on a budget.

Deliirious

Overall, Tower of Guns is an exceptional title. In my personal opinion, one of the best indie experiences of the eighth generation of gaming. There have been many great indie games developed since Minecraft. And competition has become fierce. But if most games are as immersing as this, then indie games will prove to be even more popular in the coming years.

Score

34/40

8.5/10 (Great)

Titanfall (Xbox 360 & Xbox One)

Titanfall

Developer(s) – Respawn Entertainment

Publisher(s) – Electronic Arts

Director – Steve Fukuda

Producer – Drew McCoy

PEGI -16

One of the most highly anticipated games of last year, Titanfall was supposed to be Microsoft’s ace in the hole concerning the Xbox One. The title would attract more people to align with their system as opposed to the PlayStation 4. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way, and for good reason in my opinion.

Graphics – 6/10

Compared with the conceptual design of many other science fiction games, it feels to me like the game is wanting. As to me, it looks like a watered-down version of the game Hawken. Marred down by elements of both Call of Duty and Battlefield. The reason why it doesn’t lose too many marks in this category is that from a technical standpoint, the game is visually flawless. There are no glitches in sight, and everything is extremely well-polished.

Gameplay – 3/10

In a lot of ways, I can best describe this game as a middle finger to anyone who bought an Xbox One around the time of its launch. It was a game eagerly anticipated for years but ended up being overwhelmingly restricted in terms of gameplay, as not only is an Xbox Live subscription mandatory to play it. But there isn’t even a single-player campaign mode; players have to instead contend with an online multiplayer campaign mode. Some would argue that Destiny was the same. But a PlayStation Plus subscription isn’t mandatory. And players can enjoy it whilst not having to pay an extra £40 on top of what they paid for the game.

Controls – 10/10

There are no issues with the control scheme thankfully since it ultimately plays out like any other run-of-the-mill first-person shooter. Even when players embark on one of the titan robots, it plays out more or less exactly the same as it would if they were on foot. Whilst there may be no problems, henceforth why it loses no marks in this category, there’s nothing special about them either. It’s proof of how difficult it can be in this day and age to make an FPS that stands out among most.

Originality – 4/10

Because of the bog-standard control scheme, and the visible lack of difference between playing on foot or in a titan, I don’t think for a second of Titanfall being the revolutionary game-changing title it was advertised as being at the time of its release. The restrictive gameplay makes it stand out somewhat. But for all the wrong reasons. To me, this title can be seen as not only vastly overrated. Since it miraculously won over 60 gaming awards last year. But it can be seen as a lesson on how not to make a video game.

Angrii

In summation, Titanfall is most definitely one of the worst games of 2014. It’s one of many reasons to buy a PlayStation 4 as opposed to an Xbox One and makes me think that if the developers want an entire franchise to spawn from this one wretched game, then making the sequel multi-platform should be the tip of the iceberg. Major improvements need to be made in every other aspect in my opinion.

Score

23/40

5.5/10 (Below Average)

The Stanley Parable (PC)

The Stanley Parable

Developer(s) – Davey Wreden & Galactic Café

Rating – N/A (Profanity & mature themes)

The Stanley Parable was developed about three years ago, as an attempt by its creator, Davey Wreden to go against the kind of narratives typically found in video game stories. And my goodness, he accomplished that. It’s unlike any other interactive story I’ve ever experienced, in that it’s a lot more interesting and open-ended. However, I wish a bit more could have been added in terms of gameplay to keep it a little bit more interesting.

Graphics – 6/10

Though the visuals can indeed seem extremely generic and dull at first. As the game progresses, they become thoroughly more varied and engrossing; taking place in factories and lush fields. And even Matrix-style computer rooms depending on which direction the player takes. The fact that there are so many places to go throughout the course of the game itself makes for a fairly wide degree of visual diversity for a game that takes place mainly in an office building.

Gameplay – 4/10

The game takes on a first-person mode but only contains a handful of things to do in-game. There are no enemies to fight or puzzles to solve; only the facility to go off in multiple directions. Thus affecting what ending the player is treated to. As I said, I wish the developer had added at least a little bit more to make the gameplay that bit more enjoyable. But ultimately, it feels more like watching a film, unfortunately. It’s impossible for me to fully appreciate games that are made solely for the sake of art. And having next to no basis in viable gameplay.

Controls – 10/10

As a first-person with next to no other functions apart from walking, and turning. And interacting with certain objects and buttons, there was hardly anything the developer could have gotten wrong during the making. As there weren’t any problems to address. So there is this positive to deduce, at least. If there had been any issues with the controls, then it would have inevitably led to me having major issues with this game.

Lifespan – 6/10

It will take roughly 10 hours for players to take each individual route and witness each individual ending since there are a fair few to discover. The only basis in gameplay this title truly has in my opinion.

Storyline – 8/10

The story of The Stanley Parable is most definitely the greatest aspect of this game. No matter how confusing it may be to people after a while. It follows an ordinary man called Stanley, who is guided by the player through a series of different paths leading to different places with a plethora of different events unfolding; all the while being narrated by British actor Kevin Brighting. Aside from the surrealist goings-on that happens throughout the course of each playthrough, Brighting does provide an extremely good narration, and at times also even brings an element of dark humor, as well as breakings of the fourth wall.

Originality – 7/10

Though this game does have of the most unique stories ever told in a video game (indeed, one to go against other video game narratives by design), the gameplay remains largely unoriginal, and consequently, I can’t call it the overly unique game that many other critics have taken to calling it. It’s all very well and good to have such a strange story add to the game’s charm, but for me, the most important aspect in any game is the gameplay, and unfortunately, this title comes up short in that respect.

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To summarize The Stanley Parable is indeed an extremely strange game with an interesting story. However, for all the room there is in the game’s environment, it seems criminal to me of the developers to not add any more basis in gameplay than what there ended up being.

Score

41/60

6.5/10 (Above Average)

The Darkness (Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3)

The Darkness

Developer(s) – Starbreeze Studios

Publisher(s) – 2K Games

Designer(s) – Jens Andersson

Producer(s) – Lars Johansson

PEGI – 18

After problems arose with development concerning publishing rights, with Majesco originally owning them before having to sell them amidst financial problems, it would have been very easy to assume at that time The Darkness would suffer as a result. Most likely due to creative or artistic differences between the various different parties involved. Thankfully, it doesn’t suffer any great deal and turned out to be a fairly enjoyable game. A linear first-person shooter, it introduces some very interesting gameplay mechanics into the genre. And does pretty well to stand out among many others in turn. This is especially impressive, as, at this point, the genre had dominated mainstream gaming

Graphics – 6.5/10

What I enjoyed most about the game’s conceptual design was its exceptionally dark tone as the player wanders around back allies and open streets of a very gritty-looking New York City. It all works extremely well to set the tone of the game and make it highly representative of the dark directions the game’s story is taken in. What I didn’t like about it, however, are the dream sequences in which the main character is placed in a World War I environment known as the Otherworld. In these sequences, in particular, I found there to be much less textural detail. And ironically, looked considerably less dark than in real-world sequences.

Gameplay – 7/10

At first, the game seemingly plays out like a run-of-the-mill first-person shooter. With the same kinds and variety of weapons that would typically be found in any installment of either Medal of Honour, Battlefield, or Call of Duty. As players progress, however, it becomes apparent that this title has a little more going for it than that. The player gains the ability to summon small dog-like demons in order to solve puzzles and attack enemies. As well as a pair of snake-like demons in order to reach otherwise impassable areas and see where enemies are positioned in order to gain a tactical advantage. There is also a couple of side quests involving collectible items, like most first-person shooters. This adds a little bit more to its longevity. But it all did leave me wanting a little bit more for how much variety there is in combat.

Controls – 9/10

The only gripe I had with the game’s controls in The Darkness is that it can be a little bit awkward to move the snake-like demons whilst trying to move around impassable areas or detect enemy patterns and positions. It can also be a little bit needless and annoying. As they can only stretch to a certain distance. And without warning, they can immediately retract. Otherwise, however, the game plays out as any good first-person shooter should. Movement and attacking are straightforward. And it tried something different without messing with the core formula too much. There are other FPS games of the seventh generation that suffered worse problems with controls. Fallout: New Vegas for example.

Lifespan – 6/10

The game lasts about the average length of time for a linear first-person shooter to last. Around six to seven hours. As I alluded to earlier, it would have been nice to see the developers add more things to do within it to in turn add to its longevity. Making it stand out even further than the average first-person shooter than what it already does. And, therefore, it would have most definitely been held in much higher regard than it was. For example, they could have easily expanded on the brief morality mechanics seen throughout the game.

Storyline – 6.5/10

The story of The Darkness involves a contract killer for the Mafia named Jackie, who becomes an assassination target, along with his girlfriend Jenny, for his uncle Paulie after a failed job. And later on requires a mysterious power known as the darkness, which gains him an edge over his enemies. But has unforeseen consequences, which unfold as the game progresses.

Overall, the story is reasonably immersing. And there are elements of tragedy to it, along with the fact that Jackie is portrayed quite well as an anti-hero wrestling with his perceptions of right and wrong. However, one fatal flaw I found with it is that it would have made much more sense if Paulie wasn’t Jackie’s uncle because I personally found it unbelievable that an uncle would immediately decide to kill his nephew for losing some money. And the way this plot element was portrayed seemed nothing short of tacked on.

Originality – 7/10

I have to commend how well this game stands out amongst a genre that was already destined for commercial success throughout the seventh generation, given the launch and prior success of many other first-person series, such as Half-Life, Red Faction, Halo, and Call of Duty. Like BioShock, but nowhere near on the same level, it presented players with a new way of playing these kinds of games and did well to remind them that they don’t have to be anywhere near as generic as a vast majority of FPS franchises either were at that time or what would later become in the future.

Happii

Overall, The Darkness is a pretty enjoyable gaming experience, and I would recommend an FPS fan tries it at least once. Though flawed in several different ways in varying degrees, it made for a decent early seventh-generation title that still holds up reasonably well.

Score

42/60

7/10 (Fair)

Star Wars: Battlefront (PlayStation 4, Xbox One & PC)

Star Wars Battlefront

Developer(s) – EA DICE

Publisher(s) – Electronic Arts

Producer – Sigurlina Ingvarsdottir

Designer – Niklas Fegraeus

PEGI – 16

Released amidst the anticipation surrounding the seventh Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, and has sold over 10 million copies in a few short months despite mixed critical reaction, Star Wars: Battlefront is an action shooter with a heavy emphasis on online play. And features a welcome amount of gameplay variety. As well as nigh-on limitless fan service. Though the game received a fair amount of criticism, I nevertheless enjoyed playing it quite a bit. Despite not being the biggest Star Wars fan and would recommend it to any fan of the first-person shooting genre.

Graphics – 10/10

The game features five maps and locations modeled on some of the most iconic battlefields and planets in the Star Wars franchise. Jakku, Sullust, Tatooine, Endor, and Hoth. As well as celebrating the license to its fullest, the graphics are also fantastically rendered. With some of the most realistic-looking graphics I’ve seen on the PlayStation 4 so far. As well as there being next to no graphical glitches insight. One common criticism levied against Battlefront has been that there isn’t enough of a variety of different locations for how many there have been in the Star Wars films. But the way I see it, the level of graphical detail would certainly suggest that the developers took a quality-over-quantity approach, which certainly shows.

Gameplay – 7/10

Featuring various different online multiplayer game modes. As well as a story mode for single players (something that I personally wasn’t expecting watching the initial trailers and reading early articles), the game provides much more than just fan service. But a gaming experience excelling the quality of many other licensed games to have come before it. As well as ground firearm combat, it also features third-person lightsaber combat as well as vehicular combat. Giving players the facility to fight from ships such as the X-Wing and the TIE Fighters. Separate playable characters also have their own sets of abilities. Be it Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, etc.

Controls – 8/10

Despite how players need to adapt to several different styles of play in order to enjoy the game to its fullest, the control scheme presents minimal complications to the player, as most aspects are handled as well as they could have possibly been. Aside from the first-person shooting mechanics being handled as well as any classic game in the genre, the vehicular combat also feels extremely fluent. The minor criticism I have is that the third-person combat and hit detection can seem a little inaccurate at times. It plays out similarly to the game Warframe, though the small frustrations this style of play presents is nowhere near as much of a problem as it is in the latter, and is handled far better.

Originality – 6/10

Though the game consists of a collection of different elements inspired by several different kinds of games, as opposed to being entirely its own cohesive concept, each, all the different factors come together to form a gaming experience fairly unique against most other renowned online multiplayer series’ such as Call of Duty or Battlefield. There aren’t a lot of licensed games that celebrate the license on the same level as this title does or with as much imagination behind it, but it is most definitely a fairly standout title for it and exceeds the quality of many other Star Wars games before it.

Happii

Overall, Star Wars: Battlefront is a varied and fun game recommended by me for both fans of the series and people who may be looking to get into it. Not being a fan of the franchise doesn’t mean that the game cannot be enjoyed, and there is certainly a lot of enjoyment to be had with this title; especially for fans of competitive online gaming.

Score

31/40

7.5/10 (Good)

South Park (Nintendo 64)

South Park

Developer(s) – Iguana Entertainment & Appaloosa Interactive

Publisher(s) – Acclaim Studios

Designer(s) – Jeff Everett & Niell Glancy

Producer(s) – David Dienstbier

ESRB – M

Developed amidst the immense success the animated series garnished throughout the late 90s, the South Park video game followed many of the same principles as Iguana Entertainment’s successful first-person shooting title, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. Unfortunately, however, the game received mixed to negative reviews upon release with critics remarking upon it as being decent in the way of merely license and graphics, and nothing more. Something which I agree with for the most part. Since I believe it offers hardly anything in the way of gameplay compared to the original Turok. As well as most other FPS games.

Graphics – 6.5/10

Conceptually, the game makes use of many of the different settings and concepts that had been perpetrated within the TV show at that time. And the developers did a fairly decent job of not only celebrating what source material there was, but also expanding upon it to a certain extent. It takes place in a wide range of locations. Such as UFO the streets of South Park, forests, caves, factories, and toy stores. Problems arise on a graphical level. Since whilst this game could be considered a precursor to the idea of incorporating cel-shaded visuals in games, it’s also heavily glitched.

Gameplay – 6.5/10

Though I do need to say as a prerequisite I spent a lot of time playing this game. And therefore won’t be giving it as harsh a review as many other critics have, I have since gained a better understanding of where many of them are coming from. For me, the biggest problem is that it seems too much like a step down from Turok. Since where that game was much more open-ended.

And players had the option to come and go as they pleased, this game is stage-based, and consequently follows a much more linear path than the former. Marring down the overall experience. That being said, however, what there is in the way of gameplay also presents players with a pretty decent amount of variety. There are quite a few weapons to unlock, as well as a plethora of different characters from the series to play in multiplayer mode.

Controls – 7/10

Since this game also incorporates the same control scheme as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, I found myself having problems in this respect as well. Using the C-buttons on the Nintendo 64 controller to move is a lot more awkward than how future FPS games would be handled on the system. Such as Perfect Dark. And, therefore, controlling the game felt much more like a chore than an enjoyment.

Lifespan – 4/10

The South Park FPS also lasts around the same time as Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. Whilst it doesn’t make it seem as much of a downside as it does in the former, since Turok is more of an open-world game and therefore a longer lifespan would have possibly been expected, four to five hours still felt like a very underwhelming amount of time for a game to last. Even back then. The average lifespan of a first-person shooter would go on to increase as time went on. But there was no way this game would have been able to compete with the seemingly never-ending adventure games available on the console at that time.

Storyline – 6/10

The story of the time follows the exploits of the show’s four main characters, Kyle, Stan, Cartman, and Kenny. They battle their way through a multitude of different enemies, such as cows, turkeys, aliens, robots, and toys, in order to save their hometown of South Park amidst the approach of a comet from outer space. As expected, it’s as outlandish as most plots of episodes of the series were at that time. But in my opinion, it just isn’t anywhere near as funny as the show was. The creators would most certainly put more effort into the later game based on the License, South Park: The Stick of Truth. But the comedy portrayed in this game is much more of a case of hit-and-miss.

Originality – 6/10

As well as every other problem I encountered with this title, there also isn’t much in the way of uniqueness either. Many of the weapons used in the game have a fair bit of imagination to them. Such as the cow launcher, the alien device, dodge balls, and the Terrence and Philip dolls. Again alluding to how much the developers chose to respect the source material. But in terms of basic gameplay structure, it is, for the most part, a watered-down version of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.

Niiutral

In summation, whilst there is some entertainment value to be had in playing this game, South Park is largely an average gaming experience overall. And one that has trouble holding up to this day. The control scheme will just seem frustrating at best to anyone who picks it up now. And it has nowhere as much of a comedic element to it as the show did.

Score

36/60

6/10 (Above Average)

Portal (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 & PC)

Portal

Developer(s) – Valve

Publisher(s) – Valve & Microsoft Game Studios

PEGI – 12

Developed by Valve, the creators of Half-Life and Team Fortress, Portal was released in 2007. As a part of its Valve Orange Box collection for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game is actually the spiritual successor to an independently developed title called Narbacular Drop. It was created by a group of students at the DigiPen Institute of Technology in Washington. The students were then subsequently hired by Valve’s Gabe Newell, who was impressed with Narbacular Drop. And they helped to develop one of the most innovative titles of the seventh generation. Portal. Although I found it hard to get into during my first playthrough some years ago, I recently played through the entirety of the game. And I was fairly impressed with it.

Graphics – 7/10

The game takes place in the fictional setting of Aperture Sciences Enrichment Centre, which is a science-fiction setting reminiscent of what Valve is synonymous with. There are a few things to make it stand out from the others here and there. For example, it seems to be a lot more eerily cleaner and organized than the likes of Black Mesa. But from a visual standpoint, where this game truly shines.

And by proxy, its sequel Portal 2, is in the many different hidden Easter eggs throughout the entirety of the game. Many of these being hidden dens reputed to belong to Doug Rattman, who is an unseen character. But pivotal to the game’s back story and overall plot. There is also an Easter egg towards the end of the game featuring a projector presentation outlining how Aperture Sciences competes with Black Mesa. Bringing the worlds of both Half-Life and Portal together.

Gameplay – 8/10

Portal is a game blurring the lines between first-person shooting and puzzle games. The objective is to complete a series of tests. They involve creating two different portals in order to get around and solve conundrums throughout the game. What I really like about this game. And something I don’t think is seen enough in the medium, is that it challenges players to think outside the box. To consider that there may be more than one way of getting around particular problems. And different ways in which the portals can be utilized to do so. Although there is only one boss fight throughout the course of the game. Even that makes for one of the most creative boss fights I’ve ever experienced.

Controls – 10/10

Developed by a company perpetuating the first-person shooting genre, there was nothing to suggest that there would ever be a problem with Portal’s controls scheme. And so there isn’t. With the help of the DigiPen student contributing to the game’s portal-shooting premise, the game has made for one of the most imaginative titles not only of the seventh generation but also in terms of gaming in general. Puzzle games have come and gone like Kurushi. Which has challenged the conventional methods of playing video games. But it’s no easy task, and Portal did this flawlessly.

Lifespan – 2/10

The game’s biggest downside, however, is how disapprovingly short-lived it is. Especially in comparison to many of Valve’s previous efforts. Though it’s nowhere near as short as Narbacular Drop, which can only be made to last ten minutes, if that, Portal can be made to last for just shy of 3 hours. Which to me, was pretty disappointing. Thankfully, this is where the sequel would come in. But the first game was very much a question of trial and error. And no truer is that than in its lifespan, in my opinion.

Storyline – 9/10

One thing that I can always find myself saying about Valve is that they know how to create a very compelling narrative. The story of Portal follows a woman named Chell. She is subjected to undertake a series of puzzles in order to survive. Based on the use of a portal gun, which generates two different kinds of portals for her to be able to solve them. The tests are conducted at the Aperture Sciences Enrichment Center by a maniacal AI called GlaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System). With the unusual and persistent promise of cake at the end of it.

Although the basic premise sounds very simplistic, as well as particularly weird, the character of GlaDOS makes for an interesting experience in terms of story. Providing the audience with a unique blend of both drama and comedy. There are a lot of suspenseful moments throughout the game, but they’re also balanced out by GlaDOS’s sadistic sense of humor. Though these elements are greatly expanded on in the second game, the first does provide a very strong starting point in establishing these elements, which hadn’t been found in a Valve game prior.

Originality – 10/10

In terms of both gameplay and story, to simply put it, there is no other game like Portal. It’s a prime example of why I think it’s excellent that more and more indie developers are being provided with a much bigger window of opportunity than ever before; because there have been a large number of them who have come up with some of the greatest titles to have ever been developed. Though Portal 2 would perfect the formula, the impact that the first game has had since its release is undeniable.

Happii

In summation, although it is far too short-lived a game for what it is, Portal is one of the most innovative titles in video game history and remains a favorite of many gamers to this day. I enjoyed the game for how long it lasted when I previously thought that I wouldn’t if I’d played through it in its entirety, and I would recommend the Orange Box collection to anyone who owns either an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3.

Score

46/60

7.5/10 (Good)