Deus Ex: Human Revolution Review

by Stefano Terry

Genre: FPS/Action/RPG

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Developer: Eidos Montreal/Nixxes Software

Price: $29.99

I remember the first time I played Deus Ex back in 2000 on my best friend’s PC. At the time, the graphics were amazing, and the combination of first person shooter and RPG was addicting, and pretty new to me. The futuristic, cyberpunk setting and complex, conspiracy laden story had me hooked from beginning to multiple endings.

I passed up on the sequel: Deus Ex: Invisible War, mostly because I heard it just wasn’t that good, and failed to live up to the expectations set by the groundbreaking original.

When I heard that a new Deus Ex was releasing, 8 years after the sequel, and a whopping 11 years after the original, I was skeptical. When I heard that it was a prequel, set before the events of the first game, I was downright convinced that Deus Ex: Human Revolution, would be nothing more than a mediocre cash in on a series that could have been so much more. I was so, so wrong.

Alice: Madness Returns Review

by Stefano Terry

Genre: Action/Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Developer: Spicy Horse

Price: $29.99 (USD)

I never played American McGee’s original Alice, but I found myself drawn to the sequel due to it’s intriguing concept and atmospheric art design. I didn’t know much about the title beyond it being a dark tale inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Ironically, Alice in Wonderland isn’t exactly one of my favorite stories to begin with. It never quite grabbed me like other fairy tales.

With that said, I dove into Alice: Madness Returns with pretty moderate expectations. I often find that going into new things with moderate expectations helps to avoid the disappointment that often comes with hype. Although, by the time I had got my hands on Returns, I had heard many negative things about the game. I shrugged them off, preferring to make up my own mind when it comes to what I should and shouldn’t enjoy (and then write a review for others to read, of course!)

Final Fantasy XIII Review

Genre: RPG

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Developer: Square-Enix

Price: $29.99 (USD)

I usually don’t like to be an apologist for titles, especially in reviews, but I have to get something off of my chest concerning Final Fantasy XIII: It doesn’t suck. I’m not sure where the wave of hatred for this title originated, but it’s incredibly unwarranted.

As a long time fan of the Final Fantasy series (been playing since the original on the NES), I feel that I’m able to review this latest entry in the series, with the history of the franchise in very clear perspective.

Unlike my normal reviews, I feel compelled to address what Final Fantasy XIII has done to improve not only the FF pedigree, but the RPG genre in general.

Favorite Games of 2010

This year, I’ve decided to do things a little differently than my usual Best Of awards. Seeing as though I’m not a definitive authority on what the best games of the year are, I thought I’d just outright tell you about the games I personally enjoyed throughout 2010. Agree, disagree, leave comments about your own personal favorites, it’s all good. One thing is for certain though, 2010 was a fantastic year for gaming, and I had a great time. So, here are my personal favorite games of 2010.

LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 Review

Genre: LEGO ( I mean, it’s practically a genre at this point)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Developer: Traveler’s Tales

Price: $49.99 (USD)

I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and films. I find the books well written with charming characters and a vividly portrayed world wrapped in a relatively traditional coming of age hero’s journey. The films are solid adaptations of the novels, and it’s been a kick seeing the three leads grow and evolve as actors and young adults. It’s impressive to see a series keep it’s core stars through 8 films.

Now, Harry Potter in video game form has been a rather mixed bag. The individual games based on the events of the films/books, have fallen flat more than immersed the player in the world of Harry Potter. Whether it’s creepy likenesses of the actors, and boring game play, video game Potter just isn’t as endearing and charming as the books and film. Thank God for LEGO.

Alan Wake Review

Genre: Survival Horror

Platform: Xbox 360

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Price: $59.99 (USD)

I have mixed feelings about Alan Wake. On the plus side, it’s a survival horror game. The genre has been horribly under-represented this generation of consoles, and the few titles released weren’t so much survival or horror (I’m looking at you Resident Evil 5). On the negative side, Alan Wake isn’t exactly a scary game. Creepy, sure. Scary? Not so much.

However, the game does more than just a few things right. First up: Story. The plot centers around horror writer Alan Wake, who has taken a trip with his wife to the town of Bright Falls in an effort to remedy his writer’s block. Before long, his beloved Alice goes missing, and Alan embarks on a twisted journey to find her. The story is equal parts Twin Peaks and Silent Hill 2, but it fails to really capture the creepiness and psychological mind trip of either. Still, the plot is intriguing, and executed well enough, and uniquely at that. The voice acting and supporting characters are also excellently performed, in particular Alan’s sidekick/agent, Barry.

Red Dead Redemption + Undead Nightmare Review

Genre: Sandbox/Western

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Developer: Rockstar San Diego

Price: $59.99 (USD)

I’ve always been a fan of the Western genre. Maybe it’s the picturesque landscape, tough as nails heroes and villains, or the lawless nature of the wild wild west that intrigues me so, but one thing is for certain; the genre is woefully under-represented in video games. The few titles that have gone down the western path are mostly average, with one or two notable entries. I was beginning to lose hope on ever experiencing a truly awesome western video, but lo and behold, the developers at Rockstar San Diego rode into the scene on a white horse and a gleaming badge of “awesome game,” and produced what is, I believe, the definitive western game this generation. Read on to find out why.

Thoughts on Mass Effect 2

By Namelessshe

Mass Effect 2 left me with mixed feelings. There were definitely things it improved upon from the first game, but at the same time, I think it took a big step back. Why?

Mass Effect 2 Getting New Downloadable Content Via Cerberus Network

Bioware has announced that Mass Effect 2 will be receiving new DLC over the next few months with the first pack, Firewalker, hitting some time next month.

The content will feature five new missions, and the Hammerhead heavy assault vehicle, which “hovers over the battlefield at up to 120 kilometers per hour and features a guided missile system ensuring accuracy even during aggressive maneuvering.”

What’s interesting to note is that the DLC will be free for those gamers who have purchased a new copy of Mass Effect 2, and thus have the redeemable code that came packed into the game that allows them to connect to the Cerberus Network. For anyone who purchased the game used, it will run them $15, or 1200 MS Points.

Darksiders Review

By Figboy

Genre: Action/Adventure
Platform: Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Developer: Vigil Games
Price: $59.99 (USD)

Darksiders was a game that snuck up on me. Being a big fan of comic artist Joe Maduerira, I was surprised that the title managed to go by me unnoticed. My initial impressions were that it just didn’t seem that interesting. I thought the concept was solid, but the very few game play snippets I saw of it didn’t sell me on it.

I have to say, I am very glad that I decided to throw caution to the wind and pick up the game. Darksiders is the definition of sleeper hit, and after my 24+ hour game play session with the title, I can’t help but recommend it to fans of polished games with creative game play, a fairly interesting story, and crisp, clean visuals.