Sunday 22 May 2011

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters is the latest golf game released by EA Sports. EA Sports is undoubtedly the best games developer of sporting games and they have certainly lived up to this reputation with their latest golf game. If you've been following EA's Tiger Woods golfing games then you will be very familiar with what is on offer, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters adds alot more.

This fantastic golfing game has blown away any hope for competition in this genre of gaming as the gameplay is just so fluid. Although there is a steep learning curve, especially for those uninitiatied in EA's golfing games, the controls do become almost second nature by the 18th hole. The graphics are beautiful with the scenery and virtual courses almost flawless. There is a much stronger and easier to use multiplayer system in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters and allows to compete in daily tournaments against golfers all over the world.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12: The Masters suspiciously doesn't picture Tiger Woods on the front cover, which is probably due to his recent history but he is certainly featured throughout the game and so are all the golfing greats. The best feature of this game is the ability to watch some of the most memorable shots in the Masters history and then you can try and replicate them. Ultimately you want that green Masters jacket and when you get it, the feeling is unbeatable. A great golfing game with some very cool new features.

Gameplay:  8.5/10
Story:  8/10
Multiplayer:  7.5/10
Graphics:   8.5/10

Thursday 19 May 2011

L.A. Noire

LA Noire is the most highly anticipated game to come out for 2011 and it is blowing gamers minds across the globe. Rockstar, the fellas responsible for the Grand Theft Auto series have pulled out all stops on this new release and it is simply beautiful. Almost flawless graphics, unbelievable sound and the dialogue scripting is the best to come in a game so far.

LA Noire is set in late 1940's Los Angelese and puts you in the shoes of a young police officer, Cole Phelps, who is a World War 2 Veteran. You work your way up from a beat cop to homicide detective by solving crimes and catching the crooks. The gameplay is similar to that of Grand Theft Auto with a huge graphics upgrade. The detective storyline is first class and is extremely well written.

The graphics are so good in this game that it is the first video game to be nominated for a film award at the annual Tribecca Film Festival. An unbelievable game that has raised the bar to an almost unreachable height. LA Noire is first class gaming and what the past 30 years of gaming has been all about. Money well spent.


Gameplay: 9.5/10
Story: 10/10
Multiplayer: n/a
Graphics: 10/10

Monday 16 May 2011

LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean

LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean is the latest release in the LEGO gaming series by Traveller's Tales. Like many of its predecessors, LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean delivers a fantastic product full of some great comedy moments and a story line that is surprisingly grabbing. This is an adventure puzzle solving game that is one of the best of the LEGO series.

This game covers all the bases by combining all of movies into one game where you can choose which movie to play through. There is a lot of quality gameplay here and the keyword for this game is just simple plain FUN. The LEGO series is very good at turning something quirky, funny or even serious into some knee slapping gameplay and cut scene moments.

There is both single and co-op play in LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean so there's always room for a friend to jump on at anytime to help you through some levels. There is no online component to this game which is restrictive but there's enough gameplay here to keep you busy enough to not notice. The graphics have been significantly boosted from it's predecessors and the voice acting is still very funny and well cast. Overall, a good game for the kids, or a mirthful adult just looking to have a funt time whilst enjoying the movie goofs. Some classic fun.

Gameplay:  7/10
Story: 8.5/10
Multiplayer: 4/10
Graphics:  7.5/10

Ear Force X41 Headset for Xbox360

If you're a serious gamer then you need some serious gear to keep up. Some of the greatest moments of multiplayer gaming are in the communication you have with your friends or opponents. Whether your gloating about your killing of your enemy or hatching out your strategy with your team mates, communication is a fun and vital part of online gaming, to do this you need the best of the best in headsets.

For Xbox360 users, the possibilities of headsets are endless but the one that is at the top of the market right now and is highly saught after is the Ear Force X41. This 2.4GHz and 7.1 Dolby surround sound, that's right 7.1, will immerse you in whatever game your playing, really putting you in the thick of it. Not only will you get amazingly crisp sound quality you will be able to get it wirelessly, a must if you have a huge screen you have to sit back from. No more cables getting tangled or pulling the headset off at the worst of times, wireless headsets are the future and have come a long way. The headset is powered by AAA batteries and the receiver dock is powered by USB in case you are wondeirng about power supplies.

Overall the Ear Force X41 is an excellent headset that is at the top of the market not only for it's sleek look but it's clear wireless sound. If you need to chat, you need the Ear Force X41.


Value:  8/10
Sound:  9/10

Crysis 2

Crysis 2 is another great First Person Shooter (FPS) that was released a little under a month ago and has delivered on its promises to add a little something to the genre. Crysis 2 is set in the not too distant future where we have mastered nano technology.

The solo campaign is a great story of the hero, you, inheriting a nano suit and using it to fend off an alien horde that has invaded Earth, New York in particular, it much the style of Battle for LA. The multiplayer segment of the game has taken the FPS genre to a slightly higher level by basically eliminating what many gamers hate...camping. The dog tag system that has been implemented means that if you want the big reward for your kill, then you gotta get out of your hidey hole and run to your recent victim to obtain their dog tag. This is a move welcomed by many gamers, and of course hated by campers. Either way it's certainly an innovation.

Other great features of Crysis 2 include the three main functions of your awesome nano suit; power, stealth and cat-like acrobatics. You can rip off huge turrets and use them as your own, or you can become invisible to sneak up on an unsuspecting opponent or you can jump huge sections of the map to surprise or outrun your pursuers. There is something to suit many play styles here. All of the action, both single and multiplayer is extremely fast paced and requires you to be making some very fast decisions.

The offering of maps is fairly good with a good range of sizes and layouts modes of play are your standard FPS multiplayer ones. Crysis 2's graphics are simply awesome and the sound is also pretty cool. If you enjoy fast paced shooters with a good range of personal abilities, Crysis 2 will more than meet your expectations.

Gameplay: 7/10
Story: 7/10
Multiplayer: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10

Sunday 15 May 2011

Brink

Brink was very recently released across many platforms and seems to be living up to its promise of delivering something new to the first person shooter (FPS) genre of gaming.

This high paced, highly customizable shoot ‘em up is a great game focused heavily on team work in order to get the job done. There are some great new features and the SMART (Smoot Movement Across Random Terrain) feature is setting some high standards for the genre. Whilst many will compare it to Call of Duty, it is different enough to qualify for it’s own category of FPS. 

This is a fantastic game that will keep you glued to your console for many hours. Most of all FPS have become fun again with the focus on team work and communication rather than trying to outscore your team mates. Be sure to grab this game soon, it is highly recommended.

Gameplay: 9/10
Story: 8/10
Multiplayer: 9.5/10
Graphics: 8.5/10

Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops, many would argue, is the best First Person Shooter (FPS) to come along in years. The latest in the Call of Duty series to be released, this game offers not only great graphics, it’s immersive and realistic warfare experience puts you in the hot seat in an adrenaline fuelled journey.

The solo campaign is involving and hard to tackle meaning you get some real quality gaming time out of this game. But the real jewel in the crown of this series is it’s multiplayer and Black Ops does not disappoint with it’s incredible controller setup you will be pouring lead into your friends and online opponents in no time. Although it can be a challenge at first to keep up with the more experienced players, you will be getting those kills in no time to satisfy your bloodlust. 

The range of realistic weapons, attachments and equipment are by far the best to be offered so far in this genre and the experience and kill streak system are just so well engineered. Multiplayer gaming is endless and addictive with many maps to tackle, not to mention the continuing release of map packs and expansions being released online. 

Black Ops proved itself to be the best game of 2010 by being the number one best seller of any medium, going platinum within hours of its release. Don’t miss out on this awesome FPS experience.

Gameplay: 8.5/10
Story: 8/10
Multiplayer: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10