Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts

May 18, 2009

Drakensang - The Dark Eye - Review

Drakensang - The Dark Eye - Review

Less known to us as The Forgotten Realms, Adventure Land is still a highly valued by many players. This earned it a reputation (undeserved) role-playing for young people in the face mastodon Dungeons & Dragons needed as a reference. After the Realms Of Arkania trilogy (1992 to 1996, emerged in 2008), Drakensang we proposed a new incursion into this universe

Sheets of blood?

Like any role-play paper, things start with the creation of its character. Indeed, even if it is possible to recruit many other fellow travelers later, only our hero must be defined. We immediately regretted the lack of customization, because this creation is limited to the class of character (which automatically determines ethnicity: Semirealmiens, Tulamide, Thorvalien, Elf or Dwarf) and his surname (random or manual). As against the choice of classes is large with a score of opportunities (warrior, mage fighter, thief, thief, metamage, pirate, forest fire fighting or do a small overview). An Expert, to book to the purists of the Eye Black, can manually refine some of the many features present in the character sheet.

This is one of the most comprehensive that we had ever seen in a gaming adaptation of a paper role-playing game. It opens access to features and comprehensive inventory. But also the talents (normal, combat, special and image) and revenue Craft (alchemy, forging and archery). The right button allows, at any time during the game, to show a description of characteristics or talents. This allows you to become familiar with the rules and formulas for calculating the Black Eye fourth edition. It is true that the rules of the Black Eye are quite complex and assimilate this data sheet rich and faithful is the perfect example. And, as we shall see further, every feature, every talent, is operated and does not just fill the screen with abstract values.

Once our hero is created, we discover (through a letter) that one of our friends want to meet us in the city of Ferdock. Unfortunately, a series of mysterious murders rampant and access to the city are blocked, except to prove that we are trusted by finding people who can attest to our integrity. So in a small village on the edge of the forest as we made our first steps, talking with many non-player characters and get our first quests.

Outside the main frame of the scenario, the many side quests are quite varied. In order not to tire their course mix the traditional with the more adventurous moments where listening and searching for clues to advance to the goal sought. For example, if the victim of a murder was used to give fish to his cat, why not try to coax the beast with fish to see what consequences this might have. Really interesting and well written, they come almost to forget the main quest.
The latter is very linear in its development and is unfortunately quite exciting. The main story will lead us in the city of Ferdock, anchor of our future investigations. After a few quests, we discover that our destiny is very special and adventure, a little long to put in place really starts. We also obtain a residence that allows us to accommodate our future companions. Exploring the world is divided into different areas each with their lots of quests. Once the last exhausted (and left the area), it will not be possible to return. Thus, the journal keeps track of successful quests, but those missed.

Advanced Dungeons And Draken

If first impressions are very quick thinking and good old Baldur's Gate cult, despite a full 3D representation, or the first Neverwinter Nights, the title of Radon Labs also offers an interface close to the massively multiplayer titles in vogue at the moment as well as some of their principles. Thus, at the bottom of the screen is a bar action which will get the skills and special shares, the potions and spells used in combat.

Borrowed from Baldur's Gate, an active break, fully customizable and allows for his tactical choices. The fighting with the system breaks are rather tactical (it is even possible to change equipment during battle), but softies and unimpressive. The artificial intelligence of our adversaries is fairly basic and the battles are mainly in an exchange of blows more or less effective depending on the values of each talent. The camera follows our group and it happens quite frequently that it is a little behind during the fighting, sometimes to really affect the readability of the action.

Unfortunately, perhaps because of too much loyalty to the rules and calculations of the paper, a confrontation can be a great victory as a complete fiasco as virtual dice rolls generated by the computer. Similarly, a lot of fighting is based on the characteristics, so many factors (such as spells or injuries) are reduced. A parameter is destabilizing the notion of injury. Indeed, it is quite possible to die while we still have a lot of points, because too many critical injuries were received (based on a test of will). On the other hand, the bars of life only regenerate after a specific period of time.

The use of sorts is unsettling at first. Not visually spectacular, they are also less devastating, most of their action is to take on the characteristics of the characters or allies rather than enemies damage. Note finally big concerns pathfinding our characters are often blocked or seek their way to their opponent, performing unnecessary or was trapped in a corridor, particularly in places quite narrow.

After the victory, a search for victims is needed and can collect various items. Animals, they can be dismantled to obtain works of art superior to mere scrap skins for example. Some plants can be harvested. The sale will improve its pay, but it can be used in more developed as an ingredient in recipes craft that can learn.

This learning is necessary and mandatory for progress, because here is not with changes in levels that we suddenly become good at the defensive attack for the collection of plants or hooking locks. We need to find a teacher and spend experience points earned by wins and resolutions quests. All crafts, special skills or learning spells are based on this principle. For example, impossible to carve an animal or a plant to harvest if the talent or herbalist zoology are not known. Thus, each new skill learned will also require an allocation of experience points to be effective.

The evolution of its characters is rather confusing state of the Black Eye, especially for players accustomed to the practice of Dungeons & Dragons and role-playing Japanese. Two elements are distinct. Points of adventure that can change level once reached a certain quantity and experience points that can be spent at any time to improve its characteristics or its talent. At each change in level, the maximum points in assigning skills is increased.

Value does not automatically default. Thus, to increase the points, it must allocate a certain amount of experience points increasingly important to add an extra life. The balance is to be found between talents and characteristics. This system allows you to choose a basic character and train in the direction we want and not according to a predefined and unchanging archetype. This also requires to specialize his companions, as all may not be competent in all disciplines.

Up to three companions to join us in exploring the various locations and dungeons. Many to look everywhere, they all have a story and to get them, we must find the right method or service. Once recruited, they are well ahead wisely in our home. Some may regret the lack of alignment of the companions, but this is inherent to the rules of the Black Eye. The adjustment is primarily seeking to uphold these rules, this did not derogate.

Everyone's skills are an important element of Drakensang. We live in a world alive and coherent full of characters talking among themselves or going about their occupations. A context menu is displayed on non-player characters (like the creatures vanquished or chests) and allows for specific actions according to their skills, such as pickpocketing, but the consequences are not too visible when failure (a small admonition and continued talking as if nothing had happened). Similarly, it is possible to pick a chest to its owner without the latter not at all of it. During the dialogues, these capabilities can provide additional choices such as intimidation, bribery or persuasion.

Technically, Drakensang is visually very pleasant working environments and living environments captivating, small animations varied very much. The title remains fluid at all times, even at the heart of the conflict (Core2 Duo E8400 3 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280, 2GB RAM, Windows Vista). Note that during installation, it is proposed to install a pack of high-resolution textures. At maneuverability, travel is by clicking with the mouse where we want, or using the keyboard and mouse as in any good MMO.

Much of the dialogue spoken in french, but not in their entirety. The French voice is convincing, both in discussions with the main characters faced with those we're just passing on our travels. The soundtrack however is good and very pleasant to listen. The modeling of the characters is good and enough help to make the terms of our interlocutors. The animations of our heroes and those creatures are quite fine and detailed as well.

Conclusion

Based and focused primarily on the talents and principles calculation rules of the Black Eye, Drakensang is perhaps too similar to a mechanical game paper version. The desire may be to come as close as faithfully as possible a real part. The title has a nostalgic aspect that will please fans certainly Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights, but may remain indifferent to those wanting more speed in a role-play on computer. However, with a rich universe (side quests, crafts, lots of pictures, etc..), Development of characters and a very successful life consistently good four hours (much more), Drakensang is exciting Despite its main plot line somewhat exciting, and its lack of multiplayer mode.

May 13, 2009

X-Men Origins - Wolverine : Xbox 360 Preview- Review

X-Men Origins - Wolverine : Xbox 360 Preview- Review

Soon appears X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and we recently got the chance to advance to get started with the destructive clutches of Wolverine - aka Logan. In all the rest were a large part of the first chapter of the game play, to see what these fighter in house.


The part that we could play is set in a jungle environment also partly in the film is shown. Where the gameplay is certainly fun for an hour, this passage from the story in the film only a few minute. You will find in the game so many things against which little or no in the movie are. The game is certainly not one-to-one copy of the movie. As is so often stories in the film shortly be typed in the game more depth.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is not difficult to drive, although the demands honesty to say that we have an earlier presentation of Activision different movements all over had come to see. We knew so soon to find our way to Logan and all rending claws. While Wolverine of course a known character from the world of the X-Men, Logan is put down as a new character. Obviously, because the story is about the origin of Logan aka Wolverine. The gameplay provides the additional advantage that the player step by step is disclosed the ability of the fighter.

Liters of blood

It gives a special feeling to see your enemies on a simple way, using only the simplest attacks, able to cut into pieces. From the moment that more complex moves to come, is X-Men Origins: Wolverine really interesting, and then you immediately understand why the game plus a 18-stamp it. Logan takes interesting attacks, which frequently involve the waste of liters of blood and split into two entities and other graphic displays of violence.



Brief impressions

Let's be honest, that's what the fight with Wolverine attractive. Anyone looking forward to this game want to know how to fight with his claws Adama events. Wolverine is a fighting machine. His indestructible skeleton, his self-healing property and superhuman physical strength together that he can endure many obstacles and enemies in a row pieces may decide.



A good example of the lethal power of Logan, the Lung-attack, which he at long distance to an enemy jumps to direct his claws in his chest to reproduce. Logan can quickly kill an enemy by him to hold and a quick kill to implement. Based on the timing of this procedure carries a bloody finisher Logan, of which there are quite a lot in the game are. Also he likes to use the environment, a pointed stick for example, lends itself perfectly to enemies to spears.

Visible damage

Apart from standard enemies Logan is also stronger against variants. So we came under other face to face with an enemy who was on fire and that several fire attacks possession. This meeting provided, but a dead enemy, beautiful effects in the model character of Logan. That was clearly visible how his skin was scorched and damaged, and then automatically restored. The effect of explosions is clearly visible on the body of Logan, with a good bang is even a part of the events Adama skeleton visible.

In the vicinity are matters which Logan could use to kill his enemies, so that your creativity to run free can fight them. While fighting certainly plays an important role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, there is more to watch the game. In the jungle environment, we know Wolverine's Feral instincts. We knew that they include a way the game the right way would send. It has the lowest difficulty level, even a constant stream of blue visible, indicating which way you should walk.


Satisfaction

By the end of our play session we were still up against a big monster that rocks at Logan tries to throw. It is illustrative of the variety you'll find in the fighting. Where Logan normal soldiers is supreme, should the giant another way to follow. The down is not easy, but once did, that satisfaction.
Conclusion

Our play session was short, and not all X-Men Origins: Wolverine has to offer was in away. Yet we have great fun and the session is to taste more. Graphics are the game are male and the action is just as you would expect from a game around Wolverine. The man may be in the 'good' to hear, he is anything but a lieverdje. And that is a good thing, because that makes the fight with claws, brute strength, speed and self-healing power is a lot nicer on. X-Men Origins: Wolverine is available from next week.

Source: techarena

Bioshock 2 Action game - Review

Bioshock 2 Action game - Review

More precisely, there is long time pass between the release of first Bioshock and Bioshock 2 for those are the followers. A Little Sister is Rapture has returned and transformed in a "Big Sister" , the female much more agile and more dangerous counterpart to the "Big Daddies", but the battle strong guardians of the girls.

new girls in the underwater city and send them again to the drug from Adam mutated to collect corpses. The reason, the developer 2K Marin still under wraps. It can however, that you as a player, the female monster combat, in the role of the first ever constructed Big Daddys. Sounds like a family quarrel high voltage, but also its pitfalls.

It is faster

Doctor Tenenbaum, which are difficult to understand a scientist from the predecessor, will you wake to the Big Sister to halt. But do not worry if you are now the tedious part 1 episode of thinking in which you ever in the guise of a Big Daddys were underway. Melissa Miller, Senior Producer for Bioshock 2, explained , what the first big daddy makes specially, "as a prototype, it can use plasmids, he is agile and faster than the subsequent models.

And he can decide whether the Little Sisters> harvest

To be back with the monsters lurking everywhere have to create. Even with other Big Daddies go again to the point, because the Little Sisters in Bioshock 2 is not exposed by Rapture run. When the girls Adam evade or ally with them, you must therefore now the only misguided, actual protector off.

Combined plasmids

That sounds so far difficult for a mere reprint of the popular game mechanics. But the developer 2K Marin will not be satisfied. Especially the fights will be implemented through a revised system of the RPG-like special abilities (plasmids) to be a lot more exciting. "The first Bioshock plasmids were upgrades only by the effect stronger. In Bioshock 2 of all but about the ability of the inflammation in the first stage, as opponents had let up in flames, in the second stage then you can fire a powerful attack and charge in the third stage is a constant shoot flames blasting out of the hands of the player "says Miller.

In addition, plasmids should now combine. A vortex trap (Catapulted opponents in the air), for example, can now be further inflames; Splicer Kross are so beautiful even at a distance in no time at all prepared.

But the question of the usefulness of the plasmids remains. In the first Bioshock emerged many things right as soon as relatively weak and cumbersome to use copies of the weapons that we found anyway. Also called the level design too rarely the skillful use of the special abilities and the player was not rewarded when he kicked it.
Reply With Quote

Finally, under water

Bioshock 2 wants the player much more clearly than in the predecessors to realize that he is at the bottom of the ocean is wet it should be claustrophobic. So, you finally several trips into the cool water and make the buildings of Rapture from the outside for granted. Since drill around the Big Sister before your eyes in a glass wall, which then under the pressure of the water breaks. spectacular, but really does not threatening, is the hero but in a massive diving suit. Speaking of diving suit: Portholes The limited view that we are in the shape of the Big Daddys experienced in the first Bioshock, is deleted from the successor. You have everything without distortion or blind areas in view.

More of the Old

Optically Bioshock 2 will probably not differ from the predecessor. What is tragic not because of age, the graphics are by far not yet. Improvements, however, for a lifelike representation of the characters and refractions of light and particle effects for a coherent underwater make sense. The ten years between the first and second underwater adventures lie contributes 2K Marin by an increased degree of degradation and decay of the bill. Even the narrative style remains the same: radio messages and tape recordings unveil fragments, then to put together a story must be.

A major innovation will be given however For Bioshock 2 is a unique multiplayer mode planned! Like the look in detail, there is still a mystery, we know, however, a few vague rumors, which sounds very promising. Send it would in any case, as a Splicer to crawl on ceilings and hunting at Big Daddies and Little Sisters to make.

Criticism
No underwater feeling

How it was:
Although Bioshock in a gigantic and decaying underwater city played was the first-person shooter that only a lack of feeling.The wet was not a real threat but pure decoration, most of the time it was not even true.

How it should be:
Surprisingly, break walls, and the developer sends the players out into the cold lake.Sun wants everything Bioshock 2 the surrounding water to play a stronger element and atmospheric, constantly threatened them.

Criticism
Too easy

How it was:
Bioshock was for experienced players at all three levels of difficulty to easy.
The opponents were not the right challenges, and died of the players still times, he was after the death so-called Vita Chambers revived.

How it should be:
The Vita Chambers work for the new heroes no more.While you also embodied Big Daddy revived, but at a price: The emergence of the adversary process.

Criticism
Superfluous plasmids

How it was:
The total of ten plasmids of the game, although entertaining, offering space for games, however, remained largely superfluous.

How it should be:
Bioshock 2 will give players the opportunity to plasmids combine to create a greater impact and thus ultimately more interesting to do.

Conclusion:

The atmosphere in Bioshock was so tight that they cut with the knife could. Bioshock 2 I expect something similar, just wet it must be nice please. I fear however that the changes in the plasmids for me just once again are just gimmicks. In the worst case, although I will try this and that, but ultimately in the classic weapons remain at best, the game rewarded me finally to the clever use of special abilities. In both cases, however I look forward to a return to Rapture! "
Reply With Quote

May 12, 2009

Pirates of the Caribbean : At World's End - Review

Pirates of the Caribbean : At World's End - Review

The famous Disney enjoy the film output of the third episode of Pirates of the Caribbean to appear again in an adaptation gaming, this time more action oriented. Although looks like a game of action / adventures, one question persists. The crew of the Black Pearl, led by Captain Jack Sparrow will be up to the Wii in this version? The response in the test below. Simply!

Now, anyone would agree that the world of gaming, In the joints, the beak, and tail-n. Armed, however, with elation, I considered reasonable to me passing my fingers over the keyboard as if tomorrow could bring a game license better. To surprise of many, things are good. Part.

While the target audience can be involved in the radical as "some evidence of" maturation "and conceptual are found in the place of rigorous. When borrowed ideas come together under the sun, it does get to call them "Furaciune. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 is one of the titles fascinated by simplicity. Usually when things are offered on your head, or twist the nose and you get the carnivals puzzles with views, or continue to play, no intention to stop in place. Well, now you think you can key developments in-game blindfolded. Although, for me, you are free to try.

I wonder what I could tell the players to take on demanding close. Admitting that such a player considered a duty to see more closely (but from a safe distance) as chip not jump too far from the trunk. In certainly can not say that the game is very linear, though it is. There may be displaced by fencing stupid obstacles, above which you can not go with any job, even if this is the case. I show cruelty by revelation that the keyboard is only peripheral to the passage, and the Board shall comply with each scene as she wants, although few things are true. For example, automatic positioning that works incredibly well. Well, it should be that we have given here! You can focus on combat, without raising repeated heart at the thought that the target will end in a wall texture, it's working great.

Mechanics of the game calls for relaxation. Too much leisure, I might add. Following from some distance the film story, the player can see the need to control all sorts of key characters, which give change exclusively by the location from which the scenes and fighting style (though "style" is much to say, taking into account the combo's Implementing traditional adversaries to respect). Otherwise, specific activities of the Pirate class leaves much to be desired, if only through change that alter-ego does not bring necessary variety.

But do not be so bitter, and because of all of all we have left fighting. They are usually fun, as long as we interest to store some special scheme in May, and realize that the design helps us in many of the spine. For example, simultaneously facing several opponents. Apparently giving migraines situation is shown in a final opportunity to smile and satisfaction. By avoiding the blows of time effects, we have the chance to complete the fight more quickly, preferably not when we feel able to resist a prolonged duel. Purpose of amusing examples will appoint enemies fall overboard or impact their head. Well, the sword in the chest and chest sword. Remember for a moment the movements of Jack (Sparrow), when executed at bay. Dodge, baby! And to hold the complete set, the producers were nice enough to include sequence script, in the good tradition of holding the correct button at the right time.


Game is good graphics. With all the shortcomings that we can find (escaped poor textures here and there), visual experience remains a miracle fix. Grăieşte atmosphere in each scene, the lighting adequate chromatic palette and slightly warmer "dusty" (within the meaning good), aquatic area pigmented with subtle effects, but the impact retinal models more than decent (as in clean), alive with the successful animations. Too bad that the background is just form. A nice way, I must admit, but without any crucial.

When those at the Disney gets its deep tail, variant pixel always enjoy a sound similar to the correspondent of celluloid. Nothing more attractive in the case. Soundtrack, and there magnificent, theatrical completed game behind textures, a collection of replicas that even if you do not enjoy all the voices of the film (with all due respect for authenticity, imitator professionals make this compromise does not mean much) to manage found in the ears (almost) every stage.

In conclusion, At World's End is a weak action that would survive even a moment on your own. More likely that you saw through a top or two, but be aware that there came through the film, not because it would be something to his head. Personally, I think a pint with his Sparrow and would cost less than those from Disney Interactive, and more likely that we would be delighted more than a medium silver coffee sold as a game. We suggest you give him money, than if you found any treasure. Savvy?



Source: techarena

May 11, 2009

Review - Preview Blood Bowl

Review - Preview Blood Bowl

Since the release of Chaos League during summer 2004, fans hoping to see a Cyanide days working on the famous license Blood Bowl Games Workshop universe both of the two titles are similar. After many adventures and a few threats of lawsuits, their dream has never been closer to being realized. The studio french actually works, and this for several months, the adaptation of Blood Bowl in video game. After a quick presentation at last fall during the Games Convention, Cyanide invited us into his office to try it on both PC and on consoles. Impressions.

Based on the rules of U.S. football, the Blood Bowl is both a fantasy and much more trash in the national sport in the country of Uncle Sam Designed by the English of Games Workshop, this board game based on the Both teams struggle to score touchdown. As U.S. soccer, the ball is oval. As U.S. soccer, the confrontation is muscular, but unlike the U.S. football here almost all shots are allowed to prevail. Indeed, a game of Blood Bowl has quickly turned to boxing and this happy "anything" that Cyanide has tried to recreate.


A joyous anything Cyanide was based on the final draft of the rules of the game. Even if it has any hopes of importance to newcomers, it is of course a guarantee of quality players rocked the Games Workshop since their early childhood. It should be added for even more stick game, Cyanide has developed a game turn-based. It is present on the four media listed (DS, PC, PSP and Xbox 360), but note immediately that for a greater number of players, Cyanide has also developed a real-time mode on PC and Xbox 360 only.

Turn-based or real time, this does not change much to the many options of the game in one case as in the other, we can compete in singles parties, taking part in championships and customize all kinds of competitions "classified" (ie managed by Cyanide) or "free". Small disappointment however, it is possible to play on a single machine, but not to make a number of competitions in this way: this should be left to management "per sheet of paper interposed." Seemingly rich and full, the options available will deserve our attention at the time of testing.

For now, we focused on the ingame impressions and from that point of view, we were not disappointed. Of course, we could not play a lot of time, but in real time mode first, we have found the sensation of a part of Blood Bowl. The camera, totally free, will give the land as you want and all is perfectly readable in all circumstances. Nothing wrong either at the level of players. They are very finely drawn and luxury details can very quickly identify the various players, the "big boss" and the star player.

In this regard, note that the creation of a new team, the Cyanide Blood Bowl again scrupulously follow the rules of the game with a choice of positions for the players' basic 'hiring "big boss" ( men and trees, minotaurs ...) and recruitment of mercenaries to the time of a match. These mercenaries are actually players who featured on condition of breaking the bank, may change after a match. Of course, during the game, these talents are soon the target of all attacks! In a game of Blood Bowl, and even if the ball is still the main element, many players tend to lose interest in the pig bladder to go "play together" ... literally!

So that part does not turn-drag not too many, it is possible to define a maximum length for the turn of a player. This period can increase the pressure while in a turn, it is obviously important to forget any movement. The first player makes his moves, launching few attacks and his defense before the other player does the same with in mind, however, the objective of scoring a touchdown, taking the ball into the area en - opposing goal. The party rose at a rate of exchange of PIFS-stuffing and goals until the 16th and final round of a match.

In real time, things are not fundamentally different. For Cyanide, it was especially important to offer a game a little more dynamic than the turn-based, but you can not necessarily distort the Blood Bowl. It is therefore not a game as great a part of Pro Evolution Soccer for example, but the atmosphere is still present and even for a purist mode that offers real-time great moments. The rules are all present with some adjustments so that the actual time to work: the actions of some players are left to artificial intelligence as a player focuses on the essentials.

Despite the wealth of the rules of the fifth edition, the Blood Bowl takes place without much time. The game shows its advantage by playing board games in the sense that all the tedious elements are supported by the computer ... or the console. Habile transition quickly to talk of portable versions. While the Xbox 360 version should be identical to the PC, on consoles, we will right the way round by round in order to allow these small machines. The DS is graphically very simplified, but still enjoyable while the PSP retains the essential details of the PC version.

We have tried this version a few minutes and resumed at any point, the qualities of Blood Bowl PC. All rules, all the options and, it seems, all contents are present. The controls are responsive and lack of mouse not a problem. Single question: while Cyanide has not made any secret of the many additions that the studio is already thinking, the console versions will be as well off as the PC version at this level? With eight races and six fields, the game is already quite rich, but the world of Games Workshop contains

Source:techarena

Apr 29, 2009

Review - Wanted: Weapons of Fate (Xbox 360)

Review - Wanted: Weapons of Fate (Xbox 360)

Weapons of Fate is based on the film Wanted, which last year created a furore in the cinema. Prime source, but how good is the game developer Grin built around?

For many years, Wesley Gibson a boring office job. He has a hate hate their boss, he is betrayed by his girlfriend and he has little interest in the rest of life. This is basically an abrupt end when Wesley is approached by a gang hit men. His murdered father appears to be a mercenary, and soon becomes clear that Wesley also construction on the box. He joins a secret society called The Fraternity, and is looking for the murderer of his father. Meanwhile, he is assisted by his sexy colleague Fox, taken by Angelina Jolie.

This is the plot outline behind the spectacular action film Wanted, which in 2008 turned the cinema. The game Wanted: Weapons of Fate, however, spends remarkably little attention to. That's quite strange because the game is a kind of successor of the film. It would obviously be useful if you knew what to now playing, but Weapons of Fate flings players directly into the deep, and there appears to assume that everyone has seen the film. If that is not the case, then you hereby still fully informed.

Holey cheese

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is a third-person shooter, which, as mentioned, starts where the movie ended. After the events of Wanted is Wesley, now without Fox in search of the French branch of The Fraternity. Any cooperation he does not count and it takes not long before Wesley has the first person shot, and there are many will follow. As a hitter, you obviously do not pick a quarrel, which is asking for trouble. Anyone Wesley in the way of the prize, which appear to rapidly accumulate and the environment changes in a holey cheese.

Gears of Fate

The movie Wanted offered viewers an overdose bang parties, and the Weapons of Fate game does exactly the same. The gameplay is not just 'run and gun "in the style of games like The Club. Weapons of Fate is much more like a title like Gears of War. Like the popular game series of Epic cover plays a major role in search for the game. Wesley may be a ball artist, he is still ultimately a simple mortal. The amount of 'damage' that he can survive is relatively small, so players must tactically work.

Fortunately, the levels not only to the rafters filled with enemies, but also with obstacles that can be used as cover. With the press of a button Wesley opposes a wall or against a bank and then he can attack enemies without self-concern. The mob does turn, however, exactly the same. Most levels in the game change in this series of shoot-outs, in which two parties compete for who has the longest breath. You run from fire to fire and that in itself is most entertaining.

Flow

In contrast to the background story, the gameplay and control of Weapons of Fate very accessible. The "hidden" system, which is an essential part of the game, is simple and fairly smooth. With the press of a button looking Wesley cover to the nearest place and re-print run, jump or climb it to the next shelter. With a little timing, you can rapidly approaching an enemy and kill him with Wesley's knife, so without wasting ammunition. Flawless is the hidden system is not. Sometimes you need a couple of times on the button before Wesley 'is independent of its hiding place. Fortunately, this is quite exceptional and generally keeps the game good momentum.

This vessel is one of the strongest points of Weapons of Fate. Most levels in the game have a nice 'flow', where you rent shelter to shelter and fire to fight fire is. The game rumbles from start to finish nicely by one of her with a break for a sniper rifle in hand or standing gun to operate. At certain moments you in slow motion fights right, with Wesley's ball skills really come into their own. So far Weapons of Fate sounds a bit like a thirteen-in-a-dozen-shooter, but now we are finally the first of Wesley's special jugglery against.

Bullets Control

Weapons of Fate, the name Wantedpages not nominate Wesley could not perform the same tricks as in the film. The first trick is that he enemy bullets in the air shooting in slow motion fighting. However, this is nothing compared with his other specialty. Wesley may have bullets also make curves. The shoulder button, a line image, which indicates that the course will lay off a ball. With the analog stick, players can then influence the rate. With some practice even the best hidden enemies to hit by bullets along or around obstructions to pilotage.

The bend of bullets works well and is very funny in the beginning. Beat you to a fatal shot to fire, the ball followed by the camera, until he in the body of the unfortunate victim disappears. This skill requires, however, adrenaline, and players earn by killing enemies without deflect bullets to use. Unlimited with the ball boomerang play there is not. Good thing, because that would be the game ridiculously easy to use. That said, Weapons of Fate is not a particularly challenging game, and here we start with the downsides of the game. There are two things in particular that much soot in the fun throwing.

Weapons of Fate is primarily facilitated by poor intelligence of the enemies. It appears that most of them fixed routines finishing and they rarely deviate from it. Surprises you not to be expected and this makes their behavior very predictable. The difficulty is further neck reversed by the fact that Wesley's health automatically restores itself very quickly. A second problem is that Weapons of Fate not only easy but also very short. The game is easily in an afternoon to play, and he offers neither a multiplayer option, nor much reason to play the game again. In one afternoon you're ready and in this case is' off 'immediately' on '.

Weapons of Fate is primarily facilitated by poor intelligence of the enemies. It appears that most of them fixed routines finishing and they rarely deviate from it. Surprises you not to be expected and this makes their behavior very predictable. The difficulty is further neck reversed by the fact that Wesley's health automatically restores itself very quickly. A second problem is that Weapons of Fate not only easy but also very short. The game is easily in an afternoon to play, and he offers neither a multiplayer option, nor much reason to play the game again. In one afternoon you're ready and in this case is' off 'immediately' on '.

Another downside is the look of the game. In itself, Weapons of Fate for a nice game, mainly because most environments are quite attractively built. Really impressive is the game in graphic terms, however, and some textures may not hesitate to spit out ugly. Between the scenes are not quite in order, they are coarse. In addition, the game image does not always run smoothly. The frame rate of the game takes on the most unexpected moments a dive, so the game begins to stutter.

Conclusion

Weapons of Fate is a nice 'bite, swallow, shooter, but has too many shortcomings to more than a nice snack to have. As the biggest attraction are the easy to learn control, the large amount of action and good pace. On the other hand, the game is short and offers little reason to after the credits to start again. This makes it difficult for the game to recommend, even at the largest Wanted fans he will not raise undivided enthusiasm. Altogether know Wanted: Weapons of Fate is not the poor quality of the average movie game to overcome.

Plus Points

Plenty of action and pace
Cool Tricks
Good and easy to learn control
Nice graphics

Downsides

* Too easy
* Too short
* Low variation
* Framerate not stable

Source: techarena

Apr 15, 2009

Review - Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 600 games PC

Review - Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 600 games PC

A reasonable gaming system at an affordable price

Price: £499
Manufacturer: Cyberpower

Specifications: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz) • 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 Ram • Nvidia 9500GT 1GB graphics • 320GB hard drive • 19in display (1,440x990) • 450W PSU • Microsoft Vista Home Premium 64-bit

Verdict
Pros: Well-balanced system; plenty of space for extra drives
Cons: Lighting can get annoying after a while
Overall: If you want a system that gets you on the gaming ladder and can expand as your capabilities grow then Cyberpower’s Gamer Infinity 600 is worth a closer look

Cyberpower is well known for producing some blisteringly fast gaming systems, many of which feature extreme overclocking and watercooling, aimed at hard-core gamers who want a leading-edge system off the shelf.

The Gamer Infinity 600 is right at the other end of the range, a budget gaming system that offers reasonable performance at a value price.

At the heart of the system is an Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 dual-core processor, clocked at 3.16GHz and backed by 4GB of G.Skill PC2-6400 DDR2 memory which runs at 800MHz, all of which is available to the operating system, the 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium. Even though the motherboard has four Dimm slots, it can only support 4GB of memory so you are at the maximum already.

In terms of performance the PC fares well, scoring 7,860 in PCmark05, which is pretty good for this price. It manages a pretty respectable score of 4,845 in the more demanding PCmark Vantage too.

The CPU and memory sit in an MSI P31 Neo V2 motherboard that uses Intel’s P31 value chipset and has passively cooled North and Southbridges. Although the board doesn’t appear to be laden down with features, all the essentials are present. There’s integrated Gigabit Ethernet, eight-channel audio and four Sata ports. For expansion you get a single PCI x1 slot and three standard PCI slots. The single x16 slot is filled by the graphics card.

Powering the graphics is a passively cooled Sparkle Geforce 9500GT with 1GB of GDDR2 memory, running at 800MHz and a 550MHz core clock, which will allow you to play some basic games, but for today’s high-end games you will have to lower your gaming resolution and the in-game detail.

We tested the graphics setup by using World in Conflict’s in-game benchmark and, at a resolution of 1,024x768 pixels with all the in-game details set to maximum, the system produced an average frame rate of just 20fps. That’s not playable by any stretch of the imagination, but by setting all in-game details to medium where possible we got a much more playable average of 47fps.

The graphics card drives a 19in TFT monitor, the HannsG HG191, which is a widescreen monitor with a 1,440x990 pixel resolution and comes with a pair of built-in 1W speakers.

The compact Bosse Galaxy III case comes with four 5.25in drive bays, three of which are free, and six 3.5in drive bays, five of which are free and two have external access, which is ideal if you want to add something like a Flash card reader at a later date. Sitting in the fourth of the larger bays is a 22-speed DVD burner, while the one occupied 3.5in drive bay is used by the 320GB hard drive. Despite the size of the case there is ample space to add more drives.

The one thing you’ll notice with this PC is that, although it is a budget system, Cyberpower hasn’t skimped on the fans and, even with three case fans and a standard Intel CPU cooler, it’s still pretty quiet.

If you like your systems to light up then this one won’t disappoint as it’s very, very blue, with all the case fans backlit with blue LEDs. The two sides of the front bezel have a blue feature and if that isn’t enough there are two blue cold cathode tubes fixed to the floor of the case. Finishing off the hardware bundle is a Logitech Value keyboard and mouse.



Source : pcw.co.uk


Apr 14, 2009

Review - Don King Boxing (Wii)

Review - Don King Boxing (Wii)

Don King, you know necessarily, if only for all the harm he could do to hairdressers across the world. This haircut is unlikely that his signature all the great boxers that he was the manager. Don King will take over and make you sweat. Do not mess with the health and sport.

Even if you do not know anything about boxing, you know who Don King: his haircut inimitable, his escapades (or those of his foals) and his ball clown pitch. It has become a popular sports icon unavoidable. This was Don will also make you an offer you can not refuse, especially if you are a Wii owner in search of exercise. Your Balance Board serves as a coffee table for your children? Are you tired of Wii Sports? Don King will invite into your living room to try to transform your small rounded muscular warrior ring, through an exercise program also tiring that fun: ducking, jumping rope, step ...

Exercises to improve your game legs because boxing is not only a history of putting the fists! The management of strokes is comparatively much more classic. Cuts, hooks and uppercut, a press of a button to hit the body: it's simple and effective, at the expense of subtlety, however (not fake, for example). After training, towards the ring, where you can measure your face punch to opponents little tough if you play using the basic settings.


Those who play the Rocky will do well to jump into Hard mode, or better yet, to fight against another player! The screen then sharing, allowing everyone to benefit from a subjective view very successful and convincing.
Also available on Xbox 360, the title loses a lot of punch due to grip much more laborious, very far from achieving the quality of its direct competitor Fight Night. For once, the 360 accused in the coup face the Wii, despite the graphics obviously much more successful. A bold challenge to discover more on the Nintendo console, daring to come tickle the two heavyweights of welfare that are Wii Fit and Wii Sports!

Technical Characteristics

- Local Multiplayer: Up to 2
- Playable online: Yes
- Multiplayer Online: No
- Genre: Sport
- Topic: Boxing
- Release Date: 27/03/2009
- Format: DVD

Pros

- The grip for Wii
- The integration of the Wii Balance Board
- The training program

Cons

- A little easy
- Ergonomics for Xbox 360

Source : techarena

Apr 12, 2009

Review - Sony 160 GB Playstation3 - PS398038

Review - Sony 160 GB Playstation3 - PS398038

As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the Sony PlayStation 3 an even more versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a game console--a powerful one at that.

In addition to internet-ready Wi-Fi and 160GB of hard disk space, this PS3 features blistering processing speeds, eye-popping graphics and up to 7.1 channels of digital surround sound. As its digital soul, the Cell Broadband Engine represents a tour de force in parallel processing while the built-in Blu-ray Disc drive delivers a whole new generation in HD gaming and unmatched digital media storage.

The PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system is ready for the future with support for advanced HDMI v1.3 spec features such as x.v.Color and Deep Color. Plus, the PS3 can play your entire catalog of CDs and DVDs.
The PS398038 Is Perfect For On-Line Gaming.Experience unprecedented control, access and enjoyment of a full range of digital media. The PLAYSTATION 3 160GB system also comes standard with built-in 802.11 b/g wireless internet, making it possible to download playable demos, movie trailers, online content and more. Stream and store your favorite MP3 music, pictures or videos from any Windows Media Center compatible PC*. Connect an optional compatible keyboard and mouse and surf the internet on your television. The PLAYSTATION 3 gives you everything in one package!

Features:

* 160GB HDD for storing games, music, videos and photos

* High-definition Blu-ray player for a superior movie-watching experience

* Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi

* Two USB ports

* HDMI output for 1080p resolution (cable sold separately)

* Plays DVDs and CDs

* Cell Broadband Engine advanced microprocessor

The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That's approximately 320 times more calculations per second than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.

PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP play nice together. Easily exchange media like photos, videos and music from your PLAYSTATION 3 system to your PSP system. Plus, get ready to witness an explosion in creativity as developers take on the challenge of integrating the PSP system into PLAYSTATION 3 games.

This limited edition bundle includes Uncharted: Drake's Fortune game, new DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller, voucher for downloadable PAIN game**, free PLAYSTATION Network membership, internet ready Wi-Fi, and 160Gb of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos. Every PS3 comes with a built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality. Plus, the PS3 can play your entire catalog of CDs and DVDs.


Unique Multi-Core Design

Computing power that says, "the sky is no longer the limit!” Loaded with one of the fastest processors on the planet the PS3 gives you gaming that is seriously hard-core. PLAYSTATION 3 system's Cell Broadband Engine and Blu-ray Disc team up to give you more of everything at the same time - more enemies, more explosions and more realistic gameplay.
True Parallel Processing

Think of it like eight of the smartest brains you know working together as one. The Cell Broadband Engine represents a tour de force in parallel processing, which means a gaming experience that is beyond what you know today.

Power

40 times faster than the chip that runs PlayStation 2 (and let's face it, PS2 still rocks)

Gaming

The PS3 game library continues to grow almost every day. High-definition gaming comes alive with incredible detail and immersive environments only available with Blu-ray . Plus, with easier set-up and access to the online gaming world, the future is limitless. Play online multiplayer games at no additional charge; in game matchmaking for challenging competition; huge online game community via globally unique IDs that work across all PLAYSTATION Network titles.

Blu-ray

Blu-ray is the future for both sight and sound. Providing up to 50GB BD (vs. 5GB DVD) storage, this is the perfect way to support high-definition games & movies. With full 1080p, this is the highest resolution available today, combined with 7.1 channel surround sound, (true lossless audio!), and even backward compatibility to your entire library of music CDs and DVD movies, you don’t need any other disc players in your home theatre!

Music

The PS3 plays MP3s, WAVs, WMAs, ATRAC3+ and MP4s

Photos

Store or display the history of you and yours in photographs. Great slideshow features help create a fun way to share your greatest pics.

PLAYSTATION Network

Free access to online gaming, surfing the net, friends and messaging via text or voice chat for real-time communication, and much more. Be sure to visit the PLAYSTATION Store and get your game on with downloads directly from the official PLAYSTATION Network. You can preview upcoming games, and play free demos, download PS one games for your PS3 and PSP systems

Remote Play

Access your PLAYSTATION 3 remotely using your PSP and a hotspot

Multiplayer gaming

Play your friend sitting right next to you or your new online friend sitting on another continent...(no subscription needed).

DLNA

Thanks to the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), you can watch media stored on your PC on your PLAYSTATION 3. Add the PSP system to the mix, and you can take that content on the road (via any available hotspot). Now that's sharing.

Experience unprecedented control, access and enjoyment of a full range of digital media. The PLAYSTATION 3 160GB system also comes standard with built-in 802.11 b/g wireless internet, making it possible to download playable demos, movie trailers, online content and more. Stream and store your favorite MP3 music, pictures or videos from any Windows Media Center compatible PC. Connect an optional compatible keyboard and mouse and surf the internet on your television

Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.

Specifications:

Hard Drive

* 2.5' Serial ATA (160GB)


Communication

* Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
* Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
* Wireless Controller Bluetooth (up to 7)


A/V Output

* Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
* HDMI: HDMI out - (x1 / HDMI)
* Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
* Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
* Blu-ray/DVD/CD DRIVE "read only"


I/O

* USB 2.0 X 2


CPU

* Cell Broadband Engine


GPU

* RSX


Memory

* 256MB XDR Main RAM
* 256MB GDDR3 VRAM


Backwards Compatibility

* Due to the availability of an extensive line-up of PS3 system titles, the 160GB PS3 system is not backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles, but does maintain backwards compatibility for some original PlayStation titles


Bundle Includes:

* Uncharted: Drake's Fortune game
* DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller
* Free PlayStation Network membership
* Voucher for free downloadable PAIN game ($9.99 value expires 3/30/09)
* AC power cord
* AV cable
* USB cable


Approximate Dimensions:

* Height: 3.86"
* Width: 12.8"
* Depth: 10.79"


Approximate Weight:

* Unit: 11.023 lbs
* Shipping: 15 lbs

Warranty Information:

* Manufacturer's Warranty (authorized online retailer): 1 Year Parts and Labor


In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and up includes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format so that you can obtain additional features. Features that are available vary depending on the software in use.

Source : techarena.in

Apr 9, 2009

Review - Memento Mori (PC Game)

Review - Memento Mori (PC Game)

Memento Mori is a Latin expression that means "Remember that you will die." It also means a kind artistic creations of all kinds, but all share the same goal, that of reminding men that they are fatal. In Memento Mori, this manifests itself in a belief, dating back over a century, that the Angel of Death appears in some paintings once it reaches the end of its life.

Memo: Do not forget to die

We are greeted by a cinematic in which we learn that a professor has invented a revolutionary process for examining works of art to detect, among other applications, false originals. Unfortunately, this discovery was not appreciated by some people who decide to terminate the life of the eminent scientist. Larissa Svetlova, of Russian origin, worked in Lyons at the offices of Interpol, for detection of forged works of art. Contacted by his former boss, the tyrannical Colonel Ostankovic, it is ordered to convene a Maxime Durand, a former thief and receiver of the works of masters, so that investigation of theft of paintings at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg .


We then find in an adventure game in the style point & click for in the third person. It offers an interface everything there is more classic with a site full 3D and inventory bar at the top of the screen. Each of them leading their own investigation, we are alternately Lara and Max who communicate among themselves by phone or e-mail. Something fairly linear, the script does not allow us to move from one to another at will as it exists particularly in Secret Files: Tunguska.

If the mouse pointer does not change shape depending on the actions feasible, except in case of possibility of moving from one area to another, it displays against by a circle representing the actions assigned to the button right and left of the mouse. In some actions, such as combining objects or attempting to interact with the scenery, the color of the circle, as it is green or red, allows quickly whether the action is feasible or not. A double click allows you to run our character. There is also the option of viewing areas and interactive objects by pressing a key. Finally, the mouse wheel will scroll the items in the inventory. Nothing but classic now.

Where Memento Mori shows its difference is clearly in its development particularly careful. First, the title supports many screen resolutions as well as various options to maximize the capabilities of its graphics card. The management of light and dynamic lighting is neat as well as shadows, reflection and refraction.

Rare element in games of adventure, we travel to places where live many vehicles and people moving around us, even to say hello from time to time. Even if the animation of the characters is still quite rigid, they enjoy many attitudes making them alive. Similarly, all stages of animation for an action is performed, returning realistic behavior of our heroes. Finally, some good cinematic bill come punctuate certain key moments in history.

The scenario starts quite slowly and takes its time to put in place. Fortunately, the staged quality allows not bored for a while and finally we dive in the heart of this plot. The latter we will travel from Lyon to Finland, through Russia, Portugal and Scotland. The twists are frequent, the mystery that hangs over the disappearance of these works is interesting and the ending pretty well found.

Memento Mori is proposing a system of innovative dialogue. Exit answers to multiple choice, we end up with three icons proposing different attitudes: positive, negative and interrogative. Depending on the situation, we have a short or long time to choose our response. If the choice is our interlocutor react differently, the influence on the script is not visible at first. Indeed, eight for alternatives are possible depending on our choices and attitudes of some of our decisions.

French localization is of good quality and dubbing far from being ridiculous, we are avoiding Russian accents, or other forced. If the main musical theme is most enjoyable, for against, the other pieces, although treated well and to get into the atmosphere, pass unnoticed. The places visited have a good atmosphere, whether at noises, but also brighten up the animations. They are very pleasing to the eye.

Finish on the good idea to backup at the beginning of each new act. The number of eighteen, they are quite short. The high linearity of history and little difficulty proposed by riddles are that the game is over six to eight hours. But even if it is indeed short, it will come back quickly to take the time to try other combinations of responses and voluntary choice to see another eight for alternatives.

Conclusion

So, Memento Mori: The Secret of eternal life is a good surprise. While it does not renew the genre, but offers good ideas, careful implementation and quality. With few puzzles and a small difficulty in solving the puzzles, adventure ends quickly. This is partly offset by the possibility to repeat the adventure to discover a purpose alternatives. Well as a pleasant and friendly as fans of adventures in the style point & click in the third person certainly appreciate.

Apr 8, 2009

Review- Need for Speed_Shift preview

Review- Need for Speed_Shift preview

Inroduction
Need for Speed the last two episodes ProStreet and Undercover also threatens to time, hoping fans here on the long-overdue relaunch of the famous racing series. This comes sooner than expected: The December 2008 from EA CEO John Riccitiello announced out for Need for Speed was in January this year with a new message replaces: In autumn, the now new Part of the series, Need for Speed: Shift. Electronic Arts' recipe: a new development team, a new technique, a new design.
Preheat

Before you start here presents what Suzy Wallace, producer at developer says slightly Mad a few, but all the more interesting facts. Need for Speed: Shift away completely from the concept of the previous parts. Should read not an open world, no car chases with the police, not - as she says - "outrageous story with pseudocoolen allegedly tuning milieu." Instead, send the game into regular tournaments on restricted, partly emulated original tracks.
Need For Speed Premiere: The cockpits are highly detailed dynamic lighting, hands and feet of the pilots are fully animated.

The new scenario has an impact on vehicle selection. The developer of the well-known predecessors, Asian and European alltag near burner tuning into the scrap press and focus on just how strong PS super cars. A specific number Suzy wanted us not mention that one plane so far but with about 70 vehicles. The licensed portfolio includes a series of dream car, the Porsche 997 GT2 and Pagani Zonda on the Lotus Elise to Tenzo R. The images on the supposed photo realism, we can confirm. The vehicles are due to the high polygon numbers and costly, especially in light reflections movement from deceptively authentic.


Game view

We pick up our game and give gas. Naturally, we first turn through the available camera modes: perspective pursuers, bumper, hood, cockpit. Moment ... cockpit? Slightly Mad In fact, for each vehicle, a detailed, three-dimensional interior modeled, in which we are similar to race with either the analog stick or the mouse you can look around freely. Rearview mirror, Valves, steering wheel, everything looks really out to touch. Dynamically changing lighting conditions and shadows appropriate (for example in curves) completes the optical gala appearance.

The pilot is animated, from the handle to the shifter. Cool the camera is different, so the head of the driver, slightly. We press on the brake, we move closer to the short windscreen. Through this simulation of the forces intensified Slightly Mad not only the middle-esteem, but also lets us feel how much power under the hood of our car is.

The AI opponents also deliver to each other sometimes violent struggles.
We are just a few of them have scratches.


Braking

As we entered the first corner boards, we noted a further novelty in the Need for Speed series: From the action-oriented behavior in the previous shift is nothing more to be felt. Instead, the vehicles react more realistically to sudden braking and direction changes. Inveterate fans, however, we can calm down: Shift is not a GTR. Instead, the new driving an understandable mix of arcade and speeder racing simulation, comparable with Codemasters' Race Driver Grid. Since Need for Speed: Underground »Wall Grind", meaning the deliberate Interchangeability to stretch boundaries without loss of time, therefore belong to the past as well as slowing the targeted unfairly by a collision with a counterparty.

From the ground-level perspective bumpers are catching up very intensively.


Suzy Wallace. "We want instead to make the player a genuine fear of accidents developed." Slightly Mad As is the present, we learn on your own body: as we are in a hairpin bend of the road agreement and with a bucket against the gang planks, the zerspringt windscreen, the image wobbles wildly, we hear the heartbeat of the pilots. The developers have achieved their goal: The accident coaxed us just as tortured as involuntary "Ouch!".

Driving
Subtle view generate a great sense of speed.

Although itself a massive Humvee after such a crash would no longer drive, acknowledge the shift bolides accidents with creased sheet, dropping spoilers and broken panes, the driving remains largely untouched. "We are focusing on gameplay instead of exaggerated realism," says Suzy the design decision. "Nobody should be forced after an accident in a race to have to restart. The only frustration. "

However, punishing the game too ruthless wrangles with decreasing acceleration force or reduced Lenkwirkung. Whether such motivation Mali duration in comparison to the threat of total loss rather help or harm them, must, however, has yet to show. Arcade purists may damage the model off the way, or on five driving as traction control, ABS and automatic gearbox back. Also from GTR Evolution-known smart racing line, which shows different colors when you brake or gas, is at the request of the meeting.

Foresight

Slightly Mad sends in Need for Speed: Undercover already hopelessly outdated Most Wanted engine in a well-deserved retirement and is based on a self-developed technology. The graph structure (in which the team has been working for two years) dominated all the modern effects such as HDR, soft shadows and smoke development and continues through sharp crack asphalt textures, 3D grass, and the elaborate lighting especially in the lines pretty scene. At least in the Formula 1-like courses. In London, one of the inner-race, dropped us some detail, however, the poor and washy textured buildings on - that makes Race Driver: Grid is still better.

Shift into drive exclusively restricted to race tracks.
How many of them it is still unknown.

There's stuff in sound now hardly cause for criticism. Typical of the series, the engines roar properly, contact sheet acknowledged the game with good sound effects. After our test rounds remain lots of unanswered questions. How will the campaign work? How much tuning is in the new Need for Speed? And what is the multiplayer part of the future? Suzys succinct answer: "No comment. At least not yet. "Cures just do their time.

Pimp My Car

For Tuning Electronic Arts has so far revealed no information. However, now that: Compared to the direct predecessors are in Need for Speed: Shift far less on your own car may change. Given these images, we suspect that at least his car by various spoiler, rims and Lack variational Personalize can. That would be especially for multiplayer races plus a big motivation. Whether acing professionals on the workshop from GTR known for precise optimization of the screw driver may look, is also not known.
Even EA is silent on the subject of tuning.


Developers-check

Although the new Slightly Mad Studios the developers behind it however, belong to the old hands of the racing game genre. Games known formed the new team after the parent company 10tacle last year had gone bankrupt and the former chief Blimey Ian Bell, the remnants of his company purchased. The team consists of parts made up of former employees of the developer , inter Alia, for the GTR series, GT Legends Race and responsible. Slightly Mad has its headquarters in London.

Currently in progress: Need for Speed: Shift, Ferrari Project (working title)

Conclusion:
One thing I can already say Shift is a great racing game. But it will be called Need for Speed is still fair? Everything that the series has started last (tuning, the police, the open world), was designed by the developers consistently removed. But perhaps it is exactly what the series needs. I can see if any optimism in Need for Speed future. "

POTENTIAL: good

Popular Posts