RESISTANCE 2 (PS3)

Resistance: Fall of Man was easily the best game of the Play Station 3 launch. The game drew many comparisons to Halo’s launch with the original Xbox. Interestingly, Resistance 2 reminded us quite a bit of the criticisms of Halo 2; while Resistance 2’s multiplayer is an amazing achievement, the still good single player campaign just simply lacks the polish of the original.

Resistance 2’s single player campaign again puts you in the role of Nathan Hale. Hale’s battle against the Chimara has now come to the United States. You’ll battle the Chimara in several different locales and there is a greater variety of Chimara in Resistance 2 than appeared in the original. The outstanding weapons from the original return with a twist; you can now only carry two weapons at a time. This leads to the situational weapon selection that most of us have come to enjoy in modern shooters. Also, you no longer need to search for health vials as Hale’s health automatically recharges as in other modern shooters. An odd omission from Resistance 2 is the outstanding vehicle sequences from the original have been removed. We really weren’t quite sure why Insomniac left these types of sequences out.



The outstanding enemy AI, as well as larger scale environments, make the single player campaign worthwhile. The campaign, however, just doesn’t feel as polished as we had hoped. The lack of a narrator (which really tied things together in the original Resistance) makes the story rather difficult to follow. Also, the games different chapters feel rather disconnected and seem to lack coherency. Also, for some odd reason, Insomniac took away the option to play the single player campaign in a split-screen co-op mode. While the single player campaign is still quite good, we weren’t left with a “cut above the rest” feeling like we were after the first game.

Resistance 2 stands out in its multiplayer. The sixty player matches are pretty impressive. Also, the additional missions that can be played via online co-op are a blast. The best mode in multiplayer though is the new “Skirmish” setting. This is a mode where both teams are given multiple objectives to achieve and you really feel like part of a large scale conflict. The maps are great and lend themselves to Skirmish mode very well.



Resistance 2 is quite the technological achievement. The game looks outstanding (though not as good as Gears of War 2). Our play through showed no bugs or hang-ups. The large scale multi-player modes leaves you a little awe struck at first, there simply haven’t been other multi-player games on this scale. The time that must have gone into developing the multi-player code is pretty astonishing.

Resistance 2 is a great game and should be purchased. This is a great bang for your buck between the good single player campaign, online co-op modes, and great multi-player functions. It’s hard to get this much for your money from another game. We’re only giving the game an 8.5 however as those who purchase Resistance for the single player aspect will be left feeling that it is a step back from the original for the reasons stated above.

Grade 8.5

Click here to buy Resistance 2 on Amazon. Resistance 2


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

Click here to buy Gears of War 2 on Amazon. Gears of War 2

FAR CRY 2 (PS3)

Far Cry 2 is pretty darn impressive. It's a great sequel, doing different things better than Far Cry, but it also lags behind in some aspects. This game is definitely some eye candy, with an enormous world. There really is a ton of gameplay, as you can work for two factions, and side missions are available.

The story is definitely one of the low points for this title. Basically you're in Africa to find and kill the Jackal. There's not much in between the beginning and end. You have buddies that can either "rescue" you when you die, or offer an alternative to your missions. Things feel a bit repetitive at times, until you get towards the final part and a few little times during the story. However changing between the main story and side missions offers a dash of diversity there. Gameplay is fundamentally like the first, with fewer enemies unless you stop to kill everyone you see. Also, you can make a large amount of decisions in this game that affect the story/upcoming tasks.

The visuals are truly amazing. This game does landscaping even better than the first, with great lighting effects and even some dense fog. The cars have a good amount of detail, but the best looking things in the game are the various weapons. Character models look equally as stunning. Topping everything, though, is the 50 sq km world. It is fully open for exploration, just not with too many buildings, items, etc. The locations that are there are all unique though.

All in all this game is a great buy. Graphics and the whole "wow" factor are the greatest aspects, but you'll definitely enjoy yourself with this title. If you enjoyed the first, or just open-world games, pick up this one. Far Cry 2 really does create a new spin on FPS games.

Click here to buy Far Cry 2 on Amazon. Far Cry 2


Grade: 8

DEAD SPACE (PS3)

Dead Space shows that a game does not have to do something totally new to be outstanding. This survival horror title borrows heavily from other titles, mainly Resident Evil 4, Doom 3, and Bioshock. Dead Space tells the outstanding story of a man named Isaac. Isaac is part of a crew heading to a deep space vessel to determine why the vessel has lost contact. As opposed to Doom 3, you also learn quite a bit about Isaac’s personal story. It quickly becomes apparent that things are not well on the deep space vessel. You spend the lengthy campaign fighting the various monsters that the vessel crew has morphed into. The game tells the excellent story through audio and video logs, as well as communications from Isaac’s crew. Unlike Doom 3, the audio and video logs are well-integrated into the game play and it does not feel like a hassle to get the back story.

The over the shoulder game play (similar to Resident Evil 4) in Dead Space is top-notch. You fight various forms of monsters and new ones are thrown at you as the game progresses. Interestingly, these enemies are killed by blowing off their various limbs. This adds an interesting element as you are not killing enemies in the way you normally would. The game has a good weapon selection and each weapon has an alternate firing mode so the effective number of weapons is doubled. Power ups are achieved by finding power nodes throughout the vessel. These nodes are used at various “benches” for powering up your character or his existing weapons. The benches will remind you of the power up options in Bioshock. Your character will also have the ability to purchase new items at the various “stores” throughout the vessel. These stores, again, are highly similar to the Bioshock vending machines. The varied environments and situations the game puts you in leaves the game play never feeling old and leaves you wanting more once you have completed the campaign.

Dead Space is impressive from a technical standpoint. The game looks and sounds amazing. Also, the vessel has a massive area which leaves you appreciating the time and effort that had to have gone into designing its various parts. Our play through with the Play Station 3 version showed no noticeable glitches or bugs. Also, the frame rate stayed consistent throughout, even in the most intense battle sequences.

The only criticisms one could level at Dead Space would be the lack of original game play features and the lack of multi player. It is true that Dead Space does little to nothing that is innovative as the game is largely borrowed from other successful titles. This, combined with the lack of multi player, may discourage some. This video game, however, takes what was done well in other games and does an excellent job of blending it together. Dead Space will not leave you disappointed and should be purchased as soon as possible.

Click here to buy Dead Space on Amazon. Dead Space

Grade: 9

THE HULK (DVD)(2008)

The Incredible Hulk is a reboot for the film series rather than a continuation of the poor 2003 Hulk move. Edward Norton (Fight Club, American History X) plays the role of Bruce Banner while Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings, Armageddon) plays Betty Ross. The film moves in the direction of traditional Hulk story lines and borrows heavily from the Bill Bixby television show, including a use of the television theme music and a cameo appearance from Lou Ferrigno.

The movie begins with Bruce Banner residing in Brazil attempting to find a cure for his condition. He is being sought by the military as an Army General wishes to use the hulk as the foundation for creating a series of super soldiers. As the plot progresses, Banner is forced to return to the United States to seek a college professor who has been assisting him in his research. A Special Forces soldier, who receives biological enhancements from the military to assist in fighting the Hulk, becomes obsessed with increasing his own power and eventually becomes a Hulk-like creature himself. This sets up a memorable battle between the two creatures. The ending of the movie leaves plenty of material for the planned sequel which is scheduled for 2011.

The movie tells an engrossing story and Norton plays Bruce Banner to perfection. While the computer generated Hulk images could still use some work, the film’s special effects are top-notch. The DVD’s special features are nothing special and consist of little more than a few deleted scenes.

The film’s only draw back is that it requires certain knowledge of the Hulk’s back story. This is a departure from movies such as X Men and Iron Man which provide the viewer with a back ground as to how the character came to be. This flaw is minor though as the faithful will love the film and those unfamiliar with the story will be able to pick up what is going on. This DVD is recommended for purchase.

Click here to buy The Hulk on Amazon. Incredible Hulk (Widescreen Edition)


Grade 8.5

SAINTS ROW 2 (PS3)

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

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