2 months in gaming
I think I'll cut this for easy skipping for those that don't care.
The past 2 months, in spite of being a historically rubbish time for the gaming industry (with publishers preferring to wait until the Christmas market), yet I have played some absolute belters over the past couple of months. Enough, in fact, to warren a dedicated post.
New releases
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360)
Amazing story, gameplay and style which truly understands how to reward the people who like a venture from the story and linear narrative and have an explore. Deep enough to please Batmanatics and well told enough to include everyone else. Great presentation and stellar voice acting. A truly immersive experience.
Beatles Rock Band (Xbox 360)
Useless for those that hate The Beatles but great for everyone else. Common criticisms are that it is easier than other Rock Band/Guitar Hero rhythm actioners, but, given the far reaching appeal of The Beatles' music, this is not a game for fans of gaming but for fans of the Fab Four's music, therefore the ease is purely theoretic as it can't really can't be compared to anything else. Great presentation, options and fun - but more so absolutely amazing sound using specially modified mixes from the recent stereo remasters of the back catalogue. It's pretty much a must have for all Beatles fans.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)
A game so good that someone like me might hide the point with waffle. So I'll keep it simple. The best graphics that I have ever seen. The best game acting that I have ever seen. The most seamless gaming experience that I've ever had. Some of the most exciting gameplay that I've played. Perhaps one of the best games that I've ever played. Time will tell. Needless to say - it was damned impressive that kept me enthralled, utterly, throughout.
(I completed this the night before last and I want to replay it now. It's just that good.)
Older Games
Battlefield: Bad Company (Xbox 360)
A rather by-numbers FPS but with good enough gameplay, interesting story and funny characters to lift it welll above average. Not the prettiest of games but impressive for the destructive environments. Suffers a bit for not being Call of Duty 4. Great sound with LOUD guns. Good, decent fun.
God of War II (Playstation 2)
Aside from the blur that happens when playing a PS2 running through a SCART on a HDTV, the graphics are fluid and lush and the sound is, while suffering from (again) not being high definition, crunchy and satisfying. The gameplay is incredible - a mix of puzzling and gutsy combat. Features an interesting story that draws from Greek myths and legends. One of the few games from the previous generation that stands up to the best of the current.
And that's it for now. Rich times ahead though with Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and Assassin's Creed 2 released just in November. Exciting times.
The past 2 months, in spite of being a historically rubbish time for the gaming industry (with publishers preferring to wait until the Christmas market), yet I have played some absolute belters over the past couple of months. Enough, in fact, to warren a dedicated post.
New releases
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360)
Amazing story, gameplay and style which truly understands how to reward the people who like a venture from the story and linear narrative and have an explore. Deep enough to please Batmanatics and well told enough to include everyone else. Great presentation and stellar voice acting. A truly immersive experience.
Beatles Rock Band (Xbox 360)
Useless for those that hate The Beatles but great for everyone else. Common criticisms are that it is easier than other Rock Band/Guitar Hero rhythm actioners, but, given the far reaching appeal of The Beatles' music, this is not a game for fans of gaming but for fans of the Fab Four's music, therefore the ease is purely theoretic as it can't really can't be compared to anything else. Great presentation, options and fun - but more so absolutely amazing sound using specially modified mixes from the recent stereo remasters of the back catalogue. It's pretty much a must have for all Beatles fans.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)
A game so good that someone like me might hide the point with waffle. So I'll keep it simple. The best graphics that I have ever seen. The best game acting that I have ever seen. The most seamless gaming experience that I've ever had. Some of the most exciting gameplay that I've played. Perhaps one of the best games that I've ever played. Time will tell. Needless to say - it was damned impressive that kept me enthralled, utterly, throughout.
(I completed this the night before last and I want to replay it now. It's just that good.)
Older Games
Battlefield: Bad Company (Xbox 360)
A rather by-numbers FPS but with good enough gameplay, interesting story and funny characters to lift it welll above average. Not the prettiest of games but impressive for the destructive environments. Suffers a bit for not being Call of Duty 4. Great sound with LOUD guns. Good, decent fun.
God of War II (Playstation 2)
Aside from the blur that happens when playing a PS2 running through a SCART on a HDTV, the graphics are fluid and lush and the sound is, while suffering from (again) not being high definition, crunchy and satisfying. The gameplay is incredible - a mix of puzzling and gutsy combat. Features an interesting story that draws from Greek myths and legends. One of the few games from the previous generation that stands up to the best of the current.
And that's it for now. Rich times ahead though with Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and Assassin's Creed 2 released just in November. Exciting times.