The American Colonies, 1775. It’s a time of civil unrest and political upheaval in the Americas. As a Native American assassin fights to protect his land and his people, he will ignite the flames of a young nation’s revolution.
Assassin’s Creed III takes you back to the American Revolutionary War, but not the one you’ve read about in history books.
For the full written review, make sure to head on over to this link.
Miracle Mask brings the professor, his assistant Emmy and his apprentice Luke to the Vegas-esque tourism town of Monte d'Or. It's a town that is under assault by the Masked Gentleman, turning people into stone and such. He's viewed with wonder by some citizens for his daring magical feats, and with contempt and fear by others and the police. Needless to say, he's the source of the town's problems that goes hand-in-hand with the mystery surrounding Monte d'Or. Navigating Monte d'Or is all done with the stylus. You can access Layton's chest, investigate, or navigate the town with simple swipes and presses.
Investigating is done by tapping the magnifying glass with the stylus. You then look around the section of Monte d'Or that you're in. It can take a little getting used to having to move the stylus along the bottom 3DS screen while looking at where you are on the top screen, but By clicking objects, people and buildings, you uncover clues, find hint coins, advance the story and, most importantly, find puzzles! Puzzles are everywhere, which is to be expected in a Professor Layton game. There's over 100 puzzles to solve over the course of the adventure, from solving riddles and untangling balloon strings, to deducing how many people are in a picture from just looking at silhouettes. They increase in difficulty as the game advances, but it's rather forgiving. Re-attempting a puzzle either lowers the amount of Picarats you get or just prolongs the time until Layton points at you with that finger, congratulating you for solving the puzzle.
Even the game's early puzzles are no cakewalk, but it never gets to the point of being frustrating, mainly because the puzzles, look and feel of the game are so charming. In addition to these puzzles, there are mini-games that you access through Layton's chest. There's ones where you guide a robot through different levels filled with obstacles, one where you use rules and logic to stock store shelves a certain way so that customers buy all of the items, and one where you train a rabbit to perform an act for the circus. Oh, and there's also some horse riding in the game. And that's not all, as a new puzzle will be released every day for a year from launch day. Talk about replay value.
Bringing together the whole package is the use of three-dimensional graphics, which is a first for the series. It's one of the first games that I can play with the 3D slider all the way up for extended periods of time — it looks that good! Everything pops, from the hand-painted backgrounds, to the cute animation of the characters, to text boxes. Puzzles look better. Investigating and zooming in on environments look better. Simply put: the 3D makes the game pop and come to life. Add in whimsical music and voice acting that bring the characters to life, and you have quite the charming package.
The adventurous prequel story about Monte d'Or and its mysteries and chaos, as well as a young Professor Layton's friends, are quite captivating — even if it does take a while to ramp up. Combine that with the sheer amount of puzzles and mini-games, you're guaranteed at least 13 hours to complete the main story. For completionists, though, you'll be able to dump a lot more time into the game. The only negative is that at times I felt bogged down by the amount of things I can do, and I constantly felt the need to investiage and re-investigate the same area every time I entered it.
For newcomers and Professor Layton vets alike, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a remarkable puzzle game with an adventurous story set in a charming world. Everything pops with the 3D, and while changes to world exploration might take a bit to get used to, it doesn't hamper the game in any way. All this comes together to provide one of the best experiences on the 3DS and a must-have for fans of puzzle games.
You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com
That near-miss of brilliance gave me hope that Silent Hill: Revelation would right the wrongs of the original. After all, it wouldn't take much more than tossing out the script and letting the atmosphere speak for itself. Unfortunately, the creators of Silent Hill: Revelations didn't take fan opinion to heart. Instead, they repeated the same mistakes again with half the adherence to what makes Silent Hill special and twice as much wooden exposition.
The revelation here may be the bit of revisionist history that allows Sharon, the girl from the first film, to return to her father Christopher (Sean Bean). Years later, the two are on the run from cultists. They regularly move to new towns and change their names, giving Revelations an opportunity to name drop characters from Silent Hill 3 (the game). Now known as Heather and Harry, the pair can't outrun the cultists, eventually finding their way back to Silent Hill.
Along for the ride is Jon Snow...er, Vincent (played by Game of Thrones star Kit Harington), a boy from school who offers to help Heather return to Silent Hill. Of course he wouldn't be there without some secrets of his own, and his particular revelation is pretty much the turning point for any hope that this film will be any good.
Once again Silent Hill: Revelation is thick with explanations for all the madness that doesn't need explaining. And once again, the delivery of all this unnecessary info is as stilted as ever. The actors, almost all born outside of the United States, can't even be bothered to keep their accents in check. Sean Bean in particular dips into his native accent off and on throughout his scenes. As the revelations keep coming in the form of actors who seem too good for this film (Malcolm McDowell and Carrie-Anne Moss), it becomes clear that the terrible acting wasn't anyone's fault but those behind the camera.
At it's best, Silent Hill: Revelation is all about the creatures, but even then it falls pitifully short. Pyramid Head makes his return of course, but this time he's less terrifying and more fan service, pitted against another creature in an idiotic battle resembled Voldo and Nightmare duking it out in Soul Calibur. The creepy/sexy nurses also make a return, once again showing the creators' utter failure to understand what Silent Hill was about. After all, the nurses in Silent Hill 2 (the game) were manifestations of the main character's repressed sexual desires (yep), and in Revelations they're kinda just there.
Well before the end you'll probably find yourself fed up with the story and desensitized to the horror elements. That the central conflict of Revelations is solved with little more than an incredibly dramatic hug is just icing on a terrible cake. What I was left with was a very different nightmare than I hoped for: that I was looking at the next game-turned-movie-series to follow in the footsteps of Resident Evil. Now that's some scary stuff.
You play as Weiss, a dude suffering from a nasty case of amnesia after slaying a raging god. Unfortunately, killing such a powerful being comes with a price. The world is pretty much ending at this point, and it's up to Weiss to fix the problem. The story starts off fairly okay, but then it just spirals into a convoluted mess of long-drawn out character interactions and long-winded dialogue sequences. Seriously, there's a lot of spoken dialogue in Agarest War 2 (all of it in Japanese), so be prepared for that. I made the mistake of playing this game late at night a few times, and I had to stand up off my chair so I wouldn't nod off. It's not that the story isn't slightly interesting, because it is at times. The problem is that there's way too much talking and not enough action.
This line of dialogue was preceded and followed by several walls of text.
Where Agarest War 2 shines most is in its battle mechanics. The game takes an interesting approach to tactical RPG gameplay, giving Weiss and the party of characters he meets along the way plenty of methods for attacking enemies. While engaged in battle, you can press one of the four main face buttons to initiate some offense. Before you can really dish out the punishment, you need to break your aggressor's guard. After you do so, you have several options such as continuing the same attack, juggling your enemy in the air, and perform powered up combos. The battle system in Agarest War 2 is definitely engaging and highly satisfying. That's why it's a shame that the story bits get in the way.
Progression consists of traveling between towns and dungeons. Along the way you'll be thrust into several random encounters. A lot of folks have reportedly had an issue with this because all of the randomized battles can become a nuisance. Personally, however, I wasn't bothered too much because I felt that these battles kept my party at a consistently decent level whenever I encountered stronger enemies in dungeons.
When Agarest War 2 isn't talking you to death or providing you with bits of rewarding combat, it tasks you with maintaining relationships. Characters in your party will frequently talk to you, asking you questions along the way that will either improve or hinder your relationships. You can't please everyone, though, and your responses have a direct impact on your bonds with people. Additionally, Agarest War 2 throws some dating sim elements at you. The female characters you encounter on your journey play a major role in the game's story as you're essentially trying to woo them as part of the whole "save humanity" deal.
At least battles are interesting.
It's not all conversations, though. Agarest War 2 features some sexy interactive mini-games. Without spoiling too much, there are sequences where you'll have to give the ladies a massage using various oils (and sometimes even ice cream). You follow that up with cleaning the characters up (cleaning 'em up good!), and you can even use the Move controller if you want. You know, anything to put that blasted peripheral to use.
Agarest War 2 takes place across several generations, which means you get to play as a variety of characters with different personalities. It's fun seeing the world unfold and different character interactions shaping the countless bonds you'll form. Unfortunately, it all goes back to the dialogue, which is constantly overbearing and can get ridiculously tiresome. I almost feel as though the developers should have toned it down on all the talking, because that's seriously the main aspect that kept me from enjoying Agarest War 2 as much as I could have. And while you can skip story sequences, doing so means you're pretty much playing a story-less RPG and missing some pivotal plot details.
Visually, Agarest War 2 is pretty boring. While I can appreciate the anime-esque character models, it bothers me that these games are still relying so heavily on static backgrounds and characters that move ever so slightly while conversing. Damn it, add some more cutscenes to your games, JRPG developers! The overworld and battle screens are equally unimpressive. I definitely dig the stocky, cartoony look that the characters sport during these instances, but their surroundings are just plain drab and absolutely dull to look at.
Hahaha!
As far as sound design is concerned, Agarest 2 is fairly underwhelming in this department, too. There are no grand themes, and the soundtrack is just there to provide you with music to play the game along to. There's nothing that really stands out about it. As previously stated, the game features Japanese language voice-overs, so prepare to do a lot of reading if you don't know the language and want to understand the story. I suppose that's better than having to listen to horribly dubbed English voice work.
Agarest War 2 is a game for JRPG nuts. This title will not appeal to causal fans of the genre because too many flaws hamper the experience. For as interesting as the combat and relationship systems may be, there's an overabundant amount of dialogue that really interferes with the experience. Agarest War 2 is also too messy as far as its presentation is concerned. If you can ignore its glaring flaws, this RPG may provide you with some reasonable entertainment. Just don't expect anything too compelling.
Oh yeah, there's also this. Seriously, what the hell, you guys?!
For a bunch of indie game and burrito talk, follow @thesanchezdavid on Twitter.
First off, the game is visually impressive. In all fighting games, framerate is very important, and I only sparingly experienced a slight hiccup. The animations are all smooth and shifting from one combo into another is visually satisfying. Character models are beautiful for the entire roster of over 50 characters. Stages, which span the world — from the enchanted North Pole with tons of Santas to a creepy swamp of purple goo that covers your fighter — each brings a different atmosphere.
Now that you know the game looks pretty, what are your options for play? Of course there's online and offline, and I spent all of my time offline. As 'Tag' is in the title, the fighting revolves around 2v2 matches that have you swapping between two fighters. Let me tell you, you can pull of some really cool combos and juggle your opponents once you become well-versed in the game. You can also do 2v1, 1v2, and 1v1. These variations are available for play against both human and computer opponents. Four players are also able to play 2v2, which is a welcome bonus when all of your friends are over. There's also the timed attack, survival and practice mode, all of which add some variety.
If you've never played a Tekken game, there are two punch buttons, two kick button, multiple combos and grapples. That's the basic gist of it, but you can unleash so much more than what you think. I'm still discovering new, cool combos and moves with characters, and with 50 characters, there's a lot to learn. For each of the 50 characters, there is an ending movie that you unlock at the end of arcade mode. They're not long, but they're often humorous and each character has their own.
The main problem I find with Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is that it's one of the most exhilarating and fun fighting games when playing with other people, but it gets frustrating when playing solo. I'm basing this off of Arcade mode. I feel like the whole game teaches you to play a certain way. But then you get to the bosses and the game changes drastically. The difficulty ramps up significantly, to the point where I couldn't tell the difference between playing on easy, medium or ultra hard. Bosses start using special moves that feel out of place, with abilities that brings one of your fighters down to no health in one hit. Pro fighters probably fair a lot better, for for gamers like me that hold their own in fighting games, I feel the game just gets out of hand.
I mean, I played against a friend that regularly wins fighting game tournaments, and I won half the games. Yet it took me quite a while to beat the final boss... to the point where I felt like breaking things in the room. I couldn't imagine having to go through this 50 times. This is why I feel Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is an entirely different game when played against humans. I don't know — maybe it's just me.
Lastly, a huge addition to the game is the Fight Lab. Acting as part story mode, part training, it's a great mode for newbies and veterans alike. While teaching you the ins and outs of Tekken's combat, you play as Combot and experience the story around him. There's some sexism and back and forth jokes made between the inventor of Combot and his assistant, which are pretty funny. It adds a nice element to the standard training mode that some fighting games have. And it's all definitely goofy. You also earn money the more you play, which lets you customize Combot with fighting moves from the entire Tekken Tag Tournament 2 roster. You also earn these coins playing other modes, like as you play through Arcade mode. With this, you can also customize the appearance of fighters by buying different hair and articles of clothing. It's just a way to customize the characters to look the way you like. I have a funny feeling that most of the female characters are going to end up barely clothed in a lot of male's games.
After my time with Tekken Tag Tournament 2, I feel that it's a strong fighting game that has the basics down pat and does a ton right. When playing against other people, the fighting is both calculated and ferocious, sure to illicit cheers from people watching. I definitely see how the game will fair in pro play. And while the Fight Lab is great for both story and getting players used to the game, I feel that Arcade mode ends up unbalanced towards the end — which is a bit of a turn off. Even with those problems, this is one of the prime fighting games you can pick up, and I recommend that you do so.
[Reviewed on Xbox 360]
You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ
While the aforementioned extras are all nice additions to the multiplayer experience in Max Payne 3, it's the new maps that really make the DLC. Local Justice includes three maps: Imperial Palace, 55th Battalion HQ, and Departure Lounge. These three areas are taken straight from the last few chapters in the game, and they're absolutely incredible. Imperial Palace is a massive rundown hotel. The map consists of crumbling walls and piles of debris. There's plenty of cover to be found and high areas for picking off enemies from a distance.
Easily the most complex map of the three, 55th Battalion HQ is a huge collection of maze-like rooms, twists and turns, open spaces, and walls perfect for getting cover and ambushing your enemies. Combat in this map can drastically vary depending on what area you're in. For example, being in the jail often results in players engaging in melee attacks and close quarters combat. But when you get to the more open areas, there's no option other than letting loose with your best guns. It should be noted that 55th Battalion HQ is the only Local Justice map that supports Gang Wars mode, and it's damn near perfect for the objective-based component.
Last is the sprawling Departure Lounge. This map offers a bit of what the two previous areas feature. There are a lot of tight spaces, high areas, small rooms, and a massive central zone. Departure Lounge is a huge, multi-level map that's just plain fun. There's plenty of cover for high-pressure shootouts and ambush spots for sneakier players.
It's difficult for me to choose a favorite among the three new maps. The fact of the matter is that each new area offers something special and rewarding for fans of Max Payne 3 multiplayer. Imperial Palace, 55th Battalion HQ, and Departure Lounge have some noticeable similarities in terms of their features, but they're vastly different as far as structure and design are concerned.
As much fun as the three new maps may be, it should be noted that there are some hindrances. It's not that the levels themselves are limited, but getting to them can be. During the pre-match voting sequence, almost everyone is still always voting for Branco HQ. It makes sense that people love that map because it's so well designed, but come on, people! Give the new maps a chance, too! I mean, you paid money for them, damn it! Despite that minor gripe, if you really want to engage in some multiplayer fun on the new maps, there's a DLC option that lets you play randomized modes on the downloaded stages, so they're not entirely out of reach.
Local Justice sports a $7.99 price tag. For three maps, an item, and a gun, that can be a bit pricey, so I would highly recommend you shell out the $29.99 for the Rockstar Pass if you intend on sticking with the multiplayer in Max Payne 3 for a long time. At least that way you'll be sure to snag the follow-up content automatically once it launches.
Ultimately, the Local Justice Pack is for people who want more Max Payne 3 multiplayer. For those people, it's definitely one hell of a content boost. While the extra items and faction are good extras, the three new maps are the shining additions and are definitely worth paying money for. Max Payne 3's online multiplayer component just got even more addictive.
[Reviewed on PlayStation 3]
For a bunch of nonsensical gibberish, follow @thesanchezdavid on Twitter.
Dead Island takes place on the island of Banoi, which is suddenly struck with a zombie outbreak. You play as one of four characters who are stranded on the tropical deathtrap. Your character is immune to the virus, so because of that, the other survivors on the island think it's best to just send you out to do their dirty work, run their errands, and scavenge for supplies. Hey, makes sense, right? I know I'd be sending out the guy who won't turn into a zombie if he gets bitten. Unfortunately, the story is largely uninteresting, and the characters aren't very likable. There are a few interesting moments, but overall, you shouldn't go into Dead Island expecting some gripping tale.
The bulk of what you'll be doing on the island of Banoi is looting and, obviously, killing hordes of zombies. Combat is satisfying and brutal, and I can't stress enough how good it felt using a nail hammer to bash a zombie's face in. Weapons are an integral part of survival in Dead Island, and throughout the course of your quest for survival you come across everything from flimsy wooden paddles to powerful machetes. Along your journey you come across different weapon mods, and by combining seemingly useless items you've looted (duct tape, wire) with some of the sturdier weapons you come across, you can create something as impressive as a nail bat or an electric crowbar.
As much as I enjoyed the idea of the crafting system in Dead Island, there were a few times where I would create a powerful weapon only to come across an unaltered mace or machete that was much stronger and more durable than what I had concocted. Speaking of durability, that's one of the elements that shines in Dead Island. You can't just create a weapon of mass destruction and breeze through the game. The more you use a weapon, the more of its durability you expend. You can fix up your items at workbenches, but you need to be mindful of their condition as you go on quests, which is absolutely brilliant because it keeps combat interesting.
The most fun I had in Dead Island was during the first few hours. Collecting weaker weapons and having to dish out punishment to take out zombies was a lot more satisfying than simply severing their heads off with the modified ripper weapon, which features spinning blades and looks really cool. Personally, I like the fight, and having to work for survival was more intense. Aside from that, encountering human antagonists was also remarkable, as these bouts featured some heavy gunplay that required patience and a steady trigger finger. Additionally, the RPG elements that allow you to level up and enhance different skill trees add a nice touch to the experience. And for gamers who want to play alongside others, Dead Island's co-op is still intact here.
The Game of the Year Edition features all of the cool gameplay that was released last year in the main game, warts and all, but it also fixes the glaring bugs and features some neat DLC extras. The aforementioned ripper mod, for example, was originally released as an add-on, and now it comes bundled with this edition of Dead Island. There's also the Bloodbath Arena, which is a new area that allows you to take on hordes of zombies and hack your way up a few levels. It's not the most amazing distraction, but it can be fun when played with others.
The most notable inclusion in the Game of the Year Edition is the Ryder White Campaign. This DLC will take you roughly three hours to get through and offers a different perspective on the tale of Dead Island. That said, because the story in the base game was never that enthralling to begin with, it's hard to care about the plot here. Still, the Ryder White Campaign does feature a lot of awesome shootouts. There were also a few cheap moments where gangs of running zombies ambushed me, and as you can probably guess, those sequences weren't very fun ... unless I had an assault rifle to mow 'em all down.
Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition is a nice package for gamers who want to destroy legions of undead monsters. Is it worthy of the title Game of the Year? That's debatable. But at $30, it's tough to pass this game up. You get a 20-hour main campaign rife with side quests and fun albeit flawed gameplay, a powerful weapon mod, an arena where you can level up and kill even more zombies, and a brief add-on campaign. At the end of the day, Dead Island is a really fun time, and you should definitely check it out if you've got that zombie huntin' itch.
[Reviewed on PlayStation 3]
For a bunch of nonsensical gibberish, follow @thesanchezdavid on Twitter.
