Geography Drive USA- This app is a roadtrip themed trivia game about U.S. States. There are several stock cars from three different presidential garages(Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt). Each car runs on fuel which one block is taken off when reaching another bordering state. You must answer three different trivia questions for each state and by getting all three you've cleared off that state. This app game uses a money system for stuff like flights from major airports such as LAX and JFK, colors for car, and even new vehicles. You earn money by correct answers, state fairs, delivering an item from one state to another(cheese from Wisconsin to Washington). You refuel by answering one trivia question per fuel block(max 5). Maps and display look like a cartoon but look fine though as they really bring back those paperback U.S. State books. This game does seen more detailed for it's type as though it didn't follow a more hands on driving experience.
Apps like these are great for some road trip experience and should be expanded to include all of North America such as not only USA but Canada, Mexico, and Central America as well. Just think of having a trucking game like this but I'd make it alternate history with instead of what we have now we could include Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, South California, North California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, South Illinois, Cuba, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Rio Grande, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Yutaca, and Honduras as the Confederate States of America;
New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Superior, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Franklin, Alaska, Hawaii, Phillipines, Micronesia, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Dominica, and Guyana as the United States of America;
Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island as East Canada;
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut as West Canada;
Rest of Mexico as Mexico;
Vermont and Newfoundland being independent nations. The Panama Canal Zone would be under CSA territory.
Geography Drive USA truly is a great small app game.
Slice of Bread Goes to the Beach-This fella is a slice of bread who goes to the beach to search for the other red sandal. The visual effects are great and it really comes to like when you click on it. This story is very integrated with paperback looks and computer imaging of effects. You'll be surprised with something like this as it's effects are what make app stories like this amazing.
Dr Seuss: Ice is Nice- A spin-off of Cat In The Hat involving Cat in the Hat, Things 1 and 2, Sally and Dick who all go to both the North and South Poles. This story shows somethings about the North and South Poles. This story looks a lot like paperback Dr. Seuss book but with the effects of an app story. Some facts have included Midnight Sun, Polar wildlife, year-round cold, and even something about global warming.
Mazement- This is a maze type game where you control a blue ball dependent on you tilting the tablet as controls but it does feel awkward to control as you really have to be careful and you feel as if you don't get the right results immediately. In my opinion, tilt controls to it's entirety aren't so great for games as you feel like you have to be very careful with these controls. The rest of the game however is pretty fun for a mini-game with graphics that look outdated. Overall, Mazement is an OK game but is really not one of my liking.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Little Big Planet review
A game from 2008, Little Big Planet is a hit PS3 exclusive that took arts and crafts by surprise.
Little Big Planet in my opinion started the arts and crafts sub-genre of platform games. The narrator sounds like he's from the United Kingdom and the Sack Boy looks adorable. What this game has going for is the customization options and how you can place stickers and clothing for your sack boy. So many customization options your head will spin. Gameplay consists of platforming with several actions to be taken such as pushing blocks to make it up hard to reach places and clinging to sponges while swinging over. This game made platforming genre more expansive and create an new sub-genre dubbed arts and crafts theme. Little Big Planet is about arts and crafts style customization in a world that looks like arts and crafts.
Controls involve your sack boy moving either left or right but will look towards you when idle or not moving left or right. Jumping feels a little moon like but is acceptable as moving seems a little stiff but playable. In the Sack Boy Pod, your Sack Boy will have a PS3 controller which he can be seen controlling the menu screen. Pop up a mini menu for decorations and stickers.
Graphics looked amazing for it's time but would be outmatched when better picture quality came around with it's sequal.
Little Big Planet is considered one of the most important games of all time for it's display and gameplay presentation. This puzzle-platformer truly is an awesome platform game with a whole series under Sony Computer Entertainment. If LBP 2 had better graphics, what will future LBP have for Playstation 4? This game reminds me of a PS4 exclusive dubbed Knack who is very similar to Sack Boy. Knack is gonna be a superhero, which is something Little Big Planet doesn't have. BTW, Knack is not an arts and crafts game but the main character Knack reminds you of Little Big Planet.
Final rating is a 91/100
Little Big Planet in my opinion started the arts and crafts sub-genre of platform games. The narrator sounds like he's from the United Kingdom and the Sack Boy looks adorable. What this game has going for is the customization options and how you can place stickers and clothing for your sack boy. So many customization options your head will spin. Gameplay consists of platforming with several actions to be taken such as pushing blocks to make it up hard to reach places and clinging to sponges while swinging over. This game made platforming genre more expansive and create an new sub-genre dubbed arts and crafts theme. Little Big Planet is about arts and crafts style customization in a world that looks like arts and crafts.
Controls involve your sack boy moving either left or right but will look towards you when idle or not moving left or right. Jumping feels a little moon like but is acceptable as moving seems a little stiff but playable. In the Sack Boy Pod, your Sack Boy will have a PS3 controller which he can be seen controlling the menu screen. Pop up a mini menu for decorations and stickers.
Graphics looked amazing for it's time but would be outmatched when better picture quality came around with it's sequal.
Little Big Planet is considered one of the most important games of all time for it's display and gameplay presentation. This puzzle-platformer truly is an awesome platform game with a whole series under Sony Computer Entertainment. If LBP 2 had better graphics, what will future LBP have for Playstation 4? This game reminds me of a PS4 exclusive dubbed Knack who is very similar to Sack Boy. Knack is gonna be a superhero, which is something Little Big Planet doesn't have. BTW, Knack is not an arts and crafts game but the main character Knack reminds you of Little Big Planet.
Final rating is a 91/100
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Mafia II Joe's Adventures and Jimmy's Vendetta
Joes Adventures and Jimmys Vendetta are DLC stories which are separate from Mafia II and feel more like Free Roaming than just a linear storyline.
Joes Adventures, you play as Joe Barbero which starts in 1945 after Vito Scaletta is arrested. Joe beats up a gas station attendant who ratted Vito out. Despite Joe's efforts, Vito is convicted and sentenced to federal prison time. Joe Barbaro leaves Empire Bay for five years and the story takes place in 1950. Mission structure is much like Grand Theft Auto IV as you have the choice of going to the mission available and selecting it like you would in Grand Theft Auto IV. It saves your game like a save point after you start the mission. Joe's Adventures plays the same as Mafia II but has more freedom in the sense of mission structure and saving at safehouses. You can save first at Barbaro's Apartment but more safehouses will be unlocked overtime. There's a difference in vehicles and music as there are new tunes and a few new cars. Plus, missions seem to be more like what you would expect in GTA IV. You don't have the same mount of cutscenes as in Mafia II. If Only Mafia II were more like GTA IV. Joe's Adventures makes 1950 feel more like the mid 50's and less like the late 40's considering 1949 was the year before 1950. Gameplay mechanics are the same as Mafia II though it does feel more challenging without the linear aspects. It seems to me Joe Barbaro had a great time working for the Falcone family wheres Vito Scaletta would be better off with Vinci.
Final Rating: Gameplay=93/100, Graphics=100/100(PC), 90/100(PS3, Xbox 360), Theme=95/100, Story=85/100, Lasting Appeal=92/100; Final rating is 93/100 for PC/Mac and 91/100 for PS3/Xbox 360
Jimmy's Vendetta involves a new Character named Jimmy who recently escaped from prison and intends to kill those who wronged him. His story takes place after the events of Mafia II and soundtrack remains the same though songs sometimes play on wrong stations with some oldies playing on Empire Central and Delta radios. Gameplay mechanics are the same as Mafia II and at the start of JV, Jimmy has all available safehouses and mission structure is like GTA IV. Three mission arcs are available being the Gravina and Brodie gangs while the Auto Theft missions remain another arc. With a later year, JV may seem like the best rendition of a mid 1950's Grand Theft Auto. You can freely roam around and select missions by choice like in Grand Theft Auto IV. Hardly any cutscenes or story to this but gameplay is much more important.
Final rating for this includes a 92/100
Joes Adventures, you play as Joe Barbero which starts in 1945 after Vito Scaletta is arrested. Joe beats up a gas station attendant who ratted Vito out. Despite Joe's efforts, Vito is convicted and sentenced to federal prison time. Joe Barbaro leaves Empire Bay for five years and the story takes place in 1950. Mission structure is much like Grand Theft Auto IV as you have the choice of going to the mission available and selecting it like you would in Grand Theft Auto IV. It saves your game like a save point after you start the mission. Joe's Adventures plays the same as Mafia II but has more freedom in the sense of mission structure and saving at safehouses. You can save first at Barbaro's Apartment but more safehouses will be unlocked overtime. There's a difference in vehicles and music as there are new tunes and a few new cars. Plus, missions seem to be more like what you would expect in GTA IV. You don't have the same mount of cutscenes as in Mafia II. If Only Mafia II were more like GTA IV. Joe's Adventures makes 1950 feel more like the mid 50's and less like the late 40's considering 1949 was the year before 1950. Gameplay mechanics are the same as Mafia II though it does feel more challenging without the linear aspects. It seems to me Joe Barbaro had a great time working for the Falcone family wheres Vito Scaletta would be better off with Vinci.
Final Rating: Gameplay=93/100, Graphics=100/100(PC), 90/100(PS3, Xbox 360), Theme=95/100, Story=85/100, Lasting Appeal=92/100; Final rating is 93/100 for PC/Mac and 91/100 for PS3/Xbox 360
Jimmy's Vendetta involves a new Character named Jimmy who recently escaped from prison and intends to kill those who wronged him. His story takes place after the events of Mafia II and soundtrack remains the same though songs sometimes play on wrong stations with some oldies playing on Empire Central and Delta radios. Gameplay mechanics are the same as Mafia II and at the start of JV, Jimmy has all available safehouses and mission structure is like GTA IV. Three mission arcs are available being the Gravina and Brodie gangs while the Auto Theft missions remain another arc. With a later year, JV may seem like the best rendition of a mid 1950's Grand Theft Auto. You can freely roam around and select missions by choice like in Grand Theft Auto IV. Hardly any cutscenes or story to this but gameplay is much more important.
Final rating for this includes a 92/100
Wishlist for Mafia III
Mafia II looked and felt amazing but had some disappointments. For Mafia III however I wish for these disappointments to fail from reoccuring.
Grand Theft Auto style gameplay:
One complaint I've had was the lack of free roam abilities like you had in Grand Theft Auto IV. In Mafia II, you did have free roaming abilities in some chapters but when the story ends you don't get to free roam anymore but must start the story over again. For Mafia III however I'd like it to include more side missions and a Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row 2 style story mission arc. Side missions I'd like included are Taxi, Ambulance, and Vigilante missions to earn more money for safehouses, weapons, food, and auto mechanics. Plus, doing side missions for random people could bring in more money as well as including Hot-Rod races where you could race Greasers in Hot-Rods for a prize. Being able to change clothes was available in Mafia II as well as customizing cars which was not something you could do in Grand Theft Auto IV. Mafia III however should be made to be like Grand Theft Auto IV-V and Saints Row 2 in mission arcs so players can have more choices.
A more open ended choice style story set in the mid 1950's:
What Dishonored and Bioshock had were choices throughout the game which would affect the ending of the story. That's what Mafia III needs such as reputation for being violent or peaceful. Mafia II was originally going to be set from 1946 to 57 but it was shortened to 1943 to 51. What made 1945-64 the best years of Western Civilization were the Conservative and Anti-Communist culture associated with it as well as a golden feel and touch to life. Every society has their flaws and these years were no exception. Mafia III should be centered around the themes of the 1950's and the protagonist should be a World War II veteran who has Libertarian Conservative views while being a man of no compromise.
A suitable setting:
Empire Bay was an awesome environment for Mafia II. What about Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Cuba? The Godfather series took place primarily in New York, Miami, and Havana with Las Vegas being mentioned. L.A. Noire resembled an awesome 1947 Los Angeles. Creating an exciting thrill to these once great cities is what Mafia III will need. The Godfather had a great rendition of 1945-55 New York and Jersey City while The Godfather 2 had a more watered down New York, some more detailed Miami, and Cuba in 1959-60. Is it possible to make a parody of several cities in Mafia III? Of course you can now with the 8th generation consoles(PS4, Wii U, Xbox 720, Steambox). I hope the setting takes place around 1948-57.
Role of the protagonist:
What I liked about the Godfather 2 was Dominic also had a crew of three other gangsters and formed his own subsidiary of the Corleone Family with Dominic as the Don of his gang. His family fought other families with stories of shock and betrayal and his defense of Corleone Family Don Michael Corleone. The protagonist should be the Don of a newly formed Mafia being the subsidiary and ally of another major Mafia family like in The Godfather II. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes made in Godfather II game.
Overview of the story:
What should the story be about? In The Godfather I-II, Aldo Tripani and Dominic respectively had to conquer rackets to weaken rival families. Mafia III should follow the approach of Saints Row 2 while having the main story line which runs concurrently with the gang arcs. The main storyline would be centered around the home family while rival gang arcs would be done separately. Jimmy's Vendetta in Mafia II has two gang arcs being the Gravina Family and the Irish Mob. The Godfather II had three different sects for fighting rival families(1st being Carmine Rosato Family, 2nd being Tony Rosato and Granados, and 3rd being Manganos and Almeda families). Rival gangs would be weakened by eliminating their soldiers and capos. The Consiglieres, Underbosses, and Dons of each gang would be conquered according to the gang arc like the fates of the gang characters in Saints Row 1-2. When the Don is killed in the final mission of the gang arc, the entire gang is finished and all lower rankings under Consigliere/underboss are finished. Associates and Soldiers should be available for elimination at the start of the gang arc wheres Capos would be available after completing a certain percentage of the gang arc. The major rival characters would be eliminated according to the main gang arc which would happen late in the gang arc like Saints Row 1-2 with for example Los Carnales elimination of Hector Lopez, Victor Rodriguez, and Angelo Lopez in order. Some gangs would have enforcers but could also be underboss/consigliere. Each gang would have rackets for contraband which would have to be conquered to advance through the gang arc. These can be conquered at any time they're available but must be guarded as rival gangs will try to take back turfs. Not all gangs could be Mafia ones but also lesser ones that have some rackets of their own but have shorter gang arcs and less turf. Mafia II not only had rival Mafias but also lesser gangs such as O'Neill Gang, Bombers, Greasers, and Empire Bay Triads. Hopes for Mafia III include the storyline and gameplay having improved similarities to The Godfather II. Gangs would be seperated in acts like the Godfather II with for example one Mafia family in Act I, and two for each of Acts II-III. Act IV would be the final act in which the final missions come.
Gang preferences:
Each gang would have their own turf and style such as vehicles, clothes, and businesses. Mafia Families would have more luxurious style such as Cadillacs, Imperials, and Lincolns while lesser gangs would have more economy based possessions such as Fords, Chevrolets, and Plymouths. The family you play will be able to choose which select vehicles and clothes for your gang to drive and wear. Each gang will have a mansion and your gang would start in one city with your parent family's mansion in the first city while you also have a crib of your own. After you've conquered a gang you will have collected their mansion as well as rewards. You will have to go to your crib to save your game though there is an autosave feature when you complete a mission like in grand theft Auto IV. Every hideout includes the ability to customize gangs and vehicles while the main gang mansion is the main hideout. Conquered gang hideouts and mansions can be used as your own hideout.
Be The Don:
Be the Don and feel like it when you conquer your way to victory. the game won't be over when you've made it to the top since you can enjoy numerous other activities and finish other unfinished achievements as well as having a new multiplayer mode where you ally or fight other players online. Cities would be unlocked according to the main story which would depend on the amount of territory and gang arc already conquered. Conquering certain amount of rackets should be required to advance through the gang arc but all rackets must be conquered before the final mission of each gang arc is unlocked.
Awesome Combat Moves and executions:
The Godfather II had awesome executions for enemies such as ones where dominic punch-pulverizes an enemies head melee style before blowing the final punch, finally killing the executed enemy. Plus, Magnum drop where you just shoot a nearly executed enemy down it's head with a magnum revolver.
More Automobiles:
In Mafia II, there were only around 42-54 cars total. In Mafia III, the number should be doubled to around 95-108 cars. Satire the real brand names such as Hudson, Packard, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Studebaker, Lincoln, Mercury, Edsel, De Soto, Dodge, Chrysler, Imperial, Nash, Kaiser-Frazer, Mercedes Benz, Willys, BMW, Austin-Healey, GMC, Ferrari, Tucker, Citroen, Renault, Duesenberg, Mack, and GMC. In Mafia II you could store vehicles in your garage and they would need gas. Adding to the realism that this game has is important and adding the classic 1930's-50's cars is also important but there should be less 1930's cars and most of them shoudl be of the 1950's.
Some Alternate History and Anachronism:
I'm hoping Mafia III would take place in 1954-55 with some cars being available as far into future as 1960. Mafia II despite taking place in 1945 and 51 had music several years ahead of it's time. It's most future vehicle was the 1957 Smith Custom 500. Mafia III should include some music from the 1960's. Whatever they maybe, it should make the mid 1950's an enjoyable experience such as Miami, Florida being in the Confederate States of America and Cuba having been a CSA protectorate from 1902 to 1940 with an independence period closely aligned with the Confederate States of America.
For there to be any clear cut ideas for Mafia III, I would have to write these down more thoroughly and detailed since awesome games take effort and pride.
Grand Theft Auto style gameplay:
One complaint I've had was the lack of free roam abilities like you had in Grand Theft Auto IV. In Mafia II, you did have free roaming abilities in some chapters but when the story ends you don't get to free roam anymore but must start the story over again. For Mafia III however I'd like it to include more side missions and a Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row 2 style story mission arc. Side missions I'd like included are Taxi, Ambulance, and Vigilante missions to earn more money for safehouses, weapons, food, and auto mechanics. Plus, doing side missions for random people could bring in more money as well as including Hot-Rod races where you could race Greasers in Hot-Rods for a prize. Being able to change clothes was available in Mafia II as well as customizing cars which was not something you could do in Grand Theft Auto IV. Mafia III however should be made to be like Grand Theft Auto IV-V and Saints Row 2 in mission arcs so players can have more choices.
A more open ended choice style story set in the mid 1950's:
What Dishonored and Bioshock had were choices throughout the game which would affect the ending of the story. That's what Mafia III needs such as reputation for being violent or peaceful. Mafia II was originally going to be set from 1946 to 57 but it was shortened to 1943 to 51. What made 1945-64 the best years of Western Civilization were the Conservative and Anti-Communist culture associated with it as well as a golden feel and touch to life. Every society has their flaws and these years were no exception. Mafia III should be centered around the themes of the 1950's and the protagonist should be a World War II veteran who has Libertarian Conservative views while being a man of no compromise.
A suitable setting:
Empire Bay was an awesome environment for Mafia II. What about Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Cuba? The Godfather series took place primarily in New York, Miami, and Havana with Las Vegas being mentioned. L.A. Noire resembled an awesome 1947 Los Angeles. Creating an exciting thrill to these once great cities is what Mafia III will need. The Godfather had a great rendition of 1945-55 New York and Jersey City while The Godfather 2 had a more watered down New York, some more detailed Miami, and Cuba in 1959-60. Is it possible to make a parody of several cities in Mafia III? Of course you can now with the 8th generation consoles(PS4, Wii U, Xbox 720, Steambox). I hope the setting takes place around 1948-57.
Role of the protagonist:
What I liked about the Godfather 2 was Dominic also had a crew of three other gangsters and formed his own subsidiary of the Corleone Family with Dominic as the Don of his gang. His family fought other families with stories of shock and betrayal and his defense of Corleone Family Don Michael Corleone. The protagonist should be the Don of a newly formed Mafia being the subsidiary and ally of another major Mafia family like in The Godfather II. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes made in Godfather II game.
Overview of the story:
What should the story be about? In The Godfather I-II, Aldo Tripani and Dominic respectively had to conquer rackets to weaken rival families. Mafia III should follow the approach of Saints Row 2 while having the main story line which runs concurrently with the gang arcs. The main storyline would be centered around the home family while rival gang arcs would be done separately. Jimmy's Vendetta in Mafia II has two gang arcs being the Gravina Family and the Irish Mob. The Godfather II had three different sects for fighting rival families(1st being Carmine Rosato Family, 2nd being Tony Rosato and Granados, and 3rd being Manganos and Almeda families). Rival gangs would be weakened by eliminating their soldiers and capos. The Consiglieres, Underbosses, and Dons of each gang would be conquered according to the gang arc like the fates of the gang characters in Saints Row 1-2. When the Don is killed in the final mission of the gang arc, the entire gang is finished and all lower rankings under Consigliere/underboss are finished. Associates and Soldiers should be available for elimination at the start of the gang arc wheres Capos would be available after completing a certain percentage of the gang arc. The major rival characters would be eliminated according to the main gang arc which would happen late in the gang arc like Saints Row 1-2 with for example Los Carnales elimination of Hector Lopez, Victor Rodriguez, and Angelo Lopez in order. Some gangs would have enforcers but could also be underboss/consigliere. Each gang would have rackets for contraband which would have to be conquered to advance through the gang arc. These can be conquered at any time they're available but must be guarded as rival gangs will try to take back turfs. Not all gangs could be Mafia ones but also lesser ones that have some rackets of their own but have shorter gang arcs and less turf. Mafia II not only had rival Mafias but also lesser gangs such as O'Neill Gang, Bombers, Greasers, and Empire Bay Triads. Hopes for Mafia III include the storyline and gameplay having improved similarities to The Godfather II. Gangs would be seperated in acts like the Godfather II with for example one Mafia family in Act I, and two for each of Acts II-III. Act IV would be the final act in which the final missions come.
Gang preferences:
Each gang would have their own turf and style such as vehicles, clothes, and businesses. Mafia Families would have more luxurious style such as Cadillacs, Imperials, and Lincolns while lesser gangs would have more economy based possessions such as Fords, Chevrolets, and Plymouths. The family you play will be able to choose which select vehicles and clothes for your gang to drive and wear. Each gang will have a mansion and your gang would start in one city with your parent family's mansion in the first city while you also have a crib of your own. After you've conquered a gang you will have collected their mansion as well as rewards. You will have to go to your crib to save your game though there is an autosave feature when you complete a mission like in grand theft Auto IV. Every hideout includes the ability to customize gangs and vehicles while the main gang mansion is the main hideout. Conquered gang hideouts and mansions can be used as your own hideout.
Be The Don:
Be the Don and feel like it when you conquer your way to victory. the game won't be over when you've made it to the top since you can enjoy numerous other activities and finish other unfinished achievements as well as having a new multiplayer mode where you ally or fight other players online. Cities would be unlocked according to the main story which would depend on the amount of territory and gang arc already conquered. Conquering certain amount of rackets should be required to advance through the gang arc but all rackets must be conquered before the final mission of each gang arc is unlocked.
Awesome Combat Moves and executions:
The Godfather II had awesome executions for enemies such as ones where dominic punch-pulverizes an enemies head melee style before blowing the final punch, finally killing the executed enemy. Plus, Magnum drop where you just shoot a nearly executed enemy down it's head with a magnum revolver.
More Automobiles:
In Mafia II, there were only around 42-54 cars total. In Mafia III, the number should be doubled to around 95-108 cars. Satire the real brand names such as Hudson, Packard, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Studebaker, Lincoln, Mercury, Edsel, De Soto, Dodge, Chrysler, Imperial, Nash, Kaiser-Frazer, Mercedes Benz, Willys, BMW, Austin-Healey, GMC, Ferrari, Tucker, Citroen, Renault, Duesenberg, Mack, and GMC. In Mafia II you could store vehicles in your garage and they would need gas. Adding to the realism that this game has is important and adding the classic 1930's-50's cars is also important but there should be less 1930's cars and most of them shoudl be of the 1950's.
Some Alternate History and Anachronism:
I'm hoping Mafia III would take place in 1954-55 with some cars being available as far into future as 1960. Mafia II despite taking place in 1945 and 51 had music several years ahead of it's time. It's most future vehicle was the 1957 Smith Custom 500. Mafia III should include some music from the 1960's. Whatever they maybe, it should make the mid 1950's an enjoyable experience such as Miami, Florida being in the Confederate States of America and Cuba having been a CSA protectorate from 1902 to 1940 with an independence period closely aligned with the Confederate States of America.
For there to be any clear cut ideas for Mafia III, I would have to write these down more thoroughly and detailed since awesome games take effort and pride.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
New Super Mario Bros. U review
New Super Mario Bros. U shares the title of "Signature Wii U" game with Nintendo Land as both were not only launch titles but defined the Wii U.
The story for New Super Mario Bros. U is Princess Peach is abducted by Bowser and Mario must rescue her. It is not an easy journey though as Mario, Luigi, and two toads must travel through several lands and defeat each Koopling. As Mario progresses, Peach Castle is renovated to evil Koopa status with Princess Peach being taken prisoner.
Gameplay consists of the kind of classic gameplay from previous games only some power-ups exist while others have been stored away. Mario must of course jump on enemies to kill them but if he gets hit by one, he will lose one upgrade level and die should he get hit as the little guy. Level 1 Mario consists of little Mario while Level 2 is big Mario, and level 3 is upgraded Mario either with Flying Suit, Fire, or Ice suits for example. On some levels you can use Yoshi but will run away should you be hit but you yourself will not lose any upgrades. What this game had going for it was the variety of enemies and that they can't all be eliminated by hopping on them. The skeleton turtles for example must be frozen and super stomped on to break them into unrecognizable pieces. Levels get harder and harder and some levels can hit you by surprise. Make no mistake on this as you can't save your game every level. You can however do a quick save which will then redirect you to the menu but could only be used once. This could be a problem should you be playing your game and suddenly power goes out. However, there are interval levels such as defeating a boss where you permanently save your game. For single player you play as Mario and can use either the Wii U Gamepad or Wii Remote. For Multiplayer, you play as Mario, Luigi, and two other Toads depending on players while having a 5th player use Wii U Gamepad for blocks to help out the team. You can only use Wii Remotes for multiplayer and no use of the Wii U Pro Controller, which is a bummer.
Graphics here are amazing and even more so than if this were for the Wii. The Wii U truly is a Big Leap Forward from the almost retired Wii. You can see that a Nintendo Game has never looked so good like this. Wii U graphics are phenomenal, though not as phenomenal as Playstation 4, Xbox 720, and Steambox. New Super Mario Bros. U also has awesome sounds and music for different environments. Mario and Luigi voices sound normal. Sound effects fit in with the actions.
Final rating for this game receives a 90/100
The story for New Super Mario Bros. U is Princess Peach is abducted by Bowser and Mario must rescue her. It is not an easy journey though as Mario, Luigi, and two toads must travel through several lands and defeat each Koopling. As Mario progresses, Peach Castle is renovated to evil Koopa status with Princess Peach being taken prisoner.
Gameplay consists of the kind of classic gameplay from previous games only some power-ups exist while others have been stored away. Mario must of course jump on enemies to kill them but if he gets hit by one, he will lose one upgrade level and die should he get hit as the little guy. Level 1 Mario consists of little Mario while Level 2 is big Mario, and level 3 is upgraded Mario either with Flying Suit, Fire, or Ice suits for example. On some levels you can use Yoshi but will run away should you be hit but you yourself will not lose any upgrades. What this game had going for it was the variety of enemies and that they can't all be eliminated by hopping on them. The skeleton turtles for example must be frozen and super stomped on to break them into unrecognizable pieces. Levels get harder and harder and some levels can hit you by surprise. Make no mistake on this as you can't save your game every level. You can however do a quick save which will then redirect you to the menu but could only be used once. This could be a problem should you be playing your game and suddenly power goes out. However, there are interval levels such as defeating a boss where you permanently save your game. For single player you play as Mario and can use either the Wii U Gamepad or Wii Remote. For Multiplayer, you play as Mario, Luigi, and two other Toads depending on players while having a 5th player use Wii U Gamepad for blocks to help out the team. You can only use Wii Remotes for multiplayer and no use of the Wii U Pro Controller, which is a bummer.
Graphics here are amazing and even more so than if this were for the Wii. The Wii U truly is a Big Leap Forward from the almost retired Wii. You can see that a Nintendo Game has never looked so good like this. Wii U graphics are phenomenal, though not as phenomenal as Playstation 4, Xbox 720, and Steambox. New Super Mario Bros. U also has awesome sounds and music for different environments. Mario and Luigi voices sound normal. Sound effects fit in with the actions.
Final rating for this game receives a 90/100
Monday, April 22, 2013
ESPN Sports Connection review
An ESPN themed Wii U game playing six different sports (Soccer, football, kart racing, baseball, tennis, and golf) each with two different modes equaling twelve modes total.
This game seems to be a very casual sports game with average gameplay using both the Wii U Gamepad and Wii Remote. The latter is required for use in most games. The game plays fine but sometimes controls can be tricky first time. This game does have some fun games to it and it does play like the mentioned sports games, even having that logo seem TV real. However, it is still casual and unless you really like any of these games, you'll be bored in just a few hours. Using the touchscreen controls for some games can get frustrating.
Graphics do seem to be an improvement from the Wii to Wii U. Graphics here however are not the best but do look more like a more crisp Wii game.
This game is something that could easily to a certain degree be made for iOS and Android systems? Given the motion sensing of the Wii U gamepad, probably but the Wii Remote is needed for most games so probably not. Of course, developers could reprogram the controls to be more App friendly. These games could be developed separately into six different games and be made into a set of games. This game could inspire amateur developers to develop more compact versions of these games such as having a baseball game based off of Backyard Baseball. This game's best purpose is to serve as inspiration for amateur developers in developing casual iOS and Android games.
Final Rating For This game merits a 82/100.
This game seems to be a very casual sports game with average gameplay using both the Wii U Gamepad and Wii Remote. The latter is required for use in most games. The game plays fine but sometimes controls can be tricky first time. This game does have some fun games to it and it does play like the mentioned sports games, even having that logo seem TV real. However, it is still casual and unless you really like any of these games, you'll be bored in just a few hours. Using the touchscreen controls for some games can get frustrating.
Graphics do seem to be an improvement from the Wii to Wii U. Graphics here however are not the best but do look more like a more crisp Wii game.
This game is something that could easily to a certain degree be made for iOS and Android systems? Given the motion sensing of the Wii U gamepad, probably but the Wii Remote is needed for most games so probably not. Of course, developers could reprogram the controls to be more App friendly. These games could be developed separately into six different games and be made into a set of games. This game could inspire amateur developers to develop more compact versions of these games such as having a baseball game based off of Backyard Baseball. This game's best purpose is to serve as inspiration for amateur developers in developing casual iOS and Android games.
Final Rating For This game merits a 82/100.
Nintendo Land review
I want to say that though I reviewed this game, I want to write a better review on this blog.
Nintendo Land is a Wii U exclusive launch title for the same console. It also takes advantage of the Wii U Gamepad extensively.
Gameplay for Nintendo Land consists of many Nintendo Themed mini-games, some of which can be played solo but others requiring multiplayer. Controls consist mainly of the Wii U Gamepad but also have the Wii Remote/Nunchuk. Many of the games are great and resemble their Nintendo Theme. Pretty awesome themes too as with the right update and internet connection you can also see others at the Nintendo Land park too. Decorations are also available as you can earn coins to get new ones. Motion sensing is also mind-blowing as you really see how the Wii U Gamepad will respond. Controls seem like a mix between buttons and tablet game controls. These do work pretty well and games are not of amateur conduct. Nintendo Land is more like a mix between a party-arcade game that introduces the Wii U's new approach towards gaming. You are greeted and followed by a female computer robot which has one arm and floats like a floating TV screen.
Graphics for this game looks better than Wii games that's for sure. You can clearly see that not only has Nintendo gotten with the HD program, but has also expanded in making graphics have a crisper look. This game is just one of the games that proves Wii U is better than Xbox 360 on hardware and graphics and even gameplay. Nintendo Land is just one of those launch games that proves Wii U can do more than what Nintendo could ever hope for.
Final Rating for this game gets a 89/100.
Nintendo Land is a Wii U exclusive launch title for the same console. It also takes advantage of the Wii U Gamepad extensively.
Gameplay for Nintendo Land consists of many Nintendo Themed mini-games, some of which can be played solo but others requiring multiplayer. Controls consist mainly of the Wii U Gamepad but also have the Wii Remote/Nunchuk. Many of the games are great and resemble their Nintendo Theme. Pretty awesome themes too as with the right update and internet connection you can also see others at the Nintendo Land park too. Decorations are also available as you can earn coins to get new ones. Motion sensing is also mind-blowing as you really see how the Wii U Gamepad will respond. Controls seem like a mix between buttons and tablet game controls. These do work pretty well and games are not of amateur conduct. Nintendo Land is more like a mix between a party-arcade game that introduces the Wii U's new approach towards gaming. You are greeted and followed by a female computer robot which has one arm and floats like a floating TV screen.
Graphics for this game looks better than Wii games that's for sure. You can clearly see that not only has Nintendo gotten with the HD program, but has also expanded in making graphics have a crisper look. This game is just one of the games that proves Wii U is better than Xbox 360 on hardware and graphics and even gameplay. Nintendo Land is just one of those launch games that proves Wii U can do more than what Nintendo could ever hope for.
Final Rating for this game gets a 89/100.
The Rise of the Apps: Changing Face of Gaming
iOS and Androids are becoming more popular but most of these games are merely casual and hardcore gamers like myself still depend on the advanced hardware of home consoles. Apps are easy to load and can be played with a touch of the icon. I do however have some concerns that can be easily reformed sometime later on such as ability of hardcore gaming, more data capabilities, and controls.
For games, most are either casual or hardcore games from years ago such as Grand Theft Auto III. Developers have more limits on what they can do for apps as of now but including more app style consoles could change the format of home consoles as we know it. Home consoles could grow smaller and have the ability of apps and PCs. If apps are replacing consoles, then to save home consoles and PCs hardcore games must be made to be integrated with apps and PCs so apps can be upgraded from portable to PC playability.
Most app games use touchscreen controls which is a problem for many gamers as there for certain games should be a choice in this. Hardcore gamers are usually accustomed to button controls with some PC gamers favoring mouse and keyboard controls. I like the Wii U Gamepad design since it include both button functionality plus a touchscreen. Wikipad is a gaming tablet that has the same button functionality as an Xbox 360 controller. If apps are going to be for more hardcore gamers, they should have the same function of controls as Wikipad and Wii U Gamepad. After all, Wii U's saving grace is it's Wii U Gamepad.
Plus, what about titles such as Grand Theft Auto V? Where shall such be able to fit in on iOS/Androids. Ordinary tablets could be used as second screens or dashboards which gives tablets and smartphones an enhancement feature in gameplay. PC/Console hardware will have to play a role in hardcore games before iOS and Androids can become the main media outlet.
What's the plan here? Integrating the conveniences of both PC, Console, and Apps plus PC hardware can elevate the status of iOS and Androids from being merely handhelds to convenient PC/Home Consoles. There are only a few somewhat hardcore games such as Need For Speed Most Wanted and Grand Theft Auto III. GTA III was hardcore when it came out but today it is more of a classic game from PS2.
For games, most are either casual or hardcore games from years ago such as Grand Theft Auto III. Developers have more limits on what they can do for apps as of now but including more app style consoles could change the format of home consoles as we know it. Home consoles could grow smaller and have the ability of apps and PCs. If apps are replacing consoles, then to save home consoles and PCs hardcore games must be made to be integrated with apps and PCs so apps can be upgraded from portable to PC playability.
Most app games use touchscreen controls which is a problem for many gamers as there for certain games should be a choice in this. Hardcore gamers are usually accustomed to button controls with some PC gamers favoring mouse and keyboard controls. I like the Wii U Gamepad design since it include both button functionality plus a touchscreen. Wikipad is a gaming tablet that has the same button functionality as an Xbox 360 controller. If apps are going to be for more hardcore gamers, they should have the same function of controls as Wikipad and Wii U Gamepad. After all, Wii U's saving grace is it's Wii U Gamepad.
Plus, what about titles such as Grand Theft Auto V? Where shall such be able to fit in on iOS/Androids. Ordinary tablets could be used as second screens or dashboards which gives tablets and smartphones an enhancement feature in gameplay. PC/Console hardware will have to play a role in hardcore games before iOS and Androids can become the main media outlet.
What's the plan here? Integrating the conveniences of both PC, Console, and Apps plus PC hardware can elevate the status of iOS and Androids from being merely handhelds to convenient PC/Home Consoles. There are only a few somewhat hardcore games such as Need For Speed Most Wanted and Grand Theft Auto III. GTA III was hardcore when it came out but today it is more of a classic game from PS2.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Awaiting Xbox 720 Reveal and what it should come with
Xbox 720 has yet to be revealed but will be revealed May 21 at a private Microsoft conference. Rumors about Xbox 720 circulate from Always-On internet requirement to backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games. As time goes by, I can say that the former is false and the latter is almost true. What can make the Xbox 720 a great game console?
Backwards Compatibility:
Thanks to the presence of the Xenon chip for Xbox 360 emulation, it can not only play most Xbox 360 games but also run on the same AMD APU processor as Xbox 720, making Xbox 360 games with more enhanced graphics and resolutions. In this sense you could make an Xbox 360 game an Xbox 720 game. Maybe Grand Theft Auto V's Xbox 360 version could be used like a 720 version for those waiting for a version of it's own. Wii U has full backwards compatibility with Wii games but require it's own menu. With this Xenon chip you won't need an Xbox 360 console anymore but would instead say hello to Xbox 720. Playstation 4 won't have backwards compatibility with PS3 games.
Illumiroom:
Could turning your living room into a surrounding environment be awesome or what? What could Kinect 2.0 do? Illumiroon is not yet confirmed but is rumored to be for Xbox 720 and will be able to turn your living room into the environment of your game. No other console can do that.
Hardware rivaling PS4:
Will Xbox 720 have the same or better hardware specs as PS4? Xbox 720 will have AMD 8-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics platform and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The issue of loading times comes to mind as PS4's colossal RAM will allow developers to develop without having to load everything that you don't automatically need at the time being. Will Xbox 720 be able to do that as well?
Touchscreen and Kinect 2.0 Controls:
The Wii U Gamepad has you by suprise as it can act like a dashboard, tablet, and even second screen. Wonder if Xbox 720 could have a controller like the Wii U Gamepad while integrating experiences with Kinect 2.0. Xbox SmartGlass could be a predecessor to Xbox 720 tablet controller. PS4 will allow you to use PS Vita and PS Apps for other controllers as second screens but will Xbox 720 have it in a more convenient sense like Wii U Gamepad? I sure hope so.
Windows:
What if Xbox 720 also catered to PC gamers? Windows 8 can be used for this as I have heard.
On my line, Xbox 720 should include these and ensure that it is free of major problems.
Backwards Compatibility:
Thanks to the presence of the Xenon chip for Xbox 360 emulation, it can not only play most Xbox 360 games but also run on the same AMD APU processor as Xbox 720, making Xbox 360 games with more enhanced graphics and resolutions. In this sense you could make an Xbox 360 game an Xbox 720 game. Maybe Grand Theft Auto V's Xbox 360 version could be used like a 720 version for those waiting for a version of it's own. Wii U has full backwards compatibility with Wii games but require it's own menu. With this Xenon chip you won't need an Xbox 360 console anymore but would instead say hello to Xbox 720. Playstation 4 won't have backwards compatibility with PS3 games.
Illumiroom:
Could turning your living room into a surrounding environment be awesome or what? What could Kinect 2.0 do? Illumiroon is not yet confirmed but is rumored to be for Xbox 720 and will be able to turn your living room into the environment of your game. No other console can do that.
Hardware rivaling PS4:
Will Xbox 720 have the same or better hardware specs as PS4? Xbox 720 will have AMD 8-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics platform and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The issue of loading times comes to mind as PS4's colossal RAM will allow developers to develop without having to load everything that you don't automatically need at the time being. Will Xbox 720 be able to do that as well?
Touchscreen and Kinect 2.0 Controls:
The Wii U Gamepad has you by suprise as it can act like a dashboard, tablet, and even second screen. Wonder if Xbox 720 could have a controller like the Wii U Gamepad while integrating experiences with Kinect 2.0. Xbox SmartGlass could be a predecessor to Xbox 720 tablet controller. PS4 will allow you to use PS Vita and PS Apps for other controllers as second screens but will Xbox 720 have it in a more convenient sense like Wii U Gamepad? I sure hope so.
Windows:
What if Xbox 720 also catered to PC gamers? Windows 8 can be used for this as I have heard.
On my line, Xbox 720 should include these and ensure that it is free of major problems.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Trivia Pursuit Video Game review
Bringing back Trivia Pursuit on home consoles and PCs, this game has more than just the classic mode played with other players. There's also another mode where you play by yourself and try to clear the board by selecting the category closers which will clear the board but only if you still have multipliers. There are avatars to play as with gameplay being your typical Trivia Pursuit game. There's nothing really special here but trivia questions are challenging. I got lucky by guessing from multiple choice questions. I liked how the trivia questions were made to captivate the interests of some while providing an overall challenge of chance to those without knowledge of trivia question presented. Display looks presentable.
Final Rating is 74/100
Final Rating is 74/100
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party review
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party is a TV themed party game for the Wii. This game is a pretty decent one to say myself, having over three dozen mini-games. Many mini-games are done well with some using the Wii Balance Board and most requiring nunchuk. The synopsis here is Rayman has been chased by Raving Rabbids and when he successfully makes it home to his cabin, he finds the Raving Rabbids have infiltrated his TV. The Rabbids are now the TV Stars while Rayman sits and watches.
Gameplay consists of numerous mini-games that play very well. Rayman is only seen in cutscenes trying to get rid of the TV but the Raving Rabbids are still trapped. The controls take advantage of motion sensing and are done pretty well. Mini-games are selected through a channel system which works like TV Guide. It gave a good feel of Prime Time TV culture with the Rabbids having a retro 2D look. It looks great. Graphics are average and nothing special with just a TV Retro 2D look to it. There's not much to say about this game since it's just a TV themed party game but it looks great. I don't feel this game has much outside of it other than these party games. Seeing the humor put into this game, it is a pleasure to say this game does have sense of humor. Wii Balance Board is neat and this game took advantage of this.
Final Ratings include Gameplay=85/100, Graphics=80/100, Lasting Appeal=70/100
Final Overall Rating=78/100
Gameplay consists of numerous mini-games that play very well. Rayman is only seen in cutscenes trying to get rid of the TV but the Raving Rabbids are still trapped. The controls take advantage of motion sensing and are done pretty well. Mini-games are selected through a channel system which works like TV Guide. It gave a good feel of Prime Time TV culture with the Rabbids having a retro 2D look. It looks great. Graphics are average and nothing special with just a TV Retro 2D look to it. There's not much to say about this game since it's just a TV themed party game but it looks great. I don't feel this game has much outside of it other than these party games. Seeing the humor put into this game, it is a pleasure to say this game does have sense of humor. Wii Balance Board is neat and this game took advantage of this.
Final Ratings include Gameplay=85/100, Graphics=80/100, Lasting Appeal=70/100
Final Overall Rating=78/100
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Mafia II review
I think it's time to review Mafia II. Mafia II was released in 2010 for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac systems. This game has a spectacular resemblance of noir and Italian Mafia culture in it's theme during the Early Cold War in Yankee America.
The story follows Sicilian born Vito Scaletta born in 1925 who lives in Empire Bay. He becomes a soldier for the Clemente and Falcone families along with best friend forever Joe Barbaro. The story takes place in 1943, 1945, and 1951. Though the story is a lot like Godfather in it's Mafia culture sense, it is linear and is much like a Godfather style movie since you as the player don't have many options. What attracts me to this game is the setting of the 1940's and 50's. Originally it was going to take place from 1946 to 1957 but It was shortened to what it was on final version. The characters speak very well too and are done very amazingly. Keep in mind I don't want to add spoilers here but I will say this story is both thrilling and unsatisfying. For one the story is linear which makes it's lasting appeal less than Grand Theft Auto IV. Plus, the story doesn't give you choices like in Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row The Third. When you've finished the story, you don't get to free roam and don't have the same number of activities as in Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row The Third. The story does sound like an awesome action movie though and characters are a lot like academy award winning actors. The feel of noir is there.
Gameplay follows a lot like Grand Theft Auto with 1930's-50's automobiles and decor. The physics are more real and feel somewhat heavier but are not as heavy as Grand Theft Auto IV. Weapons resemble ones mostly from World War II. Firing weapons is the same as you do for first person shooters. The cars, environments, and weapons are things I'm attracted too but unfortunately this game feels too short and I really felt like Mafia II could have been the 1940's-50's style Grand Theft Auto such as mission structure being like Grand Theft Auto IV and having many side missions plus having more free roam options such as having numerous houses when you finish the story. What would have been nice is following the lead of both Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row 2 in mission structure in the sense of rivaling numerous gangs throughout Empire Bay such as the Clemente, Triads, and Irish Mob families. After reaching the Made-Man status of the Mafia, Vito could conquer these gangs separately and it would be like three different stories that can be completed in any order the player chooses. Vito would be working for both the Falcone and Vinci families after being betrayed by Clemente. Unique features are cars require gas and police will recognize you based on wanted level of outfit worn plus license plates of wanted cars.
Graphics and environment are inspiring, being truly advanced for 2010. The PC/Mac versions deserve the highest ratings for these graphics since they inspire excellence and realism, a huge comparison from Mafia: City of Lost Heaven. Mafia: City of Lost Heaven's graphics were blurry but not terrible, even managing to make a neat 1930's environment. Cars, characters, buildings, and weapons look inspiring and you will even feel like you're in Mid 20th century North America. Just look at the art involved in this game. The best advertisements, music, culture, and art were in the 1940's-60's. This is without a doubt a great inspiration of work. My suggestion would be to add more vehicles since despite a cool collection of 1930's-50's cars I feel more could have been added such as parody of Oldsmobile Rocket 88, Cadillac Eldorado, Ford Model T, Packard Clipper, more Woody station wagons, etc.
There have been more downloadble contents added to this game such as new stories of Jimmy's Vendetta and Joe's Adventures, new clothes, cars, and such. Jimmy's Vendetta and Joe's Adventures feel more like free roaming like in Grand Theft Auto IV with a mission structure based more off of Grand Theft Auto IV. I will review DLC in another blog.
Final rating goes as this: Gameplay=88/100, Graphics=100/100(PC/Mac), 90/100=(PS3/Xbox 360), Theme=95/100, Story=80/100, Lasting Appeal=87/100.
Final Overall Ratings are 90/100 for PC/Mac and 88/100 for PS3/Xbox 360.
The story follows Sicilian born Vito Scaletta born in 1925 who lives in Empire Bay. He becomes a soldier for the Clemente and Falcone families along with best friend forever Joe Barbaro. The story takes place in 1943, 1945, and 1951. Though the story is a lot like Godfather in it's Mafia culture sense, it is linear and is much like a Godfather style movie since you as the player don't have many options. What attracts me to this game is the setting of the 1940's and 50's. Originally it was going to take place from 1946 to 1957 but It was shortened to what it was on final version. The characters speak very well too and are done very amazingly. Keep in mind I don't want to add spoilers here but I will say this story is both thrilling and unsatisfying. For one the story is linear which makes it's lasting appeal less than Grand Theft Auto IV. Plus, the story doesn't give you choices like in Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row The Third. When you've finished the story, you don't get to free roam and don't have the same number of activities as in Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row The Third. The story does sound like an awesome action movie though and characters are a lot like academy award winning actors. The feel of noir is there.
Gameplay follows a lot like Grand Theft Auto with 1930's-50's automobiles and decor. The physics are more real and feel somewhat heavier but are not as heavy as Grand Theft Auto IV. Weapons resemble ones mostly from World War II. Firing weapons is the same as you do for first person shooters. The cars, environments, and weapons are things I'm attracted too but unfortunately this game feels too short and I really felt like Mafia II could have been the 1940's-50's style Grand Theft Auto such as mission structure being like Grand Theft Auto IV and having many side missions plus having more free roam options such as having numerous houses when you finish the story. What would have been nice is following the lead of both Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row 2 in mission structure in the sense of rivaling numerous gangs throughout Empire Bay such as the Clemente, Triads, and Irish Mob families. After reaching the Made-Man status of the Mafia, Vito could conquer these gangs separately and it would be like three different stories that can be completed in any order the player chooses. Vito would be working for both the Falcone and Vinci families after being betrayed by Clemente. Unique features are cars require gas and police will recognize you based on wanted level of outfit worn plus license plates of wanted cars.
Graphics and environment are inspiring, being truly advanced for 2010. The PC/Mac versions deserve the highest ratings for these graphics since they inspire excellence and realism, a huge comparison from Mafia: City of Lost Heaven. Mafia: City of Lost Heaven's graphics were blurry but not terrible, even managing to make a neat 1930's environment. Cars, characters, buildings, and weapons look inspiring and you will even feel like you're in Mid 20th century North America. Just look at the art involved in this game. The best advertisements, music, culture, and art were in the 1940's-60's. This is without a doubt a great inspiration of work. My suggestion would be to add more vehicles since despite a cool collection of 1930's-50's cars I feel more could have been added such as parody of Oldsmobile Rocket 88, Cadillac Eldorado, Ford Model T, Packard Clipper, more Woody station wagons, etc.
There have been more downloadble contents added to this game such as new stories of Jimmy's Vendetta and Joe's Adventures, new clothes, cars, and such. Jimmy's Vendetta and Joe's Adventures feel more like free roaming like in Grand Theft Auto IV with a mission structure based more off of Grand Theft Auto IV. I will review DLC in another blog.
Final rating goes as this: Gameplay=88/100, Graphics=100/100(PC/Mac), 90/100=(PS3/Xbox 360), Theme=95/100, Story=80/100, Lasting Appeal=87/100.
Final Overall Ratings are 90/100 for PC/Mac and 88/100 for PS3/Xbox 360.
I've Found an idea for a Grand Theft Auto V Map
http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/8041/article/grand-theft-auto-v-fan-made-maps/
This is the link to the most realistic and biggest proposed map for an open world game ever. It shows not only Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas areas but also has parodies of other Western cities such as Sin Lake City(Salt Lake City), Felix(Phoinex), San Dianus(San Diego), Tituana(Tijuana), and many more with attractions like Grant Canyon(Grand Canyon). How amazing is that? I've mentioned in a previous blog about the rest of San Andreas. However, the idea of this map is perfect and feels so realistic in parody, like a 110% detailed satire. This San Andreas Map would parody not only California and Nevada but Utah, Arizona, Baja California, and Sonora as well. You will feel like you're in the Southwest.
I've mentioned that only Los Santos, Whetstone, Red County, Bone County, Tierra Robada, San Fierro, and Las Venturas plus surrounding areas would be in McReary Diaries but now that I've seen this detailed parody of Utah, Arizona, Baja California, I can now recommend these added locations be used for DLC.
Vice City exists in this map but it's supposed to be in Florida, not Mexico. I reccomend it be replaced with a town parodying Guymas, Sonora.
Eight Generation Consoles will be able to accomodate this more than the 7th generation. Playstation 4 and PC versions will be the highest rated ones as Playstation series and PC Grand Theft Autos have been rated the highest since Grand Theft Auto III. With Steambox, Grand Theft Auto V might get a rating for that version too.
Los Santos and surrounding areas alone will be larger than GTA IV's Liberty City, GTA San Andreas, and Red Dead Redemption combined. Just look at the Los Santos/San Dianus area. This map would blow your mind out! It looks so real as even the most hardcore gamers could spend months going through the entire game. My prediction could be it would take up to 120 hours to complete the entire map.
Dear Rockstar Games,
Please reveal a map of Grand Theft Auto V's Los Santos and surrounding areas!
This is the link to the most realistic and biggest proposed map for an open world game ever. It shows not only Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas areas but also has parodies of other Western cities such as Sin Lake City(Salt Lake City), Felix(Phoinex), San Dianus(San Diego), Tituana(Tijuana), and many more with attractions like Grant Canyon(Grand Canyon). How amazing is that? I've mentioned in a previous blog about the rest of San Andreas. However, the idea of this map is perfect and feels so realistic in parody, like a 110% detailed satire. This San Andreas Map would parody not only California and Nevada but Utah, Arizona, Baja California, and Sonora as well. You will feel like you're in the Southwest.
I've mentioned that only Los Santos, Whetstone, Red County, Bone County, Tierra Robada, San Fierro, and Las Venturas plus surrounding areas would be in McReary Diaries but now that I've seen this detailed parody of Utah, Arizona, Baja California, I can now recommend these added locations be used for DLC.
Vice City exists in this map but it's supposed to be in Florida, not Mexico. I reccomend it be replaced with a town parodying Guymas, Sonora.
Eight Generation Consoles will be able to accomodate this more than the 7th generation. Playstation 4 and PC versions will be the highest rated ones as Playstation series and PC Grand Theft Autos have been rated the highest since Grand Theft Auto III. With Steambox, Grand Theft Auto V might get a rating for that version too.
Los Santos and surrounding areas alone will be larger than GTA IV's Liberty City, GTA San Andreas, and Red Dead Redemption combined. Just look at the Los Santos/San Dianus area. This map would blow your mind out! It looks so real as even the most hardcore gamers could spend months going through the entire game. My prediction could be it would take up to 120 hours to complete the entire map.
Dear Rockstar Games,
Please reveal a map of Grand Theft Auto V's Los Santos and surrounding areas!
Idea for Game Console: Amazon Kindle Fire Play
Amazon's Kindle Fire is proving to be a success. Can it have a shot at the console market? Of course it can. Kindle Fire tablets cost less than ipads and they're both the same quality. How could Amazon make a gaming console?
It would be digital download like you would on apps and use Kindle Fire software. It would be smaller than iPlay and iGamac but could be lot like Project Shield. Project Shield is an android handheld console with advanced features to make it feel like a home console so Amazon could wow the gaming market by having a handheld/home console that directly rivaled and emulated Project Shield.
Amazon Kindle Fire Play would be like Project Shield and have a controller like Dualshock 4. Could it be made to have another screen like Nintendo DS and 3DS? You bet yourself it can! Kindle Fire can expand itself to be like Wikipad and Project Shield.
What games will Kindle Fire Play be able to play? It should be a priority to make hardcore games playable and develop able for this type of system just like Project Shield can play PC games. Amazon does have it's own digital download stores to download apps. Question is will developers be able to develop games for Amazon Kindle Fire Play like they could for Wii U, Playstation 4, Xbox 720, PC, and Steambox? The difference between Amazon and Nvidia is the former has their own digital download service wheres Nvidia relies on other parties like Steam and Google Play for digital downloads. Though Amazon.com allows you to buy much of merchandise online, it's app stores don't cater to hardcore gamers which could be a disadvantage. If Kindle Fire Play is to be a 9th generation Project Shield-DS style console, it must be designed similar to a Wii U Gamepad and DS Console and it's app stores must be able to accomodate hardcore games so it doesn't have to rely on third parties like Nvidia must for Project Shield.
Can Kindle Fire Play hardware be as powerful as Project Shield? Putting mind to it should help make it functional as Project Shield. Kindle Fire Play should have easy Wi-Fi available so it can connect to Amazon app stores while having an HDMI port to play it on your TV. Making Kindle Fire Play look like a Dualshock 4 controller while making it feel like a Nintendo DS would be a major improvement as well as having PC graphics like Project Shield utilizes. Project Shield won't have two screens on it's console like the Wii U has but Amazon can make an improvement out of it's competition by making improvements.
Amazon Kindle Fire Play could be another Project Shield and outmatch Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita.
It would be digital download like you would on apps and use Kindle Fire software. It would be smaller than iPlay and iGamac but could be lot like Project Shield. Project Shield is an android handheld console with advanced features to make it feel like a home console so Amazon could wow the gaming market by having a handheld/home console that directly rivaled and emulated Project Shield.
Amazon Kindle Fire Play would be like Project Shield and have a controller like Dualshock 4. Could it be made to have another screen like Nintendo DS and 3DS? You bet yourself it can! Kindle Fire can expand itself to be like Wikipad and Project Shield.
What games will Kindle Fire Play be able to play? It should be a priority to make hardcore games playable and develop able for this type of system just like Project Shield can play PC games. Amazon does have it's own digital download stores to download apps. Question is will developers be able to develop games for Amazon Kindle Fire Play like they could for Wii U, Playstation 4, Xbox 720, PC, and Steambox? The difference between Amazon and Nvidia is the former has their own digital download service wheres Nvidia relies on other parties like Steam and Google Play for digital downloads. Though Amazon.com allows you to buy much of merchandise online, it's app stores don't cater to hardcore gamers which could be a disadvantage. If Kindle Fire Play is to be a 9th generation Project Shield-DS style console, it must be designed similar to a Wii U Gamepad and DS Console and it's app stores must be able to accomodate hardcore games so it doesn't have to rely on third parties like Nvidia must for Project Shield.
Can Kindle Fire Play hardware be as powerful as Project Shield? Putting mind to it should help make it functional as Project Shield. Kindle Fire Play should have easy Wi-Fi available so it can connect to Amazon app stores while having an HDMI port to play it on your TV. Making Kindle Fire Play look like a Dualshock 4 controller while making it feel like a Nintendo DS would be a major improvement as well as having PC graphics like Project Shield utilizes. Project Shield won't have two screens on it's console like the Wii U has but Amazon can make an improvement out of it's competition by making improvements.
Amazon Kindle Fire Play could be another Project Shield and outmatch Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita.
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