Skyrim Review Teaser

Here is a short little video I threw together. The reivew should be done by the end of the week, if not by late Sunday. It's a ton of stuff to cover...and the only thing I am upset about is the fact I have to STOP playing the game so I can finish the review. If you have yet to get your copy of Skyrim, I highy suggest stopping what you are doing, and getting it.

DBZ Ultimate Tenkaichi: Review (Written By Andrew Donahue)

Well I haven’t beaten DBZ Ultimate Tenkaichi yet…I think it’s safe to say how I feel about it as a game...

The main story is regrettably shitty in comparison to other DBZ games. It skips a lot and leaves the details to be filled in by a slow scroll reading that’s supposed to tell you what’s not said in episode shorts or in fights…which pushes your patience. Story Mode gets right to the important fights and ignores the petty battles (ex. Everything before the Goku vs Majin Vageta fight in Buu Saga...which is like a quarter of the whole show). They will keep the show fresh on your mind with cut scenes of battle dialogue like Vegeta's assualt on Earth during the Saiyan Saga or during the Cell Games when Teen Gohan threatens Cell not to awaken his hidden power. Overall, Story Mode may appear a bit disappointing.

That said though the "Hero Story" is actually quite impressive. Unlike in the other games, this mode throws you in as the Saiyan Warrior to save the earth, but in a parallel universe. The Earth has been thrown into chaos by the use of the Dragon Balls (a shocker, right?) and it’s up to you to return the world into order. Giving you: epic battles to fight, training by your favorite DBZ fighters, and actual fighting statistics as you progress...by the end you’re wanting more.

Like other recent DBZ games, personal customization comes into consideration. As you train you learn moves from your Master as well as skill increases, which come in handy for skill sets in regular battle mode. Also, keep an eye out for finding character editing items (like clothing/hairstyles) and Dragon Balls lying around as you scout the planet going to fight location to fight location.

Let’s face it, DBZ isn’t designed as an RPG…it’s simply a fighting game as the makers have always intended it to be. At first I was thrown off on the idea of two separate gauges, Spirit gauge for specials, and the usual Ki gauge for everything else...but as you play you grasp the concept when they throw in last minute options on countering opponents’ special attacks. Mostly the Full Ki gauge is used to intercept (ex. Energy blast vs. Energy blast) Half for Evade and partial for a Block. Now before you ask "Why does any of that matter when I can just out run the attack or stay out of range of the rush?”…well unlike the other games you can’t outrun the special moves anymore. As crazy as that may seem, think about it for a second...

How often has Goku misfired a Kamehameha or has he not faced an attack head on? These fighters are pro's, give them credit they deserve and face the challenge. Word of advice, soon as you understand how to play DO NOT jump into a World Tournament and set the CPU to the hardest setting like I did...CPU AI has jumped a notch and they will crush you given any opportunity. If you don’t act before they do you may find yourself in a constant struggle to take control of what may inevitably be a lost battle.







This DBZ leaves me questioning whether it’s a Good or just Okay, the lack of fighters (good or bad however you see it *cough* no Hercule *cough*) the straight forward story lines or the Custom Character and unique game play makes it a tough decision, however (in my opinion) I’m glad to have a DBZ game that can kick my ass, or a least make me break a sweat trying.

Top Ten: Scariest Video Game Characters

To get in the spirt of Halloween, I have been playing several horror titles. While not all the metioned characters are from a "horror" title, they bugged me enough to make the list...

#10)Deathclaws

Don't let the "Come give me a hug" pose fool you...

There is nothing like wandering through the wastelands only to encounter one of these. Mean, fast, and have way too much health, the Deathclaw is more than a formidable opponent for anyone who thinks they are a true badass of the wasteland.

#9)Chainsaw Guy (RE4)

"You Are Dead...Again...Damnit..."

This psycho is the reason I cringe when I hear a chainsaw. The insane laugh…the constant running he will make you do…hell, even the way he looks kind of bothers me. If you have ever had to encounter this guy, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. He alone is the reason I seen the “you are dead” screen at all in this title. Well, that and missing some button prompts...damn short attention span. 

#8)Witches (L4D 1&2)

After comparing the two, she may be related to #10

We have all been there…you’re playing L4D with some buddies and then you hear it. The sobbing…and believe me, nothing is guaranteed to make you stop dead in your tracks like hearing the Witch. She is a great addition to this series and adds a whole new type of “uh oh” factor to the zombie hack and slash genera. Not always do they remain stationary…these ghouls will wander around boo-whoing about whatever the hell upset them. Someone has to take care of her eventually in your group…and no one…I repeat, NO ONE…wants to disturb the Witch. Unless getting slashed to death while your buddies laugh at you for being the moron to disturb her is your idea of how you want to go out.

#7)Lickers (from the Resident Evil series)

Fun Fact: If you play with Lickatongue enough, he evolves into this...

Many a time I would find myself shooting two or three of these nimble creatures at once in hopes they would not come any closer to me than they already have. Seriously, the giant mean kitty/bunny thing with sharp teeth is a frightening sight…especially when they decide to swarm you in numbers.

#6)The Flood (from Halo)

So would you consider this a zombie of sorts?

I seriously though the first title in the Halo series was an action survival horror, simply because these guys are something else to look at. Not only are the creepy, but like the Lickers mentioned before, they have numbers…lots…and lots…of numbers. I can remember sitting in my room not wanting to continue for fear of being ambushed by a whole army of these guys that could be lurking around a corner.

#5)Pyramid Head (Silent Hill 2)

...ok, seriously...wtf can you say about this picture?

Very few things in games disturb me…this guy however, is beyond terrifying. Wielding a blade that looks like something from a Final Fantasy game and being that he is just creepy in general ; Pyramid Head earns his spot without having to do too much…other than exist.

#4)Necromorphs (Dead Space 1&2)

Kids, this is why we brush...

…*shivers*…Other than obviously needing some serious dental work, these guys are rather terrifying. Whether a plain Necromorph, or the Slasher Necromorph, these guys will keep you on your toes and hoping the game ends soon. You can in fact scream in space and people will hear you. Just ask anyone who has sat with me while I’ve played this title. You can also cuss at the TV, throw controllers, and sit on the pause screen hoping the Necromorphs will disappear while in space. Essentially, these guys are the Flood from Halo…on steroids.

#3)Iron Maiden (RE4)

Pinheads brother never mentioned in the movies?

I think I would rather run into the Chainsaw guy than this creature. Literally the first words out of my mouth anytime I seen the Iron Maiden was “oh shit, oh shit, oh shit…” while frantically trying to put as much space between the creature and I as I could.

#2)Ghosts (Fatal Frame 1 &2)

Yeah...soooooo, I notice you have a wound...or two. Also, hate to startle you...but um...you're dead.

Fatal Frame is a lesser known title I have come to find out…which is a shame. This title ranks as frightening, if not, more so than Silent Hill. When the only thing you have to defend yourself with is a camera, you would be surprised how helpless you feel. There are images in this game I still wish I could wipe out of my mind.

#1)Nurses (Silent Hill series)

Nurse outfit: Hot
Nurse outfit in Silent Hill: Run the other way.

Ok seriously, just look at them. I have nothing else to say about these creepy monsters. They’re scary down to even the way they walk (that jerking motion like on the Grudge). ..and they always seem to make a comeback in the series. I would honestly pee my pants if I ever seen anything like this in realy life.

Happy Halloween!

Be sure to check out the JtGG Halloween Special:Part One!

Uploading begins tonight and should be availble to view by late tonight

or early tomorrow!

Rage: Video Review

This is my first in a long line of many video reviews to come! Written ones will still be posted, however it's nice to take a break and do some video editing. Hope you guys enjoy!

Battlefield 3: Beta (Written by Robert Smith)

       I don't consider myself the kind to jump bandwagons.  I generally don't interact with wagons in any way that might make anyone uncomfortable.  In this spirit, I will admit to two things; I largely ignored the Battlefield series before the first Bad Company installment…and I adored Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.  When Modern Warfare 2 launched, I was making my transition back to PC gaming.  Needless to say…some wounds don't heal easy.  Bad Company 2 did quite a bit to patch up the sore spots MW2 left, and if the recently released beta is any indication, Battlefield 3 may be a new convert's long-awaited reward.

      The recent months have seen their fair share of grumbling over EA's new Origin service, so it wasn't much of a surprise when EA announced that Battlefield 3 would require Origin to run.  It was a pleasant surprise to see that Battlefield 3's Battlelog website takes a large chunk of the interface away from origin and puts it in your browser of choice.  This is both a refreshing new direction for the interface and an unfamiliar landscape for gamers comfortable with the typical in-game menu.  The ability to surf the web while waiting for a server is surprisingly liberating, to the point that it feels like you're doing something wrong.  You're not. Embrace it. 
      The Battlelog service itself is thorough enough, even in Beta.  The server browser doesn't introduce any groundbreaking new features, but it's seamless and easy to navigate - a far cry from the olden days of in-browser server lobbies.  The server list integrates nicely with the rest of the features of Battlelog, including the player profile which tracks stats across both PC and consoles and shows up-to-date scoring and unlockable progress, as well as introducing Platoons which feature a surprisingly sophisticated Emblem creator, and personalized pages.  Tie it all up with a comprehensive friends list that allows for browser-based voice chat and a clever party/invite system, and the uneasiness I felt when first trying the system soon fades.  Now if we could figure out what the hell Gravatar is and why we should care, we'll be golden.
      The game itself is, at its core, a Battlefield game. A few minor introductions serve to keep the experience fresh for returning fans, however.  Jumping straight from Bad Company 2 into Battlefield 3 is not as flawless a conversion as you might expect, and the new class names and revamped Equipment/Specialty trees take a few rounds to get comfortable with.  The separate teams each have different starting kits, and some unlockables are specific to one side's weapon of choice.  The menu system between spawns and rounds is familiar, but oddly lacking, though whether this is strictly for Beta remains to be seen - needless to say if I have to wait until after I spawn to change my key bindings in the final release, someone has some explaining to do.
      The core gameplay, however, shines like a beacon.  Weapons are punchier and more tactile than ever, and the movement does a great deal to bring you into the game.  The terrain-vault animation, which automatically reacts to a player jumping over a low obstacle, adds a surprising element to the feel of movement without actually adding anything. It gives a sense of fluid motion without really slowing you down, and the fact that it requires no specific key to perform makes it seamless and exhilarating.  The new firing position, where three separate buttons denote Hold-to-crouch, toggle crouch, and toggle prone add a new level of maneuverability to top it all off.  Knife kills are animated now, and grisly fun to pull off.  Little else has changed, fortunately.  Rush and Conquest are still the modes of choice, and the standard rules apply for each.  The maps are as expansive and complex as ever, as well - a fact that becomes painfully aware after your millionth death while trying to sort out your position. Though I didn't get a chance to peruse the password-locked Caspian Border map, vehicles seem to operate largely the same as before, and the maps that support them are vast and gorgeous.

Remember, this is Battlefield.  Plan your approach, use cover, and AIM.

       The level of detail in the entire game is designed to bring the player into the action, and Battlefield 3 does this better than most games in the last few years without even seeming to try.  Little things like the slight tilt of a zoomed-in sniper scope while looking around, and watching your character reach to flick up a bipod when you go prone are subtle but intense nudges.  The sound hits like a jackhammer.  Every round you fire is crisp and distinct, and incoming fire is more intense than anything since Saving Private Ryan.  Visuals are breathtaking, even on the lowest settings, and the physics are a cut above. The first time an explosive bowed nearby trees and sent them swaying, I was hooked.
      There was some concern about mid-range PC's being able to support the game's impressive graphics, and the beta has given many a chance to finally see if their kits were up to the challenge.  I recently upgraded my own PC in preparation for this Fall's lineup, and with my GPU (a GeForce GTX560Ti) I was concerned about how far I would be forced to lower the settings to get a decent framerate.  Surprisingly, the game runs incredibly well on the default “High” settings with my kit. Even shy of the “Ultra” settings, textures are reach-out-and-touch-it detailed, fires are as realistic we've ever seen them in-game, and particles drift lazily through the air in the dusty tunnels of Operation Metro.  Step out into the more demanding sunlight, and the entire world opens up.  The lighting is top-notch, and the environments are crisp and very much alive, and the game doesn't suffer for it at all.  It doesn't seem too much of a stretch to guess that even players with lower-end PC's will be able enjoy a fair amount of detail from a game this beautiful.



High-detail smoke and particles make these moments all the more intense.


       I decided try out Beta on the Xbox 360, since low-res YouTube videos didn't show much graphic difference, and the drop in quality is staggering.  Textures are dull and plastic-looking, and details take time to buffer, creating a noticeable break in the ambiance.  I regret to inform our console-centric friends that the visuals they're getting?  Yea, that's not the real Battlefield 3.
      While there are still some bugs to work out before the end of the month (at least we're not falling through the ground anymore,) and a few features that are noticeably absent or awkward, the beta has been a surprisingly solid play experience overall.  Battlefield 3 looks to be an uncompromisingly artful shooter - complex and unforgiving enough for the precise franchise die-hard, but accessible enough for any recent refugee from the Call of Duty series.  Be Advised: 10.25 can't come soon enough.



Small Amounts of Fail: Episode 1 (Explicit)

So this is more or less an experiment in some other fillers between written and video reviews. I will only keep making these if the response is good enough from you guys and gals. Currently in the works is: Rage the Video Review, A Halloween Special, and much more. Keep checking back to see whats happening, and like the James the Game Geek page on Facebook to keep up with the latest news. Thanks for all the support and enjoy me screaming like a little girl in this first installment of Small Amounts of Fail.

(Preview) Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Title: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land

Release Date: 11/27/11

Developer: HAL Laboratory

The Kirby franchise has been a staple in Nintendo gamers’ libraries since the first release of Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992. This pink ball of fury has time after time saved his planet (Pop Star) from foes who always fall short of being able to topple him. With the new installment right around the corner, and the Wii slowly burning out and making way for the Wii U; what could this Kirby offer that others have not? Is it possible that this installment can stand up to the praise of the last title “Kirby’s Epic Yarn”?

Kirby makng his way through baddies with a cannon

Oddly enough, this title isn’t something brand new. Development on the game (originally intended for the Game Cube) was announced at E3 in September of 2005, and since was put on the back burner. Six years later it has developed into a 2.5D (that’s 3D but rendered in the side scroll perspective, similar to Kirby 64) action packed adventure starring everyone’s favorite pink blob, and with him: King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee. This is actually the first title in the series to get an E10 rating (Getting a little darker Kirby?). The premise of the game is to help an alien named Magolor, whose spaceship (The Lor Starcutter) has crashed and landed on the planet Pop Star. Kirby being the good citizen he is once again decides to help someone in need and you must collect pieces of his spaceship that are scattered throughout the planet. Though a new title, the same classic Kirby style has been retained and looks to keep the core mechanics of the game play intact.

So many inappropriate comments...so little time.

 Kirby still can inhale for an endless amount of time sucking in enemies and copying their abilities to use against other baddies, and to unlock certain areas previously undiscoverable without them. Added to this mechanic is the “Super Ability” that enhances the power tenfold. For instance, Kirby may have inhaled a cutter enemy…well when the super ability comes into play, he can transform the boomerang like object he throws into a giant weapon and destroy all enemies and objects on screen. This power lasts for a limited amount of time (represented by a rainbow colored bar); however you can use it as many times as you want in the span.  Several of these super abilities are available, keeping the game fresh as you progress through the levels.

I wonder if Nintendo sits around wondering "What is the most adorable way we can kill enemies?"

Kirby Return to Dream Land also features a co-op drop in drop out feature similar to that of the recent Mario Brothers title (So when your friend ends up being totally useless, you can boot them or have them leave the game until you feel they understand how much they suck). While the drop in characters (King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee) can’t copy abilities like Kirby, each one brings something to the table as far as attacking. King Dedede has his signature hammer, while Meta Knight has his sword (Duh...). Waddle Dee has a unique spear which he can jab at enemies, or throw at them. He can also twirl the spear above his head giving him the ability to hover for a brief period of time. Meta Knight can use his wings to hover as well, and King Dedede can float like Kirby by inhaling a stomach full of air to stay afloat (however, as with all the side scrolling games in this franchise, the ability to hover/float can only be used for a limited amount of time). Kirby also has the ability to inhale his friends and shoot them at enemies as deminstrated in the trailer for the game.

From Top: Meta Knight, Kirby, Waddle Dee, King Dedede

If playing with one of these characters doesn’t float your boat...or one of your friends is whining and just has to be Kirby, you can alternately play as a different color Kirby (similar to the ones in Kirby & the Amazing Mirror). Other players can join a game in progress at any time; however it will cost Kirby (Player 1) one life. When another player drops in, the character chosen appears next to Kirby. Should any of the other players get stuck, or end up far behind others, they will be beamed up to the closest player (Similar to Kirby Super Star…in my opinion one of the best titles in the series).

Kirby makes his boys handle his dirty work...like a boss.

In what seems to be a great title for the Wii’s final days, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land looks like a stunning addition to the series. Though few things new have been added, the appreciation to keep a game the way gamers remember and love doesn’t go unnoticed. HAL Laboratories has been on the Kirby franchise for the last 20 years, and have not let fans down yet. Look for this title to be hitting shelves this November, and gather up some friends for some platforming action with one of Nintendo’s classic stars.

James The Game Geek Intro Video

Hey guys! Here is the intro video I have been working on. It's the full length version, so its longer than what will be on the actual review videos. Also, if viewing this on a phone, it may be blurry...its best to view it from a PC (or Mac...before someone complains that I didn't mention it...). The amount of support I'm getting is wonderful, and I want to thank everyone who is keeping up with this. I'm not sure how I could ever repay all of you, however if I manage to think of a way I will surely do it. Keep checking back and be ready for the first video review soon!

Duke Nukem Forever: Review

Pros: Very reminiscent of the old Duke, Pop culture references in huge doses

Cons: Not polished, clunky controls, repetitious
 

In the realm of FPS games, Duke Nukem Forever doesn’t really stand out at first glance. The mind numbing experience provided by hours of mercilessly pummeling foe after foe does in fact have a payoff of a different kind however. Humorous one liners and tacky humor run rampant in this series, and Gearbox & Piranha Games didn’t skimp on it in this installment to the franchise. Duke Nukem Forever has been blasted and praised simultaneously causing mixed reviews amongst consumers who waited 15 years to see Duke make his comeback. Was it worth the wait? Is the game as bad as everyone made it out to be? Did Duke ever get more bubblegum?

Ahhh...good old Duke.

Game play: 7.5

Those aliens are at it again…when will they learn that it’s never a wise idea to steal Dukes babes? The game begins at the last level of Duke Nukem 3D and pits you against the final boss (ahhh…memories…). Once the game truly begins (after the very clever introduction and control tutorial) Duke once again has to save the planet one alien death at a time. Duke’s shield in this title is represented by an “Ego Meter” that depletes once so much damage is taken and leaves him venerable to massive amounts of damage. You can increase this meter by doing only things that Duke would do…(checking yourself out in a mirror, lifting weights in your personal gym…amongst other subtle/tacky things). To increase your strength, Duke will take some steroids (Or as he explains to a child fan “Vitamins”) which will allow you to destroy any foe in your path with your fists. However this takes a backseat to good old Duke shoot’em up action.

Duke is given an insane variety of guns (not comparable to Borderlands, but a considerable amount none the less). With the given arsenal that contains, but is not limited to: Shotgun’s, RPG’s, Mini-guns, Pistols, Alien Rifle’s, Etc. You have a variety of ways to dispatch your foes which keeps the game fresh enough that it masks the pain of redundancy brought on by what feels like the same situations over and over again. In true old school FPS fashion, you weasel in and out of tight spots where close quarter combat is essential, and long stretches filled with numerous adversaries only to reach a stage boss which takes nothing more than a considerable amount of time to slay. The core of this game seems to be its hit and miss humor to help aid you through the heartache of ragdoll physics that are no more than an eyesore to watch, levels that seem at times too cluttered with random objects and baddies, countless moments where you question your sanity in purchasing the game, and frustrating rage quits brought on by making a simple mistake that is guaranteed every time to result in a costly replacement of a keyboard of controller. Pop culture references are strewn about and classic phrases are brought back which once again is only enough to get by. I found myself only wanting to get through parts just so I could hear what Duke phrase was next or what action he would take to humiliate a boss (such as when a considerably larger than Duke’s size boss is stunned, Duke proceeds to use his genitals as a punching bag). A cheap laugh is to be had in every level, though don’t expect any gut splitting humor.

One of the many times you will see this beautiful creatures.

Graphics: 6.8

Very little can be said about the graphics in DNF. The only part I was even remotely impressed with was some of the falling water effects inside the hotel at the beginning of the game. The guns have detail; however it’s nothing to gawk at by any stretch of the imagination. The game was created with the Unreal engine which has brought about some great games; however nothing impeccable stands out in this title. Some items in the game were given much more TLC than others as far as shading and shaping, and the more attention you pay to them, the more you will notice it. Overall not a ground breaking title in the graphics department…Sorry Duke.

Heads up...these guys do in fact teleport.

Controls: 6.0

The controls in DNF are clunky to say the least when compared to more up to date games such as the COD series or even Halo. When Duke aims his weapon, the camera seems to jerk in the direction designated by the analog stick (basically instead of a smooth pan, its rapid and quite bothersome). Another annoyance provided by the game is the gun zoom feature. This zoom is based off “Iron Sights” and upon zooming the view becomes fuzzy and a huge inconvenience. It’s not so bad for one or two enemies, however once a flood of baddies shows up, it becomes quite the hindrance and frustration will set in.

Honestly, who doesn't want to be this awesome?

Sound: 6.0

John St. John reprises his role as Duke, and it’s just as good as it was 15 years ago. Often I found myself wishing the gun shots and enemies taking damage was a tad less cartoon like…however that is Dukes style and is not to really be tampered with. The soundtrack is just ambient noise with a splash of rock music here and there; though odds are when you’re slaying alien scum you won’t be too focused on the music itself. Other characters have terrible voice acting and I loathed knowing someone was about to open their mouth and I was about to be forced to listen to their words. Don’t expect the best rock soundtrack to ever grace your ears when purchasing or renting this game…you will be sorely disappointed…also I stress that you should RENT the title.

*Salute*

Wrap up:

After purchasing a game that was under such scrutiny, I was almost ashamed. For a game that took 15 years to “Go Gold” (cleared for release), it seemed so unpolished and almost rushed just to get it out and off of the developers hands. That in itself almost adds to the beauty of this game though. At times a strong nostalgia is brought upon you while playing, or maybe a corny one liner that you know isn’t funny may make you crack a grin. This game is far from perfect when held up to today’s modern standards for FPS games…that said, you have to look at the other side of the coin as well. This game has switched development companies 3 times and each time a new team was brought on. Several mixed visions created this game, and it definitely shows, however at the fact that once again you take role as Duke Nukem almost makes the bad disappear. Is Duke Nukem Forever worth the buy? For hardcore fans, it’s a must have…however if you’re looking for a modern shooter full of wonderful graphics, flawless control and hours upon hours of game play that leaves you unable to sit the controller down, this is not the game for you.

Overall Rating: 6.5

 

Dead Island: Review (No Spoilers)

Pros: Fun sandbox style environment to walk around, unique twist on the zombie hack and slash genre

Cons: Voice acting is “hit and miss”, some slight bugs.

Welcome to the Isle of Banoi. A quaint slice of paradise off the coast of Papua New Guinea, and also home of the luxurious Palms Resort. Enjoy a swim in the beautiful ocean, or even walk the lavish beaches. Check out the night life as well! Palms Resort offers a night club you can visit to dance the night away! Enjoy all of these provided amenities at your own pace…and pay no mind to the flesh eating zombies that want nothing more than to tear you apart limb by limb. Did I mention Palms Resort has several pools? 

Ok...so maybe the you should stay away from the pools...



When I first seen the trailer for this game, I was in awe. A little girl captivated our hearts…and ruined a nice pricey glass window pane. This teaser was the buzz of the gaming community for quite some time, and rightfully so…as it is STUNNING to say the least. As I continued to follow this game reading articles and watching videos from gaming press conferences, I kept wondering if a game could live up to such hype in a market that is overly saturated in this genre...and the developers delivered. Dead Island manages to separate itself by adding several RPG elements to a game that not fully a FPS, nor a survival-horror title. To put it simply…If Borderlands and L4D had relations, Dead Island would be the sick & twisted baby to result from it.



Hardcore flashlight tag? Just add zombies.



The main 4 characters of the game awake at the Palm Resort hotel to a complete hell on earth. As you progress not to long after starting, you learn that your character (and the other 3) is immune to becoming infected. Sounds sweet right? WRONG. Guess what? Since you are immune, you get to be the errand boy/girl for everyone you encounter that may need something done. Whether it’s something important like gathering supplies, or trying to calm down a grown woman who is clearly psychotic and wanting her teddy bear that she left in her bungalow. However, Dead Island manages to give you enough of a variety of tasks to keep it from becoming too repetitive. Plus getting from point A to point B is a tad more fun when hordes of zombies wait around every turn. Corpses lying on the ground that appear to be dispatched may jump to life, or you may hear a call for help on the way to a location which can trigger a side quest (if you’re curious enough to venture to the location). With 4 unique character to choose from (each with their own perks), this also provides chances for you to take a different approach to the game when you play through a second time or join a friend.

(Below are the videos to each characters biography to give you an idea of who they are)

Logan's Story
Xian's Story
Sam's Story
Pruna's Story

Graphics: 8.5

Dead Island was designed using the Chrome Engine which was developed by Techland (another game to feature this engine most recently was Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood). The engine allows for smooth mapping and layers to be added to skeletal frames. What does all this mean? Each zombie has several layers of muscles and tissues to hack through so the damage shows in real time as it is inflicted. A well placed lob of an axe can take off limbs and cripple your adversary, or a slash can leave a gash on your foes face or whatever the case may be.  The Island itself is heavily detailed as flora covers the mainland and makes for a breath taking visual element. Somewhat of a “Beauty and the Beast” factor is in effect as you traverse the gorgeous island only to encounter mutilated undead roaming and waiting for the chance to devour you. This changes later on…however, without spoiling the game, not much more can be said.



Clearly he did not want to be groped



Controls: 8.7

The controls of Dead Island are pretty straight forward with nothing too insanely complicated or hindering to the point of aggravation while playing. The only real issue I had playing was I kept hitting start instead of select to bring up my inventory screen…however that may be because I’m retarded. It’s subject to debate either way. Since I lack anything really important to say about the controls, lets simply move on to the game play

Boy...would you just look at that water...

Game play: 9.1

Game play is where Dead Island shines brilliantly. In the genre of zombie games, its typical to just run around and shoot constantly, pick up ammo, “oh god it’s a boss!”, end level, repeat. What the developers at Techland have done is incorporate hack and slash with customizable weapons, FPS elements (though why use a gun when you have a bat covered in nails?), Melee combat styles and vehicle combat elements all while maintaining the RPG feeling. You are given missions or quests and gain EXP and sometimes new weapons by completing them and furthering your game progress. Once enough EXP is gained, you may level your character up which allows you to work with the games perk/skill tree system. When selecting a new skill or perk it adds onto your current stats and increases things such as accuarcy, damage done, etc.



View of the skill tree



Unlike most zombie games out, Dead Island also gives you a fatigue meter. With every slash, jump, and sprint, your characters meter will drop. You can also kick your foe back (which oddly enough doesn’t drain your meter…).  Once depleted, your character is prone to being knocked down (not a good thing when you’re facing 5 or 6 zombies at once). When knocked down, it takes precious time to stand back, all while baddies are closing in on you…and trust me, not one of them is coming at you with the intention of helping you back up. To regain the meter faster you can crouch (basically taking a knee) to have a breather. The tension created while doing all this and haphazardly dodging foes is nothing like any other zombie game on the market and definitely gives the game an edge.

Judo KICK!

 

Scavenging for supplies is another huge part of the game. Items you find in luggage bags or lying around can often be used to enhance or upgrade weapons. When taking an item however, it costs money. Luckily for you, the island is scattered with tons of cash that the former tourists will no longer need (for obvious reasons…) and building a little nest egg is no troubling task. Weapons are littered all over the Island and range from paddles, knives, sticks, bats, hammers…and many, many more. Guns are available; however don’t take comfort in the presence of them. When wielding a gun, the game takes more of an FPS sort of approach and leaves a little more to be desired, especially when fighting against other survivors (though after spending so much time slicing away at zombies and beating them with blunt objects, this is to be expected). Keeping an eye on your weapons durability is also a key tactical skill that will help you avoid any unnecessary weapon dilemmas. As you use the weapon, its condition will deteriorate till it’s relatively useless. Workbenches are also located throughout the game and provide the opportunity to repair weapons & upgrade them for a nominal fee. Electric machete? Yes please.



Might just be me...but if I was him, every time I swung this thing I would yell "Piiikkaaachuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!"



Sound: 7.5

Dead Island has a good ambiance as far as water crashing, skin slashing, and door ramming. The only issue I found was the voice acting was beyond terrible at times. However, the lack of decent voice acting hardly takes away from the enjoyment of the game itself. All in all, it’s by far not the worst game as far as sound goes.

Blood? Nahh...thats...thats uhhh...something...else?

Wrap Up:

Over all, Dead Island is a great buy. Whether you’re looking to survive alone, or with a group of friends, this game offers enough to keep your busy for at least 20hrs if you run straight through it. Adding side quests and further leveling up your character will only add to the playtime and trying out to a new character enhances the replay value. For fans of L4D, this game packs what said title lacks. The RPG elements change up the standard hack and slash game and turn it into a more involving survival/strategy/free-for-all. I look forward to seeing where this franchise goes and I’m sure some DLC’s are in the works. Till the next game is released however…go to your local video game retailer, pick up a copy, and let the mayhem begin.

Overall Rating: 8.5



My List: The Most Annoying Game Characters

10) Ken & Ryu

Ok…seriously.  These guys are martial arts expert right? Lists and lists of combos to select from? THEN WHY THE HELL DOES THE AI DECIDE TO USE ONLY TWO MOVES!? Let’s see, does this ring a bell?

“hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken”

Yes…the most annoying phrase to ever come out of a fighting game. Think the AI or your friends will not throw this trick at you? You will have thought wrong. Any fan of the Street fighter series will understand why these two made the list…

9) Peppy

Peppy, let me just say this…I will do a barrel roll when I damn well please...that is all.

8) Shao Kahn

We’ve all been there…last fight…top of the latter...round 1…FIGHT! Subsequently after those words you begin to get pummeled by a green hammer that appears out of nowhere, hits that take wayyyy too much of your life bar and knock you clear across the screen, and if that’s not enough, he will tell you quite literally “You Suck”. MK fans love playing as him…not so much playing against him. Any character that you can unleash your best combo on and it barely moves his own life bar down deserves a spot here.

7) Big Bertha

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have rage quit a game due to being swallowed whole by this big fish. In Super Mario 3, this character even has its own level that submerses to you had no choice but to get close to it. Just stay out the water right? NO! BECAUSE THIS FISH WILL JUMP OUT OF THE WATER AND EAT YOU FASTER THAN YOU CAN SAY “AW DAMNIT NOT AGAIN!”  .

6) The Adoring Fan

You defeated everyone in the Arena…sweet right? You get some gold, a new title, and even your own adoring fan that will follow you wherever you go…and I mean WHEREVER you go. There is a section on Youtube devoted to ways people have killed off this useless character. The amount of times I have fast traveled and forgot about him tailing me only to end up in a dark cave and sleeping or something, waking up to a bright torch in my face and him standing there with that stupid grin lands him at the #6 spot.

5) Otacon

“Snake? SNAKE? SNAAAAAAAAAAKKKEEEEEEE!?!?!?!?” …What a way to go. You’re dead but probably still have a functioning auditory system, and the last words you will ever hear is this Bozo yelling in your ear. From day one fans have had a love hate relationship with this character…mind just happened to land on the hate side. I’m sorry if any Otacon fans read this and are upset by my choice to put in on the list. I just never could trust someone who pees themselves when scared.

4) Slippy toad

How many times must we save your life? Really…how many? If you’re like me, you don’t mind this little amphibian getting shot down in battle, so long as it means you will not have to hear his voice the rest of the level.

3) Ashley Graham

Speaking of saving lives, this chick literally only made the list because I got tired of saving hers. Cultists, El Gigante, an angry midget dressed as Napoleon…everyone wants her dead…and at a certain point, you will too. The highlight of the game is a tossup between trying to peek up skirt when she climbs a latter, and telling her to hop in a dumpster. You even get the chance to play as Ashley in RE4 for a short time. However, don’t expect her to be useful…no guns, punches, anything. You can throw an oil lantern to incinerate your enemies…other than that, it’s a run and dodge play style that you’re more than excited about leaving behind once it’s all said and done.

2) Navi

You knew this was going to happen. Zelda fans forever will loathe this little fairy for her constant pestilence and annoying shouts. “HEY!” “LOOK!” LISTEN!” “OVER HERE!”. It’s beyond annoying.  It’s still a shame to me that Nintendo has never added the flyswatter to Link’s inventory…I mean, imagine holding the Wii-mote and swinging crazily all over the place just in hopes you bat that little talk box with wings to the ground. I see an opportunity here Nintendo…capitalize on it and give the fans what they really want. Navi is nothing a can of Raid wouldn’t fix.

1)      Princess Peach

Getting kidnapped is something that happens to a princess. However, by the 30^th time you can no longer make excuses for this blonde moron. How many times must you get kidnapped before you make the executive decision to beef up castle security? Give Toad an assault rifle, SOMETHING! You’re in possession of several hundred servants (granted they’re only like 3ft tall), and we can’t arm them with ANYTHING? Princess Peach, as far as I'm concerned...you can stay gone. It's time to cut your losses Mario...let King Koopa take the bimbo. Besides, we all know Daisey is way hotter.