Cha Ching!

Game: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3)

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii

Release: November 2011

Here we go again. Another installment of the popular Call of Duty franchise. The last game made by the original creators of Modern Warfare; due to legal disputes with Activision. The tittle forge by three studios--Treyarch (Wii), Infinity Ward, and Sledge Hammer--with support of the new Call of Duty Elite by Beachhead Studios. Can the latest tittle keep the money train running?

Of course it can. This isn't their first rodeo. MW3 offers the tired and true formula with a few minor tweaks to multiplayer and the long drawn out conclusion to the adventures of Captain Price and pals. Spec Ops also makes a triumph return with new missions and a survivor mode. The gameplay is still smooth. The action just as intense and exciting. The story just as ridiculous as ever. It's everything I could have hoped for.

Multiplayer is given the largest overhaul. Players can now create classes with customized kill streaks. There are three categories Assault, Support, and Specialization. Assault is a heavily offensive strike package that is very similar to previous CoD titles. Support keeps your kill streak going after death, and offers more defensive options like SAM turrets and ballistic vests. Finally Specialist classes can unlock additional perks in lieu of strike packages, and after a certain amount of kills, all perks are granted. This can really tare through enemies, and all three categories are a great addition to the multiplayer formula.

Maps and weapons are your standard lot for any Call of Duty. Each map has three major paths. Some favor close range fighting others are more open for snipers. The same old weapon categories exist with a few pristine selections in each. My particular favorites are the PP90M1, Type 95, Striker, and FMG-9 akimbo. This time around weapons have a separate experience bar. Each new level opens additional attachments, color schemes, and weapon perks. The perks offer a variety of new bonuses to the gun that range from increased bullet damage to reduced recoil. Nothing new to the franchise, but presented in a different fashion.


The same could be said about the single player. The campaign is intense, and the conclusion is satisfying.  Visiting major cities like New York, Paris, and London is awesome. MW3 doesn't shy away from destroying national landmarks either. There are more AC-130, sniper, and rail gun segments. The Americas are still fighting the large battles while the British find the evil ring leaders. Russia continues to supply a seemingly endless supply of soldiers to shoot. (Seriously who has the man power to invade the United States and all of Europe.) The developers also do a decent job connecting the events of the first two games to the third.

Finally there is Spec Ops. Players can team up to take on a series of missions like MW2, or they can try their luck at the Survival mode. The missions loosely tie into the main plot which is a nice touch. The survival maps offer a good variety of difficulty, and can be quite enjoyable in both split and full screen versions. Overall a nice update to a previously successful game type.

Odds are you have made up your mind to purchase or avoid the latest Modern Warfare 3. Die hard fans have made this franchise the most successful FPS in console history. The multiplayer formula sees minor adjustments that have big results in game. The story comes to an end--for now--and the Spec Ops mode keeps on truck'n. Add to this CoD: Elite, a separate paid subscription service that offers a variety of downloadable content, and you have a game beaming with replay value. Snerts Snazzy Score is Full Price!

Love that Batman!

Game: Batman Arkham City

System: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Release: October 2011


Batman Arkham Asylum is one of my favorite games of all time. The developers at Rocksteady finally produced a game where the player feels like Batman. A masterful blend of stealth and beat 'em up combat infused with gadgets and a strong narrative. With the release of Arkham City, Rocksteady expands the sandbox and enhances the already awesome formula. Check out the official trailer.

As you can see Batman has left the isolated island, and is now patrolling the much larger, more urban, Arkham City. This fenced of section of Gotham imprisons just about every villain, thug, and jay walker the city has ever seen. Hugo Strange is the mastermind behind the project, and claims to have a very big secret. He knows the true identity of...wait for it...a little bit longer...just one more dot dot dot...Batman!

The main narrative is shorter then the previous tittle. Sure there are plenty of twists and turns, but if a player ignores the side missions the game ends rather quickly. This isn't bad, and the voice acting is still top notch. The game is simply less narrative driven, and more focused on expanding the sandbox. This is accomplished by about a dozen side missions and easter eggs sprinkled throughout Arkham City.

Bat Punch!

When I first started playing I felt like I had attention deficit disorder. Go here. Beat up this guy. Go there find a clue. Hold on, call incoming from the Joker.  The sheer number of characters is staggering: Two-Face, Riddler, Catwoman, Bane, Hush, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Joker, Harley Quinn, Ra's & Talia al Ghul, Clayface, Robin, Deadshot, Zasz, etc. etc. etc. Batman has a full nights work ahead of him, and fans of the franchise will appreciate the level of detail that went into the game world.

Moving about is easy and fun thanks to tweaks to the gliding and grappling hook functions. The combat has also been improved with a wider range of enemies and attacks. Batman, for example, can now break weapons, and thugs will wield car doors. Stealth sections present high tech enemies with signal jammers, mines, and night-vision goggles. Luckily you're Batman, and can handle such minor annoyances.

Fabulous as always.

Those who purchase the game new, or buys the dlc, will be able to play as Catwoman. Adding a new character to the mix was a great idea. The gameplay is familiar yet different. She doesn't move about like Batman bringing her own flair to Arkham City. She has her signature whip, but lacks some of the cooler gadgets Batman wields. Catwoman is also available in the Challenge Maps.

That's right! The Challenges are back and better then ever. Play as Robin (dlc), Nightwing (dlc), Batman, or Catwoman in a variety of stealth and/or brawler maps. These maps are unlocked by finding Riddler trophies in the story mode. The replay value is extremely high, and the dlc additions have been very fun. There is also a Campaign mode where you take on a set of three maps with various handicaps/power ups. Playing a map with low health or increased speed are just a couple of examples.

If the Challenges don't keep your attention, then try out the new game plus. Something I was craving from the first tittle makes it to the sequel. Players will start off with all the Riddler trophies, and upgrades from their first play through, but will face tougher enemies. Also, like the Hard difficultly of old, enemies will not have the squiggly lines above their heads when they are about to attack. This feature is a huge factor in regards to the games replay-ability.

Is this a sick joke? Ha ha ha

Rocksteady, my friends, don't ever change. The developers are 2 for 2 on the Batman front creating a franchise that feels remarkably fresh in a market full of clones. Snerts Snazzy Score is Full Price! Go out and support their talent. You won't be disappointed.

Nerd Rage a'la Videogames

An aspect of life is competition. Economics, politics, mother nature, and sports are just a few examples that readily illustrate this concept. It should be no surprise that competition flourishes amongst the videogame industry and its community.

Below are a handful of my favorite rivalries--the brother of competition.

PC                    &              Console

Mario (SNES)                   &               Sonic (Genesis)

        Half-Life 2                 &                      Halo 2   

        Activison             &            Electronic Arts 

All of the above have seen its fair share of senseless shit talk. A couple decades ago I would argue with friends--the fleshy non-Facebook type--about the merits of owning a Sega Genesis console over the Super NES. I would brag about the systems line up, and how the graphics were obviously superior. As I grew older I began to realize that everyone has different tastes, and such discussions are rarely relevant to the grand scheme of things. Still, I'd find myself sucked into the occasional pointless discussion about which game/system is "better."

As the years went by the arguments evolved, and with the aide of the internet they rapidly expanded. Now anyone and everyone, including me, will lay down their side of the argument without the repercussions of face to face interactions. This wouldn't be an issue if internet comments were overwhelmingly level headed, well thought out, tidbits of communication. Unfortunately the opposite seems to be more prevalent. (Of course I'm an exception to this trend.)

The most recent example in the videogame community can be found on the website Metacritic. The average Metacritic score for Modern Warfare 3 is 89 out of 100, and the user score is 3.1 out of 10. A couple days ago it was 90 and 2.3 respectively. Now check out Battlefield 3, and you'll notice a similarity. Each franchise shows a dedicated fan base that seems hell bent on verbally sabotaging the other.

Reading the user review comments are simultaneously enlightening and disturbing. By the time my tolerance gave out a few interesting observations came to mind. Gamers still love rivalries and competition, and will go to great lengths to prove their personal tastes are the best thing ever. Their cyberspace rants can be fantastically ridiculous. At the same time I find it sadly pathetic that a number of people would rather read/write internet comments then actually research the topic at hand.

Hawthrone wrote, "Accuracy is the twin brother of honesty; inaccuracy, of dishonesty." Contributions to a discussion, that you find important, should never boil down to irrelevant dribble. Such rhetoric cheapens an already poor discussion. Yet in so many segments of our lives this ends up being the case.

Battlefield...Fuck Ya!

Game: Battlefield 3

System: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Release: October 2011

Battlefield 3 is an excellent single player experience. I'd write about the multiplayer and co-op, but EA denies free access to this content if you do not purchase a new copy. I sincerely hope this policy backfires on EA. Odds are if you rent or buy used, you don't have a ton of cash to be spending on games. How likely is the consumer to purchase on-line access to one game? Especially when Modern Warfare 3 is about to be released. 

Gamefly, however, appears to be working on the issue and is offering free on-line passes. According to an email I received the code should be arriving within the week. 

Any who, as I was saying, BF3 is a great single player experience. The games plot feels like a blend of Black Ops and Modern Warfare, but the gameplay is a more realistic approach not found in Call of Duty. The franchise continues to provide insane combat scenarios featuring a variety of vehicles. There is a fighter jet and tank segment that are like nothing I've ever seen in a first-person shooter. The graphics are top notch, and the gameplay is much smoother then the Bad Company games. EA and DICE vividly illustrate that Call of Duty is not the only military shooter worth playing. 

The main protagonist is a Sgt. Blackburn, but players will take on the roles of other characters throughout the campaign. B.burn is introduced to us under arrest which sets up the basic flashback plot device--see Black Ops. As he's interrogated the pieces slowly come together. Nukes end up missing, commands are questioned, unlikely allies are made, and it all ends on a train to Time Square. 

Warning Spoilers Ahead....

BF3 has many impressive cinematic moments that build upon the classic Modern Warfare death scene. A solider from the tank campaign is captured and executed. Players witness the atrocity from the perspective of the captive. The bright light blinds you from behind the camera as your head is forced back before the knife slits your throat. Later B.burn comes across the room where the US soldier was executed. The whole sequence of events is very entertaining, and more detailed then what I've seen in the Call of Duty franchise. 

The other two segments worth mentioning are the levels set in France and New York. Playing as a Russian you storm through the streets of Paris in an attempt to find a bomb. The level weaves you around populated streets, and the action is very intense. The developers did an excellent job capturing the thrill of the chase. Sure having a nuke go off is cliche at this point, but it was well done and made since within the game. 

The same can be said in regards to the New York level. You are chasing the villains starting on foot, then on a train, and finally in a car. Fantastic! This time around the cliche is saving the day--looks like Paris is the only city to be nuked. Add to these cinematic moments the vehicles segments, and you have the top of line military shooter. (Of course that all can change next week with the release of Modern Warfare 3.)

BF3 has everything you could possibly want from a first person shooter. There are awesome vehicles, intense battles, a great single player, and a host of multiplayer modes. Snerts Snazzy Score is Full Price! for fans of the series, and On Sale! for shooter aficionados.

Don't Be Scared...Again

Game: F.E.A.R. 3

System: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Release: June 2011

The F.E.A.R. saga strikes again with more bullet time, more armor segments, and a bit of telepathic debauchery. The third installment adds co-op to the mix, and continues to offer multiplayer modes that I don't care about. The overall story arch, spanning across three games, also comes to a close...or does it?

F3AR, that's F.E.A.R. 3, is the conclusion to Alma' s story. The experiment gone wrong, always getting pregnant, mental case finds herself knocked up again. Who's the father? Good ole Becket from the second game. Surprise! That hallucination at the end of the last title was really a rape scene. I suppose that's what you get for fighting Alma.

Alma's other kids, Point Man and Fettel, find themselves locked up in some prison. They are the two playable characters--more on that later. For some reason Fettel is a "ghost" and needs to work with his brother so they both can reach mommy dearest. Fettel was shot in the head by Point Man in the first F.E.A.R. Having them grudgingly work together is a nice touch for fans of the series. Along the way the brothers will run into Becket, and the final fight is with their estranged father. Ah family.

I'd try to explain the story further, but honestly I find it all a bit confusing. The developers use the term psychic like Michael Bay uses all spark. It's that magical plaster that holds the plot together and covers up any nasty holes. Suffice to say that a lot of crazy shit happens because of the all powerful psychic Alma is giving birth, and the endings vary depending on which brother accumulates the most points throughout the campaign.

The brothers gameplay varies significantly. Point Man is the same old beast from the first game. He uses bullet time to dispatch enemies, and other then that he is a typical FPS protagonist. Fettel gets the crazy mental powers. He can shoot mind bullets from his hand, and posses meat bags i.e. humans. You have to posses someone if you want to use weapons and mech armor. Combining the brothers abilities is a blast. One player can run around possessing enemies while the other uses bullet time to dispatch the rest.

Co-op is a strong focus of the game, but for those who lack friends both brothers can be used individually. The catch is you have to complete the game with Point Man to unlock Fettel. This was quite annoying, and I don't understand why both were not available from the get go.

The encounters are what you would expect from a F.E.A.R. game. You have your spooky segments where chairs move across rooms and the lights flicker. There are the mech armor areas, which are still quite enjoyable. Then there are the waves after waves of foot soldiers, zombies, and the occasional combination of the two. Finally there is the oddball spooky boss battle to wrap things up.

Everything in F3AR was top notch in terms of graphics and gameplay. There was little to no lag, and all the controls felt responsive and smooth. The mech armor segments are still awesome, and the co-op feature is fantastic.  The story was a bit odd and confusing, but I'm sure the few fans of this series appreciated all the tie-ins from previous titles.

If you have a friend, and the two of you were looking for a solid co-op experience, then this is the game for you. Snerts Snazzy Score is On Sale! for fans of the series and for those who enjoy co-op gaming. For the rest of us rent it, play it, and move on.

Cake for Two

Game: Portal 2

System: PC, Xbox 360, PS3


Release: April 2011

Portal 2, and the original, brings thinking to the first person shooter. A puzzle game at heart that succeeds where others have failed--I'm looking at you Mirror's Edge. The run n' gun formula is set aside, but Valve keeps the Half-Life universe. Players are given a portal gun. It fires two connected way-points that are used to solve various puzzles and eventually escape your prison aka Aperture Laboratories.

Portal 1 was a quick side project that was tossed out to the masses. A two hour jog through a series of test chambers guided by a sadistically  sarcastic AI named GLaDOS. It was an excellent experience that I highly recommend. The game is currently free on Steam and was apart of the Orange Box package on Xbox 360.

The sequel expands the lore and offers a co-op experience like no other. The campaign continues the story of the human Chell--destroyer of GLaDOS. She awakes to Wheatly the robot ball instructing her not to die. He wants to replace the rebooted GLaDOS, and does so with the help of Chell. Of course Wheatly is a dumb-ass and betrays you. Thrown into a vent you and GLaDOS--now hooked up to a potato--discover the original Aperture Laboratories.

J.K. Simmons--aka awesome actor--plays Cave Johnson the founder of all this crazy shit. His recorded instructions lead you through the old school facility with some hilarity. Eventually you return to Wheatly, kick his ass via lunar shenanigans, and return GLaDOS to her former self. Ya ya nerd purest. I left some details out. Can't spoil everything after all.

Gameplay is enhanced with goo. Specifically goo that increases your speed, is bouncy, or smears surfaces white for portal usage. There is also gravity tread mills and light bridges that can act like shields. Add to this the portal gun, and you have a fantastic variety of puzzle based entertainment.

Not impressed? Well how about co-op! That's right. P-body and Atlas are on the case. They do GLaDOS's biding, solve puzzles, and annoy said GLaDOS with human mannerisms. To enjoy this feature I highly recommend starting with a rookie from the get go. Nothing worse then being dragged through a game by someone who's been there before.

Portal 2 is an excellent game. All signs point to Full Price! Yet I'm hesitant to recommend such a purchase. Yes free DLC is on the way, but the puzzles loose their entertainment value quickly. Already knowing the answer to the test hinders the joy found in the journey. Snerts Snazzy Score is On Sale!

Detect This!

Game: L.A. Noire

System: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Release: May 2011

Rockstar's claim to fame is the Grand Theft Auto series. It generated the buzz and the bucks that transforms a studio into something legendary. Recently the developer has stepped out from their safety bubble with hits like Red Dead Redemption and more recently L.A. Noire. Fans have gone from the wild west to the wild--geez that's fucked up--streets of post WWII Los Angeles.

L.A. Noire is a unique game. Do not expect the typical experience, but anticipate Rockstar's uncanny ability to tell a good story. Some gameplay features are of the cut and paste variety. Players will run, gun,  drive, and take cover. The meat of the game, however, lies in its interrogation system.

Colen Phelps (fans of Mad Men will recognize the actor Aaron Station) spends most of his time gathering clues and interviewing P.O.I's (people of interest). During questioning the player often has to decide if a character is lying, in doubt, or telling the truth. To illustrate their intent Rockstar has developed a fantastic motion capture system that portrays the actors expressions vividly. Liars will dart their eyes back and forth. If they're a pro, then their tell will be more subtle like the biting of a lip. It's an effective original system that is both fun and challenging.

Too bad the same can' t be said for finding clues. Ever play Zelda: Ocarina of Time? Of course you have. Recall the groundbreaking rumble pack? Why wouldn't you? Remember the feature where secrets would make said rumble pack do its thing? Uh, maybe? If the answer is yes, then you have already experienced the clue discovery system of L.A. Noire. Walk around the crime scene and wait for that sweet sweet vibration. Then if you aren't too tuckered out press the A button (or X for those PS3 chaps) and move the analog stick around and around. Volia you have just found a clue.

Rockstar also provides the typical open world filler. There are secret cars and landmarks to discover, and random acts of violence that must be stopped. After all street crime must be kept to a minimal. Some of the crime scenarios and secret cars are fun. They weren't, however, worth going out of your way for.

I can really appreciate Rockstar's first attempt at the detective thriller. The writing and acting were solid. The game was fun and original. I really enjoyed the combination of run & gun with interrogation. I'd also be lying if I didn't mention my appreciation for the setting and attention to detail. Snerts Snazzy Score is On Sale! Find the game on the cheap so you can afford the DLC content. I'm personally jealous of anyone who's gone through Refer Madness.

Welcome to CoD Land

Activision threw the first ever public Call of Duty event on September 2nd and 3rd, 2011. Call of Duty XP The Event drew in thousands of people to experience multiplayer tournaments, a host of CoD themed attractions, and live musical performance by Drop Kick Murphy and Kanye West.


Arriving at about 10:30am on Friday I noticed a familiar sight--long lines. This would be a theme frequently found throughout the two day event. Luckily I got to wait in the shorter line because my employer advertises for Activision. After an hour an a half delay I was in the door, and listening to the keynote opening speech.

Things kicked off into high gear after some words from our sponsor and a handful of videos illustrating how Call of Duty is awesome. The massive crowd fanned out to explore the two large hangers and outdoor areas. One hanger was the main stage used for press interviews, panel discussions, tournament finalist, and the closing musical acts.

The other hanger was the gaming hub of the venue. Large fenced off sections had various Call of Duty MP games to play. Visitors could experience the new MW3 multiplayer, and/or Zombie DLC Resurrection. There were also MW2 and Black Ops areas for those wanting to play the classics. Each area was well organized with plenty of attentive staff to corral the lines, and ensure everyone got a chance to play. For those not willing to wait in line there were plenty of televisions to display the digital action.

Smack dab in the middle of the second hanger was the Sumo ring. This was one of many Call of Duty themed attractions. Participants would dress up in a sumo suite that mimicked the juggernaut outfits found in the game. The goal was to pin your opponent, or knock them out of the ring. Like many of the attractions at the event I enjoyed watching, but didn't feel the need/desire to wait in a two to three hour line. Besides more lines awaited outside.

Behind the two hangers was the outdoor attractions which included paint ball and off-road courses, a zip line, and an overpriced Burger Town. For those who aren't fans of Call of Duty Burger Town is the fictional fast food chain found in MW2. The prices were ridiculous, $12 for a burger meal and $17 for a double patty. The food quality was the equivalent of a cheap theme park. Beer was $7, and your choices were between cheap canned bear and cheap beer in plastic bottles.

Luckily the recreational activities were top notch. Scrapyard and The Pit, based off MW2 areas, were recreated for paintball. The former was for team games, and the latter was a one-man course. Once again I didn't feel like waiting in line for three hours so I decided to watch a few matches and move on. Same can be said for the off-road course. It looked like a lot of fun. Good steep climbs and even a little river to go through. Perhaps I will be more patient the next time around, and go to the event from open to close. This way I could wait in line more, and actually experience the action first hand.

The one thing I did wait around for was the zip line. Even with a fear of heights the ride was fun. The top platform gave a nice view of the entire area, and until I started spinning I felt super bad ass. Worse part was the stop---sorry groin. FYI: The video below is not me on the zip line--seriously.

After zipping about I headed inside to meet up with some old Activision co-workers, and to watch Kanye West perform. I would have seen Drop Kick Murphy's on Friday, but I had a previous engagement watching the great Andy C perform quality drum n' bass at the Music Box. From what I've read DKM did an excellent job, and brought a ton of energy to the crowd. West had a bigger turn out. You could easily tell who was there to see the game, and who was there to see Kayne. The biggest hint was the clothes. People came dressed up in club wear to a concert in a hanger. It was an odd fit. After two hours of solid entertainment, and lackluster sound, the event came to a close.

There was plenty of merchandise to remember the good ole days of Call of Duty XP The Event. T-shirts, hats, patches, and more were for sale. Those who waited in the gift bag line got a free copy of the hardened edition of Modern Warfare 3, which comes with a free year subscription to the recently announced Call of Duty Elite service. (Incidentally I waited in that line.) Other interesting areas that I didn't check out included the CoD museum, and the "Pros vs GI Joes" section that allowed attendees to play games with veterans. I would have liked to do the latter, but they were shutdown by the time I was off the zip line. All in all it was a great time, and I thank my employer for their generosity--e.g. getting me in the door.

Dragon Effect II

Game: Dragon Age II

System: PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Release: March 2011

Dragon Age Origins was a fantastic game that brought the classic fantasy setting to gamers everywhere. This was especially welcomed by console owners looking for something besides Elder Scrolls. DAO, however, was full of bugs and really seemed like a rough draft for something greater.

Enter Dragon Age II. Bioware tightened up the animations and combat, and added features seen in the studios other successful franchise Mass Effect. The end result was another epic RPG with plenty of combat. The lore of Dragon Age was also expanded upon, and sets up the franchise for another sequel.

Because the sequel was very similar to the original I am not going to waste too much time on the basics. The most notable change was made to combat. Despite the complaints of "dumbing down" the game I feel the changes were for the better. Enemies weren't as glitchy, there were more combat encounters, and the spell/talent trees have been simplified. The same classic strategy of healer, tank, DPS is still running strong, and this franchise is still the closest thing to World of Warcraft that isn't an MMO.

Art bugs and level of detail issues also saw a touch up from the original. Collars actually stayed on shirts, swords hit enemies, lips moved when people talk, mountains did not disappear, etc. Everything from character models to environments also saw a welcomed increase in detail. Only on a few occasions was the suspension of disbelief disrupted because of art issues. Overall the game ran, in combat and out, much smoother then the previous tittle.

The most jarring change to Dragon Age II came from the studios infusion of Mass Effect features. The main character can only be human, and the last name will always be Hawke. Gone are the multiple race background stories. This, however, allows the main playable character to have a speaking role which enhances the games story telling ability. The dialogue tree found in Mass Effect is also present.

Like Mass Effect 2, players can import their saved data from Dragon Age Origins. This will effect their experiences in Dragon Age II, and dictate certain events found throughout the game. A particularly awesome moment, for example, will occur if you sent Alistar into exile during the first game.

Finally, the events in Dragon Age II--like Mass Effect 2--leads to an inevitable sequel. This ploy really bugged me when Halo 2 came out, but by now I've come to expect such shenanigans from game developers. I am really interested to see how all the events in Dragon Age II play out, which is music to Bioware/EA's ears.


In the end Dragon Age II was another outstanding RPG from Bioware. The annoyances--repetitious level design and tons of load screens--were few, and did not hinder the overall experience. Cleaning up the art and combat was a huge plus, and the infusion of Mass Effect features was a smart move. I'm really looking forward to the next Dragon Age tittle, and the conclusion to this epic franchise. Snerts Snazzy Score is On Sale! for the average gamer, and Full Price! for fans of Bioware and/or classic fantasy RPGs.

Flawless Victory!

Game: Mortal Kombat

System: Xbox 360, PS3

Release: April 2011


Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II are the fighting games of my childhood. Sure there are others, but these two series captured the largest share of my attention. Street Fighter has denoted consistent quality over the years, but the same cannot be said for Mortal Kombat.

The ninth tittle in the series returns Mortal Kombat to its roots. Focusing on the lore of the first three games the developers tighten up some of the loose ends, provide entertaining game modes, and a solid overall presentation.

The most engaging segment in Mortal Kombat is the story mode. The segways are all live-action cinematics, which is a welcome change of pace from storyboard method found in BlazBlue. The player experiences an alternate history that covers the first three games.  It all reminded me of a B movie. There is action, cheesy dialogue, and just a touch of drama. Different playable characters are assigned to each chapter--Johnny Cage is Chapter 1, Sonya is Chapter 2, etc.--which helps with the pacing. By the end, players will use many of the characters, and experience a tale that formerly spanned three games.

A plethora of other modes are available for those not interested in plot. The standards of the series are all present: Arcade Mode, Test Your Might, Versus, On-line play, etc. There is also a challenge mode that pits the player against a slew of unique fights and mini-games. One moment you'll be in a tag match with Johnny Cage and his director. The next you'll be fighting off zombies by rapidly performing projectile attacks. It's a nice add-on to your typical fighter. Of course, all of the above are for unlockables that range from concept art and alternate costumes to additional finishing moves.

All of the above is presented in gut wrenching graphics and goosebump producing sound. In the first Mortal Kombat a fatality ripping out the heart was blurry at best. A red circle that came out of someones chest. The most recent addition to the franchise depicts how far graphics have developed. The heart Kano rips out is now beating with detailed segments of the heart. Add to this detailed sound depicting each action, and you have good reason to prevent young children from playing this violent game. Environments all share a great level of detail. Sometimes the background action is just as intense as the main fight, and I often found myself being pleasantly distracted.

Solid presentation, multiple entertaining game modes, and a decent plot. Pinch me people because I think I'm dreaming. Fans of the series will be in bloody heaven, and fighter veterans will enjoy the variety--MK doesn't feel like another Street Fighter clone. Snerts Snazzy Score grants Mortal Kombat the rating On Sale!--upgraded to Full Price for die hard fans.

Attack of the Clones!!!

I started writing a review for Homefront, but then fell into a rant. Enjoy. 

Homefront has everything that a solid FPS should have. Dynamic characters, solid gameplay, and well done cinematography. Despite having all this I will inevitably don the score of Gamefly--rent, play, move on. Why? Because I'm bored. 

Yes bored. 

I am tired of the tedious clones and other crap that graces the current console generation. 

There are a plethora of great shooter franchises to pick from, and I seldom find the new comers (Bulletstorm, Homefront, Borderlands) worth the full price of admission. The genre is overloaded with gimmicky copy cats. They add one or two neat ideas that often fail to hold interest over the coarse of the game. Bullet-time in FEAR. The leash in Bulletstorm. The nano suite in Crysis. All were fun at first, but didn't add enough to the basic formula. Shoot, run, shoot, find cover, reload/heal, repeat. The best I can hope for is a decent story that encourages me to finish the game. 

I find myself buying sequel after sequel. I have five Halo's, three Call of Duty's, two Left 4 Dead's, and one Bioshock. Each of the sequels offered something new, and often have the multiplayer community to warrant the purchase. Still I doubt Halo 4 and MW3 will offer anything substantially different. Yet I, and millions of others, will probably buy the next sequel because it's better then the clones. 

Hack n' slash games fair no better. God of War and Ninja Gaiden were games that broke barriers. The sequels were fantastic additions to each of the franchises, but it was more of the same. A few new comers pop up hear and there. Bayonetta was decent, and so was Heavenly Sword. I also enjoyed Force Unleashed and Afro Samurai. None had the same impact as the first God of War. None were as challenging as Ninja Gaiden. 

Next up on the chopping block is Bioware. I've thoroughly enjoyed most of their games, but I'm no fool. I can see a pattern that started with Knights of the Old Republic on Xbox. Moral choices, elite secret organizations, wacky friends, love affairs, and deep conversation trees; all while touring world/galaxy. This is in every title since KOTOR, and I doubt Mass Effect 3 will be any different. 

Similar statements can be made about the Fable and Fallout franchises. The first Fable and Fallout 3 were fantastic, but the sequels tended to be more of the same. A young child has something traumatic occur that leads him/her on a life long path to redemption...or revenge! Along the way they have to perform a bunch of tasks to become famous...or infamous! You make allies, gain abilities, and complete quests in the same world over and over again. RPG developers are also notorious for bugs, which is pretty sad considering the lifespan of the current console generation. 

Genres I'm unfamiliar with will only lead to speculation. So here we go!

Open world titles are series of already known mini games spread across a vast area.  New sports games, and fighters, offer roster updates and a few new moves. Racers are the same old tired franchises. JRPG's seem to be stuck in a rut, and RTS games still suck on consoles. Music inspired games is a dead genre beaten by Activision and slightly kicked by EA. Finally, since 2004, the MMORPG genre continues to be equated with World of Warcraft. Everywhere you go it's clones and sequels (or expansion packs and dlc).

I want a new and amazing videogame. I want that same feeling I got playing Splinter Cell, Shadows of the Colossus, or Halo for the first time. I want to play a game over and over again because it's that good. Something that hasn't happened since Batman: Arkham Asylum. 

One day my Gamefly account will be used for something besides sequels and clones. I'll be patient, and save money. I don't have any fantastic ideas after all....just complaints. Perhaps it's just me, or maybe developers need start coming up with better material to earn my money. Either way I'm bored. Time to take up some new hobbies, and catch up on that reading list; in between the drum n' bass events and pool parties.

Potty-mouth

Game: Bulletstrom

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Release: February 2011

Warning: The following contains an obscene amount of curse words. Previously, I've typed the occasional fuck, but for fucks sake this is a lot of fucking curse words. I apologize to any of my loyal readers who may be offended--fucking wankers.

Dick, shit, cock, fuck, ass, balls pretty much sums up Bulletstorm. It's an homage to my childhood days of immature jokes and hours of first-peni...errr...person shooters. 

Epic roles out a game reaming with ridiculous kills and Big Fucking Gun's. Every gun has an alt fire overkill mode which adds some flair to your standard arsenal. My favorite toy was the Flail Gun. Take two grenades and connect them with a chain. Load into the launcher, aim, and fire. Before you know bad guys are hopping mad before they go boom. Another weapon is a drill-spear gun that impales foes with ease and twirls them round and round like a fucking ferris wheel. 

If guns don't do it for ya, then try kicking grunts into cacti, or using the whip mechanic to throw them off a ledge. All the death variety serves a purpose. You score points for doing unique kills that unlock additional upgrades. The list was pretty long, and the gaming lords know I won't finish it. Still, I'm sure some completionist out there has. So kudos to that prick.

Driving the carnage is your stereotypical revenge/bromance. Mike...er..Gray Hunt and Ishi Sato are the last of their crew after a suicide attack by the former. He gave the orders to attack a really big ship because he was pissed drunk and pissed off. Apparently General Sarrano is a big asshole, and Gray is just the dick to fuck him for good. Ishi gets to become a border line psychotic cyborg, and the female role played by Trishka cements the fact that no one is gay--despite the copious use of the word "dick." Things go wrong, then right, then back to wrong, and before you know it everything is dead. Throw on a teaser for the next game and call it a day. 

Multiplayer sucks ass because EA hates renters. Those who want to experience Buletstorms MP must buy the game new to obtain a code. If you don't have this code, then you must pay to play. Honestly with so many quality FPS games out there--Halo Reach, Black Ops, MW2, L4D2, Battlefield--I hardly see the need to fork over more money. 

All things considered Bulletstorm is a fun game. I enjoyed the guns and the killing reward system. The plot wasn't the worse thing I've ever witnessed, nor was it amazing. The environments were dam gorgeous, but the enemies were boring bitches. The immature characters and dialog doesn't help the game either (nor does it help this review). It's just another additional to the FPS genre that few will probably care to play. Snerts Snazzy Score is Gamefly--especially for shooter fans. Rent, play, and get all those penis puns out of your system. 

Nickeled and Dimed

The source of my rant:

EA is attempting to make some extra cash from the used-game market. Customers are required to enter a one time code to access multiplayer content. For those who don't have the code they must pay to play. Why does this bug me? I rent. Specifically I rent from Gamefly. I happen to enjoy their services, and have had no major issues. I was most displeased when I discovered Bulletstorm's MP was not accessible. I pay for Xbox Live (well not lately I've been using up the free passes from old games). I pay for Gamefly, and all the other items necessary to play games. Why do I have to pay for multiplayer in EA tittles? 

I continue to find the overall cost of games rising steadily. Buy new hardware to experience motion controls, 3D, and music like gaming. These new features can sky rocket the price of modern home entertainment system, but they are only the big ticket items. 

DLC content continues to change the landscape of released tittles. Map packs in FPS tittles take precedent in on-line play, and divide the have's from the have-not's. Ranging from $10 to $15 per DLC the cost of a game can go up to $100 fast. For RPG's, story arcs are expanded, and players are encouraged to buy expansion packs. If they don't, then they'll be behind once the next full game is released. These additions can cost up to $40, and this doesn't include any in-game items you choose to buy. All of this must have merchandise does add/enhance the gaming experience, but the price of admission is often not worth it. 

If studios and publishers are so desperate for cash, then why don't they look towards advertising. There is vast amounts of empty space in games that can be utilized for ads. Load screens are the easy example. Do you really need the hints? Especially for long running franchises like Halo and Call of Duty--grenades kill, cover protects, bad guys die from taking damage etc. etc. etc. Throw up a quick 7-11 or McDonald's logo next to the hints, or go all the way with a quick commercial. Load screens are usually fifteen to thirty seconds long, which is plenty of time for a fast word from our sponsors. Tittle updates can replace the commercials if needed. This idea can also be applied to intro and tittle screens. 

Games are already seeing advertisements slip into certain genres. Billboards in racing games are a great reference for expanding ads in other areas. The key is to make the ads noticeable, but not overbearing. Gamers will be hesitant to accept advertisements and it is important not to distract from the entertainment factor. Ads should be in areas that do not inhibit gameplay, or ruin a cinematic moment. This is why I suggest load screens, or other areas that are not in-game.

Will there be backlash? Yes of course there will. People also dislike ads in movies and television, yet they still exist. People will not stop buying games because of advertisement. Just like they won't stop buying games because of the price of DLC or multiplayer. 

Ideally I would love to see two options develop--ads or bills. Gamers can be billed and see no ads like many internet subscriptions. Or they can tolerate advertisements in their games. Both are granted full access to a game, which after-all is what this rant was originally all about. 

A Short Trip Through the Dark Side

Game: Force Unleashed II

System: Everything

Release: October 2010

Force Unleashed provided hours of entertainment as the quintessential ass kicking Jedi video game. Players took on the role of Starkiller, Darth Vader's secret apprentice, and experienced a well executed Star Wars adventure. Such success is bound to bring a sequel, and unfortunately it failed to deliver.

My first gripe with Force Unleashed II is the length. The main character visits three planets, and only fights on two of them. Dagobah is a drawn out cut scene with some rock moving for power ups. Kamino is used twice, and is arguably the most fun. There is a decent space ship level, and Starkiller visits a barbaric planet that is obsessed with a gladiator arena. A stage that felt like a God of War clone. There are two bosses and six levels in all that took me six hours to complete.

Next up on the shit list is the story. None of the characters were new with the exception of a disgruntle baron. The plot itself is boring. Vader clones Starkiller, and tries to make an army of Jedi clones. Big whoop. The writers also tell the origins of the Rebel Alliance by making Juno a key leader. Of course Clonekiller is still in love so he does all sorts of stupid things to be with her again. All the while he's questioning if his existence even matters because he's a clone. Is he a puppet of the Dark Lord, or will he find true love? The first game had you hunting down old Jedi for Vader following the creation of the Empire. There was murder, betrayal, and love. Much more entertaining then the hog wash of a sequel.

Last but not least is gameplay. Actually, I got nothing really bad to say here. There are a few new Jedi powers. The most fun being Mind Trick. Enemies will either commit suicide by jumping off ledges, or fight their allies to the death. The targeting system is better, and the presentation is top notch. Lightsabers finally dismember and decapitate. The music is still John Williams, and there is still plenty of environmental interaction. All of this makes the game fun, and worth experiencing.

Force Unleashed II has tons of awesome little things. The joy of using force grip on a storm trooper and hurling him through the air is magnificent. Taking down larger then life creatures is always fun, and there is even a bit of Boba Fett for the fans. If only the game had some new characters, a better story, and another six levels. Then it may have even been worth the full price of admission. Snerts Snazzy Score gives this title a solid Gamefly. Rent, play, and move on to the next title in your que.

Crazy Engineers and Space Zombies

Game: Dead Space 2

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Release: January 2011

In Barack Obama's State of the Union, he urged Americans to praise the nerdy kids. Why? Because they're the ones who are going to grow up and solve all the worlds problems. So give more credit to those geeky engineers and scientists. Well Mr. President, Dead Space 2 took your message to heart.

Issac Clark is the most badass engineer I have ever seen. Not since Gordon Freeman has a dork endured so much action. Dragged through tunnels and hurled into space? No problem. Drill through a mine so you can crash into the sealed-off government section? Cinch! Impale a necromorph onto a glass window so it shatters and decompresses the room? Achievement unlocked!


Ok ok enough of the silly protagonist praising. Issac Clark returns in another adventure more fucked up then the last. He survived the events on the Ishimura just to wind up in a straitjacket. Instead of a ship he is trapped on the Sprawl, a densely populated metropolis built on a shard of Titan, one of Saturn's moons. Once again he has to differentiate between those who want to manipulate him and those who just want to get out alive. Once again the religious zealots are going nuts and trying to bring about a space zombie apocalypse. And once again it's up to Issac to destroy the Marker--source of all the bad juju.

Yes the plot follows the same pattern of the first game. This does not mean that the game is boring and repetitive. New characters and setting are more then enough to freshen things up. This cookie cutter plot is also well done thanks in part to Issac finding his voice, and well performed acting by non-playable characters.

The new gameplay mechanics are also rock solid. Kenesis returns from the first game with a new twist. The technique can be used to impale enemies with rods, spikes, or claws. New weapons also add to the carnage, but I found myself sticking to the Ripper and Plasma Cutter. The later has a new special ability that adds fire damage--sweet! The best change, however, is Issac no longer has to lunge in zero gravity. He now has thrusters that can easily move him around in any direction. This is truly a delight because the controls are so smooth, and the level design is well thought out.

Dead Space 2 is one of those games I can play again and again. The action is so intense that it literally leaves me on the edge of my seat. The story is not original, but it is very well executed. The added improvements to gameplay are awesome, and there is even a multiplayer that I haven't had a desire to play. I'm having too much fun with the single player. Snerts Snazzy Score grants Dead Space 2 the top honors--Full Price!

The Good, The Bad, and The Undead

Game: Undead Nightmare (Red Dead Redemption Expansion)

System: Xbox 360, PS3

Release: November 2010

Saddle up partners it's time to hit the trails. There's a trouble a foot. Some dam fool has risen the dead. Now they walk the earth, and only you...what's that? You've heard this one before. Oh...

Undead Nightmares is a decent run of the mill zombie experience. John Marston watches his family turn into zombies, but manages to avoid getting harmed. He locks them in a room, and sets off to solve the mystery. Along the way he visits everything and everyone from the main game. Only now there's zombies, the four horses of the apocalypse, and some new guns for shits and giggles. Eventually some random mystical character finds John and helps him save the day.

Gameplay is the main reason for more Red Dead, and things have been altered slightly to fit the zombie motif. There are new weapons, horses, and side quests. The most interesting weapons are the torch, explosive rifle (think cannon balls from a boom stick), and the deadly blunderbuss that shoots body parts. Finding and taming the four horses of the apocalypse is a neat touch, and picking flowers now provide upgrades like phosphorous bullets. The other side quests are predictable fetch like crap (more on that later) that I mostly ignored.

Luckily the AI and combat can be extremely intense compared to the main game. There are different classes of zombies that will seem oh so familiar to Left for Dead veterans. There are chargers, spitting zombies, and fast moving crawlers that move around on all fours. Enemies will surround you quickly if you stand still, and ammo is scare until the later half of the game. Zombies will also pull you off your horse, and the undead wildlife will relentlessly chase you. The gameplay and AI are hands down the best feature of the Undead Nightmares.

Missions on the other hand are repetitive and predictable. Go to this town and help the survivors. Go here and find a clue. Go there for some flowers. Oh now go back to that town because they're being attacked again. Each town you save unlocks a new gun, and provides a new save point with some ammo crates. You can also only fast travel between towns you save making this feature key to completing this game. There are probably six-ish quests that relate to the main story, and the ending seems abrupt. Call me picky, but I wanted a little something more like that one locomotive mission to Mexico.

Undead Nightmares is a fun experience, but it's nothing special. Playing more Red Dead Redemption is always welcomed, and this was probably the games saving grace. The new gameplay features were neat, but the missions were boring. The story was cookie cutter zombie horror in a cookie cutter western setting. Snerts says Gamefly this bad boy. No need to buy, but it's sure fun to try.

I'm Not Impressed!

Gamefly is a glorious creation. For a monthly fee (around $18 in the States), you get delivery rental service. One game can be out at a time for the basic package. Awesome. No longer going to the local Blockbuster and praying they have the game you want. No longer returning a game when more play time is warranted. No longer waiting in lines. Gamefly allows you to experience the hits and the misses.

The hits have been reviewed and posted. Faithful readers--haha I can dream--will know them well. This piece will be dedicated to the misses.The games I didn't even bother to complete. 

Prototype and Crackdown 2:

Both these games feature a super powered main character who is unleashed into an open world environment. Scale buildings, throw vehicles, and generally kick a lot of ass. What's not to like? Plenty.

Prototype pushes a lame duck story that fails to capture my attention. The action is fun, but very repetitive. Go here kill that person. Sneak here. Kill these people. Add to this frustrating long boss fights, and you have yourself a game that I will never finish.

Crackdown 2 reminded me too much of Mercenaries 2. After testing an open world game for the better part of a year I must be thoroughly entertained before bothering with such things. Sure you are a super powered bad ass--instead of a non-super powered bad ass--but that changed little. Another open world game with a shitty plot, and repetitive gameplay. Next please.

Alan Wake:

What the fuck is this game? Something based on a Stephen King novel. Boring. I never did enjoy games that were mostly cut scenes. At least Bayonetta allowed some T & A (tits and action).

So I'm supposed to be impressed with the deep story about a writer on vacation. Oh he looses his wife to a freak accident that doesn't quite check in with reality. Shadow people are out to get him, but he is determined to find his sweet heart. Here's a tip for you dip shit. Call up Scooby and the gang. Those meddling kids are sure to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Fallout New Vegas:

This was the most disappointing game of all. Mostly because I loved Fallout 3. The problem here is mostly personal. I dislike buggy games, and I enjoy history more then gambling. New Vegas is almost unplayable. It crashes and lags all the time.The scenery consistently pops with different levels of detail, and to top it off, almost nothing has changed gameplay wise.

My other complaint solely resides in the setting. DC was fun because I'm a history major who studied the United States. Seeing a post apocalyptic interpretation was enthralling, and encouraged me to explore. New Vegas seemed like a mini mall on the way to the real deal. Not very impressive at all.

Perhaps I'll rent New Vegas again, but it won't be anytime soon. Next up is Red Dead Redemption: Undead something or other. Will this expansion fail? Or will I find another awesome cowboy adventure. Stayed tuned true believers...