Review: Bioshock (360*)

Graphics- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Gameplay- 10/10
Replay Value- 10/10
Overall- 10/10

Bioshock carries some heavy weight on its shoulders as it follows in the foot steps of System Shock 2, but since many gamers (mainly console gamers) missed out on System Shock 2, they didn't know what to expect. I must admit, I was one of those gamers. But, I must say, after playing Bioshock, I can assure you that it is a game that refreshes the shooter genre. Bioshock boasts wonderfully detailed visuals and superbly fun game play, as well, it is obvious that Bioshock has a very powerful, high quality design to it. With such strengths, Bioshock is a strong contender for game of the year.

As I plopped Bioshock in for the first time, I was rather excited. Quite thankfully, I can say my excitement was for good reason as my high expectations were surpassed. The graphics were certainly one of the most polished parts of the game. Everything is in superb detail with a wonderful and realistic use of color and light. As well, the over all visuals are surprisingly clear and crisp, making it very easy to be immersed into the game's dark world. The design of the game itself is very original and very pleasing. The splicers, your main enemies, truly look like raving, murderous monsters that once used to be a part of human civilization. The Big Daddies and the Rosies (a different kind of Big Daddy) are one of my favorite character designs in Bioshock. Their armor-like, old-school underwater suits portray a very powerful and prominent creature in Bioshock. Quite basically, the designs are so successful that you know a fight between you, a Big Daddy, and a group of raving Splicers defines disaster.

The sound is another refined part of Bioshock's environment. The developers really hit the bulls eye of realistic sound with deafening gun shots, horrifying shrieks, and mushy-mashy bludgeoning sound effects. As well, the music and truly superb voicing of Bioshock over comes many of the best movies to date. The soundtrack is a wonderful composition of songs that define and push the game's stressful and insane mood, all the while fitting the era in which the game takes place. The voice acting, as well, is of just plain superb quality. Colorful wording that fits the vocabulary of people of the 50's/60's combined with lines that successfully echo each character's personality make for very entertaining and attention holding conversations.

When I started Bioshock, I didn't know what to expect. I knew it was in first person, but many people talked of a shooter/adventure/role playing game combo. It is quite true that Bioshock is a FPS game unlike any other. The firefights are of amazing realistic quality. It isn't an all out shoot out in Bioshock, oh no, it's much wilder than that. Splicers will jump left and right, dodging your shots, while you scurry for cover of your own. The kick back of your guns will throw your aim wildly around as you fire off each shot at the menacing splicers, who themselves desperately hurry to get their shots into you. The fights are wild and frenzied, with fear over coming both sides. But the wonderful action is just a small piece of the fun. All the fire arms you gather or loot are completely customizable; various add-ons include more damage, better aim, even completely custom bullets, and beyond. As well, one of the most important features is changing your genes to gain powers, called plasmids, is an amazingly fun part of the game. Powers range from freezing your enemies or shocking them to marking your enemies so security guns will shoot only them and making Big Daddies fight for you. But the developers took this already great feature even farther; in one part of the game you'll be going through a part of Rapture (where Bioshock is set) where ice has covered most of the area, by using your fire plasmid, you can melt away the ice and find hidden items and passage ways. Another fun trick is to shoot a puddle in which several enemies are standing to shock them all at once; or, another favorite of mine, you can catch a bomb or grenade thrown at you with telepathy and through it right back. You really have to think out of the box and get creative to fully utilize the potential of plasmids, which seems nearly endless. But, in the end, the truly most important part of Bioshock is deciding what to do with the Little Sisters. The Little Sisters are little girls who have been changed into mutants who gather Adam, a key component in the creation of plasmids. The catch: deciding what to do with them; you can either harvest them getting all the possible Adam out of them but kill them, or you can save them, releasing them from their mutant, hypnotized state but getting less Adam. Making the choice to harvest or save will affect the game immensely, so choose carefully.

All in all, Bioshock is an immense game that encourages exploration and creativity in a wild, dark, and very original setting. The ability to customize weaponry, freely explore, and making the decision to save or harvest the Little Sisters multiplies the replay value. With such high quality design, exciting game play, and so much play and replay value, Bioshock is one of the few perfect games out there.


Pros: Great visuals and sound, wonderful game play, tons to do and many reasons to play through multiple times.
Cons: None, that's right, nothing.

Review: Vedran

* Review for 360 version only, available on PC as well.

Review: F.E.A.R. (360*)

Graphics- 9/10
Sound- 9.5/10
Gameplay- 9.5/10
Replay Value- 9/10
Overall- 9.5/10

FEAR was the game to get on the PC awhile back, but now it's on the 360, and that age old question comes up again; did it survive the port?

I had high hopes for FEAR on the 360 for 2 reasons; 1. this generation of consoles has the power to port PC games successfully, and 2. when FEAR came out for the PC, I couldn't run it. Thankfully, the port was a success. The 360 makes fine work of running the game. The graphics, as a shining point of the PC version, was what I scrutinized first. The difference between the graphics on the 360 and those of the PC were non-existent, if anything. The textures were flatter than those in Gears of War, but this is no surprise, as FEAR on the PC is an older game. The resolution, colors, and lighting was top notch, though. The textures did little to hold back the visuals as a whole, as the overall picture was sharp and very easy on the eyes. The most important part of the picture was the lighting, though. As a horror game, FEAR uses the lighting heavily to influence the mood, and it does this quite successfully.

Working together with the lighting, the sound is surprisingly realistic. Every shot fired, every step taken, literally everything has a freakishly crisp, realistic sound. The ambient noises and the music blend seamlessly into the gameplay, effecting the mood and, ultimately, how you play. Gameplay, though, is the best part. It reminded me a lot of Half-Life, where adventure and story line were stuffed right into the action, meaning almost the entire game is from a first-person perspective. The game is filled with weapons and different types of grenades, as with most shooters, but unlike most shooters, there are health and reflex boosters scattered through the levels. Health boosters raise your health permanently, and reflex boosters do the same for your slow motion powers. This feature adds a new angle of gameplay, it's kind of like an RPG in this way, giving you the option to beef up your character through tons of fun, truly frightening exploration. As well, finding all the scattered boosters adds wonderfully to the replay value. The levels, themselves, are quite stunning. FEAR is in no way linear, as the levels have tons of diverging, twisting paths; and it's up to you to choose the ones you want to follow. But don't worry about getting lost; these paths, in the end, will lead you to your objective. Besides adventuring through all those horrifying levels, you'll also be treated to a lot of adrenaline filled firefights. The action is loud, fast, and very satisfying. The slow motion powers add to the fights with lots of action movie moments. Besides raising the fun level, the slow motion is surprisingly useful; it's not just another gimmick. Many times, these powers are the reason you survive the battles.

In the end, FEAR is a superb game. The large, free-form level design along with the multiplayer adds a nice touch of replay value. The game is just plain fun; the level design and health and reflex boosters, along with the wonderfully action packed shootouts make FEAR a refreshingly fun and exciting shooter with a great adventure game feel to it; and the complex story from a first person view really adds to the depth, tension and fear.

Pros: Great shoot outs; adventure feel adds to the depth of game play; large levels; superb lighting, sounds, and music; very good story; surprisingly scary.
Cons: A bit flat on the textures.

Review: Vedran

*Available on the 360, PS3, and PC. Review for 360 only.

Review: Splinter Cell: Double Agent (360*)

Graphics- 9/10
Sound- 8.5/10
Gameplay- 8.5/10
Replay Value- 8.5/10
Overall- 8.5/10

The Splinter Cell series is still going strong. Since the original, many improvements have been made; such as lighting, graphics, and a lot more interactivity with the world in the game. But can Double Agent match up, or more importantly, improve on Chaos Theory, the 3rd part in the series which seemed to perfect Splinter Cell?

Many fans of this franchise have probably heard the talk of the new features of Double Agent; an all new out look on objectives in which the protagonist, Sam Fisher, faces decisions that could change the game dramatically. As the story begins, Sam is being placed into a different position than in previous game. As a double agent, Sam needs to gain the trust of the terrorist group he has infiltrated to ultimately stop them from within. Yet there are quite a few twists. Every level has several objectives for both the NSA(good guys) and the terrorist group, the completion of the objectives gains the trust of the side that gave you the order and everything is just peachy, right? Not really, many times you will find yourself choosing between two conflicting objectives, meaning that one side will trust you a little more, and the other will trust you a little less at the end of the level. As the game goes on, the decisions you make will build on top of one another to reach the ending; on which your choices will have a heavy effect. Although this has been used in some games before, this is pretty new to the Splinter Cell series. But the thing that matters is that this new aspect of game play really does make the game more interesting, or, in other words, more suspenseful, and suspense is the biggest part of having fun in a stealth game.

Now, on to the core game play. Veterans of previous Splinter Cell games will be at home in this part, as many of the previous moves are here, and that's great news as those game play features are fun to use, the problem is that not too many new things to do are found here. Besides the new double agent set up, this Splinter Cell feels much like it's predecessors. Expect to be on the edge of your seat most of the time, planning your moves carefully, and using gadgets and the environment to complete your objectives. That being said, the game play is very fun and that is great for new comers and Splinter Cell lovers, just don't expect anything dramatically different.

One very noticeable difference in Splinter Cell: Double Agent are the graphics. Everything from the hairs on Sam's rugged beard to the environmental details looks great. The visuals are very detailed, crisp, clean, and quite realistic. Although these aren't the juiciest graphics, it's still a visual feast, even on next gen standards. Sadly, though, there are minor graphical issues here and there, such as cloth and body interaction, but nothing serious. To go along with the visuals, the game's sound really does a great job. The music is very fitting and really sets the mood. And the sound effects are pretty realistic, although, the gunfire did seem a tad soft.

In the end, Splinter Cell: Double Agent does a good job of moving the series forward with the same, suspenseful game play, an intuitive double agent system that really makes a difference to the choices you make, crisp visuals, and clean sound. As well, being able to make choices that can change the game really ups the replay value. Splinter Cell: Double Agent is great for fans of the series and newcomers as well.

Pros:Suspenseful, fun game play. Double Agent feature adds to this. Very good graphics. decisions affect the game.
Cons: Game play not very different than previous Splinter Cell games.

Review: Vedran

* Also on Playstation 2, Gamecube, Playstation 3, Wii, Xbox, and PC. Review for 360 version only.

Review: Gears of War (360)

Graphics- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Gameplay- 10/10
Replay Value- 10/10
Overall- 10/10

Gears of War... more like Game of the Year. Intense, challenging, stunning- these are only a few of the words that can describe Gears of War. Get ready for one wild ride.

A game as highly anticipated as Gears of War will naturally come with plenty of skeptics. The gameplay quickly came into question when it was revealed that the game would use a "stop and pop" formula. This simply means that you go through the levels dodging bullets, jumping for cover, and then blowing away your enemies from said cover. This works out perfectly. The rush for cover as bullets, grenades, and rockets fly literally over your head is INTENSE. A single well-placed shot will kill you, and a burst of a rifle to your gut will tear you apart. Oh yeah, this game is gory. Limbs literally fly through some of the battles. Even your own. But that's where your arsenal comes in. You're a COG soldier. A monster made of muscle and armor. You're armed with rifles with chainsaw bayonets, shotguns, spiked grenades, snipers that tear through enemies, and the torque bow. The torque bow is basically a bow that revs up, sticks a guy with a metal bolt, and blows him away. The rifle is pretty good, but it's main feature is the chainsaw attachment, which, when revved up, can tear a guy in half. Although there are a few more weapons such as pistols, the arsenal is kind of small. But that doesn't make it useless, it packs quite a punch in fact. When you do shoot (which there is A LOT of), you either shoot "from the hip" which is pretty inaccurate, or you can aim more accurately over the shoulder by holding the left trigger, but this slows you down. These options make you make choices that can have heavy consequences in split seconds. The challenge in the game is near excellent, although it can feel like a bit too much in some parts. In this game, you're constantly on the edge of your seat. The gameplay is simply perfect.

The most noted thing about Gears of War are its graphics. And yes, they are some of the best available on any console. The details are superb. There is no way to really explain it except to say that the graphics are crisp, clean, and perfect. Although, sometimes the graphics are a bit blurry when you load the game, but this fixes itself within seconds and the overall quality makes up for it. The lighting is done wonderfully. The lighting does a great job of creating a deep, dark, war ravaged mood. And the design is very original. It really fits the game and makes the game very enjoyable to watch. The sound, too, is done very well. The music in the game is placed perfectly at the right moments and the sounds of screeching bullets and ear popping explosions make for a very memorable and exciting experience.

The replay value is quite good in this game as once you finish the game on hardcore difficulty, the insane difficulty opens up. Also, through the game are many spots where your team has to split up, letting you choose which path you want to go. This nice feature adds the chance to have a bit of a different experience when playing through the game more than once. Also, the multiplayer is a nice change from the regular multiplayer shooter experience with the "stop and pop" formula. The chainsaw on the Lancer rifle also opens a new way of pwnage in multiplayer games. Overall, this game is excellent. It easily takes the place as one of the best games ever and can easily take on Halo. High quality graphics and sound with some of the best and most exciting gameplay ever make one great game.

Pros: Exciting gameplay, crisp visuals, and great sound.
Cons: Nothing really.

Review: Vedran

Editorial: The Xbox 360 is More Than Halo 3's Bitch

People keep saying that all the Xbox 360 has is Halo. Why? They can't think of a better way to call a wonderful console bad. They say the 360 has worse graphics than the Playstation 3 because it doesn't have the HDMI output. Look at Gears of War, the best graphics ever besides Killzone 2 which were PRERENDERED. If a game's visuals in-game can match the prerendered graphics of Killzone 2, then it's obvious who owns in terms of graphics. By the way, Gears of War is also an amazing game. Halo 3 and Gears of War, two of the biggest games ever- found only on the 360. People freely bash Xbox Live. Why? Because of a $50 A YEAR subscription price... 50 bucks a year is not a lot when you look at the services and quality offered by Live. Now lets look to future games- Metal Gear Solid 4, Devil May Cry 4, Final Fantasy XIII- these are all pretty big threats to the future of the 360, but people have to actually look at what the 360 is packin' before they say the battle is lost. Besides some very high-quality games already out, the 360 has a line up of Halo 3, Fable 2, Mass Effect, BioShock, Blue Dragon. These are all exclusive games coming out within a year to year and a half and all of them have some pretty big names behind them known for their high quality of games.

But you know what? I'm tired of comparing the 360 to the Playstation 3. The 360 won 2006. Better graphics, better games, better online. The fact is, the 360 is a great console. Whether you compare it or not. Has the console had some bumps in the road? Yes, but it still managed to get the first year done not just right, but great. Look at its power and price, it's a perfect balance between the two. It already has a developed online system, has great games out, and has plenty of great and promising games coming. Sure, not all Xbox games are backwards compatible on the 360(for now), but those that are work just fine.

But we can't focus on its backwards compatibility. The quality of the console is what matters, besides games that is. And the quality is superb. A fully developed online set up that is unlike anything consoles have seen before. The power to deliver graphics such as those in Gears of War(which are considered the best to date) without killing your budget. As well, the system can be personalized in numerous ways for that extra touch, and truly becomes a gamers console. The console itself is the best looking out there in my opinion. Of course, equally important are the games available on the console. Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, The Elder Scrolls 4, Lost Planet, FarCry, Hitman: Blood Money, Enchanted Arms, FEAR, Rainbow Six Vegas, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Gears of War- these are just a few of the good games already out on the 360. They may not all be exclusive nor the best of the best(while there are some that truly are) but these are all great games out now and there is something for everyone. And by playing those multi-platform games on the 360, not only do you get access to some amazing exclusives, you don't have to spend more than half a grand on the console nor do you get sub par graphics. Also, besides the exclusive games already mentioned that are still in development, multi-platform games including Resident Evil 5 and Grand Theft Auto IV are coming to the 360. This is a pretty killer line up.

Sure the 360 has had a bit of rough start, but it still proved itself against the bashings of Wii fans and PS3 owners. Was it a complete failure, did it have only terrible games all year round, did it not deliver on what it promised? No. Is there more than Halo 3 on the 360? Yes. Just like there is more than just Metal Gear Solid 4 on the Playstation 3 and Legend of Zelda on the Wii. The Xbox 360 has an amazing arsenal of games and plenty of ammo left, along with some very high quality services and features and some of the juiciest graphics out there.

Review: Hitman: Blood Money (360*)

Graphics-8.5/10
Sound-7/10
Gameplay- 9/10
Replay Value-8.5/10
Overall- 8.5/10

Hitman returns on the 360. It delivers for Hitman fans, but it might not be for everyone.

Hitman is a game of patience, and this doesn't change with Blood Money. The game can be slow, but very fun if you're patient. You have to plan your actions, carefully. Although you can run and gun, you'll probably lose. Besides that, you are given many options on how and what to do, making the experience very involving. The graphics are pretty good. But there are some minor glitches with the sound. Some sound is lost in certain parts, but this is rare. There lots of options and customizable weapons, giving you some replay value. This game can be fun, for the patient.

Pros: Fun, intuitive game play. Good replay Value. Options. Weapons.
Cons: Sound problems in certain parts.

Review: Vedran

* Available for many systems. Review for 360 only.

Review: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (360*)

Graphics- 9.5/10
Sound- 10/10
Gameplay- 10/10
Replay Value- 10/10
Overall- 9.5/10

Oblivion is, simply put an excellent game. Do not miss this one.

Ever since I started playing this game, I cannot stop. It is amazing, the main quest is very fun and the story is great, but there is so much more to do. There are many groups and guilds you can join, giving you even more quests to do. The game is HUGE, so you can also go on your own adventures as well. There are hundreds of ruins, forts, castles, and settlements to explore, where you can find thousands of items, weapons, and armor. Along the way, you'll fight many creatures, from goblins to ghosts, and bandits to vampires. The combat system really shines, as it is pretty involving and very exciting, making these encounters very enjoyable. It's so fun to fight in this game that I've often found myself actually looking for creatures to fight, and this doesn't happen often with RPGs. Also, as you travel through this game, advancing through the main plot and the many other smaller plots, your adventures will be pushed forward with the game's amazing and powerful soundtrack. And, of course, the graphics are amazing. There's a TON of detail in the characters, creatures, and environments, giving the game a sense of realism, but with a special epic fantasy feeling. Many times on your travels, you'll find yourself standing on hills, surrounded by unbelievable environments that truly take your breath away.

There are only two problems with this game- long loading times, and, since the graphics are so detailed, you won't be able to see in perfect detail very far away, but it still looks good. This game is pretty much perfect, as it keeps you playing, giving you a near endless supply of fun, exciting, and just plain amazing quests and adventures. This is a must own game for the Xbox 360.

Pros: A lot to do great music and graphics, very fun. TONS of replay value.
Cons: Long loading times.

Review: Vedran

*Also available for PS3. Review for Xbox 360 only