Week 9

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Join us every week for insightful anecdotes and funny insights into the world of video games

Welcome to week 9 of Press Start to Play Article Edition. I promised to review a PS3 game so I chose to play Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.

Uncharted is one of the PS3’s earliest games and features a new story developed by Naughty Dog who has brought us the Crash Bandicoot and Jak series.

The story of this game is very compelling. You are an explorer named Nathan Drake who searches for lost treasures along with his friend Sully and a girl named Rachel. The game throws you straight into the action from the start as you find treasure and move your way along the story looking for El Dorado. There are a few little twists in the story that keep the player attracted to the game.

Drake controls very fluently and the controls of the game are very sharp. Nathan can also scale walls and do a few death defying feats. Game play also includes melee attacks and an easy to use and very accessible control system. I also like how they incorporate the use of the Six-Axis at some points in the game.

Uncharted contains a few extras. There are 65 treasures scattered around the world that you can take the time and find. There are a variety of weapons to use and once in awhile there are the few button command prompts during cut scenes to keep you attentive. The story itself offers about 6-8 hours to complete.

Nathan carries around a book found early in the game which helps you solve puzzles during the game. The puzzles are not at all hard but they do throw that little relaxing time from all the action going on throughout 90% of the game.

The only problem I had with Uncharted was the random fire fights where it felt like the difficulty increased and you end up trying to pass the section after dying 10 times.

The graphics on Uncharted definitely bring out the power of the PS3. All colours are vibrant and cut scenes and the game play itself show superb stability and clear crisp definition. The settings in Uncharted are very clear and they definitely look like the real thing. The voice acting is also good and the dialogue can be humorous at times. The sound is great with the explosions and gun fire all around you.

If you love the action/adventure genre and you have been a fan of Naughty Dog in the past definitely try Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. Even if you don’t apply to the above statement still try Uncharted it delivers what every gamer wants and that’s entertainment. I give Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune 4 out of 5.

Don’t forget to check out the Press Start to Play Podcast at pstp.podbean.com which is hosted by two of my affiliates Ricardo and Patrick.

If you have any suggestions of games you would like me to play or classic critiques feel free to contact me at ric_edone@hotmail.com.

Next week is the return of the classic critique so don’t miss it. Thanks for reading and return back next week. Good luck gaming!

Week 8

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Join us every week for insightful anecdotes and funny insights into the world of video games

Welcome to week 8 of Press Start to Play Article Edition. In the spirit of Halloween I’ve decided to review Saw the video game for the X-Box 360.

Saw is based on the hit movie series Saw. Saw was developed by Zombie and produced by Konami. Konami brought us games such as Castlevania and DDR.

The game play is very simplistic in Saw. You control Detective Tapp, the protagonist of the game. You basically move around and when you come across enemies you switch into a combat position and fight. The problem with this is that the combat is very difficult. The fighting is very unpredictable and you may end up killing off enemies by luck alone.

This game isn’t full of extras. When you beat the game you have the choice to replay the story on a harder level or replay your favourite part of the story. There is also concept art and the trailer of Saw 6. The game’s achievements are also very easy to achieve through one play through. There are a bunch of melee weapons to use to defeat enemies as well as ways to defeat them using the environment. I also feel that they should have added a mode where you can create your own traps and have players online test their skills at them.

The setting of Saw is very dark. You are stuck in an asylum which is rigged with traps set up by Jigsaw and occupied by victims both dead from traps and those coming after you to escape. Basically you were captured by Jigsaw and put in trap. As you explore the rest of the asylum you must help others connected to you stuck in traps escape them.

The game is full of puzzles set up by Jigsaw himself. After awhile these puzzles can get repetitive in certain situations but they still make the game a bit more interactive.

The graphics in Saw are nothing special but they do look good. The best thing about the production is the voice acting. Tobin Bell, the voice of Jigsaw in the movies also plays Jigsaw in the video game so it gives the game that original feel to it. I also liked the camera angles and certain flash backs throughout the game. It keeps certain things from the Saw movie series.

If you’re in for a horror survival and have already played Dead Space and other games of the sort then you should try Saw. It’s also great for fans of the movie series. It could have packed a few extras but overall it’s a good experience. I give Saw 2.5 out of 5.

Don’t forget to check out the Press Start to Play Podcast at pstp.podbean.com which is hosted by two of my affiliates Ricardo and Patrick.

Next week I will review my first PS3 game so don’t miss it. If you have any suggestions for classic critiques or games you would like me to review you can reach me at ric_edone@hotmail.com.

Thanks for reading and Happy Halloween. Good luck gaming!

Week 7

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Join us every week for insightful anecdotes and funny insights into the world of video games

Welcome to week 7 of Press Start to Play Article Edition. It has been awhile but I’m back. I’ve chosen to review Batman Arkham Asylum for the X-Box 360.

Arkham Asylum was the highly anticipated Batman game since the Dark Knight was released. It was developed and produced by Eidos Interactive the same company that brought us the Hitman and Tomb Raider series.

The game play in Batman is the best re-imagining of the caped crusader. You use all his skills in fighting, detective and gadgets. Batman controls very well and he is easy to handle and control what you are doing. He has many moves which work to your advantage and allows you to take out enemies in numerous ways. You can run into a battle of unarmed enemies or pick-off enemies one by one by using stealth.

The game has a few extras like collecting and solving numerous amounts of the Riddler’s riddles. The game also features an array of enemies and familiar villains. There is also a biography of all Batman characters you can think of.

The setting of Batman is great. You are held up in a crazy asylum full of villains that Batman has captured. Now they have been released by the Joker and his ultimate plan for a party for Batman.

The games graphics and voice acting are something to remember. Very little details have been worked on that make this game have some of the best animation and graphics I have seen in awhile. Batman spends the whole night at Arkham Asylum and you can see the ware his suit has taken. The fabulous voice of Mark Hamill returns as the Joker as well as Kevin Conrad as Batman.

The game has a few missed opportunities. There are many villains you come across but some of them you don’t get to fight at all. I also felt that the last fight was a disappointing end to the game but overall this game is something I was addicted to for long.

Even after you finish the game there are challenge modes you can try and set scores and post them on the leader board. The PS3 version of the game features the Joker as a playable character in the challenge mode.

If you have not played Batman Arkham Asylum you owe it to yourself to pick it up and enjoy this wonderful game. I give Batman Arkham Asylum 4.5 out of 5.

Don`t forget to check out the Press Start to Play Podcast at pstp.podbean.com. The show is hosted by two of my affiliates Patrick and Ricardo.

I now own a PS3 so if you have any suggestions for classic critiques or games you would like me to review feel free to e-mail me at ric_edone@hotmail.com .

Thanks for reading and come back next week for a new game. Good luck gaming!

Week 6

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Join us every week for insightful anecdotes and funny insights into the world of video games

Welcome to week 6 of Press Start to Play Article Edition. Sorry about the long delay between articles. School has been busy but it’s almost done so there will be frequent reviews. This week I’ve decided to review WWE Legends of Wrestlemania.

Legends of Wrestlemania was made in commemoration of the 25^th anniversary WWE celebrated this year. As usual the game was developed by THQ and I’m reviewing it on the X-Box 360.

The game play of Legends is very simplistic. A little too simplistic that it gets derivative and gets boring after a while. The game is definitely user friendly and it is for everyone compared to other WWE games.

The game’s contents are limited. The roster consists of 42 superstars including managers. I felt that there were some superstars that were important in some Wrestlemania moments that were nto included. It also has little movies that show highlights of matches. You are also allowed to input your Smackdown vs. Raw roster into the game.

The game has several modes to play. The relive mode allows you to play popular Wrestlemania matches where you do objectives during the match to obtain medals. The rewrite mode allows you change the outcome and play how you want in matches. The redefine mode puts a twist to some of the matches. A new legend killer mode allows you to create your own legend and put him through tournaments against other legends.

The graphics are well polished but the character figures are made too big and beefy. Hulk Hogan looks too big for his own good while Andre the Giant looked like he can use a little more size. The entrances and animations are well made.

The game is also very short. It will take you about 6 hours to complete the game entirely as well as obtain all achievements.

If you’re looking for something worth the price and longevity you should skip this one. If you want the achievements then go ahead and rent it. I give WWE Legends of Wrestlemania 2 out of 5.

Do not forget to check out the Press Start to Play Podcast at pstp.podbean.com. The show is hosted by two of my affiliates Ricardo and Patrick.

If you would like me to play and review any games or have suggestions you can reach me at ric_edone@hotmail.com.

Thanks for reading and remember to come back next week for a new game. Good luck gaming!

Week 5

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Join us every week for insightful anecdotes and funny insights into the world of video games

Welcome to week 5 of Press Start to Play Article Edition. I have played a lot of games in the lengthy absence. This week’s game is Dark Sector for the X-Box 360.

Dark Sector is the first game in the series produced by D3 and Digital Extremes. It is available for the X-Box 360, PS3 and the PC.

Dark Sector definitely starts off well. You are Hayden who gets infected with a virus which protrudes a glaive in your hand. The glaive is upgradable as well as your various weapons. The upgrades for your guns are scattered throughout the world however so upgrading can be a pain. It also costs you currency to upgrade and buy new things at the scattered Black Market. Ammo must also be found as you progress through the game.

The difficulty of the game is not at all hard. As you get infected you are not able to use your enemies’ guns so some strategizing may have to take place. There are different difficulties to choose from. The boss battles are very well made with lots of variety and the enemies also give variety with intense battles.

Speaking of variety there are various ways to subdue your enemy. The glaive has special powers where you can throw it at an energy signal such as fire, ice or electricity and that element will have various effects on your enemies. The glaive also gives you the ability to control it after being thrown, the ability to throw it harder and the ability to put up a protective shield. These abilities are also used throughout your adventure. With these various methods of killing there are the old shoot ‘em ups, takedowns or grenade throws.

The graphics are very well made. The colors give a certain dark theme to the game. The problem with this is that the game may get a little too dark and you may have trouble seeing in certain areas. The blood and gore in the game is very well made as well. When you cut off various parts of an enemy the gushing blood is just fun to watch and enjoy.

The online games are also fun to play. A mode called infection allows you to start off as a regular soldier and kill Hayden or play as Hayden and destroy the soldiers. Another mode called epidemic pins two teams of five where one player is Hayden and the teams go head-to-head to see which leader dies first.

Dark Sector is a solid game with lots of variety and a good story which may let some people down at the end. You should be able to get about 12 hours from it. I give Dark Sector 3.5 out of 5.

Do not forget to check out the Press Start to Play Podcast at pstp.podbean.com which is hosted by two of my affiliates Ricardo and Patrick.

If you have any suggestions of games you would like me to review feel free to contact me at ric_edone@hotmail.com.

My time is up here so check back next week to see what I’ve been playing. Good luck gaming!