Foxcatcher Review

 
  Foxcatcher was a film that I was anxiously awaiting. Channing Tatum and Steve Carell in a dramatic role together!? Take my money. I'm a fan of both of these actors, and I could not wait to see them take on a script that's so serious and grounded. The first twenty minutes of this movie had me enthralled. I was sucked in by the nuanced performances of both Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo who plays Tatum's brother. The tone of the movie was set right from the start with hard hitting audio, a lack of any score, and well composed shots. The action was filmed extremely well, and I have to give it to all the actors for performing nearly all of their own stunts. There wasn't one second where I could spot a double, and for how physical these roles were, that's a big accomplishment.

  However, as the movie continued, I started to lose interest. The introduction of John Du Pont, played by Steve Carell, was shockingly underwhelming, and the dialogue didn't carry as much tension as I was hoping for. Having said that, there were scenes of genuine discomfort, but as the movie carries on, that feeling is lost and replaced with a sense of boring reluctance. Before I delve too deeply into why I don't recommend this movie, let me say this; everything about this movie from a technical standpoint is astounding, and nothing short of Oscar worthy. As aforementioned, the movie is shot extremely well, and every blow is felt due to fantastic audio design coupled with gritty atmosphere. The performances are to be applauded as well. Channing Tatum does give a very solid performance, however, it was Mark Ruffalo's performance that resonated the most with me. His portrayal of Mark Schultz's older brother Dave, was absolutely heart- wrenching at times. My favorite moments of this film were the exchanges between those two characters. To be completely honest though, I'm not sure I would have cast Carell as John Du Pont. He does a fine job in portraying the many layers of the character, but when he's on screen, I found him flatout boring. Perhaps that wasn't totally his fault, and more a result of the direction. Either way, his performance was serviceable at best.

  That brings up my biggest flaw with Foxcatcher. For how technically sound the movie is, it completely fails in creating something compelling the watcher can grab onto. I was constantly thinking "Come on, give me something to connect with!" Don't get me wrong, there are riveting moments throughout this film, but it mostly boils down to predictable plot elements and characters you want to care about, but just don't. This is no discredit to the real life people or events this movie bases itself around, and it's remains a very interesting story for a film adaptation. Although, the film fails to be something memorable outside of the sound cinematography and decent performances. Perhaps in the hands of a different director, this would have been a drama that compelled me from scene to scene, instead of leaving me wholly disappointed.

Dragon Age: Inquisition Impressions

Dragon Age: Inquisition can be described in one word; daunting. This is a very special game. Not in terms of originality or revolutionary gameplay, but how all the elements of this game come together to form something very unique and fresh for the franchise. This game feels like a next gen Bioware title. Using the Frosbite 3 engine, the folks at Bioware have created a game world that is truly vast and feels just as alive as any other fantasy world I've set foot in. The animations are leagues above anything that we've seen in previous Bioware titles and the audio and overall aesthetic is handled with masterful precision. 

This game is absolutely massive in every single sense of the word. I've logged around twenty hours and I'm still exploring the first region I've come across; The Hinterlands. It's an absolutely beautiful place that's enthralling atmosphere has kept me exploring for around eighteen of my twenty total hours. I love the sense of discovery this game carries with it. The game map starts out completely darkened, but as you explore, your progress sheds light across the map and the many quests and battles that come with it. This is a game that will suck away your time, and you really have to be committed to it's devices if you want to see it through to it's conclusion. As I said before, I've spent nearly my entire playthrough explicitly exploring the Hinterlands; which I've heard is bigger than the entirety of Dragon Age: Origins. Here's the kicker though; There are 9 other regions to explore as well. I'm not sure if they're all as big as the Hinterlands, but the fact that there are 10 "large" open world locations to get lost in is extremely intimidating yet immensely exciting. The scope of this game is the reason why it takes most players seventy to ninety hours to complete the game, while still missing a majority of the side content. 

The game's story may be Bioware's version of Oblivion, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, this game does follow some familiar tropes that hold it back from being something different in regards to narrative, but I do feel like this game does handle storytelling differently to some extent. It's a Bioware title, so choice is there from the beginning. Creating the exact character you want, and choosing what to say and how to act is what drives the narrative forward. Without spoiling the game for those who have yet to give it a chance, you as the player character are quickly thrust into the role of savior. Your character carries a mark that could bring an end to the evil forces invading the realm of Thedas. Basically, you are the key to everyone's salvation, and even though the transition from suspect to savior is a quick one, I do think it makes sense within the world and story. Too often do these "save the world" type of games take place in a completely oblivious universe, where the average person has no clue of what you're doing to save them or of the imminent threat that persists. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a game that breaks this mold. The threat is very real, and very apparent to everyone you meet. All of the NPC's know what's going on and they thank you for risking your life and the lives of your companions to bring peace to Thedas. This type of recognition is gratifying, and as you build up the inquisition, it really feels like your building up an army of supporters who will stand by you until the end. 

I'm currently playing on PS4, and the game looks gorgeous; it also plays relatively smooth considering how much can be on screen at once. The combat is brutal, tactical, and satisfying. There are encounters that can truly test your tactical prowess, and others that can be conquered easily. There can even be moments when you stumble across fights that you have no right taking part in. Higher level enemies can be numerous in certain areas, and you'll quickly find out that those are areas best left to a more experienced you, ten hours down the road. All in all, this a great achievement on PS4 and I'm happy with the optimization effort that Bioware put forward. That being said, this game can be a little too ambitious for it's own good at times. Some weird framerate drops during dialogue and cutscenes often took me out of the experience, and there's often quite a bit of pop in, especially in regards to the NPC's. However, when you take into consideration the scope of the game and all that it does right, it's easy to forgive minor issues such as those. 

This game totally get's my recommendation and it's no secret that critics and consumers alike adore this game. It demands your time, and that might be a turn of for some of you. That being said, give it a shot. It's been awhile since we've had a good Bioware RPG, and this might be just what you're looking for. If you like huge fantasy worlds, the freedom to explore at your own leisure, and enough content to keep you coming back until The Witcher 3 arrives; This game's for you. 

Insurgency Impressions

  Insurgency is a game that caught me completely off guard. I can't really give you guys a review on the game seeing as how I haven't played every single mode, on every map. However, I have played a lot of it recently with some friends, in both PvP, and cooperative environments. The game had a relatively quiet release from what I can remember, and it scored fairly well. Although when I played it, it grabbed me in such a unique way, that it stands out among the other military "simulations" available. 

  The presentation isn't anything that will blow your mind, but the graphics are solid, using the same engine that powers Counter Strike: GO. The stand out feature to me is the audio. There are few games that make me feel like I'm in a firefight as successfully as Insurgency. Bullets hitting the ground in front of you, kicking up dirt, and the whizzing sound of shots flying right past your head never fails to get the heart pumping. All the weapons sound authentic and pack a punch, making every kill feel satisfying yet somewhat real. Combine the incredible audio, with other realistic elements such as: manual reloading, no health regeneration, and tough enemy A.I. - You have a game that is truly intense during combat, and that carries tension during the quiet moments as well. 

  I've spent the most time playing cooperatively with a buddy of mine, and the experience has been pure fun. We team up at the main menu, thanks to an easy to use, clean interface that most shooters are lacking nowadays. We head into one of the many modes, Survival, and see how long we can hold out. The premise of Survival is simple. The team of players has to make it from objective to objective while holding off ever increasing numbers of enemy A.I. At first, they drop easily, even with a well-placed chest shot. Then about ten levels in, they start wearing body armor and becoming more and more accurate. They can be truly ruthless, and sometimes cheap. I'd often find myself getting shot within micro-seconds of being seen, and I'd also get shot through walls, or from across the map. So, the A.I. can be a bit ridiculous, but this does make for a heavy challenge that heightens the feeling of successfully making it to the next objective. The A.I. can be so tough, that the transition over to PvP can often be an easy one. The few matches I've played against other real opponents have been fun, however I find myself going back to the cooperative gauntlet that is the survival mode. 

  The game also utilizes a "weight" system to organize what you're carrying and how you unlock new gear. You start off with a small amount of weight that can be spent like currency to determine what weapons you carry, and if you're equipped with body armor or not. You can also buy accessories like night vision goggles for darker areas, or a vest that houses more ammunition. Your weapons can also be equipped with various sights, a flashlight, and even a foregrip. All of which have obvious effects on your weapons performance and efficiency. The system is handled well, however these weapons are not something you carry from match to match. Much like Counter Strike, at the start of every match you have nearly nothing, and you must work to unlock more weight to carry more equipment. If you do well, you get more weight to spend. If you die, some game modes don't give you anything. So, it really puts the emphasis on teamwork and strategy to stay alive and conquer your objectives. In my time with Insurgency, the community has been pretty awesome. Playing with randoms can sometimes be as rewarding as coordinating a victory with friends, and again, I can't say that of many shooters out there. 

  Insurgency isn't an entirely new concept. Games like Red Orchestra have been on top of the genre for a long time, and this game won't change that. However, I was pleasantly surprised with Insurgency and the game has become something I play almost everyday. I was able to grab it on Steam for 4.99 during a sale, but even it's 14.99 full price isn't a bad deal for this underrated title. It doesn't take much to run Insurgency so even if your PC is a bit older, give this game a shot. I highly recommend it to those gamers looking for an intense, realistic take on modern first person combat.  

  

Halo 5: Guardians Beta Impressions

  

  The disastrous launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection completely killed the momentum of the Halo multiplayer juggernaut for my friends and I. I was so excited that Halo was back, and in a huge way. I couldn't wait to relive some of the fondest memories I had while gaming as a kid. However, I and millions of other fans were met with weeks of connection issues and bugs. It was so frustrating that my friends and I still haven't given the multiplayer another shot, although, the issues have "mostly" been resolved. Given those issues, I wasn't all that excited to play the Halo 5: Guardians beta. After the over 10 gigabyte download was completed, I gave it a shot. I went into the experience with an open mind, and afterwards, put down the controller satisfied and excited for what the full game has in store.

  I said I went into the beta with an open mind, because that's the mentality you need to enjoy and adapt to the fast paced, intense combat. Halo 5 feels familiar but fresh. There are some new abilities to learn and new weapons to dominate with. It took me a couple of matches to get used to the abilities and the overall feel of combat, but once I got accustomed to all the new assets, I was having a great time. The game looks and plays great for a beta. The audio hits hard, and the new spartan chatter is a cool and helpful addition. The weapons feel powerful and I'm so happy the Assault Rifle is back to being a weapon that can stand on it's own. When I first saw gameplay of Halo 5, I was skeptical. I saw use of the new aim down sights feature which 343 is calling "Smart Link" and to be honest I was upset. However, after learning more about it and getting the chance to use it, I'm not upset in the slightest. The accuracy of your weapons doesn't change if your in Smart Link. You're just as accurate when firing from the hip, which is the essence of Halo. Not to mention if you're in Smart Link and you get hit, you get de-scoped immediately. That's a smart design choice that helps keep the fundamentals of Halo multiplayer intact. The biggest thing that stood out to me, though, was how level the playing field is. There are new abilities to master, but every player has access to them. Every player starts with the same weaponry and must find weapons in the field in order to change up their arsenal. There's also a much bigger emphasis on power weapons such as the sniper rifle, and the prophets bane. That's essentially the new name for the energy sword. These weapons will spawn into the map periodically throughout the match and that makes for some really intense gunfights and tension during gameplay. 

  The beta gives you two maps to play on and the only game mode available is team slayer. These intimate 4v4 matches are a great introduction to Halo 5's new mechanics. One of the new maps, Empire, is an interesting map with cool aesthetics, but it doesn't stand up to it's counterpart. Truth is essentially Midship 2.0 and I've had the most fun in this arena. The new visuals really bring Truth to life and the encounters are  always intense no matter where you are on this map. After seeing two arena style maps in this beta, I'm really excited to see the maps they're making for other game modes like big team slayer and capture the flag. I loved Exile in Halo 4, so if we get anything like that, I'll be happy. 

  Will you enjoy the Halo 5: Guardians beta? It really comes down to how willing you are to adapt to new mechanics. I don't fault the game for adding new features or abilities or whatever else. The game has to evolve with the times, and as long as the combat still feels like Halo at it's core, I'm on board for anything 343 wants to attempt. If you're one of the people still upset that you can sprint in Halo, this may not be for you. However, this is the most grounded, and fair Halo has been in awhile. 343's attempting to go back to the roots while also moving forward, and so far, I think they're successful. We've never had a beta for Halo this far from the games release, so even if you're not a fan of where Halo is going, give it a shot. Voice your likes and dislikes to 343, and we'll most certainly see the tweaks in the final product. If I have any concerns moving forward, it's concern for the connectivity and server stability. The first day of the beta I had no problems, but today I struggled to stay connected even for one match. These problems have already hurt MCC gravely and I hope that, since this is only a beta, these kinks will get worked out and we'll have a smooth launch. I know that nothing ever goes off without a hitch, but I can hope can't I? If you've played the beta, what're your thoughts? Let 343 Industries know so that we can have a Halo game that we all love, and that will hopefully, stand the test of time. 

Far Cry 4 Impressions

  Christmas day has come and gone, and naturally that means millions of gamers have new titles to add to their collections. Christmas brought me Far Cry 4 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. However, I wanted to take some time to discuss the former. Far Cry 3 was one of my favorite games of 2012, and few experiences have come close to it's amount of pure fun since. Far Cry 4 uses the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality and pushes it to a whole new level. If you've played Far Cry 3, you'll feel right at home in 4. The core gameplay is very similar to that of Far Cry 3, but fine tuned and enhanced to a scientific level. I haven't played many games that are as addictive as Far Cry 4. As soon as you get into the open world, the game surrounds you with quests, collectibles, loot chests, and tons of other activities to engage in. Content is something this game definitely provides and once I pick up the controller, I struggle to put it down for at least 3 hours at a time. The game leads you from activity to activity flawlessly, always putting something irresistible in front of you.

  

  I'm playing Far Cry 4 on my PS4 and this, hands down, is one of the best looking console games I've ever seen. I'd be surprised to see the PC version look any better. With the exception of better antialiasing and framerate. The game plays at a smooth 30 frames per second and 1080p on PS4, and it never hiccups. It's one of the most polished and immersive first persons shooters I've played in a long time, and my hats off to the guys at Ubisoft for this one. The Dunia Engine has been powering the franchise since Far Cry 2, but it's never looked better than in Far Cry 4.

  My 12 hours spent in Kyrat up until now has mostly been awesome, however, I do have some gripes that I feel I should share. As I mentioned earlier, the game gives you tons of things to do, and the amount of activities could quickly overwhelm gamers who aren't used to open world games of this magnitude. So if you're a gamer who's used to linear adventures, it might be a little tough to get used to the sheer amount of things to do, and the way it's presented to you. The wildlife of Kyrat is also a lot more active than that of Far Cry 3's environment. Simply put, almost every species found in the game wants to kill you. You'll constantly be attacked by dogs, wolves, hawks, leopards, tigers, and the list goes on. Even though this does help contribute to the hostile atmosphere of Kyrat, it becomes annoying when you're just trying to get to your next objective, but can't due to the frequency of animal attacks resulting in your demise. There's also new events named "Karma" events. These events are random things that happen in the world while you play. You have the option to intervene or not, and most of them are fun, but they're way too frequent. They quickly become somewhat of a chore and an unwanted distraction when you already have your sights set on something. One last issue I have with the game is the AI. Usually after a victory, your comrades in the Golden Path see it appropriate to fire their weapons skyward in celebration. Normally, I would have no problem with this, but in a world as dangerous as Kyrat, I automatically associated the yelling and gunfire with violence and erratically looked around for the conflict. Only to realize it was my rebel friends wasting precious ammunition in the name of victory.

 

These are all minor complaints, and your opinions might not reflect mine. Overall, I'm having an absolute blast playing Far Cry 4, and even though it is very similar to the last installment in the franchise, I totally believe this game is worth the 60 dollar asking price. I haven't had the chance to try the multiplayer or the co-op due to PSN issues, but I've heard good things! So far, I'm loving this new world of Kyrat and I can't wait to lose more hours to it's chaotic and unpredictable world.

What Halo Means to Me

  With Halo: The Master Chief Collection launching early next week, this overwhelming sense of nostalgia and hype has completely taken over. I've been wanting to write an article like this for over a week, but I just wasn't sure how to approach it. The thought of trying to truly convey what Halo means to me, in words that carry the same weight, is going to be next to impossible. Simply put, Halo is the reason I'm a gamer. If it wasn't for Halo, I wouldn't have realized how amazing and unique gaming can be. Maybe I take gaming a little too seriously, and I give it too much credit, but if it wasn't for Halo, I honestly don't think I'd be the person I am today. 

  It all started when I was eight years old. The year was 2001. My dad told me he had a new game to show me. Something I heard often back then, since most of my nights were spent watching him play whatever new game was out at the time. I remember him telling me, "This is one of the best games I've ever played, and I think you're really going to like it." Immediately, I was super excited. The level of excited that you could only reach as a young child. My dad didn't tell me what the game was called. Instead, he just took it out of the case, put it in the Xbox, and the game booted up. Suddenly, I was greeted with the most iconic main title theme I've ever heard in a game. Eight year old me was in awe. I'd never heard a melody as mysterious and infectious, and I was captivated. My dad chose the campaign option and I was on the edge of my seat. The games opening cinematic had me at a loss for words. I'd never seen a game that looked so real, and of course I think back on it now and laugh. However, back then, Halo: Combat Evolved looked absolutely incredible, and I still think it looks solid to this day. The first time I saw Master Chief, I was immediately attached to him. The first time I heard him speak, he was my idol. I wanted to be this guy, and I only knew him for a few short minutes. The Master Chief is a character, that right from the outset, you know he has everything under control, and nothing is too difficult for him to handle. As the mission went on, we're quickly into our first firefight with the Covenant. Once I saw my dad take out the first couple of Grunts, I knew. I knew this was a game I had to play. I immediately asked him if I could play. I remembered he looked at me and laughed, and with a smile across his face he said "Well that didn't take long at all!" He knew I'd want to play, and he was ready to teach me how. 

  Remember, that back in 2001, having a first person shooter on a console was an entirely new thing. Tons of people back then thought it wouldn't be possible, but Halo pulled it off, and set the standard for almost every shooter to follow. The dual thumbstick control was completely foreign, but something irresistible once you got the hang of it. Halo was the game that taught me how to control a first person shooter. It taught me how to use the dual thumbstick layout that became the staple of the genre. Once I finally got the controls down, I was ready to play. I started The Pillar of Autumn again and was completely sucked in by this universe. Once I got into combat, it brought about a satisfaction that I had never felt before. The feeling of power I had as the Master Chief was an addictive drug, and I couldn't stop playing. No gaming experience I've had in the past 13 years has come close to the first time I set foot on Halo. The sense of discovery, exploration, and unknown was incredible. I didn't expect this at all, and at the time, this type of wide open mission structure was not seen in first person shooters. I had a blast playing that level and I still get overly happy every time I play it. 

  Halo went on to be a game that I worshiped and played every chance I got. That following Christmas I got my own Xbox and my own copy of Halo. I played it religiously, and was completely taken by the story, characters, setting, and gameplay every time. I could sit here and type for hours, but I think I've made my point. I've loved every Halo installment since Halo: CE and I'm glad that new people get to experience it with Halo: The Master Chief Collection. In short, Halo made me love video games, and if it wasn't for video games, I don't know who I'd be right now. It may sound ridiculous, but I can assure you, it's not. If you're on the fence about Halo, and you're trying to think of reasons to give it a shot, I'm going to give you some right now. 

-Timeless gameplay that never ceases to be satisfying

-Amazing settings, characters, and narrative

-Some of the best music I've ever heard in a game

-A great suite of multiplayer modes and maps throughout all of the installments 

-Great Sandbox that allows for amazing vehicle encounters and unique moments

-4 player co-op through all 4 games thanks to the Master Chief Collection

-Devastating list of weapons at your disposal 

-Vast replayability thanks to skulls, achievements, scoring. 

  Those are just a few reasons why you should check out Halo: The Master Chief Collection, especially if you're new to Halo. Don't go in expecting something you've played before, because there is nothing quite like Halo. 

Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition Review (PC)

  This game was such a surprise for so many people, including myself, back in 2012 when it was launched from developer United Front Games and publisher Square Enix. This open world action game puts you in the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer tasked with infiltrating the Chinese triad in hopes of bringing their whole operation down. We've seen this concept before in movies and even other games, but no game even comes close to pulling it off the way Sleeping Dogs has. With the definitive edition having just released, I decided to delve back into the open world of Honk Kong and see if the game still holds up in a post Grand Theft Auto 5 world. My answer in short is yes, it totally does.

  There has been a lot of controversy lately surrounding games getting the definitive edition treatment. Games like Tomb Raider, The Last of Us, Grand Theft Auto 5, and of course Sleeping Dogs. A lot of gamers are unhappy that developers are treading old territory when they should be developing new and interesting games that make the purchase of a PS4 or Xbox One worth it. All of the games that are getting the remastered treatment are still great games on last gen and not to mention pretty cheap by now. The only reason I support all of these next gen versions, is simply because of the exposure. Let's face it, a lot of people traded in or sold their old consoles last year when they picked up either the Xbox One or PS4. I know I did. Having a PC let's me go back and play mostly any last gen game, but unfortunately a lot of people don't have that option, and they're looking for a reason to play their new consoles. I think these new versions are a great way for these games to get more exposure especially if they didn't receive enough when they initially released. If you're not on board with these games, then don't play them. It's as simple as that. With the fall roster of games being so huge this year, you'll have plenty of new titles to pick from.

  Sleeping Dogs is a game that looked great back in 2012, and it's held up pretty well visually. It's not astonishing in any way, but sometimes it does look downright gorgeous. Racing through the streets of Honk Kong during a storm still looks great, and the handful of graphical improvements the definitive edition brings are very welcome. The character models are detailed and crisp and the "in engine" cutscenes are animated well and excellently acted by the cast. The definitive edition adds denser traffic and pedestrians that really bring the city to life. The virtual Honk Kong you explore is even more engrossing this time around and feels oddly unique to any other open world you'll explore in games. The presentation is handled well throughout the game and I was able to run the game maxed out with AA turned down to high, and I got a smooth experience nearly all the time. I have not played the PS4 or Xbox One versions, but from what I saw, they look just as good as the PC experience I had. Sleeping Dogs is a great looking game through and through.

  The gameplay is where Sleeping Dogs shines. There are tons of things to do around Honk Kong and the definitive edition brings even more activities to keep you occupied. The combat is focused around hand to hand encounters and it's one of the best parts of the experience. The combat is fast and brutal and easy to become accustomed to. Similar to the Batman Arkham games, the fighting focuses on pulling off awesome combos while countering enemies who attack you. I think it's executed just as well as the Arkham games while bringing depth in the form of unlockable moves and even the inclusion of melee weapons such as meat cleavers and tire irons. I found myself walking around the city just so I could come face to face with a rival gang. Once they see you, they immediately attack and the carnage ensues. The developers wanted to focus on martial arts so much that I didn't even fire a gun until about 7 hours into my playthrough. The fighting works so well though, that I didn't mind the wait. When the time came for me to finally pull the trigger, I wasn't disappointed. The shooting mechanics are solid enough to hold up to other third person cover based shooters, but they're nothing spectacular. In fact, I prefer the deep hand to hand combat system over the gunplay. The exciting thing about this edition of the game is that it comes with all the DLC previously released for Sleeping Dogs including Nightmare in North Point and The Year of the Snake. Along with those two expansions, you get all the guns, cars, outfits and bonuses you could want. For someone new to Sleeping Dogs, the 60 dollar asking price is a good deal for all the content you get in return. If you've played the game before, well then it depends on how much you enjoyed it the first time around, and if you're ready to give the game another shot. 

  The aspect that surprised me the most about Sleeping Dogs was how absolutely engaging the narrative is. Going into the game for the first time I didn't think that I would be so into the characters and the events that unfold around them. The story kept me hooked from beginning to end and I loved it. Recently, I've really been reminded of how important a good story is, and that it really does make everything feel more worthwhile. Sleeping Dogs is proof of that. No, the game isn't the masterpiece Grand Theft Auto 5 is, not even by a long shot, but what it does, it does extremely well. Having said that there are some minor problems that hold the game back. Most notably the wonky camera that almost always works against you while driving or even while fighting. It works well most of the time, but gets in the way enough to create some frustrating moments. I also encountered some minor clipping and audio glitches. A good example would be when I was driving my car through a crowd, using my horn to scare away pedestrians from my path and all of a sudden I stopped using my horn but the sound effect kept blaring. Even when I got out of the car it just kept going and it was so loud that  had to run 3 blocks away to escape the terrible sound. Other than those very minor issues, Sleeping Dogs is a great video game achievement that's a must play for anyone who's a fan of open world action games. Don't go into this game expecting a Chinese GTA 5 because that's not what's delivered here. The beautiful thing about this game is that it's not GTA 5. It's another open world game that's fully capable of standing on its own and making a name for itself. This game is worth your time and your money. You're bound to find something you like within the definitive edition of Sleeping Dogs.


+Great Open World
+Solid Gameplay All Around
+Engaging Narrative

-Disobedient Camera
-Some Minor Glitches


9 out of 10

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor Review (PS4)

  What's up guys? Just a quick thank you to everyone who took the time out of their day to read this review. I have a lot of opinions on all sorts of entertainment and it means a lot that you're interested in what I think, and that you view my opinion as credible. That being said, let's talk about Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor.

  I'll start off by saying that this is the Lord of the Rings video game I've always wanted. Although the game doesn't share any title with the books or the films, the game takes place in between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and is set in the very same Middle Earth. So, for me, this is a Lord of the Rings video game. Albeit, a very different one from what we're all used to playing. This game doesn't follow the events of the films or books at all, but is an entirely new story brought to us by developer Monolith Productions. The same people who made one of my favorite shooters of all time: FEAR. They were also responsible for both Condemned games that came out in 05' and 08'. Needless to say, they've made some great games and Shadow of Mordor is no exception.

  The game looks absolutely incredible and the aesthetic does a great job of creating a gritty, believable Mordor. The character models of Talion, the main character, and the Uruks you fight throughout the game all look spectacular. All rendered in a crisp 1080p on PS4. The games framerate is also surprisingly stable, whether you're fighting three enemies or thirty enemies at once, you'll get a smooth experience all of the time. Whenever you're roaming Mordor the weather system does a good job of making you feel the harsh reality of the place you're in. Rain and sometimes even hail will fall down on you in spectacular fashion soaking your clothes and dropping visibility significantly, especially during the night. All of these things, coupled with the dynamic lighting, awesome animations and high quality voice work make Mordor really come to life in a way I thought it wouldn't.

  My motto when it comes to video games is simply this "Gameplay is King." You can have all the flashy visuals and best writing money can buy, but if you're game isn't fun to play, it's failed. Luckily, Shadow of Mordor does not fail in this category. This is a game that doesn't reinvent the wheel by any means. It uses mechanics that have been used in other games, almost to controversial effect, and it won't blow you away with it's narrative, but this title contains some of the best fun I've had in a game in a long time. It's simply fun to play. You can pick it up, learn it's simple control scheme in no time, and start your own onslaught through Mordor with devastating effect. The combat is brutal and visceral and truly makes you feel empowered as you level up abilities and upgrade your weapons. It's so fun to simply run around Mordor engaging in skirmishes with Uruks, while freeing human slaves kept captive, and taking out high targets within the Uruk society. I lost hours to exploration of the surprisingly big (but not too big) game world, finding artifacts and other collectibles. The world seemed to be just the right size. Not too small to where it seemed limited in possibilities, and not too big to where it appeared to be lifeless and underpopulated. Next to the vibrant world, another gameplay system caught my attention. The Nemesis System. This system makes every encounter have a sense of weight to it, and a sort of unpredictability. Every enemy you face in the world has the potential to kill you and move up within the Uruk hierarchy, getting promoted and remembering your encounters. They're all given a random set of personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, which allows you to really created your own memorable villains and showdowns. Since every foe you face has the potential to become a War Chief, the highest rank in the Uruk society, every kill you earn is satisfying and rewarding. The game has a very addictive nature to it, and you have to get your hands on it to truly experience it. All the videos and articles about it simply don't do it justice, including this one. This game is completely successful in creating a fun gameplay experience that is rewarding and keeps you coming back for hours on end.

  I really enjoyed Shadow of Mordor, and this stands as one of the best licensed titles in a long time next to Arkham City. If I have any gripes with the game it's that the story wasn't all that interesting. I would often ignore the story and opt to run around and cause more chaos within the well crafted world. I had many more memorable experiences doing that than I did with the story, even though it's well acted and has it's high points. If you enjoy a solid single player experience that is consistently fun and rewarding check this game out immediately.


+ Great Visuals and Performance
+ Brutal and Rewarding Combat
+ The Nemesis System

-Story Couldn't Keep Me Engaged


9 out of 10

Wolfenstein: The New Order Review

   What's up everyone? Just to give whoever may be reading this a quick rundown of how I'm going to be doing reviews from now on; I've decided to make them a lot shorter and to the point. That way you can take a couple minutes out of your day to read the review and decide whether or not this piece of entertainment is for you. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find this and all future reviews informative and helpful!

So, Wolfenstein: The New Order. This is a game I've been skeptical of for quite some time now. Believe it or not, I'm a big fan of the 2009 release of Wolfenstein by developer Raven Software. I thought it introduced a lot of cool things that made the game consistently fresh and the combat fun. It wasn't a perfect game by any means, but I did have a really good time with it, and I still do to this day. That being said, I wasn't expecting a revolutionary shooter from this new installment, but a game that I could have some good fun with; and that's exactly what I got. Wolfenstein: The New Order is a blast to play. The Combat is brutal and fun, and all the weapons have a great sense of power and kick to them. However, it wasn't only the combat that impressed me with this game. The story and characters are actually very well written and the game has exceptional production values in the form of awesome visuals, audio, and variety in level design. Wolfenstein has all the traits of a fun AAA shooter, but there are some problems that hold it back from greatness. Some of the first person cutscenes feel rushed and poorly integrated, while others are fluid and masterfully handled. There can be some rough texture pop-in at times, and the enemy AI is hit or miss. Not to mention the lack of any type of multiplayer modes. Don't get me wrong, I'm the type of gamer that will take a wonderfully crafted single player campaign over sub par, tacked on multiplayer any day, but the sixty dollar asking price is a bit much for a campaign that only lasts around ten to twelve hours. I know they appear in almost every shooter nowadays, but a co-op horde mode that you could play with friends would have been a blast. All the negativity aside, The New Order is a great shooter that offers a lot of fun and satisfying ways to play it's single player campaign. The option to be stealthy or go in guns blazing often presents itself, and unlockable perks make the combat consistently satisfying. There are also alternate game modes that can be unlocked by finding and solving collectibles hidden throughout the levels, however they all still remain single player. This shooter has a lot of heart and shows first hand that the genre can still do a lot of fun and interesting things. If you're a fan of shooters, this game is for you. 

+ Consistently Satisfying Combat

+ Well Written Characters and Story

+ Great Visuals and Sound

- Could use a little more polish in some parts

- The Enemy AI is hit or miss

- Lack of any type of co-op or competitive multiplayer 

8.5/10

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review

   I've thought about doing a review for this game for quite some time now, and it's going to be a bit different. I'm still going to base the review around the same three categories. Presentation, Gameplay, and Story. However, this game did so much for me as a gamer and even as a person. I hope you enjoy this review/reflection of what Knights of the Old Republic did for me.

Presentation

   It was the summer of 2003. I was ten years old. Star Wars was probably my favorite thing in the entire world back then. My dad had episodes four, five, and six on VHS and I would watch those every single day. I had just started to get into video games. A year prior my dad showed me Halo and since then I was hooked. I'd never experienced anything else like gaming before. My dad told me about this new Star Wars game coming out called Knights of the old Republic. He told me it was an RPG(Role-Playing-Game). I had absolutely no idea what that meant, but it excited me. He also told me that in this game you could actually be a Jedi! I had seen him play other Star Wars games like Rouge Squadron where you take control of Luke Skywalker and his famous X-wing as you fight the Empire across the galaxy, or Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer, where you raced other characters in Pod Racing, but nothing where you could actually wield a lightsaber and become a Jedi! Needless to say, I couldn't contain my excitement. I was counting down the days until the game released. My dad warned me and told me that this game was going to be tough and unlike anything I'd ever played, but that only made the game that much more interesting to me. Finally, the day arrived. We went to the mall to a store called Electronic Boutique(Now GameStop) we picked up the game and a copy of the strategy guide. I remember, my dad said "You're going to need this" and happily paid the extra fifteen bucks to get it for me. We got home around 11 in the morning and I remember the day like it was yesterday. I put the game into the console and it booted up. I was greeted with this awesome opening cut scene that got me insanely pumped to play this game. I hit "New Game" at the main menu and my journey was underway. Then, I got to select my character. I was immediately blown away. I had never played a game that allowed me to create my own character before. I was used to games that had a predetermined protagonist for me. That really made me feel like I was playing the game as myself, and really helped connect me to this universe. So, I select my character class and his appearance, and then it was onto the stat distribution screens. At first, I was like, what? I was given a certain number of points to distribute into whatever attributes and skills I wanted. I thought it was so in depth, and it took awhile to get past these screens because I didn't want to put my points into the "wrong" categories, not really knowing there was no wrong categories. I typed out my name as the characters name, and finally hit "Play Game." The Star Wars main theme exploded onto the screen and the rest is really history for me. I was in awe with how good the game looked back then. The faces looked so real and the game captures the feel of Star Wars exactly, it really takes you to the universe in a way that nothing else can. I think the game has aged well graphically. It doesn't look amazing, but I'm currently playing the PC version all maxed out and it looks crisp and performs really well. As a ten year old kid, it may as well have been real life. It felt completely real to me in every way. The Xbox version does have some problems however. The game does suffer from some framerate hitches throughout the combat, but I didn't notice this stuff until I got way older. The PC version fixes these problems and offers smooth gameplay all the way through. The presentation of this game has held up really well, and still delivers a unique Star Wars feel that even few games can deliver today. 

   

   Story

   The story of this game is one worthy of a film adaptation. I don't like to give anything away to those of you who haven't played the game, so I'll keep it simple. By the way, if you haven't, get your hands on this game immediately. Especially if you're an avid Star Wars fan. I showed this game to my girlfriend when we first started dating, and she couldn't get enough. She didn't even game back then, but it didn't matter. Basically, you take control of a character that you create and travel through the Star Wars galaxy, visiting many famous planets and locations. Some of which have been in the films, some of which have not. The game introduced a morality system in the way of Light Side and Dark Side. Your actions and how you treat people dictate which side you align with. You actually can dictate a lot of the elements of this story. Not in a huge Mass Effect kind of way, but enough to where each playthrough feels unique and different from the last. The story contains some of the best characters I've ever seen in a game, and some of which are still my favorites today. The story takes twist and it takes turns, and if you let it take you for a ride, you're going to be as surprised as I was at ten years old. Nothing about the story really jumped out at me as being bad. However, I am sort of biased towards this game, because of how iconic it is to me. The game takes about thirty-five to forty hours to complete, depending on how much you explore and depending on how many optional activities you do. I feel that the game is also paced really well. By the time you reach the end you really feel like you've been on a journey and it's satisfying to reach the conclusion. All in all, terrific story, villain, characters, and locations. 

Gameplay

   Everything in this game is way too addicting for your own good. Leveling up, outfitting your character with new robes, weapons, and powers is some of the best fun you can have in a game. This game carries with it and awesome sense of progression, which I believe is crucial in every successful Role Playing Game. Once you reach that final boss fight, you feel like the strongest Jedi that's ever graced the galaxy, and you know it. The combat in this game is turned based, and that initially scared me when I was a kid because when I thought turned based, I thought Final Fantasy. I was never able to get into those games. To my delight, the combat in this game is amazing, and I STILL think it's amazing ten years later. Picking the attacks for you and your party members then watching the carnage unfold on screen is awesome. It's the most satisfying turned based combat I've ever experienced. A lot of this game is conversation focused however, and if you're not a patient gamer, this isn't the game for you. RPG's in general probably aren't for you. You can skip through the dialogue if you want, but the voice acting and conversations are so good you're going to want to listen. There are a couple mini games like a Star Wars version of blackjack called Pazzak, and something called Swoop Racing, which is pretty much a racing time trial that is surprisingly addicting. Everything about the actual gameplay I still find fun after ten years. Pulling off a Master Flurry then watching that XP pop up on the screen as your foe falls to the ground never gets old. Like I said before, the Xbox version does suffer from some performance issues, but nothing that takes away from the overall experience. If you can play this game on PC, do it. You'll be surprised with how crisp and sharp the graphics still look. The combat, interaction with characters, and RPG elements work so perfectly together to create what is, in my opinion, the best Star Wars game ever made. 

Reflection

   Looking back to that day when I first played this game really brings back awesome memories. Back then this game challenged me and forced me to develop problem solving skills that I did not have before. The game world seemed so huge to me, and finding out where I had to go and what I had to do was something that was challenging at first, but thanks to that strategy guide(That I still own to this day) I was able to get through even the hardest sections of the game. People who say that video games aren't good for the brain, haven't played Knights of the old Republic or a thousand other titles that copied this games format. KOTOR introduced me to a new type of game that to this day is my favorite. I love buying a new RPG, locking myself away in my room and getting lost in a different world for a couple of hours. As a kid, there was nothing like finally building my lightsaber on Dantooine, or visiting the Sith home world of Korriban. This game completely opened my mind to a new type of gaming and was an experience I'll never forget. The news of LucasArts getting abolished really upset me. I've wanted a new Knights of the Old Republic for years now, and I wouldn't be opposed to a new Battlefront either. However, the recent news of Disney giving the game license to EA brings me hope. Maybe one day I'll be able to experience a KOTOR 3 and be enamored like I was when I was a child. I'm sure that I'm not the only one who feels this way. Knights of the Old Republic continues to inspire and is truly a revolutionary achievement. I implore you to find this game and play it. It's beginning to show its age, but it still carries the same passion and charm it did all those years ago. 

Score

10/10

The Place Beyond the Pines Review

   I was really excited to see The Place Beyond the Pines. I've recently become a hug fan of Ryan Gosling. Seeing movies like Drive and Fracture really opened my eyes to one of the best actors in today's cinema. One of my favorite critics, Chris Stuckmann, reviewed this film earlier last year and gave it his highest rating. Ever since then, I've been anxiously awaiting it's arrival to one of my local theaters. Well, I saw the movie yesterday and let me just say this. Wow. This movie is absolutely phenomenal.

   Ryan Gosling plays a motorcycle stuntman of sorts that works for a traveling fair. This role is something a bit different for Gosling. This character is rugged, sweaty, completely covered in tattoos and you can just tell that this man has had a troubled past. Gosling's character soon learns that he has a child, and drastically tries to turn his life around and support his so called family. That's all I'm going to say about the plot of this movie however, because this film takes twists and turns that you won't ever expect, and I don't want to give anything away. If you want to see this film, I urge you to go into this film with absolutely no knowledge of anything. I went in knowing only what I told you, and I had an amazing time with this film. Everything in this film from the acting to the directing is flawless. It's a truly unique film and I really hope that it gets the praise it deserves. I went to see this film with my girlfriend, and it was literally us two and maybe three other people in the theater. I'm usually not opposed to empty theaters, but I kept thinking, "How are people missing this!?" Everything about this movie was captivating to me. Let's set some things straight real quick. This film is a drama at it's core. It puts you in some truly uncomfortable and tense situations. It's solely a character driven adventure with some moments of action, but expect to be biting your nails 95% of the time. Although, when there are actions scenes, they're captured so well, it's truly a treat to watch them. This film was directed by Derek Cianfrance, the same director responsible for the film Blue Valentine. I have not seen Blue Valentine, but I have heard about it's depressing plot and conclusion. This film shares some of those elements, and that's why I loved it so much.

   I really don't know what else I can talk about without giving things away. This film was probably the best drama I've ever seen and it deserves your money. If you want to go see a film this weekend, don't see Evil Dead, don't see Oblivion, Go see The Place Beyond the Pines. A great film like this needs and deserves your support. Everything in this film was executed perfectly, with amazing performances from all the actors(whom all of which I didn't mention...for a reason) and amazing direction that caught me completely off guard. This is my favorite movie I've seen so far this year. This summer is going to be fantastic for movies, but I bet this film will still be one of my favorites after I've seen the new Star Trek and Man of Steel. Go see this movie, it's human drama at it's finest.

SCORE

5/5 STARS

 

The Color Morale: Know Hope Album Review

 
   Hey guys! I struggled all day with how I should review this album. Should it be more organized or should it be more of a free form style? I wasn't sure at first, but I think that it would be best to examine three specific parts of this album: Instrumentals, Vocals, and Message(or lyrical content) Have you guys listened to Know Hope yet? Have you even heard of The Color Morale? Let me know below!




   When I first heard The Color Morale I didn't like them. Back then, I was pretty narrow minded with music and they've always been a band that's strayed a bit from the norm. However, the more I listened to them, the more I grew to like them. Their songs have an almost infectious nature to them. You might hear one of their songs at first and think it was just okay, but that song doesn't let go of you. It gets stuck inside your head until you listen to it again, again, and again. One thing that always brings me back to this band over countless others is the devotion they have to spreading their message. Every single song has a rhyme and reason to it. There are no gimmicks with this band just honest music with an honest message. This band really stresses the concept of hope through each release. They're also big on moving forward with your life and who you are as a person. They've put out three albums via Rise Records, Know Hope being their most recent. I was super excited for this album. Their previous release, My Devil in Your Eyes, is one of my all time favorite records, and I couldn't wait to see what they were going to do next. I went out and bought the record a little over a week ago and have barely stop listening since.

Instrumentals

   Right from the start of this record you're greeted with an awesome track in Burn Victims. This song has a very heavy tone to it, with one of the best chorus' I've ever heard. The instrumentals throughout this entire album are a lot heavier than I expected them to be, but it works so well. The guitar work is just as good as anything else they've put out. I feel like the guitar parts ride a fine line of simplicity and technicality. They counter act the heavy riffs with beautiful lead parts and melodic chords. The sense of chaos that the instrumentals create within the track Smoke and Mirrors(video above) is menacing at points, and this holds true for the entire record. They've achieved a much more raw and dirty sound with this album, and I feel like it gives a much more authentic feel to this band. You can feel the anger and pain within each one of these songs. One thing that continually amazes me is the absurd drumming by Steve Carey. He's always been an insane drummer, but he's out of control on this record. His drumming compliments and accents the other instruments PERFECTLY. Great job Steve, you're awesome. Honestly though they've really achieved something with the instrumentals on this album. They've kept the same feel that fans will be used to while also evolving it and bring something fresh to The Color Morale. I think that these songs hold something for everyone instrumentally. Some songs, especially the first half of the album, are relentlessly heavy, while the second half still maintains heavy elements, but pushes a more melodic/punk style to the foreground. The song Steadfast is a good example of this. There's also an interesting use of keys/pads in some cool spots, which is something new for them. You can definitely tell more time was spent in post production for this record. Overall, awesome instrumentals that convey a new fresh tone to these songs, while remaining the band I've come to love. 

Vocals

   Vocals have undergone a big transformation for this record. Singer, Garret Rapp, developed a higher scream/yell that constantly reminds me of Stray from the Path. A lot of people don't like his vocal style for this album, but I absolutely love it. The other day I was actually listening to one of their older albums and I found myself wishing that the old records utilized his new vocal style. He talks a little about the transformation in the video I posted above. I really believe that his new style of scream lends a more angry and emotional side to the heavy parts. There's also a really good use of his low screaming as well. His low screams definitely aren't used as much in this record, but when they are used, they're used well. This helps to create a really good contrast and variety within the vocals. Then of course there are his clean vocals, and they don't disappoint. Record after record, I'm constantly amazed with the chorus' this man can think of. He has a true gift for thinking of hooks and melodies that will be embedded in your brain for days. As a vocalist myself, he continually inspires me with what he's able to pull off. A lot of people make the mistake of saying that something is bad just because it's different from what they're used to. People don't realize that you have to sit back and accept something for what it is. Only then can you truly appreciate it. The vocals on this record are truly unique and they further solidify Mr. Rapp as one of my favorite vocalists in the scene today. There's also some truly awesome screams from bassist, Justin Hieser. I find myself constantly singing this album to myself when I'm at home, work, church, everywhere I go it's in my head. If you like passionate screams coupled with contagious singing melodies, you won't be disappointed here. 

Message

   Garret Rapp has made the statement that this album, lyrically, is his entire life spilled onto a CD for people's enjoyment. He's been struggling with a lot things in his life, and he's not afraid to tell you what those are with this record. Few lyricists are bold enough to be as honest as Garret is with Know Hope. He touches on a lot of topics that are close to his heart, and things that he still isn't over. This record is very much a current representation of him and the band as a whole. The problems he talks about in this album are not things that are in his past. They are things that he is still struggling through. His honesty has been very inspirational for me as a writer. He's made the statement that in the past he's written about what the thought he was supposed to write about, instead of writing about what he really wants/needs to. I really connected to that statement. This record is a lot darker and more unnerving than any of the others, while still remaining inspirational somehow. A lot of us face some of the same problems that he's facing. Some of us might be facing them right now, so it's really easy to connect with the lyrical side of this album. Rise Records made a statement on their Facebook not too long ago that read: hype fades, substance stays. Substance is exactly what this record contains. The Color Morale has changed multiple lives, including mine, with their message. Even though a lot of this record is negative in it's message Garret says it the best in the song Silver Lining, "You can still lead a positive life with a negative mind."

Final Thoughts

   I was extremely excited for this album and it did not disappoint me at all, and the more I listen to it, the more I love it. This is The Color Morale at their best. Everyone in this band has sacrificed so much to bring you this honest representation of their lives through music. Please support this band, they give everything they have and expect nothing in return. If you haven't heard of The Color Morale, please check them out and pick up one of their records. I really don't think you'll be disappointed. This band has changed a lot in me, the way I view music, and why I play music myself. I would absolutely hate for you to miss out on what this band has for you. 

   

Jurassic Park 3D Review

   Hey guys! This is my first film review. I decided to do things a bit differently with these reviews. I'm not going to break things down into certain categories like I do with my game reviews. Instead, I'm going to talk about the film and share my thoughts in more of a free form style of writing. I'll touch on as many aspects of the film as I can, while doing my best to give you an accurate review of what I thought. Enjoy!

   I saw Jurassic Park for the first time when I was very young. I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I think I was either five or six. Back then, Jurassic Park was one of my favorite films. I was at that age where the concept of dinosaurs fascinated me, and where I thought the Tyrannosaurus Rex was the coolest animal I'd ever seen. Of course when you're viewing this film as a kid, you just want to see dinosaurs eat people and tear stuff up. That was what initially attracted me to this film as a child. However, as I grew older and my love for movies started to mature, I started to notice the plot of this movie more, the acting, the directing, and all that it took to make this film. I only learned about a week ago that they were doing this film in 3D, and that it was set to release very soon. Having missed the 3D re-releases of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace, and Titanic, I didn't really know what to expect. Well, I just got back from seeing this movie, and I'm very pleased to tell you that this was the best experience I have ever had with this film. I absolutely loved it.

   The first thing I noticed about the film was the brilliant use of 3D. Characters and creatures pop from the screen creating some very awesome depth of field within the shots. I was also, really surprised with how good this film STILL looks. I felt like I was at home watching a blu-ray instead of watching a movie that was originally released in 1993. Seeing this movie in theaters really helped me to pick up on Spielberg's fabulous direction. I'd never noticed how beautifully the film was shot until now. I really liked his use of focus in some shots as well. The audio for this film has also been remastered and it sounds fantastic. I've seen this movie at least fifteen times and I was hearing things that I'd never heard before. Everything from the roars of the dinosaurs to the dialogue sounds crisp and clear. John Williams' iconic theme returns, and there's nothing like experiencing that composition through a theater's sound system. It's as beautiful as ever.

   Seeing this film in a theater really carried over a different tone for the film. This time around everything felt a lot more threatening and very scary. I wasn't thinking of this as a kid's film anymore. All of a sudden it became very mature, and everything carried a lot more weight. This also got me to thinking about something. Seeing this movie in theaters really changed my perspective on it. I've always enjoyed the film, but now I appreciate it in a whole new way. Now, I believe that every film should be viewed this way. Throughout the entire movie I kept thinking, "Darn, I really wish I went to go see Titanic when it was around." It's really like watching a whole new film. The acting and the plot obviously haven't changed over the past twenty years. Yes, it's still fantastic, and viewing this movie in theaters really helped to bring out the strengths in the acting and in the plot. Another thing that constantly surprised me was how well the visual effects have held up. Computer Generated Imagery has come a long way since 1993, but the creatures in this movie still look incredibly life-like. The painstaking work that was put into the live action dinosaurs completely paid off, because they still, to this day, beat any other puppetry or animatronics I've seen since.

  Seeing this movie in theaters has allowed me to look at this film in a completely new way. It's still the Jurassic Park we've come to love, but it's better in almost every way. If you have the time or money to go see this film in 3D, do it. If you're like me, it'll give you a new respect for the film and what it took to make an incredibly ambitious movie like this. If you somehow haven't seen Jurassic Park, there is no better time than right now. Go see it in theaters, and be prepared to be wowed by fantastic cinematography, great acting, clever direction, and a presentation that is still amazing to this day.

Score

5/5 Stars

Tomb Raider (2013) Review

   Hey guys! Since this is my first game review, I'm going to give you the run down on what I'll be looking at when I review games. I've been watching and reading IGN reviews for years now, and I've always liked their criteria. I'll be reviewing 3 major categories: Presentation, Story, and Gameplay. This(as well as anything else I post) is my opinion. If you disagree, let me know! I'd be more than happy to hear what you think! 

Presentation

   From the very outset of this game your eyes are treated to gorgeous visuals. I played through this game on the Xbox 360 and was still shocked at how polished and crisp the visuals were. The world is so wonderfully realized, that it sucks you in almost immediately. Lara's animations are among some of the best I've seen since the Uncharted series. It's apparent throughout the game that Crystal Dynamics learned from what Uncharted did, and in my opinion topped it. One of the most alluring aspects of this game is how it grounds itself in reality. Sure, a lot of the set pieces and story elements are far fetched, but the game is grounded in a brutal, gritty world. So, I was able to suspend my disbelief without a problem. Along with amazing animations, the character of Lara Croft is an absolute powerhouse in this game. Gone are the days of a big breasted, gone toting sex symbol. This is an origin story for Lara and this game creates a character that you genuinely feel for. She's intelligent, afraid, and completely vulnerable, and I think that's one of the biggest reasons this game succeeds. For once a game has given us an action hero that isn't impervious to everything. Throughout the course of the game she takes an absolute beating, and it shows. Her character progressively gets bruised, scratched, and even scarred. By the end of the game you can tell what she's been through just by looking at her, and that's an achievement. The voice acting is also top notch thanks to a great performance by Camilla Luddington as Lara Croft. The rest of the cast is also does a good job, but it was her performance that stood out to me. When you play Tomb Raider, you're treated to an insanely polished open world game with tremendous attention to detail. The game world will suck you in like few games can. Amazing presentation from start to finish. 

Story

   This is where it gets a little tricky for me. I'm hugely opposed to spoilers, so, I'm going to do my best to explain how I feel about the story without giving anything huge away. Like I stated before, this is an origin story. This game finds Lara before she became the fearless tomb raider we know her as. The game kicks off with Lara and her colleagues aboard a ship sailing in search of the lost island of Yamatai. As they approach the island, an incredible storm crashes their ship against the rocks, forcing them to abandon the ship and each other. Stranded on this mystical island, you must find your friends and do what you can to get off the island. That's all I'm going to say about the story of the game, because I feel like it needs to be experienced to be told. I thought the story was fantastic in this game. Watching Lara transform from harmless adventurer to hardened survivalist is a thrilling yet emotional experience. Some of you smarter players out there might be able to see where the story is going early on, but I don't think this is a bad thing. Simple stories are usually the best in my opinion, and this story barely stumbles at all. One main criticism that other reviews have had towards the story of this game(that I don't necessarily agree with) is the evolution of Lara's character. One moment she can barely fire a gun and then the next she's a cold blooded killer. In the game she is forced to adapt very quickly, and while this may be a bit jarring for you, I feel the game justified it quite nicely. Lara quickly realizes that it's kill or be killed on this island, and she intends to survive. The story also deals some great fan service for those who are veteran players of the franchise. I highly enjoyed this story and I really cared about what was going to happen to all of the characters, especially Lara.   

Gameplay

   When I played through Tomb Raider for the first time, I beat it in two days. This isn't because the game is short. It's because this game is So. Much. Fun. I could not put this game down. I played for 12 hours straight the first time I picked up the controller. I thought my Xbox was going to explode I'd been playing so long. Everything you do in this game, whether it be: platforming, shooting, hunting, collecting, raiding tombs, or just exploring, is ridiculously compelling. The game rewards you for exploring by letting you upgrade your weapons and abilities. This is the area where I believe this game outshines Uncharted. In the Uncharted games, you go through linear level after linear level with barely any exploring and absolutely no character progression. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love those games, but Tomb Raider takes what was amazing with those games and adds a depth that they just don't have. The sense of progression is perfectly paced through the game, and by the end, you feel completely empowered. I had so much fun fighting the bad guys, I'm hoping they release some sort of horde mode DLC, cause I'll be the first to buy it. I haven't played a game that felt this good on the sticks in a long time. Everything felt just right while using the controller. I haven't had a chance to play this game on PC yet, so I'm not sure what this game feels like using a mouse and keyboard, but honestly, it was so nice with the game pad  I'll probably just use a controller when I play the PC version. After you complete the story, the game allows you to keep playing. You're free to scrounge for any collectibles you missed or raid any tombs that you haven't. I haven't had this much pure fun playing a game in a very long time. It's a genuine joy to play. 

Verdict

   As you can probably tell, I adored this game. Crystal Dynamics has breathed new life into a franchise that needed it the most. There are so many interesting directions they can go with this new Lara, and I can't wait to see what they're planning next. This is by far my favorite game that's been released so far this year, and is a definite early contender for game of the year. The only thing that kept this game from a perfect score, was the extremely bland multiplayer. It's unoriginal in pretty much every way, and I think they could have taken the time they spent making a really bad competitive mode, and given us a really solid, enjoyable, cooperative mode. That aside, this game is near flawless. I implore you to check out this game. Even if you're not a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise, I'm convinced this game will make you one. 

Score

9.5/10