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Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the third in the newest rendition of the Tomb Raider series, continuing an ongoing storyline from the previous two games.
The game looks and feels really good, both visually and audibly. Each location is beautifly decorated and all of the cast looks well done. Gameplay is still mostly the same as the other games, but with a few more stealth mechanics that blend really well with the new jungle setting. Also, puzzle and level design is incredible. Each puzzle felt like it was geniusly set up and it was very enjoyable to solve.
The overall story is lacking, playing like the previous games as a typical action adventure movie. After a hardcore gameplay moment, there was always a hardcore cutscene moment that felt overdramatized in some places in the story. There were also several moments of stuttering and other technical glitches, depending on the environment. Also, the lack of a minimap made certain areas difficult to navigate to find all of the artifacts and trinkets.
Overall, it's a pretty fun action adventure game that looks pretty and plays fairly well, but there's not much else going for it, although it was a fun playthrough.
The game looks and feels really good, both visually and audibly. Each location is beautifly decorated and all of the cast looks well done. Gameplay is still mostly the same as the other games, but with a few more stealth mechanics that blend really well with the new jungle setting. Also, puzzle and level design is incredible. Each puzzle felt like it was geniusly set up and it was very enjoyable to solve.
The overall story is lacking, playing like the previous games as a typical action adventure movie. After a hardcore gameplay moment, there was always a hardcore cutscene moment that felt overdramatized in some places in the story. There were also several moments of stuttering and other technical glitches, depending on the environment. Also, the lack of a minimap made certain areas difficult to navigate to find all of the artifacts and trinkets.
Overall, it's a pretty fun action adventure game that looks pretty and plays fairly well, but there's not much else going for it, although it was a fun playthrough.
Monster Hunter: World is the first game in the series that makes its way to PC, and it does a pretty good job while retaining most of the original Monster Hunter mechanics.
It's mostly still the same Monster Hunter as all of the others in the series, with some new features and quality-of-life improvements. It's significant;y more accessible than previous Monster Hunter games, which is both good and bad. Veteran hunters will probably sigh and groan, but most new hunters will still feel the challenge. PC graphics look amazing, and I didn't have to sacrifice quality for performance too much (with a GTX 1080). Multiplayer is fairly simple, send a signal and people join up, or create a session with friends and hunt together. There is also a fairly wide variety of monsters to hunt from, along with the promise of more in the future, and most are new and several of them are unique in both behaviors and attack patterns.
There are several issues as well, including lots of server errors, although the most recent patch fixed a lot of those issues for me. It is a bit frustrating to suddenly disconnect in the middle of a hard hunt and have to slug out the rest of it solo. Also, some of the new mechanics really take away from the hardcore Monster Hunter experience most people are familiar with, like scout flies and other things. The interface for the game is also fairly confusing and the game doesn't always explain everything clearly, although that's a persistent Monster Hunter problem across multiple games.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter: World brings a lot of loved mechanics to PC and delivers a pretty good cooperative experience, but it's flawed by interface and server issues and for some people, it's easier than normal, which can ruin the hardcore Monster Hunter experience.
It's mostly still the same Monster Hunter as all of the others in the series, with some new features and quality-of-life improvements. It's significant;y more accessible than previous Monster Hunter games, which is both good and bad. Veteran hunters will probably sigh and groan, but most new hunters will still feel the challenge. PC graphics look amazing, and I didn't have to sacrifice quality for performance too much (with a GTX 1080). Multiplayer is fairly simple, send a signal and people join up, or create a session with friends and hunt together. There is also a fairly wide variety of monsters to hunt from, along with the promise of more in the future, and most are new and several of them are unique in both behaviors and attack patterns.
There are several issues as well, including lots of server errors, although the most recent patch fixed a lot of those issues for me. It is a bit frustrating to suddenly disconnect in the middle of a hard hunt and have to slug out the rest of it solo. Also, some of the new mechanics really take away from the hardcore Monster Hunter experience most people are familiar with, like scout flies and other things. The interface for the game is also fairly confusing and the game doesn't always explain everything clearly, although that's a persistent Monster Hunter problem across multiple games.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter: World brings a lot of loved mechanics to PC and delivers a pretty good cooperative experience, but it's flawed by interface and server issues and for some people, it's easier than normal, which can ruin the hardcore Monster Hunter experience.
Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is another Battle Royale kind of game, but with a twist. It's actually totally bonkers and really fun.
All of the same Battle Royale elements are still there, you launch from a train flying across the map, you land and collect gear, and you survive among lots of other players. However, you don't even have a parachute, gear can literally be anything, including a submarine scope, crossbows, and normal guns. Also, physics is totally real, you wobble and fling around, so good luck shooting.
Very honestly, I loved playing this game with my friends and it was really stupid and fun as I was starting to burn out on Battle Royale games. It's a good, goofy time, although there used to be server issues left and right. Not sure if they're still there.
All of the same Battle Royale elements are still there, you launch from a train flying across the map, you land and collect gear, and you survive among lots of other players. However, you don't even have a parachute, gear can literally be anything, including a submarine scope, crossbows, and normal guns. Also, physics is totally real, you wobble and fling around, so good luck shooting.
Very honestly, I loved playing this game with my friends and it was really stupid and fun as I was starting to burn out on Battle Royale games. It's a good, goofy time, although there used to be server issues left and right. Not sure if they're still there.
2011
This review contains spoilers
L.A. Noire is a detective game made by Rockstar set in the 1940s in Los Angeles. You play as the new detective Cole Phelps in attempting to solve a series of cases with various partners and people involved, from traffic cases to house fires.
The main feature of the game is that all of the facial animations were done with motion capture, to try to accurately display whether a person was telling the truth or not. Basically, it all came down to reading body language, which I'm sometimes not very good at apparently. I found interviews and questioning to be difficult to get through correctly, although I learned throughout the game. The action sequences are a nice change of pace from the investigating and interviewing. I also liked the subtle helpful hints in the music and the environment to help me whenever I was stuck. Also, there was a cool feature to play in a black & white mode, which was really cool, and really immerses you into vintage police work. I also liked how all of the traffic cases, homicide cases, etc. were linked together and not just one-off cases, besides the DLC cases.
The overall story of Cole Phelps and the other characters was mediocre by the time I got to the end of the game. I felt that the ending was fairly anti-climatic, being a manhunt for one dude we met once in a flashback and then.
Overall, I really did enjoy playing as a detective and experiencing 1940s Los Angeles. I loved the detective mechanics and animations, but there wasn't a strong story to go with them. The DLC cases are interesting and provide a neat twist apart from the main cases. Also, jazz music was good.
The main feature of the game is that all of the facial animations were done with motion capture, to try to accurately display whether a person was telling the truth or not. Basically, it all came down to reading body language, which I'm sometimes not very good at apparently. I found interviews and questioning to be difficult to get through correctly, although I learned throughout the game. The action sequences are a nice change of pace from the investigating and interviewing. I also liked the subtle helpful hints in the music and the environment to help me whenever I was stuck. Also, there was a cool feature to play in a black & white mode, which was really cool, and really immerses you into vintage police work. I also liked how all of the traffic cases, homicide cases, etc. were linked together and not just one-off cases, besides the DLC cases.
The overall story of Cole Phelps and the other characters was mediocre by the time I got to the end of the game. I felt that the ending was fairly anti-climatic, being a manhunt for one dude we met once in a flashback and then.
Overall, I really did enjoy playing as a detective and experiencing 1940s Los Angeles. I loved the detective mechanics and animations, but there wasn't a strong story to go with them. The DLC cases are interesting and provide a neat twist apart from the main cases. Also, jazz music was good.
Crash Bandicoot makes quite the remastered return in the N. Sane Trilogy, looking and performing better than ever. This is a very well-done graphical and mechanical upgrade to the original Crash Bandicoot games.
Crash looks and plays very well, and the general design overhaul looks great if you have the graphics card for it. I've actually never played through these Crash Bandicoot games before, and it was just a fun time. It wasn't unnecessarily hard, although there were some challenging levels, but it wasn't an easy trip either.
Overall it was a great platformer with some extra surprises and it looked and played amazingly.
Crash looks and plays very well, and the general design overhaul looks great if you have the graphics card for it. I've actually never played through these Crash Bandicoot games before, and it was just a fun time. It wasn't unnecessarily hard, although there were some challenging levels, but it wasn't an easy trip either.
Overall it was a great platformer with some extra surprises and it looked and played amazingly.
BioShock 2 is the sequel to the popular BioShock, and keeps the same survival horror atmosphere while playing a new perspective in the BioShock universe.
You play as an old Big Daddy, armed with your drill and suit to fight your way through Rapture once again to find your daughter, a Little Sister held captive by another power-hungry villain. The mechanics are basically the same as before, but playing as a Big Daddy really changes my perspective of the Bid Daddies from the original. The game was still just as terrifying, with the introduction of the Big Sisters, which are slightly smaller and much faster than Bid Daddies. The game had its own music for fighting Big Sisters, which was also horrifying. I was really excited to see that 2K kept the horror aspect in the game, even playing as the all-powerful Big Daddy. Honestly, this is just how sequels should be made, keeping the same theme and feel, while adding in new elements to expand upon. The plasmid powers were just as good, and the shooting was still top-notch, just like the original. The Remastered version includes updated environment graphics, which look amazing when you walk outside on the sea floor between areas.
There were some hiccups, though. For whatever reason, the game grew more unstable as I played through it, actually randomly crashing during the last two levels. There were also some audio glitches throughout, but not really that distracting over the soundtrack.
Overall, this is definitely a worthy sequel to a great game, and the remaster plays just as well. Definitely worth a playthrough if you have played through the original BioShock. It's got the same atmosphere and gameplay, slightly revamped and looking much better.
You play as an old Big Daddy, armed with your drill and suit to fight your way through Rapture once again to find your daughter, a Little Sister held captive by another power-hungry villain. The mechanics are basically the same as before, but playing as a Big Daddy really changes my perspective of the Bid Daddies from the original. The game was still just as terrifying, with the introduction of the Big Sisters, which are slightly smaller and much faster than Bid Daddies. The game had its own music for fighting Big Sisters, which was also horrifying. I was really excited to see that 2K kept the horror aspect in the game, even playing as the all-powerful Big Daddy. Honestly, this is just how sequels should be made, keeping the same theme and feel, while adding in new elements to expand upon. The plasmid powers were just as good, and the shooting was still top-notch, just like the original. The Remastered version includes updated environment graphics, which look amazing when you walk outside on the sea floor between areas.
There were some hiccups, though. For whatever reason, the game grew more unstable as I played through it, actually randomly crashing during the last two levels. There were also some audio glitches throughout, but not really that distracting over the soundtrack.
Overall, this is definitely a worthy sequel to a great game, and the remaster plays just as well. Definitely worth a playthrough if you have played through the original BioShock. It's got the same atmosphere and gameplay, slightly revamped and looking much better.
2016
I've only ever played BioShock Infinite, but now I see why the whole series gets praise. It's a typical FPS, but with superpowers, and really fun ones. This game also terrified me the whole way through, thanks to the perfect setup of music and atmosphere of a technologically advanced underwater city. The shooting was really solid, the powers were really fun, and the game itself was challenging. The overall story was actually really well-written and definitely threw me for a twist. The game also looks gorgeous, at least the Remastered version does, wow.
I definitely recommend this game if you've never played it before, it should be considered one of the essentials of video gaming, in all honesty.
I definitely recommend this game if you've never played it before, it should be considered one of the essentials of video gaming, in all honesty.
2017
NieR:Automata is a bullet-hell 2D/3D hack-n-slash JRPG about androids vs the machines on Earth. The premise itself is really intriguing, and it quickly develops into much more than android vs machine, even into the philosophy of artificial life.
Probably the best part of this game is the seamless integration of all of its styles of gameplay into one game. I'm clearing a huge group of enemies while shooting and dodging bullets from everywhere, and the same applies to 1v1 as well. It definitely took some getting used to, but with a controller, it became nearly second nature. The overall story is also very well done, exploring the difference between humans/androids/machines and how they interact with each other, zooming in on 2B, 9S, and A2 and telling each of their stories. Also, make sure to keep playing through the game multiple times, it's totally worth it.
Personally, I'm not a fan of "Save Station" type save systems, so that is something to consider, although it does fit very well into the rest of the mechanics and storytelling. Also, there are a variety of technical issues, nothing game-breaking, but still annoying. I installed the FAR mod to upscale to 1080p, and sometimes the game had trouble maintaining "Fullscreen" vs "Window". Other than those technical problems, I didn't notice any other glaring issues.
Overall, this game is a very well-done JRPG that seriously explores artificial life and other philosophical questions. The mechanics fit together and transition well. Each character offers something different to both the game and the story. I rate it at a 9/10, mostly for technical issues experienced when playing.
Probably the best part of this game is the seamless integration of all of its styles of gameplay into one game. I'm clearing a huge group of enemies while shooting and dodging bullets from everywhere, and the same applies to 1v1 as well. It definitely took some getting used to, but with a controller, it became nearly second nature. The overall story is also very well done, exploring the difference between humans/androids/machines and how they interact with each other, zooming in on 2B, 9S, and A2 and telling each of their stories. Also, make sure to keep playing through the game multiple times, it's totally worth it.
Personally, I'm not a fan of "Save Station" type save systems, so that is something to consider, although it does fit very well into the rest of the mechanics and storytelling. Also, there are a variety of technical issues, nothing game-breaking, but still annoying. I installed the FAR mod to upscale to 1080p, and sometimes the game had trouble maintaining "Fullscreen" vs "Window". Other than those technical problems, I didn't notice any other glaring issues.
Overall, this game is a very well-done JRPG that seriously explores artificial life and other philosophical questions. The mechanics fit together and transition well. Each character offers something different to both the game and the story. I rate it at a 9/10, mostly for technical issues experienced when playing.
2012
Far Cry 3 is a first-person shooter that takes place on a lawless island ruled by pirates. You play as Jason Brody, a spoiled rich kid who has to learn how to survive in order to save his friends who were captured by the pirates.
The gameplay consists of typical FPS elements but with lots of added new mechanics like stealth killing and chaining kills together. Completing missions and killing enemies rewards XP to use in unlocking these new skills, and definitely adds more enjoyment in combat. The crafting system is simple, hunt animals, loot pelts, craft ammo pouches, bigger inventory, etc. Along with survival, you have to take on pirate outposts to create fast travel points across the map, while disabling radio towers reveals more of the map to you. Overall, combat feels good and enjoyable watching Jason basically go on a massive murder spree.
The story is definitely a strong point in Far Cry 3. Jason is given a tattoo, symbolizing his status as a warrior. As you become more powerful, you add more to the tattoo, eventually becoming the ultimate warrior. The game provides one of the best villains in gaming history, taunting you and making you question your own sanity. The game does well in showing Jason maturing and realizing who he's meant to be.
The graphics in Far Cry 3 feel as if I'm really trapped on an island. The first-person experience is excellent, and the island design is great. Lots of variety despite being a typical hot island. The environment feels living and interactable. Character design is also excellent, creating memorable faces as you experience a variety of people.
Overall, Far Cry 3 is probably the best in the series with an intriguing story and enjoyable gameplay along with likable characters and a very impressive graphics system. I definitely recommend picking up this game, especially on a sale.
The gameplay consists of typical FPS elements but with lots of added new mechanics like stealth killing and chaining kills together. Completing missions and killing enemies rewards XP to use in unlocking these new skills, and definitely adds more enjoyment in combat. The crafting system is simple, hunt animals, loot pelts, craft ammo pouches, bigger inventory, etc. Along with survival, you have to take on pirate outposts to create fast travel points across the map, while disabling radio towers reveals more of the map to you. Overall, combat feels good and enjoyable watching Jason basically go on a massive murder spree.
The story is definitely a strong point in Far Cry 3. Jason is given a tattoo, symbolizing his status as a warrior. As you become more powerful, you add more to the tattoo, eventually becoming the ultimate warrior. The game provides one of the best villains in gaming history, taunting you and making you question your own sanity. The game does well in showing Jason maturing and realizing who he's meant to be.
The graphics in Far Cry 3 feel as if I'm really trapped on an island. The first-person experience is excellent, and the island design is great. Lots of variety despite being a typical hot island. The environment feels living and interactable. Character design is also excellent, creating memorable faces as you experience a variety of people.
Overall, Far Cry 3 is probably the best in the series with an intriguing story and enjoyable gameplay along with likable characters and a very impressive graphics system. I definitely recommend picking up this game, especially on a sale.
Batman: Arkham Knight is the final chapter in the Rocksteady Batman franchise, putting Batman against his greatest foes all in one night. Batman is going to need his full arsenal in order to take on the mysterious Arkham Knight and Scarecrow.
The base Rocksteady gameplay mechanics still remain unchanged, but the newly added moves provide even more combat options as you take on tougher enemies, both fist-to-fist and tank-on-tank. The newest addition to Batman's arsenal is a fully driveable and combat-ready Batmobile. Batman can race around the city in mere seconds while also being able to transform into a battle mode to take on a drone tank army. While fun at first, the majority of the story is spent in the Batmobile, either solving puzzles or taking on more drone tanks, which gets really repetitive later on, as it's mostly dodging their lines of sight and shooting back.
Those familiar with their Batman lore will probably recognize this game as a remix of a popular Batman story, revolving around the Arkham Knight. The game does well in providing the ending chapter of the Batman franchise, both in confronting the Arkham Knight and taking on supervillains who have banded together to destroy the Batman. The ending is satisfying, although expected.
Rocksteady seriously amped up the graphics and pushed them to the max, at first making the PC port nearly unplayable. Since then, the game has vastly improved and runs well enough. There are noticeable frame drops and visual hiccups, but nothing game-breaking. The design of Gotham City works very well in tandem with the Batmobile, no awkward narrow roads or tunnels I couldn't race through.
I can't say this is a perfect game, though. In introducing the Batmobile as a new mechanic, I felt it was extremely overused. Certain plot points in the story revolved around doing X task with the Batmobile, which is fine a few times, but it happens too often. Although not forced into constantly using the Batmobile, it seemed highly encouraged even though flying through the city was much more convenient. Also, anyone familiar with Batman's history will probably be able to guess an important detail regarding the Arkham Knight, and I found it slightly disappointing.
The season pass includes access to Riddler challenges as well as skins and expansion stories. Although extremely short, the mini-stories are well done and worth doing at least once. The season pass is worth a buy if it's on sale.
Overall, Rocksteady delivered a fun and engaging finale to Batman. With all new mechanics and a well-thought-out story, Batman fans will definitely enjoy this game, even with some Batmobile overkill. Great job to Rocksteady for culminating three games' worth of content and gameplay into one epic finale.
The base Rocksteady gameplay mechanics still remain unchanged, but the newly added moves provide even more combat options as you take on tougher enemies, both fist-to-fist and tank-on-tank. The newest addition to Batman's arsenal is a fully driveable and combat-ready Batmobile. Batman can race around the city in mere seconds while also being able to transform into a battle mode to take on a drone tank army. While fun at first, the majority of the story is spent in the Batmobile, either solving puzzles or taking on more drone tanks, which gets really repetitive later on, as it's mostly dodging their lines of sight and shooting back.
Those familiar with their Batman lore will probably recognize this game as a remix of a popular Batman story, revolving around the Arkham Knight. The game does well in providing the ending chapter of the Batman franchise, both in confronting the Arkham Knight and taking on supervillains who have banded together to destroy the Batman. The ending is satisfying, although expected.
Rocksteady seriously amped up the graphics and pushed them to the max, at first making the PC port nearly unplayable. Since then, the game has vastly improved and runs well enough. There are noticeable frame drops and visual hiccups, but nothing game-breaking. The design of Gotham City works very well in tandem with the Batmobile, no awkward narrow roads or tunnels I couldn't race through.
I can't say this is a perfect game, though. In introducing the Batmobile as a new mechanic, I felt it was extremely overused. Certain plot points in the story revolved around doing X task with the Batmobile, which is fine a few times, but it happens too often. Although not forced into constantly using the Batmobile, it seemed highly encouraged even though flying through the city was much more convenient. Also, anyone familiar with Batman's history will probably be able to guess an important detail regarding the Arkham Knight, and I found it slightly disappointing.
The season pass includes access to Riddler challenges as well as skins and expansion stories. Although extremely short, the mini-stories are well done and worth doing at least once. The season pass is worth a buy if it's on sale.
Overall, Rocksteady delivered a fun and engaging finale to Batman. With all new mechanics and a well-thought-out story, Batman fans will definitely enjoy this game, even with some Batmobile overkill. Great job to Rocksteady for culminating three games' worth of content and gameplay into one epic finale.
2011
Batman: Arkham City is a sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum and expands on the existing Batman mechanics. Batman investigates a new super-prison Arkham City under the direction of the mysterious Dr. Hugo Strange, who has studied the Batman in extreme detail.
Gameplay has been overhauled from Asylum, with an improved freeflow combat system, combos, combo multipliers, and different takedown styles. Open combat flows perfectly between striking and countering and easily handles special moves and gadgets in all sorts of combinations. Predator rooms have new takedown methods and new ways to use your gadgets on top of the existing system. Traveling is much better since the map is now a city with buildings, so Batman can now essentially fly across the map with ease. Old gadgets make a return along with several new ones that provide you with several new combat and predator options. In addition to combat, there are several puzzles to be solved as the Riddler makes a return with new and creative puzzles.
The narrative throughout this game deals with Batman overcoming several of his enemies in an attempt to shut down Arkham City. Obviously this includes the Joker, along with Penguin, Two-Face, and a gallery of other villains to take on and defeat. While fighting all the villains are super fun, some of these villains don't make sense in the context of the story. Some moments seem a little too convenient, but then again, the game is based off of comic book characters, so I can forgive this a little bit. In addition to the main story, there are several side missions to take on other DC villains within Arkham City. These side missions are intersting and unique. For example, a particular side mission has Batman investigate a series of murders while another mission has you answer phone calls across the city.
Visually, this game feels like watching a movie. The character models look incredible and combat runs well balancing between Batman's and the thugs' moves. Definitely a step up from the graphics in Asylum. Boss battles look incredible.
The GOTY edition adds all DLC content, including Riddler Challenge map packs, extra characters, etc. Definitely worth a pickup if on sale.
Overall, Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic sequel to a well-defined formula. With an improved story and enhanced gameplay mechanics, this is truly a must-have game, especially for Batman fans.
Gameplay has been overhauled from Asylum, with an improved freeflow combat system, combos, combo multipliers, and different takedown styles. Open combat flows perfectly between striking and countering and easily handles special moves and gadgets in all sorts of combinations. Predator rooms have new takedown methods and new ways to use your gadgets on top of the existing system. Traveling is much better since the map is now a city with buildings, so Batman can now essentially fly across the map with ease. Old gadgets make a return along with several new ones that provide you with several new combat and predator options. In addition to combat, there are several puzzles to be solved as the Riddler makes a return with new and creative puzzles.
The narrative throughout this game deals with Batman overcoming several of his enemies in an attempt to shut down Arkham City. Obviously this includes the Joker, along with Penguin, Two-Face, and a gallery of other villains to take on and defeat. While fighting all the villains are super fun, some of these villains don't make sense in the context of the story. Some moments seem a little too convenient, but then again, the game is based off of comic book characters, so I can forgive this a little bit. In addition to the main story, there are several side missions to take on other DC villains within Arkham City. These side missions are intersting and unique. For example, a particular side mission has Batman investigate a series of murders while another mission has you answer phone calls across the city.
Visually, this game feels like watching a movie. The character models look incredible and combat runs well balancing between Batman's and the thugs' moves. Definitely a step up from the graphics in Asylum. Boss battles look incredible.
The GOTY edition adds all DLC content, including Riddler Challenge map packs, extra characters, etc. Definitely worth a pickup if on sale.
Overall, Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic sequel to a well-defined formula. With an improved story and enhanced gameplay mechanics, this is truly a must-have game, especially for Batman fans.
2008
Audiosurf is a rhythm and puzzle-solving game that transforms your music library into a track of colored blocks you have to match to get points for.
Gamplay is split between several modes, including dodge the grey blocks, hit the colored ones, co-op, collecting multiple colors, etc. The game can read in your entire iTunes library, which is very convenient and does well in generating a good course.
Visually, there's not that much going on, outside of colored blocks and lines, but when the music picks up, there are more colors and the course speeds up.
Overall, Audiosurf is a basic rhythm/puzzle game that can read in your music library. It's got both easy and hard levels, so there's a lot of variety in addition to the different game modes. Very enjoyable and relaxing.
Gamplay is split between several modes, including dodge the grey blocks, hit the colored ones, co-op, collecting multiple colors, etc. The game can read in your entire iTunes library, which is very convenient and does well in generating a good course.
Visually, there's not that much going on, outside of colored blocks and lines, but when the music picks up, there are more colors and the course speeds up.
Overall, Audiosurf is a basic rhythm/puzzle game that can read in your music library. It's got both easy and hard levels, so there's a lot of variety in addition to the different game modes. Very enjoyable and relaxing.
Assassin's Creed Rogue is the last generation side release next to Assassin's Creed Unity. Serving as a prequel to AC III, Rogue explores how an Assassin initiate, Shay Cormac, turned against the Assassin Order in Colonial America and wiped out the Assassins.
Gameplay is extremely similar to AC IV Black Flag with sailing, climbing, and combat. However, Rogue adds new elements like gas grenades and icebergs to make combat amd exploration much more interesting, and it does very well mixing in these new elements. Sailing is still basically the same, so if you liked it from AC IV, then you get more of it. Renovations make a return in Rogue, using materials looted from other ships to contruct buildings to generate more income. Similar to the forts in AC III, there are gang headquarters scattered throughout the world that you can take over and use as a base of operations. Also, I found Rogue to be much more difficult overall than other Assassin's Creed games, which is a nice change of pace from always being overpowered against every other enemy.
Rogue's story is definitely one of the strongest in the series, providing a relatable character Shay, as he experiences that the Assassins aren't always the "good guys", and the Templars aren't always the "bad guys". Shay struggles as he believes in the Templar cause, but has to come to terms and fight against his former brother and sister assassins. This story fills the gap on why the Assassin Order is all but extinct during the events of AC III. Also, the modern day segments are minimal and dont' provide much new if you've played other AC games. Overall, Rogue delivers a very different story than the rest of the series, and that makes it one of the best.
Rogue keeps on par with visuals just like AC IV, but with the added ice and snow elements. The game performs smoothly with little to no visual hiccups.
Despite having an exact replica of the AC IV exploration mechanic, navigation is much more of a hassle in Rogue. One sailing area in particular is very frustrating to navigate because it's a long winding and narrow river that just makes me want to fast travel everywhere, almost cutting out exploration.
Overall, Rogue is a fresh new idea in the series that performs well and is definitely worth playing through. The story is drastically different and keeps the intrigue as Shay goes from Assassin to Templar. However, most people probably didn't play this game since it came out with Assassin's Creed Unity, which is highly unfortunate.
Gameplay is extremely similar to AC IV Black Flag with sailing, climbing, and combat. However, Rogue adds new elements like gas grenades and icebergs to make combat amd exploration much more interesting, and it does very well mixing in these new elements. Sailing is still basically the same, so if you liked it from AC IV, then you get more of it. Renovations make a return in Rogue, using materials looted from other ships to contruct buildings to generate more income. Similar to the forts in AC III, there are gang headquarters scattered throughout the world that you can take over and use as a base of operations. Also, I found Rogue to be much more difficult overall than other Assassin's Creed games, which is a nice change of pace from always being overpowered against every other enemy.
Rogue's story is definitely one of the strongest in the series, providing a relatable character Shay, as he experiences that the Assassins aren't always the "good guys", and the Templars aren't always the "bad guys". Shay struggles as he believes in the Templar cause, but has to come to terms and fight against his former brother and sister assassins. This story fills the gap on why the Assassin Order is all but extinct during the events of AC III. Also, the modern day segments are minimal and dont' provide much new if you've played other AC games. Overall, Rogue delivers a very different story than the rest of the series, and that makes it one of the best.
Rogue keeps on par with visuals just like AC IV, but with the added ice and snow elements. The game performs smoothly with little to no visual hiccups.
Despite having an exact replica of the AC IV exploration mechanic, navigation is much more of a hassle in Rogue. One sailing area in particular is very frustrating to navigate because it's a long winding and narrow river that just makes me want to fast travel everywhere, almost cutting out exploration.
Overall, Rogue is a fresh new idea in the series that performs well and is definitely worth playing through. The story is drastically different and keeps the intrigue as Shay goes from Assassin to Templar. However, most people probably didn't play this game since it came out with Assassin's Creed Unity, which is highly unfortunate.
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag continues the overarching Assassins vs Templars story by placing you in the early 1700s in the Age of Pirates, taking the role of Edward Kenway, a fortune-seeking pirate.
Story-wise, this is the first game without Desmond Miles, where you play as a non-speaking Abstergo Entertainment employee, exploring memories to create a new feature video game. Like other AC games, these modern-day segments don't really accomplish much, as Edward's story is much more interesting, dealing with the consequences of his lust for riches.
Visually, this game is very impressive. Character design is great, locations are styled well, and no visual bugs were noticed. Smooth performace all around.
Gameplay is the greatest strength in this game, letting the player basically do whatever he/she wants to do. Find treasure? Pull out those maps and get hunting. Explore the Carribbean? Planty of explorable and unique locations. Blow up everything in sight? Blast away with a fully upgradeable ship. The gameplay mechanics are slightly improved from AC III, including better sailing, free-aim, and combat.
The only real negative here is the overall story. You spend an extended amount of time not playing as an Assassin, which is strange given the title, Assassin's Creed, but does well in exploring the ideology of both the Assassins and the Templars from a third-person perspective.
Story-wise, this is the first game without Desmond Miles, where you play as a non-speaking Abstergo Entertainment employee, exploring memories to create a new feature video game. Like other AC games, these modern-day segments don't really accomplish much, as Edward's story is much more interesting, dealing with the consequences of his lust for riches.
Visually, this game is very impressive. Character design is great, locations are styled well, and no visual bugs were noticed. Smooth performace all around.
Gameplay is the greatest strength in this game, letting the player basically do whatever he/she wants to do. Find treasure? Pull out those maps and get hunting. Explore the Carribbean? Planty of explorable and unique locations. Blow up everything in sight? Blast away with a fully upgradeable ship. The gameplay mechanics are slightly improved from AC III, including better sailing, free-aim, and combat.
The only real negative here is the overall story. You spend an extended amount of time not playing as an Assassin, which is strange given the title, Assassin's Creed, but does well in exploring the ideology of both the Assassins and the Templars from a third-person perspective.
2009
Assassin's Creed II continues the story of Desmond Miles as he now trains to become a modern day Assassin. To do this, he will live the life of his ancestor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ezio's story is one filled with loss and revenge as he takes on the Templar Order. This is a direct sequel to the original Assasin's Creed and greatly improves on the existing mechanics. Each assassination takes a unique approach as you learn new skills and use more tools. All of these new mechanics are greatly integrated into the overall story as we see Exio grow up and become a Master Assassin. The Deluxe Edition includes two lost sequences that fill in a time gap from the original game, definitely worth playing. Great controls and smooth performance, although the graphics are outdated these days.