GTA 4 (XBOX 360)

Grand Theft Auto 4 is quite an amazing game. Its definitely got a lot going for it. The game allows to do a large amount of different activities that feel quite a bit like mini-games. Of course, it sticks to the roots of mayhem of GTA games that make them ever so enjoyable. It does, however, give the player a much more open environment, even allowing you to search an in-game Internet. Online multi player is also introduced.

The game play is extremely interesting. Niko Belic is an immigrant trying to make himself and for his cousin in Liberty City, which is a story line incomparable to any other GTA games. You can now have friends that you can call on a cell phone to do activities, but I found this to get old after the first couple "outings". What never does fail to be enjoyable are the diverse missions presented to you by an interesting variety of characters. As usual, it's a story of your character's way up in the world. Guess they just have a consistently winning layout for the series.

This game is graphically beautiful, and at the time of release was obviously in the forefront. There are a diverse amount of cars and architectural designs. Character models are much more lifelike, and things feel much more human. No one area of the map is similar to the other. It's all very reminiscent of New York city, which adds a dash "wow" factor.

As Grand Theft Auto 4 is a great game, it seems to stray away from some of the other games' basic structure do to the storyline and other aspects that try to draw in a bigger crowd. GTA fans will definitely love this one though. Even with the downsides, this game is a good buy.

Grade: 8

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Copyright © Chopping Block Reviews 2008

GEARS OF WAR 2 (XBOX 360)

Epic Games has hit a home run with Gears of War 2. This game takes everything that was done in the original (which was an instant classic in 2006) and does it again on a much larger scale. The added game play mechanics, excellent story, and improved multi-player make Gears of War 2 an instant contender for Game of the Year honors.

Marcus and Dom return from Gears of War. In this game, however, they are part of a much larger conflict that is often raging around you. The outstanding cover system has returned and the game play is improved in several areas. First, there is a larger variety of Locusts (the name of the enemy race in the series); these additions include multiple types of Boomers as well as the introductions of Brumaks into battle. Second, you can now use downed Locusts as a type of human shield. Finally, the much larger environments, and impressive set pieces, will leave you awe struck for much of the campaign.



Lack of story was one of the few criticisms levied against the original game. That problem has been rectified in Gears 2. The game gives you quite a bit of back story about Dom and begins to fill in further details about the history between Marcus and his father. Furthermore, you come to learn much more about the organization and motivations of the Locust.

The outstanding multiplayer of Gears returns with several improvements. In addition to new modes and new maps, you are now able to use bots to ensure an equal number of players on each team. Also, bot training matches are now available for those who are unfamiliar with the Gears multiplayer. The improvements to the outstanding multiplayer from Gears make this game likely to spinning in peoples’ Xbox 360s for quite some time.

Gears of war is a technological marvel. It’s impressive that so much could be packed on to a single DVD. The graphics are improved from the original and the larger scale of the game, again, impresses from start to end. One minor criticism could be that there was an occasional slowdown when we played the game in co-op mode. Given the level of size and detail, however, this is more than understandable.

Gears of War 2 is not only one of the best games of 2008, it is easily one of the best action/shooter games ever developed on any platform. This title should be purchased immediately and, if you do not own an Xbox 360, this title justifies purchasing one.

Grade: 9.9

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GUITAR HERO 3 (XBox 360)

Guitar hero 3 is the latest installment in the guitar hero series. It fell just short of our expectations due to the anticipation build up, yet is still a great game that’ll keep you busy for hours. They’ve made a lot of improvements this time around, such as the animation being much better than the previous game, but stuck to the game’s roots very well. Also, with the addition of “boss battles” (face-offs against Rock’s greatest) a good amount of diversity is shown in the game-play. These battles consist of playing streaks to acquire weapons that are used against your opponent and cause him to eventually fail. The online play is really no different than regular game-play, just versus a real person.

The game has a great track list, and some bonus songs have actually been heard of. A plus to this is that many tracks are original and as performed by the band. The difficulty is much harder in this game, we found that beating the expert campaign was quite a challenge. The few final songs are near impossible to conquer, and will probably leave you with a sigh of frustration. All the meters have had an awesome makeover with a new text that will come across the screen when certain streak milestones are reached. There is a sad attempt at a story that should have just been left out. It only gives a minimal story explaining your band’s progress.

A co-op mode is also playable in which you and a friend, one as guitar one as bass, play the career mode, and upon completion unlock six extra songs. Co-op can only be played in career mode; no quick-play is available without the download of a specific patch.

This game is available on numerous platforms each with a varying bundle. The 360 guitar hero 3 guitar is superior to any from the previous games, just take a bit of adjusting to get used to. In-game advertising is also heavily present, with billboards and even axe dancers prancing across the stage while you’re playing. Ridiculous.

With all pros and cons in mind, this game is a great buy. A must have for any guitar hero fanatic, and never really loses your interest.

Grade: 8.5