So I loaded up a copy of X-Com on my computer yesterday (all hail the glory of steam!). X-Com, as many will remember, was the turn based strategy game published by Microprose in 1993. Even now, that game is truly something special. There are many games that I loved as a child that I simply cannot play now. Even going back to something like Goldeneye on the N64 is really hard for me to do, and Goldeneye is much newer.
X-Com really hits a lot of key points and levels with me. For one, I like the general theme, alien invasion. Add on base building, resource management, fighting UFOs and exploring their crash sites makes it a cluster of awesomeness for me. I always think about my idea of an ideal game (an RTS where I can then take part in the battles in FPS mode, basically act as a hero unit), and X-Com probably comes the closest to this reality.
In fact, this game is resource management to the extreme. You have to manage your personnel, actual equipment and artifacts, money, approval rating, movement points, aircraft, base facilities, multiple bases etc.
Another thing I love about this game is it’s difficulty. I have actually never beaten it. Even now on it’s 2nd easiest difficulty, I’m being challenged on the second mission. And you are challenged across the board. On the missions, all the management, the aircraft battles, everything. Keeping your soldiers alive is really key for later on because they gain experience. If all you ever have is a revolving door of rookies, you won’t get very far.
But what it’s probably best at is creating atmosphere. The graphics are ancient by today’s standards (after playing it for a couple hours, looking at my iPhone felt like I was looking at the highest res display ever), but they’re good enough to make it work. The music is midi-like, but sets the mood of all the various sections of the game perfectly. And many of the background graphics elevate this mood. For instance, when you’re looking to sell some of your loot from successful alien missions, the background image is of a shadowy character in a trench coat holding open a suitcase of money towards you. And there’s a number of barely visible characters in the background.
The game really sets the tone of “secret government agency stopping extra terrestrial attacks”. It’s a really good game. I’m really enjoying playing this 17 year old game.
Is anybody kind of surprised that Apple has beaten Sony and Nintendo to the mobile “xbox live” service? Does this not strike anyone as a complete and utter failure on behalf of Sony and Nintendo. And I suppose also a failure of Microsoft.
I mean let’s review. Basically, the Xbox’s single best unique feature is xbox live. It isn’t new either. It’s been around for like 6 or 7 years now. It’s what pulled a good number of people off the Playstation 2 (the most popular console ever) and onto Microsoft’s new platform, the original xbox. It was and is a pay service. But still, people flock to it.
Now the xbox 360 is a true powerhouse in the console gaming space, and Sony’s playstation network is ok, but not great. It tries to copy the xbox features, but it lacks the community.
Nintendo’s literally pretending that online gaming doesn’t even exist (and what’s the HD everyone is talking about). Now Apple walks in with a phone, a mobile phone, announces their game network, and instantly it makes nearly no sense that Sony and Nintendo have missed this boat.
Nintendo isn’t really surprising because their history suggests that this thing would fly right by. But Sony. The very same strategy that Microsoft used to take a bite out of your console business should’ve been repurposed by you to take a bite out of Nintendo’s mobile gaming dominance.
Apple’s games are for the most part, cheap and of questionable quality. But in their vast library, there are quite a few gems. There are more gems on the iPhone than on the PSP. And there’s millions of iPhones and iPod touches out there. There’s going to be more of them too. It’s the hottest consumer device in years. The games will get better, and Nintendo and Sony will be left wondering out such an obvious enourmous business opportunity/threat looked them right between the eyes, and then moved on.
Microsoft has been touting that Xbox live will go portable (either on their crappy windows mobile 6 phones, or the newly announced Windows mobile 7), but their failure to create any device of note has truly let this opportunity vanish. An “Xboy” would’ve brought the console community over, but they haven’t touched on that either.
So in review, Apple didn’t come up with the idea of an online gaming network, they don’t pay publishers or developers, they have an online software delivery network (iTunes, hello no shipping and shelf space fees), a dedicated and expontentially expanding consumer base, and they’re going to put it all together and completely and utterly dominate the mobile gaming space inside of 3 years (my prediction). Add the quickly improving power of iPhone and iPad-like devices means that mobile games won’t have to be “mobile-like” games for long.
Last year was a great year in gaming. But, I have a feeling that this year could be equally as awesome. Here’s a list of some games that I am looking forward to.
NHL 08 was probably the best hockey game ever created since the original on ice. The controls were excellent, the game played like hockey, and I feel it was the perfect blend of simulation/arcade hockey. Most of the things that I didn’t like about NHL 08 sound like they’ll be fixed for 09 (aka “heat seeking ass missile hip checks”). Plus now Dion Phaneuf is on the cover. Other things I hope they fix is the online play (didn’t work that well on my 360 for some reason), add good online leagues, and please EA update the rosters every month (at least) rather than quarterly.
This is probably the first Star Wars game that I’m actually excited for since Knights of the Old Republic (previously TIE Fighter). I like the idea of just throwing guys around, and a compelling new storyline. Hopefully the controls and everything holds up.
Similarly to the Star Wars games, there’s been a fantastic Bond game, and a lot of not fantastic Bond games. The movie Casino Royale ruled, I’m hoping this game will pick that up and carry it to the next movie. 1up’s Garnett Lee’s preview is making me feel better about a new Bond game. I played lots of the others. They were… forgettable.
I enjoyed the first Gears game, though not as much as some other people. Basically, if the online is actually fixed, I’ll probably play this a lot. Probably won’t unseat COD4 as my main online game however. I liked the single player though on the first, so I’m happy with a good campaign for the second.
I really liked Crysis for the PC. I liked it a whole lot until the aliens appeared. The alien sections were still good, but I really enjoyed fighting the Koreans. Hiding in the bushes, using my suit’s abilities, try different methods for my encounters was a lot of fun. Far Cry 2 feels like it could be the perfect shooter to itch that that non-COD4 shooter itch. There’s no suit abilities, but there is self-propagating brush fire! That Dunia engine looks crazy too. I think I’d like to play it on PC (especially if I can get some gamerscore for my Xbox Live account), rather than Xbox 360. May even get a second 8800GT so I can go SLI for this game.
Here’s another title I’d like to play on PC, though I’m not sure it’s announced for PC yet (or if it will be at all). I do however believe it will hit PC eventually. It really looks like a fun game. I hope it’s story is as epic as the original Halo. I’d like to experience that awe that I did in the first game.
I liked Crysis, this is more Crysis. Hopefully lots of Korean encounters. Maybe I can turn the graphics up a bit more on this one.
Coming Whenever
I know these games aren’t coming anytime soon, but I’m waiting…
Bioshock 2
Seriously, how good was the first one? So good. Hopefully the story is as good. This game definitely gave me the original Halo awe that I was talking about.
Bungie’s Next Project
Whatever it is, it will be quality. Maybe it’ll finally be Pimps at Sea.
Assassin’s Creed 2
Lots of people didn’t care for the original, I however was not one of them. I really really liked it. Plus the cliffhanger at the end of the original really hooked me for the next story. I didn’t like the whole modern/middle ages take on the last game until the end of the game, now I’m way into it.
The next X-Com
If some developer could capture the essence of the original, and slap a new coat a paint on it, then add more modern game design concepts, then the world might implode. I played the first a lot, even though I never finished it. It was very hard, though one of my buddies beat it. Once the aliens went all nutty on the Psionics, I was finished. Still, I really want to play a good modern sequel to this game.
The Next Knights of the Old Republic
Because the first two games were so good. I really like the original best between the two. Also, if they could kill the silly loading screens and make the interface quicker, then it would sell like crazy.
Mass Effect 2
Basically the same for me as KOTOR. Kill the loading screens.
Already Released, Need to Play/Finish
I’ve played these already, or even own them, but need to finish them.
Rainbow Six Vegas
It’s sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to play. I would’ve played this game when it came out, but my money and time went the Gears of War instead.
Lego Star Wars – The Complete Saga
I’m really just waiting for this game to be sold for like $30. Then I’m in.
Half life 2 – Episode One/Two
Loved the game, need to continue the story. I know I’m way behind on this one, but there was this Portal…
Civilization IV
I’ve played this game a certain amount, but is there ever enough time for Civ?
Company of Heroes
I’ve played against the PC a lot, but not so much that I’ve finished Opposing Fronts. I should probably play this game online some. It is the best strategy game to be released in my opinion.
Sins of a Solar Empire
Actually, this game might be a little too epic for me. But it is fun.
Lost Planet
Again, really liked the demo, but my money went somewhere else.
Dead Rising
I played the demo too, loved it, but didn’t buy it. Maybe when it’s in the cheap bin.
Star Wars – Empire at War
My PC can handle it now, so I just have to get into it.
Movies
Just thrown in for good measure.
The Dark Knight
Batman Begins was the absolute best Batman movie ever. Christian Bale is an awesome actor, and Batman is awesome, so The Dark Knight is awesome. Plus this film was filmed on IMax film, not adapted like to many other IMax movies. Going to be so good.
I finally finished the single player campaign of COD 4 last night (I’ve been playing multiplayer mostly). Be aware, this post will have…
—Spoilers—
So I’m going to start by saying that the game was awesome. Loved it. Can’t wait to play it again and try the arcade mode.
I also want to say that perhaps (at least for me) this year’s biggest game innovation is game length. Or should I say game shortness. I thought Portal was awesome and I beat it in one sitting. COD 4 took more than one sitting, but it wasn’t that long. However, the brevity works for it.
Rather than spending 40 hours playing through the same types of situations over and over, COD 4 was fresh every single level. Disabling a nuke on a sinking ship (reminiscent of Goldeneye), being the gunner on a helicopter, firing at terrorists from a A130 gunship, rescuing a pilot from a downed helicopter, crawling through a field as a sniper, stealth assassinating guards as a sniper, sniping from a building taking into account the wind, carrying a downed squad mate to the extraction zone (putting him down frequently so the both of you can get through your enemies), rappelling down a missile silo, taking out tanks, firing at pursuing trucks of enemies while driving like a maniac to escape on civilian highway, using C4 to take out some power lines to temporarily cut power to a secure facility, shooting and even rescuing a VIP on an airplane then jumping out of the plane.
The game was an adrenaline rush from start to finish. I consistently found myself saying out loud “Holy $h!t, that’s awesome!”
Yes, some people will get through the game quickly. I would recommend playing it on a harder than normal difficulty level for yourself. That makes the game far more intense, and it’ll last a little longer.
Also, I would not shy away from buying the game just because the single player is shorter than most. The multiplayer on Xbox Live is the only experience that rivals Halo, only there’s far fewer vulgar screaming 10 year olds.
What COD 4 does that’s better than Halo online is the whole leveling up system. In halo, you get armour. That gives you no competitive advantage at all. COD allows you to upgrade your weapons, and choose unique “perks” to customize your character. You can select extra life, ability to run further, more powerful bullets, better weapon sights, dropping a live grenade when you die. There are many many many different combinations that allow you to really create a character with the abilities that suit you.
Also, COD 4 has the party system, and lots of people are playing online, so you won’t have any problem finding a game. It’s not unusualy for me to see well over 100 000 people online at any given time.
In short, yes. Buy it and play it.
Has anybody played it on PC? Is there a good community playing it online on PC?
This is certainly not a new complaint/request, but I really feel like I should voice it as well.
NHL 08 is probably the best hockey video game of all time. It plays like hockey, it looks like hockey, and it’s so much fun. The stick control actually does put the user in control of what happens.
However, taking this game online is barely satisfactory because once you are playing it is excellent to play. However, trying to get into a game is a major frustration, especially the first time.
The very first time you go online with it, it wants you to read what feels like 300 documents. And it wants you to create an EA account. Why? I have an Xbox live account, that should be enough. Strangely, once you do that, you never see any of that stuff again. So at least that’s a one-off.
Next, if you select “Quick ranked play”, or one of the other “quick” games, it checks for rosters (and asks you if that’s ok). If there are new rosters then it downloads them (but again, asks you if that’s ok first). But it seems like you’ve already joined game while it’s doing this. So about 90% of the time, your opponent leaves the game because there’s seemingly nobody there. So then you must re-start your search.
No big deal right? Wrong. It seems like if does that whole “checking for rosters” for every single game you play (or at least until sombody doesn’t quit on you). So annoying. EA, fix it.
The other thing that should be included in NHL 09 (and indeed every multiplayer Xbox game) is the party system. For those of you that don’t know what that is, it’s the system that Halo 2 pioneered on Xbox live. It’s currently used in Halo 2, Halo 3, and Call of Duty 4. I don’t think there are any others.
The party system allows you to essentially create a custom lobby for you and your friends, and that party goes and plays game together all the time.
This would be ideal in NHL 09 (and indeed all games) since I frequently want to just play with one friend. Why do I have to do that whole stupid lobby system. The lobby system works on PC, but I think it’s usefulness on consoles is pretty lame.
Also, with a party system, then you and your friend could more easily take on another opponent together. Then you can eliminate all those other options for finding a match. There could be ranked, unranked, and maybe a “large-group” option. No more lobbies, no more confusion.
EA’s got the money to make their online games flawless. There’s really no excuse for not having a party system.
P.S. Can we have monthly roster updates? I mean seriously.
I was glancing through the website for the Spike TV Video Game Awards today. Noticed some interesting things about the Game of the Year nominees.
All the nominees are available for Xbox 360.
Currently, at the time of publishing this post, all the games are not available on Playstation or Wii (Orange Box hasn’t been released for PS3 yet).
All four games involve at least some First Person Shooter elements.
Now I own all the nominated games (for game of the year), and they’re excellent. However, I hear Super Mario Galaxy is possibly the best Mario game ever, which alone should give it a nomination. It’s nominated for best Wii game, but not Game of the Year. Perhaps it has to do with the release dates of the games (however I think it was out one week before Mass Effect, or at least the same week).
The VGAs have been accused of being a popularity contest in the past, and I’d say that critisism holds true today. Aside from The Orange Box, all those games had big marketing campaigns. Of course, that doesn’t explain why Guitar Hero III isn’t on there.
Also, other games that I own that could easily be nominated, Call of Duty 4 and Assassin’s Creed.
And on another side note, are racing games just out of style now? Forza 2 is a very impressive simulation racer.
Is anybody kind of surprised that Apple has beaten Sony and Nintendo to the mobile “xbox live” service? Does this not strike anyone as a complete and utter failure on behalf of Sony and Nintendo. And I suppose also a failure of Microsoft.
I finally finished the single player campaign of COD 4 last night (I’ve been playing multiplayer mostly). Be aware, this post will have…