Dead Rising 2 is just one of those games that never tires even after a repeated playthrough. At writing, I am currently starting into my second run and I am still finding new things to do within the game! There are multiple gameplay choices and even more crazy and whacky ways to cull the gen pop of zombies. Despite taking my time to discover as many weapon combinations as possible in the first run, I realized that I had only barely scratched the surface of possible weapon combinations after checking the web. Furthermore, almost everything you get your hands on can be used to fend off the zombie horde. Obviously guns do better than most weapons, but where’s the fun in that?
I’ve never played the first Dead Rising but the unique aspect of the game would be a timer that counts down for various objectives in game. While the macro objective would be to save your daughter and clearing your name, you do not really need to adhere to the story in order to complete the game. There is no real game over to the game, except succumbing to zombies, just that the ending you receive may be less than ideal. The timed aspect may be a downer for some but as you progress in the game, you realize that the opportunity of explore presents itself from the second time round. So, the fun really gets to start from the second run onwards.
The most quirky feature of Dead Rising 2 would be the weapon crafting system. Ever wondered how well a blade attached at the end of a broom does against zombies? Dead Rising 2 gives you the opportunity to test various weapons out on the poor zombies. While some weapons fare better than other and some are in game just for pure comic entertainment, an element of strategy appears when you have limited inventory space which curbs the urge to stock pile various weapons at the same time. Each weapon has a limited amount of uses as well. So, it is equally important to scavenge for weapon parts along the way before you end up having to melee zombies with your fists. Thankfully, over the course of the game, as you level up more inventory slots open up, giving the player to rain down even more pain to bust zombie brains.
Like many zombie games, the bulk of the enemies would be the grey matter gobbling risen but in most part, the evil masters and the hands at work are devious humans. All the ‘bosses’ that you would meet in game are not some form of zombie brethren but a crazy sapien who took the opportunity of the apocalypse to wreck some havoc on their own. I’ll have to say that while each boss fight is avoidable, they are all unique and have varied attack mechanics. While some are really cheap, it brings an immense amount of satisfaction when you are able to figure out their attack pattern and finally down the boss. No doubt my love for such forms of boss fights hails from Mega Man, where no boss encounter is as simple as it seems and patience wins the day. As far as the generic variety of enemies go, all of the zombies are a push over. If you have played the earlier versions of Resident Evil, you will find it more of a chore to cull the population and would eventually prefer to rush past them as you navigate towards the in-game objectives.
My one and only gripe of this game would be the immense amount of load times to be found. As the game is split up into various zones of casino mall, you would have to encounter load screens in between. While games like Mafia II and GTA are able to preload each section before you come to it, the load screens found within Dead Rising 2 put a damper to gameplay sessions especially if you are unable to invest long stretches of gametime. Despite installing the game, the loads are too much for my liking.
Dead Rising 2 is one game that you have to pick up to try on the next generation console. Unlike the other zombie game (Left 4 Dead) you pretty much can take your own time to do things at your own leisure as compared to running from point A to B in a frenzied fashion, which is a good change. The high replay value and the ability to have a partner hop in and out in game makes an already hilarious session even more fun with an added player to wreck more havoc!
By the way, Chuck Green’s chin reminds me too much of Batman, anyone noticed?
The game is now out in store! Available for both PS3 and Xbox 360.
First game play took roughly 17 hours. Rank S ending achieved. Purchased copy from store for review purposes.
Apart from the Need for Speed series that went the ‘realistic’ route for Shift, many console owners have been hungering for a proper racer, Playstation 3 owners especially, and what better license to release on the week of the Singapore GP. No better timing than to be released ahead of the racing juggernaut that is Gran Turismo 5.
Unlike the edition released on the Nintendo Wii, the 2010 edition of F1 has been fully developed by Codemasters, makers of the ever popular Dirt series. And with Codemasters at the helm, every racing genre game that they make seems to turn into pure gold, and early review scores seem to suggest the same.
I’m not a big racing fan myself, I prefer more racing combat affairs ala Mario Kart / Wipeout, but I am blown away graphically by what I have seen for the game thus far.
F1 2010 is not just a pure racing game. Inclement weather plays a big factor on the gameplay and in order to stay ahead of the competition, required tyre changes are essential. Arcade racing takes a back seat and such key features are not only expected with next-gen gaming but compulsory. The strategy does not end on the track as well. As the driver for a team you have to take part in the soap opera of man and machine. Think WWE but with cutting edge racing equipment. But it’s funny that you have to beat your own team mate to get upgrades for your car, why can’t we have the technical espionage option? That would really stir things up!
One thing that appears to be missing from the early reviews would be how an underdog can come up tops, would you be limited by the power of your vehicle or the skill of the driver? Why the answer might be obvious, F1 is more about human skill and control and if the big boys constantly wipe the competition (which I forsee on higher difficulties) just because they possess a more powerful vehicle, where is the fun in that?
Let’s hope that the game is able to cut it’s teeth maneuvering the corners more than simply just delivering on the straightaway. My only gripe? Where’s the crowd? But aside from that, I’m really looking forward to racing in our very own Singapore Formula 1 Night Race!
There I was looking around what the Xbox 360 has to offer besides Halo and I came across this “Top Ten” listing of the most popular games in Singapore.
So many reasons why this list is not exactly the most accurate reflection of gamer tastes.
And just another reason why you should refrain from doing any video game shopping in a electronics store.
Kinect promises a lot but sadly, it under delivers. If you have played the Wii, you would know what I mean. If you like the Wii, then yes you will love this.
Let’s move on to the best game for Kinect.. Dance Central =]
If EA can get away with yearly releases with FIFA, Capcom can surely be forgiven for releasing an update to their bread-and-butter fighting series.
It has been roughly a year since the first edition was released, and how would I know? Cos the last time I saw a mutual real life friend on the PSN was a year ago as told by my friends list. And the game we played? Street Fighter IV of course!
Anyway back to topic, here’s a quick rundown on why Super Street Fighter IV would be worth shelling out for.
10 new characters. New ultra combos for each character. New costumes (as if this mattered). New online tournament modes. And, existing owners ‘may’ get special content! My guess: All the paid DLC costumes *cough*ripoff*cough*
While the skeptics may think Capcom is simply out to rob the fellow gamer, I do feel that 10 new characters is brings plenty of variety to the already impressive roster. While many characters are basically differentiated archtypes, you cannot deny that fresh faces do bring a breath of fresh air to the series.
Still not convinced? Check this Ultra combo trailer out.
Zangief’s ultra is simply hilarious and Akuma’s a visual stunner.
