Xbox 360: Kane and Lynch: Deadmen Review

I wasn't planning on playing Kane and Lynch anytime soon. The trailers were rather amusing, but nothing in particular caught my attention about it. My room mate decided to buy and blast through the game this week, and I decided to participate.

It took a grand total of 10 minutes before this game had me wanting to play Gears of War. I think GoW's 3rd person style sank its teeth into my mind, so playing another 3rd person shooter that plays even remotely similar left my mind elsewhere.

Is Kane and Lynch similar to Gears? Not really. It goes for a much more "realistic" environment and story, and that comes with prison-mate appropriate dialog (that is hilarious for the wrong reasons). While KnL is a little over-the-top, it's believable enough. However, it comes at the cost of being just another shooter that lacks that "epic" feel.

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The controls for KnL may throw some seasoned players off. Duck is delegated to the left bumper, and focusing is done with the trigger. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the duck was a toggle-type, so I had myself holding my hands awkwardly the first couple of levels. After that it was fine, especially after figuring out that the stick-buttons weren't necessary to switch weapons (you can use the d-pad)

The presentation was delivered in spades. The graphics aren't anything memorable, and the environments leave a lot to be desired. The AI isn't very bright either; you'll find comrades running directly into bullets. On the other hand, the destructible environments are always a welcome addition. The dialog has its moments, and complements the story well.

After playing through the game, I can say I enjoyed it, but it didn't make me want to go buy the game. The plot is standard mafia-type business with a few twists, and the gameplay doesn't bring anything spectacular to the table. However, sometimes that's not always a bad thing; sometimes familiarity can be pleasing. That's how KnL left me feeling.

If you want a solid co-op game to play with a buddy, or just want to play an entertaining game to grab some achievements, KnL is for you.

Following Orders:
-Destructible environments aid the feel
-Co-op mode reveals the other perspective
-The game plays well after learning the control scheme

Take your pills and focus:
-Unnecessarily awkward control scheme
-Aside from Achievements, not much replay value
-Lacks an epic feel; some moments should have been more tense

Resembles/Feels like:
A little Grand Theft Auto, mixed with a Gears of War play-feel, and topped with a bit of Hitman.

Rent or Buy: Rent or Bargain Bin
Personal Appraisal: $29.99
MSRP: $59.99

Notes: The lack of online co-op, unimpressive graphics, and limited replay value even with multiplayer hurts the value of the game. Halo 3, Orange Box, and Bioshock provide more for the gaming dollar.

Other opinions:
6/10 @ gamespot.com
7/10 @ teamxbox.com
7.5/10 @ 1up.com

Xbox 360: Clive Barker's Jericho Review

Some games don't care about your opinion. They contain content that does and says what its creators felt was appropriate. And it's done unapologetically.

Jericho is one of those games.

Unfortunately for the expectant consumer, this doesn't always work as intended. Jericho delivers some things well, and some things not at all. This is probably why we'll see mixed reviews for this game with no general consensus. But maybe that just means it really is art. So who "gets it"?

Denying that Jericho's presentation is top-tier would be deserving of masticated entrails. The atmosphere is quite perfect giving the game's circumstances, and the horror-movie nuances are all present. Topping that off with mostly solid graphics, frames, and animations almost sealed the deal.

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While the overall graphics may not directly compare with the likes of Gears of War, this game holds it own. Between mood-setting lighting in already dank environments, and detailed enemies, we have a playable art-form here.

The FPS-nature of this game blasts players in the face and may be surprising even after playing the demo. Enemies are relentless, and most of the offense seems to be via bullet, while the magic portions end up being mostly defense and tactical. The developers did a respectable job in requiring the use of all the squad members, although most gamers will likely stick with their favorite(s).

Unfortunately, Jericho's bad points are quite notable. The lack of co-op and multiplayer does disappoint. Even with all the visual flair, the game may not have the scare-tactics that gamers might be expecting. The jumbled story, and lack-of-an-ending show that the ball wasn't so much dropped as it was severely mishandled. Even with achievements, there isn't much for replay value here, which is sad granted the game's stellar presentation.

Jericho is definitely worth a playthrough. Those who enjoy the experience will have to settle for going after achievements to get the most from the game. There's some hilarious lines delivered that I'm sure a few dark souls will be quoting amongst friends. It does a good job of providing familiar FPS action with a few added twists. Whether renting or buying, make sure to give this game a chance.

P.S.

I am surprised that the advertising campaign for this game was so limited. Personally, I hope to see a problems-fixed sequel.

Bleeding the "right" way:
-Commendable graphical presentation
-Interesting FPS concepts/mechanics
-Intense firefights and overall action

Missed the spiritual boat:
-No multiplayer or Co-op
-Convoluted Story without an ending
-Limited replay value

Rent or Buy: Rent or Bargain Bin Buy
Personal Appraisal: $39.99*
MSRP: $59.99

*I wanted to appraise this game higher, but the presence of recent highly-lauded games such a Bioshock, Halo 3, and Orange Box in the same price range, it can't compete in value.

Other opinions:
6.5/10 @ gamespot.com
7.8/10 @ teamxbox.com
4.5/5 @ gamepro.com

Lost Planet Review

The demo of Lost Planet was a great way to parade the highlights of this frigid title. It gave the player a sense of demolition, trudging through the snow, and mowing via mech via chain-gun action.

Jumping into the full retail version continues to provide that same exciting feeling. The demo ended up serving as a training session, so there's no need to adjust to the unfamiliar controls. As semi-seasoned demo-players blast their way through the first few levels, they will come to find that Lost Planet is willing to take some serious cheap shots to hinder your progress.

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To portray realism, nearby explosions will slow the main character down. A lot. And while running slowly through the snow makes sense, the same pacing applies indoors where no snow is seen. Surprisingly, this isn't as annoying as it may sound, but it results in feeling cheated during the intense boss fights.

While the levels aren't that difficult, the bosses toward the middle of the game will throw everything they have at you. Between the explosions and losing composure is a plethora of aggravation. At times it feels like there's no possible way to beat the boss without some an insane amount of luck, because death can come at any time.

Thankfully, the reward after each level is an actual cutscene, as opposed to Resistance's horrible narrated storyboards. The story builds fairly well, although it seems that some events aren't exaggerated as much as they need to be (to keep the excitement level up). With all the action packed in this game, the minor story-telling flaws are forgiven, just as in Gears of War.

The weapons and the mechs suffice, although nothing out-of-the-ordinary resides here. But ask yourself, will the classic rocket launcher ever get old? Nah, we like ridiculous explosions. It's also difficult not to shout, "Hell, yeah!" when picking up a mech-sized weapon for "hand-held" use.

The controls of the game are mostly functional, although I don't approve of the seemingly large movement required to move the camera left or right. Zooming in leaves a player with the annoyances of using the 360 d-pad; the response isn't exactly stellar. The adjustment time isn't long, but it seems unnecessary in the first place.

Running through the game is simultaneously satisfying and disappointing. That super-hero feeling of jumping through explosions, sniping the bad guys, and blowing up everything in sight with rockets leaves for plenty of praiseworthy moments. But Lost Planet doesn't want you getting comfortable with your Swartzenegger-type powers; it will take measures to keep its spot as "the Boss" of its own destiny. LP may not be Halo-esque, but there are plenty of good times to be had via single and multiplayer.

The good guys caused:

• Action packed, with a slight arcade-type feeling


• Graphics are outstanding; only Gears of War has bested these


• Story and cutscenes are well-crafted, as opposed to other games.

The Snow Pirates caused:

• Oddball Controls


• Frustratingly cheap shots by enemies (especially bosses)


• Questionable foot-soldier A.I.

Takes from:
Almost feels like Syphon Filter in the snow, but not quite. Any third-person Mech combat game could have given inspiration as well. The grappling hook is very Tenchu-ish in practice, although hanging there shooting enemies from above reminds me a little of Splinter Cell.

Rent or Buy:
For the general consumer, I'd say rent unless the multiplayer suits your fancy. There is some replay value in the achievements, but the value of that will differ per person. For the more serious gamer, this is definitely a buy.

MSRP: $59.99 USD

Suicide's Appraisal: $39.99 USD

Other Reviews:

8.4/10 at teamxbox.com
6.5/10 at 1up.com
8.5/10 at ign.com