I am excited about this. This was one of SEGA's better works. Exactly how they decided to pull the plug a while ago baffles me. Hopefully JSRF can get back on track now.
raycarter's forum posts
Way too late for this. But I did.
@HaVoK308: But isn't breaking down the game to its core components exactly that: Telling people exactly what you feel about the game and its parts? For me, I see nothing wrong with that. Yes, the game ultimately hits or misses with its gameplay mechanics, but other factors like a good story and presentation can make up for subpar gameplay. Mirror's Edge, for instance, doesn't have the best concept and execution of its parkour, but the reason why the response has been relatively OK to positive is because of its sleek design and soundtrack. Nier's graphics and gameplay are underwhelming, but the reason why it is mediocre instead of awful is because of its amazing soundtrack and a great story with a blended-well cast. If the developers made a game whose qualities besides gameplay is through the roof, they should get credit for that, and the breaking down the game in its components system gives credit to those facets where credit is due.
I agree that IGN has made some bad calls, but what I think people don't really understand about the ratings system is that it isn't just a formulaic bore; the reviewer gets to make a judgement call, so he or she can give more 8s than 9s but then have the overall score to be greater not less than 8.5. They will tell you that the final score is not an average. Same goes for Gametrailers. For me, I get to make some calls here or there too; should I give a 65% game 3 or 3 and a half stars? But as long as I give a plausible reason as to the decision, I don't think I am doing a wrong thing by breaking the game down to its components. I am doing what the people of the 5 star system are doing: Making a gut decision based on the holistic experience in the game.
In short, as long as people are convincing in their reviews, saying what went wrong and what didn't,and are able to back up their arguments through specific examples in the game, it really doesn't matter what sort of system what reviewers are using to base an opinion in the game. But then again, I am some jealous reviewer who envies the talents of developers blah blah blah.
I don't understand... What's wrong with breaking down a game into categories like story (if they have one), gameplay, presentation and so on? I mean, I did it for all MY reviews, and nobody yelled into my ear, saying that I am a complete noob in the business and I am straying down a wrong path. I thought I made my arguments clear with some specific examples, and people in fact AGREED with my assessments. Can someone please explain why breaking the game down in those categories is like a crime or something... or something that is like IGN or Gametrailers and it should not happen?
Thank you,
RayCarter
I don't understand... What's wrong with breaking down a game into categories like story (if they have one), gameplay, presentation and so on? I mean, I did it for all MY reviews, and nobody yelled into my ear, saying that I am a complete noob in the business and I am straying down a wrong path. I thought I made my arguments clear with some specific examples, and people in fact AGREED with my assessments. Can someone please explain why breaking the game down in those categories is like a crime or something... or something that is like IGN or Gametrailers and it should not happen?
Thank you,
RayCarter
Hi again!
I am here to roll out another list of games that I thought should be given praise (or at least attention) because they are fun and well done.
The drill is the same. Might not have some games you've heard of, and some that might be in the mainstream. The games don't have to be released this year, and it doesn't have to be games that I've PLAYED this year. Oh, and no "Game of the Year" because it's way to difficult to compare games of different genres and ports. No top 10 countdown either.
With all that taken care, let's start.
1. Saints Row the Third (I played XBox 360 version)
Let me make this abundantly clear: As much as SR 3 is a really fun game, would I consider it for "Game of the Year"? Absolutely not. To have that reward everything has to be perfect. It's graphics are not the best and there are a bit too many glitches that made me restart several missions. Does a game of the year do that? Not in my book. It has to be spotless. SPOTLESS!
That being said, SR 3 is still a barrel of laughs and fun. It's the epitome of lawlessness and chaos in an endearing sense. Dialogue is funny as hell with great voice actors. Lots to do, although some better than others (eg. Prof. Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax).
Saints Row the Third is without a doubt the most entertaining game I've played for a while. And you'll be sucked into it's world until 4 in the morning. Every. Single. Day.
2. The Adventures of Tin Tin (iPad)
Tin Tin for the iPad does more for the iPad platform than what SR 3 did for the XBox 360. Before you go and raise your pitchforks, hear me out. In short, this game is heads above shoulders almost every other iPad game. Graphics are off the charts, voice actors are believable. Story is engaging and suspenseful that will make you keep playing. Gameplay takes from other games but really meshes all its elements well. The Quick Time Events are nothing I've seen before on an iPad (it saved the best for last. You'll have to see that part at least once). Briefly speaking, Tin Tin on the iPad felt like an adventure, a smooth, daring adventure that you want to see through. Gameloft is on top of its game in this product. Nuff said.
3. Rise of Nations (PC)
Before I go on, let me note that I will reference a lot of RTS games because they didn't make the cut in the last post.
I also want to note that I haven't mastered this game yet. But I would really love to. If you're looking for a game that really mimics world history in a span of epochs, in a RTS format, this game is it. The number of things you need to look after is huge. It's not just your food and wood. There's iron, knowledge, oil, wealth and so on. The methods of wininng is also hard to count. You can do the traditional burn-em-down method, but there are also things like building X number of wonders and taking x% of territory. The combat is extremely balanced and takes a lot of mental power to win a single victory, let alone the entire war. Finally, the Conquer the World Campaign is huge and soaks in a lot of time. And you'll be glad to put those minutes in.
4. Command and Conquer: Generals + Zero Hour (PC)
As the old saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat. And the Generals series proved that just because you don't have cutscenes and over the top actors doesn't mean your product is going to stink. Despite having 3 factions their style of play is so different and yet so effective in their own little way that you would want to go play each side at least once. Each campaign is also interesting to go through.
The greatness of this game is further enhanced with Zero Hour, the expansion. While the campaigns are still short they are still very fun to play. And the various factions within the US, China and GLA again bring more variety to an already versatile package. Game also looks and sounds good for its time, which only helps. Boy, I can't wait to see what the next Generals game looks like.
5. Rise of Legends (PC)
ROL is like the simplified and yet more over-the-top version of its famous brother Rise of Nations. I mean, how many other games can you think of that has glass dragons, a death god and a walker inspired by the works of Leonardo Da Vinci. The art style of the game is very impressive, and ROL also makes the game a whole lot more accessible to RTS laymen, while maintaining a certain level of depth that RTS veterans will appreciate. Once again, there are 3 distinct factions, each with their own cool stuff to work with, and are so different in the way they play you would want to experiment with each group. Finally, the story mode is long and strikes a fine balance between introducing you to new stuff while dragging you back to the traditional skirmish. All and all, a great game worthy of succeeding Rise of Nations.
6. Blazblue: Calamity Trigger (XBox 360)
Before I was 18 I think of these games when I think of the fighting genre. KOF, Tekken and Street Fighter. But then Blazblue: Calamity Trigger plunged itself into the list and never turned back. Combat is a joy to pull off and a joy to watch. It's ridiculously colorful when there's action going on, and of course there are the subtle touches (like Taeger using a small mobile phone). All characters, while some are more important than others, matter greatly in the story, something that is unheard of in most fighting games. Their styles are also so different in a way that works (See Clover, Karl). The story also deserves a lot of kudos; there are so many angles to look through, and the game has a sense of humor that only Saints Row the Third can exceed. The "Teach Me, Ms. Lithi/Booby Lady" sessions are comedy gold, invigorated by good English dubbing voice actors in the sessions but also in the fights. Throw in a couple of more boob jokes (I'm looking at you, Noel Vermillion), and the game is all set. Never have I had a game that made its franchise so memorable with just a couple of sittings. Blazblue 1 is that game.
7. Dead or Alive: Dimensions (3DS)
DoA is not just here because it's the first 3DS game I bought. And it's not just because there are beautiful women there. It's the combat that really made the thing work. Simple in appearance but difficult to master. It has some modes that really stand out, like the tag team mode (where you're fighting an overpowered opponent) and survival mode, where you kill X number of enemies. Admittedly the story is WAY too disjointed for me to follow, but it is a good tutorial session for non-DOA experts such as myself. Finally, the game looks gorgeous, from its characters all the way down to the scenery. DOA is a great game for anybody's 3DS library, and to me, it gives hope that there will be better 3DS games on the horizons (there are only a handful of those so far).
8. NBA 2K11 (XBox 360)
I am an avid basketball fan, and I"ve played my share of NBA titles like Live 06, 07 and 10. I thought they were OK, but NBA 2K11 takes the cake best sports game I've played by far. The best thing about the game is its accessibility. You can be a complete noob and still call an offensive set like a pro. The game makes all its information present for its players (like the salary cap) and its commentary package is the deepest I've ever listened to (looking at almost every single player, for crying out loud). Now on to the basketball portion of the game. Where do I start? The My Player mode is well designed and fair, a vast improvement to NBA 2K09. Calling plays like the pick and roll, or defenses like a 2-3 zone is so easy and fun to pull off. And of course, the Dynasty mode (aka The Association) is deep with customization options that I cannot even begin to count. Oh, and it features the most realistic and badass version of Michael Jordan, His Airness. Need I say more?
9. Warcraft 3 + Frozen Throne (PC)
I am 18 an I've finally beaten an easy AI opponent. And I'm glad I did it in Warcraft 3. There's just so much to like here: 4 unique factions, each with strategic depth that fills up multiple dictionaries. A lengthy campaign that is interesting from start to finish thanks to mission variety and narrative. A presentation that still looks better than some PC games today, even though WC3 is released almost a decade ago. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that there is built in self-awareness resulting in some funny lines ("I am a Dread Lord, not a Drug Lord", "Crouch, Tiger, I sense a Hidden Dragon"). Finally, the game's difficulty was never cheap but always fair, and every time I beat a level or win a skirmish I feel like I'm on top of the world. Only a handful of games do that... on an easy difficulty level.
10. Dungeon Siege 3 (XBox 360)
Dungeon Siege 3 is a game that does little wrong and does a lot of things right. It has an extremely expansive universe with likable characters, an intriguing narration that has twists and turns you don't expect, and a combat system that is fun, because it is fast paced, requires quick reactions and non-cheap at all times. Treasures of the Sun, its DLC, is also a great product in its own right, expanding on an already large world while applying a new subplot that makes you care. More importantly, it also added essences and 3 new ultra abilities that deepen customization, converting the game from more action than RPG to healthy doses of both. I'll reiterate: Dungeon Siege 3 is a game that made me care, about its story, about Ehb, and the 10th Legion. This might sound really odd to many, but If this really is the last Dungeon Siege game, I would say that DS 3 sent the series out on a high note.
Now that that's taken care of, I would also want to point out 1 final thing. It's not a game. It's...
11. "Free" by Chris Madin
It might be because this song has vocals or it comes from the Sonic franchise, but beyond that there's no reason why "Free", the introductory song to Sonic Free Riders, shouldn't receive some acclaim. I am a Sonic fan through and through, and I've always loved their songs. Back then, I thought "Wow, Ungravitify and Open Your Heart are the best video game songs there is. Crush 40 isn't going to get any better than that." But then along comes "Free", and it blew away the competition, my favorites, into the stratosphere. It is THAT good.
So what makes it tick? For me, it's that it is first and foremost a SONIC type song. It sounds loose and, as its title implies, "free", really catching the essence of who and what the Blue Blazer is. But what really made this track special is its catchiness. Other songs might make the wrong impression, but Free doesn't. It really reminds me of a strong yet gentle slipstream passing through the air. Its lines, especially "Into the FREE, Into the ME", injected anticipation and excite that I've never really heard in other songs, like getting a jolt of energy to go out, spread your arms and run like you never did before. Now that's amazing.
The Crush 40 version is also worth listening to. Really rolls like a destructive hurricane that Sonic can become, thanks to its rock instrumentals. Both are really high-class tracks, and rival Mario can't do a damn thing about it.
Here are the links. Please listen to them at least once:
Madin's version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbLTQOC8Np0
Crush 40 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In9PKsAFbl8&feature=related
Here's my list for 2011. Hope y'all have a great new year. Now about the list... do I have a point or am I off my rocker in my choices? Please respond to this blog post on the comments section below.
Foreword: I've already wrote a review of this game. But it didn't show up in the site even after I posted it. This is the second attempt to write a review for this game. Hopefully this one goes through.
Untold Legends: The Warriors Code is a sequel but not a sequel. Sony essentially removed everything from the first game except for its core gameplay mechanics. The result is a game set in a different universe and slightly expanded combat mechanics. Is this new facelift a success? Well, as a sequel, the game fills some gameplay holes from the last game, but does little else to stand among the RPG crowd.The story is pretty basic. You're an exile changeling who is attempting to rally with the royal family to usurp the Prince's half brother, an all-powerful changeling. Admittedly the story does take you to distant locations like the desert and a different dimension, but still the narrative is a bit flat on personality. There are some character moments that are pretty well implemented (I personally suggest listening to the monologues of one Nani Dae), setting the context of the pain and suffering felt by civilians from the half-brother's takeover, but beyond that there really is nothing to note about the story.
We're talking about a violent coup d'état as the main point of the whole game, so not surprisingly combat is the main focus of the game. The game is simple enough: You have a standard and charged normal attack (tap x or hold down X). When enemies reveal an opening you can unlease 3 different Attacks of Opportunity (tap or hold down square button). If you're feeling low on health or mana, you can pop a health or mana potion that will replenish one or the other (R and L+R). Your character (you pick out of 5 characters) also has special abilities, which can be mapped out with the D-pad, triangle and circle buttons. Finally, you can temporary turn your character into a beast by holding down L and Triangle, resulting in two more abilities and increased attack power. To the game's credit, controls work REALLY well. You won't find yourself disoriented in the combat.
Another good point about the game is that there is a lot of loot to be had. Almost every single enemy will drop either a weapon, piece of armor, charms or money. You can also modify weapons and armors with stones that give extra attributes to the character. Speaking of customization, the elements there are standard. You can change armors, weapons, charms and runes that will help your beast form. You don't combine items to make weapons, you buy them up front, which is a good thing because it's simple. Enemies are a mixed bag. There is a large variety but even that doesn't save the game from monotony. MOST bosses are larger versions of standard enemies, again driving the repetitiveness up a notch.
And that's the largest weakness of the game; combat gets repetitive too quickly. It boils down to a war of attrition; you kill enemies and enemies do damage to you until your health bar is low. That's when you pop a health potion to keep going. It's the same kind of feel when talking about most boss battles. There's no sense of strategy or finesse to the experience; you just mash the X button most of the time, do a couple of Attacks of Opportunity, chuck in a special ability here or there and that's it. The new attacks do nothing to break the potential boredom from the gameplay.
If you do manage to get past the combat issues, here are other things to consider. The game lasts around 9 hours in the first playthrough, which is OK for action RPGs but not that cool for other RPGs. You can play online with another player (up to 3 other players) with the same game, which is good, as the game is much better as a multiplayer experience.
Your ability to enjoy Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code hinges on your tolerance for the repetitive combat (think Dynasty Warriors). If you're OK with that, expect a good solid package for the PSP, but nothing more.
Breakdown:
Story: 3.5/5
There are some good character driven moments, but there's no emotional depth beyond that.
Gameplay: 3.1/5
The combat is functional but too simple. To the game's credit, there's alot of interesting loot. Basic customization options.
Presentation: 3.2/5
Good graphics: I like the anime style applied on characters but everything else doesn't stand out. Music is forgettable.
Bonuses, Alteranatives, Replay Value: 3.2/5
9 hour campaign, which is OK for Action RPGs. Has a multiplayer option that will help.
Overall: 13/20 (around 3.25 stars, round up to 3.5 stars)
A good but repetitive game. You will like the game more if you are into its monotonous combat.
I remembered playing Star Fox on the N64. Always loved the bad lip syncing (their mouths are flapping as fast as a machine gun fires bullets) and the game was actually pretty fun too. But in all due seriousness, it's good to see Fox and his crew back.
I've been gone for way too long. School, sports, school drama all jammed me out of the Giantbombverse. But thankfully it's New Year's Eve (at least in my hometown of Hong Kong SAR) and since it's the last year of the first decade of 2010, and that it's my last year of high-school before getting whisked off to Claremont, California for university, I've decided to post my top 10 games that I've ever played.
Two things before I move on:
1. This list is obviously very very flawed. I am your typical suburban gamer who can't play everything because of a tight budget and lack of time. So sorry, no Mass Effect 2, no Halo Reach, no Bayonetta, no super top-tier games because I haven't played them yet. If you want to know, I think I do have a good top 10, although I don't think any of these games could be considered to be timeless classics.
2. This Top 10 list is not in any order whatsoever. These games stand out above the rest of the pack, but I am not ready to compare each other just yet.
OK, here it goes. Go ahead and blast this list all you want : )
10. Resonance of Fate (XBOX 360)
This is actually a very very late entry; I only started to play it on Boxing Day 2010, the same time when I have myself my first console (XBOX 360). But it only took me a short amount of time to realize that Resonance is pretty special. I love the main threesome, with Nolan North's Vashyron leading the way. I also like the steampunk atmosphere of Basel. Oh, and the combat system is one of the most complex and most rewarding systems I've ever seen. The game is also long too (I've played through half the game and already sucked in 20 hours), Without a doubt, I was glad to buy Resonance of Fate as a starting game for my XBOX 360 (along with Lost Planet 2) and its entrance to my Top 10 in such short notice speaks volumes about its superior quality. RPG fans, make way for Resonance of Fate!
9. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (Nintendo DS)
Days of Ruin is a bastard child in terms of story. The developers decided to supplant a rough gritty story in place of the colorful, happy-go-lucky COs and their lame "Let's make friends and defeat some gothic black-coated jerks" storyline. To tell you the truth, that's my favorite part of Days of Ruin. The complete shift helped the story to usher forward and improve by leaps and bounds, and as a result I connect so much more readily with the characters (Brenner in particular). I also loved the way the game also made improvements and changes to the gameplay formula, by adding new units and reducing the CO power mechanic to force players to play more methodically and strategically. All in all, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is a more complete package than its predecessors, as its story puts the game above previous installments.
8. Pokemon Crystal (Gameboy Color)
Ah yes, good ol' Pokemon. I've played everything up to the Emerald Version, but there's still no doubt that Pokemon Crystal is top dog. OK, so there's no Rayquaza, Kyogre and Groudon, but there certainly are some staples in Crystal that stayed put. For its limitations, Pokemon Crystal is the best at using its tech to its maximum potential in terms of presentation. The selection of male/female trainers, the animated battle cries the Pokemon make before they fight and the more cohesive story are all staples that future installments respected. Besides being an awesome game in its own right, thanks to great freedom of experimentation and ridiculous replay value, Pokemon Crystal is a positive trend-setter for the rest of the franchise. That's what separated it from other Versions (like its Gold/Silver counterparts).
7. KOF EX 2: Howling Blood (Gameboy Advance)
To this day, I still cannot understand why Gamespot would put Street Fighter II Revival Ahead of this game. KOF EX2 is better in almost every way possible: The number of characters, the graphics, the fluidity of the fighting animations are only a couple of great touches that helps make KOF EX2 a serious consideration for best fighting game for the Gameboy Advance. EX2 also resolved most of the problems found in EX1: Neo Blood, and typically improving off a sequel by leaps and bounds isn't an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. KOF EX2 for best fighting game for GBA. Down with Street Fighter!! OK, sorry I got carried away....
6. Megaman Zero (Gameboy Advance)
The duo of Zero and Ciel is one of my favorite pairings of all time. How different could you get between compassionate, surrogate mother Ciel and the cold, independent killing machine Zero? As I've stated in my review, I wished their relationship would be much, much more developed (much to the chagrin of Iris fans), but regardless, if you have good characters you stand a chance to get some attention. Of course, what will attract you to this game is not its story but its gameplay. It is ultra smooth and a very good challenge for those who like that sort of game. Graphics are also tops, especially the animations of Zero and his movements. Once you have superior gameplay, great graphics, two really good characters and underrated depth, this game is a joy to play. It's good that Megaman Zero has now a collection, but I think that the now-dead series should be more mainstream in the Megaman saga. Uh, I'm still bawling over Zero's death at MZ4. WHY CAPCOM WHY????
5. League of Legends (PC)
League of Legends is my DOTA experience, and boy howdy it was a really good one. It was the first real game that I ever had involving strong teamwork and communication between teammates. Terms like rage quit, mia, oracle etc. are now part of my vocabulary since they are common terms when sending instand messages to comrades to stage an attack or set up a defense.LoL also has strong graphics (well except when things lag) and the characters are all extremely different and warrant different styles of play. There is probably something for everybody. LoL is a very strong interpretation/ upgrade over the already-popular DOTA, and since it is free to download/make an account there is no reason for anybody to shy away from this game.
4. Command and Conquer 3 (PC)
Probably the only game that could be considered to be a "game of the year" candidate for most game sites in its time (I believe that it's 2007), Command and Conquer 3 blew me away with its simplicity (harvest materials, mass units, attack), variety (3 factions, different play styles) and strategic complexities (managing resources, massing certain types of units in army, build order etc). The campaign for both GDI and Nod campaigns are relatively lengthy, filled with really really difficult missions. Add a Scrin campaign, some excellent production values, and some really good multiplayer components you get a really methodical RTS that could be considered second to none, and perhaps it could even be the height of the fabled Command and Conquer franchise. If only I could get Kane's Wrath as well for the expansion : (
3. Fire Emblem (GBA)
In of itself Fire Emblem plays out like a mini version of Advance Wars with more depth. The rock paper scissors approach of sword, spear and axes, coupled with the addition of flying units (pegasus, wyverns), magic with it's own stone paper scissors order (nature, dark magic, light magic) and terrain/cover mechanics and you've got yourself a relatively deep combat system. But that's not my most memorable part of Fire Emblem, impressive as it is. The story is what drove the experience home. This little GBA conquistador has the best story I've seen so far. This is a monumental achievement considering that its story and exposition come from text boxes. The characters are incredibly realistic and easily likable. A death of a character (that is permanent, by the way) is much more significant from both a strategic and personal/emotional level. This is why I've decided to not play Fire Emblem at least for the time being; The story is too much for me as it broke my heart time and again. But hell, it sure was a great time while it lasted.
2. Tekken Dark Resurrection (PSP)
If Howling Blood is my pick to go for the goal as the king of fighting games on the GBA, I hope that Tekken Dark Resurrection for the PSP will be outright fighting champ for the Playstation Portable. The game is terrific, thanks to a deep combat system, with each fighter owning over 50 moves to master. Graphics are also great, very similar to its PS2 counterpart Tekken 5. There is so much customization allowed for your characters from top to bottom. A gazillion characters, a gazillion storylines to unlock, and many gazillion more fighting moves to digest to get to the endings of said stories (unless you buy the endings). Tekken Dojo is a challenge and should be a must for any Tekken master. If there's one nit-picky snag for this awesome game, it's Tekken Bowl. It's moronic. But hey, why be so down on that when everything else is spon on or off the charts?
1. Astro Boy: Omega Factor (GBA)
Hands down, a brawler that expands the mash mentality with some open ended adventure (as flawed as it is). This is a brawler that also requires some thought, simply because the enemies are too good to be beaten by simple button mashing. Boss battles are superb; they have an epic feel and they push you and Astro to the brink. Probably one of the very few brawlers, in my opinion, that has a very good story to boot with the great combat; Astro is as believable a main protagonist as any other solo main characters I've seen in my young gaming career. Provided that the adventure is pretty long (way above the standards of a typical brawler) you can expect to have a great time from start to finish. You'll also have a difficult time; You'll die a lot. One more thing, if you're a big fan of Osamu Tezuka's works, be prepared for a lot of goodies because many of Tezuka's creations make an appearance in this game (Astro included of course).
There you go. This is my top 10 games that I've played in my young life. No, they aren't the best games ever, but I still had a great time with those games; One way or another they changed my life. Maybe you should try them!
As an extension, I want to thank all the games that I've played; most of you gave me much comfort and taught me that I should have fun with life and that life isn't all about getting good grades (yes, alma-mater-to-be CDNIS, I'm talking about you).
I want to thank my parents of course, for bringing me here, even when they don't agree with me all the time. RIP dad.
I want to thank Giantbomb.com as a medium for me to express myself concerning games
I want to thank my friends for supporting me from start to finish, encouraging me when things go poorly.
And for you guys who commented on my work, I thank you for your feedback so that I could be a better game reviewer
I want to thank some mentors: Guys in giantbomb.com (Jeff, Ryan, Brad, Drew, Vinny, Alex etc), Greg Kasavin, and Josh Davis (formerly Darknessthecurse and TheSaneRevelation). You guys are awesome!
OK, that about wraps things up. I hope everyone had a merry Xmas, and I hope that we will all have a happy new year after 2010.
Sincerely yours,
Matthew Kwok aka "RayCarter"
Hong Kong SAR
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