Twisted Metal Returns!

Whats up guys. This week I have got a preview of a classic Playstation game that is being remade for the PS3, Twisted Metal. Back in my early days of videogames this was the game. I remember playing this game for hours upon hours, and now they have decided to bring it back and vamp it up! The game accoriding to what I have read will included some of the original characters but not sure how many of them. One cool new addition in this game is, the characters are not bound to their cars, so it should be interesting to see how that can change the game. Regardless, I know that this is a game that I will be giving a try, since it is one of my favorites from the original Playstation games. So if you have never heard of it before watch the preview and let me know what you think. If your a fan, watch it and get excited because Twisted Metal hits stores on 10/4/11!

And here is a video of the developers talking about the game and showing a demo of the game

Alright guys that is your preview for Twisted Metal for the PS3 make sure you let me know what ya think.

Until next time,

-Zane

Duke Nukem is back!

Thats right he Nukem is back! He is back in the new Duke Nukem Forever, and he is up to his old tricks. He is back to blowing away some aliens and saving all the babes from them, while he enjoys them of course. I remember having to hide this game from my parents when I was a kid playing it on Playstation One. So I am excited to give this game a try and see if Duke Nukem is as bad as he was when I was a kid. Check out the trailer and let me know what ya think!

Get ready to kick some alien butt on June 14, 2011!

Until Next Time,

-Zane

Guest Post from Howard on Dead Space 2

Hello, my name is Howard. I am here for my dog Zane to review a game for him. While as stated, my boy is more of sports, music games, and few first-person shooters. I am more of a Nintendo fan boy and RPG guy myself. However, this review is going to come from the PS3 realm. The game I am reviewing is Dead Space 2. This is one of my favioivie IP’s ever created in the gaming universe.

                To give a little background on the game you are an engineer in the year 2057. The Earth has exhausted its resources and we as a race started to branch out into space to find new resources for us to survive. Then the idea of “planet cracking” came about and we sent out a mining ship call the Ishimura. It was the first of its kind and we decide to pick the moon Aegis 7, which is around the planet Saturn. With the success of the planet cracking, we started to venture further into space. We had colonies and new more advance ships than the Ishimura. While us as species advancement in the technology area there was also an explosion in the new ways of thinking one call Unitlogy. They believe the way to transcend to nirvana is through death by the Marker. Which is a symbol of their religion, like most Christians is a cross. With all that said Wssh! Now in the first  chapter you begin the game as Isaac Clarke, who is an engineer going to the Ishimura to check on the ship and see why it is not operating. However, when Isaac steps on this ship he may never leave it. Cause he will enter to the Unitlogist version of heaven.

As you see, it was a rough ride for poor Isaac. Now to finally get to the game of the hour Dead Space 2. Well ol’ boy Isaac barely survive the incident on the Ishimura. A man named Franco awakens him. Who’s heard of Isaac‘s“expertise in this area. When Franco wakes up Isaac from his slumber. Isaac awakes to find he never really escape from the dangers of the Ishimura. The hell on that ship has followed him here, and this time it seems in has taken is sanity away also.

 Now the game as you saw a glimpse in the horrors that await you. , Never in all of my gaming life have I been so scared to look down a corridor or progress to the next area. This game has it all folks graphics, good game play, and the sound oh boy!!  The game play is on point and very entertaining with cool mining guns and plenty of Necromorhs to dismember. Which if anybody decides to pick up the game is the key to your survival.  ;).  The story line is a solid one with twists,  turns, and glory! Until the end of the game you cannot tell if Isaac is a good guy or possible the killer on the loose.  The sound is awesome. For the peeps out there with surround sound  systems be prepare the game is going to mess with you hard. Not a good game to impress the girl with fellas.  Replay value is extremely high; personally, I am on my third play through and still having a blast. With achievements, trying to max out inventory and the multiplayer part of the game can keep you very busy. Not to mention the DLC for the game is a continuation of the prequel to Dead Space. Look it up if you are interested. 

Therefore, if you want a heart racing game with cool ass guns in a sci-fi third person perspective. Look no further than Dead Space 2. Just make sure you keep the lights on when you play. You never know what lies within the darkness. ;).

- Howard

Preview for L.A. Noire

Whats Up Guys? This time I got a new type of game that I am previewing this week, and its building a lot of hype. The game is called L.A. Noire.  It is a crime based game where you play as a detective name Cole Phelps who is a part of the LAPD. The game is supposed to be like a detective game but I believe it has other aspects to it as well, such as car chases and shootouts. One thing the gaming world has really been buzzing on about this game is the use of real actors in this game. So don't be surprised if you recognized anybody in this game. They say that the graphics were designed off of actual film shots of the actors playing out their roles. It should be some pretty awesome graphics! But maybe you can see for yourself in this video.

Be sure to check out this game, it hits stores on May 17, 2011.

Until Next Time,

Zane

WWE Allstars

Whats up guys! I just got done trying this new game out it just came out this past week its called WWE All stars. Now this game is mainly for your hardcore wrestling fans out there that have always wanted to see the legends of old fight the superstars of today. And you truly can, they got just about all the greatest WWE superstars you could ask for! I have included a video to show you  the entire roster.

Now as I am sure you can tell from the two videos that you have seen that this is now your typical wrestling game. The designers decide to go back to the days of old and give this game arcade style game play. The arcade style is fun and exciting because you can perform some humanly impossible moves, but they look awesome! Now for the serious wrestling fan they might not enjoy this to much because it is not very realistic.


Now I haven't had a chance to go through the game a whole lot but I do know that they have several different matches you can choose from such as singles, tag team, tornado tag, cage match, and etc. I also know that there is a career mode type thing called the "Path of Champions." I haven't had a chance to play through this yet but my guess would be you fight through a ladder of people to unlock more characters, because you do not have all the characters at the beginning of the game. So you have other options other than just a regular old singles match. I also know that they have downloadable content online as well. They have additional classic and current characters that you can download.

Now to sum it all up I would have to say that at first glance this is an enjoyable game. It is for the person who enjoys just a good ole fighting game where you can do crazy moves and high flying maneuvers. I personally think that it is a good game to play every now and then but I am not sure that it will be one that I would want to buy because I do see it getting old after awhile. But I will say for me a classic wrestling fan it is pretty cool to wrestle again with the legends, even though the moves are unrealistic. So my advice is give a try for yourself especially if you are a fan of wrestling but I wouldn't go out and just buy this without trying it first.

Until Next Time,
Zane

Mortal Kombat Preview

Alright guys so I decided I have to do a preview of this game. I just got done playing the demo for this game and it is awesome!!!! The Graphics, the gameplay, the GORE!!!! It is awesome! They really seem like they have gone all out for this game, and that is why it is one of the most anticipated games of the year!! Here is a video that will hopefully make you as excited as I am!

And here is one for all my PS3 peoples, should make you pretty excited!

NBA 2K11

What’s up guys! I'm back this week with a game that right now is probably my favorite of the ones I'm currently playing. This week’s review is of the top rated NBA videogame on the market, NBA 2K11. NBA 2K11 is probably the best basketball videogame that I have ever play. This year’s NBA 2K is very special though it features something that only one other basketball videogame has ever featured, Michael Jordan. That’s right for the first time since the videogame Jordan vs. Bird; Michael Jordan is featured in a basketball videogame! I must say it is pretty awesome to play with the legend, but that is not all that 2K11 has to offer.

            This year’s NBA 2K11 continues the series tradition of having the best graphics. The thing that always attracted me to these games in the first place was the way the looked and they did it right again this year. 2K11 even took it one-step further this year to make it feel as if you were watching an actual game. They have teamed up with NBA Today to bring you the ultimate NBA experience. If you are connect to the internet while playing when the game is loading up it updates the rosters to the exact lineup they would have for that day. So in other words any injuries, trades, or new stars evolving will be up to date. It also has featured games of the day that you can play. Now during the actual game play it will give you previews of actual upcoming games during quarter breaks or time outs. It also does a stellar half time show where it gives you actual updates around the league for the day. It really makes the whole gaming experience much more enjoyable. Here is an example of what a halftime show is like on NBA 2K11.

            On top of great presentation, the game play itself is very realistic. The player’s mannerisms and attributes in my opinion are almost spot on. This year game play features a new dynamic dribbling system that allows a player to do some fancier dribbling as long as they can physically perform it on the joystick and their player is capable of performing the move. For example, you won’t see Shaq out there crossing up Lebron. The new dribbling system is awesome and has an effect on just about every part of the game play, which is good because it allows you to do a lot of cool things, but I will say that it is not the easiest thing to master. It actually can be pretty difficult for a while. The game also has some pretty awesome dunks and alley oops that can be performed provided that it be the right situation on the court. Like I said the game is very realistic so don’t expect a dunk fest unless you are open for a dunk fest. Here is a clip of some of the new moves you can perform.

            The game also has a couple different features other than just playing a game. It features and association mode which is where you act as the GM, coach, and the players. You are in charge of salaries, making trades, setting up practices, game strategies, and of course actually playing the game. The game also has a street ball section where you can play pickup games or a game of 21 with all your favorite players.  There is even a 3-point challenge and a dunk contest. The game also features a section in honor of Michael Jordan called the Jordan Challenge. In the Jordan Challenge, you have to try to relive ten of Jordan’s finest games. If you complete the Jordan Challenge, it unlocks a Create a Legend mode.

            This game does not disappoint! The 2K series once again have put together the best basketball game on the market. With the addition of NBA Today live updates and in-depth looks at the NBA, this game truly makes you feel like you are controlling the actual players as they play on your television. On top of that, you get a chance to play as the great Michael Jordan. So if you are looking for a good basketball game to give a try, look no further go out and get NBA 2K11.

Until Next Time,

Zane



Highly Anticipated Games for 2011

Hey guys I have had a crazy week this week, so instead of doing a game review I thought I would share a couple of games that I am excited about, that are set to come out later this year!

The first is Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception this game may be the most highly anticipated game of the year for the PS3. This game has some big shoes to fill since its predecessor Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was recently named one of the top ten greatest games of all time! I am looking forward to see if they can improve on what they have already done. I am also excited to see what adventure Drake is after this time. Either way I think it is going to be one you need to check out. Here is a preview of the game take a look and tell me what you think.

The other game that I am really excited about is Batman: Arkham City. This is also one of the most anticipated games of the year due to the success of its predecessor, Batman: Arkham Asylum, which was rated one of the best games of 2009. Batman: Arkham Asylum took place in Gotham’s nut house Arkham Asylum. In Batman: Arkham City, Arkham Asylum has been extend out and now takes up a large part of Gotham. That means much more area to cover; in fact, the games map is suppose to be one of the largest sandbox style maps ever created! So just like Uncharted 3 Batman Arkham City has some big shoes to fill as well. Here is a preview of Batman: Arkham City, take a look and let me know what you think.

 Both are set to come out close to the end of the year. I hope you are now excited as I am!

Until Next Time,

Zane



UFC Undisputed 2010

What’s up guys! For my next review, I chose to do another favorite of mine, UFC Undisputed 2010. I really enjoy this game because I enjoy watching the UFC fights.  Plus, I like to beat the crap out of some guys. This game is both good for the greatest of UFC fans as well and somebody who is just looking to knock someone out.

                In this game is featured all the best fighters in the UFC. It has all the major fighters in all the classes, such as Brock Lesnar from the heavy weight, Shogun Rua from light heavy weight, Anderson Silva from Middle Weight, George St. Pierre from welterweight and BJ Penn from the lightweight. The game as a whole features over one hundred UFC fighters so all of your favorite fighters will be in the game, even some of the up and comers as well.

                The game play of this game can be a lot of fun, but like most every fighting games it is also very difficult. The stand up aspect of the fighting is probably the easiest and most fun. Since the buttons are the easiest to press you often, find yourself throwing a barrage of kicks and punches trying to knock your opponent out. This works well if you are fighting an inexperienced fighter but if you are fighting on a higher difficultly or someone with some experience they will probably block and dodge you until you leave yourself open for the knockout punch. This leads me into the knockouts, which are always the coolest part of the game. Knock outs can happen at any time and pretty much anyway, and when they do they are AWESOME! I mean who doesn’t like knocking some dude out!

                There are other things that you can do other than punch and kick. You can also fight people in what they call the clinch, which is pretty much when you got each other in a headlock or tied up in some way. From here, more strikes such as elbows and knees can be thrown. You can also take an opponent to the ground with a takedown and from there you can throw more strikes and even perform a submission.  While on the ground you can also progress your position on the ground and work your way to a dominate position. This can earn you points if the fight were to come down to a decision.

                One of the bad parts of the game is that it sometimes does not seem realistic. Mma fighting is fast paced and happens quickly. For the most part the only part of the game that moves at normal fighting speed is the standup striking game.  The ground game is actually slow and can be very difficult to advance your position. All the ground game is done by spinning a joystick and this can be difficult because you have to move the joystick in half and three quarter turns. Submissions and submission defense are much the same you have to rotate the joystick after the submission has started to either defend against it or apply the submission. This is difficult as well, because often your thumb will slip off the joystick. The good thing about these things though is with practice you can get better at them.

                 One of the coolest parts of the game is the career mode. In the career mode, you create a fighter and take him throughout his career starting out as an amateur and ending as a champion that is if you can defend your title.  This is cool because you go through the process of picking your fights and training yourself for each of the fights. This allows you to prepare yourself to defend against their strengths. I really enjoyed this part of the game myself because I established myself as the type of fighter I wanted to be and won a championship I then got to defend that championship. I really enjoyed it because the better the competition the better the fights became. This made it so I couldn’t just run through the career mode but it also wasn’t so difficult that I could not win.

                Over all I would have to say that, this game is worth giving a try, especially if you enjoy watching the sport. It will give you the opportunity to fight with all your favorite fighters and maybe even learn more about the sport of mixed martial arts. This game is also worth giving a try if you just like knocking people out. However, it’s not for everyone, as I said it is still a very difficult game that takes a lot of strategy at times. 

Until next time, Go Knock Someone OUT!

-Zane

Rock Band 3

For my first review, I decide to do it on a game that I see just about every day in my apartment, Rock Band 3.  I got Rock Band 3 this past Christmas as a gift. Now I am going to be honest with you when I first got this game I was not overjoyed. See I had once had Guitar Hero World tour and enjoyed it for a long time but I eventually got tired of music game and traded it all back, at least whatever the games store would take. Therefore, upon getting Rock Band 3 I was not too sure that I was going to enjoy it.

                Well after having the game now for over two months my opinion has greatly changed.  I have found Rock Band 3 to be a very enjoyable game. Like I said earlier I play it or see it played now just about every day.



Rock Band 3 Keyboard



            Rock Band 3 is different from past Rock Band games; in this Rock Band, the developers added new instruments, the keyboard and a 3 part vocal harmony. The 3-part harmony allows there to be up to three singers at a time. As cool as this is, the downside is not all songs have a 3-part harmony and some songs that sound like they should do not have it. However, the feature is still cool if you have the microphones to do it. The keyboard, obviously, allows a player to play keyboard parts of songs. This is cool because you can play it two different ways. You can play songs the normal way with the five colors and you kind of play it like a keytar. Or, you could play pro keyboard, lay it flat, and try to play it like a normal keyboard. The way that it works is they have color sections and a the map out the color sections on the screen and the key that is to be play shows up in the section it is suppose to be played and you press it when it reaches the bar. Just like, you would on all the other instruments. Playing the pro keys is fun but it is very difficult. Rock Band 3 also includes pro modes for the guitars and the drums. You have to buy a special guitar for the pro mode though. It looks just like a real guitar with strings and everything. Below is a video of the pro keys game play, I believe this example is of pro keys on expert.

         By adding these new instruments, this allowed the developer to add in a wider variety of songs in this rock band, song such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, James Brown’s “I Got You”, even songs like Huey Lewis and the News’ song “The Power of Love.” Now just because they have brought on a keyboard and harmonies to the game does not mean that all the songs are going to be “poppy” the developers also had some heavy hitting songs in Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People”, Slipknot’s “Before I Forget” and Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark”. Therefore, you still get a wide variety of songs.

            One of the downsides to Rock Band 3, I believe, is that you still cannot unlock additional songs in career mode. To me this almost eliminates a purpose for playing a career mode, but do not fear in this world of technology we live in the internet has once again played a huge part in a Rock Band game. Yes, you can still download songs from the internet. This is awesome because the Rock Band library now holds over 2,000 songs, including a new Billy Joel pack, which I was excited about.

            As I was saying earlier, the career mode is pointless when it comes to unlocking songs but there are other things that can still be unlocked. The truth is that every time you play a song you are pretty much improving your career. When you first get the game it ask you to pick out a band name and you play as that band the whole time you are playing the game. As you play more and get more fans the more popular, your band becomes. As your band gets more popular, you unlock things like a van for the band or even a bus. You also unlock larger venues as well. The game is trying to mimic what it would be like to start as a garage band and rise to greatness. In addition to the venues and modes of transportation, you can also unlock accessories for your character. These accessories include clothes, hats, sunglasses, even instruments. You can apply all these things to a character after you create one. I thought that the developers did a good job with the create a character mode. I had a good time making me in to a rock star.

            After playing the game myself for a couple of months now, I would have to say that Rock Band 3 caught me by surprise. I thought that I was done with music style games, but I can honestly say I have had a blast jamming out with my buddies in the apartment. So I would say if you enjoy music as much as I do or just got a group of friends you would like to jam with then this is a game that you need to play.  I will say that if all possible try it out in a store or if you know somebody that has it try theirs first because I will say probably the biggest downfall to the game is that you will end up spending a pretty penny to get all the parts involved. So I would not recommend you buying this just to try because if you do not like it then my might be out of luck because most games stores these days do not take trade in instruments anymore. So try it before you buy it.

Until next time, ROCK ON!


My boy DJ ROCKIN OUT



-Zane



Welcome!

Whats up guys! My name is Zane and this is my new blog. It is called Casual Gamer Reviews because that's what I am, a casual gamer. I personally have a PS3 and have access to a Nintendo Wii. I also have some buddies who have Xbox 360, Super Nintendo, and even Sega Genesis. I enjoy playing video games and also enjoy enjoy sharing my opinion about them as well. So I thought why not share my opinion with you guys. This blog is design to give you, the reader, my opinion of some of the games that I am playing or have played that I think are worth giving a shot or just a total waste of time and money. So if you are looking for an opinion on a game that you have been thinking about trying from a casual gamer, such as yourself, then you are in the right place. I look forward to your comments and chatting about some good games. Thanks for reading.

-Zane

P.S. Feel free to recommend games as well. Either games that you would like to see reviewed or games that you think I should give a try.