Sniper Elite III Video Game Review

Final Verdict - Definitely Worth Playing

Welcome back to another one of our video game reviews here on In the Mind Of my Mind. Been mad busy in real life running tournaments and trying to get eSports established somewhat in Jamaica so that's why you haven't really gotten your usual stream of content. So in keeping with our new model  of doing game reviews once every two weeks lets get right into it...

Sniper Elite III is a tactical shooter video game developed by Rebellion Developments and published by 505 Games for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows. The game is a prequel to Rebellion's 2012 game Sniper Elite V2, and is the third installment in the Sniper Elite series. Sniper Elite III is set several years prior to the events of Sniper Elite V2, following the exploits of Office of Strategic Services officer Karl Fairburne as he participates in the North African conflict during World War II, in which he learns of a secret wonder weapon programme by the Nazi forces. You can seek to change the course of history with a single bullet in Sniper Elite III.

What’s Good:

Replay value: Decent replay value is present as there are bonus objectives that tend to get overlooked on the first play-through. As well as the co-op mode included which is sure to give a whole new perspective on the campaigns as you team up. Compound that with the fact that you have various weapons and tactics at your disposal to complete the missions as they arise.

Graphics: Graphics as is the norm on PC are ridiculous. I managed to max everything and still run it smoothly at 28-30 FPS and the game is truly a sight to behold. The dark night campaigns to the expansive desert daytime missions. Top that off with the detailed X-Ray camera view that happens whenever you get a special kill confirm and its easy to see this game is a visual masterpiece.

Story-line: Unless you are a fan of the series of war time stories you wont get as pulled in or invested in the story as it progress but there is a vast wealth of information strewn across this game that ties in with Sniper Elite V2. Lots of hidden information and back-story to be found in this game.

Game Mechanics: The game retains and improves on the mechanics of Sniper Elite V2. Stealth mechanics have been fine-tuned to damn near perfection even though the A.I. seems to have gotten dumber. An eye icon squints or opens to denote the player's level of detection by the enemy. X-Ray kill cam system is too much fun to see in action and adds further incentive to make epic kill-shots.

What’s Bad:

Graphics: Slight complaint here in regards to the character model and its animations in regards to entering a sniper nest and when activating the X-Ray kill cam. You can clearly glimpse one of two things; when entering the sniper next the character is supposed to enter a specific animation but instead remains standing, and when you see the bullet being shot out of the rifle in X-Ray view the model holds the gun in a weird manner that does not match the expected positioning or animation of the character model.

What Should Have Been Added:

I really wish for two things to be added and that's the ability to jump wherever the hell I please and have an onscreen listing for the campaigns bonus objectives. These are the two things that frustrated me greatly, a lot of kills I could have easily gotten if I had the ability to fully jump on and explore certain ledges or portions of the environments to get a better vantage points.

Final Thoughts:

Its been a while since I had this much fun playing a third person shooter to be honest so this was a pleasant surprise to review this game. Barring some lack of knowledge from the first two installments of this series I thoroughly enjoyed my playtime with this  game. I was also very pleased with how well my machine handled all this game had to throw at it to the point that even with graphics settings maxed I still loaded the load screens speedily and could not get to read the tips and tricks they typically have on the loading screens.

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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms Video Game Review

Final Verdict - Give It A Shot 

Ok so its been a while since I gave you a free game to enjoy so buck up cause this one is on the house. Found out about this through a friend as I don't usually find myself playing a lot of free games but he said I should give it a try. So shoutouts to Alvarez aka Rez for bringing this to my knowledge, let go shoot stuff in Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms...

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms (known during the beta as Ghost Recon Online) is a third-person perspective, multiplayer action video game released for Microsoft Windows PCs and planned for Nintendo's Wii U console. The game is part of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series. This game is supported by micro transactions. The Windows version is confirmed to be a free-to-play game, and requires a Uplay account. Whilst not officially confirmed to be a free-to-play model as well for the Wii U as of January 2013, Nintendo's president and CEO Satoru Iwata commented in an interview that he has no opposition against this model and is willing to work with it.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics: Not so much a fan of Third Person Shooter (TPS) games but Tom Clancy is a veteran at his craft so this long standing franchise has solidified and mastered its representation of the control and fluidity of a TPS game.

What’s Bad:

Replay value: Not much considering its a free to play online game. Shit will get pretty old pretty fast without much consideration of a story line or diversity between the three offered classes.

Story-line: There is none, there isn't much compelling you to play aside from completing the daily self challenges for the free in-game currency to buy upgrades or to level up your character class of choice.

What Should Have Been Added:

Some personal customization options would be nice so that you can better differentiate your own player from all the other people who play the same class as you online. Maybe something as simple as color dyes or something as complex as specialist/hybrid class building. 

Final Thoughts:

The game is free. It deserves at the very least a try. So what more can I say but go ahead and try it. Even better if you can get friends to sign up and play with you. Got the usual footage for you but no commentary due to technical difficulties that I didn't realize until it was already too late. I do apologize for the seemingly half-assed review but I honestly hold true to the point that if its free and tolerable it has to be someones cup of tea so its worth a look. The game is currently available on Steam at the following address:

 http://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/243870/

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Rockstar Can Do No Wrong...

Game Mechanics - 2/2

Story-line - 2/2

Graphics - 2/2

Soundtrack - 2/2

Replay Value - 2/2

Total Score - 10/10

Well guys after much waiting its finally here. Grand Theft Auto 5 was released onto the world this week in gaming. Gamers all across the world rejoiced while employers and loved one lamented as they said goodbye to any future interaction with these gamers outside of the game. Join me as we embark on what is undoubtedly the single most quintessential gaming experience of 2013. Honestly this could be the shortest gaming review ever, all I would have to write is "buy this game now" because really if you own a PS3 or Xbox 360 it's an instant must have game for your collection. I'm sure though that you want a little more insight than that, so lets review GTA V...

Grand Theft Auto V is an open world action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released on 17 September 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. It is the fifteenth title in the Grand Theft Auto series, and the first main entry since Grand Theft Auto IV was released in 2008.The game has been highly anticipated from its announcement and well be cherished and remembered as one of the last major titles to be released as the gaming industry makes the change over to the next generation of console gaming with the PS4 and Xbox One. Grand Theft Auto V takes place in an open world environment, primarily allowing the player to interact with the game world at their leisure. This is part of the major appeal to the game as it lets you pace your level of involvement and dictate your own pace for enjoyment and shaping you game progression to your liking. The developers envisioned Grand Theft Auto V as a spiritual successor to many of their previous projects, such as Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne 3. As such you will find aspects and elements of those games present such as the iconic weapon wheel user interface from the Max Payne series.

The single-player aspect of Grand Theft Auto V is played via three protagonists; they are Michael, Franklin and Trevor, criminals whose paths interconnect as the game's plot develops. While interacting with the game world, the player is able to switch between all three at will once the story has progressed far enough. This occurs by means of a directional compass on the heads up display. While playing the game players may uses firearms, handheld weapons, and melee attacks to fight enemies. Players can also run, jump, swim, or use vehicles to navigate the game's world. Pro-tip you can also seemingly perform front flips if you try to jump and melee attack. In combat, auto aim and a cover system can be used to skillfully wage war against your enemies. The main objective for the player is to complete missions to progress through the story, but much like other open world games, these missions can be completed at the player's convenience. Thankfully so as there is so much to do you really wont know where to start but one thing you will definitely want to invest a fair portion of time into is the 8 skills that each character has. Skills have numerical values assigned to show each characters proficiency in the area, such as shooting and driving. While the player improves the skills of each character as they play, there is a skill assigned to each character that they have expertise in by default, such as Trevor's skill as a pilot.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics -  Let's start off with one of the big complaints of GTA IV; the driving, glad to say in this iteration driving has been improved and made more accessible for even the most novice of drivers. Most cars have a similar feel handling wise with only differences in weight and speed. The cover and aim system integrates and flows smoothly when needed in the heat of battle whether you need to blind fire or pop out from a corner. The controller layout and minimalist HUD makes it easy to get engrossed in the game and before you know it hours will have passed leaving you wondering what you have been doing all that time in game.

Story-line - Initially I had worries about Rockstar putting three protagonists in the game because I felt they wouldn't be able to tell a proper story that helps you connect to the characters but i'm glad to say my worries were unnecessary. Even though the game sort of leans towards Michael as the true protagonist I find myself gravitating towards Franklin more due his circumstances and mind set. We see where Michael is trying to exorcise his inner demons and salvage what he can of his already complicated life. Franklin is a street smart ex gang banger trying to make an actual means of bettering himself and way of life. Then you have Trevor who is just bat shit crazy but seemingly treasures his relationship with Michael and the past they share. How these three men form bonds and interact is sure to keep you entertained as the plot develops.

Graphics -  Even though typically console releases are bashed for their sub par graphics I must say that GTA V delivers well above its predecessor GTA IV. From the detailed strippers to the lush environments. The vastness and grandeur of it all will take you for a ride. Many times I found myself just wanting to drive and explore the map to see the ins and outs of everything.

Soundtrack - The overall sound quality and production in the game is superb. Couple that with the immensely large music choices that Rockstar has put into the game for the various radio stations and you my friend have yourself a winner. Some of the biggest names in music contributed to the long list of tracks that play on the radio in game. You can check out the listing here.

Replay Value - Ahh the motherload, this is why this will be the one game to rule them all. You start off the game ideally focusing on doing main missions and side quests, then the game throws you a curveball and adds random world scenarios where you can take place in an activity in that instant, then after that the game goes further to also give you the option of buying property and doing missions on the properties to make money; but wait theres more, then the game goes gives you the ability to buy and sell stocks on the stock market. Compound all of that with not only random activities that help increase your individual character skill stats but you can also replay missions you have done to get a gold medal rank for it in case you missed any of the special objectives. This is the most value for your money content wise that I have seen in a game in a long time and goes to show just how worth it this game actually is. 

What’s Bad:

A few hitches with the launch of the game giving issues download wise and the trouble they have with some people experiencing texture popping issues. Also the game is still lacking the full capability of the online portion of the game that goes live on October 1st, 2013. Some have argued we have only gotten half a game but I retort if this is half and so much already imagine how much greater it will be once we get the online stuff ironed out.

What Should Have Been Added:

Honestly the only thing I want in this game is the ability to put my own music in the game via a custom radio station which for the most part was always a staple feature of the GTA series and potentially a female protagonist.

Final Thoughts:

There are not enough words in any known or unknown language that can express just how great and iconic this game is. It may not be a full blown industry changer but it is without a doubt GOTY (Game of the Year) worthy and closed out this generation of console gaming with a bang. This is one of those games that is a no brainer to buy as its an instant must have collection piece for any gamers library. All signs point to it being released for PS4 and Xbox One but no concrete evidence as to when or if its coming to PC. Feel free to checkout the opening scenes of the game below...

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Definitely Worth Freezing Your Ass Off

Game Mechanics - 1.5/2

Story-line - 1.5/2

Graphics - 1.5/2

Soundtrack - 2/2

Replay Value - 1/2

Total Score - 7.5/10

Hope you wrapped up in layers of warm clothing because this week we are headed off to the frozen tundra of E.D.N. III as we take on the elements and creatures of the world. Equipped with our trusty RIG and handy dandy tools of combat we will overcome all odds on our quest to provide for our family back home on earth. Come along for the epic boss fights and stay for the heartwarming story of Jim Peyton. Lets kick things off as we review Lost Planet 3.

Lost Planet 3 is a third-person shooter video game developed by Spark Unlimited and published by Capcom for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is the prequel to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition and Lost Planet 2 and takes place on the same planet of E.D.N. III. The game takes a more story-driven narrative approach to the campaign similar to the first game. The game takes place long before the events of the first game, and hence the planet of E.D.N. III is still in an ice-age like environment rather than the tropical environment of the second game that occurs after the events of the first game. It takes place during the time of the first few human colonists on E.D.N. III sent there by the Neo-Venus Construction company or NEVEC, who later become the main antagonists for the series.

The game follows the story of Jim Peyton, a colonist who is working for a company called NEVEC and helping mine the planet of E.D.N. III and sending minerals back to Earth, where his family awaits him. Though as the story progresses Jim begins to unravel the dark secrets of the NEVEC organization. The game's gameplay will be more similar to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition with a story-driven adventure rather than Lost Planet 2 which replaced the plot focused narrative with a simple co-op campaign. Using the game's mission-based setup, players can choose to take on core quests that progress the story arc, or side-quests which will grant you additional rewards to improve your character and overall gameplay experience. The game will allow players to openly explore areas in a style similar to your average RPG (Role-playing Game) with the ability to talk to non-player characters, obtain side-quests, upgrade equipment and improve on your RIG using items gathered throughout the campaign. Much to the delight of myself and others like me Thermal energy will no longer be tied to the characters life support, and instead will primarily be used as a form of currency, giving the player a slight reprieve from worrying about such things while battling.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics -  Minor things here and there make this aspect polished such as the ability to have custom music play in game while in your RIG, the dodge system mechanic is balanced enough that you can't abuse it and be overpowered in fights, and finally having the player be able to spend money to buy special components that can only otherwise be randomly found out in the world help make it feel like less of a grind or chore to seek these out. All in all nothing groundbreaking but they hit all the proper aspects to deliver an enjoyable and well executed gameplay experience.

Story-line - Thankfully they made this game somewhat of a prequel to the original game. So this gives the developer/publisher the leeway to reboot the series if needed after the mixed reviews that Lost Planet 2 got. As well it opens up the market appeal of the game to newcomers that may not have played the first two by eliminating the awkwardness of not knowing the backstory of the series and being able to dive right in and connect with the characters.

Graphics -  Yet again nothing groundbreaking here but still manages to deliver a solid presentation. Utilizing the Unreal Engine 3 this time around instead of the MT Framework graphics engine that was used for the two previous titles.

Soundtrack - Music is appropriate for all the exciting and somber moments throughout the game, considering the lack of press  and advertising this game got you would think the soundtrack was a big budget orchestra production. As I also mentioned you can put your own music into the game as well to be played while you are in your RIG. Granted I played on PC but I would imagine all versions of the game have access to this feature as it is a simple feature but one that will always improve the quality of a game.

What’s Bad:

Game Mechanics - Certain aspects of the fighting system feel sluggish on a whole, especially movement which tend to detract from the intense fast paced action sequences you find yourself in at times.

What Should Have Been Added:

Even though this game has been seen as a Dead Space 3 clone I feel they could have gone the route of Mass Effect 3 and made the story something truly epic and engaging. This would have capitalized on the potential for rebooting the series and have the choices you make shape the future releases of the game. Since the game is already so story driven and dialogue is well executed, I think having an interactive story where you base progression on choices as well as relationships and missions would have been amazing.

Final Thoughts:

This game really should have come out during the usual summer drought of games that occurs so it could get the exposure it deserves. Sadly it came out towards the end and was quickly swept under the hype of other games such as the upcoming GTA V as well as Saints Row IV, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Killer Is Dead, and Madden NFL 25. This game is a solid release and if you are a fan of the series or third person shooters then you should definitely give this game a shot. Granted its nothing revolutionary to change the gaming industry but it is a very solid game and without a doubt worth your time and attention. If you still have doubts you can pick it up at a reduced price currently for $49.99 on Steam. Sorry console players but you still got to pay full price at $60 for the time being which by no means should deter you from enjoying the game. At the very least if that isn't feasible you can checkout my gameplay with commentary footage...

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Because It Ain't Fun Unless Deadpool Gets Some

Game Mechanics - 2/2

Story-line - 2/2

Graphics - 1.5/2

Soundtrack - 1.5/2

Replay Value - 1/2

 Total Score - 8/10

Chimichangas!!! Tacos!!! Boobies!! All the things that make Deadpool enjoy life. Welcome to another Friday video game review here on In The Mind Of My Mind with your friendly neighborhood gamer Zalgo_Cometh. I have been long awaiting the release of this game every since it was announced at Comic-con and I must say it did not disappoint in the least. I enjoyed this game so much I did a complete game-play commentary on our YouTube Channel. Well enough of my yapping lets get to the reviewing...

Deadpool is a third-person action video game based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. The game was released on June 25, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Former Deadpool comic writer Daniel Way wrote the story for the game, and Nolan North reprises his role as the voice of Deadpool. Deadpool frequently breaks the fourth wall and verbally interacts with the player based on their skill and progress. For instance, in the options menu, he begins to tap the glass of the television set, before asking, “Hey, got any girls in there?” Deadpool has the opportunity to directly address the player, where he tells them to press a certain button to do certain commands. When presented with the right combination of platforms, he wearily suggests new moves, such as the novel idea of ‘wall jumping’. Deadpool also demonstrates some exaggerated acts of violence, for example yelling “No guts no glory” when hanging from his entrails, or shouting “Oh that's gonna leave a mark” when dismembering an enemy.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics - Controls are well laid out as per ones expectations of a platforming hack and slash action game. Weapon choices and level up system is well integrated and connects well with the combat system. Use of breaking the "fourth wall" in conjunction with the main character Deadpool is excellently accomplished. The game perfectly captures and matches Deadpool exuberance and subtle nuances.

Story-line - Well thought out plot that ties in with the trademark Deadpool fourth wall interaction with the player. The meta-story is centered around Deadpool kidnapping the employees of High Moon Studios and forcing them to make "the most awesome game ever starring himself".

What’s Bad:

Replay Value - Not much to be honest. Aside from the usual replaying on a harder difficulty and the challenge missions. 

What Should Have Been Added:

Without a doubt there should have been a game+ option so you can play through the game again with all your weapon bonuses and upgrades. This would enable the player to farm for more DP (Deadpool Points) so that they can upgrade and experience everything the game has to offer. Another possibility could have been a multi-player mode where you get to choose any of the main characters of the game in a variety of multi-player modes. ie. Death Match, King of The Hill, Capture the Flag, etc. All done with a special crazy Deadpool twist to them to make it unique.

Final Thoughts:

Definitely need to play this game if you are a fan of Deadpool, or the X-Men, or comedy or just plain awesomeness. Without a doubt a solid hack and slash game that will have you getting a six pack from all the tongue and cheek humor Deadpool has to offer.

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A Return To Former Glory or Something Else Entirely?

Game Mechanics - 1/2

Story-line - 1.5/2

Graphics - 2/2

Soundtrack - 1.5/2

Replay Value - 2/2

 Total Score - 8/10

Its Friday so you know its time for a new video game review. Trying to clear up some of the back log of games I have to review so even though this isn't a fresh release it just recently debut on the PC. From Raccoon City to the depths of Umbrella corp we have traversed the vast universe of Resident Evil on multiple generations of platforms. Today we check out the latest installation in the series Resident Evil 6. The question on everyone's mind is "How does it stack up against the earlier releases that garnered it its fan following?" Come along and see how it fares...

Resident Evil 6, known as Biohazard 6 in Japan, is an action-adventure third-person shooter video game in the Resident Evil series, developed and published by Capcom. The story is told from the perspectives of Chris Redfield, a former member and founder of the BSAA traumatized by a failed operation, Leon S. Kennedy, a Raccoon City survivor and agent for the U.S. government, Jake Muller, illegitimate son of Albert Wesker and associate of Sherry Birkin, and Ada Wong, a freelance agent framed for the bio-terrorist attacks by Neo-Umbrella. They must all confront the force behind a massive bio-terrorist attack with the newly developed C-virus in cities across the world. Resident Evil 6 allows players to select between three scenarios with connected story-lines, each with their own intentionally different design. The player characters from each scenario will have their own partners which are controlled by either the computer AI or another human player via local or online multi-player.

What’s Good:

Graphics: Definitely Resident Evil has come a long way in term of graphics; especially from what I have seen here on the PC version I played. Textures are smooth and well blended, hair detail and skin colors are definitely above average. Capcom did a fine job bringing Resident evil into this current generation of gaming from the the character models to the environments you can see the attention to detail.

Replay Value: This game will have you playing for hours upon hours on end. There is certainly no shortage of content in this game. Each campaign is broken into varying chapters and the chapters have sub chapters as well. Couple that with both online or local play and going further to factor in the skills that can be bought which you will need skill points to buy you will definitely not be going out anytime soon once you start playing this game. There is just so much content you honestly don't know who you should start off with first.

What’s Bad:

Game Mechanics: I don't know whether its the clunky movement, the occasional camera angle issues or just the annoyance of being forced to walk when I really want to run but something feels off about these aspects of the game mechanics. Don't even get me started on randomly tripping over bodies on the floor for some strange reason. I saw strange because I really don't see how having that in the game was an effective game design choice but whatever. 

What Should Have Been Added:

With how the game is structured I hope they Add other characters from the Resident Evil franchise as DLC and have intertwining campaigns as such helping to fully tell the story of how every thing happens and got to the state it is in currently.

Final Thoughts:

While the series may not be living up to the legacy set by the original Resident Evil series, this new direction that Resident Evil is venturing into is not completely a bad thing. The have definitely improved upon their initial effort to take the game in this direction from Resident Evil 5. I most definitely did not enjoy playing that at all but this game feels much better than its predecessor  So definitely don't write this game off quite yet, Capcom has done a decent job modernizing and structuring the ebb and flow of the game to cater to a wider and more diverse audience now. Not to mention even with the changes to the usual game flow we still see elements of the original games present in the game. ie. scarcity of items and bullets. Check out our introductory play-through and see if it appeals enough to you to wanna try it out.

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Loving That PlayStation Plus Membership

Game Mechanics - 1.5/2

Storyline - 1.5/2

Graphics - 1.5/2

Soundtrack - 1.5/2

Replay Value - 1/2

 Total Score - 7/10

Can't believe its Friday already; time is flying so fast. Guess the lord must have heard my prayer for Tomb Raider release date to come quicker. Anywhore enough about that; welcome to another video game review here on In The Mind Of My Mind by your friendly neighborhood gamer, Zalgo Cometh. Today we are looking at a game I was hyped for from before I owned a PS3 but never got a chance to play it. This unfortunate circumstance has been fixed by the kind people at Sony who have made it free to download by PlayStation Plus users. Best investment I ever made was signing up for the year long membership. So today we look at Vanquish...

Vanquish is a third-person shooter video game developed by Platinum Games and published by Sega for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles. Having been in development since 2007, the game was released in October 2010. The game was created by the team previously responsible for Resident Evil 4, including lead director Shinji Mikami. Vanquish is notable for introducing several innovations to the 3D shooter genre, including a fast-paced style of game-play reminiscent of 2D bullet hell shooters, beat 'em up elements, and an original sliding-boost mechanic. Vanquish takes place in the near future where Earth's human population has grown so rapidly that nations are fighting for the scarce remaining resources. The United States of America has attempted to alleviate its energy problems by launching an O'Neill Cylinder space station harboring a solar energy-driven generator to provide them with an alternative source of energy.

What’s Good:

Overall the game itself is worth the play through but you won't see anything breathtakingly new. Its a little bit above average but nothing specifically noteworthy to highlight. Solid story-line with well done graphics and smooth flowing game mechanics keep you at the forefront of the action. Oh lest I forget to mention, there are also QTE (Quick Time Events) in this game. Mostly during boss fights but you can't go wrong having QTE's in a game as far as i'm concerned. Game-play as I mentioned is fast paced and you can easily get swept away with all the onscreen action taking place all at once.

What’s Bad:

The game has minimal replay value, aside from trophy hunting for the elite perfectionists out there. As with most games like this it is too short and you will be left wanting more.

What Should Have Been Added:

A multi-player mode would have been so sick. Not to mention customization for the Augmented Reaction suit both in terms of power upgrades and aesthetics.

Final Thoughts:

This game might be 2 years old but if you haven't played it and are a PlayStation Plus member there ain't no reason you should cop this game. If you aren't already a PlayStation Plus member there ain't no better time to join the family and get access to this game for free and so many others. As per usual you can check out our play-through with commentary on our YouTube channel if you haven't subscribed to it already. Hope to have all the videos uploaded and organized by Sunday night; enjoy...

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Lines Were Meant To Be Crossed

Gameplay - 8/10

Storyline - 10/10

Graphics - 9/10

Game Score : 27/30

Ok peoples so slight change in plans; turns out I gotta go back home to help my parents out at the family store so got to write up this review from Thursday and upload the game-play videos to YouTube so y'all can still have a blog to enjoy and game to check out on Friday. Yes I know i'm so thoughtful but that's besides the point. Had initially wanted to review Lollipop Chainsaw but my copy reached a bit later than expected so that will have to be for next weeks review I guess. Works out ok as I have some time to figure out what special treat I may have in store for y'all, so stay tuned to the Facebook Page and Twitter to find out about that. Now that we have that settled lets get into today's review of Spec Ops: The Line.

Spec Ops: The Line is a third-person shooter video game developed by Yager Development and published by 2K Games. The game was released in North America on the Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms on June 26, 2012, and will be released in Europe on June 29, 2012. It was officially announced at Spike Video Game Awards on December 12, 2009. The game is inspired by Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. The Line is primarily a third-person shooter with emphasis on squad-based tactics. As the player progresses, better weapons and equipment will become available to accomplish goals more easily. Squad commands will also be available, allowing the player to direct their teammates to perform certain actions or move to certain areas.

The player controls Captain Martin Walker who is accompanied by a Delta Force bravo team to rescue a U.S. Army Colonel who remained behind in Dubai. Previously, Dubai was a wealthy area with many high profile citizens until catastrophic sandstorms left a majority of the city buried. This caused many to evacuate, leaving only a few behind. One of the people left behind was U.S. Army Colonel John Konrad , a founding member of Delta Force, who refused to evacuate from a training facility in the city and instead remained behind with the men under his command to help protect the citizens that could not evacuate. After several weeks of no contact, the Army fears that Col. Konrad and his men are lost to the destruction of the city until a weak distress signal is picked up. This gives the Army reason to deploy the player and their squad, who must infiltrate the city, neutralize outlaws and survive sandstorms as they attempt to determine what happened to Konrad and his men.

The game focuses on the natural sandstorms of Dubai to provide dynamic terrain changing during gameplay, similar to Fracture and the Red Faction series. This is supported by an unpredictable engine that randomizes when and where sandstorms will arise, as well as how harsh they will be. Sandstorms may open or close paths to the players as well as turn advantages in a firefight. Graphically I must say this game is visually stunning and coupling this with the gripping story-line you get a truly dynamic and rewarding game-play experience. The interactive and destructible environment really helps add to the realism of being in a constant state of action and awareness. The characters are distinct and noteworthy in their persona's and traits which helps you to connect with each on varying levels to which appeals to you more; personally I liked listening to Lugo a lot.

As per usual there are some little snags here and there but nothing game breaking to rob you of the experience. My two main areas of fault would be the run and cover system in the game as well as some of the squad based commands. At times I found maneuverability an issue while running and trying to change direction or stop which i found a bit annoying at time. As far as the squad based commands go at times the team members had issues carrying out the commands due to placement of the target or such and I would have to end up doing it myself anyways. Aside from these slight nuances overall it is a solid game and you would do well to give it a go if you are a fan of military shooters or just a good story-line in general. So give it a look...

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