Wolfenstein

Greetings, the 2009 version of Wolfenstein is a sequel to the previous game called Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and sees the return of B.J. Blazkowitz in his role as the protagonist. The game follows the previous plot loosely with a few recurring characters and references to it but mainly sticks to the new storyline. Unlike other games, the 2009 version is relatively open world with both normal as well as supernatural Nazis and resistance fighters in conflict in the streets which is filled with collectables including documents, gold and tombs of power.  The gold can be used to upgrade the various weapons unlocked as the player progresses throughout the game.

The story begins with B.J foiling Nazi plans to attack London and escaping the enemy ship with a strange crystal. He returns to his employers who lead an organization dedicated to stopping the Nazi factions experimenting with the paranormal. B.J. is debriefed for his next mission, to help the Kreisau Circle push their rivals out of the city of Isenstadt and preventing the Nazis, lead by General Zetta, from searching for mystical crystals. During his adventure, Blazkowitz discovers the supernatural Thule Medallion and uses it as a weapon against his enemies.

The game is entertaining but not ground breaking. The characters are rather one dimensional and forgettable, existing only as to serve as a plot piece. The various types of enemies keep the game play fresh, with some requiring special tactics to kill them such as the heavily armoured AIs. The powers of the Thule Medallion can come in quite useful during combat and some are necessary to complete puzzles, for instance the ability to effect time or switch from one dimension to another. Overall it is quite an enjoyable experience but not a revolutionary one, having said that the upcoming sequel looks similar to this while remaining interesting. 

Plot=6/10

Characters=6/10

Graphics=7/10

Overall=8/10

Quote of the day

Have you ever fired your gun up in the air and gone "ahhrgh"?

Danny Butterman

Hot Fuzz

Mass Effect: Ascension

Greetings, Mass Effect: Ascension is the sequel to Karpyshyn’s novel Revelations and is set after the events of the original Mass Effect’s conclusion.  Khalee Sanders is the only character to return from the previous book as the story introduces new characters and expands on the lore of Cerberus that was mostly ignored in the first game. It is also the first piece in the series to mention the existence of the Collectors, a species which become more prominent later on. While I believe that Revelations was the better of the two novels due to the involvement of Anderson and Saren, two important characters from the video game, Ascension is still an enjoyable experience.

T he plot revolves heavily around a young autistic girl named Gillian Grayson who has biotic powers that indicate a lot of potential for the human race. She is placed by her father, Paul Grayson, into an academy for biotic children in order for Gillian to master her abilities. In the facility Gillian is placed under the care and instruction of Sanders and chief of security Hendel. Unknown to them, Paul is actually an agent of the pro-human paramilitary organization known as Cerberus with the intentions of testing experimental drugs on his daughter to further advance the cause of his company. When Gillian starts acting unusually due to the performance enhancing drugs, Kahlee and Hendel uncover the Cerberus operation and attempt to escape from the Illusive man’s clutches.

The novel introduces characters, factions and species that will shape the major events in Mass Effect 2 and 3. The novel is interesting as it only mentioning Commander Shepard’s actions in passing attempting to focus on other aspects of the Mass Effect story such as the development to key locations such as Omega and generally adding to the lore. Overall, I really enjoyed it and if you want to delve deeper into the Mass Effect universe the books are an enjoyable way to do so.

Plot=7/10

Characters=8/10

Wording=8/10

Overall=8/10

Quote of the day

You don't fear death. You welcome it. Your punishment must be more severe.

Bane

The Dark Knight Rises

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Revelations

Greetings, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and Revelations are two spin off games following the adventures of Ezio after the events of Assassin’s Creed two. While I generally have enjoyed the series so far, I am concerned at how far Ubisoft intend to stretch it out as it is already getting somewhat stale and repetitive in terms of plot as well as game play. In my opinion, only a few characters are memorable and interesting enough to make the player care about the future of the franchise. Another problem is that the assassins are becoming more technologically advanced with weapons such as bombs in Revelations and as a result it is less entertaining.

The plot of Brotherhood is rather simple in comparison to the sequel, Revelations. As Ezio with the Apple of Eden and his uncle Mario escape from Templar forces, they are tracked to their home town by Cesare Borgia. The Templers attack the small community, Mario is shot and killed by Cesare, while a wounded Ezio is forced to flee. The apple is once again falls into Templar hands during the assault. The young assassin makes his recovery in Rome, hoping to avenge his uncle and retake what was stolen from him.

Plot=7/10

Characters=7/10

Graphics=8/10

Overall=7/10

In Revelations, an older Ezio travels to Constantinople in search of the keys to open up Altair’s library in Maysaf. During his adventures he has to fight Byzantine Templars and gets caught up in a conspiracy involving a struggle for the title of sultan.  A side plot also exists involving Altair, the protagonist of the first game, and his troubled life after the original Assassin’s Creed. Mini-games are also include as the player has to face an invasion of Byzantine soldiers on an Assassin complex.

New features in the games include the use of horses for transport in Brotherhood, the ability to recruit assassins to kill guards and removing Templar influence in an area by destroying their towers. Players can also invest in local businesses and purchase monuments to allow the economy to grow. In return they will receive money to buy new weapons and other items. Overall I preferred Revelations to Brotherhood but am still cautious as to how far the series will be stretched. I have heard mostly negative reviews surrounding Assassin’s Creed 3 which is set during the war for Independence between the 13 colonies, her allies and the British Empire.

Plot=8/10

Characters=7/10

Graphics=7/10

Overall=8/10

Quote of the day

Over?! Why, my dear, delusional Dark Knight, it hasn't even begun!

The Joker

Batman: Arkham Asylum