Retawes Reboots: Star Wars Battlefront

Welcome to my first "Retawes Reboots" where I indicate a specific franchise that needs or should be updated or altered onto this or the upcoming generation (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii or Wii U, PS4 and Xbox 720). First we have the battlefield 2 styled Star Wars universe series, Star Wars Battlefront.

Aha! Rebel Scum!

What the hell is Battlefront?
Star Wars Battlefront was a war third/first person shooter set in the Star Wars Universe. It was released in 2006 and contained a campaign, split-screen/co-op for Xbox and PS2 players and a multiplayer service for their PC fans. At the time of Battlefront 2's release, the game was graphically impressive and the Artificial Intellegence were never wrong or difficult to play with or against. (Unlike a certain Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City!) There were a large variety in classes, maps and factions based of the films, such as the Droids (droidikas, Assasin droids, Engineer droids, etc) and the Imperial Empire (Shocktroopers, Imperial Pilots, etc). If you defeated enough enemies, you would be rewarded with the option of playing as one of the heroes or villians of the chosen map. For instance, if you were playing on the Wookies home-world, Chubaka would be an available character once you received 18 points.

Who developed Battlefront?

Do the Robot Dance!

The developers of Battlefront, Pendemic Studios had no idea that their games would've been so successful. With over 500,000 copies sold on PS2 and Xbox seperately there was an obvious market for in-depth star wars related war games. Even the critics agreed that it was surreal and completely underated. Particularly, on Metacritics and GameRankings' websites, where the PC edition recived between 76-78 out of 100.

Who should develop Battlefront 3?






Get your own 'virtual' Tonton!

Over the past few years, there have been several rumours flying around about who would create the updated Battlefront 3. Activision, Rockstar, Crytek and Sega were all accused of making the sequel however, Rebellion Developments have been confirmed.
Although, I personally would of preferred 2K Games, Bungie, Valve or even Epic Games due to their third person background instead of this unknown company.

Why Should Battlefront be Rebooted?



Run Away!

If you ever played Battlefront than there is no explanation why you wouldn't want this 'masterpiece' to be updated and rebooted as a modern or next generated title. The game did have a multiplayer service yet in this day in age, we have no 'good' space shooters that are comparable to the likes of Battlefront 2. Speaking of which, the game needs an updated multiplayer service and graphics engine. Seeing only a few blocks of space in average quality is partially irritating, especially when you're sniping.
Incidentally, the game needs more classes and originality/distinguishment between each faction. I understand that the Wookies and Droids aren't alike, but the Republic and the CIS played exactly the same! In fact, if you replaced their outfits and weapon skins identically, you couldn't tell them apart!
                                                        
To Reboot or not Reboot?


To conclude, the Star Wars Battlefront Franchise must be rebooted and hopefully, Rebellion Developments does a satisfying job and creates the "Next Big Shooter" of the year.

Retawes Review: Final Fantasy XIII-2

Final Fantasy XIII-2 - 17.5/20

Considering Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix has being headed down an uneasy slope lately. But is that all about to change in Square's new and incredibly improved sequel to XIII, XIII-2?

Story and Setting 9.5/10

This may be the closest we get to KH3 till KH3D!

Final Fantasy 13-2's plot starts as the game's predescessor finishes in other words,  it's not the same as 13. Essentially, its Final Fantasy meets Chrono Trigger meets Kingdom Hearts. I say Kingdom Hearts as one of the main protagonists, Noel looks identical to Sora (In a way) and the game feels more like the later game's art style and the music is comparable to KH's themes. 

The story on the other hand, feels partially copied from Chrono Trigger's
time travelling story but with less bizarre characters. For instance, Snow returns as 'douchey' and stubborn as before yet I was hoping for some character development which was consequentively (due to the paradox system) my problem.
Like the character development, the plot can be considered confusing and disinteresting however I can't explain without giving spoilers. Hence forth, here is a basic analysis of the plot.

Well in my future, you're a goat!

Spoiler Alert!
Due to several holes in timelines (Known as Paradoxes) Lightning is taken to Valhalla, a mysterious world where time is non-existant and inhabited with monsters and the antagonist of the game, Caius. Althouth, he isn't neccessarily 'evil' as he is a (Guardian of Time) "protector's of the Seeress". The seeress are a family of 'fortune seekers' (So to speak!). Due to the protagonists of XIII is another Cauis and Lightning then battle each other until the Noel appears from a portal (Gabe Newell) and is sent (By Lightning) to the present day to help Lightning's sister Serah free Lightning of her curse and save the world from multiple time paradoxes. If you understood that, congratulations as you'll most likely follow the story.
Spoiler Finished!

Speaking of Serah, as she is the protagonist in this title, the whole game is through her perspective. Now this can be seen good and bad. The upside is that you eventually meet everyone else prior to the sequel and they all have different perspectives of you, Noel and the world that's  constantly changing. The downside, Serah's nagging and constant whining of her 'Hero' Snow, finding Lightning and saving the future becomes really old and really fast too! Although, Laura Bailey and Liam O'Brien should be awarded on their superb work as Serah and Caius.

Speaking of the voices in the game, the dialogue is brilliantly casted and goes so well with the music, setting and character models. It's so brilliant in fact, that the voices are some of the best in a JRPG in the past four years (Excluding Xenoblades Chronicles, Last Story). As many other RPGs are following in the footsteps of Bioware's 'fortune wheel', Final Fantasy 13-2 has a similiar concept yet it doesn't hav much of an impact early in the game.


Graphics and Gameplay 8/10

Spot the moogle!

Graphically, the game is a masterpiece with in-depth appearing characters, surreal uncomparable environments with proper, quest giving and individual npcs! Ignoring the pokemon influenced battle system, in Final Fantasy 13-2, there is nothing more satisfyingly new to 13's mini series, than the proper people that you see wondering the towns, villages and battlegrounds, discussing about their lunch, an upcoming event or even what/who you defeated in the past. Each quest-giver has some generalization that something has gone missing or happened due to a paradox and it's your mission to find, defeat, recover or discover for 13-2 version of experience points, CP. CP is for upgrading your character's classes which are all unique and appropriate for the battle system. For instance, Commando is a melee based, damage dealer that sustains the stagger bar used in the original where as the Synergist and Sabotuer roles buff and debuff the enemies stats.

Go Spiky-Turtle/Iguana-Mon!

Incidentally, the combat of the game is swift and oh so fluid compared to 13's. Moves are still accessed via the ATB gauge (Active Time Battle) and the pathetic Auto-battle option is available however they finally disposed of the ridiculous animations when changing paradigm shifts. Although, the biggest change to the combat system is the monster recruitment concept. The idea is that as you battle monsters you eventually obtain their crystal evidently resulting in a monster recruitment. Each monster has a few unique skills and are organised into the specified roles (Medic, Commando, Sentinel, Saboteur, Synergist and Ravager) however they may also be infused into one another. This basically means, taking the defensive (Sentinel) stats of a spiky iguana-like monster and giving it to a magic orientated (Ravager) cheerful bird-like monster.

Speaking of cheerful critters alongside Noel and fellow monsters, Serah is accompanied by a Moogle named Mog. Outside of combat, Mog helps find mysterious treasure, invisible artefacts, Time gates and transforms into Serah's Bow and Sword. It's also rewarding and fortunate enough for us Final Fantasy Veterans to have free roaming back in the franchise!


Overall - 17.5

At the end of 13's timeline, I found the game far more achievable and playable than its predescessor, graphically, combatively and story wise. However, the melodrama and overused nagging and still scenes between Serah and Noel were incredibly dull. I also wished that the rest of 13's cast were more accesible throughout the story and actually playable as Serah or Noel. Although, I do detest the idea of DLC to finalise the mini-series, I could see DLC used to portray each character's further connection to the story, resulting in an extra character or 'monster' slot.

Retawes Review: The Darkness II (2)

The Darkness II - 15/20

Does Darkness 2 deliver what was assumed, an outstanding original story based on the 'hit' comics with sleek gameplay mechanics and engaging steroetypical characters? Or, is the game a 'dark disaster'?

Story and Setting - 7.5/10

Darkness 2's plot revolves around gang leader Jackie Estacado, who has an uncontrollable possession of the 'Darkness'. The 'Darkness' is more of disease than power as Jackie soon suffers from physical, emotional and pyschological trauma. For instance, throughout the game he continously witnesses several halucinations involving his deceased girlfriend Jenny.
To make things worse, Jackie is perpetually being attacked and evenutally kidnapped by a nortorious darkness addicted organization known as "The Brotherhood" (Totally Original right?). Due to this sydicate, Jackie and his gang must protect and fight for their organisation while Jackie discovers the Darkness, Brotherhood and fellow gang members 'true' identities and goals. This results in many 'gaming tears' as you empathize and observe Jackie's struggles and obstacles that he faces whenever reminded or traumatized by these 'visions'.

Speaking of Jackie's emotional complications, throughout the campaign Jackie has numerous monlogues where he discusses or recounts his pasts with Jenny, his Aunt Sarah, his parents and friends. This not only provides an in-depth back story before a short mission, but it portrays a truely emotive and caring side to the possessed, controversial maniac that Estacado is. Although, this wouldn't of occured without the superb voice casting and ideal setting that is, downtown New York.



I ain't doing anything Sir! She jumped on me!

Incidentally, Darkness 2 has a brilliant cast of voice actors that contribute to the stereotypical, "Sopranos" dialogue that each 'goon' claims or shouts. From Jimmy the Grape (Not a bizare name at all?) to Jackie, each character feels, moves, acts and sounds as a complete individual though the protagonist's minions sound too stereotyped and not in the appropriate manner. On a brighter note, Mike Patton should be applauded for his magnificent voice as the darkness.

Coincedentively, Downtown New York provides an obivous yet humorous location for this genre. Though, at times the areas can be buggy, bland and disinteresting. For instance, the cementary would of been an ideal place for a mission, what with mellancholy and death surrounded the player. However, every corridor, alleyway and path looks the same and feels nothing original or of the standard of originality in the comics.

Graphics and Gameplay - 7.5/10

He ate my cookie....So I killed him.....

The Darkness 2 has some bizarre and well thought gameplay mechanics yet, the game suffers from graphical bugs, overpowerd/overwhelming enemies and dodgy poor camera fixes. Although, being possessed by the dark forces has its advantages, such as controlling two serpents wrapped around your neck that obliterate and torture your foes in the most painful and clinically crazy executions possible. (This should be noted that the game is heavily violent and definately not for the faint hearted or hemaphobians.) For instance, an execution that replenishes my health has my tentacle buddies 'butchering' a brotherhood member into tiny pieces to find his still beating heart!

Speaking of hearts, certain activities such as, 'slowly' torturing enemies, devouring their hearts or discovering relics that teach you about the past hosts of the darkness all give you more of "The Darkness II's" currency, dark essence. Dark essence can be used to purchase new skills or upgrade them at a dark essence 'pool'. In the 'story mode', there are four skill trees that jackie can extend and each vary from one another. One of which, gives Estacado the power to control swarms of locust where as another gives you 'dark armour' and the ability to control black holes.
Concerning the Darkness' enemies, the game is very unrewarding and unfair. This is illustrated in the first boss battle (SPOILER ALERT!) where Swifty is hiding in a crane, smashing your cover and health while multiple lights flicker around the area and his goons attack you from the brighter zone. There is no way of preventing a 'game over' as the game acts to unreasonable and ridiculous to play. (SPOILER UN-ALERT!) Although, your miniture cheeky british influenced minion helps along the way. The guy is cute and at times hilarious as he is a typical 'cockney bloke', who calls you "monkey!" and urinates on his foes!

However, the camera angles and unresponsive controls don't help the player. This may not be an issue when facing 1-3 enemies but once they become over 4 the camera slows down unlike the action and enemies who sudden and supprisngly, spray immediately towards you, not giving you any time nor space to activate your skills or executions. My theory is that this is to prevent any frame rate issues with the poorly outdated (In My Opinion) engine that 2K games used.



~~~~~Nippy the 'man-eating' Serpent thing~~~~~

Incidentally, the graphics in the game aren't what I expected and are rather unsatisfying to say the least. There are several textural frames that are missing and I found that there was little to no exploration which was bizarre as the game appeared to be more than what it seemed. Although, the demonic powers and characters did look and feel as if they were in the comic. For instance, Jackie's asssistant Vinnie appeared as if he was copied straight from the comic books, though I wish there was some originality.

Evidently, the game's campaign and unmentionable co-op can be completed within 20 hours which isn't really worth a $110 purchase or even a deal from Ozgameshop (REPRESENT!).

Overall - 15/20

To conclude this gruesome tale, if you are fine with legiments flying from the screen and want some demon possessive gunplay mixed with a world of overrated, stereotypical characters who all have ideal voices and character model then The Darkness II maybe just for you! Despite this, if you want an endurable, 'calm' playable game that not only focusses on the major characters but showcases the world that the characters inhabit then wait till this is on sale (Most likely a "Buy 2 get 1 Free" deal) or dismay this whole title for a more unique and individual game that doesn't involve mindless killing and meladramatic cutscenes 'ripped' out of a Sopranos episode.

Youtube Junkie #2

Welcome to another round of Youtube Junkie, this week we have  two of each movie and game trailers. For films, John Carter and the Avengers movie whereas gaming wise, we have the purely amazing Borderlands 2 "Doomsday" trailer and another trailer for Resident Evil, this time it's for the third person shooter, Operation Raccoon City.

Music/Film 1: John Carter Trailer (3)

When you go to the moveis, why do you go? For me, it's for the experience and enjoyment of watching something that most likely won't happen in real life. Disney and Pixar studios' new action-adventure, John Carter accomplishes just that. With influences from Star Wars, Avatar and Prince of Persia, the movie has high hopes of being a successful blockbuster. Although, I get a feeling that it's too influenced by these films and lacks any originality but alas, it still seems interesting and I'll definatly be purchasing a ticket for this one!



Gameplay 1: Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City (Nemesis Announcement)

Speaking with any Resident Evil fan they'll tell you that the series has degraded and strayed from it's "horror" roots and become more of an action shooter, than what it was on the Playstation exclusive days. However, with the release of Resident Evil Revelations, Capcom have finally split the franchise into two parts, the classic horror (brought back by Re:Revelations) and the new and improved third person shooter style survival. The new Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City is a perfect example of the new system. It's still Resident Evil but with a twist. In this RE, (set during Resident Evil 2) you play as the Umbrella Corporation as they eliminate survivors and mantain the infection. There are a variety of classes, characters, etc but the most intriguing concept is the boss battles and that's where this trailer comes in. William Burkan, Mr. X and Nemesis are now confirmed as hugely important and difficult bosses. My favourite at the moment is ironically Nemesis as he was my all time favourite boss in Resident Evil franchise. I just hope that by the time I review this title, it'll be worth the purchase.......


Music/Film 2: Marvel Avengers Trailer

A majority of the Marvel films have been, in my opinion mediocre compared to their DC universe counterparts. However, that's all going to change with the Avengers movie. Combining stories of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and others as they defend the world from Thor's arch nemesis Loki and his army of evildoers. The special effects in this superhero flick looks spontaneous and virtual. The casting crew should be highly applaused for their excellent work casting each character with an actor that sounds and acts as they should. They should also be awarded for their continuity in this film regarding each hero's original film. As I am such a huge superhero (More DC than Marvel) I will be strictly critical towards this supernatural product as I have high hopes for this and Batman the Dark Knight Returns. Speaking of which, I may do a comparison article regarding these two as if they're in a wrestling match where only one will survive (be more successful).

Gameplay 2: Borderlands 2 Doomsday Trailer

There is nothing in the english language that describes this than pure epic. (Yes, I understand how colloquel that sounds!) Each character looks unique and hints at a new gameplay mechanic that we haven't properly seen. For instance, Salvador shows us that we will see a range of dual weilding options whereas Zero seems to show stealth and assasination mixed with a far better combat system than the original title. Speaking of the comparisons to the classic, there seems to be far more NPCs than last time with numerous infamous/famous cameos including Dr. Zed (Or Ned I forget which is the "good" one), Scooter (Catch a ride!) and the new Handsome Jack. In the sequel to the appropriately Game of the year of 2009, Handsome Jack owns the moon and makes it his private space station (Not cliche at all!) meanwhile, the new vault hunters (wasn't the vault found in the first?) i.e. you must defeat him and his robotic army as you explore the new immerse world of Pandora that seems to be in it's winter period.

Overall, this is a must buy for me and due to the fact that it releases incredibly close to my birthday, I will definatly be purchasing the limited edition of this and playing over 50+ hours into this Diablo inspired first-person rpg/shooter.

Retawes Review: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - 18/20


Thinking back on last year's games, Skyrim comes to mind as one of the best action RPG. That being said, can 38 Studios' "fairy tale" inspired RPG steal the title?


Story and Setting – 8.5/10

Comparing me to that gnome...Preposterous

Kingdoms of Amalur's plot is quite detailed and clever. In its world, every creature obtains a fate which is basically there "class" or job in life. You, a resurrected corpse with no past nor future must unravel the mysteries of why you have no fate, which inevitably allows you to "shape" your own future. This also, causes you to help NPCs that wish to have their fate changed. Although as you would expect, this causes chaos.

Speaking of the NPCs, throughout the world there are a variety of races and species to interact with from weird midget sized goblins to humongous vicious ogres. These are all perfectly modelled to act as they would in a fairy tale or chapter in the Lord of the Rings. However, the voice actors sometimes, miss the mark. For instance, near the beginning you meet a Fateweaver (one who can respect you skills) who becomes a recurring character for the main story. His model and movement is well designed and fit for the era/setting, yet his voice feels way off and to put it bluntly, the voice acting in general is awful. Sure they'll be a few characters' voices that match the model but a majority of the time, you'll be skipping or at least ignoring the annoying speeches about "fate" and "doom".

I am listening......*falls asleep

Incidentally, the dialogue is deeply engaging and important if you wish to understand the whole world that Amalur has to offer. Each character, regardless of their importance to the main plot has at least 3 dialogue options to educate the player of their surroundings. Whether it's the history of a certain race, (fae, brownies, etc) an opinion on a certain organisation/guild or even just some basic gossip, the game provides all the information you'd ever need for an rpg of this scale. Taking this into account, the dialogue can still be too informative and detailed that you'll end up skipping or bluntly ignoring most options in the dialogue trees to get to the action in the beautifully crafted world.

Concerning Reckoning's environment, the world is magnificently and spontaneously designed as if it was set in a fairy tale. From the wondrous sky scraping trees of Dalenfarth to the imaginative and surprisingly colourful sandy plains of Derfte, you’ll be overly satisfied with the amount of complex design and artwork. These areas are also astoundingly populated with colourful and unique individuals that each brings a sense of adventure to the world. By the way, the towns’ of Reckoning are each distinctive to their own region and geographical location. For instance, in the desert location I came across a mining village populated with miners (obviously) yet each miner felt irreplaceable and singular to their setting.

I've played 21 hours and have only explored this much of the map.(this photo was basically half of the map)

The music of Amalur is a tad too bland for players that admire most game’s soundtracks. It isn’t on par with classics such as, “One Winged Angel” (Final Fantasy VII OST) or the Halo theme song though, it does set the mood. Despite the fact that the music was recorded live by a real orchestra, (something we don’t see much often, nowadays) the pieces feel unoriginal and déjà vu’d.


Graphics and Gameplay – 9.5/10


Kingdoms’ graphics aren’t much of an eye-opener but they are significant to the world. The range of textures and colours supported by the havok engine, feel and act incredibly lively in this humongous and broad open world.

My character at lvl 20....looking pretty badass eh?

On the subject of the game’s open world, there is a variety of quests and styles of gameplay to utilise. The quests are found in a typical rpg style, where ! means new quests as ? means an incomplete quest. The quests vary but usually involve, killing a group of enemies, collecting materials from plants and dungeon runs with the game’s AI. The AI is intelligent yet at times unresponsive. For instance, when I had to defeat a bunch of fae and ran from the battle zone, the enemy retreated themselves yet I could still attack them without retaliation. Although, this will most likely be fixed by updates in the upcoming months.

On the note of Reckoning’s gameplay, the game provides a combat structure that in my opinion has evolved action rpg’s combat. I’d compare it to the likes of God of War’s sleek and innovative combat mixed with magic, a variety of weapons and items at disposal. This combat never seems to bore me, even when I am battling enemies far weaker than me, I still feel fascinated and betrothed to continue playing.

Speaking of the enemies encountered, throughout your play through you’ll come across several bizarre and rarely difficult enemies including fearless wolves, deceiving bandits, evil fairies known as sprites and obnoxious ogres that carry humongous hammers or greatswords. Most types of enemies can be easily beaten with your basic button mashing, yet some (usually bosses) require a proper strategy such as dodging their attacks and flanking from behind and sneaking upon an enemy to “assassinate” them. From killing these enemies you gain experience points and fate points. As dull and obvious as experience points are, Fate points are an exclusive concept of the game. Following the plot that you have no fate, fate points allow the player to use their “fate meter” to slow down time and defeat impossible enemies without the immerse amount of health potions needed.

What's the Immunity Recipe again?

On the subject of potions, the game gives you other options besides levelling, questing and battling. You can create potions, upgrade gear with gemstones, lock pick/disenchant chests for rare items, craft weapons and armour and essentially, explore! Creating potions in Amalur is quite similar to most action rpgs in which you first experiment with two different herbs to form a potion (i.e. damage + fire= fire damage increase potion) than adapt from there. On the other hand, sage crafting gemstones I found to be the most significant and entertaining use of my time. With sage craft, you can enchant an already elemental weapon (fire, ice, lightning, poison) with another to increase the weapon’s hit damage and dot (damage over time). The weapons in Amalur each offer a different way to play. For instance, the chakrams (ring like ranged weapons) allow the player to swiftly protect themselves from mid-close range whereas the hammer or great sword provides a heavy slash or clash that hits at a very slow pace yet deals far more damage than any other weapon.


Overall – 18/20

To put a long story optimistically short, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an excellent action RPG containing a fleshed out story, (main, faction and sides) thoroughly intriguing and unique combat system, a vast demand of “extra” content (sage craft, alchemy, blacksmithing) profoundly innovative and enlightening dialogue that teaches you all you have to know about this immerse and perfectly crafted world populated by some of the most unique and fundamentally inclusive individuals ever to be in an open world like this.