RIFT. Does it fill a hole in the MMORPG community?

To answer this, we have to look at different aspects of the game. In the long run, most MMORPG's are compared to World Of Warcraft. I would be lying if I said that this game was better than World Of Warcraft, however, it does throw in different elements that Blizzard never even though of. Trion (The games developers) have tried to separate RIFT from other MMORPG's.

Presentation:

Sigh. I wish it was free.

RIFT is set the the world of Telara. Turns out that this world is actually made up of many elemental planes. Now, while RIFT offers the 'traditional' quests and adventures, there is something very special about this game. All over the world, spontaneous events are happening. No area is 'peaceful'. I think this is a really nice touch, as it means that you can return to places and something new will be happening. Didn't think of that, did you Blizzard? All of this aside, this game is beautifully crafted. It really adds a different element to the game that people adore. These spontaneous events make people come together to end whatever has happened, giving the game a real sense of community. The draw back here is that you still have to pay about £9 a month subscription fee.  8/10

Graphics:

I'm a friendly spider I swear...

As much as I hate to admit it, unless you have a fairly good set up, you'll really struggle to get decent FPS (Frames per second) Then again, you'll have this problem with most MMORPG's including World Of  Warcraft. If you want a game that'll run smoothly on a worse-for-wear rig, then go check out a game like Guild wars. If however, you think that it'll run fine, then this game easily compares to World Of Warcraft. RIFT gives you that feeling that you're in the game, without it being a First Person Shooter. While rendering can be an issue at times, this game really has the capability to be beautiful. 7/10

Gameplay:

'Dude! What the hell is that?!'

You guys know how much I enjoy writing this bit. Okay, so for all you MMORPG veterans RIFT is mainly based on grinding. Go kill this, or vanquish that. While this may sound boring and tedious, the way Trion has presented this, it's actually really fun. From graveyards to jungles, it's all there. Sadly, the gameplay is VERY generic. Trion hasn't really done anything new with the storyline, or the way you quest. What Trion has done, is including what's known as RIFT events. These are random events that allow all players in that area to close a 'rift'. It's really just a community grind... Wait. That sounds wrong. Imagine being given a quest to kill a certain thing, and everyone else near you joins in. So, RIFT isn't hugely innovative. The highlight of the game for me, is the class system. For those of you who know what that is, you might want to skip this part. The class system is basically where you fit into a party. For example, a 'Mage' class is usually a DPS (damage per second) where as a warrior is mainly a tank (Someone that gets all the enemies attention). What Trion has done, is they've basically said 'We don't want to limit players to one particular job. We want players to experiment with their characters and see how far they can push them'. Now obviously, a Mage still won't be a tank, but they can now be healers. You can take abilities from different skill trees, and see what suits your play style the best. 8/10

I'M ON A BOAT.

Verdict:
RIFT is not going to be surpassing World Of Warcraft any time soon. So if you are planning on paying for your MMORPG, then I would go with World Of Warcraft. However, for those of you wanting to try a new world, and have a character that is TOTALLY unique, then definitely give this game a try. There's even a free 3 day trial so you can get a feel for different class builds. 7.5/10

-James

25 Years Later - Has Link Still Got It?

25 years after the first in the series, Skyward Sword is the latest instalment in the Legend of Zelda series. Taking a completely different graphic styling and making full use of the Wii Motion Plus sensor, could Skyward Sword be the one to put Wii-Gaming on the map?

Presentation:
Skyward Sword is the 2nd full-on Zelda game to be released on the Wii (3rd if you count Link's Crossbow Training) after Twilight Princess. Fans of the series had been waiting for this one, and in my opinion it surpasses expectations. Bringing back traditional tools such as the Clawshots, plus throwing in some new gadgets like the Beetle, Skyward Sword truly does have a range of features for any level of experience with the series. While the motion controls can be a bit tough to handle at times, and a badly calibrated Motion Plus might have you launching your remote somewhere across the room, you can always swing it wildly and hope for the best in any combat situation. 7.5/10

Graphics:
For the Wii, the graphics here are surprisingly good. I suppose the graphics of games on any console get better as the years fly by, but it has always been difficult to drag the Wii away from bobble-headed characters in one respect or another. Skyward Sword combines the detail from its predecessor (Twilight Princess) with an element of cartoon fun from games such as Windwaker, plus a dash of much needed sunlight, to give yet another whole new angle on Zelda's graphics. Nothing too realistic, but definitely a step in the right direction from Nintendo's graphics squad. 8.5/10

Gameplay:
Set as a prologue to the rest of the series, Skyward Sword begins with Link as a student at a Sky Knight Academy. Following the introduction of childhood friend Zelda, the storyline sets off in a fairly linear fashion. However, this isn't one of those games where you do a quest and have to move straight on; there remains the possibility to explore Skyloft (your home hub) and go back to previous areas to find extra goodies and side quests which you may have missed throughout the storyline. Although some boss fights are slightly repetitive, having to defeat the same giant beast several times, it's not a game you can get easily bored with. Entirely new dungeons and concepts to keep you busy throughout the story make Skyward Sword a welcome addition to the Legend of Zelda collection. Let's see Nintendo top this one! 9/10

Verdict:
Skyward Sword has something for every gamer: whether a hardened fan of the series or a complete novice. Taking full advantage of the tech available, Nintendo have really pulled this out of the bag to give us a gaming experience that properly delivers. With sharp graphics and smooth gaming, it's clear why The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has been flying off the shelves since release in November 2011. 8.5/10

-Rob

Impostors eh?......Let's see what Gotham City has to say for themselves

Gotham City Impostors was released on the PlayStation Network on the 7th of Feb in the USA, and the 8th in the EU, and on the 8th of Feb for XBox Live Arcade and PC.

Presentation:
For GCI it helps if you like First Person Shooters, but luckily for the people who don't there is a very helpful tutorial, where players can get to grips with the basics of music, gun fighting, and also the use of the new and very inventive weapons. GCI  has taken parts from different games and added their own little touch to it. I personally think that the game takes the serious fights of Call of Duty, and the craziness of Saints Row, mashes them together in a mixer and voila - GCI was born. 8/10

Graphics:
The graphics are very, very cartoony, but who doesn't like cartoon violence, eh? Anyway the graphics are very good in my opinion because it's really just a random fun shooter with a pretty look to it. Fully customisable character wardrobes make it possible to have a totally randomised player, or something as close as possible to the either the Joker or Batman. 7/10

Gameplay:

'Wanna know why I became a joker?'
Not really no.

Now I have no clue where to start with gameplay since there is so much to cover. I might as well start with the weapons and how they fit. In the game you get the basic weapons so a few machine guns, shotgun, LMGs, SMGs, snipers the usual, but they add some 'homemade' weapons in like a gas-powered paintball gun that shoots darts, or a bow and arrow. If you think that's nuts just wait, the thrown items are weirder. You can get different gadgets to help you like wings that make you ffflllyyy XD, or a robe which drags you along once shot: these are two of the many different weird and wonderful gadgets that you can use in the game. Overall the gameplay of the game runs smoothly and effectively and is fun to waste a good few hours on, with cartoon violence, crazy gadgets and random customisation. 8.5/10

The Verdict:

Ready for action, three bat-imposters.

GCI is a fun, interactive multiplayer, half-breed shooter, with lots of potential to become a very awesome game. Even though its quite popular, do the developers (Monolith Productions) have plans for new downloadable content, like new maps, gamemodes, new weapons? We don't know. It'd be interesting to see what will happen to GCI in the future. 8/10

- Dave

SSX Deadly Descents. Killer Game, Or Just Killer?

The SSX franchise is world wide. Starting on PS2 and working it's way up to the PS3, it certainly has a lot to prove. While this game is beautifully designed, there are area's in which improvement is needed. Deadly Descents is based on mountains around that world that require the gamer to use some 'peculiar' gear.

Presentation:
This game is nothing like the old SSX games. With a new way of controlling your snowboarder and a completely different take on snowboarding, it's safe to say that it has a lot to prove. Deadly descents has beautiful, rich environments that really make you feel like these courses could be real. It keeps the gamer gripped and will keep you coming back for more. They've added so much to this game since the previous one. It's definitely one to keep an eye out for. 8/10

Graphics:
What can I say? The developers off SSX has used one of the latest engines. You won't get rendering problems, nor will you spend ages waiting for the level to load. Now, I'm not the greatest snowboarder here, which means I'm prone to crashing. A lot. The great thing here, is that when I do end up going into trees, I actually wince. I hear you ask: "Why James?" The answer is simple. Because those trees look real. It's painful watching you're snowboarder go head over heels into an abyss. I would be lying if I said that SSX had the best graphics in the world, but they are certainly better than most other games out there! 7.5/10

Gameplay:
Okay. Here's the fun part. For those of you familiar with the game 'Skate' you will understand how to do tricks. By using the right analogue stick, you control the jump and what tricks you do. Not your style? For all you SSX veterans out there, you can select a setting that will allow you to play this game like you would if you were still on a PS2... Expect with better graphics. Now that we have controls outta the way, I can talk to you about what makes SSX: Deadly Descents so special. EA has incorporated special pieces of gear you can select from.  This include -But not limited to- Armour, oxygen tanks, oh! And a FREAKING 'FLYING SQUIRREL' suit. Yep, this game ticks all thee boxes. Of course, you will have to face many obstacles in your travels, but it wouldn't be SSX without it.
In terms of multiplayer features, this game is clearly THE most elaborate and clever system out there. You can compete anytime, and anywhere. People around the world set up 'competitions' that you can join. These 'competitions' will last a set amount of time, and then distributes gold according to best time/score/amount of runs. This makes it very user friendly and will let you earn lots of money at the same time. This is one of the most addicting sports games out there. It pushes you further to get better scores and beat other people. 9.5/10

Verdict:
The verdict here is simple. You have stylish graphics, epic gameplay and even better multiplayer. There is of course one problem. You can complete the storyline in just over 2 hours. This means that you will have gone down all the mountains at least once. So don't buy this if you're just looking for a neat storyline. This game thrives on beating people around the world. If you're still on the edge, why not download the free demo off of your consoles market? In any case, this is a game well worth your time. 8.5/10

-James

BAFTA Game Awards

So, for those of you interested, the BAFTA games awards were last night! I'm here to you the low down on what happened.

Awards:

Storyline- Portal 2

Original music- L.A. Noire

Audio achievement- Battlefield 3

Design- Portal 2

Game innovation- Little Big Planet 2

Strategy- Total War: SHOGUN 2

Mobile & Handheld- Peggle HD

The GameDigital game award- Battlefield 3

Action- Batman Arkham City

Online browser- Monstermind

Artistic achievement- Rayman Origins

Sports/Fitness- Kinect Sports 2

Online Multiplayer- Battlefield 3

Debut game- Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

Family- Little Big Planet 2

Performer- Mark Hamill (The Joker in Batman: Arkham City)

Wow, I've never seen a person come out of a blue line before.

And finally, the 'Best Game' award goes to... Portal 2!

Until next year! Thanks guys!

-James

Another new member!

Okay guys!

So, you already know Rob and I, but I'd like to introduce to you Dave Hall! He's a new author here and will be posting regularly! Make him welcome and all that jazz ;)

-James

Are You Digging Terraria?

We certainly are.

Terraria was released on May 16th 2011, and has taken the Steam community by storm. This game combines the sandbox style of Minecraft and gives it a more adventurous feel.

Presentation:
Terraria is one of those games that you can just pick up and play. No special skills required. The hot key bar is convenient as you are able to clearly see what you currently have equipped. Your backpack not only shows you what items you have, but also what you can craft from those items. (The possibilities are near endless) So no more endless scrolling to find that one health potion you saved. Unlike Minecraft, this game is in 2D which gives it a cute, stylish feel and yet seemingly elegant. 8.5/10

Graphics:
In Rob's own words it's "Cute but detailed pixelated loveliness." It goes to show that you don't need a high tech graphics card to make a fun game. You could run this game on a less-than-high-tech computer and it would run fine. While it's not in 3D, you still feel like you are fully immersed in the game. Yes, it IS a third-person game, but that just adds to the fun as you're able to change the way your avatar looks and actually seeing it for yourself! Terraria is raw fun. The graphics are not epic, but it brings you back to why you enjoy playing games. Because they're addictive. 6.5/10

Gameplay:
The gameplay is beyond insane. It brings imaginative idea's to a cute game. Terraria allows you to have lasers, swords, it even lets you have a gun that shoots fallen stars! Of course, these items are not easily obtained. They involve numerous components to make. Don't let that scare you though, as they aren't impossible to get. The fun part about this, is that you can create a server and get your friends to play too! I've managed to get 3 people on my server, and it makes collecting things from enemies really easy. Oh! I forgot to mention the EPIC boss fights you can partake in. Be warned, it is no walk in the park. However, once you get the hang of it (and you have a few friends by your side) it's a challenge to relish. Not to mention the loot you get from defeating them.
Let's talk about building things. From your basic home which contains a crafting table and a bed, to a gigantic tree house filled with waterfalls and secret rooms. This game lets you do it all. The decorations available for your homes is astonishing! From table and chairs, to candles and chandeliers. If you can think of it, chances are you can craft it (Providing you have the right materials. Ha!) One thing to be aware of though, is the dreaded 'Blood Moon'. Once a "month" the moon turns a fiery red and the zombies within the game are able to break through your wooden doors. As long as you have a decent sword at hand, you'll be fine! The gameplay is crazy, and can get manic- but in a good way. It has something for everyone! 10/10

The Verdict:
Terraria is endless fun, and with a random world generator programmed in, you'll never get the same world twice. While online play can be laggy and bad connections can have you tearing your hair out, the game itself is beautifully designed With huge amounts of boss fights and item collecting, the re-play value is insane which makes the game well worth the money. So grab some friends, head over to Steam and download this incredible game! 8.5/10

-James&Rob

Hey!
It's James here. I'm going to tell you what this is all about!

Okay, so this blog is dedicated to gaming reviews and news. We'll be on here regularly to give you the latest news from around the globe! My partner in crime here is Rob, and he shall also be filling you in on whats going on.

Be sure to watch this space,
-James