Monthly Editorial (May 2014) – Watchdogs and the Future is Now

Tis the merry month of May, my friends, and the future of gaming is looking brighter in some spots. Well, brighter than it was not too long ago when gamers were divided over which console smelled better than the other or who ran what at 1080p. With Microsoft finally realizing that things would have gone a lot more smoothly had they listened to the consumer, the Xbox One has a chance now to bring gamers what we deserve … quality Xbox games unique to Microsoft whether its the recently announced Halo sequel or more Gears of War. Oh yeah, you will soon stream Netflix or Hulu without a Gold Xbox Live membership so there’s that as well.

Of course, there is also E3 2014 to look forward to in terms of the numerous titles we can come to expect from both Microsoft and Sony as well as our struggling friends at Nintendo. The surprises will be plentiful, of that I could assure you, my gaming brethren. Already we have heard from our friends at Ubisoft who have already announced such titles as Far Cry 4, Tom Clancy’s The Division, The Crew and Assassin’s Creed Unity just to name a few titles we can expect from them.

Speaking of Ubisoft, this month also finally brings us Watchdogs … a game that we here at Game Revolver have been dying to play for a long time and one that we will be reviewing as soon as it becomes available to us. An open-world game where we can turn Chicago into our own playground is so damn enticing that we will be celebrating this game’s release with a contest. We’ll be announcing this contest soon so keep your eyes peeled.

We are excited about the prospects of this upcoming E3 show and will bring you more news in the coming month. In the meantime, I would like to welcome back our own Valentine del Toro who will be not only reviewing games again but will offer up her funny take on bad gaming with her column Valentina’s Adventures in Bad Gaming. Welcome back, Val, we missed you and your chimichangas.

Happy Gaming!

Eduardo Zacarias
Editor-in-Chief

South Park: The Stick of Truth – PlayStation 3 Review

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation 3 (also available on Xbox 360)
Genre: Role-playing Game
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB: M (Mature)
Release Date: March 4, 2014

Review By: Angelina Sandoval

After having played a number of games that make use of the South Park license, I had officially given up on that one game that would be true to the characters created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Then South Park: The Stick of Truth was announced and everything surrounding this role-playing game, including the fact that the Comedy Central show’s two creative forces would be directly involved, made this title well worth the wait. As it turns out, The Stick of Truth not only turns out to be one of the best South Park games available thus far but it is also one of the funniest games you will play this year.

MEET SOME FRIENDS OF MINE

As Eric Cartman explains in the beginning of the game, a make-believe world (that somewhat resembles a bastardized version of Tolkien’s Middle Earth) is tossed in a war between the forces of good and those that want to claim the ultimate treasure of them all … the Stick of Truth. So, as you can see, it is a good day for you – the new kid in town – to be forced to go out and make friends with fellow fourth graders that are playing this massive citywide child’s game.

After designing your own voiceless character, you come to meet your first real friend by saving a boy everyone knows as Butters. From there, your new friend introduces you to Cartman and, of course, the game. From there you are given the choice between being called a douche or a douche as well get to pick your character class whether you’d like to be a fighter, a thief, a mage or maybe a Jew. Strangely enough, choosing the Jew class doesn’t really add much except that Cartman won’t like you as much as he would if you were a mage or a fighter.

The town of South Park is then open to you as you are given quests by not only Cartman but also by the various resident of the Colorado town whether it’s Mister Lu Kim who runs City Wok or other familiar faces scattered throughout. In fact, one of the things that make The Stick of Truth the ultimate South Park game is the fact that it incorporates not only the main characters but also the entire town.

As a matter of fact, South Park itself is a character in itself and if you’re a fan of the show you will be happy to see all the familiar haunts such as the City Wok, Jimbo’s Guns, the Bijou Theater, Stark’s Pond and South Park Elementary just to name a few key locales. Better yet, thanks to the in-game map, we finally get a better idea of where things are geographically speaking. For example, did you know that Stan, Kyle and Cartman are actually neighbors?

RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!

Like most role-playing games, you start the game at Level 1 as you level up by completing quests and surviving various battles that occur the minute you accept to take a part in the game. Of course, you are given a crash course in combat, learning not only about the strengths of your opponents as well as their different attacks but also learn the intricacies of turn-based combat that everyone within the game finds quite lame.

In fact, combat is The Stick of Truth’s biggest disappointment as it is not only bogged down by its repetitive old-school nature but also by the turn-wheel mechanics that make selecting your attacks and special abilities somewhat of a nuisance. Sure, you can upgrade your equipment, armor and your choice of weapons but in the end you will find that you’d much rather avoid combat than get locked into battle with the “elves” or even those damn Mongolian kids.

Still it’s something of a rare treat to be siding with a number of South Park’s recognizable characters in combat. Having Butters by your side swinging his little hammer or gently patting you on your back to heal you is downright adorable but it’s also a blast to summon the likes of Mister Lui Kim (in his Chinese battle garb he wore when he tried to fight off the Mongolian horde in that one episode) or Stan’s hilarious father who teaches you the mystical art of – well – farting. Think of flatulence as a special spell much like the Shouts in Skyrim.

HOWDY-HO, EVERYONE!

The game is filled to the brim with Easter eggs that will have you busy whether it is trying to locate every Chinpokomon as well as a variety of side quests … many of which are available at specific times. The story is well written and what began as an elaborate child’s game turns into something even bigger that threatens the town itself whether it is battling against Crab People, alien visitors or a conspiracy involving tacos. Oh yeah, even Mr. Hanky makes an appearance. Thankfully you will have a number of companions that will aid you in saving the town and the world that includes everyone from Tweek to Kenny (who really is the fairest Princess) even if you have to go through (or inside) Mister Slave.

Delightfully enough, The Stick of Truth looks exactly like you’re playing an episode from the show itself – which, in itself, is not a difficult task to accomplish considering the fact that the show was purposely made to look crappy. It’s also great to see numerous nods to episodes from the show that pop up throughout your exploration of the town itself. There are sight gags aplenty as well, many of them of the mature variety that are true to many of the characters themselves. For example, if you happen to be in Eric’s house take a quick side trip to Mrs. Cartman’s room and you’ll get what I’m saying.

Even better, though, is the fact that the voice acting found throughout the game come directly from the talents of the voice actors themselves and I’m not talking the usual sound clips found in other South Park games. Matt Stone and Trey Parker provide some truly hilarious dialogue that won’t fail to crack you up or put a smile on you face all throughout the game. Then there’s the music that is classic South Park as well as some memorable tunes that can be heard over the radio such as “Taco-Flavored Kisses,” Finger Bang” and a song about too many minorities in the water park just to name a few songs heard.

South Park: The Stick of Truth will be remembered for not only making brilliant use of the show’s license but also bringing us one truly hilarious role-playing game that would fit nicely with the show’s current season. Sure, combat is not as satisfying as eating a bag of Cheesy Poofs but the story and the ability to explore one of the best little town’s in Colorado definitely makes it worth the price of admission alone. South Park fans, you do not want to miss out on this game … I am super cereal.

GAME FRONTLINE RATING

Gameplay: 8.0
Graphics: 8.5
Sound: 9.0
Appeal: 9.0
Overall: 9.0

Review copy provided by Ubisoft

Ubisoft Reveals Watch Dogs Launch Date

Watch Dogs will be available worldwide on May 27, 2014 for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. The Wii U version will be available at a later date.

In Watch Dogs, players assume the role of Aiden Pearce, a new type of vigilante hero who, with the help of his smartphone, will use his ability to hack into Chicago’s central operating system (ctOS) to control almost every element of the city.

Our Take: We finally get a release date for a game we have been dying to get our hands on since we got a close look at it during last year’s E3. This is definitely one of those games that will make 2014 a very good year for gaming.

Fist Full Of Micro Reviews – March 2014

We hate resorting to Micro Reviews but the ending of 2013 and the beginning of January had myself and my review crew very busy designing a few features that will make a debut really soon but – in the meantime – we have a fist full of Micro Reviews that celebrate the beginning of a new generation of gaming that is just barely showing us all of its full potential.

While we can go into how powerful Sony’s console is and why it outsold Microsoft’s Xbox One, we are of the opinion that what we are seeing so far is just the tip of a virtual iceberg that will not fail to surprise. Already there is the announcement that Sony will bring us 100 games this year as well as the introduction of its impressive PlayStation Now service. On top of that, the Xbox One has a number of features that go well beyond exclusive titles such as Titanfall.

Oh yeah, this is but the beginning and the year is young so let’s get right to the Micro Reviews, shall we?

Killzone: Shadow Fall (PlayStation 4)

The Killzone franchise has certainly developed quite a following since its introduction on the PS3 so having Shadow Fall be among the PlayStation 4’s initial launch lineup is a pleasant surprise and even more so since the game was built specifically to show of the new console’s amazing graphics capabilities. What we get is a first-person shooter that delivers an immersive, action-packed and gorgeous-looking game that brings to mind the Half Life series in the best possible way. On top of that, the multiplayer component comes together nicely to keep you playing this one long after you finish the single-player campaign.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Dead Rising 3 (Xbox One)

Capcom’s quirky zombie-slaying game hasn’t really changed all that much since we were first introduced to photographer Frank West on the Xbox 360. This third installment of the Dead Rising series is no different as you play new character, Nick Ramos, who finds himself in the infected zone of Los Perdidos. The Xbox One is able to produce some decent graphics that allow even more walking dead on the screen at once and it really is impressive but then again its all running at 720p and 30fps. However, you won’t find any features here that revolutionize the series enough to make it a refreshing new start on a new console. Still, with all zany missions, plenty of weapons and vehicles, Dead Rising 3 is still loads of fun to play.

OVERALL GRADE: B+

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (PlayStation 4)

After the lackluster performance of Assassin’s Creed III, the fourth installment set its sights on the high seas as you assume the role of Edward Kenway, a young pirate who just so happens to get caught up in the world of the assassins and the Templars. Not only do you get to command the Jackdaw but also you can set sail to explore an open world filled with exotic islands ripe with booty and fight off Spanish galleons and English fleets with cannon fire. There are also the many missions and side missions to jump into that are true to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Sure, the game was released on the PlayStation 3 as well but the game looks especially enticing on the PlayStation 4.

OVERALL GRADE: A+

Call of Duty: Ghosts (PlayStation 4)

Nobody found it as a surprise when Activision announced a new Call of Duty game and it was even less of a surprise that a next-gen version of the game would coincide with the release date of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. While not adding anything new to this series even on two new consoles, Ghosts manages to be the same entertaining thrill ride we have come to know from past Call of Duty games and that’s alright for dedicated fans. Anyone else will find this more of the same but with better graphics and, of course, a fantastic multiplayer portion that is reason enough to keep playing and even more so with a few key additions.

OVERALL GRADE: B

KNACK (PlayStation 4)

Knack is a game that we had been looking forward to playing since it was announced and who wouldn’t have been excited over a PlayStation 4 launch title that looks that original. What we get instead is dull and repetitive combat combined with a frustrating difficulty setting and so-so level design with a world that offers very little to interact with throughout this disappointing title.

OVERALL GRADE: D

Forza Motorsport 5 (Xbox One)

The Forza Motorsport series has always done a brilliant job of making us fall in love with the world of racing and it this fifth game in the series continues to celebrate all things vehicular. While there aren’t more new roads or even more cars than the fourth game, Forza Motorsport 5 is still an improvement that will have you happily jumping back behind the wheel and even more so on the Xbox One. Frankly speaking, this game is what will make you happy you bought Microsoft’s new console.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Battlefield 4 (PlayStation 4)

The fourth installment of the Battlefield series doesn’t even attempt to do anything particularly new except provide fans with what it is best known for … a completely absorbing, challenging and addictive multiplayer option that makes this worth the purchase price. Thanks to a few updates, the online multiplayer has improved greatly but, sadly, the single-player campaign isn’t anything to write home about once again since there isn’t much of a story here.

OVERALL GRADE: B

Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition (Xbox One)

When Tomb Raider was released a while back, it didn’t really need to be remade seeing as the game was not only brilliantly entertaining but also easy on the eyes just like its protagonist. Still, this Definitive Edition not only brings us all the DLC but the game was build from the ground up visually to make this an even more graphically-stunning game. If you haven’t bought it the first time, buying it now is highly recommended. We count this among one of the best Tomb Raider games available as well as one hell of a great survival title.

OVERALL GRADE: A+

ASSASSIN’S CREED® IV BLACK FLAG™ MULTIPLAYER ADD-ON CONTENT, BLACKBEARD’S WRATH, AVAILABLE TOMORROW

First Add-On Content Pack Brings Three New Lethal Characters: Blackbeard, The Orchid and The Jaguar

SAN FRANCISCO — December 9, 2013 — Today, Ubisoft® announced that the first add-on content pack for Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag™ multiplayer, Blackbeard’s Wrath, is available tomorrow for download on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC for $2.99, and is included in the Season Pass.

Three new characters join the hunt: Blackbeard, The Jaguar and The Orchid, each bringing their unique set of skills to battle for the title of best Assassin.

Blackbeard, wielding his sword and short temper, is not to be trifled with. His reputation as a feared pirate is justly received, and his preferred kill moves include using his tremendous strength to throw his targets off balance and quickly finishing them with one clean strike.

The Orchid, a deadly Assassin, grew up in China and served as a military advisor during the Qing Dynasty, honing her murderous skills. She executes opponents swiftly and gracefully with her blade, an extension of her mind and body.

The Jaguar, Cuali, an Aztec warrior from Mexico, took to the sea to fight against the Spanish conquest of Central America. A fighter, he survived the destruction of his community and joined forces with a growing contingent of native Templars who sought renewed peace and order. Driven by a mystical force, The Jaguar strikes swiftly and quietly with his preferred weapon, a discreet axe.

All three characters are available for download from online marketplaces starting tomorrow in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flagmultiplayer, where they will join the hunt for survival.

For players interested in the Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Season Pass, it’s available now for $19.99 and includes Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Freedom Cry – a nine mission, self-contained story featuring Edward Kenway’s first mate Adewale, as well as the exclusive Kraken Ship Pack, additional single-player missions, weapons, skins, and collectibles, including the Blackbeard’s Wrath add-on content as well as upcoming new characters for an expansive multiplayer experience.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, please visit assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed. For information on Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag multiplayer, please visit assassinscreed.ubi.com/en-us/players/multiplayer.

About Assassin’s Creed
Initially launched in 2007, the first five Assassin’s Creed games have sold more than 59 million units worldwide, and the franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series ever. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into other entertainment experiences including comic books, mobile games, novels, as well as a feature-length movie currently in development.

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2012–13 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 1.256 billion euros. To learn more, please visit http://www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2013 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin’s Creed, Black Flag, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Tom Clancy’s The Division Trailer Released and Snowdrop Next-Gen Showcase

December 9, 2013 – Excitement over the release of Tom Clancy’s The Division has us here at Game Revolver already counting the days before we will be able to get our hands on Ubisoft’s latest release that marks the introduction of a Tom Clancy title specifically made for the next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. That’s right; The Division was designed with the next-generation gaming consoles in mind since it will be using the Snowdrop engine, which will allow for some impressive real-time large-scale effects that will push the realism factor to newer and better heights that the current-generation just can’t handle.

What this means is that Tom Clancy’s The Division will not only feature an incredibly detailed environment but, thanks to the Snowdrop engine, the game will drop us in an environment that makes the environments and the characters interact with it in a realistic manner that will add to the gameplay elements.

Here are some visual examples of what the Snowdrop engine is capable of displaying and give you an idea of what it is able to create during your gameplay experience.

 

 

 

No release date has been issued as of late but we can expect this title to be available in 2014.

The Division takes place in New York three weeks after a lethal virus, released on Black Friday, has swept through the city. One by one, basic services have failed. Society has collapsed into chaos. The President invokes Presidential Directive 51, and The Division, a top-secret unit of self-supporting tactical agents, is activated. Leading seemingly ordinary lives, Division agents are trained to operate independently of command in this type of emergency situation. When the lights go out, their mission begins.

In a Tom Clancy universe dedicated to realism, players can explore the once-familiar streets and landmarks of the Big Apple, now decimated by looting and overrun by clans that will do anything to survive. From Central Park to the subway to the Statue of Liberty, nowhere is safe. Discover a persistent, online, open-world New York where exploration, combat, and RPG player-progression are essential.

For more information about the game, please visit the official website (www.thedivisiongame.com) and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thedivisiongame.

And for the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, visit the UbiBlog: http://www.ubiblog.com.

Here’s a link to the trailer of Tom Clancy’s The Division on YouTube … http://youtu.be/UXeH9OqygzI

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2012-13 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,256 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com

RADIOHEAD DLC PACK NOW AVAILABLE FOR UBISOFT’S ROCKSMITH 2014 EDITION, THE FASTEST WAY TO LEARN GUITAR

Ubisoft announced today that the Radiohead DLC pack for Rocksmith® 2014 Edition is now available for download on Xbox LIVE for Xbox® 360, the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation® 3 and Steam for PC and Mac.

Songs included in this 5-song pack are “Creep”, “Just”, “Optimistic”, “Karma Police” and “My Iron Lung.”

Individual songs are available for $2.99 or the complete 5-song pack for $11.99.

New music packs continue to be released on a regular basis so please continue to watch for updated information.

Rocksmith 2014 Edition is the sequel to 2011’s immensely popular Rocksmith, which taught over 1.5 million players how to play the guitar by enabling players to plug any real guitar or bass with a standard ¼” jack directly into their Xbox® 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Sony PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, PC or Mac®.  Rocksmith 2014 Edition includes new features, new modes, optimized tracking and responsiveness, and completely redesigned interface, new techniques and tunings, and much more.  Aspiring guitarists can now learn to play guitar in just 60 days with Rocksmith 2014 Edition.

Check out the YouTube trailer right here … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6gOuRuocKs

About Ubisoft 

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 29 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2012-13 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,256 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2012-2013 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rocksmith logo, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.  “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

Monthly Editorial: Part One – November 2013

Truth be told, we had no intention whatsoever of reviewing the PlayStation 4 because – let’s face it – reviewing a console at launch is not giving it a fair chance because there is always bound to be something wrong with the first batch of consoles whether it’s a number of problems due to manufacturer or shipping defects. We can’t always expect a console to ship glitch-free or without its share of problems, right?

So we won’t bring you an official review but we will say a few words about the PS4 because not everyone can easily part with $400 and if our opinion will help our readers make a decision to purchase Sony’s next-generation console or decide to save their money then we did our jobs.

By now, you have all probably heard of all the issues that have made the PlayStation 4 launch something of a celebration and a disappointment. The issues we speak of is, of course, is the faulty HDMI ports, the overheating problem and – in some cases – the console turning into a $400 brick in a “blue light of death” defect reminiscent of the Xbox 360’s “red ring of death.”

As of this writing, Sony has issued a firmware update in the firm of Update 1.51 that will help improve the stability of the system hardware after complaints that PS4 owners have been experiencing hiccups during downloads and – in our fellow reviewer Nick Valentino’s case – navigating the console’s interface.

Our major gripe is with the fact that it makes as much noise as our “fat” PS3, although it – so far – it just makes an audible hum. At one point, it did make a sound like a fat kid breathing heavily after failing to hold his breath for two seconds. It also overheated once after 4 hours of playing Call of Duty: Ghosts but it didn’t cause any real problems.

Still, there’s a bright light at the end of these dark corridors. While Sony continues to deal with its launch problems, there is no overlooking the fact that the PlayStation 4 is a powerful console capable of bringing gamers an experience that is a step above the PS3. The console even sports some amazing graphics capabilities that, in time when developers and publishers really push the console’s graphics, will not fail to amaze.

When the PlayStation 4 was fully unveiled to us during this year’s E3 and Sony’s press conference, the specs that were announced make up the console’s greatest assets whether it is the 500GB hard drive storage that – hallelujah! – can be easily upgraded on your own … but then again you can do the same for the Xbox One although you will be voiding the warranty. Then there’s the 8GB of GDDR5 that is a step bigger than what the Xbox One brings to the table.

Is it worth the purchase price, you may be asking? We definitely recommend it as we also look forward to what Microsoft will bring us as well.

Fist Full Of Micro Reviews – November 2013

The next generation of gaming is finally here and as of the time of this writing, the PlayStation 4 has arrived in all its glitch-yet-awesome glory while the Xbox One will find itself in store shelves this very week. That said, there have been a number of current-generation games that we didn’t get a chance to get full-length reviews due to us preparing for something really big on our part.

So, here are a few Micro Reviews of games that we had a chance to play when we weren’t testing out games like Killzone: Shadow Fall and Dead Rising 3 to name a few PS4 and Xbox One games. Let’s just say that this is a very spectacular year for gaming.

DIABLO III (PlayStation 3)

The Diablo series has always been one of those franchises that does not cease to impress to the point that fans of the genre – be it veterans and newbies – will happily spend hours leveling up. There aren’t many dungeon-crawlers out there that can boast all the action-packed goodness that this excellent port provides and adding a solid co-op option and you get a new instant classic that needs to be in your growing library.

OVERALL GRADE: A+

SPLINTER CELL: BLACKLIST (Xbox 360)

Sam Fisher is back, although his original voice has changed, but that doesn’t stop our favorite stealthy specialist from completing a campaign that has him facing a new threat that will lead him through a number of scenarios with multiple paths to take and plenty of the ultra cool gadgets Fisher has at his disposal. On top of a great single-player mode, there’s a fun multiplayer portion that harkens back to the days of Chaos Theory. Splinter Cell fans, you will kick yourself for missing this one.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Batman: Arkham Origins (PlayStation 3)

The Dark Knight is back on the streets of Gotham City to dish out more hurt on a list of the city’s most dangerous villains and, yes, the battles against these colorful foes is one of the highlights of the Caped Crusader’s latest outing. However, the fact that you’ll encounter a recycled map that makes for a lifeless Gotham and some battles don’t offer much of a challenge you will discover that Arkham Origins is far from perfect. Still, there are plenty of highlights that make it worth playing.

OVERALL GRADE: C+

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE WIND WAKER HD (WiiU)

The Wind Waker stands as one of those Zelda games that hold a special place in the hearts of fans of our favorite adventurer, Link. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Nintendo has decided to give us an HD remake of The Wind Waker and it does not disappoint in the very least and even more so since it takes advantage of the WiiU’s controls and graphics capabilities. This is the perfect opportunity to experience a true classic and more so if this is the first time you’re playing this game.

OVERALL GRADE: A+

BEYOND: TWO SOULS (PlayStation 3)

David Cage and Quantic Dream offers up another serving of its interactive storytelling gameplay goodness that made Heavy Rain such an original and impressive title. With the help of actors Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe (just to name a few), the story of Jodie Holmes and her supernatural companion, Aiden, comes to life in a remarkable manner worth experiencing from start to finish. If Heavy Rain or Indigo Prophecy isn’t your cup of tea, Beyond: Two Souls will not change your mind but if you found those two games to be engaging then, by all means, Beyond is the perfect way to dive into this interactive tale.

OVERALL GRADE: B+

Grand Theft Auto V – PlayStation 3 Review

Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Platform: PS3 (also available on Xbox 360)
Genre: Action
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB: M (Mature)
Release Date: September 17, 2013

Review By: Eduardo Zacarias

Ah, the choices that life presents us.

Two armed thieves are holding a store manager at gunpoint but the idiots forgot to bring along a getaway driver … until you just so happen to stumble upon their dilemma. One thief tells you that you’ll get a cut from their score if you find a car and drive them the hell out of the scene and thus participate in a Drive-like cop-evasion car chase. Then again, you can be the hero your community needs by responding to the thieves’ request by shooting them dead instead and stopping the robbery.

These are but just a few of the spontaneous activities that pop up during the course of Grand Theft Auto V as we make a return to the city of Los Santos in an epic story that brings together three very different characters.

Just as it was back in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the city of Los Santos is basically a tongue-in-cheek version of sunny Southern California from its tourist trap streets of Hollywood (called Vinewood here), down the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway and straight into the great outdoors of what the game calls Blaine County. So, as you can imagine, the map is huge to the point that it makes the Liberty City of Grand Theft Auto IV seem tiny in comparison.

After a rather lengthy installation, you are quickly introduced to the game’s story mode where we take part in a bank heist gone wrong in another city. Years later, we find ourselves taking control of Franklin who not only happens to find and deliver repo cars to the auto dealership where he works but also deal with his neighborhood and his friends that feel that Franklin isn’t gangsta enough.

On the other end of the spectrum is Michael, a seasoned criminal who has made his money and wisely invested enough of it to buy a lavish home in the hills. Unfortunately, he’s not happy with his life and, most especially, his family that consists of an unfaithful wife, a selfish slob of a son and a superficial daughter. On top of his family situation, Michael feels that he was only truly happy when he was pulling elaborate heists.

Finally, there’s Trevor, the unstable lunatic who will not hesitate to put a bullet in your eye if you even look at him funny. Michael and Trevor have a history together so Trevor considers him the only real friend he has in a world filled with idiots. In a way, Trevor is your excuse to go on killing sprees without a thought about your consequences … a personality trait that he does not share with Michael or Franklin who commit acts of violence but know that they have a choice to solve problems without causing a hefty body count.

Together, the three characters come together to become partners in crime as they plan and execute heists. You can, after meeting each character, switch between either three, which leads to a satellite view of the city as you jump into the body of the character you pick. Interestingly enough, each time you switch characters you interrupt activities they happen to participating in while not in use. For example, I switched between Franklin to Michael only to find Michael playing a round of golf (which is one of many playable mini-games). Then I switched to Trevor, only to find him – inexplicably – gunning down police officers at a roadblock with burning vehicles to his left and right.

The main story missions themselves are varied, thankfully; now include checkpoints so you don’t have to start the mission from the very beginning. As you might have already guessed, many of the missions involve impressive heists that make use of the individual talents of each character. You will participate in everything from a jewelry store heist to assassination missions like the one where you kill a target who regularly rides the bus. You even rob a cargo plane in mid-flight using a biplane you use to crash right into the cargo hold of the plane.

Of course, there are loads of side missions, mini-games and even spontaneous moments that are triggered on the map such as the situation I mentioned in the beginning of this review. The side missions come in the from of the Strangers and Freaks missions that have you doing jobs for people that include a crack addict from Franklin’s neighborhood to a paparazzo who wants you to help him film a celebrity sex tape by sneaking into a celebrity’s home and record her doing the nasty.

Still, it’s the unscripted moments that become the one of many highlights of your GTA experience. You can spend hours just exploring every side street of Los Santos, the great outdoors that makes up Blaine County or even the depths of the ocean near Paleto Bay. The map is big enough to house thousands of secrets, collectibles and extras. I literally spend two hours taking a dirt bike through the woods, avoiding hikers who are either setting up tents or backpacking their way up the mountain. You can easily spend the time playing tennis in a country club as well as play a full round of golf.

Other activities help increase each characters skills or abilities by sometimes doing something as simple as driving around the city or even running. You can walk into an Ammu-Nation and take on a few marksmen challenges that can lead to unlocking discounts for weapons you can buy and upgrade. Speaking of upgrades, you can upgrade your vehicles (as well as take your car to a car wash because people in Los Santos judge your ride). You can even purchase clothing for your characters as well as give them better hairstyles.

As far as the controls are concerned, Grand Theft Auto V improves on just about every aspect of the driving, shooting and even melee attack controls. Driving is a huge improvement, making the vehicles control more smoothly than in the fourth game in the franchise. Rockstar has taken a page from its own games like Red Dead Redemption as well as L.A. Noir for the shooting mechanics, making targeting so much easier. In fact, it can be a bit too easy for most, but you can always switch to free targeting. You can also take cover behind objects as well.

The character AI is both a hit-and-miss, however, leading to moments when your opponents seem to want to run into your line of fire instead of ducking for cover. Still, this is a minor gripe compared to a few other hiccups that pop up in the game. Still, whatever flaw you might encounter in the game feels minor compared to all the things the game does right. No glitch really detracts from the fun and there was never a moment where I felt truly frustrated. Sure, cops are alerted quickly for the littlest thing but once you know how to elude them you will find yourself moving on to your next crime.

How does the PlayStation 3 version stack up the Xbox 360 version, you might ask? Well, aside from the fact that the Xbox 360 contains two discs (one is the install disc while the other is to play the game); the two look nearly identical to each another graphics-wise. This is good news considering that Rockstar caught some flack from Sony fans for getting the short end of the stick for Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption. Sure, the Xbox 360 version has a slight advantage when it comes to shadows and foliage but the PS3 version does not disappoint in the very least.

On the visual side, Los Santos is absolutely breathtaking in just about every way and incredibly detailed to the point that you will often find yourself stopping long enough to admire the scenery around you. People go about their business impressively whether they stop to snap pictures of a car crash or go to a spot in the park to join others in a group yoga class. Even explosions look remarkable in this game.

The game’s sound and soundtrack, once again, is a highlight of any GTA game. This is certainly the type of game you play with the volume cranked up just for the hilarious bits of conversation you’ll hear just standing around in the streets. The dialogue is handled wonderfully as well and the atmospheric sound effects drive home the feeling you’re in the great outdoors or standing outside somewhat familiar Vinewood locales. The radio stations are an eclectic mix that works whether you like hip-hop, classic rock or country just to name a few musical genres represented in the game.

The few minor glitches and gripes I have with the game pale in comparison to all the things the game has to offer including the massive map that comes to life more beautifully than in other Grand Theft Auto titles. This, along with the improvements in control, make for a rich and enticing experience that will give gamers literally thousands of hours of much to see and do.

One minor regret, however, is that the online multiplayer portion – billed as Grant Theft Auto Online – is not up and running yet. In fact, it will be available free to all GTAV owners in October so we will bring you a review for it when it is finally up and running.

Meanwhile, you can take our word for it when I say that Grand Theft Auto V for the PS3 is one of the best the franchise has produced and, simply put, a truly epic game that has a lot to offer even for those who have become tired of the open-world sandbox games. With three intriguing characters, loads of missions and extras, you will find this huge world a sandbox you will not want to leave anytime soon.

GAME FRONTLINE RATING

Gameplay: 9.5
Graphics: 9.0
Sound: 10
Appeal: 10
Overall: 10

Review copy provided by Rockstar Games