Gears Of War 2 - Review

It has been a few years since Epic stunned the gaming world with one of the most exhilarating shooters gamers had ever seen. Microsoft had banked on Cliffy B and the boys down at Epic to produce a new IP (Intellectual Property) that delivered, and delivered is exactly what they did.

Fast forward to November 2008 and Gears of War 2 is finally hitting the shelves, sending fan boys into a frenzy. How does it compare to the first? Is it just Gears 1.5?

In short, Gears of War 2 is breathtaking and a benchmark on how to make an action shooter, period.

Cliffy B was right in saying that Gears 2 would be bigger, better and more badass. From the moment you pop this one into your console, you’re in for something special.

The story is much more satisfying than the first with Dom playing a bigger part in Gears 2, his struggle to handle the fact that his wife is missing is fantastic. There are a few new characters you meet along the way, each have a purpose and overall the story is very satisfying.

Visually Gears 2 is flawless, with some of the most impressive visuals you have seen in a video game to date. Player models look great, environments and shadowing are outstanding, Epic are showing other developers how the Unreal Engine 3 should be used. Gone are the poor frame rate problems during cutscenes that were evident in Gears 1. There is basically no loading in Gears of War 2, you can effectively play the game from start to finish without a loading screen at all (unless you die) .

Sound is also of the highest quality, there is nothing better than pulling off a headshot with your sniper gun and hearing that “pop” sound as the enemy’s head blows up into a million pieces. Atmospheric sound and voice acting is brilliant, much love has been put into every aspect of this game.

When it comes to gameplay, Gears 2 is very much like Gears 1, extremely tight and a blast to play. Multiplayer is back with 10 all new maps and will no doubt be very popular online.

Epic have delivered an amazing experience with Gears 2, a must own game for all 360 gamers.

Gameplay = 9.5
Visuals = 10
Sound = 9.5
Game Now Score = 9.6/10

Fallout 3 - Initial Impressions

The year is 2277, the planet is all but destroyed. Only those that escaped to the underground bunkers have survived. You are born into one of these bunkers, this is your story!

Oh yes, it’s that time of the year were all the big boys come out to play and it doesn't get much bigger than Fallout.

The opening cinematic shows you actually being born into the world and initial gameplay has you crawling/walking around the bunker listening to your dad as he encourages you to take your first steps. The idea is smart and the implementation is brilliant.

The game then progresses through your early years in a series of interesting events within the bunker until something drastic happens. Not going to tell you much as it’s a bit of a spoiler but let me assure you it’s awesome.

The graphics and sound and voice acting are AAA, Fallout 3 is putting its cards on the table and could possibly knock off GTA 4 for game of the year – a must own for all 360 owners!!! Review to follow over the next week or so.

Lego Batman - Review

Here we go, the third installment in the Lego series, and I have to say this is the best one yet.
I have play both Star Wars and Indy with my 6 Yr old son, and he agree's with me, that this is"cool to play"

The gameplay is simple and addictive, I was so excited when I was able to play the alternative version on the story as the villians in the game. This adds so much depth to the game. A nice addition is the use of super suits, gliding, heat resistant, etc. Driving the different vehicles adds to the excitment of this impressive game.

The sound and visuals, have been polished compared to Indy. The liquids in the game are very impressive.

Batman Lego is very entertaining for all ages, my 4 yr old girl keeps bugging me to play with her. I am looking forward to playing the Joker.

Enjoy many hours of fun!!

Gameplay = 9
Visuals = 9
Sound = 9
Game Now Score = 9/10