- pokecharm
- Rank: Radical Ninja
- Member since: Jan 17, 2011
- Last online: 05/18/13 4:22 pm PT
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Orange Ramblings About Just About Anything
A young woman's journey through an abundance of gaming, movies, television, sports and more - a strange take on a strange assortment of interests!
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16May 13
That queue is just monstrous. I can't believe I've actually picked up so many games over the course of a few years. I mean, it just stares back at me, taunting me, telling me I can't do it. But I made the plunge to a game that could be very involving. I had thought, again, about New Vegas and Binary Domain, but with SR4 coming out this summer, I thought, Hina, if you don't play SR3, how can you know if you'll like SR4 enough to pre-order it?
I haven't gotten very far in, I'm trying to understand the map and have resorted to stealing cars for the car challenge while I try to figure out whats going on. I've also stumbled across a few collectibles too, you know the ones.
I can't say my impressions are too detailed at this point. The controls for driving are more intuitive than I expected and the shooting mechanics are good as well. The story hasn't drawn me in just yet, so I may go for the main story mission and try to understand what I'm seeing on the map. I'm treating this like a GTA game and I probably shouldn't. I've always found collecting all the extras first gets you started better. I haven't figured out how to clear the shields and I'm not sure what the pink stars are. Considering I have the guide, this is just me not bothering to flip through it at this point. I do like the customisation for the character, but I might change it already.
I also added another review, in case anyone saw the free app of the week last week at Starbucks, it was Where's Perry. A fun game, and since it was free, that much more enjoyable. My sister leaves for Bosnia today (she works for the State department). I can't say I'll miss her as much as I'll miss my neice, who invites her 2 yr old self into my room and claims all things in it are 'mine.' It is adorable as all get out, until she touches the charmander. I bought her a charmander and flew it out to AZ when they lived there. They stuffed him in a box and sent him to Bosnia. Anyway, /ramble.
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15May 13
Can you believe it? Another week, another game down! I would have had this done sooner, but this past weekend I was home to sleep and that was pretty much it. Bulletstorm was well worth $2 - which I suppose sounds like a backhanded compliment, but I did enjoy it. The game was quick to burn through and I can't complain about anything. Even though the sophomoric jokes were lewd, at times, that just fit with the rest of the game.
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
- Bioshock Infinite
- Gears of War Jugdment
- Tomb Raider
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Bulletstorm
Wow, I'm way ahead of where I was last year:- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Phineus and Ferb Ride Again
- Phineus and Ferb in the 2nd Dimension
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
I'm going to play this one close to the chest, if you follow me on twitter, you'll see the auto-update as I play. Otherwise, I'll update my now playing here and then post the usual first impressions. I have no idea what I'll pick, but I will see what mood strikes me at the time and go from there.Keep Calm and Game On.
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6May 13
I was really conflicted this afternoon. I was home after my physical. I don't want to be obnoxious, but my doctor actually told me not to lose any more weight. I was hoping for a trophy, but not so much. I almost choose Fallout New Vegas or Silent Hill and thought, 'you bought Bulletstorm used, you need to make sure that game works,' so, that's how the cookie crumbled.
The game is straight-forward, there really isn't much to it. The story is flat, to some degree, but it sucks you in quickly and keeps you engaged with easy to understand controls. The thing about shooters, and this game is a first person style shooter, is that the controls and weapons have to be good or I get easily turned off. I still recall an unfavourable reception to a Medal of Honour game because of this and I've never forgiven a game that makes it inaccessible.
I think the larger issue I'm facing right now is that the queue is 40 games deep and I did stare at it blankly earlier today. No one game jumped out at me, and I find that troubling. I almost pulled two games up, but then thought, Binary Domain has been raved about as well as the Dead/Dark Souls games. I might feel a little meh just because I finished two games so quickly, I might give New Vegas a go, but I've said that a few times now, haven't I?
What I'd love is for one of you to pitch a game to me and tell me why I can't miss it. At the same time, I realise that I generally do whatever I feel like anyway, so I think it might come to the point that I do print the queue and put all the names in a hat and call it a day all hail the magic conch! -
5May 13
Another game done in days? Maybe I should play all the mobile games first? No, we all know I can't manage that. Gave RE Revelations a mostly positive review. I did enjoy the game, though there were points I kept thinking, is it over yet?
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
- Bioshock Infinite
- Gears of War Jugdment
- Tomb Raider
- Resident Evil Revelations
The gaming queue
- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- Phineus and Ferb Ride Again
- Phineus and Ferb in the 2nd Dimension
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
Another moment of truth. I have tomorrow off, going for my physical. I dropped 30 pounds in the last year, so I'm expecting a mostly positive outcome. This also means I should have some extra time tomorrow. Even though I have major edits and a story re-working to do, I think we all know how my day will go tomorrow.
Keep Calm and Game On.
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4May 13
I know, why do I bother polling about what game to play next if I just choose arbitrarily. But, RE Revelations was the next 3DS/DS game in the queue, and while I was watching the Penguins choke against the Islanders last night, I thought, why not play a game while you're watching this game? I feel like I play the 3DS every once in a while, so when Im feeling it, I better play!
The look and feel of the game is very RE4. The quality of the cut scenes are actually quite good. The graphics within the game play are limited by the 3DS itself and are no better or worse than any other game on the console. The controls with the added circle pad make it a slightly easier to play.
The story is episodic, much like RE6 and allows the gamer to play as different characters through similar environments. Some sequences look very Scooby Doo like in its repetitiveness. The game play itself is easy to understand. As in other RE games, you can either fight or run. Ammo is in limited supply, so you have to be careful when aiming. So far, I haven't been so overwhelmed that I can't manage, but Im only a little ways in.
The game is quite engaging. On the small console, it delivers a decent look and feel for the horror that most know of the RE series. I can't say I'm blown away by any of the elements of the game, but it is keeping me entertained and somewhat engaged.
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2May 13
I thought I'd finish Tomb Raider a lot faster, but like Bioshock, I had to do everything. I got 100% completion, which I haven't done all that often. The game was a lot of fun. I gave it an 8.5 for a not ground-breaking story and some visual inconsistencies. I did really enjoy the game, so if you haven't given it a try, you should!
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
- Bioshock Infinite
- Gears of War Jugdment
- Tomb Raider
The queue
- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
Moment of truth ladies and gents - what do I play next? I am looking at Bulletstorm (since I bought it used), Fallout New Vegas (next in the queue with pre-order bonus) or Saints Row 3 (since 4 is coming out this summer) - out of those three, I feel like the first would be the fastest, then SR, thoughts? I'm also going to pull some DS games up, play while I'm watching TV or something - thats my new idea well see how this plays out.
Keep Calm and Game On.
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19Apr 13
I'm sure some of you may have read the article Gamespot posted about a user who bought Bioshock Infinite and demanded a refund because of a scene early in the game. For those reading, please be aware, there may be SPOILERS throughout this blog. If you haven't finished the latest Bioshock game, you might want to stop reading.
The story of Bioshock is one that has many themes, embraces and spurns different ideals. A game like Bioshock shouldn't be compared to, say Modern Warfare, the two are little alike, despite the controversy both have encountered. In Bioshock Infinite, gamers play as Booker DeWitt, being sent to the city in the sky to recover a girl and have his debt paid. The convoluted story continues to spiral until the very end, revealing the time tears throughout the game had a far greater meaning and impact.
Those of you that have played Bioshock Infinite, from what I've read, seem quite pleased with it and the story. There are themes in it that many of us may not agree with, things that might make us uncomfortable, challenge our ideals. I would argue that the point of any piece of art is to do just that. But not all gamers agree about this last part.
In the aforementioned article, brought to my attention by this blog by terryscath, I read and re-read the letter to Valve and the coverage by various gaming sites and have some serious misgivings about Mr. Breen Malmberg. I dont want this to turn into a tirade or defamation of character blog, but please read his letter.
My favourite excerpt is this one:
If you need further convincing, I will use the analogy that if you were a muslem, it would be like forcing the player into an in-game action of "press x to spit on the face of allah" in order to proceed any further with the game and with no choice or way around doing so.
First off, who spells 'Muslem' that way, exactly? I mean, even capitalising it makes the spell check go off. If you're going to send a letter like that out, the least you can do is proofread it. More to the point, if you read the letter, he speaks about being very religious, but you're playing Modern Warfare 2, so killing human beings doesn't violate your long-held religious beliefs, but taking a fake baptism for Booker DeWitt does? Are you serious? I can't believe Valve took this seriously.
I do realise this is PR gold for them, they see someone who believes he has a genuine grip (religious misgivings) and decides, what the hell, let's give the kid $60 back. Bioshock is raking in the cash, so it certainly isn't about the money. The kid claims he's very religious, and far be it for me or anyone else to judge him, but when you put yourself out there, people will take note.
I agree that each and every one of us has a right to be comfortable and not offended by the material we expose ourselves to, but therein lies the double edged sword. Malmberg bought the game. No one put a gun to his head. Haven't we all bought bad games or games we didn't like or didn't agree with? I'm sure there's a unanimous 'yes' in the background somewhere. I hated Dante's Inferno, hated every aspect of it. It assailed me with its terribleness, but did I demand a refund from EA? Let's ignore the part where we know they're cackling in their money bin a la Scrooge McDuck. I am a responsible person and a responsible gamer, something many immature gamers could learn from. What worries me is that Malmberg whined and got his way, is that how it works in real life? In many cases, sadly, it does, but I'd like to think that doing the right thing over complaining and crying foul will win out.
I'm disgusted that Malmberg can play games like Modern Warfare and get disgruntled over a game that is leaps and bounds better than it, like Bioshock. I just read an article today that Pat Robertson advises Christians stay away from 'evil video games.' This means you, Malmberg. As it is people think were all weirdos, thanks for taking that and making it worse instead of better.
In light of what is happening here in the US, I realise this blog may seem inappropriate, or at least my ire with the topic, but I do wonder what the rest of the gaming world thinks of this. Did Malmberg make gaming better by his rejection of ideas that aren't his? Did Valve do the right thing in silencing a critic instead of reasoning with him?
/rant
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18Apr 13
I didn't get to play a lot yesterday, things can get distracting. What I saw, I did enjoy. I can't help but compare the game to Uncharted, but as you may recall, I've only played the first Uncharted game. The story is engaging from the very beginning. Lara Croft is a treasure hunter, of sorts, and her boat hits choppy water and she gets separated from her group, captured by locals and has to scavenge to survive.
Right now, the game play is pretty intuitive, the concepts borrowed from any number of other games out there. I'm really blown away by the detail in the graphics. While there are places where you can't move any further, that invisible wall, the trees, rain, sun, everything, is so detailed. It is really impressive.
I've only made it through the very first stanza of the game, I like what I see, but I can't say I'm 110% engaged right now. Some of you had commented that it took a little ways in to get into the game and I think I might be suffering from that. I opted to watch baseball over playing the game. Well, and also I had gone to the Caps game on Tuesday, so I was feeling a little sleep deprived. Maybe this weekend I can sink some time in it, but we shall see!
Keep Calm and Game On.
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16Apr 13
Wow, Gears of War Judgement I could have finished over the weekend, but at some point I needed to turn the XBOX off. I gave it a very generous 6 because I didn't play the MP. It was about as bad/good as God of War. The story was non-existent/trivial and the characters were caricatures. It was a joke, but it worked, so I can't go as low as Aliens Colonial Marines type score.
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
- Bioshock Infinite
- Gears of War Jugdment
The queue, one more game down, no new ones since last month!- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- Tomb Raider
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
Up next, Tomb Raider. After that, then I have a real debate. I mean, do I play the most recent games I bought, or, as I'd planned, go back to games I've had for a while that have DLC from them I got for pre-ordering? The next games, based on that, and I realise I'm getting ahead of myself, are either: Fallout New Vegas, Bulletstorm, Uncharted 2 or Hitman depending on which direction you want to go. I am debating putting all the names in a hat that'd be fair. I am debating picking up Remember Me when it comes out, but we shall see.
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15Apr 13
Sequels are a funny thing. A fan of any franchise will be more susceptible to buying a new game in a series just for the previous games accomplishments. After playing God of War Ascension, I wassceptical about Gears. I'm sad to say, I was right. There is nothing 'wrong' with the game, the mechanics work, only slight screen tearing, graphical inconsistencies, the story is lacklustre, though that wasn't a surprise.
The controls are very similar to what we're used to in previous Gears games. It took me a bit to remember, and then I was fine. The cover system is as effective as ever, and with perfectly placed cover spots, the aliens don't stand much of a chance. The backgrounds are sufficiently detailed, though at times, if you get too close to things, there is no detail to be seen. The character models match those of previous games, but they somehow don't feel as worn or overused.
What I like so far is that you get to play as the different characters through the campaign, switching from one to another, getting more of a well-rounded story, even if the story falls flat. The idea of the game was to make money, that couldn't be clearer as I am now in the unlocked Aftermath. It took me just a day over the weekend to burn through the campaign. Your AI teammates are quite good at reviving you when you get too impetuous. There are times when I hang back and they do the work for me. That seems antithetical to what a game should be, but I'm not complaining.
To go back to the story for a second, and it will be a brief second, it was so familiar, so done, I really didn't understand why, other than for money, what this game adds to the lore of Gears. God of War left me feeling the same way. Fine, I'm excited you wanted to make more money, but really, what do I get out of it? I probably won't embark on the MP, but the story is meh. I wouldn't pick this up for more than $20, expect a review in the coming days.
and, what happened to the tags on the blog creation screen?
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13Apr 13
Wow, took me almost a full two weeks, but time well spent finished Bioshock Infinite and gave it a rare perfect 10. I have nothing to detract from this game, even if the ending was a little underwhelming, it was still an amazing overall game. If you haven't picked it up, what are you waiting for?
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
- Bioshock Infinite
The queue
- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- Gears of War Judgement
- Tomb Raider
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
Next up, as promised, Gears of War, playing all the 2013 games in 2013. I hope to get that done soon, but time is tough. I've been using Rosetta Stone daily, not as easy as it looks and I've been trying to play Rocksmith more regularly too. Neither are easy, but most be done. I'm also making some solid progress re: writing, but that's an uphill battle as well. Keep Calm and Game On.
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31Mar 13
Starting a new game is always a bracing experience. Even if you think you know what to expect, you don't. The lore surround the newest Bioshock game hasn't disappointed, a completely different world that still holds the same look and feel were all used to. When I pre-ordered Bioshock, getting the ultimate Songbird edition (which is, incidentally, worth every penny, the Songbird statue is very, very detailed), I was hoping it'd be good. After my last few pre-orders, God of War Ascension and Dead Space 3, I was almost terrified to start playing this game. A lot of times, people are gushing over a game, giving it a generous score, when in reality, it wasn't nearly that good. Both games I mentioned earlier I gave much lower scores than the fanboys of the world, and I stand by those scores still.
But enough about that drivel, right? Bioshock - what did you expect? The trailers were polished, paired with the perfect Nico Vega soundtrack, making them both fitting and politically perfect. The tone of Bioshock, the look and feel is true to what you expect from Irrational Games. They spared no detail and I'm almost thankful for the delays just knowing that perhaps those delays added to the flow of the story and controls. The game plays as its predecessors do, the use of the left and right trigger/bumper buttons used for the different powers vs. weapons. The controls are very intuitive, making it easy to fall back into the world. The story has barely been revealed to this point, but I anticipate a lot of misdirection from the writers, so I won't try to expect anything, but just let the story unfold before me.
While I could keep playing all day, the Blackhawks are schooling the Red Wings 5-0 and my hometown Capitals are playing at 6. They had quite a nail-biter last night, winning in a shootout 2-0. I'm going to Opening Day tomorrow for the Washington Nationals can't wait!! In case you're interested, Amazon has a good deal on MP3 music right now, this CD by Eric Hutchinson for $3.99! -
30Mar 13
I really struggled through portions of this game, controls getting stuck at times, but it was really just me not understanding what I needed to do. Posted a review, expect to be lit up for it since I didn't rave about God of War. I have to be honest, I expected more, gave it a very generous 6.5.
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
- God of War Ascension
Ah, the queue, this is getting a little bit much- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- Gears of War Judgement
- Bioshock Infinite
- Tomb Raider
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
we all know what I'm playing next - BIOSHOCK!! -
29Mar 13
The wind tore through his clothes, the biting chill something he should have become accustomed to a decade ago. Adam pulled his trench coat tight. The buttons were no longer affixed. The belt went missing a lifetime ago. In front of him stood a wall of people, most were going to work, heading to the factories, not wanting to be late. Lucky for Adam, he had an exemption, and rushed around the mass of people, giving them a sad look as he passed. None pulled their eyes up to meet his. They were all consumed in their tasks, their lives.
The sound of the rail car system roared overhead, drowning out any conversation that might be started in the early morning hours. He walked on for several blocks, avoiding the destitute that lined the darkened streets as he moved through the less savoury part of town. Many looked to him for charity, but he kept his hands deep in his pockets. To speak to any one of them, even for something as benign as directions, was foolish. He hurried past them, knowing the eyes of the city would be watching.
The building before him showed great signs of wear, the wind degrading the stone façade over time. Most of the architecture had been repaired in other areas of the city, but here, here in the slums, there was no such effort being put forth. He checked that the streets were empty, not a soul in sight. Instead of entering, he leaned against a wall opposite the building, rubbing his hands together, trying to stay warm. Minutes passed and still he waited, knowing better than to be impetuous and enter without any certainty of what he was walking into.
Wherever he looked, Adam could feel the eyes of the city upon him. Every movement he made, every decision he'd made up to that point, had been fraught with worry. Most people in Columbia kept to themselves, avoided the drama of the two warring factions, the great political powers they all ascribed to in one form or fashion. Adam was no fool. He knew that neither side was right, neither side would bring him the equality he wanted, believed he deserved.
The street was barren, the distant roar of the rail car system could still be heard, but a more troubling sound was beginning, one he knew and feared all too well. It was a motorised patriot. It never mattered whether there was something wrong occurring, they exacted justice as deemed by their programming. It was a losing fight and he knew it. The sound drew close and he moved with reckless abandon, hurtling through the street, through the heavy oak doors, into the warmth and safety within. Inside, he was glad to see the familiar interior, a large foyer, a rusted coat rack in the corner, a wooden chair and small table with a stack of books on it. He pushed the door shut behind him as the sound of the patriot approached.
A fire burned nearby, the sound of footsteps could be heard above. Adam shook his hands out, the feeling returning to his fingers. He edged around the foyer, glancing at the books on the table. All the covers had survival images, mentioning the horrors of America and other warring nations below. It was their only option, their only escape. He shrugged as he turned towards the family room. On the walls were paintings, he never knew what they were, abstract art of some sort, he was told. They didn't fit with the rest of the décor, but the entire house was a contradiction of sorts. On the outside it was derelict and run down, inside, it was pristine and well preserved. The feel of the carpet under his worn shoes was refreshing.
The wood burning in the fireplace was filling the room with an outdoors smell, making the windy city outside a distant memory. Behind him, the footsteps finally approached, a stunning woman with them. A grin broke across his face, a genuine smile. She ran to him, throwing her arms across his shoulders, pressing her face into his neck. "I didn't think you'd come. How did you get away?"
"I made an excuse," he said, still grinning. He let out a fake cough. "I'm a little under the weather. Did they notice your absence?"
"There are so many girls," she said, shaking her head. "No one notices me."
"I notice you, Evelyn," he said, holding her gaze.
The blush crept up her cheeks. "Yes, you always do."
They held each other close for a few moments longer before they pulled away. In the light of the fire, she looked pale, but her bright blue eyes set of the navy fabric of her dress. She didn't have a jacket on, he noticed, but it didn't matter. She tried to pull her hand out of his grasp, but he didn't let go.
"Wheres the rush?" he said, squeezing her hand.
"You know very well," she said. "We aren't alone."
"I know," he said, keeping his voice low. "I can dream."
"That is all it is." With those words, she pulled her hand out of his grasp, turning away, pretending to tidy up.
"Right," he said, knowing not to press the issue. "Where is everyone?"
"Upstairs," she said. "Follow me. Be nice."
"I'll try to keep my thoughts to myself," he said, following at a slow pace.
The hallways were pitched in darkness, a black nothingness, as they moved through the building. The lift doors creaked open. Adam pulled the grating across the opening, gesturing for Evelyn to enter first. She stood with her arms crossed after pressing the button for the seventh floor, keeping her eyes down. They rode up in silence. There were so many things left unsaid, too many things that didn't make any difference now. The goal was all that mattered.
The lift groaned to a halt, the grate sliding open. On the other side stood Thomas, a hulk of a man with beady, black eyes and short, dark hair. He wore a heavy coat over a pair of worn overalls. Thomas gave Adam a dismissive look, making a grunting sound and standing to the side to allow them to pass. There was no bad blood between them, Thomas was stoic and often kept to himself, something most people in Colombia did. It wasn't wise to share information with people who would turn you in to save their own miserable lives. Adam knew all too well the tragedy that had befallen their quiet friend.
The hallways were brighter on the higher floors, the advantage of more windows. There were privacy covers over all the windows, none outside could see what occurred within these walls. The sun was soothing, the sound of a generator rumbled in the distance. Adam slowed down, glancing into the rooms that lined the hallways. The cause had claimed many lives, more than he cared to recall. Many close to him, or they once were. The phantoms of his past were what drew him in, drew him to this cause, one he now would risk his life for. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes, watching the light from the lantern play across the contours of the room.
Behind him, someone cleared his throat. Daniels placed a hand on Adams shoulder. "No time to waste, old friend."
"There never is," Adam said. "How are things?"
"We are nearing readiness," Daniels said.
Adam nodded. Daniels had a first name, no one knew it. They were all private in their own ways. Adam had never shared his name, they all called him Smith. That wasn't his last name, or any name relating to him in any way. Anonymity was important. If any of them were captured, tortured or turned, that information could prove vital, would debilitate their plans and compromise their efforts. Adam followed Daniels at a slow pace. The factory had taken a toll on him. He had a slight limp, his voice quiet, his movements uncertain. The loud noises in the factory had dulled all of his senses. An accident had shattered his hip. Though it had been repaired, he had the implants removed for fear he was being tracked. None but the machines could create such perfect replacements and he has suffered ever since.
The hallway opened into a large atrium, a great globe hanging from the very top. The globe was a mix of blue and varying shades of brown. The world below was mostly water, the very idea of it fascinating to everyone. The lands were separated by great bodies of it, taking days, or longer, to cross. The mode of transportation in Columbia was by rail, though some airborne transport existed. A craft that could cut through the water seemed foreign and yet very real. Adam stared up at the display, knowing he would be there soon.
Other than the globe, the walls were lined with book shelves and computers. A few tables were set near each computer, books open and papers everywhere. The research was never ending. On one table was a map of Columbia, a blueprint, something that had been a challenge to acquire. The maze of tunnels for the filtration system was well-guarded, but not impossible to breach.
Evelyn was sitting at a table with Mark. The two were sifting through different books, making markings on a chalkboard behind them. The route through the tunnels was displayed in a snapshot hanging in the top-right corner of the board. Evelyn's crisp writing was complimented by Mark's staccato print. The two were a good research pair, but nothing more, or so Adam believed. Evelyn was one of the few women with them. One of the few that was brave enough to challenge the established order. Her involvement was both critical and dangerous. There was always a presence, a larger foe they never quite saw, who was always seen with a woman. All they knew was that she was fair skinned and had black hair. Evelyn matched this description, for the most part.
Daniels called them forward, bringing their makeshift meeting to order. They circled around him. The faces that looked back at Adam were both friendly and unreadable. Next to Mark and Evelyn stood a younger man, a child really, Victor. The teenager had joined their ranks while stealing food from a government convoy. To his side was another man, older, scarred, silent, Trevor, or that was what they called him. The man had never spoken a word in Adams company. He had joined them a year ago. Adam didnt know him well, their assignments keeping them apart. The man was younger than he was. There were flecks of grey in his sandy blonde hair, a perpetual smirk on his otherwise handsome face. Thomas was leaning against a bookshelf, the fixture bending under his weight. He glared at nothing, his eyes narrowed and focused. It was an unusual group, but their skills were varied enough to make a valiant effort at escape.
"I am glad we could all meet so quickly," Daniels said, nodding at each of them in turn. "We are on the very eve of our escape, a word we dare not use publicly. My old bones tell me something unsettling is happening, the anger and resentment have been brewing for days, weeks, years, and we have done the best we could, but it is at an end. We must make a choice. Do we stay, fight the fight, try to create our own Utopia, or flee? The choice is as much mine as it is yours."
The silence compounded for several moments, each of them processing what Daniels had said. The danger would grow as they made their way out of the safety of their base of operations. The old building was nondescript. To go out in the open, tamper with the security, avoid the attention of those that would fight them and break for the few transports that could fly them to safety was a danger they would have to face together. The risk was great, but their troubles would never cease. If they stayed, they would never find happiness, find freedom, find justice or peace.
Adam took a half-step forward. "When do we leave?"
Daniels body language eased. "Tonight."
Trevor shifted in the periphery of Adams vision. He shook his head once, indicating he didnt agree. Thomas sighed. "Care to elaborate?"
Victor laughed at this. "Maybe he'll start talking once we get out of this flying maze."
Evelyn looked at them before turning to Daniels. "I don't think were ready. That large monster keeps swooping over the city, over this very building. It knows, or suspects, something."
Mark cleared his throat. "We can't sit here and wait. If we make a run, most of us should survive."
"Is that the best we can hope for?" Evelyn asked. "Only that some of us might make it? Is that what Rick thought? What Leanne thought? It should be all or nothing."
"With that kind of attitude it's going to be nothing," Mark said, giving her a stern look. "We do our best. That's it."
"I don't want to watch anyone else die," Evelyn said in a small voice.
"No one does," Adam said, chiming in. "But that's inevitable, really."
Victor shrugged. "I don't have anything left to lose."
Thomas had stood by in silence. His heavy frame shook the room as he strode forward. "She's right. I can't do it. And none of you should be so willing to either. We need to stick together. If it becomes a free for all, were no better than they are. I'm better than that, aren't you?"
This had the desired effect. There was no response to be made, no viable reason to treat each other as means to an end and nothing more. They may not be friends, but they were allies in a fight, one they couldn't possibly win alone. It was a battle all of them choose to engage in, to risk their lives for, the lives of those they loved. There was another world out there, another life, and they all deserved a chance to start over, be allowed to succeed.
"If we are all in agreement," Daniels said. "We should begin preparing. Pack lightly, we will move under the cover of night. The tunnels will still be monitored, but young Victor can get us through. Isn't that right, son?"
"Yes, sir," Victor said without hesitation. The young man's eyes lit up, the excitement on the very edges of his features. He moved in an animated fashion, gesturing with his hands. "If we can move as a group, organised and together, we should be able to go through unnoticed."
"It can't be that easy," Mark said.
"No, of course not," Victor said. "But if we work together, if we commit to this, we have an excellent chance of succeeding."
"The odds?" Mark said, pressing the issue.
Victor had a mathematical background. He grinned and said, "Seventy-six times out of a hundred, we succeed."
"Twenty four times what happens?" Mark said.
"Someone dies," Victor said. "I don't know who, but the odds plummet at a certain point. As we move through the tunnels, the odds of success decrease. If we make even one small misstep, were going to lose half the group."
"And with these odds we move forward?" Mark said, his voice rising. "This is madness. The world will come down upon us. There will be no victory."
"There is no halfway," Daniels said. "You joined this cause, to whatever end. If death is our end, then so be it. At least we wont be cowards, or most of us."
"I'm no coward," Mark said, getting in Daniels face. "I want a situation where I won't end up dead."
"We all die," Thomas said. "It's getting late. We should prepare and be ready."
Mark had more to say, but the rest of the room ignored him, emptying into the corridor and to their separate rooms. Adam followed Evelyn, knocking on her closed door, but she didn't answer. Victor stood at the end of the hallway, giving Adam a mischievous look. With a frustrated look, Adam approached Victor, knowing the young man had been watching him.
"Well?" he said.
Victor smiled. "She not interested?"
"I dont...I dont see her like that," Adam said.
"Right," Victor said. "I need your help, tonight."
"We're all helping," Adam said, realising how childish this sounded.
"You might, if you have something you're not willing to lose," Victor said.
Adam glared at Victor, glancing back at Evelyn's door, realising she was what Victor meant. "No, it isn't like that."
"Hey, I know all about unrequired love," Victor said. His dark eyes roamed to the floor.
Adam shook his head. It was none of Victors business, even if they were putting all their lives on the line. "Was she pretty?"
Victor gave him a quizzical look, shrugging, he said. "Yes, of course. Stunning and self-assured, everything I wasn't."
"You seem pretty confident now," Adam said.
Victor laughed. "I had to depend on myself after I lost...well, you know the story. We all have one."
"I know," Adam said, the words automatic, the memories all too real. "What do you need me to do?"
"Stay in the back," Victor said, a smirk playing across his face. "I figure Mark will be our weak link, maybe Daniels with that limp."
"And do what?" Adam asked.
"Make sure we all make it," Victor said.
"And me?" Adam said, knowing the answer.
"If you do your job, you'll be with us," Victor said.
"This isnt an elaborate ploy to steal my girl?" Adam said, clenching his fists at his sides, knowing he couldn't get into a fight with Victor.
"The girl you aren't interested in?" The young man laughed. "She isn't my tight. Just do this, please. I know I can trust you."
"Yeah, fine," Adam said, stalking towards his room. He wanted to talk to Evelyn, but she didn't want to talk to him. Worse yet, Victors plan seemed uncertain. There was little choice in the matter. Mark would be proven right if he didn't agree to this new task, complete it without concern for his own safety. He slammed his door shut, knowing Victor had probably been watching him and stared at the meagre surroundings, trying to calm his nerves.
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29Mar 13
Each of them had been assigned a bedroom. Most had not been there long enough to make it feel like home. Adam had not bothered to bring anything with him. The bed was a small, a steel frame under a brownish comforter. The rest of the room was empty, sterile, just the way Adam wanted it. Daniels had supplied them with a few clothes, but there wasn't much to be found that wasn't accounted for. The only window had a privacy screen on both sides, allowing a small amount of light to get through.
The fluorescent lights above hummed, filling the quiet space. Adam pulled his jacket off, hanging it in the closet. Next to that was the door to the bathroom. The building had residential apartments built on the top floor a lifetime ago, a lucky circumstance for the resistance group. A cold shower was just what he needed, and he let the cool water wash over his body, rinse away the worry and doubt. When he emerged, the room was still empty.
Outside the sun had vanished from sight. The room was darker now, less welcoming. He pulled the only other set of clothes out of the closet. The pants and shirt were dark. He pulled his worn trench coat over this, adjusting his boots as best he could. He didn't bother with a bag for his things, he didn't have any. Heavy footfalls passed outside his door, once, twice.
With one last look, he turned the light off, pulling the door open. The lanterns on the wall lit the area. Mark was standing at the far end of the corridor with Thomas. They both looked up as he approached. All three were similarly dressed in dark colours and long coats. Mark had a rucksack over one shoulder. Thomas had an axe in hand, using it as a cane to steady his balance.
Adam continued on, not stopping to chat with them. The atrium was well lit, the globe illuminated at various points. Daniels stood to one side, Evelyn beside him. Neither heard Adam approach. He could hear their hushed conversation as he drew near.
"I dont want anyone to get hurt, but I need to get home," Evelyn said.
"We all want to go home," Daniels said. "Are you willing to make the sacrifice?"
"I've sacrificed too much already," Evelyn said. "I will not fail."
Adam cleared his throat. "You never struck me as the failure type."
Evelyn jumped, not expecting to see Adam. She covered her surprise with a feigned smile. "None of us ascribe to failure."
"No indeed," Daniels said behind them. "Are you ready?"
Adam nodded. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Thomas and Mark join them. Trevor was not present. The group was quiet, all of them focused on their task. Daniels and Thomas would lead the group, the rest would follow.
There was a moment, a second, where Adams wanted to run, to break away from the group, but he stood stock still, waiting for the rest of the group to move. Daniels gave everyone another stern look before forging forward. The ride on the lift was silent, matching the low moods everyone felt. Mark stood at the front door, using a listening device to detect any errant movement outside. Minutes passed and they stood and waited. With a wave of his hand, he gestured everyone forward.
Daniels took the lead, Thomas close behind. A few blocks down the street they found Victor and Trevor. The two were standing over a manhole of sorts. It had been pried loose. A faint alarm sound could be heard.
"We cant go down there now," Mark said, crossing his arms.
"We dont have a choice," Daniels said, beginning to climb down the ladder. "Come on."
Daniels head disappear from sight, Thomas following him down. He gave Evelyn a nod, and she pushed past Adam, following the other two men. With a forlorn look, Adam began to follow, but Mark shoved him out of the way, leaping down into the tight space. It only took a moment for Adam to realise his rush. A deep thrumming began in the distance, the source of the sound coming into focus.
There were many contraptions that had been conceived in Columbia, but Adam had only ever seen this one in print, never in person. Before him stood a massive wall of metal, a great beast that looked like nothing human. It had razor sharp claws at the ends of what looked like arms and legs. There was no clear face, but a great eye, glowing yellow in the darkness. He was too frightened to move, and this was a costly error.
Trevor was shorn in two before he could utter a sound. Victor stumbled to his feet, falling head-first into the hole. Adam leapt after him, hearing the whirring sound of a blade above his head. He landed in a thick mess of sludge, hearing Victor dry heaving nearby. Mark was pulling Adam to his feet.
"What are the odds we survive now?" he said, glaring at Victor.
"Twenty or less," Victor said, the words catching in his mouth.
The hole was shaking above, a sickly yellow light roaming the murky water they stood in. Daniels was calling them from the darkness. "All of you - move!"
There was no time to think. Thomas was hauling Victor to his feet. In front of them Evelyn and Daniels were keeping a surprisingly fast pace, but it didn't matter. Around several turns they were cornered, and the great beast was upon them, the glowing yellow eye the only thing that filled the darkness.
Mark was wrapping his fingers around Victors throat. "This is a right mess you've gotten us into."
The only words that could be discerned from Victor in his pitiable state were "wall" and "hole." Neither made sense on their own. Daniels took the hint, running his hands across the surface around them, hoping to find something. Evelyn was huddled in a corner, her wide eyes the only thing Adam could see in the dim light. Thomas was following behind Daniels, uncertain what they were looking for. The axe clattered into the sludge. Without thinking, Adam lunged for it, his clothes soaked and a great wave of filth bathing Mark and Victor as well. Adam pulled the axe up, readying it in his hand, but the beast didnt approach. They all stood in silence, waiting for the inevitable, but it never came.
Thomas stopped following Daniels long enough to extricate Victor from Marks grasp. "Leave him alone. This isn't helping."
"That...thing is going to come down here and slice us in two!" Mark said, his voice echoing through the tunnel.
"If you keep that racket up, it surely will," Daniels said. "Be silent. I think I've found something. Victor?"
The young man stumbled forward, glancing at Mark once before joining Daniels. Adams eyes were adjusting to the dim lighting and he could see Victor's expression relax. "This is it. You're brilliant, Daniels."
"I'll remind you of that later," Daniels said. "Can you open it?"
Victor pulled a screwdriver out of one pocket, a mechanical device out of the other. He pulled the cover off of the wall after removing a screw from each corner. It splashed into the muck on the ground. Victor leaned into the hole in the wall, attaching something and coming back out. A blue light was emitted from his mechanical device. It beeped as he turned the alarm off, a nearby wall rising, the sludge draining from the tunnel. The cool night air wafted in. It was a way out. Mark didn't waste a second, pushing Thomas off and running for the clearing. Before any of them could speak, could warn him, the great beast appeared, raising its arms, cleaving Mark into several pieces. The chunks flew across the ground, the blood now mixing with the sludge. Everyone was frozen.
A gentle breeze drifted through the tunnel, warding off the disgusting smell of the sludge. A grassy clearing could be seen from where they stood, sidewalks leading to makeshift buildings further in. The night was silent. The bright colours of balloons and signs assailed their weary eyes. The surroundings were a stark contrast to the dire situation that lay before them.
The beast barred their way forward, their way out. With the axe tight in his hands, Adam glanced once at Victor, his gaze sliding to Evelyn. She wasn't looking at him, her eyes wide with terror. The yellow eye of the beast scanned all of them, stopping on Evelyn. The moment hung in time. Adam knew what he needed to do, what he would have to risk. His mind was made up, and he lunged forward, headless of the danger, unconcerned for his own safety. The axe flashed in his hand as he swung it at the monstrosity. It clanged loudly, his arms and body vibrating from the impact. He fell backwards, into the sludge, now fully covered in it. The smell was atrocious, the viscous substance soaking into his clothes, going through them into every layer he wore.
The beasts eye moved down, Adam engulfed in the yellow light. It raised one arm, slamming it towards Adam. He rolled out of the way, using the axe as a shield to deflect the blow. Behind him, he could now see Daniels dragging Evelyn forward, Victor and Thomas trudging after him, uncertain whether they should join the fray or depart. A sense of self-preservation must have taken them as they began to hurry towards the hot air balloon that was on the other side of the clearing.
Adam couldn't let their escape distract him. It was just as Victor had predicted, except he would not survive. Their break-in had not gone unnoticed. With the beast bearing down upon him, the sound of gunshots echoed in the night. The beast half turned, giving Adam a moment to swipe at one of its legs, hoping to throw it off balance. This did not work.
The axe was embedded into the appendage, the yellow eye turning in an instant. The bladed arms raised up high in the air, ready to slice Adam into several pieces, as Mark and Trevor had already been dealt with. The gunfire was now paired with a fire. The beast had too many opponents. The yellow eye scanned for Evelyn, not seeing her. It swiped at Adam, missing as he clamoured out of the way. The axe fell to the ground as it moved away from Adam.
The group that joined them had an impressive arsenal, firing a rocket at the beast. The hit toppled the beast backwards. Adam had just enough sense to stand up on unsteady legs, staggering after the group, grabbing the axe as he moved. Victor stood in the doorway, beckoning him to hurry. The beast was on its feet once again, the loud metal footfalls closing in. The gunfire grew louder. There would be no escape, Adam soon realised.
There was no choice, no choice he hadn't already made. The beast leapt over Adam, closing in on their group, on Evelyn. The loud shouts of the gang were on his heels. The beast was too large to take down, but he could delay it. The axe was grimy, his grip unsteady. He swung the axe at the eye, missing and hitting the beasts shoulder. The blow reverberated through both of them, slowing the beasts approach to the transport. He leapt into the air, grabbing onto the beast.
"Go!" Adam said, his voice getting lost in the din.
Victor nodded at him once, pushing off from the platform. Adam only then noticed the lush green grass, the carnival rides, the smell of something sweet in the air. He tightened his grip around the monster, hoping to delay it just a little bit longer. The gunfire in the distance was no longer far away. He could hear the bullets spray the ground where he'd been standing just a moment before. His eyes strayed from his task, and in that split-second, many things happened at once. A searing hot pain began in his legs, moving up his back, a rain of bullets cutting into him, into the beast. He was losing his grip, the beast turning its upper-body, swatting him off and onto the ground. The beast could have advanced on him, but choose to pursue Evelyn. With one final effort, Adam grabbed onto the beasts leg for dear life. His hands and arms were not doing what he wanted, but he clung on, hoping to have the beast tumble over. Another rocket was fired, he heard it just before impact.
Sound was lost as he tumbled to the ground, losing feeling in the last of his appendages. The transport hovered just out of reach, but the beast would follow. The second rocket had been well-placed, knocking it backwards, sending an electrifying current out. The beast was writhing in pain, trying to get up, unable to move.
The gang passed Adam without a second glance, shooting the beast as it lay on the ground, unable to fight back. The blood was draining from Adams body, the world growing dark around him. With one last effort, he turned his head, catching the look of those aboard the transport. All of them held his gaze, a combination of respect and regret mingled in their features. There was only one person who he sought out, and she held his look for as long as they could still see one another. The tears slid down her cheeks as her face receded from his sight, the last sight his eyes would ever behold.
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26Mar 13
I saw this earlier this AM and have already helped two souls today! On Amazon's daily deal:
On sale, today only, for $41.99! They had the CE on sale earlier (which I may have grabbed) - and all day is video game deals! Check it out!
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18Mar 13
Since I finished Metal Gear yesterday morning (I've already received a negative vote for my review too!), I said to myself, after a bracing trip to the Burberry at Tyson's Corner, where I ordered this, I decided to play God of War, thinking I have time to get through some of it, and also my general rule is to not have more than one game open for any one console, not counting games like Rocksmith. I could ramble about Rocksmith, and the fact that I bought Rosetta Stone, similar idea, but I won't.
Needless to say, I'm regretting paying $80 for the CE of this game, or picking it up on release. I've already ordered Gears, and I am a firm believer in punishing yourself if you make stupid decisions. I am a fan of these franchises, but like the new AC, I might just pass and suffer the repercussions.
There is little new to this game, to be honest, it reminds me of RE6, there are many QTE events, and while they are breath-taking, as they were in RE6, you aren't really playing, you're doing what the screen tells you to. I know this was supposed to come from the same studio, but I don't feel that Kratos vibe as much. If you're on the fence about this one, you might want to wait for the inevitable price drop.
My opinions are subject to change.
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17Mar 13
After finishing so many games so quickly, I feel like I'm behind, but I'm not, not really! I finished Metal Gear earlier today, decided to start God of War, get a few good hours in. Look for a first impressions blog tomorrow.
- Walking Dead
- Bioshock 2
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Uncharted
- Penguins of Madagascar DS
- Rocksmith
- 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors
- Dead Space 3
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengance
The queue
- Fallout 3
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition
- Uncharted 3
- Mass Effect 2
- Demon's Souls
- Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
- Dragon Age II
- Mortal Kombat
- Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
- Dance Central 2
- Just Dance 3
- Driver San Francisco
- Dark Souls
- Saints Row the Third
- Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Catherine
- Binary Domain
- Mass Effect 3
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Resident Evil Racoon City
- Silent Hill Downpour
- Red Faction Armegeddon
- Spiderman Edge of Time
- Need for Speed: The Run
- Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
- Darksiders 2
- Sleeping Dogs
- Super Mario 2 (3DS)
- Borderlands 2
- Dishonoured
- Rocksmith
- Phineus and Ferb
- Hitman Absolution
- Paper Mario Sticker Star
- Bulletstorm
- God of War Ascension
- Dead Space Ignition
- NHL 11
Come next Tuesday, there will be two more new games on here, so I need to get moving! Keep Calm and Game On! -
16Mar 13
I've been slogging through the latest Metal Gear game, and while I can say it is visually stunning, the game can be very frustrating at times. I'm in the very final battle with the senator and keep getting really hammered by every single one of his attacks. I even went so far as to practice on some of the VR missions, but that didn't, honestly, really help a whole lot. I'm hoping there's a secret I don't know - I'm looking to all of you for guidance.
In other news I picked up God of War on Tuesday, but I don't feel right playing it until I finish Metal Gear. Im wondering...I know I want to play Bioshock when it comes out the week after next. I have Gears coming this week. I haven't even started on God of War...does anyone see where this is going? If I finish Metal Gear before Tuesday, do I open God of War or jump to Gears? I;m thinking, and this might sound nutty, I'm thinking of playing the newest games first so Gears before GoW if I finish Metal Gear after Gears comes out. Does that make sense? I am hoping to finish Metal Gear today, but this final battle is making me see red. I want to be able to open/play Bioshock when it comes out, but I don't know how to time that just right. The good thing is that after Bioshock, I'm not expecting any new games until Last of Us, minus some 3DS games, which sort of don't count.
Also, unrelated to this, but I've been slogging through edits, in a good way, really, but I've been writing a bit, working on my story. While my last two proofreaders/copy editors have been less than stellar, I got some great advice on a book to read: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. I know I few of you have mentioned that you're writing too, and I have to say, some of the things that are covered are things I don't even think about, but when I see the examples, it makes perfect sense. I feel like I can see the improvement already. If you're writing, you might want to give that a read.
Keep Calm and Game On -
28Feb 13
Video games have often allowed players to fully immerse themselves into the world of the game. From the very first game I played, Super Mario Brothers on the original Nintendo, to the most recent game, Metal Gear Rising, games have the ability to transplant you to a place in time that may be wholly foreign to your normal, everyday life. The first game that made me think differently was Grand Theft Auto 3. The game initially didnt strike me as immersive, but as I played, switching to cars I liked, finding the right radio station, I soon realised I was engrossed in the game, lost in its nuances and trivialities. When Vice City came out, I found myself playing just to drive around and enjoy the environment. In a horror game, the same is true, though instead of longing for a familiarity, I'm ill at ease by it, uncertain and sometimes even terrified by what the game delivers.
The first horror game I played is really the first horror game that affects me still. And while it was recently re-released, I doubt I'll pick it up, not wanting to sully the memories of that terror. Silent Hill 2 was a terrifying adventure. Unlike many modern games that try to pander to a wider audience, Silent Hill 2 caters to the horror audience alone. Others may partake, may find it diverting, but fans of pure horror will appreciate what Silent Hill 2 accomplishes.
The ambiance of the game is the first thing that struck me, the game felt eerie and off-putting from the very beginning. In most games, it is important to be able to see whats going on, hear things as they approach. In Silent Hill 2, a great dense fog descends and permeates every corner of the city. The protagonist, James, returns to this town after receiving a letter from his dead wife. Once he arrives, he is struck by his inability to see too far, needing a small radio, flashlight and his own sense of hearing to navigate away from things as they approach. The game is steeped in trying to disorient you, giving you a map, but half of the places are inaccessible or unreachable until a certain point in the game. One of the many goals of the game was to confuse you, to make you misunderstand the direction you were supposed to go, or the room to enter, the piece of the puzzle to use. It wasn't until I played Resident Evil 4 that I appreciated what Silent Hill had done, giving you more things than you needed, more tools than you could use or carry, purposely forcing you to choose to carry health or ammo, not knowing which you'd use or need more. There was no way to know what was around the next corner.
The enemies in a game are often a good way to gauge whether you will be scared or find it comical or not affecting at all. The real taste of something nasty for me was the nurses in Silent Hill 2. Faceless, dismembered, at times, not fans of light, they roamed the streets and hospitals of Silent Hill, ready with a knife or other implements to slice James in half. In most games, stealth is usually used to move through a level undetected by an enemy, but in Silent Hill, this takes on a whole other level of concern because it is not always clear what will set a nurse off to pursue you. And when one comes, more invariably follow. If that weren't bad enough, Pyramid head makes his debut and is well-nigh un-killable. Like in Amnesia The Dark Descent, the goal when fighting Pyramid head is to run away, something that, at the time, wasn't all that common in gaming. The idea that an enemy was not bothered by your bullets or bat, that you were literally powerless to slow or stop him in any way is what many horror movies base their premise off of.
It is in this final realisation that I come to the crux of my argument. I read a lot of horror novels (or I did when I was younger), I see a lot of horror movies as well. What I look for in a good horror piece is whether it affects me long after seeing it. The same is true for a video game did it affect me long after I stopped playing? With Silent Hill 2, however pathetic it may seem to many of you, I had nightmares for a week. Never anything specific, just waking up in a cold sweat, terrified of something coming out of nowhere to get me, as it did in the game. What makes Silent Hill 2 so affecting was the way the entire presentation and gameplay lead you back to the same feeling, the same warning. Each episode, each battle, each encounter, draws you further in, confuses or scares you, but brings the lore, the mythos that is Silent Hill to bear, in front of your eyes whether you're ready or not. Truly, Silent Hill is the king of all horror games, none have surpassed it, none have equalled it, none ever will.
