Hm, after reading Sophie Prell's review of Halo 4, I am actually thinking of picking it up.
Original Halo was probably the most memorable in the series, and Halo:ODST probably the most innovative - but to be honest, I thought the series was getting a bit tired and long in the tooth through Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo:Reach.
Looking forward to something fresh and new!
2012-11-05
Netflix
So, I've really been enjoying Netflix lately. I've rung a lot out of it already, and slowly watching their catalogue grow. I am certainly one of the last remaining humans who have not already seen Breaking Bad, so catching up on its previous 4 seasons is a blast. I have also noticed they have Mad Men and Archer. I have already seen seasons 1 and 2 of Archer, but now I have it in all of its original high def glory, and can throw it on when entertaining!
2012-11-02
Cloud Atlas
Caught the new Wachowski flick, and first thing I noticed was how difficult it was to find - but it was well worth the effort! Without giving too much away, the film was brilliantly cast, shot, and edited. All of its central themes, of choice, consequence, love, and courage where explored throughout. Each story interwoven and parallel to the other.
Highly recommended, go see it now at your closest theatre! Also available in IMAX, so take the chance, certainly one of the best of 2012!
Highly recommended, go see it now at your closest theatre! Also available in IMAX, so take the chance, certainly one of the best of 2012!
2012-10-31
Deadmau5, album title goes here
Picked this up a while ago - actually, picked this up on launch, got part way through to Closer and then went off and picked up Disasterpeace's Fez soundtrack. It's taken me a while to get through the whole thing a few times, and digest it. First impressions were that there were few striking pieces - except obvious singles Veldt and Professional Griefers.
It takes a while for the album to start; it picks up with Veldt, and hits its stride with Professional Griefers. Mid-album, Maths, There Might Be Coffee, and Closer, are all good tracks that keep pace, keep it going. For me, the album closes with Sleepless - there is little wrong with Failbait and Telemiscommunications per se, but they aren't as memorable, and serve more as a denouement; which is actually kinda cool.
There is a lot of hype around Deadmau5, and not entirely undeserved, but unfortunately it tends to warp expectations. I think i was expecting something great, something that would blo me off my feet, and sure enough, I was setting myself up for disappointment. I wasn't blown away by "album title", but it's actually a good album.
If you're an eclectic music collector like myself it's worth the investment - Deadmau5 is always good to throw on.
It takes a while for the album to start; it picks up with Veldt, and hits its stride with Professional Griefers. Mid-album, Maths, There Might Be Coffee, and Closer, are all good tracks that keep pace, keep it going. For me, the album closes with Sleepless - there is little wrong with Failbait and Telemiscommunications per se, but they aren't as memorable, and serve more as a denouement; which is actually kinda cool.
There is a lot of hype around Deadmau5, and not entirely undeserved, but unfortunately it tends to warp expectations. I think i was expecting something great, something that would blo me off my feet, and sure enough, I was setting myself up for disappointment. I wasn't blown away by "album title", but it's actually a good album.
If you're an eclectic music collector like myself it's worth the investment - Deadmau5 is always good to throw on.
2012-10-29
XCom: Enemy Unknown
Wow, highly anticipated, and it doesn't disappoint. For those that played the original some 15 years ago, they remained true to the core principles, such that waves of nostalgia still come back through the updated visuals and streamlined mechanics. For those that are new to XCom this is the pen-ultimate turn-based squad-tactic strategy game of all time.
Some have written of the appeal of peril, and they are correct to a certain extent - there's also a sense of great achievement when you learn something though. a particular mechanic, or how the (simulated) world works, and start playing it to your advantage.
Either way, XCom is an addictive and challenging experience. Overall, an amazing, awesome title.
By the way, after many Ironman-Impossible attempts, this is completely cool.
Some have written of the appeal of peril, and they are correct to a certain extent - there's also a sense of great achievement when you learn something though. a particular mechanic, or how the (simulated) world works, and start playing it to your advantage.
Either way, XCom is an addictive and challenging experience. Overall, an amazing, awesome title.
By the way, after many Ironman-Impossible attempts, this is completely cool.
2012-10-03
Disasterpeace, Fez
Was listening to some other stuff when I was reminded of Fez's awesome amazing soundtrack - so I did what comes naturally and checked my electronic music store of choice and found Disasterpeace's masterpiece! This is definitely worth mentioning because it is a beautiful rich tapestry of sound; very atmospheric, and perfect for, well, just about any occasion I could think of!
Definitely a highly recommended addition to any media library!
Definitely a highly recommended addition to any media library!
2012-10-01
Dredd 3D
Dredd was great. Enjoyed this while on holiday in London, England - and saw it a second time back home in Toronto. Far better than the first. I don't know much about the Dredd comic, but this film fulfilled all expectations as a novice - guns, armor, and bloody-ultra-violence. I think the best move was casting Karl Urban, who as a relative unknown has no qualms donning the Dredd helmet and foregoing screen recognition. Dredd is the faceless dispassionate law. This was offset by the empathic rookie Anderson played by Olivia Thirlby. In terms of pacing, the film was a well-executed escalation in violence, and no player in the drama did anything ridiculously stupid.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't also say it wasn't enjoyable watching Cersei Lannister, aka Ma-Ma, aka Lena Hedley, get hers in the end!
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't also say it wasn't enjoyable watching Cersei Lannister, aka Ma-Ma, aka Lena Hedley, get hers in the end!
2012-08-17
Netflix
About a year ago I trialed Netflix (CA) and quit disappointed. Their service was great, but I was looking for specific series, and their catalogue left me wanting.
Recently then I decided to give them another shot - lowering my expectations somewhat, and instead of focusing on cutting edge releases, dig into their catalogue for other material. I have to say, this time around I am somewhat impressed.
They have a decent catalogue of film, series, and some popular free content (like TED Talks). Within the trial month I have managed to catch up on
Recently then I decided to give them another shot - lowering my expectations somewhat, and instead of focusing on cutting edge releases, dig into their catalogue for other material. I have to say, this time around I am somewhat impressed.
They have a decent catalogue of film, series, and some popular free content (like TED Talks). Within the trial month I have managed to catch up on
- select TED Talks
- Family Guy
- Sherlock
- (500) Days of Summer
- Freakonomics
- Thor
- Kids in the Hall
- Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion
2012-08-15
Total Recall
Caught Total Recall opening night and had a great time! I was apprehensive about this project when it was first announced, but now I realise that was all for naught. The plot and execution are completely different from the first; instead of focusing on subjective perception, this one is focused more on who we are and who we choose to be. Visually, it was clear they took a queue from Philip K Dick's other great adaptation Blade Runner in the Colony. Although borrowed, the aesthetic worked extremely well, and their application to the wealthy and affluent United Federation of Britain was inspired.
All that aside, Colin Farrell played a great unsuspecting Douglas Quaid and Kate Beckinsale was amazing as spy/assassin wife Lori Quaid, rounded out with great support from Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy.
Total Recall delivered as a great sci-fi action flick, and with all the right nods to the original, it satisfied on every level.
All that aside, Colin Farrell played a great unsuspecting Douglas Quaid and Kate Beckinsale was amazing as spy/assassin wife Lori Quaid, rounded out with great support from Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy.
Total Recall delivered as a great sci-fi action flick, and with all the right nods to the original, it satisfied on every level.
2012-08-13
Dark Knight Rises
Not too sure what I can add to this space; I thought this was a great film! Invariably people start to compare it to Dark Knight, but I think that's just a poor comparison to make. I enjoyed both greatly, for similar reasons (eg great villains, great cast, great writing) and dissimilar (eg plot, execution). Each film was tailored to its content and catered to the strengths of its cast.
Loved Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, and supporting cast. The film itself started off with a bang (in mid-air no less!), and continues to snowball through Gotham, and climaxes in a finale worthy of the series.
Perhaps Dark Knight Rises suffers a little in execution, stuttering a little here and there due to its epic scope, but I hardly noticed.
All in all, loved the film.
Loved Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, and supporting cast. The film itself started off with a bang (in mid-air no less!), and continues to snowball through Gotham, and climaxes in a finale worthy of the series.
Perhaps Dark Knight Rises suffers a little in execution, stuttering a little here and there due to its epic scope, but I hardly noticed.
All in all, loved the film.
2012-07-20
Quantum Conundrum
Wow, great game - and it lives up to every expectation, though comparisons to Portal are a little overdone. Sure, it has a similar format; a voiceless protagonist, a candid humourous guide, and a gauntlet of mental exercises but its overall tone, character, and mechanics are sufficiently different to distinguish itself.
However, I only have two minor gripes: the first being a bit motion sickness, adapting to the view angle and motion of the camera. The game kept me coming back though, and after a few bouts I acclimatized to it.
The second though is Conundrum's sometimes dodgy jump mechanics. Ninety-five percent of the time the game reacts/responds correctly. I found I could focus on the actual logic of the current room and not wrestling with the controls. However one puzzle in particular (The Path to Higher Learning) proved to be particularly problematic. One of its first challenges is to perform a deft bit of jumping. In fact, the jump must be so precisely timed, aimed, and corrected that there is no room for error. Yet, given the imprecise nature of their jump and friction on collision, error is often what you end up with. Personally, I think this stems from the underlying Unreal engine - which is great at most things, except this sort of precise platform mechanics. *
I can't stay angry though - Quantum Conundrum is an amazing, fun, adventurous game.
Plus there's something so serene about a sofa sailing slowly through the air ...
* = wow, I take it back, much easier solution.
However, I only have two minor gripes: the first being a bit motion sickness, adapting to the view angle and motion of the camera. The game kept me coming back though, and after a few bouts I acclimatized to it.
The second though is Conundrum's sometimes dodgy jump mechanics. Ninety-five percent of the time the game reacts/responds correctly. I found I could focus on the actual logic of the current room and not wrestling with the controls. However one puzzle in particular (The Path to Higher Learning) proved to be particularly problematic. One of its first challenges is to perform a deft bit of jumping. In fact, the jump must be so precisely timed, aimed, and corrected that there is no room for error. Yet, given the imprecise nature of their jump and friction on collision, error is often what you end up with. Personally, I think this stems from the underlying Unreal engine - which is great at most things, except this sort of precise platform mechanics. *
I can't stay angry though - Quantum Conundrum is an amazing, fun, adventurous game.
Plus there's something so serene about a sofa sailing slowly through the air ...
* = wow, I take it back, much easier solution.
2012-07-18
2012-07-16
Prometheus
Ugh, saw this opening night - it's just taken me forever to post about it. Hm, general consensus seems like a thumbs up, and I agree. Prometheus is a well executed and well polished film - I also appreciate that Ridley Scott did not traverse the typical creature-feature path like all of the other Alien instalments that came before. Rather he explored different themes, and yes, actually included a very subtle sub-text that was there for anyone who was so-inclined.
All that aside, I found the film quite enjoyable. Perhaps not the ground-breaking cinematographic experience everyone was waiting for, but enjoyable just the same. Definitely worth a watch.
All that aside, I found the film quite enjoyable. Perhaps not the ground-breaking cinematographic experience everyone was waiting for, but enjoyable just the same. Definitely worth a watch.
2012-06-04
Snow White and the Huntsman
So, saw this little "gem" on the weekend. To be honest, it was a lot better than I expected, and Kristen Stewart was as bad as I thought. I do not mean to be harsh, but there just wasn't any range in her acting, or even in its basest form, expression. Like facial expression. She smiled like once in the film, and the rest was a very similar half open look of bewilderment. Granted it is a somewhat trite and token story, but at the same time, you cannot help but compare her to some of her more accomplished co-stars. Even Chris Hemsworth, who playing the titular Huntsman (the typical big-lug-with-a-heart-of-gold) was entertaining, turning a role that was as dry, stale, and 2 dimensional as cardboard into something fun and watchable. Then there is Charlize Theron, about whom I cannot speak enough praise! Forgetting her other works, seeing the range of emotion in her role as Queen Ravenna was incredible; the fear, loathing, hatred, jealousy, paranoia. Spectacular!
Strange how such a simple film based on an ill over-used property could become an exemplary exposition in comparative acting. If there were ever any doubt as to the merits of a real actor, that acting were itself a true profession, one has only see the results on display here. Whereas it was so easy and a delight to watch Theron and Hemsworth, it was painful and required much effort to watch Stewart.
Also, the nod to Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke was a humourous surprise.
When all is said and done, I have to ask if the film itself is actually fun, and to be honest, it seemed a little long. However, if this is something you can bare with, the film is definitely worth watching for Charlize Theron's performance, the esteemable Chris Hemsworth, and some of its (borrowed) visuals.
Strange how such a simple film based on an ill over-used property could become an exemplary exposition in comparative acting. If there were ever any doubt as to the merits of a real actor, that acting were itself a true profession, one has only see the results on display here. Whereas it was so easy and a delight to watch Theron and Hemsworth, it was painful and required much effort to watch Stewart.
Also, the nod to Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke was a humourous surprise.
When all is said and done, I have to ask if the film itself is actually fun, and to be honest, it seemed a little long. However, if this is something you can bare with, the film is definitely worth watching for Charlize Theron's performance, the esteemable Chris Hemsworth, and some of its (borrowed) visuals.
2012-05-28
I Am Alive
Took a peek at this over the weekend, and was sufficiently intrigued by the trial to purchase the whole thing. What can I say except that it was a great game. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend exploring this blasted out world; which I must say was very reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's The Road.
Gameplay consisted of some simple platform mechanics, and survival-like combat. I especially found the strategy involved in surviving combat particularly rewarding. Every bullet and arrow is a precious resource, and you are constantly trying to minimize their expenditure. Playing in survival mode, where "retries from checkpoints" are limited, you have the additional pressure of simply surviving when your strategy goes out the window. Having said that, if you scour every area as much as possible, you should never be short on health items.
Now, I had no idea about it's troubled history when I played through it, but by game's end I am hoping for a follow up, a chance to continue Adam's story.
Gameplay consisted of some simple platform mechanics, and survival-like combat. I especially found the strategy involved in surviving combat particularly rewarding. Every bullet and arrow is a precious resource, and you are constantly trying to minimize their expenditure. Playing in survival mode, where "retries from checkpoints" are limited, you have the additional pressure of simply surviving when your strategy goes out the window. Having said that, if you scour every area as much as possible, you should never be short on health items.
Now, I had no idea about it's troubled history when I played through it, but by game's end I am hoping for a follow up, a chance to continue Adam's story.
John Carter
John Carter was great. I had a lot of fun watching this film; you can see a lot of references to other movies and popular narratives here as well - reluctant hero, warrior princess, parental intrigue, lovable and goofy loyal pet. Suspending our belief over various scientific errors, the film is a genuine piece of science-fun.
Battleship
Arg, or Battleturd. Well, it was a floater - in that it was ... well, alright, though it shames me to admit it. Considering Wrath of the Titans lowers the bar for "bad films", Battleship was surprisingly entertaining. For a film that promised a lot of action, it was rather slow to start - although the whole chicken-burrito thing was pretty funny, and you can't seem to go wrong with Taylor Kitsch ... wait, "kitsch"? Really?
That reminds me, need to write-up John Carter ...
That reminds me, need to write-up John Carter ...
Dragon's Dogma
In short, loving Dragon's Dogma. There are some things you have to get used to (like Capcom's typical "we'll let you save anywhere but you can't load"), but all in all a great game. There have been comparisons to Skyrim and Dark Souls; having only played the latter myself, they've certainly taken some cues.
In long then, the game boasts a lot of open world features, though it not quite so open as Skyrim. There are many canyons and lots of non-traversable terrain that separates distinct zones or areas, but each area itself is quite large and open. Which is great when you are set upon by a Cyclops or Chimera (or Griffon, if you have played the demo). Of course, if you think that only happens in open fields, be ready for something else, Ogres in subterranean caves.
The combat is fun, visceral, and very open. In this respect, it reminds me a lot of Guild Wars, as in you build a character, and purchase skills. These form a sort of base repetoire, and you are only ever able to take a subset of these with you into battle. The number of skills available varies by class, but it makes for interesting combat, and class customization when you change class and mix and match certain skills.
Its presentation is also top notch, from the cheesy J-rock intro, to other soundtrack elements like the harpy's song. Visually, the game possesses a very "grounded" look and feel. Everything falls, everything is muted, and everything is shadowed. You can feel the weight of the world and is very much like Dark Souls in this respect. Everything feels very real and very tangible, from your humble beginnings in a small fishing village, to the shrouded WitchWood, to the grand capital Gran Soren, to the wind swept fields of the north - and there is much and more to discover I am sure.
In terms of multiplayer, there is also a passing similarity to Dark Souls, in that there is a passive component. While one never interacts directly with other players, there is an asycnhronous opportunity to do so through their "Pawn" system. Basically, as a player, one creates a main character and one custom Pawn. The player's character or avatar is never seen or shared with other Dogma players, but the Pawn may be used by other players in their single-player party. So in your single game, you have your main, your Pawn, and up to 2 other Pawns, which may be randomly generated by the game or found online, created by other players. It is a very fun and interesting system to play with.
Definitely worth a try if you haven't already heard of this little gem!
In long then, the game boasts a lot of open world features, though it not quite so open as Skyrim. There are many canyons and lots of non-traversable terrain that separates distinct zones or areas, but each area itself is quite large and open. Which is great when you are set upon by a Cyclops or Chimera (or Griffon, if you have played the demo). Of course, if you think that only happens in open fields, be ready for something else, Ogres in subterranean caves.
The combat is fun, visceral, and very open. In this respect, it reminds me a lot of Guild Wars, as in you build a character, and purchase skills. These form a sort of base repetoire, and you are only ever able to take a subset of these with you into battle. The number of skills available varies by class, but it makes for interesting combat, and class customization when you change class and mix and match certain skills.
Its presentation is also top notch, from the cheesy J-rock intro, to other soundtrack elements like the harpy's song. Visually, the game possesses a very "grounded" look and feel. Everything falls, everything is muted, and everything is shadowed. You can feel the weight of the world and is very much like Dark Souls in this respect. Everything feels very real and very tangible, from your humble beginnings in a small fishing village, to the shrouded WitchWood, to the grand capital Gran Soren, to the wind swept fields of the north - and there is much and more to discover I am sure.
In terms of multiplayer, there is also a passing similarity to Dark Souls, in that there is a passive component. While one never interacts directly with other players, there is an asycnhronous opportunity to do so through their "Pawn" system. Basically, as a player, one creates a main character and one custom Pawn. The player's character or avatar is never seen or shared with other Dogma players, but the Pawn may be used by other players in their single-player party. So in your single game, you have your main, your Pawn, and up to 2 other Pawns, which may be randomly generated by the game or found online, created by other players. It is a very fun and interesting system to play with.
Definitely worth a try if you haven't already heard of this little gem!
2012-05-09
Mass Effect 3, ending
Well, really, everything that could be said, has been said. Gabe puts it well (about choose your own adventure type media)
I really enjoyed Mass Effect 3, ending and all. It hit all the right emotional notes and was well paced, though I am secretly hoping the extended ending is this.
The book has been written and you can change the way you read it but don’t pretend you’re the author
I really enjoyed Mass Effect 3, ending and all. It hit all the right emotional notes and was well paced, though I am secretly hoping the extended ending is this.
2012-05-08
Wrath of Titans
Horrible, terrible, ill-gotten film. Total piece of shit. Not even sure where to begin. It didn't even have the good sense to take itself humourously. When it wasn't blatantly ripping off other films (Star Wars, Blair Witch), it regurgitated gags from the first (mediocre) film (a la Bubo). I wasn't sure which was more incredulous, a stellar cast with two phenomenal actors (Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson) in such ridiculous roles, or Andromeda cheering at the end at Cronus' defeat as if to inspire us the audience into cheering, like some strange instantaneous group-think response.
Grendel, Timewave : Zero
Picked this up and turned it on. Pretty good follow up to Harsh Generation. Got the Limited Edition and the extra remixes are a nice addition for a nominal fee.
2012-04-17
Fez
Wow, Fez is awesome. Saw this article the other day on PAReport and was immediately intrigued. having seen some of the demos online, I snatched this little gem up and dug right in. I spent the better part of the evening jumping around and settling in and after only a few hours am very pleased with the purchase.
It has a charming visual presentation reminiscent of Japanese kodama in a Mario-like world. Aurally, it has a beautiful melancholic sound, and reviewer Ben Kuchera isn't far off when he remarks "many scenes give the impressive feeling of being haunted".
Off to see a flick a little later, but cannot wait to return to my pretty little haunted game!
Fez is highly recommended!
It has a charming visual presentation reminiscent of Japanese kodama in a Mario-like world. Aurally, it has a beautiful melancholic sound, and reviewer Ben Kuchera isn't far off when he remarks "many scenes give the impressive feeling of being haunted".
Off to see a flick a little later, but cannot wait to return to my pretty little haunted game!
Fez is highly recommended!
2012-04-16
Mass Effect 3
Wow, way behind the times - but several weeks later I have had ample time to play, enjoy, and digest Mass Effect. I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and this third instalment represents the culmination of years of effort and it shows. The gameplay is refined and polished, its look and feel are exemplary, and the writing was spot on.
Regarding gameplay, everything was fine tuned. From maps that cleverly took advantage of their cover system (a la Gears of War), permitted flanking, to the character progression system which expanded on power trees, weapons and weapon customization, and stream-lined story modes - and this is singleplayer campaign only! Long after having played singleplayer I am neck deep into multiplayer and loving every minute of it! N7 weekend challenges with pack unlocks, keeps the play experience interesting and fun!
Mass Effect's presentation is also top-notch. Many times through the campaign I would stop to take in the view. Martian sand storms blowing in, Reapers stalking the skyline, fire fights in space shadowed by burning planets, or sometimes just a beautiful vista on an unknown world on the edge of the galaxy. The score is also great, touching abnd moving in some moments, well paced and active in others - though I think it missed some of the hall mark ambient synth of previous instalments.
As for story, well, there has been a lot said about various parts of its story and plot, but personally, they hit all the marks and made most of my expectations (hey, I'm a Miranda fan, so they can't please everyone!). Although I did not play some of the alternate game modes, I appreciate that they also included "Action" and "Story" modes. One of their core tenets have been to deliver a cinematic experience, and so often it feels that way with exception for that little dialogue wheel at the bottom of the screen - that with "Action" mode that vision is fully realised, and I am sure there are some players out there who want to play the game that way. Highlights have to include conversations with Garrus, Javik (yes, I know he's DLC but whatever!), Grunt, Wrex, oh man there are so many - even Kirrahe from the original Mass Effect!
What is also incredible, which I am sure any fan who's played the previous two games has noticed, is the opportunity for variance in the game. I managed to make the choices I wanted to and save as many people as I could in my playthroughs of the previous titles, but I found myself wondering "what would have happened if X didn't survive?" "What if they weren't there to do Y?"
Anyway, in summary, Mass Effect 3 is an incredible game, and definitely worth the wait!
Regarding gameplay, everything was fine tuned. From maps that cleverly took advantage of their cover system (a la Gears of War), permitted flanking, to the character progression system which expanded on power trees, weapons and weapon customization, and stream-lined story modes - and this is singleplayer campaign only! Long after having played singleplayer I am neck deep into multiplayer and loving every minute of it! N7 weekend challenges with pack unlocks, keeps the play experience interesting and fun!
Mass Effect's presentation is also top-notch. Many times through the campaign I would stop to take in the view. Martian sand storms blowing in, Reapers stalking the skyline, fire fights in space shadowed by burning planets, or sometimes just a beautiful vista on an unknown world on the edge of the galaxy. The score is also great, touching abnd moving in some moments, well paced and active in others - though I think it missed some of the hall mark ambient synth of previous instalments.
As for story, well, there has been a lot said about various parts of its story and plot, but personally, they hit all the marks and made most of my expectations (hey, I'm a Miranda fan, so they can't please everyone!). Although I did not play some of the alternate game modes, I appreciate that they also included "Action" and "Story" modes. One of their core tenets have been to deliver a cinematic experience, and so often it feels that way with exception for that little dialogue wheel at the bottom of the screen - that with "Action" mode that vision is fully realised, and I am sure there are some players out there who want to play the game that way. Highlights have to include conversations with Garrus, Javik (yes, I know he's DLC but whatever!), Grunt, Wrex, oh man there are so many - even Kirrahe from the original Mass Effect!
What is also incredible, which I am sure any fan who's played the previous two games has noticed, is the opportunity for variance in the game. I managed to make the choices I wanted to and save as many people as I could in my playthroughs of the previous titles, but I found myself wondering "what would have happened if X didn't survive?" "What if they weren't there to do Y?"
Anyway, in summary, Mass Effect 3 is an incredible game, and definitely worth the wait!
2012-04-05
Syndicate
To be honest, when I started Syndicate singleplayer, I was expecting a lot of what multiplayer got so right. Specifically, I was expecting singleplayer FPS levels interspersed with research opportunities. I was somewhat dismayed to find this all but gone. True there is some ability progression in the form of chip upgrades, but this wasn't the same ...
... of course, fanboy-isms aside, Syndicate singleplayer is actually pretty neat in its own right. I had to play it through a second time to really appreciate the game for what it was - as opposed to what I wanted it to be. The story is slick and well-executed, they nailed the setting with the sense of corporate control and technological subterfuge, the action was fast and well-paced, art-assets and digital acting was top-notch (I especially liked Merit's psychopathy).
... of course, fanboy-isms aside, Syndicate singleplayer is actually pretty neat in its own right. I had to play it through a second time to really appreciate the game for what it was - as opposed to what I wanted it to be. The story is slick and well-executed, they nailed the setting with the sense of corporate control and technological subterfuge, the action was fast and well-paced, art-assets and digital acting was top-notch (I especially liked Merit's psychopathy).
2012-03-06
Chronicle
Saw Chronicle the other day - not bad, but felt mostly like an epic Ratchet and Crank commercial, until the finale, at which point I was certain it was a live-action Akira pilot project. All in all, not bad. If you have time to kill or just looking for something to watch, worth checking out.
a bitter day for bitterfilms ...
It is freezing cold here in Toronto today! But perhaps appropos for this event. I have been a fan of Don Hertzfeldt's since Rejected, but was not too familiar with his other work, so yesterday's show was a real treat! Everything will be OK, I am so proud of you, and his latest, It's such a beautiful day, are amazing; personal and moving ...
... what's the third dimension ... ?
... what's the third dimension ... ?
2012-03-05
i feel dirty ...
Ugh, installing "Origin" to check up on my Mass Effect 3: Collector's Edition pre-order ... and I feel so very very dirty ... I think I have to purge and clean this laptop. Maybe a format-reboot even.
UPDATE: so Origin client was completely useless. Not only did it not contain my Mass Effect 3 pre-order, but it did not even contain my previous Sims purchase history. Total fail. However, cust-care to the rescue: apparently my order is still cool! Props to Tyler, for confirming my order status (or at the very least whispering all the sweet things cust-care should say to alay a customer's worries). Looking forward to enjoying Game of the Year on Day1!
UPDATE: pre-order came in on Day2. Honestly, just a little disappointed with this pre-order experience. Day1 play is far more important than Collector's Edition, so will likely purchase a standard edition Day1 instead.
UPDATE: so Origin client was completely useless. Not only did it not contain my Mass Effect 3 pre-order, but it did not even contain my previous Sims purchase history. Total fail. However, cust-care to the rescue: apparently my order is still cool! Props to Tyler, for confirming my order status (or at the very least whispering all the sweet things cust-care should say to alay a customer's worries). Looking forward to enjoying Game of the Year on Day1!
UPDATE: pre-order came in on Day2. Honestly, just a little disappointed with this pre-order experience. Day1 play is far more important than Collector's Edition, so will likely purchase a standard edition Day1 instead.
2012-02-24
Mass Effect 3 (demo)
Was far too busy playing the demo to write about it! Much like the Syndicate demo, this one was demonstrated a solid multiplayer experience. Really like the dynamic mission setup, with waves of varying objectives, as well as the three challenge modes: Bronze, Silver, Gold. The random item "packs" that you expend your hard earned cash on is also a crazy addictive touch, and adds a new dimension to game "progression".
Highlights include rallying a Silver Challenge, 10th wave match - everyone was down and out except for my L16 Salarian Infiltrator, who bravely fought against the odds, taking down 2 Phantoms and 2 Atlases (and an Engineer and Nemesis to round things out). "We will hold the line!"
I actually found the soldier class to be difficult to play - or rather difficult to adapt any of my typical play styles. That is, until I tried a melee-spec'd Krogan Berserker! At L11, I could one-shot just about anything (Atlases need a few more love-taps, and Guardians can withstand a full-frontal assault with their shields). Lots of fun charging into enemy ranks and tearing them to shreds - on Firebase White, punted an Assault Trooper into the horizon just as he touched down on the lip of the helipad!
The only gripe is its faulty matchmaking system - which I am pretty sure everyone knows about.
Highlights include rallying a Silver Challenge, 10th wave match - everyone was down and out except for my L16 Salarian Infiltrator, who bravely fought against the odds, taking down 2 Phantoms and 2 Atlases (and an Engineer and Nemesis to round things out). "We will hold the line!"
I actually found the soldier class to be difficult to play - or rather difficult to adapt any of my typical play styles. That is, until I tried a melee-spec'd Krogan Berserker! At L11, I could one-shot just about anything (Atlases need a few more love-taps, and Guardians can withstand a full-frontal assault with their shields). Lots of fun charging into enemy ranks and tearing them to shreds - on Firebase White, punted an Assault Trooper into the horizon just as he touched down on the lip of the helipad!
The only gripe is its faulty matchmaking system - which I am pretty sure everyone knows about.
Syndicate
Yay! Syndicate! ok, haven't actually played very much of it, but multiplayer delivered on promises made in its demo. Thoroughly enjoying the research and customization aspects, as well as its decent matchmaking.
More as I progress through its single player campaign ...
More as I progress through its single player campaign ...
2012-02-23
Syndicate (demo), two weeks late :P
One word. Awesome.
Not sure what the broader consensus is yet - but I love it, everything about it. I love the memories it brings back (weapons research, chest implants, miniguns, rocket launchers, flame throwers, persuadertrons), I love the way it looks, I love the way it sounds, I love the way it plays.
Not sure what the broader consensus is yet - but I love it, everything about it. I love the memories it brings back (weapons research, chest implants, miniguns, rocket launchers, flame throwers, persuadertrons), I love the way it looks, I love the way it sounds, I love the way it plays.
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