Guest Writer, Michael Summers: Red Orchestra 2 Review

This review is from a very special guest and personal good friend Michael Summers, if you enjoy this post make sure you check out his site at mikesgameandfilmreview.wordpress.com for more awesome reviews. I am probably going to have the occasional guest writer on my blog to spruce things up a bit as it is a great way for other bloggers to get there work recognised and the get there points across to a different platform of viewers, if this interests you there is a contact form on the left hand side of the Home Page. Enjoy the review!

Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad is a WW2 based tactical first person shooter video game. It is the sequel to Red Orchestra: Osfront 41-45. It was developed and published by Tripwire Interactive and released on PC in September of 2011. This game is heavily focussed on the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most notorious battles in human history. This sequel has many gameplay changes that adds not only it immersion but also its overall enjoyment, both small and large changes like the first person cover system and the ability to blind fire while in the new cover system and also the new feature that allows the player to track their progress and stats.

Red Orchestra 2 has a very immersive and realistic gameplay style.  It uses its setting, time period, intense and fairly difficult gameplay to give the player an immersive and adrenaline fuelled experience.  The fact that this game has no ammo count, no mini map and has such a hard-core damage mechanic just shows what kind of shooter this game is trying to be. It is realistic and strategic multiplayer shooter that features weapons that were used throughout WW2, especially the battle of Stalingrad. These weapons behave how they would in real life. The player has to take into consideration distance, bullet drop and also the spin of the bullet. As mentioned earlier most of the HUD found in most first person shooters isn’t used in Red Orchestra 2, it features no mini map and more importantly no ammo count. This means the player has to remember how many rounds are left after firing each bullet, or they can check manually by holding the reload button. This point alone is one of the reasons this game brings so much tension and anticipation to the player because they have to stay so aware of what’s happening and they have to manage every little detail which in most games of this genre is monitored for them. This game also features a first person cover system which was a big new feature that was added to this sequel. It allows the player to take cover behind various walls, tanks, trees and other pieces of cover to shield them from enemy fire. When in cover the player can choose to peak to see enemies which they can then aim at from relative safety behind the cover they are in. Along with the new first person cover system another new feature that was added to this instalment was the blind firing mechanic which allows the player to fire from complete cover without putting themselves in risk. The only downside to this is that they can’t aim they just have to fire in a direction they think the enemy is. This is a feature used more in desperate situations where the player can’t really risk showing a part of their character that could result in them being hit. There were also a handful of tanks and armoured vehicles added to Red Orchestra 2. When the game was first released it only included the Panzer IV Ausf F2 German tank and the Soviet T-34 tank. A few months later two more armoured vehicles were added, the German Sd.Kfz 251 and the British Universal Carrier. Both of these new additions gave infantry protection and also a quicker way to get around the battlefield. A DLC package was also released for this game that added two more tanks, the German Panzer III Ausf.M and the Soviet T-70. Overall I think the gameplay in Red Orchestra 2 is nothing short of excellent, with the additions of the cover system and blind fire mechanic this game has even more fluidity that makes playing this WW2 epic even more enjoyable.

Gameplay rating 9/10

The graphics in this game are still of a high quality for its age. Even the smaller objects on the maps that the player fights in are up to a high standard, objects such as weapons and pieces of cover and even the damage that can be seen on the surrounding buildings. The small details of the multiple enterable buildings really adds to the overall immersion of the game. The multiple gaping holes blown into the buildings caused by tanks and artillery and the fact that you can navigate a building that has collapsed on one side to find that perfect vantage point to take out multiple enemies makes you feel so involved in the action. You get such a sense of achievement when you manage to find that perfect spot to help cover your teammates to ensure victory. The art style in Red Orchestra 2 is crisp, gritty and uses darker colours to not only keep the player immersed but to reflect the dark, bloody and violent time this game is set in. I think the amount of detail both small and large mixed with the art style gives this game such an appealing look for the players. It really adds to the immersion of the playing experience.

Graphics rating 8/10

The sound effects that this game uses are one of if not the biggest factor that adds to this games insane immersion. Every gun shot, every explosion even every scream you hear from soldiers on both sides as they get hit is so intense and gives you that shot of adrenaline that brings the anticipation and tensions factors to new levels. Even the sound track that is used in this game is so perfect and has so much depth. Each faction you play as whether it be the Axis or the Allies has their own tracks that play when you capture or lose an objective, even when you win the game depending on what side you’re on each faction has their own winning and losing music. This is another reason that shows this game has such a high level of detail and another of the many reasons the experience is so enjoyable to experience. Over all the sounds in this game adds so much to the gameplay and the overall feeling it is in my opinion the defining factor that makes this one of the most intense games I’ve ever played.

Sound rating 10/10

Pros

1. Fluid, intense, dramatic gameplay,
2. Every battle leaves you feeling like you’ve accomplished an impossible task,
3. Amazing sound effects and soundtrack.

Cons

1. New players will find it hard to get use to slow pace and high damage model,
2. Lack of weaponry.

In conclusion I believe Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad is one of the most intense and adrenalin fuelled games I have ever played. Combine the brutal battles, art style, soundtrack and hard-core damage makes for long intense battles that mimic real life and force the player to be patient and wait for opportunities to attack objectives. This also leads to teamwork which is a MUST if players want to succeed capturing an objective. Overall Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad is an amazing game that I would recommend to fans of hard-core, tactical first person shooters, and fans of games set in WW2.

mikesgamesandfilmreviews.wordpress.com

Green Lantern: The Animated Series

Green Lantern: The Animated Series is an animated television series based on the adventures of Hal Jordan (the first Green Lantern from earth). The series was aired on Cartoon Network for one season and was then cancelled due to the poor reception of the live - action movie (we wont talk about that).

In this series they stuck with the most popular green lantern from earth, Hal Jordan, during his adventures he is accompanied by Kiliwog, Aya and Razer. I will do a brief character breakdown for those who have not watched the series.

Hal Jordan - The first Green Lantern of earth, he is considered one of the best due to his lack of fear and very skilled. For those who have read the Green Lantern comics you will also know that he is very well known for disobeying orders from the Guardians in order to find justice his own way, which is usually better anyway.

Kilowog - A veteran amongst the Green Lantern Corps, he is the head of the training programme, which is how he met Hal and became close friends with him. Kilowog doesn't always agree with Hal's rash decisions, but he usually backs him up.

Aya - Aya is a bit harder to explain, basically Hal and Kilowog 'borrow' a ship called the interceptor, which in the comics was the original form of travel for the manhunters, but in the series all we are told is that it was created by Sayd,one of the Guardians and that Aya is the ships AI, due to being created with a part of the entity inside the Green Lantern power battery she soon discovers emotion and pretty much becomes a living being, she faces a lot of confusion about her feelings which i will not spoil for those who haven't seen the series.

Razer  - A Red Lantern, in he series he was a follower of Atrocitus (the Red Lantern leader) but then began disbelief in the corps. He didn't become a Green Lantern but he did join them and even at some points act like a green lantern. at one point he was training to manage his rage with the Blue Lanterns, who harness the power of hope, and (POSSIBLE SPOILER) in the final episode when Razer flies away from Oa you can see a Blue Lantern ring fly after him, implying that he is the next member of the Blue Lanterns.

there are a lot of other well known GL characters throughout the series so to list a few there is: Guy Gardner, Sinestro, Tomar-Re, Mogo and even a reference to John Stewart. we also meet the Guardians, the Red Lanterns, Blue Lanterns, Star Sapphires, Orange Lanterns and possibly the Black Lanterns but no spoilers.

The animation actually had a pretty good reception, it is literally just the reception of the Green Lantern movie that made them cancel the show as the couldn't sell merchandise because of it. Which is pretty annoying because I personally didn't think the movie was all bad, which I will explain in the near future.

Personally I really enjoyed Green Lantern: The Animated Series, it has all the key components to make it a great series, they hit a lot of comic book nails on the head with the accuracy of some of the origins and characters, the only thing that actually annoyed me is if the brought in Guy Gardner and made hints at John Stewart, they

 should have brought in Kyle Rayner and possibly have him as a White Lantern, which was possibly what they would of done if there was a second series, but other than that it was a brilliant series and I would definitely recommend it.

Yours truly,
Furred Faced Nerd.

Pokemon Go

Ok, so, Pokemon Go. This is literally what everyone has wanted for the past 20 years. This is a revolution. REAL LIFE POKEMON, almost. 

So Nintendo are set to release a game in 2016 on Android and iPhone, it uses the camera on your phone and allows you to see how far away you are from other Pokemon and trainers by using real life locations and thus allowing real life Pokemon battles. The fun part of this game has to be the whole exploring aspect, it is a game that will actually get gamers out of the house! 

There will also be a companion device called the Pokemon Go Plus that will connect to smartphones using bluetooth, this device will alert... players? or at this point are we actually trainers? either way the device will vibrate and flash to notify you of nearby Pokemon so that you can try and catch it, which is all well and good until someone is watching, has no idea what you are doing and calls the police.

I know a lot of hardcore gamers have very strong opinions about mobile gaming, I personally wouldn't class mobile gaming as gaming, Candy Crush may be enough to pass time but is it really gaming. But this is what could revolutionise mobile gaming and actually make it accepted in the gaming community! 

Personally, I think this game is going to be huge as I believe I made quite clear. It will be interesting to see how you start off the game as there is no real life Professor Oak who can give us a choice of Pokemon and make us have an arch nemesis for the rest of our lives, well not to my knowledge. Anyway, let me know what you think about Pokemon Go!

Yours truly,
Furred Faced Nerd.

The Birth of Furred Faced Nerd

Hi guys, my name is Liam (Furred Faced Nerd) and this is my new blog, the last few posts are from my previous blog that was mainly to build up a game journalism portfolio. Now I feel it is time to turn it up a notch and just write about all the nerdy stuff I enjoy, whether it be films, television series, comics, games or if it is just completely random stuff I make up.

I will of course try and keep the content flowing with a couple of posts a week and to the best possible quality I can. I am even thinking about having the occasional guest writer which could be fun, I already have a few monthly topics in mind so we should hit the ground running.

I should also add that I studied video game design and will probably be going at independent game design so there may be the occasional post asking for feedback on some ideas.

P.S if anyone is curious about the name of my blog, I have a beard, I'm a nerd.

Yours truly,
Furred Faced Nerd.

Apotheon

Apotheon is a 2D platformer with some open world aspects and it is based on Greek mythology. It is one of the free games for PlayStation Plus subscribers this month. It all kicks off with Goddess Hera informing us that the Gods have abandoned mankind with the amazing quote “And with their shepherds gone, the sheep fall prey to the wolves.”

The game starts off in a state of devastation and is straight in to the action, protagonist Nikandreos rises from the ashes and heads straight to battle. After battling your way through the city you are introduced to Hera who tells you of Zues’ plan to rid the earth of the mortals.

Once on Mt Olympus you face all of the Greek Gods that I probably learnt at school but actual learnt from ‘God of War’. One of said Gods is Apollo God of war and apparent lover of nudity. Once you get past the nudity, Apollo is a pretty tough guy which is obvious seeing as he is the God of war. Another God that we face is Poseidon, ruler of the sea; the only thing that lets this game down is that Apotheon was experiencing bug when it came to facing Poseidon. The game actually proves quite educational as it teaches a lot about Greek mythology even if it is the basics.

The main annoyance in Apotheon is the fact that Nikandreos does not talk, this is a main concern in a lot of video games, it has hard to create an emotive connection with a protagonist that doesn’t talk, it is what can break immersion, although it does not break immersion Apotheon and this is mainly due to the action packed gameplay that seems to take your mind off the fact the Nikandreos does not have the ability of speech, but does have a lot of other abilities.

The combat in Apotheon is usually really fun with the ability to use all different types of from a bow and arrow, trident or a fiery sword. Being able to use all these different types of weapons is part of what makes this game really fun to play, although there are some drawbacks to the combat for example you can miss an attack by the slightest amount which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it allows you to improve your skills unlike some games which have the auto assist features. You can also get knocked back about 10 feet by one blow to your character.

Overall the game has some brilliant features and a great story, it is like a side scroller version of God of War with just as an intriguing storyline facing up against all the Gods of Olympus with and amazing ending.

Damnation

Damnation is the debut comic of independent writer and illustrator Rees Finlay. The comic has a theme of horror to it and is rather personal to the writer and thus making the read a lot more enticing being able to see not only inside the minds of characters but also to see inside the mind of the writer.

The style of the comic is very dark and gritty in detail with the artwork similar to that of comics like The Walking Dead with its greyscale effects. Although it is not only the art style that is dark and gritty but the storyline has the sense of not knowing what will happen on the next page with all its sick, twisted but truly clever turns.

At first after reading the introduction and the first couple of pages you think that it will be filled with classic British humour, or sarcasm as some may call it, but then as you travel deeper in to the comic you realise the writer has lured you in to a false sense of security and it has suddenly took a turn from the British humour to something a lot darker that you will find yourself laughing rather sinisterly at.

Over all I found that the comic was a one way trip to the darkest parts of the characters but ourselves, which is in fact is not that bad. It also gives you the sense of wanting the character to achieve more in life, but at the same time see him suffer an eternity of damnation. The comic is now available for pre order on Amazon for Kindle and hard copies will be available shortly, the writer was kind enough to send me an earlier copy and I would highly recommend it to any fans of sinister tales.

GTA V Heists

Rockstar finally released the long awaited update for Heists available on GTA Online. The new feature has been wanted by the players of GTA sever since the online feature was added and has been made available on PS4, Xbox One, PS3 and Xbox 360. This new feature has allowed GTA V to rocket back up to the top in terms of sales in the UK as a lot of people have become interested again and it’s all thanks to the new feature. Admittedly, the server did crash, again, but the extra few hours wait was quite worth it.

The new feature is the best way to start raking in some money on GTA online as there is always a potential cut for you to achieve by completing certain challenges during the heists. If you are the leader of the heist you are able to decide the each players percentage of the cut, this is not always a good thing as a lot of players usually only want half of the cut and if they see that they are getting any less than half they will most likely leave the session.

It also forces an essence of teamwork as the players all have to work together and communicate in order to complete the heist properly, each heist also has multiple stages before the finale so you would most likely want to keep the same players on the heist from the setup mission all the way through to the finale, this way you will know how each player in your team plays and your squad will not be compromised by a newcomer who is less experienced. Heists are also a great way to show off and increase your characters skills as the missions often require stealth, flying, driving and even hacking, so if you are the type of person who tends o go in all guns blazing, practicing your stealth may help you progress through missions easier as you only get one shot at each mission otherwise its over.

The heists are also a great way to see how other people play such as your friends or random people online, the way they play may be totally different to your style and might encourage you to change your tactics and pick up on their style of play. Being able to see how other people play in the heists may give you some tips on how you could start doing things a bit differently to help complete future heists.

With the release of the heist update it is not only the mission feature that has been added but also the vehicles and clothing. A small range of vehicles have been released for the update, this includes pick-up trucks, motorbikes, jet planes, helicopters, more trucks with turrets mounted to them, vans and armoured cars, this is pretty much every vehicle you could ever need to do a heist, although if someone comes to the bank that you work with a turret on top their truck you probably know what is about to go down so its possibly not the stealthiest option in the world. As for clothing, Rockstar have added a wide range of clothing in order to help you get through the heists such as a new selections of masks, my personal favourite category is the paper bag masks because who wouldn’t rob a bank wearing a paper bag on their head? There are also a wide range of suits, tactical clothing that is similar to the previous team clothing and there are also clothes to help you go undercover such as pilot and prison officer costumes.

Overall the heists are as good if not better than they were in the campaign, which they should be seeing as they have had a year or so to improve on them. You also still have Lester giving you his guidance throughout the heists and being as creepy as ever, but he will introduce you to some new faces in order to help your player earn some serious stacks of cash, so we still like Lester.

Nvidia Shield

Nvidia, the company most known for their outstanding GPU’s aimed at graphic 
designers and gamers, you may have heard of their popular ‘GeForce’ graphics 
cards. But now Nvidia have upgraded and have decided to create the Nvidia 
Shield and is powered by the Tegra x1 superchip, which sounds pretty good. 
The next generation in gaming and a big contender against the popular 
consoles.

The Shield will be the very first game console to have 4K graphics for movies, 
programmes and games. Therefore you will be able to stream movies and 
programmes as well as playing video games. As the Shield will be hooked up 
with Google this will mean it will have Google Play, this will allow you to 
download applications, games, movies and music.

The console itself looks truly amazing and has been designed beautifully. The 
console is super thin, especially when you compare it to the ugly and bulky 
XBOX One. Although talking of XBOX, the controller looks almost identical to 
the XBOX One controller, although it is slightly better as it has 40 hours battery 
life and voice control. The Nvidia Shield not only has a controller but also has a 
remote, like a TV remote, which also looks very slick and which has a total of 
about 3 buttons in order to keep things simple.

The Shield is going to have multiple marketplaces, the android store and the 
the Nvidia Grid store. The android store is going to have 50+ titles on release 
unlike most consoles which only have a few titles ready for release, some of 
these title may sound familiar though, Borderlands, The Talos Principle, the 
whole Doom collection and Crisis 3. The Grid store is going to be like 
PlayStation Plus as it is a subscription service that offers free games but also 
allows you to buy AAA titles such as Shadow of Mordor, Dying Light and 
Arkham Knight. Nvidia Grid’s big selling point is ‘click and play in half a blink’ 
meaning that you will not have to wait hours on end for installation due to 
thousands of supercomputers powering there cloud servers.

The Nvidia Shield is going to cost $199 and will be released toward the end of 
2015 and is pretty much looking likely to be a really good version of the Ouya.