with thanks to a certain Jack Thompson and Senator Hillary Clinton, I thought it best to remind the public that there are positives to gaming.
1. I have a 2 year old nephew who has already shown an interest in gaming. Wanting to encourage this, I bought him a PC game for 2-5 year olds, called The Book of Pooh: A Story with a Tail, (no Gamespot Gamespace), which coupled with the other limited education I am helping with has helped him; Spell, Count, do basic Mathematics, Say the Alphabet, learn musical patterns and rythmns, read - and helped hand/eye co-ordination. This isn't the only form of education he is recieving - but it is easily his favorite form and the one he looks forward to most.
2. I recently played a good deal of the Xbox racing title Forza Motorsport, a game that has helped me appreciate vehicles more, and get a better understanding of them. Through it I have been able to communicate with car enthusiasts and learn more about my own car, and given help about tuning, alignments and basic repair. All this I would not have recieved without this game.
3. A friend of mine has a young daughter aged 9. They live in an apartment building where the only pets allowed are of the swimming in the bowl tank variety. The young girl, Melissa, desperately wants a dog. As a present, her mother gave her a Nintendo DS console and a copy of the Nintendogs DS game (which incidentally, is number 1 and 2 seller in the charts currently). Through it, she has delighted in the ability to feed, train and show off her virtual pet that she helps raise and looks after. This is an ideal solution for Melissa, and it also helps guage how responsible she could be, if ever they had the opportunity to buy a real Dog.
4. There are many other titles which have frings benefits - whose only purpose when designed were to be entertaining. PS2 game Crazy Taxi helped in memory and time management - I had to focus on utilising the best shortcuts, and had to memorise the layout of the city, and the best patrons to use to rack up the highest points. This was effectively a good tool for time management - as with the tight time periods and ever present danger of pedestrians and traffic. There was some mild violence and cussing in the game - but was rated T for Teen and I would personally allow someone younger to play it, as it was very tame.
5. There is also another game which helps, if anything in else, in time management, depth perception and the ideals of running a succesful railway. This is Australia's own game, Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004. Nearby where I live is a Railway Museum which has the game available to play in an actual model of a Locomotive. Specially designed railroad controls which feel and look realistic to belong in an actual Electric locomotive are also available to provide a sense of true reality. It's also a chramingly fun game, and if anything is well worth a try.
6. One of my favorite series of games are Civilisation. Owning only a Playstation, I became hooked on Civilisation 2 (no Gamespot Gamespace for Playstation version) - which at face value is a boring, ugly game with far too long between gameplay sets. It was certainly different than my other Playstation games, and remained nestled at the bottom of a pile of games like Tekken 2 and Resident Evil. However, upon playing, you are given a choice of civilisations which you help expand and grow. As their leader, you guide them through the ages, learning technologies, building wonders, trading with neighbours, using diplomacy or war to get what you want, and amassing an army. You are given a great deal of variety and choice in how you go about conquering the world and beyond, and through it I learnt more about the definition of several Religions, and the reasoning behind many World Wonders. Through this game, I looked at different religions as I questioned my beliefs, as well as expanded outside of my habitual safety and looked at visiting exotic areas I wouldn't have really known about as well as they had been interpreted through this game. That series has continued now, with the 4th game just being released.
7. A title I got hooked on when it came out and one of the free demos I recieved as part of a Computer Showbag I recieved at the Queensland Show, Rollercoaster Tycoon became a quick favorite. This is one of the first games I owned and played on PC, and through it I learn lessons such as Finance and resource management. Levels required you to be creative in your designs of Theme Parks, as well as crete rides that park guests would want to ride again on. You were sometimes asked to have a certain amount of guests by a due date, or keep everyones happiness optimum, by hiring additional Security and Entertainers. Keeping outgoing costs at a minimum, while dealing with loans and finiances, as well as buid a park that was enjoyable was a good experierence, and the game remains to be as playable today as it was all those years ago.
These are just some of the examples that I have personally witnessed or have taken part in for why gaming can actually be a positive and learning experience. It has the ability to bring people closer, be competitive or co-operative, and best of all, have fun. I still remember my young years at various Arcades playing Pinball against my parents. It was something we could enjoy together. Not all games are murder simulators and indeed, some of the highest selling games are those which aren't violent at all, like The Sims and Super Mario Bros. Gaming has become cinematic, and through it the medium has beome much closer to the movie industry in both it's taste and audience, but also in the genres represented. However, gaming can be seen as a positive way for children and even adults to learn passive and reactive skills which are a core for our being. And as well , they can entertain.
Sagacious_Tien Blog
Tony Hawk's Underground 2 review
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
THUG 2 adds some new features and style to a series which is becoming a pale imitation of it's former self. Tony Hawks Underground 2, or THUG 2 is actually the 6th title in the series in as many years from Skating visionaries Neversoft. The change in name with last year's Tony Hawk's Underground brought a significant change in how the game was presented and played, and THUG 2 carries on this tradition. Major changes included a free skate system, the removal of the all too quick 2 minute timer, and a chance to bask in and enjoy the large surroundings. It also included an over the top and stereolystic story mode which was like a lost epidode of cult television series, Jackass. THUG 2 is more of the same, but somewhat more refined.
THUG 2 begins with a World Destruction Tour, with your custom created Skater mixing it up with skating legends like Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and the like. They all lend their voices and tricks to their characters, and come off being likeable and believable - something that may suprise you. Changing gameplay from a singular character centric Skateboarding champion to a team based challenge shakes up the way the game is presented, and in cases played, and also gives a lot more variety than ever before.
Starting in a Warehouse where you become knowledgable in the basics, you are then let loose on far ranging environments, from Barcelona to Australia. The setup is much the same in all cities though, with the "World Destruction Tour" not being just a cool name, but points awarded for actually smashing stuff up. However, wth only a handful of levels, the Story Mode is rather short, and veterans of the series will easily be able to glide through. This isn't the only thing going for the game though.
While not present in the Xbox version (where online play is almost seen as mandatory), the PS2 version once again triumphs in it's Multiplayer Modes. Including online and system link, as well as split screen, all the modes from THUG make a return (trick attack, score challenge, combo mambo, slap, king of the hill, firefight, graffiti and capture the flag), and including 2 new modes, Elimiskate and Scavenger Hunt for up to 8 players. Elimiskate is like a knockout style race through the city, checking off varius checkpoints, awhile Scavenger Hunt is just as it's name says, charging you to race around collecting coins before the rest. They are good modes, and add a great deal to the replayability of THUG 2.
Another inclusion is Classic Mode, with the return of the 2 minute timed courses, including several from the story mode, and some from previous games in the series. It's an interesting addition, and one surely to please fans of the series, though it's sad to see that Neversoft didn't work so much on brand new content for THUG 2, as this is all recycled from previous games. However, if you haven't played these before, its a welcome addition. You'll find yourself racing around some of the most popular courses from games all the way back to the Downhill Jam course that appeared in the very first Tony Hawk. All the new moves and tricks can be used here, so it is interesting to experiment with all the new tricks and try out new combos. No doubt some people will try to incorporate some new things with combo centric areas they all remember.
New tricks include the Sticker Slap, by pressing the jump button while flying straight in to a wall, you slap a sticker (which you can personally design) and fly back into the previous direction. This is one of the better trick inclusions, and will allow for some very neat combos. You may also execute vertical Wall Plants, giving you bigger air (though this isn't needed as much as you may think), a Natas Spin trick which will allow you to spin like a top on a pointed object, and graffiti tags, where you can hop off your board and tag different points of the city. All these moves are explained to you, and are even incorporated into goals.
However, this is a point where the game fails, you will become too dependent on checking the Goals screen to learn what it is to do next. There is no indicator, and there isn't a NPC to let you in. The Goals screen has a small indicator and a tip on what you need to do, and it's a shame that the game isn't more helpful in letting you know what you should be doing. Changing between characters in game is relatively easy though, but you do need to find them before you can access their individual goals for the level. Not all of them will be riding skateboards though, with things like a riding mchanical bull (on wheels) an a motorised scooter being just some of the gameplay changes. This is mainly window dressing though, they play somewhat differently, and even look good, with new tricks and interesting new ways to combo, but it doesn't add significantly to the gameplay, or the story.
When stacking it, you can also "Freak Out" allowing you to show your frustration at losing that 20k plus combo by snapping your board. This is just a ridiculous addition which should have never made ti past beta, it is only amusing once, and is more of an annoyance later. Thankfully, the meter requied to fill to complete this trick is up to you, so at least you have control over your anger in this situation. It is fun to show off to friends though.
The Playstation 2 version also shines with the inclusion of EyeToy connectivity, allowing you to map your face in game. You can also use a digital camera still, and these usually look better, though it takes time. This feature was also in last years THUG, and works in exactly the same way. It's kind of funny to be able to skate online against your friends who look like they do in life, and it certainly brings a great deal of personality to the generally fast paced action.
THUG 2's visuals hold up pretty well, and support wide screen and Doly Digital setup's. The PS2 version takes a hit here, and especially in widescreen, as the environment distance becomes blurry and even foggy. This is a shame in a game that is as fast as Tony Hawk, but those playing on a regular television won't have a problem. Naturally the sound and look of THUG 2 is better on Xbox, and if you aren't into online play, is the version worth recommending. The control will take some getting used to though, with the 4 shoulder buttons offered on the PS2 controller giving tighter gameplay. Its not impossible to get adjusted though.
The skaters and environments are fairly solid, and the frame rate is steady, without dipping even when a lot is happening on screen. The sense of speed is pretty good, and the high jumps and great air really suspending your belief. The look of THUG 2 is pretty fresh as well, with a Bam Margera, Mexican style tinge, not at all like the fomulaic feel of previous games. The environments aren't particularly large though, but there are many hidden secrets.
The Audio in THUG 2 is particularly good, with a great variety of music, from bands like Metallica, The DOC, Ween and, wait for it, Frank Sinatra. Over 50 tracks are included, with thte ability to remove any tracks from the playlist you dislike. The Xbox version also supports Custom Soundtracks. The sound effects are fairly solid, but are again recycled from previous games. Some new environmental effects have been added, but this occasionally gets drowned out by the music. You might want to adjust the volume settings in game until you find a setting that's good for you. However, the skaters all deliver their lines well, and the dialogue is pretty hilarious, and always entertaining.
Overally, THUG 2 is another solid entry into the long running series. It does recycle old staples from the series, but the style and general fun of the game can't be ignored. For those with their PS2's online, you will have a good long time online, but even without, the many hidden gaps and secrets will have you playing for weeks, and the split screen isn't too bad. The create a skater, park, graphic, deck and sticker modes will have you scratching at your creative itch for some time as well, and the core gameplay of the Story and Classic modes is still solid and enjoyable. This is a good title for those who have missed some of the previous games, and series veterans will appreciate the new Story focus and the chance to play through old favorites. If only I didn't feel like I had done this so many times before, the score would have been better but nonetheless, this is a solid skating title that you would be a fool to miss.
THUG 2 begins with a World Destruction Tour, with your custom created Skater mixing it up with skating legends like Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and the like. They all lend their voices and tricks to their characters, and come off being likeable and believable - something that may suprise you. Changing gameplay from a singular character centric Skateboarding champion to a team based challenge shakes up the way the game is presented, and in cases played, and also gives a lot more variety than ever before.
Starting in a Warehouse where you become knowledgable in the basics, you are then let loose on far ranging environments, from Barcelona to Australia. The setup is much the same in all cities though, with the "World Destruction Tour" not being just a cool name, but points awarded for actually smashing stuff up. However, wth only a handful of levels, the Story Mode is rather short, and veterans of the series will easily be able to glide through. This isn't the only thing going for the game though.
While not present in the Xbox version (where online play is almost seen as mandatory), the PS2 version once again triumphs in it's Multiplayer Modes. Including online and system link, as well as split screen, all the modes from THUG make a return (trick attack, score challenge, combo mambo, slap, king of the hill, firefight, graffiti and capture the flag), and including 2 new modes, Elimiskate and Scavenger Hunt for up to 8 players. Elimiskate is like a knockout style race through the city, checking off varius checkpoints, awhile Scavenger Hunt is just as it's name says, charging you to race around collecting coins before the rest. They are good modes, and add a great deal to the replayability of THUG 2.
Another inclusion is Classic Mode, with the return of the 2 minute timed courses, including several from the story mode, and some from previous games in the series. It's an interesting addition, and one surely to please fans of the series, though it's sad to see that Neversoft didn't work so much on brand new content for THUG 2, as this is all recycled from previous games. However, if you haven't played these before, its a welcome addition. You'll find yourself racing around some of the most popular courses from games all the way back to the Downhill Jam course that appeared in the very first Tony Hawk. All the new moves and tricks can be used here, so it is interesting to experiment with all the new tricks and try out new combos. No doubt some people will try to incorporate some new things with combo centric areas they all remember.
New tricks include the Sticker Slap, by pressing the jump button while flying straight in to a wall, you slap a sticker (which you can personally design) and fly back into the previous direction. This is one of the better trick inclusions, and will allow for some very neat combos. You may also execute vertical Wall Plants, giving you bigger air (though this isn't needed as much as you may think), a Natas Spin trick which will allow you to spin like a top on a pointed object, and graffiti tags, where you can hop off your board and tag different points of the city. All these moves are explained to you, and are even incorporated into goals.
However, this is a point where the game fails, you will become too dependent on checking the Goals screen to learn what it is to do next. There is no indicator, and there isn't a NPC to let you in. The Goals screen has a small indicator and a tip on what you need to do, and it's a shame that the game isn't more helpful in letting you know what you should be doing. Changing between characters in game is relatively easy though, but you do need to find them before you can access their individual goals for the level. Not all of them will be riding skateboards though, with things like a riding mchanical bull (on wheels) an a motorised scooter being just some of the gameplay changes. This is mainly window dressing though, they play somewhat differently, and even look good, with new tricks and interesting new ways to combo, but it doesn't add significantly to the gameplay, or the story.
When stacking it, you can also "Freak Out" allowing you to show your frustration at losing that 20k plus combo by snapping your board. This is just a ridiculous addition which should have never made ti past beta, it is only amusing once, and is more of an annoyance later. Thankfully, the meter requied to fill to complete this trick is up to you, so at least you have control over your anger in this situation. It is fun to show off to friends though.
The Playstation 2 version also shines with the inclusion of EyeToy connectivity, allowing you to map your face in game. You can also use a digital camera still, and these usually look better, though it takes time. This feature was also in last years THUG, and works in exactly the same way. It's kind of funny to be able to skate online against your friends who look like they do in life, and it certainly brings a great deal of personality to the generally fast paced action.
THUG 2's visuals hold up pretty well, and support wide screen and Doly Digital setup's. The PS2 version takes a hit here, and especially in widescreen, as the environment distance becomes blurry and even foggy. This is a shame in a game that is as fast as Tony Hawk, but those playing on a regular television won't have a problem. Naturally the sound and look of THUG 2 is better on Xbox, and if you aren't into online play, is the version worth recommending. The control will take some getting used to though, with the 4 shoulder buttons offered on the PS2 controller giving tighter gameplay. Its not impossible to get adjusted though.
The skaters and environments are fairly solid, and the frame rate is steady, without dipping even when a lot is happening on screen. The sense of speed is pretty good, and the high jumps and great air really suspending your belief. The look of THUG 2 is pretty fresh as well, with a Bam Margera, Mexican style tinge, not at all like the fomulaic feel of previous games. The environments aren't particularly large though, but there are many hidden secrets.
The Audio in THUG 2 is particularly good, with a great variety of music, from bands like Metallica, The DOC, Ween and, wait for it, Frank Sinatra. Over 50 tracks are included, with thte ability to remove any tracks from the playlist you dislike. The Xbox version also supports Custom Soundtracks. The sound effects are fairly solid, but are again recycled from previous games. Some new environmental effects have been added, but this occasionally gets drowned out by the music. You might want to adjust the volume settings in game until you find a setting that's good for you. However, the skaters all deliver their lines well, and the dialogue is pretty hilarious, and always entertaining.
Overally, THUG 2 is another solid entry into the long running series. It does recycle old staples from the series, but the style and general fun of the game can't be ignored. For those with their PS2's online, you will have a good long time online, but even without, the many hidden gaps and secrets will have you playing for weeks, and the split screen isn't too bad. The create a skater, park, graphic, deck and sticker modes will have you scratching at your creative itch for some time as well, and the core gameplay of the Story and Classic modes is still solid and enjoyable. This is a good title for those who have missed some of the previous games, and series veterans will appreciate the new Story focus and the chance to play through old favorites. If only I didn't feel like I had done this so many times before, the score would have been better but nonetheless, this is a solid skating title that you would be a fool to miss.
Looks like Blogs are back up....
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
I have to say I am utterly dismayed at the amount of time the new Gamespot is taking to be redesigned. I have been checking often enough. It has made me realise, I really enjoy coming here - and especially, seeing the Community, who I count as my friends. I have written 2 reviews up, and also have rented a game, but I still have that pull towards here - for some explicable reason. I can't post those reviews yet - hope too soon. I'll see you all then when I have something better to post - there have been a few happenings.
Now my sister has cancer....
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
Ovarian - to be exact. I only just found this out. She's going in for a Biopsy on October 13 to see how bad. Laughingly, I had my tax return on the same day. It's only day surgery. so she should be out before I have to go and do my Tax. Not sure how Michael will work out in this - it's going to be tight. I didn't think se had cancer, but I thought there mught have been something wrong. I hope she take solace that I'm ok. Will update further when I hear more, but I'm at no further risk of a relapse due to this.
Can anyone read this?
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrgde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprometnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
______________________________________________________________
I'll bet you could easily read that as if it were all spelt correctly. I know I can. :)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory; Review.
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
Sam Fisher's greatest adventure yet.
This is now the third game in the Splinter Cell series in as many years. It has changed hands twice, being developed by seperate teams within Ubisoft. The original developers of the first Splinter Cell developed Chaos Theory, with the online component in the hands of Ubisoft Shanghai, who developed the brilliant online addition for Pandora Tomorrow. Coming up with 2 sequals in 2 years smells suspiciously like rehashing a winning formula in order to have a product ready for sale - without regards to fans who enjoyed the game in the first place. While that may be the case with other games, fear not; Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is bigger and better than ever, and there is enough reason for fans of the series to pick up the latest iteration of Fisher's excellent stealth action.
Chaos Theory takes place in a world on the brink of war - with Japan creating a Information Self Defence Force which is seen as a violation of their Constitution after ammendments made following WWII. Growing tensions between themselves and North Korea, as well as China have resulted in shipping blockades, effectively crippling the Japanese economy. As a result, Japan calls their American allie for support - however a rather small and seemingly unrelated incident is what starts Sam's latest adventure. A Mr Bruce Morgenholt has been kidnapped, and being one of the most intelligent men on Earth, Third Echelon want him back.
After studying the kernals alongside Abrahim Zherkezi following the Georgian Information Crisis, (nice way to tie in the storyline from a previous game) - Morgenholt now works for a telecommunications company that has extensive contracts throughout the world - particularly in the South Pacific. However, this makes him a suitable target for information retrieval - and naturally, America doesn't want him to spill the beans. All this is just a small taste of a very well put together story that is not only well made, but well told. Fantastic cut-scenes which are directed with Hollywood flair and realistic emotion coming from all characters (with Michael Ironside returning as Sam Fisher) really make you sit up and take notice, with the many cutscenes fleshing out the story as well as Sam's supporting crew.
You get a real feel for the people behind Sam, with friendly banter - both on topic and off coming up at random intervals. A main topic for discussion is Sam's age, and yes it is true, Sam is getting older. But this hasn't held him back - and this time he is more prepared and more violent than before - with even more moves to add to his already bulging reportoire. Chaos Theory has a more edgy and adult feel and series veterans will find themselves right at home - but be glad to see new options for taking on the ever increasing array of main and secondary objectives. As well, Sam has taken on a more user-friendly role, with more ways to attack and even take down the enemy. This will be welcome news to newcomers, however veterans may feel slightly cheapened. But there is 3 difficulty settings that easily ramp up the difficulty - so there is still a challenge for them.
Forget the lighter adventures of the Sam of old, where he cared for the enemy's well-being and kills were kept to a minimum. The game is darker (unbelievable but true), and more violent. Another UbiSoft series went down this route, (Prince of Persia: Warrior Within), and while that may have been condemned by reviewers and fans who preferred the Prince's previous and more light-hearted adventure, the new feel of Chaos Theory actually enhances the gameplay, and may bring in new people who previously dismissed the series - especially for it's slower pace to other action titles.
Being more action based though hasn't changed the formula too much. Before you "load out" for each mission you are given the choice of 3 equipment pre-sets. This doesn't affect your score for the mission, but will depict more how you play through the game than anything else. You can choose between stealth, action or a mix of the two. Veterans should be able to easily go through the missions, however, there are a few suprises and twists in the gameplay, and many hidden and secret paths that make the game feel a little more real - and slightly complex. You may find yourself lost on ocassion, and a little unsure of your bearings, however a very well implemented map feature will help whenever you are unsure of where to go next.
New ways to take down enemy's is nice, but new ways to pass objectives is even better. With this in mind, players should be happy with the inclusion of the new Electronic Vision. Available in Pandora Tomorrow's multiplayer, it now allows you to remotely hack keycodes, and computers, uploading viruses and reading emails. There is also a secondary fire now available on your sidearm pistol, useful for knocking out electronic systems silently for a short period of time. This is explained to you well throughout the course of the game, and these new toys are not overused, and enhance the gameplay, adding more variety to the proceedings.
However, regardless of the exciting and well put together campaign mode is, most people would probably be more interested in the brand new competitive play mode - and they wont come away disappointed. No minor addition, this is a well played out and great addition to the game. However, with only four maps, as well as a training map, it feels quite light. The map that is so useful in the single player is also removed, and there is no way to know where the other player is. This can make it frustrating if you dont have good contact and a good rapport with the other player, so it's best to play with a friend.
But with all the new moves added, the idea to work in tandem with another player works really well. Things like using each other for a human ladder, or throwing each other across high walls not only looks great, but is integral to the gameplay. The missions are designed around working together, and this dynamic is fresh and new, and a whole lot of fun. The innovation continues with Chaos Theory's multiplayer mode. First showing up in Pandora Tomorrow, it was hailed for it's originality and well thought out gameplay, pitting 2 very different sides against one another. Both sides had their pros and cons, and the game really came down to the skill of the player.
This has continued and evolved even better for Chaos Theory. While you are forced to complete a rather simple training mission, it's best that you familiarise some of the multiplayer maps first, as the brief training mission isn't very helpful, and some of the maps can be large and intimidating. Pandora Tomorrow players should feel right at home, with 12 maps on offer, about half of which are completely new. Others are updated versions of maps from the previous game, enhanced to make use of all the new gadgets and devices. The maps are now more story focussed, and each has very different objectives which makes them all feel unique.
The interesting dynamic of having only four players works really well, but you or your team-mate can become a big liability if you haven't played the game enough. A high level of concentration may be required, and while games are short, they are exciting and tense. Don't expect a lot of running and gunning though, as the multiplayer plays very similar to Pandora Tomorrow. While the previous games have pushed graphics to new levels of excellence, Chaos Theory has gone overboard with just how gorgeous it looks. Excellent maps, well defined locales and areas that feel lived in are decidedly spooky, it doesn't feel made up - it feels real. Lighting and texture mapping are done here at their very best.
Sam looks great, with new animations and even differing ones from previous games. Crouching, slinking and skulking never looked this good, and the environments look so real, many times you may just find yourself just looking around you - wondering at the detail. Sound is absolutely top notch - with a wonderful original soundtrack that blends well with the action. The music is very dramatic, with highs and lows, occasionally edgy and always classy. Amon Tobin is the man behind this, with a very electronic feel - which lends itself well to Sam's world of espionage.
The music kicks up when the action's hot too, and slowly dies down as you get past the action. Background detail and noises are noticeable and appreciated as well. Main effects also all sound great, from the sound a aluminium can makes, to the crunching of gravel under Sam's feet. Distant gunfire and buzzing lights make you feel occasionaly panicky, but in a good way. Tension literally jumps off the screen in soundwaves. The voice work from the main cast - as well as a host of extras is terrific, with a good variety in voices, dialect and accent. Although all the cast still speak English, you will be listening to French, Japanese, Korean, English and a host of other nations - all selling the plausability of a International crisis - and all drawing you in to the conflict playing out.
However, the plausibility of the games environments and effects have seen fit for UbiSoft to add a few too many in-game advertisements, which actually take you out of the experience, rather than enhance it. Loading times are incomprehensibly long as well, although the screens used usually have a looped video to at least keep you interested. Overall however small these negatives are, they dont conflict with the genuinally great game that Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is. A well thought out story, played out well in a very playable campaign, as well as a compelling online mode, and a excellent new addition in the co-operative mode sums up the greatest Splinter Cell game yet. Get this - you won't be disappointed.
19 September 2005 - MSN....
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
I have signed up with MSN - so if you wish to check me out, do so. My email is goldieloveskeith2@hotmail.com and that is my main email as well, so you can send me a letter there if you wish. You may also PM me. Thats it for this entry! :D
13 September 2005: New additions to my Gaming Library
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
Filling up faster than you can say WTF - is my gaming collection, which was bolstered by a further 3 titles today. Welcome everyone:
Grabbed by the Ghoulies (XBOX)
Kung Fu Chaos (XBOX)
Outrun 2 (XBOX)
I'm going to go and try them out now!
12 September 2005: Review Station
by Sagacious_Tien on Comments
As the title suggests, this is my Review Station. A place to store all my reviews. Peruse if you wish, and I'd love feedback, both positive and negative. All are catalogued by System and alpabetised.
PC
Playstation
Playstation 2
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Xbox
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