Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition review
What will you get out of the new Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition? In two words: a lot. Read my review at GameZone.
Posts Tagged ‘Xbox 360’
Soulcalibur V character breakdown: parts one and two
Take a look at my two-part editorial on Soulcalibur V, which breaks down the character roster and provides a who’s who of everyone involved. I’m definitely looking forward to playing as Viola.
Rayman Origins: a counterargument – good but ultimately forgettable
Check out my thoughts on Rayman Origins (not a review). Were you satisfied with what the platformer delivered, or were you hoping for more?
The biggest games coming to PS3, Xbox 360, and PC/Macs in 2012
Start saving your money and marking your calendar—in my latest editorial for GameZone, I list the top fifteen most anticipated console games of 2012. The games range from big budget blockbusters to some welcome additions and underdogs, so be sure to take a look.
I’ll be following this up with a list of ten great upcoming handheld games, so check back soon.
The Heroes and Villains of Batman: Arkham City: parts one and two
Want a full briefing on the characters of Batman: Arkham City (now available for PC)? Then head over to GameZone for my two-part rundown, which details the characters’ comic book pasts.
Ten Reasons Why Being an Assassin in Real Life Would Be Awesome
Stop by GameZone for ten reasons why being an assassin would be a great way to spend your time.
Disclaimer: It might not be so awesome for everyone else.
Portal 2 review
Portal 2 was my first experience with the series, which turned heads and made everybody and their professors stay home to play it. Maybe it was because puzzles make my brain numb or because GLaDOS’s threat of spending eternity placing cubes on pressure pads made my time with the game actually feel like an eternity, but I wasn’t expecting such a lasting and substantial single-player campaign.
From the first test on, I knew a generous game length wouldn’t be a problem. If I could master each scenario, then that would be an accomplishment to be proud of. And I did … for the most part. Admittedly, I did resort to GameFAQs a few times, and in three-fourths of those instances I regretted the decision immediately. The solution would have come to me on its own, if only I was a little more patient, logical, and observant. No matter how difficult the puzzle, none of them were unfair. I would say that maybe cheap tricks don’t compute with a robot like GLaDOS, but she did waste perfectly good confetti on humiliating me.
After completing so many tests, primarily in the beginning of the game, I did grow tired of GLaDOS’ insults and the constant barrage of portal-based puzzles. To my surprise, though, the game broke up the pace with a more action-focused segment and then continued to introduce new mechanics, gameplay objectives, and plot points so that I was never bored for long. Challenged, maybe, and cranky sometimes, but never bored with the same routine.
More than just orange and blue portals await the player. There are bouncy blue, slippery orange, and white surface-reinventing gels. There are excursion funnels and weighted and discouragement redirection cubes. There are also frankenturrets, which are, by the way, adorable.
All these oodles of gameplay combine with the dozens of ways you learn to achieve momentum and manipulate a testing stage. Add that to the many humorous or dramatic conversations with Wheatley and GLaDOS (the voice-acting is superb), and the wealth of content comes together to deliver an even stream of story and gameplay. Like many gamers of our current generation, I don’t always feel compelled to see a game through to its completion, even if it is, by critics’ standards, “good.” I did feel adequately compelled with Portal 2, and the motivation resulted in my witnessing one of the weirdest and most musical endings in any game. Its inclusion is no longer a mystery to me, considering that Jonathan Coulton’s name appears in the closing credits.
The game’s sound itself is interesting. Whenever you slide on orange gel or rocket off blue, a different theme can be heard in the background. Add that to whatever music might already be playing, and the result is often harmonious. Considering artificial intelligences are constantly making perfectly clear their desire to kill you, a little tranquility is appreciated.
I did get a taste of the multiplayer mode, and it fell very short of the quality presented in the normal campaign. But I guess the option alone counts toward replay value. Having to cooperate with another person to overcome challenges establishes a much different dynamic than the one in the single-player campaign.
Without spoiling the game, I can say the final boss fight resolves with one galactic-sized deus ex machina, but it was such an enjoyable and surreal deus ex machina that I don’t even care to think less of the developers for doing it. Who would have thought anyone would do that in a video game.
The final minutes do suggest another, much different Portal sequel could be on the way, and the suggested context relieves me. I had, throughout my time with Portal 2, dreaded what a possible continuation would consist of because as wonderful and thought-provoking as Portal 2 is, I wouldn’t want to put myself through another 12+ hours of this mental exhaustion. That’s like taking a week to solve a Rubik’s cube and then challenging yourself to another go, without the foggiest idea as to how you solved the damn thing in the first place. Once is enough, unless some big changes are involved. And no, I don’t mean an even bigger Rubik’s cube. Let’s not get carried away.
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Cave Johnson, black humor, cute frankenturret buddies
Cons: Wheatley’s change of heart
Beta sign-ups for Gotham City Imposters
Developers Monolith are accepting candidates for the private beta of their upcoming downloadable shooter, Gotham City Imposters. Interested gamers must visit the website; plug in their email address, birthday, zip code, and gaming platforms (PC, PS3, and/or Xbox 360); abide by the non-disclosure agreement.
The multiplayer FPS divides players into two opposing groups: vigilantes dressed like Batman and crazed criminals looking head-to-toe like the Joker. The two sides go at it on the open streets of Gotham City.
The game allegedly has “more customization than you can shake a shotgun at,” allowing players to alter hairstyles, guns, and gadgets. Upgrades and unlockables are included as players level up in various ways, including solo outings and several multiplayer modes.
The beta starts in September (next month). Cast your submission and you’ll be thanked with the cute Batman drawing on the left. Adorable.
