Gamers,
E3, the largest game expo of the year, is currently upon us. We have seen many games be revealed, and many more given closer looks after previously being announced. Today, gamers had the privilege of seeing the Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft, and Sony press conferences, with Nintendo's set for tomorrow morning. I will be discussing my opinions on the first four, as well as hoping to gain your insight on these reveals.
Microsoft
Microsoft has had a pretty rocky time selling the Xbox One, what with their inclusion of DRM in the revealed version and being bundled with the broken technology that is Kinect, so they need a big game exclusively for the console to push sales forward. Did they reveal such a product? Not exactly, but they are getting there, and some may end up turning out in the future to be such a game. They did normal tropes of an Xbox press conference, such as Call of Duty, a Halo reveal, and a few new games. While Call of Duty Advanced Warfare is not going to affect sales much, some other games will. Halo 5 as well as the Master Chief collection may drive sales forward a few notches, but we all know it's new and interesting IPs as well as a series thought dead that sell a console. Sunset Overdrive and the sequel to a cult classic game for the original Xbox, Phantom Dust, among others, seem to be a step forward in doing so. That being said, they did mess up on a few things. With Forza Horizon 2, they went over things that have been in open world games forever as if they were key points. They also kept going over that games would run on dedicated servers that would allow you to join instantly and have 60fps. But in reality, nobody cares about that stuff. All we want is a good game that has a stable framerate, no matter if 30 or 60.
EA
EA's conference was pretty lackluster at best. We got gameplay of only a few games, most of them coming out this year, the rest was conceptual footage. What games they had on hand were nothing special, mostly EA sports stuff, Battlefield Hardline (which is where the conference soared, too bad it was last), and The Sims 4. What conceptual footage was shown gave us some high hopes for the future, most of the time. They started out with Battlefront, and later said that they wouldn't reveal gameplay until spring of next year. Bioware then revealed a new Mass Effect game, which caused me to get excited, but nothing else was shown besides more conceptual footage. The preview for Mirror's Edge 2, despite it being more of the same from the conference, actually looked promising. DICE is making it open world and making the combat feel more smooth, and I can't wait to see more.
Ubisoft
Like the Xbox event, Ubisoft didn't stray too far from the familiar. This time, however, they got it right. Of course, a new Just Dance was announced, and they showed off gameplay of Far Cry 4, with it's villain seeming like a perfect role for Benedict Cumberbatch, but then, something amazing happened. Assassin's Creed Unity was shown off. Not only did we see the vast expanse of late 18th century Paris circa French Revolution, we also got the amazing and traditional CG trailer featuring a cover of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Lorde. Three of my inner geeks went crazy, my gaming side, my inner history geek, and my love for travel (besides flying). The last one is key, because I recently went to Paris for a trip. Seeing Notre Dame rendered in 1080p after seeing it IRL excited me to the brink of nearly fangirling (which is weird because I'm a man). Some more games, including The Division, were shown off, and then we got to the last part. A WWI game was announced, which i got interested in because that is pretty rare, and then what looked like a really cool version of hostage rescue from Counter Strike. After watching a tense firefight ensue to defend the hostage, it was then revealed to be Rainbow Six: Siege. Ubisoft's knack for creating games has once again paid off.
Sony
Sony's conference was the strongest of all of them. They announced partnerships and new games galore, as well as hyped us even more for existing announcements. LittleBigPlanet 3, Dead Island 2, and Bloodborne, a new IP made by From Studios, show the spirit in the games that the PS4 to dominate the console market. We saw previously announced titles, some for the first time with gameplay, like Uncharted 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, and most importantly, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The trailer, cinematically similar to last years, was nothing less than stunning. It offered chilling music, excellent acting, and the return to the camp style of the originals after the departure from such in Ground Zeroes, but they still have more serious elements. This trailer has me worried that this may be the last MGS game ever. That series is my all time favorite, so much so, in fact, that I couldn't bring myself to sell my PS2 copy of Sons of Liberty after buying the Legacy collection, so it will be difficult to see it go if such a thing happens.
Final points
We've reached the end of the first part of our e3 discussion, but it is not yet over, we still have Nintendo tomorrow. Throughout all this, however, I have now become convinced we have hit the gaming revolution. Like the industrial revolution before it, we are seeing advancements in technology boom, but we have a long journey to the end. At some point, we will see the final generation, but this is not that generation. We can still innovate graphically and technologically for many generations to come. Besides that, motion controllers that actually work are coming to be, and we are now coming closer to entering the games themselves with the oculus rift and other immersive technologies. Long story short: it has never been a better time to be a gamer.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Wolfenstein: The New Order Review
Wazzup!?
So this is actually my first review. Today, we review the newly released game Wolfenstein: The New Order, a first person shooter developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda. The best way I feel to do so is to go over the various aspects of the game itself. If parts of it combine to make it good, I will mention them. SPOILERS WILL HAPPEN!
Story
The New Order takes place in an alternate 1960 in which the nazis have won World War II and conquered the world. You play as William "B.J. Blaskowitz, a former soldier who, in 1946, took part in a failed mission to take down the nazi war machine by killing Wilhelm "Deathshead" Strauss, during which he is knocked into a catatonic state for 14 years. When he awakes, he finds the aforementioned 1960. He then joins a resistance led by Caroline Becker from the previous Wolfenstein game from 2009. Interesting indeed, and yet it actually could have happened. The nazis, back in about 1944, actually developed the first jet. Everything featured in the game could have actually happened. The story was engaging and had me hooked to the very end.
Gameplay
The game plays like your standard generic shooter, but it actually works in the game's favor. Like previous entries, you carry not only 2 weapons at one time, but a full arsenal. Shooting is a gem to behold, and offers different gameplay depending on your play style. MachineGames have combined the best of both classic and modern games in terms of health, in that it regenerates in increments of 20, so you need to search for health packs, like older games. On occasion, I would run into a glitch where a weapon would not fire, despite me pressing the button to do so, and then firing non-stop. This may have been because I was using a broken controller, so I won't dock points.
Graphics/World Design
Besides the occasional failure to load in textures properly, it looks amazing for the PS3. Each time periods design and graphical style to suit it, which really works.
Final Verdict
Wolfenstein: The New Order is not perfect, but it manages to give us a satisfying reboot and a fun nazi shooter. Well done. 8.5/10
So this is actually my first review. Today, we review the newly released game Wolfenstein: The New Order, a first person shooter developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda. The best way I feel to do so is to go over the various aspects of the game itself. If parts of it combine to make it good, I will mention them. SPOILERS WILL HAPPEN!
Story
The New Order takes place in an alternate 1960 in which the nazis have won World War II and conquered the world. You play as William "B.J. Blaskowitz, a former soldier who, in 1946, took part in a failed mission to take down the nazi war machine by killing Wilhelm "Deathshead" Strauss, during which he is knocked into a catatonic state for 14 years. When he awakes, he finds the aforementioned 1960. He then joins a resistance led by Caroline Becker from the previous Wolfenstein game from 2009. Interesting indeed, and yet it actually could have happened. The nazis, back in about 1944, actually developed the first jet. Everything featured in the game could have actually happened. The story was engaging and had me hooked to the very end.
Gameplay
The game plays like your standard generic shooter, but it actually works in the game's favor. Like previous entries, you carry not only 2 weapons at one time, but a full arsenal. Shooting is a gem to behold, and offers different gameplay depending on your play style. MachineGames have combined the best of both classic and modern games in terms of health, in that it regenerates in increments of 20, so you need to search for health packs, like older games. On occasion, I would run into a glitch where a weapon would not fire, despite me pressing the button to do so, and then firing non-stop. This may have been because I was using a broken controller, so I won't dock points.
Graphics/World Design
Besides the occasional failure to load in textures properly, it looks amazing for the PS3. Each time periods design and graphical style to suit it, which really works.
Final Verdict
Wolfenstein: The New Order is not perfect, but it manages to give us a satisfying reboot and a fun nazi shooter. Well done. 8.5/10
Friday, April 11, 2014
My Personal Top 5 Movies Ever
Hola amigos!
So after a few months of inactivity, I am finally making another blog post! Sorry for the delay, but this will more than make up for it. This blog, although the title says differently, is for all kinds of stuff. I have decided to also include film and television series related content as well as gaming content. So, not that I've gotten past this part, we shall begin.
Over my absence, I have watched a whole butt load of films. Finally, after many years of figuring it out, I have my 5 favorite movies in order of love I show to them compiled. So, without further ado, I present to you my top 5 films ever!
5. Frozen
We start off this list with the recently released Disney film about a queen who has ice-based powers, and her sister who must find her. This, however, did not make this film my 10th favorite. The jokes that spring from the character of Olaf, an anthropomorphic snowman, as well as how well the "Let it Go" sequence was done. This film well deserved it's over 1 billion dollar box office gross.
4. The Lego Movie
Another kids movie? You may be thinking I'm 5 or something, but nope. The Lego Movie follows Emmett, an ordinary construction worker who finds out he is part of a prophecy where he must become the most important person in all the universe. This movie ends up here because of its spectacular writing and ensemble cast, with such people as Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Allison Brie, and Charlie Day. Even if you are a grown adult, it offers great laughs for all ages.
3. Dr. Strangelove
Boy, that escalated quickly, didn't it? Dr. Strangelove is a black comedy about nuclear annihilation. This film, released in 1964 and directed by the great Stanley Kubrick, focuses on the U.S. and Russia's attempts at stoping a nuclear strike on Russia after a crazed general orders such. Peter Sellers, most popularly known for his role as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther, delivers a spectacular performance in 3 roles, a British RAF transfer on the Air Force base where the general is, the president, and the titular Dr. Strangelove, a german scientist who displays nazi based tendencies, such as nervously ticking the hitler salute, as well as calling the president führer on multiple occasions. While old cold war humor pours from this movie, it's worth watching if you get that kind of stuff. Many laughs will be shared, I guarantee it.
2. The Dark Knight Rises
While many would put it's predecessor on this list, I feel that the final part of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy fits so much better. In this, after an 8 year long gap of a lack of organized crime, Bane comes to Gotham and breaks the streak. This is good simply because it brings enough closure to the trilogy to where no more had to even be made. Tom Hardy's performance of Bane is amazing, and you must check it out if you haven't.
1. Pulp Fiction
Do I even need to explain this one? #IjustshotMarvinintheface
So after a few months of inactivity, I am finally making another blog post! Sorry for the delay, but this will more than make up for it. This blog, although the title says differently, is for all kinds of stuff. I have decided to also include film and television series related content as well as gaming content. So, not that I've gotten past this part, we shall begin.
Over my absence, I have watched a whole butt load of films. Finally, after many years of figuring it out, I have my 5 favorite movies in order of love I show to them compiled. So, without further ado, I present to you my top 5 films ever!
5. Frozen
We start off this list with the recently released Disney film about a queen who has ice-based powers, and her sister who must find her. This, however, did not make this film my 10th favorite. The jokes that spring from the character of Olaf, an anthropomorphic snowman, as well as how well the "Let it Go" sequence was done. This film well deserved it's over 1 billion dollar box office gross.
4. The Lego Movie
Another kids movie? You may be thinking I'm 5 or something, but nope. The Lego Movie follows Emmett, an ordinary construction worker who finds out he is part of a prophecy where he must become the most important person in all the universe. This movie ends up here because of its spectacular writing and ensemble cast, with such people as Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Allison Brie, and Charlie Day. Even if you are a grown adult, it offers great laughs for all ages.
3. Dr. Strangelove
Boy, that escalated quickly, didn't it? Dr. Strangelove is a black comedy about nuclear annihilation. This film, released in 1964 and directed by the great Stanley Kubrick, focuses on the U.S. and Russia's attempts at stoping a nuclear strike on Russia after a crazed general orders such. Peter Sellers, most popularly known for his role as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther, delivers a spectacular performance in 3 roles, a British RAF transfer on the Air Force base where the general is, the president, and the titular Dr. Strangelove, a german scientist who displays nazi based tendencies, such as nervously ticking the hitler salute, as well as calling the president führer on multiple occasions. While old cold war humor pours from this movie, it's worth watching if you get that kind of stuff. Many laughs will be shared, I guarantee it.
2. The Dark Knight Rises
While many would put it's predecessor on this list, I feel that the final part of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy fits so much better. In this, after an 8 year long gap of a lack of organized crime, Bane comes to Gotham and breaks the streak. This is good simply because it brings enough closure to the trilogy to where no more had to even be made. Tom Hardy's performance of Bane is amazing, and you must check it out if you haven't.
1. Pulp Fiction
Do I even need to explain this one? #IjustshotMarvinintheface
Monday, October 21, 2013
Day One: Garry's Incident and the State of the Gaming Industry
Hello,
For those who don't know, the game Day One: Garry's Incident has been generating a lot of controversy in the reviewing community. This all started when TotalBiscuit's review of said game was removed by it's developer, Wild Games Studio. His review was very critical of the game, panning many aspects of it. The review was removed because of a copyright strike, Wild Games' CEO attempted to justify this by stating "Total Biscuit has no right to make advertising revenues with our license." However, he had gotten a review code for DO:GI from the CEO just a few days before, and reviews on websites such as IGN, Rock Paper Shotgun, etc. In fact, on metacritic, the developers have made untrue user reviews to allow the average to rise, thus, giving a better review. As it seems, Wild Games knows they have a terrible game, but they still want to maximize sales. The games kickstarter was mainly funded by the CEO. This has warranted many people to claim that they have violated free speech laws. They removed bad reviews, and kept good ones. They have a bad game, but they don't want to accept it, nor they justify it or have a legitimate excuse for it. Take Aliens: Colonial Marines for example. It's critical reception was extremely negative. Soon after, however, Gearbox Software (yes, the Borderlands Gearbox) issued a statement (written verbatim) that said that they had ordered an outside developer to work on A:CM while they finished up development on BL2. That outside company completely redid the design and feel of the game to fit their image. So by the time Gearbox got back to it, they had to restart much of it from scratch. Long story short, Gearbox made a bad game, but they accepted it and justified the terribleness. Which leads to my next point. How game development has changed.
A few years ago, it was quality over quantity, but now it's the other way around. Although some have balanced these two out, such as Naughty Dog's amazing work on the PS3, many developers have become lazy when it comes to making games, with Activision being one of the biggest culprits. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy an occasional game of COD, but EA's Battlefield game series has become a far better product. COD has been accused of being a copy-paste affair since MW3.
This may be long, but my point is short. The industry has become corrupted by money. Indie game devs understand this more than anyone else. If you want more info, follow this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfgoDDh4kE0#t=212
For those who don't know, the game Day One: Garry's Incident has been generating a lot of controversy in the reviewing community. This all started when TotalBiscuit's review of said game was removed by it's developer, Wild Games Studio. His review was very critical of the game, panning many aspects of it. The review was removed because of a copyright strike, Wild Games' CEO attempted to justify this by stating "Total Biscuit has no right to make advertising revenues with our license." However, he had gotten a review code for DO:GI from the CEO just a few days before, and reviews on websites such as IGN, Rock Paper Shotgun, etc. In fact, on metacritic, the developers have made untrue user reviews to allow the average to rise, thus, giving a better review. As it seems, Wild Games knows they have a terrible game, but they still want to maximize sales. The games kickstarter was mainly funded by the CEO. This has warranted many people to claim that they have violated free speech laws. They removed bad reviews, and kept good ones. They have a bad game, but they don't want to accept it, nor they justify it or have a legitimate excuse for it. Take Aliens: Colonial Marines for example. It's critical reception was extremely negative. Soon after, however, Gearbox Software (yes, the Borderlands Gearbox) issued a statement (written verbatim) that said that they had ordered an outside developer to work on A:CM while they finished up development on BL2. That outside company completely redid the design and feel of the game to fit their image. So by the time Gearbox got back to it, they had to restart much of it from scratch. Long story short, Gearbox made a bad game, but they accepted it and justified the terribleness. Which leads to my next point. How game development has changed.
A few years ago, it was quality over quantity, but now it's the other way around. Although some have balanced these two out, such as Naughty Dog's amazing work on the PS3, many developers have become lazy when it comes to making games, with Activision being one of the biggest culprits. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy an occasional game of COD, but EA's Battlefield game series has become a far better product. COD has been accused of being a copy-paste affair since MW3.
This may be long, but my point is short. The industry has become corrupted by money. Indie game devs understand this more than anyone else. If you want more info, follow this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfgoDDh4kE0#t=212
Monday, October 7, 2013
Blog Welcome
Welcome to T-Man Gaming, a new way to get reviews and news of your favorite games. I may soon have a let's play channel, so keep an eye out for that.
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