Batman Reviewed!

The game that much like the film has returned Batman’s title of the dark knight, the much feared vigilante that prowls the night hunting the criminals of Gotham city. This game delivers a true to character portrait of Batman including the bat mobile, gadgets, a gliding cape and of course kick ass martial arts.

The game begins with Batman racing his way through the streets of Gotham before reaching the High security psychiatric prison known as Arkham Asylum. shortly after you arrive control is given to you and you make your way through the asylum. It’s not long before Joker makes his move and breaks free from the guards taking him into the depths of the asylum, aided by his lovely assistant Harley. The story progresses steadily from here and I have to say I really enjoyed the game,  the combat system is described as innovative on the box but to be honest it seems to be a run of the mill combat system. It has your strike, stun and counter attack all with their own unchallenging method of pulling off your finishing moves. Beating down a variety of bad guys can be entertaining and as your gadgetry grows with your upgrades, you can also purchase new finishing moves adding to the combat experience. This helps to prevent the game from becoming too repetitive and as you make your way through the asylum the thugs get new weapons and attack methods keeping you on your toes. alone nobody is really a challenge but in groups you can find yourself mashing buttons trying to strike, counter and throw your baterangs all at once.

On the other hand you also get a predator style approach to taking out your enemies where you’ll need to remain hidden and stay silent as you try to take out an entire room. This is much more fun than it sounds as each time you take out a guard then return to hiding you can hear them running around in the darkness terrified they’ll be next. All the while you watch from the darkness or high in the roof.  The predator mode of picking off your enemies has a whole variety of gadgets to itself as well as a selection of silent and dramatic takedowns such as the smashing through a roof method and of course the infamous glide kick. The detective mode activates Batman’s high tech vision which allows you to see enemies through walls and points of interest around the room such as collapsible walls and places to hide giving you the extra advantage.

The game was a lot more in-depth than I had thought it would be as well as having the main storyline of Arkham asylum Edward Nigma aka the riddler contacts you and presents you a challenge. The challenge is one of those annoying find and seek type challenges that also requires the solving of riddles in each new location you enter. The good thing about this however is that you can find out more about Batman than just running through the asylum on the main story. This gives a pretty detailed look at most of Batman’s enemies that are deepened with the discoveries of interview tapes from the asylum, some of which being pretty disturbing themselves and as if that wasn’t enough there is a big mystery to be uncovered in the asylum.

The game is perfect for hardcore comic book fans and any casual gamer looking for a good interesting game to play. The creators managed to achieve a beautiful mix of both comic book story telling and cinematic look to the game. The graphics are ore than a little impressive and the design of the asylum is perfectly dark and sometimes twisted to really help reflect the inmates that inhabit it. Arkham is a pretty big facility and you’ll definitely visit the same locations more than once, especially if you’re out for the riddlers riddles. Some may see this as a bad thing some may see it as a good I personally thought it was a good touch by the creators as each time you return somewhere you can find it more enthralled in the madness of the joker and the other psycho’s he let loose changing it more each time you see it, so enjoy the view while it lasts.

Arkham is choc a block of crazies and bad guys waiting for some Batman branded punishment and it’s more than enjoyable to deal it out. The gadgets and toys Batman uses also make it more interesting to travel as you’re walking one minute grappling the next and finishing with a glide to the floor. The storyline is interesting enough to keep you wanting to play through the game and with a dose of scarecrows fear gas the game takes a few interesting looks into the mind of Bruce Wayne. The game play is smooth and easy to enjoy. The controls are simple enough and it doesn’t take long to master the finer points of Batman’s combat techniques. All in all just playing through Batman shouldn’t be too hard to get a grip of so if it’s a challenging game you’re looking for it falls down a little there. The game boasts a host of interesting bosses to fight all of whom old enemies of the Batman himself.

All in all Arkham Asylum is an amazing game that has something to give any gamer hardcore or otherwise. The time spent on the game is obvious in every aspect whether it be design, game play or graphics. If you take the time to do the riddler challenges this only heightens the games enjoyment by helping you feel more like the detective that Batman is known as instead of just the vigilante. Not to mention with each puzzle solved you unlock another character bio or interesting fact about the Batman comics helping you to appreciate the character a little more. The way all these aspects of his past are put into the game also makes it enjoyable to seek them out. The only real disadvantages of the game is that it can get a little repetitive as each progression is usually you finding someone or tracking them down which isn’t as exciting as it sounds. also at the end of the game you get free run of the asylum but without anyone to fight or any puzzles to solve it begs the question what exactly is the point?

The challenge modes feature just combat or predator based challenges to achieve points to be compared on the world leader boards. These challenges usually come with specific goals which can help to make playing them more fun but they would probably get boring after a couple of plays. All in all I give the game an impressive 9 out of 10 and if you really spend the time  to enjoy the game I know you would agree. So get out there and put on your cape it’s time to fulfil your childhood dreams in the most true to character game yet.

Deadpool Game

The character that most people know from the Marvel comics, Deadpool and wolverine, is one of the many unsung Marvel anti-heroes with a strong fan base. The classic anti hero who now even has a role in the new wolverine movie is being considered for his own game by the producers of Wolverine: origins the game.

The smart mouth mercenary is loved by the self proclaimed fan boys of Raven software. An interesting choice as to date he hasn’t actually featured in any other marvel games than the ultimate marvel alliance one, as well as being recently announced for two, and x-men legends. In both cases Deadpool was hardly a main character and so it warrants the question why now?

The guys at Raven said they loved his “smart assed attitude” and they were “huge fans of Deadpool” making him the next obvious choice for a game. The guys from Raven continued to say that the Deadpool character in the recent x-men movie was good but not exactly the first choice they would have made. When asked about making their own Deadpool game the guys said they would keep the character 100% authentic to the comics.

The major question here however is can Deadpool pull off his own game? A fun character certainly and would be interesting to play, regarding his high tech weaponry and sword play, he would be like a happy go luck wolverine that found batman’s utility belt. Is that enough to have his own game? the character Deadpool had been given his own comic title that featured him as the main character but unfortunately only made it to issue #69.

Does this mean the Deadpool lacks the strength to gain interest and sales in his own game, personally I don’t think so. Deadpool is a fun character who could deliver hours of endless fun and seeing that he is one of the few comic characters to know he is actually in a comic it would be funny to this transferred to a game.

The only problem holding Raven have is trying to show that Deadpool is worthy to hold his own game title and if they can come up with a strong enough storyline to support it things should work out.  Not a game to be taken too seriously however I would imagine it being a lot like the recent Matt Hazzard game, fun game play filled with tons of wise cracks and parody. At the very least a Deadpool game would be worth buying just to give a break from hardcore gaming. At this point it’s no guarantee the game is actually going to be made but if the people at Raven have their way a Deadpool game will be quick on the heels of Wolverine.

Batman Arkham Asylum!

Batman a world famous superhero synonymous with fear, power and rich people with too much time on their hands. The legendary vigilante isn’t a stereotypical hero and that’s probably why people love him so much. Bound by only one rule he watches over the troubled city of Gotham lurking in the shadows and protecting the citizens who are unable to fend for themselves.

Surprisingly enough however this is one DC legend who has had his reputation and image almost destroyed in past years. Due to poor game releases and even poorer attempts at movies, times have changed however. The past two movie releases became more than just box office hits they became movie legends with some even saying the dark knight helped save the movie industry.

The Batman game, soon to be released, ties in with the last movie following on straight from the jokers capture. The game has had more than enough effort put in to make it a success. It was written by Paul Dini, the Emmy award winning Batman writer, and voiced by Mark Hamill the voice of joker in the animated T.V series. Having the right team behind the game is often more than enough but Eidos and WB continued there strive for glory by ensuring the design was close to the dark themes of the comics.

 

I’d say they’ve managed to stay close to the dark themes of the comics wouldn’t you?

The storyline looks set to be something to remember as well, after Batman takes the joker to Arkham in order to keep him locked up out of the way of Gotham’s citizens. However keeping within the Jokers truly maniacal, but amazingly well organized, personality he reveals the whole thing as a trap. Soon after the Joker is brought to the Asylum he breaks free and starts his sadistic game of cat and mouse with Batman holding the city at ransom. This is where the fun begins, the asylum is notorious for it’s architecture and massive scale meaning you’ll have a lot of interesting ground to cover, imagine a less colorful Rapture. As well as all that the joker has managed to sneak in a collection of henchmen and weaponry for the escapee’s.

To regain order in this chaos Batman has to face off against some of the ugliest henchmen you’ll ever see , seriously it’s no wonder you knock these guys around. You’ll also have to develop some of the finer skills of Batman, you didn’t think this was really just another punch em up game did you? As you make your way through the game you have to keep hidden and in the shadows, striking out at opponents without them realizing what’s hit them. You need to remind them why they should be afraid. 

Arkham is famous for holding a multitude of Batman’s rivals some of whom are scheduled to make an appearance in the game. Some of these unusual guests, on first glance, promise to deliver an interesting fight that will no doubt require players to stay on their toes.

The game also features tons of unlock able gadgets, and I think combos, meaning the more you play the more you get from the game. The gadgets in the game are some of the classics such as the grappling gun, bat vision and of course the baterangs. You’ll have no limit to how you’re capable of talking on the foes in this game. The game also features a detective, stealth predator and combat mode helping to fuel the excitement for this title. These features mean players can go from a large brawl with multiple enemies to silently stalking one, before making your move.

The detective mode is also an interesting feature to help you throughout the game, once in this mode players can survey there surroundings and pick up on the small details around. This isn’t just a feature for helping to notice the small cracks on the wall or interesting tattoos your victims have. It can be used to strategize as the detective mode shows the opponents moods, possible attacks around the room and points of interest such as a light switch or gas canister.

The combat features of the game are capable of so much it’s sure to keep you entertained just finding new ways to tackle and finish off bad guys. From button mashing the basic attack button to making strings of combos and attacking multiple targets it’s an exciting thought to have so many bad guys to practice on. As well as this there are unlock able side missions you can play in the game called challenge rooms. These rooms focus on specific points such as stealth or combat and give you goals to achieve in each room, helping you either practice or show off. Your scores can be submitted to the world leader boards and you can see just how you measure up against other batmen in the world.

The game is set for release in summer but has already caused controversy for some gamers by announcing that PS3 players will be able to play as the joker in some side missions. There hasn’t been any word on whether or not Xbox players will also have this feature but for now it doesn’t look like it. As the release date draws near the website has gone live and a large selection of screenshots have become exposed all over the internet. It was tempting to try and post them all on here but I managed to restrain myself to those few, if you want to see more check out the site. It features extra a developers blog ad the latest news so if you’re as excited about this game as I am keep your eyes peeled on the site. Or just wait for me to blog, either way the game looks golden and the trailer is a perfect example of what to look forward to.

Dead Rising Vegas!

Some said it wouldn’t happen and some hoped that it wouldn’t but whatever your opinion it has happened. The sequel to the original hit game has been announced, with a glimpse of what to expect in the new version of this zombie killing fun time game. Apparently un-phased by last years lawsuit from the creators of “dawn of the dead” on copyright claims, Capcom have bounced back with a new zombie killer game. 

Little has actually been said about the new game in regards to storyline and other features although rumors have been circulating that the sequel will feature the classic 72 hour mode like the original. The sequel features a new selection of inventive weapons, locations and even a new hero. The trailer released focused on the creative new things you can use to kill the undead pursuers and revealed the glitzy new location of Las Vegas, well it’s a Vegas look a like. The new location is called fortune city but the scenery speaks for itself this location is based off Vegas. That’s right folks DR2 is in Vegas which means your total death count is probably going to be insanely high!

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With little else being released about the game other than a selection of screenshots, all found within the actual trailer itself, all one can do is watch the trailer and think of all the different ways to use these weapons. If you liked the first one then the sequel looks set to get your heart pumping, check out the trailer and jump around with excitement you know you want to.

Red Faction: guerilla

Red Faction is a well known series that has gone from strength to strength with each release. The original red faction was a fun all be it mediocre game, the second however increased on this and red faction became a much stronger franchise because of it. Giving improved game play, graphics and missions as well as an alternate ending depending on how you played the game. It listened to it’s players and delivered what they loved and what they wanted to see proving red faction was a worthwhile label worthy of greatness.

The next installment of the red faction franchise seems set to do the same. Guerilla, unlike the others before, involves a different style of warfare. The hint is in the name people that’s right it’s guerilla tactics. This isn’t the only thing that separates this game from the others in the franchise but before we get into the destruction and mayhem of the game, we’ll enjoy some details about the game itself.

Red faction: Guerilla is set 50 years after the original game the EDF, Earth Defence Force, has swooped in to help Mars. However as they were seen to be the shinning light of good at the end of the first game they are now the enemy in this game. This is because rather than flying in to save Mars from there captors Ultor, they instead took control and continued the work and slavery. So instead of the miners being exploited by a fat cat business they are being exploited for “the good of Earth.”

 

After the EDF seized control they split mars into 6 sectors 4 of these are colonies and the remaining 2 are military zones or “badlands” meaning these two sectors will be the most difficult and require the best weapons and skill you have. The point of the game is to remove the control of the EDF and this is where things get interesting. This means depending on which sector you choose to play and what action you choose you could be freeing a small town from military control, or ambushing a military outpost to weaken control and gain supplies. Another interesting point to make about this game is that just like guerilla warfare each attack against your enemy does actually give you supplies. As you kill enemies and destroy buildings you can steal ammo, weapons or scraps to buy, build or upgrade your weapons. It really is a case of guerilla by name guerilla by nature, well game play at least.

 

The game play of this red faction is set to be non stop action that involves explosions and gunfire requiring quick thinking and fast reflexes. Red faction has always promoted the ability to destroy the environment in their games however this game takes it one step further than before. It use to be a case of if you were stuck at a door you could blow a way through the wall, or destroy your enemies cover and riddle them with bullets. Red Faction took that further in Guerilla by giving you the ability to destroy entire buildings and installations. They even went so far as to make this destruction and mayhem count towards your morale, almost making it a crime to leave EDF property in tact.

Although many might see this as a gimmick to make the lovers of violence quiver with excitement it actually serves a greater function. For example if you’re having trouble with snipers in a tower, set a charge at the base and watch it fall to the ground. Guerilla is also chock full of choice and selections with regards to missions and weaponry. To complete the game you need to remove EDF control but it’s you that decides how to do this, you can complete missions, guerilla actions or even just destroy all EDF buildings and troops in mars. This means you play the game the way you want to and you choose how the rebellion unfolds.

If destruction is your thing then the possibilities are endless in this game as it features not just a wide selection of weapons and mining tools to wreak havoc it also features a selection of vehicles from small transport cars to large walkers. Not to mention a series of upgrades for the weapons you do have, guerilla knows what they’re doing when it comes down to causing chaos and mayhem. However it is not just a game that is based around destruction time was taken in the storyline and character development.

In fact as hard as it is to believe when you are running around smashing skulls with a sledgehammer or destroying tanks in a walker you’re character, Alec, is actually a reluctant hero doing what he has to because nobody else will. If you download the demo from Xbox Marketplace you can even see the beginning movie itself appears to be that of a movie trailer. Or you can just check out a trailer below not so cinematic as the other but a perfect example of the action packed game play you can expect from the game.

All in all this is one game that offers excellent, although exaggerated, action game play that will get anyone’s heart pumping as they find new and more catastrophic ways to blow things up. The storyline appears to be solid and if the missions and guerilla warfare live up to the taster in the demo and the promises of Volition this is one explosive game to definitely get in your collection. Eagerly awaiting it’s release in June this is one gamer who says congratulations to Volition and who wants to taste my hammer?

Saboteur!

One of the new games to be released it’s already picking up momentum and has been labeled by some as the cooler older brother of assassins creed. Unlike most WWII games this isn’t you in the life of a soldier fighting for your side against the allies or the Nazis. The game has a different point of view in more ways than one the major factor being the stealth aspect of the game as opposed to the run and shoot WWII life of a soldier.

As many of you will have come to realize from the name Saboteur the game isn’t about your average soldier in fact you’re not a soldier at all, you’re just a guy swept into the world war against your will. A classic reluctant hero, pandemic have continued this unusual game premise with the day to day goings on as you make your way around this Nazi filled world. It’s pretty heavy going, mood wise, to show the other side of the war other than what you would see playing call of duty world at war or any of the medal of honor series. It sometimes features acts of random violence by Nazi’s on civilians  and can be hard going from that point of you, but you get your chance to reek vengeance.

As well as having the feel and look of the game different from that of the others this game is also a new stealth game. Technically it’s a “re-envisioned” version of a much older game. However it’s looking so sleek and well made this time around were not afraid to label it new. One of the interesting features of the game is the black and white to colour ideas of the game. Giving it a visually interesting look that heightens the feeling of depression or seriousness of the game. Pandemic have really gone all out to make this game stand out from other WWII games.

 

  

 

Don’t this game is just all fancy graphics though it has a pretty solid storyline and unlike some stealth based games there can be a fair amount of violence, action and explosions. Saboteur doesn’t necessarily end if you get caught it just means you need to work a lot harder to get back to your invisible status. So in some ways it mirrors the game play of assassins creed, but also the style of hitman in that each level can be approached from a stealth or action idea. This is a major bonus for many reasons as the game then appeals to a wider market of gamers and can also be played time and time again by completing the levels in different ways each time.

All in all the game looks set to be both visually stunning and exciting in game play, all everyone can do now is hope that the mix of hitman, assassins creed and GTA can help make this WWII open world game a hit. If not it’s still set to be a fun game either way and well worth keeping an eye on.