Modern Warfare 3 – our feedback

77 days
by in Game Reviews

Modern Warfare 3 has been out for a few weeks and by now most of us have learned the new maps and we have all determined what we think of the game.  There are plenty of great reviews out on the net so no need to recreate the wheel here with a review of our own.  You can also find tons of blogs, vlogs, and forum posts that list everything that’s right and wrong with the game.  We are not going hash any of that out here either.  We are going to focus on the items that we feel need to be tweaked or in some cases flat out changed.  It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with the game, in most cases it is that something doesn’t make sense.  So let’s dive into the list since most of it should be self-explanatory.

 

1) Scavenger Pro = Double Mags

Really?!?!  Double mags?  What do I need double mags for if I am using scavenger?  Isn’t the whole point of scavenger that I get to run over dead bodies to get additional ammo?  This makes no sense.  Why not give extended mags instead of double mags.  We think Scavenger Pro should equal more ammo not more clips.

 

2) Last Stand

If you read our post about Black Ops you’ve seen this before.  The person that does all the work to put the guy in Last Stand should get credit for the kill.  The guy that runs up at the last second and puts one bullet in him should get the assist.  It is only fair.  Hopefully MW3 will change it just like Black Ops did.

 

3) Loss for leaving

It really sucks when you join a game and the host is terrible.  You see people running in place, people teleporting, and you always seem to fire an entire clip into someone who turns around and drops you with the first bullet.  What sucks even more is when you get in a room where people on the other team are cheating, boosting,  or exploiting.  Yet, the worst of all is when you get stuck with some randoms that don’t play the objectives.  The ones that play HQ or Demolition as if it is TDM.  We know there isn’t much that can be done for any of these scenarios, but do we have to get charged with a loss when we leave the game?  Seems like something can be done about this.

 

4) Invite to join a party?

Can’t we get the public/private settings back?  You know, like Black Ops has?  It is sooooo stupid that I have to invite people to my party.

 

5) Why split up the microphones?

Have you ever been in a room and 2 people out of the 12 have mics.  Then the teams are formed and the two people with mics are on different teams?  What’s up with that?  Can the game tell who has a mic and in those situations put those players on the same team?

 

That’s all the feed back we have for now.  Be sure to add any or your comments below.

 

MW3 Launch Events

89 days
by in Game Releases

 

Last night, the weather was pretty decent for Toronto in November, and I headed out to join my fellow gamers to pick up a copy of Activision’s newest game, Modern Warfare 3.  After GameStop dropped the ball, I found myself heading to BestBuy instead.  I arrived about 10:30, leaving me about 90 min. to kill before the game would even go on sale (let alone having to wait to get to the front of the line).  The location I was at was just down the block from Toronto’s Times Square Wannabe Yonge & Dundas Square.  Thankfully, as I tweeted last night, there were plenty of weirdos out.

How closely did you look at the first image?  Notice anything now that you are looking more closely?  That flared out video screen is playing an ad for MW3, but the first thing out of place is that RPG standing on the ground.  Here is another shot:

 

It is too bad my phone was dying, cause this guy and his buddy had a sweet get up.  The other guy had a back pack stuffed with RPGs, and a weird 2way radio that would play random combat stuff.  In front of the RPG is a dude in a full, home-made ghillie suit.

 

 

This guy had a whole get up (hood, fake rifle, etc) and lay down in those bushes in the background at one point.  He was one of the more scary ones…  The cops (marked cruisers and unmarked ones) drove by really slow sometimes.

 

My favorite was the kid I kept tweeting about.  Unfortunately, the image I managed to get was substandard.  Again, I couldn’t keep taking multiple photos with my battery on empty, and I didn’t want to appear to be a creeper.  Here is the photo:

This kid was decked out.  Full desert palette, elbow and knee pads, riot shield, pop can AN-141s, assault rifle, and the piece de resistance, his riot shield slung across his back.

There was a crew there from XBOX with the game set up doing contests for the training course (I didn’t participate, xbox controllers give me the willies…).  Oh, and BestBuy gave us all MW3 t-shirts, in a somewhat reasonable size!

 

Did any of you also attend a midnight release?  What was it like?  Where were you? Let us know in the comments.

Battlefield 3 Multiplayer Impressions

99 days
by in Game Reviews

 

First off, I apologize for how long this has taken to post. I have now put about 10 hours into the game, and felt that posting any type of review before now would have been not very representative of the full experience. Even now, I have titled this “impressions” instead of “review” because the multiplayer has a lot of varying gameplay experiences that I haven’t been able to fully appreciate all of them yet.

Like past Battlefield games, the player has the option of taking on various classes to enter the fray.  Each class has their own unique ability that brings a benefit to their team or squad (healing, anti-vehicle, etc).  This helps foster teamwork, as no lone player can do everything all the time.  If you find yourself in a situation lacking cooperation, you can easily switch between classes (and those classes’ individual equipment loadouts) to fill the void.

The basic controls work pretty well, but I do occassionally have difficulty finding the right button for a couple of the actions (knife/grenade/stance).  This comes more from conditioning to differing, though similare controls, in other online shooters.  The vertical climb on your firearm feels solid, and makes aiming down the sight in full auto sufficiently challenging.  The one control that I dont understand is the primary fire on vehicles is defaulted to L1 instead of R1 like your primary infantry weapon (I sent out a lot of IR Smoke instead…)  Unfortunately, I haven’t spent much time flying anything, so I can’t give a proper opinion on those controls (comments?).

The environments have been a blast.  I prefer the tighter, urban environments, but that is due to my preference to play on foot and not rely on vehicles.  Both of the maps that are set in Paris (Seine Crossing and Operation Metro) are well representative of the real-life city, and it is fun to be able to take RPG rounds and remodel the buildings.  The more open maps are fun too, and avoiding sniper fire is easier than I expected.  Other open-map games have degenerated into quick-scoping only games (I’m looking at you SOCOM 3…) and so far that hasn’t been the feeling, but the game has a long progression to get the larger calibre rifles.

Speaking of progression, there is a ton of stuff to unlock in this game.  People that like the small feeling of accomplishment for unlocking things will constantly be rewarded in BF3.  There are equipment unlocks by rank, equipment unlocks by class, ribbons for performance, medals for accumulating ribbons, dog tags to proudly wear, and vehicle equipment (I’m probably forgetting things too).  The ribbons seem to be set at a realistic though challenging set of requirements and reward differing play styles.

The biggest thing that I am really liking thus far is the way the game facilitates what I like most about online games — playing with friends.  Players do not have to rely on the luck of automatch to play with or against friends, as the game also includes a server search function so you can find your own games.  The search criteria allows you to find exactly what you are looking for easily, and one of the tabs specifically is for listing games that your friends are currently playing.  You can also create a squad prior to finding a game (aka party system), and your friend list is very accessible from the main menu.  You can set your mic to “squad only” so that the four of you can just chat away while getting down to business.

The larger scale of the battles will turn some people off, but in addition to the Conquest, Rush, and Team Deathmatch, the game also has Squad Rush and Squad TDM.  I have yet to play any of the Squad modes, but I imagine this is where a lot of hardcore competitive players will gravitate too if you are looking for a more tactical, challenging experience.

As with most games, there are some negative aspects too.  The autoplay isn’t working properly at the moment on PS3 so you have to access games through the server list or by joining friends, and sometimes that can take a while.  There are occasional hiccups of lag, but in a respawn game where that may account for 1 death in 40, it is manageable.

This post has quickly grown out of control!  I am likely missing all kinds of important stuff, so if you are wondering about something comment it up!  The multiplayer alone, as I have yet to play the Campaign or the Co-op, is good play time value for me anyways.  I already have 10 hours in, and likely will be putting up way more.  For me, replay value is one of the biggest factors on recommending a game, and Battlefield doesn’t disappoint.  What do you like or dislike about BF3 Multiplayer?

battlefield-3

Battlefield 3 Single Player Review

102 days
by in Game Reviews

Controls

The default control scheme is very similar to the other shooters that are out there.  They are basically the same as COD with the exception being the Stand/Crouch/Prone button.  I only played the game with the default controls so I can’t comment on how customizable they are or if you can get your COD layout from another template.  Either way, the controls weren’t a real issue.   This game also employs the “press this button now” style of game play.  For those of you that really enjoyed “The force unleashed” or “Bourne Conspiracy” you will feel right at home otherwise… well you know the rest.

 

Game Play

The game play felt very sluggish.  Walking, running, and reloading seemed very slow and not as fluid as other recent shooters like Black Ops and SOCOM.  The reloading can get very frustrating depending on your style of play, which may be on purpose.  If you attempt to plow through single player with a run and gun style you are not going to last very long.  You will be killed during your reload animation.  If you play with a more tactical nature and reload while in cover, it is not that bad.

 

AI

The computer AI is actually really good.  Your teammates handle their business pretty well and I didn’t find myself having to carry the team as much as other shooters.  The enemy AI is equally outstanding.  What really impressed me was that the enemy AI would only fire at you if you were firing at them.  For example, on a night mission you could flank the enemy and they wouldn’t magically “know” you were there.  But the minute you produce muzzle flash, they are firing right back at your position.  If you stop firing and move, they stop as well and will refocus their attention on your teammates if they are firing.

 

Story Line (non spoiler)

The story seems like a complete rip off from Black Ops.  You are basically a US soldier who is being interrogated.  What you are discussing during the interrogation become “flash backs” for the main character which in turn become the missions that you play.  The biggest thing I didn’t like about the story line is that you spend way too much time waiting on dialog.  There are cut scenes where you are riding in a helicopter or humvee for the sole purpose of listening to boring dialog.  I understand they have a story to tell, but I wish they would have found a better way of telling it.

 

Overall

The graphics and sound for the game were outstanding.  The environments themselves were also really fun to interact with.  This issue is that after the fourth mission, I was really getting bored with the story line and the sluggish game play.  The single player portion of this game is missing the “wow” factor that is needed if you are going to prevent that dragging on feeling.  I won’t even bore you with how stupid the first flight mission is.  Taking the entire single player game into account and subtracting for the negative playing experience I would give this game an even 5 out of a possible 10.  The game is average and I can only recommend it as a rental from RedBox or GameFly.

BF3 “Build Your Own”

104 days
by in Game Releases, Videos

Looking for the ultimate way to immerse yourself in Battlefield 3? Look no further! This video should provide you with the inspiration you need to turn your living room into the most amazing BF3 experience!

I should have got this up earlier so that you had time to build it ahead of time. Guess you’ll have to keep that game in the plastic for another couple hours…

MW3 – “Redemption” SP Trailer

121 days
by in Up-coming Games, Videos

Looks like Activision is going to be constantly bombarding us with new stuff over the next couple of weeks so that we don’t forget about it’s game, set to release shortly after Battlefield 3. Here is the newest single-player campaign trailer.

Looks pretty crazy (and I though MW2 was over the top…)! Is there actually any comparison between MW3 & B3 for you? Or is this just hype for both companies? Are you planning to get both? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Answering The Call

128 days
by in Up-coming Games

At GT, we like our summers.  Barbecues, pool parties, baseball, and fireworks.  Now that summer is over, we can get back to what we do best — shooting up fools online.  Some of our members have been keeping their skills sharp, some of us have been relaxing, but rest assured this trailer will turn our thoughts to training up.

There are some pretty fun teasers in this video (what the heck is that robot gun following that one dude?) What caught your attention the most? Let us know in the comments.

PSN Restart and “Welcome Back” Program

281 days
by in PlayStation News

Associated Press

Today, Kaz Hirai held a press conference in Japan regarding Sony’s recent problems with their PSN and PSN user data. Following that press conference, a press release was issued. You can find the full release on Sony’s Official Blog, or you can read below for some of the highlights.

The company is planning a phased roll-out of PSN services, which is scheduled to begin “shortly.”  The services are going to be phased by both region and feature, so some regions may be on before others, and some parts of the PSN will be accessible before others.  The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
    -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
  • Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
  • Access to account management and password reset
  • Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
  • PlayStation®Home
  • Friends List
  • Chat Functionality

 

One of the major components that will not be accessible at the restart of the PSN is the PlayStation Store.  Sony did not give any specific details on when the PSN Store would be operational again, but did state that all the PSN functionality will be restored by the end of May.

Sony also outlined new security measures to protect their network and your personal information from future intrusions.  One concern for me originally after the security breach came to light, was how Sony was planning to restart the PSN.  Sony has put some thought into how it is going to restart things so that user accounts are not compromised further.  The first is a mandatory PS3 system software update that will require all registered PSN users to change their password before signing into the service.  A prudent additional requirement to make the change only permits the password to be changed on a system that the PSN account was active, or through validated email confirmation.

“Welcome Back”

Sony is implementing a world-wide program they are calling the “Welcome Back” program.  This program will be tailored for each market (Japan, North America, EU, Australia, etc) but the common backbone of the program is the gift of a 30-day PlayStation Plus membership to every existing PSN account (current PS+ members get a 30-day extension on their subscription).  Each market will be provided free entertainment content for download, with details to follow.  Also, any members with Music Unlimited subsciptions will also see their memberships extended by 30 days.

Some people will be more than satisfied with this placation, while others will be demanding more for the theft of their personal information.  How do you feel about this?  Did you have an active credit card associated with your PSN account?  Are you worried about the theft of your personal information?

ApocalyPS3 2011

286 days
by in PlayStation News

 

UPDATE April 26, 2011 17:36 EDT:

Sony has updated their blog to inform everyone that PSN account information has been accessed illegally.  Check out the official information “Update on PlayStation Network and Qriocity”

It’s nice that they finally gave us some information, though I imagine a lot of people are angry that it took so long to divulge that the incident involved user accounts.  So how exactly do I go about changing my associated email and password if I can’t access the PSN to do it?  I hope that they bring that functionality back first before the PSN store, etc.

 

ORIGINAL POST:

I’m glad that I made this image for last year’s PlayStation meltdown, as it is very fitting again this year!  Many of us were looking forward to a long weekend of intense SOCOM firefights.  Unfortunately, this was not to be (if you happen to be just coming out of a chocolate-induced diabetic coma and can’t figure out what’s wrong with your PlayStation check out Kotaku’s “It Only Does Offline” article).

I’m more patient than most, and I can give Sony the benefit of a couple days of leniency over the holiday weekend.  I wasn’t going into work, I can cut the guys that would be looking after this mess a couple of days of slack too.  However, coming home after a full day back at the office and finding my PS3 still “friendless” I am quickly looking for my torch and pitchfork, however, I don’t know where to focus my anger.

Obviously someone has done something to cause Sony to get somewhat bent out of shape.  After writing that sentence, I think I know why I’m so angry this evening.  It’s not the actual downtime that’s making me angry, as I can find other ways to amuse myself, but the lack of information that is being shared with the faithful PS3 users.

This is the most recent Official PlayStation Blog post:

I know you are waiting for additional information on when PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will be online. Unfortunately, I don’t have an update or timeframe to share at this point in time.

As we previously noted, this is a time intensive process and we’re working to get them back online quickly. We’ll keep you updated with information as it becomes available. We once again thank you for your patience.

Today (April 25th), marks the 6th day of interrupted service, and the lack of information is maddening.  I understand that timelines are a quick way to a slow death when it comes to dealing with video game fans, but instead of giving us an anticipated resolution time, tell us has been accomplished so far.  Has the exploit been found?  Is a patch being made?  Is it into testing?  Seeing as there is no official word, I guess we’ll stick to speculating…

Oh, and for those interested in this type of stuff, the European PlayStation blog and twitter account usually have better information (more timely, complete, and polite too!) than the US one.

Got some fun speculations (that don’t involve Anonymous, or SNEA’s bid at global domination)?  Put them in the comments!

PlayStation Move Sharpshooter & SOCOM 4

290 days
by in Game Reviews

 

Configuring your Move for SOCOM

For those who do not know how the Move works, it uses the PlayStation Eye (camera) to track the movement of a wireless controller with a lighted bulb at the front. You will need both the motion controller and the wireless controller to play SOCOM. If you bought the full deployment edition of SOCOM you will have all you need. However, if you buy the Move separately be aware that the wireless controller and the motion controller are sold separately. The wireless controller has the thumb stick used for moving the player, L1 and L2 triggers, X, O, and the D-pad. The motion controller has two triggers, start, select, square, triangle, X, and O.
Every time you start SOCOM you will go through a calibration screen to set the far edges of your TV screen. Point your motion controller at the arrow shown and ‘fire’. After you have gone through the four edges you will be shown a calibrated crosshair. If you don’t like the position of the crosshair relative to your motion controller you can re-calibrate.

Motion Control Settings

Speed Settings — Sets the maximum speed. The higher the setting the faster the max speed will be.

Turn Speed – Sets how fast the screen will move to the right or left.
Pitch Speed – Sets how fast the screen will move up or down.

Area settings — Sets the point at which your crosshair will have to be on the screen for the screen to start moving. For each setting you are shown a darken rectangle to illustrate the area or your TV that your crosshair is safe before the screen starts moving. The higher the setting the smaller the area. With regards to turn speed, you will reach max speed when your crosshair is at the far extremes of your TV screen. This also means that if you have not set your area to cover the entire screen you will have variable speeds getting faster until you reach the edge of the screen. In addition, you will also have only one speed if you have your area to cover the size of your TV.

Normal Gameplay Sensitivities — This effects the area when your player is running, walking, looking around, and shooting from the hip.

Aim Mode Sensitivities — This effects the area when your player is looking down sights.

Scope Sensitivities — This effects the area when your player is using a scope.

Turn area – Sets the area left and right.
Pitch area – Sets the area up and down.

Pointer Sensitivity — This effects how sensitive the crosshair responds to movement of the motion controller. The higher the setting the more sensitive the crosshair responds. One way you can look at it is if you have shot a rifle, especially with a scope. You know that the farther down range your target is, the more steady you have to be. So if you have the shakes, your crosshair will bounce around if you have it set too high.

Notes:

  • There is a setting called ‘Turn mode’ but I have no idea what it does because every time I change it, it always returns to ‘Modal’.
  • If are using the sharpshooter you cannot re-map the buttons.
  • Use the L2 trigger to activate your max turn speed no matter how you have your area set up.
  • You can start a custom Single Player Mission (Campaign) and adjust the setting in game.

My thoughts
Pros:

  • I like that I am able to quickly move about the screen and get on target. It is a lot faster than with a controller. When I use a controller I have only  one speed, fast. I mash my thumb stick so when I turn or pitch I am going as fast as my settings allow. Then I bounce around trying to get on target. With the Move I am able to move quickly then decelerate when I get close to my target.
  • I am able to track a player running across the screen and still shoot and hit.
  • I like the sharpshooter and how the buttons are map (with a few exceptions). I can change the fire rate of my gun with a flick of a switch.

Cons:

  • 3rd person is giving me trouble when I turn to the left. I don’t move far enough to start a turn.
  • You can’t put the motion controller down. You’ll be looking at your shoelaces.
  • You cannot remap the buttons with the sharpshooter. This is a problem because my thumb is closer to the X and not the O on the wireless controller. So I have to reach over the controller to the other side of the sharpshooter to get to cover. If you are left handed this is not a problem, unless you want to use the X more frequently. It would work better if I wrapped my hand around the bottom the the sharpshooter. But when I do that I pull on the slide which is actually a button used to reload.

Conclusion:
I am not sure if I like the Move or not but I think I have my settings close to where I want them. My biggest gripe is turning. I have to get adjusted to using the L2 when I want to quickly turn. I like the fact that I can get on target fast and shoot. It is definitely a new experience and a lot of work.

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