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Early Impressions: Remember Me

Early Impressions: Remember Me

Posted by on Jul 17, 2013 in Commentary |

Remember Me

I played the intro level of Remember Me and found myself thinking if choosing it over Deadpool was the right move. Let’s start with the plus points first.

The game looks very good. The visuals do a great job of immersing you in the world of Neo-Paris and the science fiction that it’s trying to present. I like the way the story is set up, mixing a standard escape sequence with the horror of the game’s premise.

The gameplay feels a bit lackluster so far. I’ve only seen the combat and the platforming and both of them leave something to be desired. The former feels awkward, requiring stricter timing with even the basic moves while managing to look unrewarding. There’s no style, no flair in the way the main character fights. Jumping, climbing and shimmying along rails isn’t a smooth affair either. Overall, it seems like it wants to be a great action game and a great platformer. It’s falling short of both for now.

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Review: Dishonored

Review: Dishonored

Posted by on Oct 27, 2012 in Commentary, Reviews |

Dishonored 2012-11-03 11-32-07-59

Dishonored is a stealth action game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. You are Corvo Attano, former Lord Protector-turned-prisoner, framed for the assassination of the very Empress you were supposed to protect. With the assistance of allies who arrange a prison breakout, you are tasked with uncovering the truth, finding the real perpetrators and enacting justice.

At the heart of Dishonored’s gameplay is the idea of choice. You are informed very early on that taking a more violent approach will result in a darker ending. This is but one of the many decisions that you will make as you play. Similar to Deus Ex there are often multiple ways to solve the problems the game throws at you. For example, to open a locked door you can kill a guard and take his key. You can also knock him unconscious and achieve the same result. Would you forgo the door altogether and try to find another way in, like through a window? Or maybe possessing a rat then finding a hole to run through is a better solution? You are rarely left with a single route when it comes to getting to what you want or where you need to be.

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Review: Batman: Arkham City

Review: Batman: Arkham City

Posted by on Feb 12, 2012 in Commentary, Reviews |

BatmanAC 2012-02-16 07-46-54-13

As a sequel to one of the best Batman games to date, Arkham City has a lot to live up to. Is it a worthy successor? Let’s find out.

The introduction sequence does a few things right. You start off with most of the gadgets from the first game, which is both refreshing and logical at the same time. You’d be surprised at how many sequels make you earn and re-learn all the tools and skills from the first game. Since that sort of thing doesn’t happen here, veteran players will feel right at home. Also, the intro shoves combat down your throat a bit. It will feel a little rough if you’re not familiar with the combat system so if you’re new to the series you might want to start on Normal difficulty first. Speaking of combat, what’s new here is that some of the tools can now be incorporated in battle. Interface shortcuts now allow you to quickly deploy the gadgets in the middle of a fight, giving you more options than before.

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Review: Saints Row: The Third

Review: Saints Row: The Third

Posted by on Feb 8, 2012 in Commentary, Reviews |

saintsrowthethird_dx11 2012-02-08 11-14-59-53

Saints Row: The Third is the first Saints Row game I’ve played. I was actually unaware of the series until I saw a screenshot of Saints Row 2 last year. I don’t remember what was actually shown, but unlike most in-game images, it wasn’t the graphics that caught my attention. It was the absurdity of it all. The picture was silly enough to make it memorable. So when Saints Row: The Third came out I picked it up.

If GTA is the serious older brother of urban sandbox games, then Saints Row 3 is the lovable, vulgar sibling that you hang out with but won’t invite to formal events because he’d probably drop his pants. And let me tell you, Saints Row 3 is proud of dropping its pants. It’s not going to do so at every opportunity but it’s not going to shy away from it either. The game embraces its absurdity and runs with it, creating a unique and definitive experience.

As for the game itself, all you need to know about it is in the intro. It’s one of the best opening sequences I’ve seen in any game. Aside from teaching gameplay mechanics, it does an excellent job of showing you what Saints Row is all about. If you’re undecided on picking up the game or not, I suggest you play the intro level when you can.

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Shank 2 Released

Posted by on Feb 8, 2012 in News, Press Releases |

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Independent game developer Klei Entertainment and EA Partners, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) today announced that the cinematic 2D action brawler, Shank™ 2, is now available on the PlayStation®Network and PC in North America for $9.99 USD. The highly anticipated sequel earned an 8.5/10 fromIGN.com, who called the game, “…One of the best action games in recent memory.” Shank 2 will be available tomorrow on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points and on PlayStation®Network in Europe for €9.99.

Shank 2 drops players into a stunning pulp fiction world as Shank, an ex-mob hitman who is forced down the road to redemption after his village comes under brutal attack. With precise and fluid controls, tons of new weapons, stronger enemies and the most advanced combo system of any 2D brawler, Shank 2 delivers a dynamic and evolved combat experience. Players have access to a diverse arsenal of guns, knives, chainsaws, baseball bats, and more as they move through Klei’s beautifully drawn environments that earned the indie studio IGF’s Excellence in Visual Arts nomination in 2010, and the Canadian Animator of the Year award in 2011.

Shank 2’s all-new multiplayer Survival mode drops players into fast paced and action-packed interactive environments where they tactically take down hordes of goons and mini-bosses in an arcade-style fight to protect objectives and stay alive. Teams of two can play locally or online as they battle wave after wave of smarter, stronger enemies and use fallen weapons and on-the-fly purchases in gory brawls.

For more information on Shank 2, please visit www.shankgame.com and follow the development team at www.twitter.com/klei and at www.facebook.com/shankgame.

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