Hello again,
It has been a long long time since I have been able to blog about games, and I find that needed to change. Having been in between jobs for the past few months (not unemployed, just calibrating to a much better job) it has been very difficult for me to get into the swing of things with gaming.
But this is an awesome time to be a gamer! The release of many new renditions of the most popular modern game series has brought many people out of the woodwork and back into the gaming field. The releases of Assassin'c Creed 3, Halo 4, Black Ops 2 among many others have revitalized the industry at least somewhat.
At the current time, I find myself making my way through Assassin's Creed 3, and enjoying the experience, but slightly drawn back from the difference in atmosphere. With all of the games to this point taking place in the late medieval to early modern times, it seems to be something of a shock to bring us suddenly to the modern world timeline, and to the less civilized places of the world at that time. Granted, it is change, and as I have said before, change is good. Without it, games are doomed to repeat themselves under the guise of a different name.
Turning attention to the actual release times, I seem to find myself digging for the truth every time I see a big name AAA title being released. Examples in recent memory include specifically, Black Ops 2 and Halo 4, and Diablo 3 from a while ago fits this category as well.
As the days approach the release date, I visit Metacritic, which I know to many people is a horrible, terrible practice, but I am curious. The initial reviews have been released for many of the critics, Some 100s, some 95s, some claiming it is the best in the series. Some who rate it in the 40s, but after looking through their reviews of other games, I find it quite clear they live to bring down the ratings of games with barely a single game rated over a 60. After looking at the overall rating, it seems the game is going to be pretty good. Has some glitches that are addressed by the critics, but what games doesn't have something to complain about.
The game gets released. (I happened to be the unfortunate one who was picking up a game on the day that BO2 released that happened to not be BO2. Unheard of, I know.) One of the biggest releases of any games to date. Breaks records of 24 hour sales, or weekend sales. Huge numbers go up. The next day, I visit my local Gamestop, I see multiple copies on the shelf as pre-owned. Slightly curious, I revisit Metacritic. More critic reviews have shown that indeed it was very good and the critic review score has actually gone up. I glance to the user review...... 3.5...... What? How does that make any sense? I start reading the user reviews. After a dozen negative and a haldful of positive, I have reinforced what I already knew about the gaming world.
It hates change, yet it craves it.
It is true. As with the Halo release and the 343 Industries, Some said it paid decent homage to the games developed by Bungie that everyone had grown to love, with a few additions to try to make it their own. Some other claimed it was exactly the same as Bungie's and said it was the same thing in a different case. Still esteemed reviewers stated that the 343 completely destroyed the series and it was a shame it was allowed to release. Essentially the same thing happens a new Call of Duty releases. People will praise and criticize it for being different, or the same, or the multiplayer isn't quite right, or not enough freedom for loadout, or too much freedom. I heard from one specific person that Halo is becoming Call of Duty.
Ok...What? What exactly does this mean?! Are all games going to come down to this one perfect game? Is that what we are waiting for?!
The Legend of Mario : Call of Halo :Turbo Edition VI?!
I didn't think so. I guess this is why it is always a balancing act. To please the right amount of people without changing the playing field too much.
Anyway, The point is that for each gamer, there are things that we appreciate. Many of them are the same, but the little things are what keep a game great or just good or in some cases, just plain bad.
Till Next Time. Keep on Gaming.
The Game Doctor.
Currently Playing: Darksiders (replay), Planetside 2, Assassin's Creed 3, Super Mario 3 and Super Mario World as a casual.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The best prep for a game like Diablo. And Indie too.
As a prospective indie developer myself, I have learned to appreciate the time and effort that goes into indie games. Super Meat Boy I raved about several months ago as being a golden egg in the gaming world, despite its simplicity. The Indie scene has become much more open and recognized as of late. With some reviewers saying that the Indie scene will be what drives games forward in the not too distant future. With the expected games from the big developers such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, Diablo, Starcraft, just to name a few, all taking a huge chunk of the gaming world, as they always have, it is refreshing to see a new take on games and a fresh feel on gaming in general.
The good thing about indie is that, for the most part, they don't have a problem delving into unique atmospheres and ideas. World of Goo was a game that at first makes you go.....wtf. but after playing and realizing the greatness of it, it turns out to be a very unique and enjoyable puzzle game. These games don't always make it through the big publishers because they are hard pressed to find what the gaming community wants, not necessarily what is unique or cool.
Angry Birds reigns as arguably the most easily recognized of these games, there have been some recent releases that deserve recognition just for the fact they were so good and need to be played.
Botanicula is a unique game that got attention right away for how different it was, even from other indie games.
Limbo received acclaim as well for the black and white shadowy feel that was so simplistic yet satisfying. The dark atmosphere allowed for the story to be told without the use of over the top graphics or long winded dialogues.
Cave Story returned to the roots of side scrolling fun and was recognized by many for the nostalgic return as well as the unique twists it brought with it's experience.
Torchlight is the game I have been playing for the past week or so, and I must say, I love the experience. It has kept with the good things that made Diablo and the clones good, and has added a few extra details. The addition of the pet was brilliant. Especially with the ability to send it back to town to sell items. Very helpful in my opinion. The graphics look great. Not top of the line, blow your mind, great but the art style is unique and it makes the game nice to watch as you are exploring.
The side quests in town are plentiful enough, at least as far as I have traveled, to keep you occupied, but not too much to overwhelm you as you are exploring. The socket system for items is used, but the gems seem to be relatively rare in some areas, as well as finding socketed items. This is not a terrible thing, as the balance between non-enchanted, enchanted and socketed items seems to be balanced well enough. The ability to add a random enchantment to an unenchanted weapon for a fee is nice for weapons that have been picked up. Almost always worth more enchanted than not.
So far, it is an extremely enjoyable experience and I plan on continuing on and sharing with you along the way!
The good thing about indie is that, for the most part, they don't have a problem delving into unique atmospheres and ideas. World of Goo was a game that at first makes you go.....wtf. but after playing and realizing the greatness of it, it turns out to be a very unique and enjoyable puzzle game. These games don't always make it through the big publishers because they are hard pressed to find what the gaming community wants, not necessarily what is unique or cool.
Angry Birds reigns as arguably the most easily recognized of these games, there have been some recent releases that deserve recognition just for the fact they were so good and need to be played.
Botanicula is a unique game that got attention right away for how different it was, even from other indie games.
Limbo received acclaim as well for the black and white shadowy feel that was so simplistic yet satisfying. The dark atmosphere allowed for the story to be told without the use of over the top graphics or long winded dialogues.
Cave Story returned to the roots of side scrolling fun and was recognized by many for the nostalgic return as well as the unique twists it brought with it's experience.
Torchlight is the game I have been playing for the past week or so, and I must say, I love the experience. It has kept with the good things that made Diablo and the clones good, and has added a few extra details. The addition of the pet was brilliant. Especially with the ability to send it back to town to sell items. Very helpful in my opinion. The graphics look great. Not top of the line, blow your mind, great but the art style is unique and it makes the game nice to watch as you are exploring.
The side quests in town are plentiful enough, at least as far as I have traveled, to keep you occupied, but not too much to overwhelm you as you are exploring. The socket system for items is used, but the gems seem to be relatively rare in some areas, as well as finding socketed items. This is not a terrible thing, as the balance between non-enchanted, enchanted and socketed items seems to be balanced well enough. The ability to add a random enchantment to an unenchanted weapon for a fee is nice for weapons that have been picked up. Almost always worth more enchanted than not.
So far, it is an extremely enjoyable experience and I plan on continuing on and sharing with you along the way!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Skyrim, GOW, Diablo and Prototype update.
It has been a while since my last update, but since my new change in focus and employment, I should have more time to dedicate to the things I find important.
After spending 105 hours in Skyrim (not much by some standards I realize) I have decided to move on to other games and enjoy the expansive worlds elsewhere. At the moment, I am also moving forward with a few of my friends working in indie game development that we are hoping will be released within the next few months. I will keep updates going on here.
After spending a lot of time with Skyrim, I have noticed that the game becomes somewhat of an addiction, and that being said, is an amazing fantasy world that lives up to the hype and expectation that goes along with Bethesda's reputation as a high quality gaming studio. With the option to move in whatever path you would like, whether you decide to be a scavenger of goods and constantly sell them in Solitude for a profit, or walk around destroying towns just because you can (Rorikstead is my favorite playground) the game offers such a variety you can't help but pick something and be caught up in it for hours. The Dark Brotherhood assassination missions after a while start to repeat (I have killed the same woman around 4 times) it is fresh after returning to it after a few raids on the random strongholds, or a bout with a Dragon Priest. Overall, Skyrim is one of my all-time favorite games, along with the elite of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and StarCraft 2.
For the time being, I saw the postings and videos going along with God of War: Ascension and have been looking forward to an update on the GOW series, which in my opinion is one of the best of this and the past generation. I went back and started a new game on GOW 3 and have to say that going back now, I am still impressed by the tight controls, the nonstop action and, with the increased difficulty, the challenge this game presents. The legend of Kratos has been pushed forward by a compelling storyline throughout the 3 games, and the 2 on PSP, but it keeps me wanting to come back. I left the games feeling like my gaming experiences were enriched by my time spent with the games.
I have recently purchased a gaming laptop and will be delving into the world of PC gaming as well. although I have always enjoyed PC gaming, I have been restricted to mainly console because of my lack of graphics power in my computers. This is the case no longer. I have spent a couple of hours in the Diablo 3 Beta and plan on spending many more starting May 15th. This coming week brings Prototype 2 to the table as well and I will be starting that when I pick up my preorder on Tuesday.
Keep on Gaming!
After spending 105 hours in Skyrim (not much by some standards I realize) I have decided to move on to other games and enjoy the expansive worlds elsewhere. At the moment, I am also moving forward with a few of my friends working in indie game development that we are hoping will be released within the next few months. I will keep updates going on here.
After spending a lot of time with Skyrim, I have noticed that the game becomes somewhat of an addiction, and that being said, is an amazing fantasy world that lives up to the hype and expectation that goes along with Bethesda's reputation as a high quality gaming studio. With the option to move in whatever path you would like, whether you decide to be a scavenger of goods and constantly sell them in Solitude for a profit, or walk around destroying towns just because you can (Rorikstead is my favorite playground) the game offers such a variety you can't help but pick something and be caught up in it for hours. The Dark Brotherhood assassination missions after a while start to repeat (I have killed the same woman around 4 times) it is fresh after returning to it after a few raids on the random strongholds, or a bout with a Dragon Priest. Overall, Skyrim is one of my all-time favorite games, along with the elite of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and StarCraft 2.
For the time being, I saw the postings and videos going along with God of War: Ascension and have been looking forward to an update on the GOW series, which in my opinion is one of the best of this and the past generation. I went back and started a new game on GOW 3 and have to say that going back now, I am still impressed by the tight controls, the nonstop action and, with the increased difficulty, the challenge this game presents. The legend of Kratos has been pushed forward by a compelling storyline throughout the 3 games, and the 2 on PSP, but it keeps me wanting to come back. I left the games feeling like my gaming experiences were enriched by my time spent with the games.
I have recently purchased a gaming laptop and will be delving into the world of PC gaming as well. although I have always enjoyed PC gaming, I have been restricted to mainly console because of my lack of graphics power in my computers. This is the case no longer. I have spent a couple of hours in the Diablo 3 Beta and plan on spending many more starting May 15th. This coming week brings Prototype 2 to the table as well and I will be starting that when I pick up my preorder on Tuesday.
Keep on Gaming!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Gaming news of late. New releases and Dragons
Over the last few weeks, I haven't had the time to dedicate to gaming as much as I would hope, but, like many of you, I was sucked into Bethesda's amazing 5th installment of The Elder Scrolls Saga. I had the game for a while, but had returned to Borderlands before moving on to Skyrim, and I feel like I made a mistake in waiting so long.
The game's atmosphere and scope are phenomenal. The amount of activities that you can involve yourself in is astounding. The political atmosphere in the game is present no matter where you go, however, can be ignored for the most part if you are not interested in pursuing it.
The control scheme has been perfected from the former Elder Scrolls and is not easy to use with favorites allowing for the quick switch to any wanted weapon or magical ability. As per my usual strategy with these types of games, I had resorted to the mage and magical qualities as my default when first playing this, and slowly moved onto the weaponized combat.
Every path you can take can potentially be on the same journey, but with so much to do in the world, you will find yourself absorbed into the game for much longer than you ever thought possible.
More to come later.
The game's atmosphere and scope are phenomenal. The amount of activities that you can involve yourself in is astounding. The political atmosphere in the game is present no matter where you go, however, can be ignored for the most part if you are not interested in pursuing it.
The control scheme has been perfected from the former Elder Scrolls and is not easy to use with favorites allowing for the quick switch to any wanted weapon or magical ability. As per my usual strategy with these types of games, I had resorted to the mage and magical qualities as my default when first playing this, and slowly moved onto the weaponized combat.
Every path you can take can potentially be on the same journey, but with so much to do in the world, you will find yourself absorbed into the game for much longer than you ever thought possible.
More to come later.
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