Tag Archives: bioshock

Happy 5th Birthday, PS3!

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On November 17, 2006, the PS3 was released here in the United States. I wanted one pretty badly back then but the price at the time was astronomical. I had went from the PS1 to the PS2, and I was intent on going for the PS3 once the price was right. And on November 8, 2008, the price was indeed right. I had $400 saved up and Wal-Mart had a promotion where if you bought the PS3 (which was $399.99 at the time) you got a $100 gift card. So I went to Wally World early that morning, waited on a line for over two hours, and eventually snagged my PS3. I’ve now had the PS3 for three years and I have to say I’ve really enjoyed it as a system. It introduced me to so many new features like online play, trophies, wireless controllers, affordable downloadable games and voice chat that I hadn’t experienced with the PS2 (no, I never played PC games).

Before the PS3, I only had a small handful of friends that I knew that played video games, and it was always a local co-op affair. With the PS3 I was able to play with people from anywhere and I made some new online friends. In my quest for finding co-op partners I happened across C0-Optimus which is a site dedicated to co-op games and meeting fellow co-op gamers. Now I never have a shortage of gaming buddies to hit up when I jump online for a co-op game.

Of course, the biggest part of the PS3 are the games. I will now regale you with tales of some of my favorite ones: Read More »

No Longer Buying Single Player Games

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I think I have some kind of crazy, compulsive problem where I have this “need” to have a media collection…I used to buy tons of games, DVDs, CDs, and books just to say “look at my collection.” Tons of CDs were never listen to, even more books were never read, and some DVDs still sit on my case in their original wrapping, having never been watched. Over the past year or two…actually since moving into my current apartment, I have severely cut down on my spending, but there is still one bad habit I maintain…buying single player games.

I really came to this realization this morning. Over the weekend I had beaten Trine, Scott Pilgrim, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue, so this morning I needed something to play while waiting for Shell to get ready. I was lying on the floor, looking at my game collection, and I realized that I had a lot of single player games that I will probably never play again. Games like BioShock, God of War, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, and Dragon Age: Origins were all great, wonderful, classic games, but I would probably never play them again; especially since I always have something new to play through Gamefly. So I sat there, and I said “you know Rob, you paid $60 for these games when they came out, you spent less than a month playing through them, and once you beat it, you move on to the next game.” I realized how stupid it was for me to buy these games that I would never play again. I have Gamefly…I can rent any game whenever I want, and usually get it the week it releases if I plan my queue right. It’s so silly for me to be buying these single player games! Read More »

360 Review: Fable II

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I finally got the chance to rent Fable II from Gamefly, and the past two days have been a pleasant experience in the game. Fable II is a pretty in-depth and customizable RPG, and it’s environment and amount of control given to the player reminds me of the Elder Scroll series in many respects, but taking it a bit further as far as relationships and interactions with others go, while having less control concerning the over-all build of the main character. I have been tossed up on the thought of writing up a full review of the game, and I don’t really see a point in it: the game is two years old now, and most everyone who has a 360 has played it (or they should if they haven’t yet.) So instead of prattling on in one of my normal reviews, I’m just gonna mention a few aspects of the game that I liked and didn’t like about the game.

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360 Review: Mass Effect 2

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It’s not very often where the sequel to anything, be it a video game, movie, book, or some other medium, surpasses the original. Mass Effect 2 is one of those rare cases where everything good about the first game is included in an improved way along with some new features that make it better than the first time around. Whether you carry over your character from the first game or create a new one from scratch, the continuing adventures of Shepard and Co. prove to make a great story and amazing game.

The game picks up weeks after the first one, but Shepard’s adventures are briefly cut short when his ship is ambushed and he is left for dead. He is picked up by a mysterious company and over the course of two years his body is healed and he is ready to stand on his feet again. A new alien menace known as the Collectors are threatening the galaxy, and Shepard joins up with the company (who is headed by someone called the “Illusive Man”, who simply reminds me of the “Cigarette-Smoking Man from the X-Files), recruits his own hand-picked team, and prepares to take the fight to these new enemies on their homeworld. Along the way, Shepard will also have to gain their trust to make them completely loyal to him and their overall cause. To do this, you will need to talk to your new allies a lot, and also go on special “loyality” missions for them. These missions consist of helping that squad member deal with some demon from the past, which, upon successful completion, technically brings them at peace with their past so that they can give 100% devotion to the mission.

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Our Wedding Cake Topper

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As some may know, we had a tough time coming up with a cake topper. While the wedding is Tuscan-themed, we still wanted to have a unique cake topper…something special that identified with us personally. After much searching and browsing, we eventually decided to get a custom one done. The cake topper we chose basically has the bride (Shell) dragging the groom (me) away from his video games. The person I purchased it from customized the topper via the figure’s hair color, the game being played, the system and controllers (PS3, naturally), and the beverage of choice (in this case- Sam Adams.)

Overall, I’m pleased with it. While it may not match the grape-covered cake we will be getting, it symbolizes us in a humorous way. Me thinks it will get plenty of laughs (and probably some confused faces) when the guests see it on the day of the wedding.

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PS3 First Impressions: Bioshock 2

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Yes, the long wait is over as Bioshock 2 was released upon the world today. I was really looking forward to it, as the first game really blew me away like no other game had done in such a long time. Also, because I was so interested in the game, I refused to watch trailers and read in-depth reviews since I wanted to wait and experience everything as fresh as possible. Im a little under two hours into it, and thus far I am pleased, and I can honestly say that Bioshock continues the trends started by the first game.

The game takes place ten years after the first, and you play as a Big Daddy. Thats all I will say about the story. Right off the bat, the controls and the look of Rapture itself take you back to the first game. If you played the first, you will feel right at home, as the game looks and plays just like its predecesor. If you never played the first one, then why the hell are you reading this? Go out, play the first one, then get back to me.

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PS3 First Impression: Dead Space

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I could have sworn I did a review of Dead Space, but I could not find it in my archives. What I do remember about it was that it was horrible. I was not a fan of the slow gameplay or the controls. However, many people online have said how awesome it was, and one friend in particular mentioned that the final game was better than the demo. Now, I needed to have a game in from Gamefly to last me until AVP comes out, and I decided to try Dead Space. So far, I have not been disappointed.

The game is a classic space-survival story. A crew is sent to work some routine maintenance on a large spaceship, and arrive to find that the crew of the ship are missing. It becomes a game of survival as you and your small crew must survive a creature manifestation aboard the large ship.

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Why Do I Suck at FPS Games?

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Its true, its true. One of the most popular genres on the market today are one of my least favorite. Not because they are not fun, but because I suck so badly at them. I love playing the single player campaigns on FPS’. I enjoyed shooting my way through the Medal of Honor series on the PS1 and PS2, and I rocked through the likes of Resistance, Bioshock, and Wolfenstein on my PS3.

However, my qualm is not with the single player campaigns. My problem is with multiplayer games, which is the meat of a FPS. I am really horrible at them. When I play against others online, Im lucky if I die less than ten times in a round and get one kill myself. I dont know what it is, but I dont have the proper training/skill to successfully play against others online. What got me thinking of all this was that I was playing the MAG Beta tonight, and I did so horribly. I seriously died eight times, and was lucky to get one kill.

The only FPS online game I ever really enjoyed was Resistance 2, but that was only the co-op missions, since you and a bunch of friends got together to take on the AI. The PS3 needs more FPS like that, where you can play through the campaign mode online, taking on the AI with other actual players. I really need to play these games more and get more experience…

PS3 Demo Review: Dante’s Inferno

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Ive been interested in checking out this game for awhile, and after playing a demo, I am looking forward to it even more. Not because it is based on the epic poem/ode/whatever you want to call it, but because it was being compared to God of War. After playing the demo, I can say that this is a true comparison, and a good one at that.

From the controls to the gameplay to the story, it is all very reminiscent of God of War. In the demo, you play as a knight during the Crusades, and you go about killing the “heathens”. However, it turns out that God did not see it as being just (despite the fact that the Church claimed it was), and the hero finds himself murdered. You are then suddenly pitted in a boss battle with Death, and after defeating him you acquire your  signature weapon, which is his reaver. The remained of the demo has the hero attempting to go to Hell to save the soul of his murdered wife.

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PS3 Demo Review: Brutal Legend

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I was a bit on the fence with Brutal Legend as I was watching its progress. It had an interesting premise with Jack Black voicing a heavy-metal loving dude stuck in a fantasy-metal world. However, I didnt know how the combat or anything else would work. After playing the demo, this game is a must-play for me.

The demo reminded me of Bioshock’s. Not that the story or gameplay is similar, but the effort and content put into the demo was enough to blow me away and make me know this game is a must-play. The demo has a long intro video setting up the story. After the movie is complete, you can play through a few stages, checking out the combat system and vehicle driving.

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PS3- Bioshock Review

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Bioshock PS3I knew I wanted this game after the first five minutes of playing through the demo. It is an amazing FPS that only has a single-player storyline (there is no online play). You play a man who survives a plane crash and ends up in an undersea metropolis. Basically, upon reaching the city, it becomes clear that all is not well, and there are strange mutants/creatures about. That is the gist of it.

The character has two types of weapons. First are actual weapons, such as guns, mines, flamethrowers, and wrenches. You can find ammo for these items either from dead bodies, lying around, or you can purchase them from vending machines. The second type of attack is called a “plasmid”. Plasmids are injections you can either find or purchase which will grant you special abilities, such as the ability to fire out flame, electric, and ice blasts, as well as a teleknisis-like ability. There are also neutral plasmids which give you enhanced skills such as extra health, the abilty to be undetected, and others.

As I already said, the demo moved me the way a game hasnt in a long time. It is amazingly beautiful, and the story catches you right away. The gameplay is a lot of fun, and it takes place in a creepy, violent environment which will keep you hooked. I think it is definitely one of the best games Ive played on the PS3 so far, hands down. Anyone who like FPS single-player campaigns will not be disappointed by this game.

Review:

Story/Premise- 5

The storyline for the game is great. It keeps you hooked until it throws you a major curveball, and then it draws you in even more. A really great idea, and leaves room for a sequel (which is hinted at the end of the game).

Graphics- 5

The graphics were great. The mutants were very detailed from a distance and close up. The outdoor environment (being the sea) is simply beautiful- 2K put a lot of effort into it, and it shows.

Controls/Camera- 5

I have no complaints about the controls or camera. The camera was controlled by the R analog, and proved to be no problem at all. The other controls were easily accessable and felt comfortable.

Replay Value- 4

Unfortunately, this is where the game falls a bit. The lack of an online multiplayer option really hurts this game, as online is what maintains the replay value of a FPS. Im sure I will go back and play through the game again at some point, but not anytime soon.

Online/Multiplayer- N/A
Final score-  4.5/5

Bioshock is an all-around great game. It is one of my favorite games for the PS3. Its only flaw was the lack of an online mode, which stopped it from getting a perfect 5.

Recommendation

A must have for the PS3.