Thursday, April 06, 2006
In the market with Ms. Croft
I sincerely wish that everyone would stop whining about the Oblivion horse armor situation. Microtransactions can help to continually support a deserving game once it's out, and extend it's life by a bit when it starts to get stale. Of course horse armor for $2.50 isn't going to seem like that tempting an inclusion in an already robust game that no one is close to sick of yet, but there are some legitimately awesome content packs coming soon as well. Money talks, and will tell them what kind of content you'd prefer.
Continuing with XBL marketplace goodness, the Tomb Raider demo put up last night (which took me four hours to download thanks to their shitty Midwest servers) is pretty spectacular, and has completely sold me on the final game. The euphoria of exploration is back in full force, and it's tight, beautifully presented, and in a masterstroke of game design that apparently hasn't been a priority for the TR team in years, it's fun. Firstly, considering it's a port, it's completely visually satisfyingly. The level design is gorgeous and atmospheric, and the Lara model feels weighty and real (and is expectedly foxy). There are some stunning effects at work that I assume the other versions don't have whatsoever, two highlights being very impressive and interesting water surface texturing and a truly ground-breaking (as far as I've ever seen) depth of field zoom effect with the binoculars. Most rock textures aren't much better than, say, Chaos Theory, but that's a fine standard by me.
The exploratory gameplay is done very well. The moves at your disposal are freeform enough to make the environment seem much more organic than it is, and even when a situation only has one solution it's never out of place or awkwardly executed. Most of the more repetitive movements like shimmying across a ledge have been made more interesting by being able to press Y in rhythm with Lara's movements to speed them up. I'm guessing that this becomes crucial in later timing-based puzzles, which I definitely look forward to.
While I wish that there weren't any other humans in the game, the gun combat isn't too bad. It's simple lock-on and shoot while flipping everywhere fare, but there are some cool environmental traps you can set off if you notice them to spice things up. It's never been focused on the action, and thankfully it still isn't; combat is unmistakably the low point, but it's just a means to an end and doesn't detract from the core gameplay dynamic.
Lastly, it should be said that not only is the presentation elegant and smart, but that Lara has actually been made likable again. She's sassy and sophisticated as usual, but there's a sincerity to her mission that Angelina Jolie couldn't communicate even once within four hours of excrement. It's one thing to feel complete and unmistakable power through a character like Kratos, but playing as a wide-eyed adventurer who's just as eager to get to the next area as you are is equally cool. I'll give a final verdict when the real thing hits next week.
Continuing with XBL marketplace goodness, the Tomb Raider demo put up last night (which took me four hours to download thanks to their shitty Midwest servers) is pretty spectacular, and has completely sold me on the final game. The euphoria of exploration is back in full force, and it's tight, beautifully presented, and in a masterstroke of game design that apparently hasn't been a priority for the TR team in years, it's fun. Firstly, considering it's a port, it's completely visually satisfyingly. The level design is gorgeous and atmospheric, and the Lara model feels weighty and real (and is expectedly foxy). There are some stunning effects at work that I assume the other versions don't have whatsoever, two highlights being very impressive and interesting water surface texturing and a truly ground-breaking (as far as I've ever seen) depth of field zoom effect with the binoculars. Most rock textures aren't much better than, say, Chaos Theory, but that's a fine standard by me.
The exploratory gameplay is done very well. The moves at your disposal are freeform enough to make the environment seem much more organic than it is, and even when a situation only has one solution it's never out of place or awkwardly executed. Most of the more repetitive movements like shimmying across a ledge have been made more interesting by being able to press Y in rhythm with Lara's movements to speed them up. I'm guessing that this becomes crucial in later timing-based puzzles, which I definitely look forward to.
While I wish that there weren't any other humans in the game, the gun combat isn't too bad. It's simple lock-on and shoot while flipping everywhere fare, but there are some cool environmental traps you can set off if you notice them to spice things up. It's never been focused on the action, and thankfully it still isn't; combat is unmistakably the low point, but it's just a means to an end and doesn't detract from the core gameplay dynamic.
Lastly, it should be said that not only is the presentation elegant and smart, but that Lara has actually been made likable again. She's sassy and sophisticated as usual, but there's a sincerity to her mission that Angelina Jolie couldn't communicate even once within four hours of excrement. It's one thing to feel complete and unmistakable power through a character like Kratos, but playing as a wide-eyed adventurer who's just as eager to get to the next area as you are is equally cool. I'll give a final verdict when the real thing hits next week.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Hexnick
Did I ever tell you guys just how good Hexic is? I mean, besides Tetris, Tetris Attack, Lumines and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (graciously added for Tom), it just might be the best puzzle game I've ever played. The idea that you can actually beat it, though it's almost impossible, is motivating like you wouldn't believe. As is being at the top of your friend's high score list, and unlocking tough Live achievements. It all goes together so well, and managed to tear me away from Oblivion for a good two hours tonight. Pop on a custom soundtrack, and you have the complete coalescence of relaxation and addiction. I love my three-sixty.
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