Capcom going insane?

In my last blog I said this would be coming soon but I really haven't been paying attention to life. If that makes sense. It won't.

So here I will have a little rant about Capcom. Well first off they are releasing decent looking games. They have good ideas and concepts but the way they have executed there recent flush of games was poor and repetitive.

The games guilty of this are Lost Planet, Resident Evil 5, Devil May Cry 4 and Bionic Commando. They are all very different games I am sure you know but these are the games Capcom have been trying to lead the market with. Every one of these titles have been hyped at release and were supposed to be something for all hardcore gamers to look forward to. Don't get me wrong I like these games but they have been screwed over by a very silly and primitive layout.
These games follow this one layout and in my opinion this is what is wrong with the games. Firstly they are all third person action games. This part is fine, lots of games fit into this category and lots of them are great games like Metal Gear or InFamous. However the second similarity is also the first mistake.

This similarity is the almost obsessive documenting of the game in chapters and sub chapters. This element of the games breaks up the flow of the game. It stops action, relieves tension and BORES gamers. These are almost always stapled together with some sort of scene were the cast explain everything had just happened and is gonna happen in a drawn out conversation. It is like those animes like Bleach and DBZ that drag out for no reason but to bump up the episode count. Why not have a narration throughout the game? You don't need designated points for plot progression and information to be relayed. Especially these hugely dumbed down explanations.
The game will tell you any conclusion you may have thought of yourself outright and disperse any mystery behind it apart from the obvious big questions which are predictable as hell! It has to make sure you know EXACTLY what is going on at that time.
It makes the progression of the game quite jumpy rather than natural.
For example Half Life games never leave the perspective of the player but still send all the information needed to the player in game. Bioshock is another such game.
For the game Resident Evil 5, a game which practically depended on tension and fear in earlier installments has shattered this illusion with frequent scenes stopping the progression to explain everything to you with other people. Resident Evil, which should be a solitary game has these extra characters shoe horned in just to explain all this. This breaks any illusion of loneliness and destroys the tension. The Co-op pretty much kills it too!
I mean what was wrong with save points? They never broke the flow of the game and were obvious makrers. Also you used to get tensed up in case you ever missed one out and had to search thoroughly.

Another stupid OCD type documentation in this games is the ranking system. This is thrown into these games for practically no reason but to tempt people to play the game again. This also shoves people into the path of mindless action, taking no heed of anything else going on in the game.
These ranking systems are a pointless ploy to justify the broken, fragmented gameplay of the game. I.e. It is forcing you to accept the action heavy nature of the game.
Spraying bullets everywhere is not so great in old Resident Evils where you had to save ammo and pick and choose your fights carefully because the combat system was rubbish and you couldn't be guaranteed safe passage. This added to the tension and atmosphere that it did so well until now.

The next similarity is the second mistake of these games. Linearity. Some amount of linearity is needed in games to force the player down a certain path. But to Capcom they use it far too much. There is no room to explore. The path is always clearly set before you. There are some rare instances where you may be able to choose your own path but you will be shunted back on path sooner or later. In past Resident Evil games exploration was the biggest driving force of the game. Before if I stumbled upon a big laboratory or curious corridor there was always the fact I could search elsewhere or come back later. Or I would come across dead ends and locked doors and have to turn back. I had push myself to search the shadows. However in RE5 I know this is the path, lets go on ahead, no biggy and I could never turn back to far.
Another example is in Bionic Commando where patches of radiation or whatever force you on a path. And they do it rather unforgivingly at points. The freedom to swing through a ruined city and see off into the distance in all directions is kicked in the balls with this rubbish. They never make me feel as if I am the one searching for the solution to the plots problems. I am merely finding them as the narrative tells me to.
This wouldn't be so bad if maybe the plot drove you forwards a bit better yet as I said in my last point Capcom have already done that in. A good example of a linear game with plenty of drive is the Uncharted games. Whilst short they are a hell of a ride. The characters constantly interact with each other in and out cut scenes and they trust you somewhat to understand what is going on. They also make each new situation require you to look at it differently to move on. Rather than another room of baddies that are slightly tougher.

Well to wrap up I would like to point out how wonderfully these points complement each other. Big action and a ranking system to make you try harder. Short bursts of action to perfect each burst in turn. Plot in between playing the game so you don't have to strain your brain during action moments with things such as purpose and drive. And, of course, linearity to force you down the same path as everyone else in the world so we all know exactly what happened. It's as if they don't trust us to play their game well enough to do the story justice. And then they shove it down our throats to make sure we know how epic it is. Sure it is epic but I don't FEEL it.

Only obsessive people would strive to perfect their ranks. Amidst the mass destruction and action scenes such delicate methods of weaving a plot or nudging the player to make big decisions themselves have been trampled. As I said before they are good games but unfortunately contain a shallow experience.

Finally I got a laptop since moving out! This means my blog can continue to all zero of my followers!

Anyway recap time for game land!

The racism issue is gonna keep coming up because some people hate games. And some people are idiots. I don't see why if someone is offended by something they should make such a big fuss as if they have been violated. Games are pieces of fiction like books and movies and the sense of interaction with it enhances the messages, themes and ideas portrayed by it. (If it is a plot heavy game) People are not that impressionable. And besides how will people cope in the real world if the can't handle being offended without demanding a higher power to take action.

Random say for the GBA games Dragon Ball Z Legacy of Goku series. The kick ass if you are a fan of the series and love action with RPG elements. But this is of course shoved in everything nowadays yet it rarely seems a bad things except from there is always someone better than you because they have more time/patience rather than skill. (Or in the case of pokemon an Action Replay device)

FFXIV is gonna be online... even though it is cross console I am not paying a subscription for any game! I hope it is a flop.

A new Metroid game? AWESOME! I really want more details on this.

Anyway that was my random update. Coming soon I will rip Capcom for killing their games!

Another great bargain!

Today whilst in town, not really looking for games I came across a charity stall. Usually I don't pay attention to these things but sitting opposite the stall I noticed the signature blue dvd case of PS2 games. So naturally as I like a bargain I decided to go look. As usual there were some popular series but nothing too great. Medal of honour, Tomb Raider, that sort of thing. But as I moved over the top block of games in the box to the ones underneath I saw it.
ICO! The box was in great condition and I could feel it had the manual in it from its weight! So I asked about the price and the guy really didn't know what he had. So he said £1.50! SOLD.

Lemme explain if you don't know about ICO yourself. It an early gem of the PS2. Sure it is old but the gameplay consists of exploring a castle and the island it is on whilst guiding a princess around it by the hand (literally) to her escape. Certain monsters come out little portals, shadow monsters, and they want to capture the princess again. They drag her back to the portals if they get her and you have to fend them off. You know like in Resi4 with that whingy, girly thing... except fun of course. Anyway these guys pop up anywhere and you fend them of with a stick or whatever is at hand. It has its share of puzzles and whilst you stand puzzling what to do you could get unexpectly attacked. Or rather not you but the princess!

Anyway you get the point of it. I have not played it too much so there is much more to it. And it is rare so if you see it for cheap GET IT! Seriously. People on Ebay while fight quite fiercely to get it.
And you know what else? As I walked away from the stall and went to check the condition of the disc (which was great as well) I found ANOTHER GAME. Someone had left it in there when they donated it! And it was GTA San Andreas. Not bad seeing as I don't have that game.

Unlikely Bargain

Well today I was out be dragged around looking for a suit for a wedding. As usual I just got the first thing that I tried on and it does the job but that's not what I am here for.

I was looking for a few games to add to my collection. I have not tried the Castlevania series yet but I have seen it get a lot of praise. So I was on the look out for a couple of them but only the sidescrollers (seriously, people underestimate sidescrollers).
Firstly DX Chronicles on the PSP which has a couple of games on it. The main one a remake in amazing 2.5D (that is essentially a 2D platform done with 3D elements). The other one is an enhanced port. There is also the original game that was remade to unlock. Pretty dam good if you ask me!
Yeah well it is nowhere to be found on the high street. Don't know why! It is barely a year old but I guess PSP games are not hugely popular. Oh well that is another online purchase!

There was another Castlevania game that caught my interest. Order of Ecclesia on the DS! There are three of them on the DS so far but this one apparently has improved upon the last two somewhat with new systems etc. Anyway the DS games seem outside the main plot or sort of filler for it so I won't be rushing to get the other ones unless it really wows me.
The only problem is it is a fairly new game here and that means money! Yeah I might not rush for that one quite yet either.
Yeah, yeah I am being stingy! But I am not paying full price! Especially for a third party DS game. Even if it is an awesome game it's gonna hang around and drop in price!

Anyway two dead ends for me! So there were two other games for the Wii that I wanted but these are new/newish and I was not expecting to get them. First off Little King's Story. Just out £35. Not gonna get it. Secondly Zak and Wiki. This was not in Game or Gamestation but HMV of all places! They had quite a few copies actually and for £15! That is a definite buy for me! Also they had Little King's Story and a tenner less than everywhere else! So I bought both at £40. Not bad as I was expecting to part with a lot more and the games are great so far! Although they are both quite childish.

Anyway, HMV! Good for games now as well!

Monster Hunter!!

If you are an obsessive gamer, like RPG elements (elements not a proper RPG!), epic boss battles, co-op gaming or just a really big challenge then I suggest you try this series of games!

Well maybe not just yet. But soon! You see the series has not taken off much outside Japan but the two newest games coming over here as well I urge gamers to give it a go and enjoy this alone or preferably with friends! Co-op gaming is something that is hugely rewarding and fun but it is being spread thin across games nowadays. This game focuses on co-op gaming and there is no versus gameplay here.

If you don't want to be bored skip ahead to....

Let me explain the history of the series.
First off the original Monster Hunter! It was released here and it focused on multiplayer. This was solely online multiplayer gameplay. Unfortunately it was on the PS2 which had rubbish online gaming. This left the solo campaign which was not outfitted with enough quests to get you really going. This game flopped in the UK and US.
Monster Hunter 2 quite wisely stayed in Japan. But Monster Hunter Freedom and Freedom 2 came here on the PSP. They had plenty to do in the form of solid solo missions if at first you had to learn a lot of stuff. Also they connected wirelessly to give an accessible multiplayer which is amazing! But unfortunately this was not accessible online and this is the games only downfall.
There is however Monster Hunter Frontier online in the form of a MMO game. But ONLY in Japan.

NOW there are two new Monster Hunter games coming here and the US. Both of them have online and offline multiplayer. First off the PSP one. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. If you played Freedom 2 then you can transfer over all you equipment etc. to this one. This connects through a PS3 to go online so you need one of these (which I do so I am happy).
Your other option is Monster Hunter 3 (or Tri) on the Wii. No friend codes in this game! And two player split screen to boot.

...HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you may be thinking "Woah, woah wait a minute! What is this game all about?"
Well Monster Hunter, as the title implies, puts you in the shoes of a hunter...of monsters. You customise your person an then set off. The game is in third person and you use a wide array of weapons, armours and items. You are pitted against behemoths and the aim is usually to take down the beast. Easy? No! You have to track it first. Then keep track of it. Learn its behaviour and attack patterns because the battle isn't gonna be a short one. You can apply all sorts of strategies to getting the job done. And you will need to apply loads of strategies for different weapons. Smallswords, great swords, katanas, hammers, horns, light guns, heavy guns, bows, lances and even gunlances! There is also a bunch of traps and items and potions to help you out.

Now I guess you can buy all these things but why when you can make EVERYTHING from scratch. Bones, horns, leathers, hides, ores, woods and all sorts make armours and plants,herbs and bugs make potions and items. All taken out the huge field.

Other essential gameplay elements such as well... elements (fire, water, lightning etc.) where you hit your opponent and other ingenious things. This game has every element of hunting covered! You fight dragons, dinosaurs, giant birds, crabs, gorillas and just wierd Japanese things! It is awesome and when the new games arrive... BUY THEM!!! Seriously, do it!

Gaming Diary 2

Today wasn't a big gaming thing. I was at Liams flat most the time.
He has been stuck a while on Metroid Prime 2 trying to get in an area. He didn't realise he could jump through the rubble which is the norm in a metroid game...all of them. Thankfully he did this himself and I didn't actually need to help him. But neither of us are sure why this did not click earlier.

The store Game are literally forcing PS2 games on people. There is a HUGE 3 for £5 sale. The only thing is if you want one game they are £4.99 each. That makes no sense apart from they don't want their games anymore so I picked up what good ones ther was. Metal gear solid 2, Crazy Taxi and Soul Calibur 2. The first two I already had but they are not really in working condition. Me and my brother were not good at storing games a few years back.

SO go to Game! Yeah 99% of the games are rubbish but I was pleased.

Gaming Diary 1

The first in many to come hopefully.

Well this is just gonna be a diary of mine on what I do gaming wise and I will try to make it a good read.

First off I have a few games going at once just now. Lemme see... There is Abe's Odysee and Abe's Exoddus. I got the second on Ebay and testing it to leave feedback I got carried away. I am going for all 300 mudukons on Exoddus as I have a magazine with the secret locations in it and I think I can handle the rest.
I also have Metroid Prime 3 to get done. That has been going a while and as has Super Mario Galaxy but I can pick that up and put it down easily. It's Mario after all.
I am also doing the extra dungeon in FFVI advance and am getting there. (FF means Final Fantasy if you're not in the know) Zelda Ocarina of Time (now gonna be mentioned as OoT)

Games I have to even start yet are Slient Hill 2, Beyond Good and Evil, FFV and probably a few more. There is an even bigger list I want to play through again.

Now you are up to date here is the Diary part!
Today I got Beyond Good and Evil and Silent Hill 2. Good games!
Been messing around on Zelda OoT trying to remember where I left off. I eventually found out that I'm supposed to go up a montain and by the time I got to the dungeon I had been drained of will to go any further. Pity.
Defeated the last two dragons in the Dragons Den for FFVI and now I am in the treasure room. I am nearly at the Kaiser Dragon but again I lost momentum and swapped games.
Now I am playing Dead Space and I wanted to keep going but there was a bug. A platform had replaced itself with a body... Reloaded and it's still there! It must have been there a while and now I am stuck. Bloody great. I am gonna have to restart this game at some point but for now it's going to the back of the line!

I wish I could get more done because I am looking forward to some of my newer games but I am stopping myself starting more without finishing the rest. Well they are not going anywhere.

First topic:- Resident Evil 5

First off this game is good. If you like action packed shooters, buy it. If you like co-op games, buy it. Or if you really must know what happens in the Resident Evil story then you have to buy it.

But what I must say is this game is not not what Resident Evil is (or was) about. It is NOT scary and seriously the tagline "Fear you won't forget"... just get over yourself Capcom it is not the same series.

Oh but of course let me correct myself. It is the same. VERY much so with respects to Resident Evil 4. Now while this for it's time was an excellent game, (It is the only game that made me play the hard mode after I had to unlock it) could it be too much to ask for Capcom to maybe improve upon a sequel. Especially one that is hopping up a generation of consoles. I mean the Gamecube played Resi 4, what is so big and bad about Resi 5 apart from the graphics that the Wii can't handle?

Ok not actually knowing technical details (and for the sake of the dramatic nature of it) that last comment should not be taken 100% seriously. But the fact is Resi 5's only gameplay innovation was co-op play. And that was good. But I remember the hype and anticipation surrounding Resi 5 a couple years ago and I imagined a better game. It took so long to release and it being shorter than Resi 4 I don't get what went wrong. The plot was simple and the twists were uninventive. Even the huge "quick time event-scene" idea was recycled.

If it was at least an action game through and through I would not mind this. But it is too undecisive. It is caught between two genres, trying to fill both criteria and only get both part filled. All the boss encounters are more epic than all the past FINAL bosses in the series. Well they would be but unfortunately the experience does not meet epic standards. A boss that could have been potentially fun, interactive and challenging to do in co-op was heavily restriced to both players using turrets. (And pumping the enemy with an unrealistic amount of bullets)

There are other things wrong with this game. For example the item system is horrendous with an AI partner and if full, (which will happen) it is really awkward to trade items. The item system also hugely restrictive to how much you can carry. Each character can hold nine items. Fair enough.
But consider this, playing co-op you will want at least two weapons each, so two slots. Next they need ammo, another two. At least one healing item and you can buy armor which for some reason you need a slot for. Ok so six slots so far, we can work with three slots. Can't we? Unfortunately no. Any overspill ammo for a weapon? That's another slot. Found a new weapon? Well it won't be in the store till you pick it up. One more slot! A red herb? Well you cant use this now but better save it to mix with a green herb! That's one slot and another you want to keep free. That's all our slot's filled but what if you want to use grenades, never mind mix and match the three types? No room! If you have a grenade launcher, the different ammo types all take up their own slot. Tough luck! Despite healing items such herbs and eggs and grenades having the quantity number beside them this will always be the number one! They take up a slot all of there own stupidly numbered for no reason. An egg or a small plant will take up the same amount of room as a rocket launcher!
Yes the breaks in between chapters let you store all items to your hearts content and key items and treasures dont take up slots. Resi 4 had this item system sussed with the suit case placement even if it did let you horde stuff like grenades. You might find yourself holding 18 incinidary grenades by accident but you just dont use them. Do you Pete? Just use the grenades and STOP HORDING THEM!!!
Sorry, lost my composure. I suppose the original Resi did games made you pick and choose what items you brought because of limited room but this proves an earlier point.

The game cannot decide what it wants to be. It tries to raise tension by refusing to let you walk and shoot, making you choose items and quick time events. But this is all undermined by gameplay being broken up into chapters and sub-chapters, the fact you can gun down most encounters, you can easliy turn and put some room between you and the enemies as it is so roomy and ultimately by the fact you are never apart from your partner for more than five minutes.
This game is a huge missed oppurtunity. But still a great game which makes the fact even more depressing. But there have already been promises of the next Resi game to have big improvements on the gameplay. They promised this last time and we were forced to play co-op (because the computer AI is horrndous).