Saints Row 2 is the sequel to the over the top original Saints Row. While this one is slightly more realistic, it has its moments. This game is basically you reclaiming Stilwater after waking up from a coma. There are three new gangs all of which are pretty bad ass. Like the first Saints Row, activities are a major part of game play, however killing rival gangs and doing stunts, among a huge array of other things, can now earn respect.
This game has improved the open world status and is truly amazing graphically. All player models have been improved significantly, as well as cars, building, etc. Stilwater is essentially the same old turf, with the Saints Row District being completely remodeled because of the "Ultor" corporation. There are also a few new/expanded districts. Additional weapons have been added, such as an assault rifle with an attached grenade launcher, a pimp cane shotgun, flash bangs, and even a guided RPG launcher. A great story accompanies the improvements, and this game has a much more satisfying storyline. Your character has a large amount of customization options. Even voice is changeable in Saints Row 2.
Game play feels quite natural, and is extremely easy to pick up. Although, we did have a problem with falling feeling quite ragdoll-ish. I feel that a feeling of things being repetitive as with the first game and a few GTAs have been helped a bit in this game, such as strongholds typically have varied objectives and the activities have been tweaked a bit.
Our play through with the PS3 version revealed no technical problems. It's a great improvement over Saints Row, in more ways than one. The graphics are quite good compared to other games, which makes roaming the streets actually enjoyable. Even though this seems like a straight rip from GTA it deserves credit for doing it well.
Grade: 8
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
TIME SHIFT (PS3)
Time Shift is a first person shooter published by Sierra. This game was originally planned for release on the first generation Xbox and PC. A lengthy development time, in addition to a switch in publishers, meant a massive delay. The original game was scrapped almost entirely due to these delays and the current version was built almost from the ground up. While the game lacks any type of coherent story, Time Shift is definitely worth your money.
Time Shift takes the concept of time control and extends if further than any other first person shooter. While plenty of games, such as F.E.A.R., have given you the ability to slow down time, Time Shift makes time control an essential element. Your ability to stop, rewind, or slow down time, along with the situations you are put in throughout the game, add a dimension to the game play that feels fresh up until the very end.
The artificial intelligence and weapon selections in this game are top notch. The AI is best described as downright aggressive. Enemies will actually chase you from room to room if you attempt to retreat and recharge your health. They will also employ flanking maneuvers and other tactics reminiscent of the enemies in F.E.A.R. Fortunately, you have a top notch weapon selection to deal with the foes.
The game’s graphics are first rate. Our play through with the PS3 version showed a crisp looking game with great environmental detail. The frame rate was smooth and the various environmental effects, as well as the outstanding appearance of explosions, give the game a great atmosphere that is highly immersive.
The downside to Time Shift, and it’s a big one, is the fact that the game tries to tell a complex story which comes out incoherent. At no time during the game does it ever really become clear who you are fighting against or why. Furthermore, you often do not understand the reason for your next objective. While the game’s linear style allows you to proceed without getting lost, the very poor attempt at story telling sticks out quite a bit. It would have been far better if the developers and simply kept the story telling to a minimum (i.e. Gears of War) and focused on game play. It can’t be stressed enough that the failed plot, which the developer went to great lengths to tell, is incomprehensible and really drags the game down.
Time Shift’s multi player, while fun, gets very repetitive quickly and probably won’t last gamers very long.
Time Shift has great game play and can give most first person shooters a run for their money in almost every facet. Unfortunately the failed plot, and the lengths to which the game goes to tell it, keeps this game from achieving its full potential. This game has enough going for it, however, to justify spending the price of purchase even though there are better shooters available.
Grade: 7
Time Shift takes the concept of time control and extends if further than any other first person shooter. While plenty of games, such as F.E.A.R., have given you the ability to slow down time, Time Shift makes time control an essential element. Your ability to stop, rewind, or slow down time, along with the situations you are put in throughout the game, add a dimension to the game play that feels fresh up until the very end.
The artificial intelligence and weapon selections in this game are top notch. The AI is best described as downright aggressive. Enemies will actually chase you from room to room if you attempt to retreat and recharge your health. They will also employ flanking maneuvers and other tactics reminiscent of the enemies in F.E.A.R. Fortunately, you have a top notch weapon selection to deal with the foes.
The game’s graphics are first rate. Our play through with the PS3 version showed a crisp looking game with great environmental detail. The frame rate was smooth and the various environmental effects, as well as the outstanding appearance of explosions, give the game a great atmosphere that is highly immersive.
The downside to Time Shift, and it’s a big one, is the fact that the game tries to tell a complex story which comes out incoherent. At no time during the game does it ever really become clear who you are fighting against or why. Furthermore, you often do not understand the reason for your next objective. While the game’s linear style allows you to proceed without getting lost, the very poor attempt at story telling sticks out quite a bit. It would have been far better if the developers and simply kept the story telling to a minimum (i.e. Gears of War) and focused on game play. It can’t be stressed enough that the failed plot, which the developer went to great lengths to tell, is incomprehensible and really drags the game down.
Time Shift’s multi player, while fun, gets very repetitive quickly and probably won’t last gamers very long.
Time Shift has great game play and can give most first person shooters a run for their money in almost every facet. Unfortunately the failed plot, and the lengths to which the game goes to tell it, keeps this game from achieving its full potential. This game has enough going for it, however, to justify spending the price of purchase even though there are better shooters available.
Grade: 7
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