Retawes Review: Movie Galore!

Movie Galore involves my reviews of "The Hunger Games", "Titanic in 3D" and "Wrath of the Titans"

Titanic 3D – 9.5/10

Unlike a majority of movie dwellers, I had never seen Titanic nor did the thought of viewing it ever cross my eyes. Until, the melodramatic classic was re-mastered in 3D for cinemas (due to the original Titanic’s 100^th anniversary).

Essentially, the story is still the same; Jack an adventurous young lout wins a gambling competition where the prize is a ticket on the Titanic. Over the course of 3 hours, he forms a relationship with wealthy passionate Rose from the high quarters of the boat however; Rose’s unwanted fiancé demands her hand in marriage. Eventually, the boat sinks, many people die, etc. however; the whole story is revolved around the life boat situation and this lustful love between Rose and Jack. Jack, Rose and several of the other characters’ actors are brilliant and still to this day, are remarkable even without the incredible over-use of special effects.

Incidentally, 3-D isn’t the only updated feature presented In this Hollywood masterpiece. Several of the lighting and special effects have been digitally re-done and look superb and utterly astonishing. Especially, when the Titanic is sinking (As morbid as it is) as you can truly feel what these poor people where going through. Speaking of which, this movie is very much an atmospheric film. When Jack and Rose are cold in the Atlantic Ocean, you feel cold (And not just because the cinema air conditioning is on!) and when they are dancing in an underground party, you feel vibrant with excitement and ‘dance fever’.

"Gee.. Maybe we should warn someone about that Iceberg heading in our general direction?" You think?

Overall, this movie was and still is a masterpiece. It will always have a place in my heart as one of the most depressing yet beautifully crafted movies in a very long time to come.

Wrath of the Titans – 4/10

Here’s a little suggestion before you read this review, “DON’T SEE THIS MOVIE, IF YOU CARE ABOUT ACTORS ACTUALLY ACTING!” That should summarise my attitude towards this atrocious film however, if you want to know more, read on…..

Aggresive Stance!

The plot of “Wrath of the Titans” sequel is very much irrelevant towards whatever is going on. Essentially, a bunch of Gods and Demi-Gods are having tantrums i.e. Hades is pissed off that Zeus and the other gods left him trapped in the Underworld. Zeus son, Ares god of war is envious of his father’s love for Perseus (Zeus second son). Ares and Hades plot to revive Cronos (Father of all Gods) by draining Zeus’ power. As of this, Perseus joins up with Poseidon’s navigating son Agenor and the brave warrior Andromeda. Characters such as Bill Nighy’s Hephaestus (God of Weaponry) and Danny Huston’s Poseidon (God of Water) make an appearance, yet these scenes are only brief and provide little to no attention to the overall plot.

As exciting as this story sounds, a few of the actors make this movie absolutely horrible by acting unprofessionally. I am talking about Sam Worthington who sounds like an Australian traddie (Worker/Builder, someone in the trade industry) and speaks in one tone every time he speaks. In fact, he is such of a bad actor that the action scenes in which all he is doing is running from imaginary creatures is the best he could do. It’s shocking though, that the man in the surreal Avatar and Terminator Salvation is this bad. I have also noticed that a majority of his films involve an over-use of special effects, which explains why he is such a poor actor.

Just Stop Sam....You're killing my interest!

However, Liam Neeson and several other cast members partially save this film from extinction. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes’ impersonations of the mighty Greek gods, Zeus and Hades are surprisingly excellent and Bill Nighy’s brief scenes are spontaneous and hilarious as he plays the ‘mad’ crazy character that has a wooden owl as his advisor. Although these characters create an average movie as Sam Worthington brings It down, I would of preferred some more cameos of the Greek gods and goddesses even though they referenced a few at times. For instance, when Hephaestus was examining Andromeda, he noticed that she resembled his wife, the god of wisdom.

To conclude, this movie is a complete disaster and the likes of Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy and Ralph Fiennes cannot save it from being what I call an endangered movie. It will be forgotten and classified as an under average Spartan rip off where the gods bicker about their problems and result in endangering the planet.

The Hunger Games – 8/10

Even though that I have read only the first in the series, I understand and can illustrate how the movie adaption of “The Hunger Games” would be like. My obvious approach to the movie was, “Oh this is when this happens….Oh is he doing it now?” however, the movie is very different from the film as it basically strips the story away for the overall satisfactory action sequences that are, the Hunger Games.

Katniss, the girl on fire!!!

Essentially, the story goes that after a great civil war, the Capital (Leaders of the country, basically) forced all 12 Districts (States) to contribute towards a competition in which one boy and girl from each district would be placed into an arena to fight the other 23 participants for the Capitol’s residents’ amusement. Within these 24 contestants, the story follows District 12’s Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mallark. Katniss is a hunter who scavenges and hunts to give her family, something to eat. On the day of the Reaping, (Sacrifice Day, where your tributes are selected) Katniss’ young sister Primrose Everdeen and baker’s son Peeta Mallark are picked for the Games however, Katniss volunteers in Primrose’s place. Then, the games begin……..

The acting in the movie is surprisingly amazing. I feel like each actor actually read the book and thought, “So, Katniss is very cautious and weary of strangers….” Or something about their character. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherman and Chris Hemsworth should be applauded for their excellent work creating Katniss, Peeta and Gale to life. I also forget who played Effie Trinket but she should be congratulated on becoming such a pretentious, loud mouth of a character that Effie is.

One of the best logos of a franchise..honestly!

However, without spoiling much, there isn’t anything else to say apart from the variety of action, dialogue and history that this series has. I hope that the sequel, Mocking Jay will be released soon (Here’s hoping January 2013) but regardless I will definitely purchase the DVD and invest my time in reading the final 2 books!

Big Topic: A Video Game Portrait of a Woman

Within many societies there is some foreshadowing or unwanted recognition of Sexism. Sexism is a biased view on what a specific sexuality or gender should be or can achieve in this case, woman. This social stigma is heavily portrayed in many of the gaming community. Although they may vary from their attitude, realism and offensive tone most video games have at least one character that portrays one of the two disrespectful and ignorant assumptions of a woman’s identity. The first is associated as the “Damsel in Distress” whilst the latter is known as “Sexual Items”.



The silky smooth priestess.......Yuna!

“Damsels in Distress” are pathetic, ‘head-over-heels’ over-feminine woman, that usually need to be rescued or saved by the normally male player which portrays their apparent insecurity and helpless nature that they are assumed to possess. For instance, Princess Peach of the Super Mario series dresses in frolicking pink outfits, has a ridiculous high pitched over-feminine voice and in each game, is kidnapped and rescued by Mario. Although, they usually hint towards a perverted context that many ‘impressionists’ (artists who re-create something/someone through painting, music, etc in their own way) like to explore with. For example, Yuna from the Final Fantasy series (X and X-2 specifically) is in many impressionists artwork however, they design her in a vulgar, obediently sexual matter that offends the creator, voice actor and woman in general.

The Infamous Sex Symbol....Lara Croft!

Furthermore, “Sexual Items” are essentially modelled, big breasted woman who have no unattractive features as they are solely there for male arousal. These ‘gals’ commonly appear in action and adventure games. For instance, Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series is heavily showcased as a sexual model. This is shown throughout all of her games, specifically the upcoming reboot where she is covered in scars/rips in her clothing. Though, not all of these models wear vulgar costumes or over-impressive outfits yet they portray a darker, ‘under-belly’ tale. For example, in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, when the main character travels to Hong Kong, he meets several prostitutes at a bar. These prostitutes are dancing with their ‘masters’ and being treated as of slave behaviour which is unpleasant and unsettling for many as it showcases that these woman are inferior and behave in a sluttish manner to get whatever they desire.

The famous woman in disguise....Samus!

However! There is a third portrait that is hardly ever showed in Video Game history, known as “Independent Woman”. These Independent Women are the courageous intelligent informative ones, that don’t have to be ‘drop-dead-gorgeous’, ‘heavenly kind’ or anything of the previous ‘identities’ as they have their own way of communicating and connecting with a female audience. Most Independent Woman are unknown until a specific scene in a game or they behave more masculine than over-feminine so players forget to notice their individualism. For instance, many didn’t believe that Samus of the Super Metroid series was in fact a girl. Players were shocked when they finished one of the Metroid titles in which Samus unveiled her helmet to reveal lush long blond hair that would only belong to a female. It was then that players started aspiring to play as a courageous, ‘independent woman’.

As you overlook these three different aspects of the portrayal of Woman in video games, I advise you to overthink, which identity do you see your mother, sister, daughter, girlfriend or best friend as?

Retawes Review: Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 - 18.5/20

We've ventured through space for several occasions, but can Bioware's Sci-Fi Action RPG/Third Person Shooter cope with the pressure of the finale of one of the most critically aclaimed "GOTY" nominationated space games ever, Mass Effect?


Story and Setting 9.5/10

The third game in the series once again, puts you in command of Commander Shepard as he enrolls not only squadmates, but mass armies and whole species in order to defeat the Reapers and Cerberus. Throughout the game, you meet several returning characters such as Garrus, Tali, etc. These characters felt like they were from my Mass Effect story as they had the varied conversations and views with my imported Shep compared to the 'speeches' they had with my newly created "Fem Shep".

~Tali and Fem Shep sitting in a tree~

Speaking of Shepard, I still find that "Fem Shep" (Female Shepard) is so much more emotional and courageous compared to the her mono-tone voiced, incompetent lump of muscle that is "Male Shep". This is most likely due to Fem Shep having a better voice andportrays more of a supportive and compassionate leadership role whilts still being sturn, confident and serious.

Incidentally, like fellow Mass Effect titles, ME3 has the "renigade/paradode" meter where you can alter the story simply by picking a different dialogue option.
The Mass Effect franchise can come across as a Star Trek/Star Wars influenced dramatic/romantic Science Fiction 'movie' due to the occasional sex scenes and multi-specied relationships, but it should really be remmebered for it's galatic politics, life-changing decisions, backstories and intiuging and unique characters.



I'm sorry sir, but I don't answer to no Cat-Prawn! (Turian)

These decisions alter diverse races and characters at your disposal that may or may not assist you based on your actions in the previous games/character customization options. SPOILER ALERT. For instance, when I had to recover a biotic specialising school, I met Jack and due to my ME2 relationship with her we started making out like little "love birds". Although these previous decisions can cause negative affects to the storyline. Due to Miranda's death in my ME2 suicide mission, (Along with Thane and Grunt!) the scenario involving Miranda's father played very differently and disconnected compared to when I played as my ME3 exclusive female protagonist, "Jem Shepard" where Miranda was alive yet Jack, Samara and Ashley were all deceased. SPOILER FINISHED.


Ooooh, Pretty Lights......Oh No Meteors, "lol jks" it's a Reaper, SHIT!

Futhermore, ME3's music is poetically a huge boost of adrenaline. Whether you're fighting against the Reapers on the Turian's moon or defending a Human base situated on Mars from Cerberus, there is always a "heart-pumping" aura that surrounds your environment that you play in.

Speaking of the environment, the areas that the Normandy (Shepard's ship) travels to is awingly varied and not to mention beautiful. These vary from the holy luminiscent temples of Asarian homeworld, Thessia, to the gloomy morbid "No-Man's Land" of the Reaper invaded Earth.

Graphics and Gameplay 9/10



Imported my ME2 character and within 2 hours I was lvl 30!

Mass Effect 3 contains all of what I adored from it's predescessor but slightly improved and tweaked for a broader audience. These include a vastly action oriented cover/shooting system, an engaging spaceship simulator that is astonishingly amazing and an assortive range of powers and skills classified by classes at your disposal. Although, the multiplayer is what I personally believe is a failure and complete dissapointment, even if it was an added bonus/apology for Dragon Age 2.

ME3 gives a huge "dump" onto most third person shooters (Specifically Gears of War 3) as it has a far more superior and sophisticated AI, span of weapons and loads of creative combinations in upgrading/modding your weapons. For instance, I modded a rifle which had about estimatively 60 damage per bullet and gave it 17.50% more damage and a scope to image the gun as a sniper. Slightly more so, the AI are properly structered and feel like real aliens as in obscure, smoothly animated unique creatures that a majority of their species provide fetch quests were you must "scan" a galaxy for an artefact, book, etc which will result in a larger army for the "Final Attack" on the Reapers. This "Final Attack" causes several completely different endings and gradually resolves or unravels historical events in the Mass Effect universe.

Speaking of the past Mass Effects, ME3 has the same class structure as the games prior to the big "Trio". There are six playable classes that are slightly related to another class. These include: The Biotic who can push/pull objects and create forcefields; the gadjet fixated tech specialist who can turn invisible/in possession of several grenades (Fire/Sticky); The "weapon specialist" who has can manipulate the ammo he/she uses for instance, armour splitting ammo and several other classes. Athough Shepard isn't the only person in the galaxy that uses this 'class system'. A majority of enemies (Excluding the Reapers) has a specific characteristic from a class and as you level up your squad, you will improve their class' capabilities.


*Retawes died from... LAG!*

However, the multiplayer of the game is poorly executed and disastrous. In theory, it's a co-operative 'survival' mode in which you defeat enemies, hack devices and other activities to progress into the mission. In practice I didn't enjoy the multi-player to the slightest due to the "regular" tremendous disconnection scenarios (Continous American hosts is dispicable. No offence America!) and the irrational requirement of leveling up excessively to use any other race that isn't human or to use more than 2 weapons or 3 skills. In the end though, I played about four matches (A match takes 15-20. You do the maths.) specifically for the single-player contribution which resulted in a pointless addition of 200 soldiers which is nothing compared to my already 5860 troops.


Overall - 18.5/20

To summarise my whole Mass Effect 3 playthrough, the game is sub par to many action rpgs/ space shooters and will be 'gossiped' for a few years (A 2012 GOTY nominee no doubt!) due to its immerse galaxies of diverse and creative environments, clever cover system, impressive AI and continuity with fans. However, many gamers will feel very frustrated and patriotic for their fanbase due to the 'DLC' issue, numerous un-climaxive endings and incredibly dull disinteresting multiplayer that many had "high hopes" for.

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.