Ranting Kenya

On the single player side of things, do the same. It was a perfect length, you did unique things in unique places, it had very unexpected storylines, had an awesome intro, great set-pieces and was just a blast to rip through. If Infinity Ward can keep me on the edge of my seat again, then that would be perfect.

As somebody who has played a lot of COD4 multiplayer, here are my ideas for the second interation.

Overall, don’t change it. It’s intense, fast, gripping and satisfying. I’ve played this game to the complete detriment of many of high quality titles. It’s very very good, and it’s very not Halo (and other like titles). Keep it that way.

That being said, there are some things I’ve noticed with COD4 that could be tweaked for the sequel.

1. Don’t take away any of the current weapons. I am very familiar with almost all the weapons in COD4. I know what they are, how to use them correctly, and I have my preferences. Rather than tweak the current weapons or remove them all together, just make sure any new weapons fit in the current selection.
2. Allow another perk and/or split some apart to allow a fourth. I understand that splitting the perks into their groups allows for balance (for instance, stopping power and juggernaught being the same perk class, which I agree with). But I fail to understand why putting a grip on a RPD takes away Perk level 1 that has Grenade x3. Or why Matrydom removes the possibility of Deep Impact. I’d like to have a fouth perk option so that players are more customizable. Most people play with a small group of perks.
3. Slower knifing when being shot. This is something that drives me nuts. You pop around a corner and you start shooting somebody. You’re already hitting them. Then they knife you like you aren’t even there. They should still be able to knife, but the action has to be slower. You have to give the advantage to the person who deals damage first. I can’t imagine it would be easy to pull out a knife after taking your hand off your gun then actually knifing someone when you’re being hit with bullets.
4. Include the old mp levels. Please take the Rockband 2 model. You paid for the variety pack, you have the original disc, let us keep playing those maps. I’m happy with COD4, but I want more maps. If you’re going to make me buy another $60 game, let me keep those levels and ease the learning curve for the new game.
5. Add some options for beginners. It is very hard for beginners to get the feel for the game when they’re getting sniped by a level 55 that they didn’t even know was there. If there was a beginner playlist, or “similar skill only” playlist, this would allow beginners to learn the maps and have a chance against the other players. It’s pretty much common for new players to score 1 kill and 15 deaths for their first 100 games. More people will play it if they can learn it at a reasonable pace.
6. Spawn position tweaking. The spawning in COD4 was good, but it could be exploited by a knowledgable team. Probably everyone’s played a game on Downpour where your team was either annihilated, or was annihilating. With little cover on the lower side of the map from helicopters, if the killing team keeps their distance just enough, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. The other team really has no chance. Also, sometimes when you’re killed, you get spawned so far on the other side of the map it takes to forever just to get back to the action, only to be sniped just as you get there to start the process over again. And occasionally, you’ll spawn right behind the person that killed you for an easy kill.
7. Seemingly strange hit detection at times. Sometimes, and I’m not the only person who’s noticed this, your bullets seem to be doing nothing. I’ve had many times where I’m playing well, leading the team in kills, then all of a sudden in the next game I can’t kill anyone. I’m shooting them, the “x” that appears when you’re making contact is there, but you’re dying everytime. It really feels like you’re shooting blanks. I suppose it could be a connection issue, but it’s like night and day from one game to the next. I’ve certainly played the game enough to know when I’m playing well, and to know how things react, and when this happens it feels like you had no chance at all.

Hopefully, Modern Warfare 2 will address these concerns/ideas plus improve in other areas that I had not considered, and then I can play that game everyday instead.

Again, let me start by saying that I have not played it. I have however seen the reviews, watched some videos of people playing the game etc.

So why don’t I want it? Basically because there’s no reason to.

One of the big issues with Call of Duty 3 developed by Treyarch was that COD 2 from Inifinity Ward was so good, that any differences and/or short comings were going to get jumped on by the community. There’s really no reason to think that Treyarch couldn’t create an excellent shooter in the COD franchise.

So even though I don’t believe that Treyarch deserved the skeptism they’ve received prior to releasing COD: World at War, I none the less feel that everyone’s concerns were accurate.

So, looking at what I’ve seen of their new release’s multiplayer, I can see that they have done everything possible to lose the “not as good as the other one” argument. In fact, from what I can tell, the game is basically the same only with WWII weapons and perks. Even the menus that I’ve seen in the videos look just like COD4′s.

Therefore, yet again, there’s no reason to pick up this title (unless you’re way obsessed with WWII weapons, or never played COD4). So although Treyarch did what they could to “be as good as”, the problem with that is they are “only as good as” COD4.

So Activision, forget the yearly COD releases and just let Infinity Ward handle it. The fans will accept no less.

I know I could use all the strategy I can get. This game plays different than the original.

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.

Coming soon

NHL 09

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.

Star Wars – The Force Unleashed

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.

Quantum of Solace

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.

Gears of War 2

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.

Far Cry 2

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.

Red Alert 3

I’ve played all the C&C’s and Red Alerts. I’ve always preferred Red Alert, and this one looks wicked. Again, probably play in on PC.

Spore

I know this is on everybody’s list. I’m not all that stoked about it, but it seems new and unique enough that I probably shouldn’t skip it.

Halo Wars

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.

Tiberium

I’ll probably wait for the reviews on this one. Maybe I’ll just rent it. Need more info. It has my attention, for now at least.

Crysis Warhead

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.

Step Brothers

C’mon, it looks so funny. What a hilarious idea.

Some of you may have seen the Assassin’s Creed PC Requirements today. I find them interesting considering some of the rumours surrounding another PC game of lofty requirements, Crysis.

Everybody that I know has applauded the graphics of Assassin’s Creed on the Xbox 360, myself included. So, if you assume the graphics on the PC are comparable, then that really says something about the power of the 360.

Crytek has said over and over again that Crysis is a PC game, they haven’t developed a console version, and that it wasn’t their intention. Nevertheless, perhaps it’s not that big of stretch to get a Crysis-level PC killer on the consoles.

At the same time, it’s truly an argument against spending lots of money on top of the line PC gaming rigs. You can use reasonably priced PCs to play most games that you wouldn’t play on a console. Games like strategy games.

Maybe PC game developers should focus more on console titles with PC games getting work on afterwards.

Update – Jan 29

This actually came out a couple days ago, but it seems like I’m not crazy, and Crysis could be taken to the consoles.

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/01/29/crysis-engine-will-be-shown-on-360-at-gdc/

I was just checking out some upcoming PC games on the Best Buy Canada website, and look what I found. Spore.

According to this page, August 31 of 2008 is the big day for this game. Most sites I’ve check have it listed as TBA 2008 or Q2 2008.

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.