Gears 2 and Mirror’s Edge completed!

Posted on November 30, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

So over the last week I finished two games I have been playing, namely Gears Of War 2 and Mirror’s Edge, and continuing on from my initial impressions as posted previously – what is my final, closing opinions?

Gears Of War 2

I found it easier than Gears 1, playing it on Hardcore difficulty the same as the last game, and only really struggled during one boss encounter, of which I wont spoil for you here. Saying that I found it more enjoyable than Gears 1 as it had a better story, more epic locations (especially the crumbling city of Jacinto and the Locust Palace), and the action felt a bit more strategic with the new weapons (the scorcher flame thrower being a particular favourite) and improved enemy, team-mate intelligence adding greatly to the experience. All in all, it just felt good to play. I found it bizarre though that sometimes your team-mates, Dom, Cole & Baird could clear an area without you needing to do much at all. Realistic I suppose – but then, isn’t it supposed to be me playing it, and not the computer? Then again this happened in Call Of Duty 4. In addition, I don’t see the point of the vehicle sections – they aren’t as fun as in say, Halo 3 and just feel like padding. Then again, I can see why the developers put them in – variety. I personally couldn’t care less. I prefer my gunning to be on foot. Take note developers.

Mirror’s Edge

This has come in for a lot of stick, but in my opinion, this was (mostly) a joy to play. Its one of those games that once you get an idea of what the game wants and how you need to play it – it all falls into place. This is my tip – are you surrounded by a shed load of cops with guns? Don’t bother with running and climbing – they’ll get you for sure. Just try and disarm or (more easily) knock out one and grab his gun, then use it to pick off the rest. Each gun has very limited ammo, so when you kill a cop, go get his gun, then kill the next, and repeat until area is safe. You will avoid much cursing at the screen this way, I promise you. Other than that the game is gorgeous, with some beautiful level design straight out of an art deco catalogue, and when you are trying to figure out where you need to be and how on earth you could possibly get there – thats where the fun lies – and in this respect, the game is unrivalled. Especially because for the first time, it really feels like YOU are running along that wall, and YOU are climbing and swinging to get onto that ledge. Stunning. It also has plenty of replay value, and the story, although a little simplistic, is engrossing enough to keep you playing. Oh and I suppose it is a touch short, but nine levels is still a decent length for any game in my opinion.

Of course all this means is – what now? What gaming goodness do I turn to next? Do I go back to Grand Theft Auto 4? Maybe. Do I play online with Gears 2? Erm, I would if I could get the b****** to update! Or do I go out and purchase Fable 2? Its tempting. Or maybe Tomb Raider: Underworld?

Its a good time to be into games, I can tell you!

Mirror’s Edge

Posted on November 22, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

I was quite excited about this when first seeing footage on You Tube, and thought it looked revolutionary…then having played the demo, I just needed to own this game! Ok, it has had some mixed reviews, and apparently its not that long…but in my opinion, especially when it comes to the ‘experience’ this game offers…its quite unlike anything else currently available. Maybe this is why it has divided audiences so much – you either love it or hate it..the video game equivalent of Bovril.

Its a first-person perspective free-running game, with occasional FPS shooter elemtents…and you play as Faith, a ‘runner’ who becomes the witness to a murder, and soon everyone is out to get her. Honestly though, the story is irrelevant, as the joy here is exploring and navigating the environment in the most exciting (and shockingly addictive) way I think I have ever seen. Unlike similar games like Prince of Persia and more recently Assassin’s Creed, there is little reason to fight bad guys unless cornered, and the WHOLE POINT of this game is jumping, climbing and getting from point A to point B in the fastest time possible. This is where the real gold of this game lies, in the wealth of time trial courses that if you are anything like me, will have you going for that one more go like a drug addict and the next like of coke.

Rent it, borrow it or buy it – but you must PLAY IT.

Gaming heaven!

Posted on November 8, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

I know it makes little sense, when us gamers are relatively ignored during the summer, only to get a shed load of new releases all thrust onto shop shelves at the same time. Too many games and not enough money I hear you say – but wait! Think about what as a gamer you enjoy the most, be it shooting everything that moves (then go for Gears of War 2 obviously) or do you want horror and atmosphere to your carnage? Go for Dead Space. Or maybe you’re a bit more patient, and want to explore a large free roaming world? The best bet is probably Fallout 3, although Fable 2 and Far Cry 2 also hit this mark. Naturally all the aforementioned games are worth playing (perhaps rent the ones your unsure of and buy the ones you know you’ll love). At the moment even an impulse buy such as what I did with Dead Space can prove worthwhile. Even though I chose it over Far Cry 2 – I have had no reason to look back.

Back to Dead Space, I promised an update on my impressions so here it is:

Graphically it delivers on all accounts – some stunning effects (including realistic flame, smoke, dust etc) and some of the best lighting I have seen for some time. The game is also very effective in scarring the pants off you, with some brilliant choices of eerie imagery; catching a glimpse of a figure in a darkened doorway, or seeing a fellow crew man kill themselves after laughing crazilly at themselves. Add to this the excellent combat, the weapons and their many ways of using them, the use of telekenisis ala Half-Life 2 and Bioshock, with slow motion ‘bullet time’ and other gaming cliches all given a new lease of life. Might I also add that I have experienced some of the most grueling action I think I have ever witnessed in a game – it gets DAMN HARD in the later sections of the game, but somehow, I keep on progressing, just getting through the mayhem by the skin of my teeth. It’s never unfair, and you always believe you will do it – just one more go!

The designers of this game just got everything right – which nine times out of ten just doesn’t happen. Hands down the best game this year (and everything Alone In The Dark completely f***** up), at least until I get my hands on Gears Of War 2….and a little game that could be the best damn thing ever, Mirror’s Edge – check out the demo on XBOX LIVE and PlayStation Network now!!

Mirror’s Edge – gameplay

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

All I’m going to say is that this is either going to be one of the coolest games to come out (hopefully) this year, or it will be a big disappointment. This gameplay footage does show some serious promise though. Behold!