Amazon will one day rule the world…
Civilization V Review 5/5
For those of you who have been missing me at work, and for those of you who have been missing me around the house (sorry, honey and kids)… I’ll let you in on a secret: I’ve been in my office playing Civilization V for so long I can’t remember when I started. I haven’t eaten in days, my eyes burn, and it hurts my clicker finger just to type this. I’ve been hooked back into probably THE MOST ADDICTIVE GAME KNOWN TO MAN: Civilization 5.
I can’t help but put a disclaimer on this review because I’m biased. I love the Civ franchise. I’ve been playing since Civ 3 in college, and have been addicted ever since. Civ 4 and now 5, which blows ALL previous versions out of the water, have me hooked for the rest of time. I’m sorry to say that you may not see any other reviews for a while, I’ll be playing Civilization 5. For those of you who think I’m crazy… and you may be right, you should give the game a try. Its simple sophistication and just-one-more-turn based game-play is the doom of any gamer.
Check out this YouTube trailer that makes me laugh uncontrollably:
The graphics engine has been completely reworked, and there are now hex grids. Units have range of more than one space now, and you can no longer stack units… this completely revolutionizes the game!
The religions from Civ 4 have been removed, and they have also removed the science and happiness sliders — YIKES. This latest version of Civilization 5 has created a whole new atmosphere based more on war and military strategy than any other. I hate to admit it, but I’ve become a warmonger. It is too tempting, with the stunning graphics and new game-play… I love war.
There are now City-States that can give you bonuses to either military, culture, or food when they’re friendly. You need to carry out certain missions for them if you’d like to remain friends. It adds a new dimension to the game without being too distracting. I also find myself spending more time in teh GAME than micro-managing sub-menus of various data. The game moves more quickly and is less cumbersome (but don’t worry, it still takes FOREVER to conquer the world).
I could honeslty go on and on about how great this game is, but let me simplify it for you:
If you’re a Veteran Civ player: BUY THIS GAME.
If you’re a Newbie to the Civ franchise: BUY THIS GAME.
You cannot go wrong with this turn based strategy game. I really can’t imagine how Sid will improve upon this Civ 5 platform to create Civ 6. This game is perfection!
I won’t even go into the details: 5/5 BUY BUY BUY.
Starcraft 2 Review 3.6/5
Starcraft 2 was worth the wait. There have been mixed reviews, and honestly I feel the same way. Not everything has improved over the original. The graphics, the story, the persistent unit upgrades, and the endless playability of this game leave it heads above its predecessor. Battlenet 2.0 and the licensing honeslty suck, and you need to have an internet connection to play the game (yes, even the single-player game).
The Starcraft story continues in the single-player 29 mission campaign. Unfortunately, only Terran is included in teh steep price you will pay for this game… if you want the others, you will need to PAY. Single-player game has a familiar feel, but also an RPG aspect as it allows persistent unit upgrades. There are also branching missions, single-player only units and abilities. Beautiful if not breathtaking cut scenes fill in the story with amazing detail in the expected Blizzard fashion… no expense was spared on the graphics engine, story, or music while creating Starcraft 2.
There is no longer a LAN mode. 
This gets two big thumbs down. Why Blizzard would take something so good about the original and make it crappy is beyond me… oh, perhaps they are making the games as a business now; making the games for the money rather than the gamer. This is a sad evolution in Blizzard’s corporate greed. The licensing requirements and the lack of LAN play are two BIG reasons for some people to not buy this game.
The multiplayer Battlenet 2.0 is Blizzard’s next “evolution” of the previous system. Many have argued that it is worse than ever. One advantage is that you can play any one of the three races right away online (you can’t otherwise). One of the best features of Battlenet 2.0 is it improved matchmaking ability linked with how simple it is to join up with friends. There are also achievements that can be earned in the game that can be displayed in your profile or even in game. There are no chat channels in Battlenet 2.0, so it is difficult to meet and play with people you DON’T know — there is an instant messenger client built in, however, but it makes it a much more lonely experience. Another interesting feature is the marketplace where you can buy and sell custom maps.
The map editor is better than ever. If you’re like me, you enjoy hours of designing and creating unique maps for you and others to share… the fact that we can sell them now means you could put a little coin in your pocket while having fun doing it. Good luck promoting your maps though, they’re only ranked by popularity so you will probably never get anyone to see your map, let alone buy it.
It seems to me the SCVs are smarter than the original, bases and troops are more efficient, and the “army” control groups are larger than the original Starcraft. The units navigate in the same way they always did, if I remember correctly, but they just seem more fluid (probably the graphics engine).
All in all, I recommend this game, but if you can wait, you might want to hold off for the boxed set of all the expansions when the game is a year old. Blizzard is really trying to rake its gamers across the coals on this one. I for one, will not buy any of the expansions until they are “old” and come way down in price.
That being said, it is refreshing to finally play the long-anticipated sequel to the original Starcraft. It was painful going back to the outdated graphics just to play the old Starcraft when the feeling struck… well, no more. I have years to play Starcraft 2 online, replaying single-player, and generating custom maps — as long as I have an Internet connection and Blizzard allows me to continue LEASING the game from them. Blizzard, you get 1 thumb up. I hope you consider changing your licensing structure for Diablo 3, but I won’t hold my breath… it’s probably going to be 10 years anyway!
Story: 4/5 Beautiful graphics and music enhance the continued saga of the Starcraft storyline. Well thought out, and well displayed. It would be nice if the whole story was included in the price. I don’t want to buy more campaigns to finish the story.
Graphics/Design: 5/5 Perfect. I am thrilled to have a version of Starcraft that has modern graphics… I never have to play the old starcraft again!!!
Gameplay: 2.5/5 The improved graphics play right into the fluid motions of the units and structures. The mechanics remained largely the same as the original Starcraft, so it made gameplay that much easier. But the “improvements” to Battlenet, removal of LAN play, and the crappy licensing issue greatly reduce gameplay… as I said earlier. This was a cash cow for Blizzard… I’m not sure they’re in it for the gamers anymore.
Repeat Gameplay: 3/5 Battlenet, 3 races, and the map generator are three, er… 5 reasons that I will play this game over and over for years to come.
Overall: 3.6/5Blizzard has risen to the challenge (as I had hoped and expected) from the graphics aspect, but failed with their new licensing, required internet login to play, and screwing players out of content for money. Blizzard, I hope you can clean up your act and remember that WE, the gamers, loved you for your love of gaming… not for your love of making money.
PCs Are Better Than Console Systems (Top 10+)
Mods- There are many PC games that “hackers” can modify without worrying you will be banned from playing all other games on your computer. Also under the “mods” header are free downloadable expansions that players have designed for their friends or for the community. You can’t do any of that on consoles.- Screen Resolution- PC Games have been running at 1080p for almost 10 years. Many console games boast HD but few of them actually deliver it.
- Keyboard- How do I check my inventory again? Oh yeah, I press “i”. How about my map? Try pressing “m”. You get the point. Not to mention in MMO environments where there are people to chat with. I don’t care what sort of things console games come up with, typing on a keyboard is the best way to talk trash to your opponents. Don’t forget looking up cheats, walk-throughs, or hints while you’re in the middle of your game. Tab over to your web browser and type in your search. WASD controls are also intuitive and work well with their counterpart – the mouse.
- Mouse – There are few more intuitive human interface devices than the mouse. This is just simply a fact. Modern mice with the roller wheel (for zooming in games) or programmable buttons blow controllers out of the water. Whether you’re looking around a 3D world, grabbing an object, selecting inventory, clicking to attack… there is no easier way to select or move anything than clicking on it with a mouse. Try aiming at the screen with a Wiimote, or using a little joystick under your thumb for a shooting game—forget about it—mouse is just plain superior.
- Expansion Packs – Reinvigorating your old PC Games with fresh new content, abilities, weapons, races, maps, stories… while allowing you to continue on your journey with your existing character. Console games can’t do that. Some are starting to try through downloads, but buying an expansion disc just doesn’t work on a console.
- Storage Space- PC Games have the benefit of generally unlimited storage space. Storage can be expanded, but is rarely necessary in modern PCs… and if you’re a gamer, you’ve already got a top of the line PC.
- Game Prices- PC games are generally less costly than console games. PC games also become less costly over time. Not to mention the $10 bargain bins where there are literally thousands of mini-games for your gaming enjoyment.
- Repair- If the system fails, there is a good chance it can be repaired by either yourself or a PC technician. PC techs aren’t pros at console repair… if they do crap out, most consoles go in the garbage.
- Versatility- Have you ever used a gaming console for surfing the web? Some have tried, but it’s not quite the same, is it? Have you ever checked your email on a gaming console? Have you typed an essay or researched a paper on your console? PCs are the most versatile tool humans have ever invented. What are you reading this article on, your PC?
- Old Games- I love old games. Call me what you will, but I love digging back into “expired” games from 10 or sometimes 15 years ago. In fact, I find myself buying games (even reviewing them) when they’re 5 years old. One of my all time favorite games are the civilization series. Civilization 5 is coming out by the way and it looks AWESOME! I have an old version of Civ 3 that I still pop into for hours at a time. It is still one of the most addictive games I’ve ever played… I can’t imagine what Civilization V will bring.
- (BONUS #11) Updates/Fixes- Nearly every game I’ve ever played on the PC is updated to reflect time-tested fixes to glitches, exploits, and balance issues. I admit that some of the newer consoles have been able to do this, I’d argue that PCs did it first, and they will continue to have better patches, fixes and updates by design.
- (BONUS #12) Expandability- You can upgrade your PC any time you want with more storage, new video cards, monitor, surround sound, etc… as you go. I have a 5 year old computer and just installed a new graphics card to play newer, more demanding games.
Mount and Blade Review: 4/5
The AI in this game is excellent. I will chase and be chased by armies of various sizes in the “map mode”, elite units within the army can be devastating during the battle instances. The use of mounts, which can be upgraded as you level, create a unique perspective over the environment. Mounted combat is unlike any other “hack and slash” game I’ve ever played. There is more strategy involved in mounted combat maneuvering and attacking than simply mashing buttons on a controller. You must prepare every attack to a specific side of the horse, and make sure that the target is within range before swinging.
There are custom environments available for download; these environments are modified themes submitted by users that have “tweaked” the game. I tried 2 of the mods, and I was shocked at the detail that could be changed by players. The mods are worth a look when you get bored with the original game.
One of my favorite RPGs of all time for the PC. Paradox, Tale Worlds, you’ve outdone yourself. I am impressed, and I will be looking for more of the games you develop and release in the future. Bravo.
I agree with the TaleWorlds website where they boast:
Mount&Blade gives you the ultimate freedom of
gameplay. Explore the vast sandbox environment,
visiting hundreds of unique locations and characters.
- Engage in combat against a variety of kingdoms,
factions, and rogue warriors – both on foot and horseback.- Use one of the most sophisticated and yet intuitive sword-fighting systems ever devised. Fight on foot or on horseback in epic battles.
- Seek adventure alone, or engage enemies with your army. You and your companions will grow in strength and intelligence as you gain more and more experience and skills, discovering the plains of Calradia.
- Conquer castles, tax villagers, and expand your domain in your bid for the throne of Calradia. Enlist the help of lords, commoners, and heroes – each with their own unique personality traits and shifting allegiances.
- Mount&Blade’s sophisticated AI adapts to your field tactics, as well as individual assaults: armies try to block up your troops with counter-formations, and individual attacks are met with cunning defenses and skillful counter-offensives.
- Carry your adventure to the future with the Mount&Blade space mod, exploring alien worlds with light-sabers instead of Mount&Blade’s default medieval Earth setting. Over a hundred other community built mods with new environments and weapons means that Mount&Blade never gets old!
Storyline: 2/5 Not much of a “story” – more of a free-for-all but great quests that are picked up along the way. Open ended gameplay means you shouldn’t play this game if you need to “win” or “complete” it. It is designed to play battle to endless battle. The goal is to conquer all kingdoms and become the king of all… but there’s little storyline to that end.
Graphics: 4/5 Love the environment. The clouds, hills, the trees, the castles, the towns, are all unique perspectives. And while the graphics are not the best I’ve seen, they are above average, and UNIQUE.
Character Customization: 5/5 The ability to customize your character with skills and equipment is almost unmatched. The skills, character generation, equipment, and leveling process are all fantastic.
Repeat Gameplay: 5/5 You can play this game with the same character and it isn’t the same game from one hour to the next. Your army can be decimated, you could lose entire towns that you’ve captured… it is a dynamic and constantly changing game. On top of that, you have hundreds of MODS you can download for unique environments. Check out the Mount&Blade community for ratings, and updates.
Overall Score: 4/5 This game is playable. It is beautiful, unique, and endless.