Assassin's Creed II

A new assassin’s story, this time following a character called Ezio around the cities of Rome, Venice, and Tuscany.

Following on from the first game, the beginning of AC2 sees the main character of Desmond escape from the evil corporation of the first game, and begin a new project with a rebel group including Lucy (the nurse from the original). They send Desmond back into the life of Ezio, a simple womaniser living in Italy during the 15th Century, who becomes a dangerously brilliant assassin after several members of his family are hung in a complex plot against their family.

We follow Ezio through his journey to becoming a famous assassin, as well as his revenge. He finds the support of his uncle who teaches him new skills and gives him shelter. But as Ezio stalks his prey, picking off each member of the conspiracy against his family, he discovers a deeper more complex plot afoot, with far more grave consequences.

Alongside the main plot, there is the usual bucket load of additional missions, such as contracts for murdering criminal targets, delivering messages across cities, and taking part in foot races against the clock. As well as the typically frustrating tasks of collecting items such as statuettes, viewpoints and feathers. All of which add to a very varied and fulfilling gaming experience.

The climbing is even more detailed, allowing the player to pretty much scale anything, adding the ability to jump even higher as you get further into Ezio’s skills. The cities are a remarkable feat, such beautiful detail and grandeur, and the flow of them makes for brilliant journeys. The fighting is much improved, giving your assassin new moves and skills, as well as the ability to taunt your opponent, which is a fun addition.

The Italian aspects of the game really appealed to me, being a lover of the nation and culture, and using the actual dialect in places gave the game a real sense of authenticity. Also, the wonderfully eclectic mix of religion, power, violence, and honour made for a brilliant representation of a turbulent history.

Be warned, this is a engulfing experience, players may end up spending months trying to complete everything there is on offer, but if you liked the first game, you will love this one.

Undead Nightmare

An add-on game for the brilliant Rockstar game Red Dead Redemption, but this time, instead of chasing villains, you are shooting zombies!

You continue the game as John Marston, the same character used in most of RDR, and the storyline picks up after he has been reunited with his wife and son. They live back on the ranch, and spend their days farming. But one night, a man they know as “Uncle” comes to the house looking like a creature from the grave, and begins to attack the Marston family. The man manages to infect John’s boy by biting him, who then bites his mother, turning them both into zombies. John quickly ties them up so that they wont go on a bloodthirsty rampage across the land, and instead, goes off himself, in search of answers for this deadly curse.

It is a rudimentary plotline, and one that does not get much more complex as you play the game. John has a few run-ins with some of his old acquaintances across the nearby towns, and a few of them give him suggestions as to what is causing the uprising. Your job, alongside finding an end to the nightmare, is to protect as many of the towns as you can from the zombies, aiding the survivors in whatever way you can - either by fighting with them, or giving them your precious ammo.

Cleansing churches is also a large part of this game, going around burning coffins and then taking out the remaining blood-demons, which can be a tough task. They have to either be shot in the head, or burnt.

Initially my experience with this game was quite negative. I found the hordes of zombies quite difficult to handle, and was often just running away from them. It was not until I gathered an extensive arsenal of awesome weapons that the real fun began. Some of the instruments of death you collect along the way are brilliant, such as the explosive rifle, or Holy Water.

Riding across the landscape, at first can seem ethereal, but soon gets tiresome. I recommend using the “travel to location” option at any of you home bases, which allows you to emerge in many of the different towns and locations across the map. It saves bucket loads of time.

Another tip, there is a quest to find the “mythical creatures” at random points as you travel. I urge you to follow them, it will make your experience of the game twice as good when you find them.

Overall this was a fun game, but one not worth the still high price tag attached to it. It is quite short, tedious in some places, but manages bring another “life” to what is an already amazing game (RDR).

Mass Effect 2

The continuation of the legendary science fiction action game, it combines everything that is great about gaming, storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Mass Effect is a futuristic world where humans exist alongside countless other alien races, some of which are friendly others which are not so much. In the first game the objective was to stop an evil Spector named Saren from destroying the universe with a Reaper. The second game picks up where it left off, but now Shepard must solve the mysterious colonial abductions which are taking place randomly across the galaxy, whereby humans are being wiped out from planets leaving no trace.

Having completed the first Mass Effect, I was urged by my gaming-brothers-in-arms to carry straight on into the sequel, and I am extremely glad I did. Many of the career choices you make in the first game have dramatic consequences in the second, if you choose to continue with your saved game. Everything from the way your character looked, to the background of his character, as well as important decisions from the storyline can all be carried over, enriching the experience greatly. I thoroughly recommend, also, to play the first game before getting started with the second, you will find the experience far more rewarding.

Many improvements have been made in this sequel; the fighting aspects have been made far more fluid, the guns are better, the powers are less confusing, and once you get used to it, they are far more entertaining. The storyline is very compelling, Shepard travelling to different planets trying to establish a mammoth team of extraordinary fighters from difference species, in order to fight this looming evil presence that is stealing humans. The whole game has been enlarged, spreading over two discs, and the vast quantities of unexplored planets and systems can offer hours of entertainment.

If you are unwilling to immerse yourself into such a demanding game, spend the time that it requires to enjoy it fully, you may find this game repetitive and even boring. But for those who enjoy not just playing games, but experiencing them, this is a game that has so much to offer, and the whole Mass Effect series is likely to be one the greatest achievements in modern gaming. By combining games, allowing you to make choices and decisions that will have a knock-on effect in the next game, the creators have made an absolutely addictive gaming experience, one that I urge any serious game player to embark upon.

Bring on Mass Effect 3!

Mass Effect

A science-fiction game that boasts amazing playability, intricate character/story development, and a whole host of incredible creatures, planets, and missions.

As a relatively baby to the modern gaming world, a game based in space is not my usual forte. In the past I have preferred less involved games, that are a pick them up put them down kind of style, rather than being glued to the screen for hours. However, Mass Effect kept me in front of my 42” solidly!

In the game setup process, you are able to create your character: how they look, what type of fighter they will be, and also, choose from several back stories which will shape the course of the game you will play. Once you enter the game, you quickly enter an enthralling plot, with vivid characters who you interact with in a variety of ways. Some will become your shipmates, others will become tense enemies. As you take on missions, you develop not only the story, but also your character. They pick up new talents, new weapons and training, as well as a catered personality. You are able to play as the person you want them to be by choosing from several responses when faced with dialogue or an event. This freedom is absolutely terrific, as it makes the game feel suited to your needs as a player: rather than having a character who does whatever he wants in cut scenes, you have the ability to make a few decisions that have drastic effects on your storyline.

This is a game to really throw yourself into, it demands attention, and the longer chunks you play it in, the more enjoyment you get out of it. The fight scenes, at first, seem clunky and overly complicated, but once you master the fighting style, they are an excellent mix of dangerous action and precise decision making.

The script is a little cheesy in places, but this is something which I found endearing as I progressed. Characters interact in a way which seems typical for the genre, but sheer diversity of people and places makes it very exciting.

This is an excellent game, worth spending hours playing during rainy weekends and nights after work. If you like getting heavily involved into a story, some great fighting, and spectacular locations/characters, then I urge you to play.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior

First person shooter that tries to make a whole game out of just sniping…destined for disaster.

Anyone who has played Battlefield, COD and the like will know that in war games, sniping is a very important element. It offers players a chance to be strategic, cunning, and skilful rather than running around blowing everyone’s heads off. But could you play a whole game of just sniping? Sitting in the bushes waiting to take a killer head shot? Without all the running around? Well, I did.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior is about a team of soldiers trying to eradicate a volatile regime. You play one of the snipers, as well as one of the ground soldiers. Tasks include things like scaling up to vantage points, making your way through villages undetected, and taking out important characters. Stealth is a huge part of this game, one which can be very frustrating. On so many occasions I would be crawling through a village at a snail’s pace just to avoid being seen, it got rather tiring!

The sniping is good, and getting head shots causes an amazing slow motion scene to follow of the bullet travelling through the air which is very cool. But the game can get very tedious when you have to go unseen all the time. If enemies see you, they fill you with holes from machine guns and you die…no chance in hell. This kind of one-sided shooting is not appealing.

The storyline is another victim of the war game-syndrome which seems happy with a very lukewarm plot strewn together across a multitude of different landscapes trying to add variety to the game play. The characters are nothing special, and the weapons lacked any sense of imagination or creativity.

In conclusion, this is a game to play, not if you like sniping, but if you like stealth. It is about being a ghost, and doing some cool head shots along the way.

Bioshock 2

A truly unique game that has an epic storyline, wonderfully diverse characters, and excellent game play.

In the depths of an underwater world, you play a “Big Daddy”. Living in a suit, you peruse the city around you looking for answers, enemies, and the little orphan girl you are supposed to protect. Anyone who has played the first Bioshock game will know of the dark, weird style, and the second instalment is more of the same.

Your character can use weapons with one hand, and plasmids with the other. The weapons include brilliantly devious devices such as grenade launchers, shotguns with explosive ammo, and mini turrets that shoot away at all of your enemies.

The more exciting element, however, is the plasmids. Your magical hand (which uses a substance called EVE to power) can have the ability to freeze people, set enemies on fire, shoot swarms of bees, and even use telekinesis to throw objects. It is so much fun once you master it.

Players may find the storyline too complex, and get confused especially in the beginning. However, the sheer imagination that has gone into this game should not be undervalued, and anyone who appreciates magnificent writing will be pleased with Bioshock 2.

One of the best examples of why Gaming is slowly taking over the world of culture.

Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

An addition to the GTA4 game that was immensely popular, it follows a biker gang called The Lost as they run riot over Liberty City after they leader is released from prison.

You play one of the higher ups in the gang, called Johnny Klebitz, who looked after the gang while its leader Billy was locked up. Now that The Lost has been reformed to its former glory, you take part in missions to win back territory, score points against rival gangs, and to earn cash and prestige for your clubhouse. All the while riding some awesome motorcycles.

Rockstar are behind this game, and, as with any of their games, it is brilliantly produced, with a plenty of cutting edge gaming and usability. The most impressive aspect of TLATD is the story and characters. From the outset, I was drawn into the plot surrounding the biker gang, and the tension between Johnny and Billy, and as the story unfolded, it become increasingly appealing. The characters which emerge throughout the game are vivid, interesting, and realistic, which is an important aspect for the game. Unlike GTA4, I took to the main character immediately, and was quickly enjoying seeing how his life was thrown into chaos.

The missions are typical sandbox/gangster/action missions, such as eliminating rivals or destroying shipments, but the use of motorbikes makes it seem fresh. Many of the additional missions (those not connected to the story) can be a lot of fun, such as the races which take place all over the city. While you are on these races, you have the ability to attack fellow racers with a baseball bat, in a throwback Road Rash style.

The game's failings are quite easy to pinpoint. Firstly, it is short. You can complete the story in one day without breaking a sweat. So do not expect to be given a well developed, engrossing tale that seems to go on forever, because this one is short and sweet. Also, one aspect of the game which can get annoying, is that you almost always have to be on a bike to do missions. This can be difficult, if, like me, you destroy your bike quite easily. You will have to then go and find a bike, or call up a buddy to deliver a bike to you, costing you important playing time.

Overall, it is a great addition to a great game, and one that offers some exciting new elements which will entertain you for a maximum of a month.

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit

A car game that cements its position as one of the most relevant for the Xbox 360.

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit allows played to play as both street racer, or the cops chasing them. This diversity in play makes the game far more enjoyable, and allows for some excellent online action.

Taking on the multitude of course within the Seacrest area, players will find the road vary enough to make the game enjoyable, but not so much that you need to be an expert racing driver to play them. The challenges for racers include simple time trials, duel races, as well as 8-car races, gauntlet runs against the police, and hot pursuit with a plethora of technical weaponry that makes the game feel like a cross between GT5 and Mario Kart. For the cops, the challenges are the same, only working as the chaser rather than the chased. The weapons are slightly different, including road blocks and helicopter support. The spike strips and Electronic Magnetic Pulses (EMPs) are a lot of fun.

The most impressive aspect of this game is the cars! They are awesome. So many great names, and stylish looking models, it is a car fanatics wet dream. Players can choose different colours for most models, allowing for a personalised ride.

Online capabilities are extensive, allowing you to play against friends and randomers alike, as either a cop or racer. Your NFS friends will be able to see your career race times, and you can compete against each other. You can also share dreamshot photos of your races at any point, such as victory against the police or a massive crash, posting them online on your wall.

This is an entertaining game, that offers a decent variety for gamers, and a different experience from your usual racing simulator.

Red Dead Redemption

Rockstar games produce a worthy successor to the GTA series.

Set in the wild west, this gun slinging action-sandbox game was one of the most talked about releases of last year. It follows the journey of John Marston, as he tracks down members of his old gang in the hopes of turning them over to the FBI. He is being forced to do this by the authorities who have his wife and son held hostage. John must come face to face with his peers and risk being killed from a multitude of enemies as he takes on the villainy and lawlessness of Texas and Mexico.

It is an undeniably great game, filled with exceptional characters, a great storyline, and missions that will entertain any level of gamer. One can follow the main plot, taking on the gang members, and the other characters who reveal themselves along the way, as well as undertaking minor tasks that John will find during his stay. Included within this are many side games such as poker, blackjack, liar's dice, and many more which provide some light entertainment for those not wanting a hardcore session.

The graphics are worthy of a Rockstar game, and the scenery is sublime. Sometimes gamers may find themselves tranquilly travelling across the landscape without any sense of direction, just to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Animals are aplenty, and available to hunt: from small rabbits and birds, to grizzly bears and snakes. These can also be skinned and the products can be sold for profit.

Two criticisms must be raised. Firstly, there is a lot of riding around on a horse, it is inescapable. You may find yourself paying for stagecoach rides because you cannot stomach another ten minute ride across the country. While the scenery is immense, if you are in the flow of doing missions, the amount of travelling involved can be laborious. The second issue I found with the game, was the music. It is repetitive and often irritating during moments where you are not within the storyline and just perusing the towns and bars. Although, it is important to mention that the song at the very end of the game is stunning.

Mainly, however, Red Dead Redemption is one of the best games or recent years. It has so much detail and entertainment that one can't help but love it. The online capabilities could be better, but they are still fun. If you love GTA or Saints Row, or any other sandbox game, Red Dead will offer you an immense experience in the wild west.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

With the immense success of the Call of Duty series, it is not surprising to see a bounty of other warfare style games aimed at the modern gamer. Battlefield is a worthy rival to the COD games, with excellent game play, characters, weapons, locations, and functions.

From the outset, it is an action packed thrill ride, taking you through many different worldwide battlefields, in search of a mysterious new weapon that has been developed. The team are filthy-mouthed operatives of a secret division, who maintain a low-key presence that is highly skilled, and highly dangerous.

Brilliant game with plenty to do outside the main story line. The online capabilities are impressive, with plenty of coop games to work through against your friends and other online gamers. The story mode is simple but effective, no long-winded cut scenes, or pointless journeys, just cold, hard war with all the necessary trimmings.

Assassins Creed

Finally jumping on the medieval bandwagon, I have become a player of the Assassins Creed series, completing the first game recently. It is a rich and fulfilling game with plenty of objectives and characters to keep one entertained for days. The historical context of Assassins Creed allows for an even more involving storyline, whilst playing fast and loose with events.

The game is split into two areas, one set in the future, with a pair of scientists and a subject patient. The patient is believed to have been an assassin in his former life, and the scientists have a machine that will allow him to travel back, relive his life, and learn the secrets necessary for the present. The other area of the game is within the animus, the time travelling machine where gamers will spend the majority of their time.

Within the animus, the main character is Altaír, who lives among the Brotherhood as an assassin. His job is to maintain peace and order throughout the land, as a secret mercenary who eliminates anyone who threatens the peace. When Altaír falls out of favour with the Brotherhood, he must begin at the bottom of the assassins ladder, and prove his worth by carrying out seven separate missions. Spread across several large holy cities, the assassin travels on horseback between the cities and amongst the people, hiding in shadows and on rooftops, stalking his prey. As Altaír advances through his quest, the hidden reasoning behind the targets reveals itself to him, and loyalties are put at risk.

An exceptional game, with stunning graphics, locations, story lines and side plots.

Welcome Gamers

In the series of Olson Review Blogs, welcome to the new Gaming Blog.
Here I will review and share the latest games and gaming equipment that I play and try.
I hope to hear your comments on my views, and that you keep it mildly clean.

PEACE