Strider Video Game Review

Final Verdict - Give It A Shot 

Well not much to say for this week's game review, This game has been sitting on my back burner for a while now but we finally found some time to jump into it. A classic franchise is reborn with improved graphics and an all new story-line to appeal to a new generation of gamers as well as placate the die-hard fans. So without further adieu lets start on our path as ninjas....

Strider is a side-scrolling platform game developed by Double Helix Games and Capcom's Osaka studio. It was released in February 2014 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Windows. The player control the series' main character, Strider Hiryu. The environment is freely explorable in search for weapons and items. Strider Hiryu's main weapon is his Cypher, a plasma weapon that can take several properties. Upgrades for the Cypher can be obtained by exploring the various levels throughout the game. In 2009, a Strider reboot was in development by Grin. However, due to financial difficulties that bankrupted the company, the game was cancelled. Development of the 2014 game was made possible thanks to the series' popularity especially in thanks to Capcom's surveys and forums.

What’s Good:

Story-line: The game is considered a retelling of the first arcade Strider game with elements from the NES console game. So its nice to see the attention to nostalgia.

Graphics: Double Helix has done a phenomenal job in bringing the futuristic ninja into the modern day by upgrading the visuals while maintaining the two-dimension plane.

Game Mechanics: Robust game design with a wide variety of attacks, powerups and level interaction.

Replay value: Just enough replay value can be found in the various hidden areas of levels and added concept art rewards hidden through out levels for the die hard fans.

Soundtrack: The game's soundtrack features multiple homages to classic Strider themes but with several modifications. The sound quality is also meant to resemble the music from the original games.

What’s Bad:

Game Mechanics: They have utilized what I like to refer as the A.I. reload mechanic where if you go off screen the enemies you already cleared are reloaded and you have to fight them again. This deters you from actively wanting to explore a level for fear of dying.

What Should Have Been Added:

Pretty good for a standard 2-D side scrolling game but I feel the combo system was a bit lacking in depth.

Final Thoughts:

Solid reboot of the series no doubt; long time Strider fans will appreciate the nostalgia. The game certainly retains much of the appeal of the original games. From the reloading enemies, to the random A.I. difficulty spikes; the game is sure to bring a tear to your eye. Feel free to check out our game-play with commentary videos...

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Thief Video Game Review

Final Verdict - Give It A Shot 

Well 2014's first reboot is out and boy is it a doozy. It is a revival of the cult classic Thief series of stealth games, of which it is the fourth game. Thief was initially announced in 2009 under the working title Thief 4(also known as Thi4f or Thief), after rumors of its development. Well you came here for a game review so that's what you're going to get. Small heads up about the usual game-play with commentary videos that accompany my reviews. We were trying something different this week where we took the video from our stream that we did but the quality was very disappointing in comparison to the usual so we apologize profusely. Will return to normal for our next review but feel free to check out the hilarious commentary as always. Lets slink into the dark depths of Thief...

Thief is a stealth video game developed by Eidos Montreal and published by Square Enix. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One platforms. Players control Garrett, a master thief, as he intends to steal from the rich. Similar to previous games in the series, players must use stealth in order to overcome challenges, while violence is left as a minimally effective last resort. Gameplay is choice-driven, with players having a number of possible paths and approaches in a given level. Players may use the environment to their advantage, as well as pickpocket characters. As Garrett attempts to steal in levels, guards and other non-player characters (if they are aware of his presence) will try to flush him out and kill him. Different NPCs may use different means to find him, and the game's artificial intelligence will be aware of the level design, and therefore, know of potential hiding spots. Players may enter a "Focus" mode, which provides several advantages. It enhances Garrett's vision, highlighting pipes that can be climbed, or candles that can be put out to make the area darker. Focus can also slow down time, so that Garrett is able to steal more effectively while pick-pocketing. Garrett can also use Focus to push enemies or perform debilitating attacks. It can be further upgraded over the course of the game.

What’s Good:

Story-line: Pretty solid story-line and interesting characters in the game. The way the story unfolds and progresses is also noteworthy as it keeps the pace of the game steady. 

Graphics: Stellar graphics all around, the textures, environments and lighting truly go above and beyond what expected. The game is visually well crafted on all platforms but it truly shines on the XBOX One and PC.

Game Mechanics: Definitely an originator of modern day stealth, the Thief franchise employs a very robust and expansive world to traverse. With multiple paths  to achieve objectives the game offers much needed  variety and liberalness to not restrict the user and confine them to a totally linear path. Also the freedom of movement that is offered to the player is interconnected with the flow and play-style of the game being heavily stealth based and is executed very well. Guard A.I. is hit or miss at times as they sometimes look right at you but seemingly have bad eyesight and cant see in the dark but other times will very skillfully hunt you down and drive you out of hiding. 

Replay value: With all the aforementioned freedom in paths and approaches to dealing with situations one could only imagine that there exists a fair amount of replay value. Couple that with all the various challenges and large number of items available for theft present in game and you have yourself hours of entertainment at the ready. Another noteworthy claim to fame for this reboot title is the custom difficulty setting, honestly cant recall seeing this in any games I have played. I was quite surprised and intrigued by this however it seems primarily directed at making the game more challenging more-so than easy.

What’s Bad:

Soundtrack: Not much of significant mention as well as the voice acting for the game seemingly fell short. This makes the character (Garrett) not as convincing and you don't feel as attached overall to him unless you were already a long standing fan of the series.

What Should Have Been Added:

I would like to have potentially seen a co-op mode especially since they game starts you off as a part of a team. The idea of running a thief tag team against unsuspecting guard could have added such depth and varied game-play tactics.

Final Thoughts:

Solid reboot of the series no doubt; long time Thief fans will appreciate the well executed nod to a long lost franchise. While new comers to the lore of Thief may find it quite the adventure to embark on. Definitely a little rough around the edges since its been out of the gaming world for a while but it made good on it return. Feel free to check out our game-play with commentary videos...

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Now This Is How You Reboot A Series

Game Mechanics - 2/2

Story-line - 2/2

Graphics - 2/2

Soundtrack - 2/2

Replay Value - 1.5/2

 Total Score - 9.5/10

Guess who's back? No its not me this time its Lara croft brand new and better than ever. Welcome to another Friday video game review here on In The Mind Of My Mind with me your friendly neighborhood gamer Zalgo_Cometh. This week we got our special collectors edition copy of the new Tomb Raider game release. Boy oh boy this game did not disappoint at all. I simply could not stop playing it, there was so much to do and explore and level up. Stand up and take notice game developers; this is how a series reboot is done properly. Angry fan-boys sit your ass down and STFU cause this game truly does a superb job showcasing the origin story of Lara Croft.

Tomb Raider is an action-adventure platform video game. Published by Square Enix, Tomb Raider is the fifth title developed by Crystal Dynamics in the Tomb Raider franchise. As the first entry in a new Tomb Raider continuity, the game is a reboot that emphasizes the reconstructed origins of the culturally influential lead character Lara Croft. Tomb Raider was released on 5 March 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows to universal critical acclaim. Tomb Raider uses an interconnected hub-and-spoke model that combines action-adventure, platforming, exploration, and survival mechanics. The game is presented in third person perspective, and the player takes control of the lead character, Lara Croft. Karl Stewart, Global Brand Director for Crystal Dynamics; said that the game's campaign will last between 12 and 15 hours.

What’s Good:

Game Mechanics: wonderfully crafted skill and leveling system that helps you tailor Lara to your play-style  shape your Lara to be whether a conservative gatherer or a ruthless hunter. Camera control and angles are never an issue which is a surprising feat to accomplish for a third person shooter as this is typically the number one complaint of most gamer's with this genre. QTE (Quick time Events) are present in adequate portions and as seamlessly integrated into the flow of the game while still keeping you on your toes for the next button press.

Story-line: Solid story-line with a memorable cast and solid plot progression and interaction. Great voice acting to further pull you into the story as well coupled with drama, action and suspense as you discover bits and pieces of the islanders memories and the horrors they suffered.

Graphics: So beautiful and vivid it will bring a tear to the eyes of your soul. Both on PC and on consoles the graphics this game displays is truly a technical wonder. Sometimes you just stop playing to take a look at the immense scenery and soak it all in.

Soundtrack: Great song selection and auditory range. OST (Original Soundtrack) for the game is a joy to just sit and listen to as well. The wide use and range of auditory cues better helps to submerge the player into the island of Yamatai and the role of Lara Croft.

Replay Value: The multi-player is nothing  revolutionary but it is a solid multi-player experience. The true replay value comes from replaying the game to collect all the upgrades and relics and hidden secrets all over the island as well as returning to play the game on a higher difficulty, Simple enemy fights and interactions take on a whole new feel on a higher difficulty not to mention the increased importance on building up Lara's skill trees properly.

What’s Bad:

Absolutely nothing of noteworthy importance.

What Should Have Been Added:

Possibly a multi-player mode that has you playing as wolves hunting down the island survivors.

Final Thoughts:

Why are you still reading this? Go buy the goddamn game ASAP, its worth your time, money, love and devotion. Its without a doubt the best game to be released in 2012 so far. With so many good games scheduled for release in March  the wallet is taking some really hard hits. Bioshock Infinite comes out at the end of the month and so does Grid 2  but with all that said and done ill still be playing with Lara and coming home to spend time with her every chance I get. You can check out some of my game-play with commentary in glorious 1080p below.

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Resurrection At It's Finest

Game Mechanics - 2/2

Story-line - 1.5/2

Graphics - 1.5/2

Soundtrack - 1.5/2

Replay Value - 1.5/2

 Total Score - 8/10

Stealing a catch phrase from The Great One; "Finally!". We got our hands on a copy of the new DmC: Devil May Cry game which is a reboot of the pre-existing Devil May Cry series. Welcome to another video game review here on In The Mind Of My Mind by your friendly neighborhood gamer Zalgo_Cometh. Today we get to share with great excitement the grandeur and wonder that is DmC. How does it fare against the see of hate and nitpicking from fan-boys of the original series you might ask? Well lets jump right into it...

DmC: Devil May Cry is a hack and slash beat 'em up video game developed by Ninja Theory and published by Capcom for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows.  It focuses on the player character Dante, a young man with supernatural powers who finds himself under attack by a seemingly sentient town known as Limbo City populated by demons. The re-imagination of the Devil May Cry series was requested by Capcom resulting in the game being made from a Western perspective rather in contrast to previous games. Like previous games in the series, Dante can perform combos by attacking with his sword, Rebellion, and shooting with his twin pistols, Ebony and Ivory. New to the series are modifiers to Dante's move-set  known as Angel Mode and Devil Mode, activated by holding down one of the trigger buttons.

What’s Good:

As you can see from the score at the beginning of the review it has most the elements that usually make for a great gaming experience.

• Game Mechanics; as one would expect of a hack and slash title there are attacks you can level up to make stronger as well as an upgradeable health bar. Where DmC really shines is the fluidity of combat and how much creativity and versatility can be showcased in the games combat system. Ninja Theory has provided at its core a combat system that has a manageable learning curve for beginners but the depth that can appeal to the most die hard veteran player. 
• Story-line; from start to finish you will find yourself engrossed in the story of Dante and his journey to rediscover his past. Game cut-scenes are informative, mesh seamlessly with the actual game-play development and are well orchestrated in regards to the progression and overall direction of the game. 
• Soundtrack; very appropriate soundtrack for this game. The heavy rock sets a similar tone to Dante's rebellious and brash nature; also noteworthy mention to the voice acting in this game as it helps setup and pull you into the story of the game as it progresses.

What’s Bad:

Inability to manually aim guns when firing was pretty much the only gripe I had while playing the game.

What Should Have Been Added:

The primary concern for most fans of the series was that the difficulty of the game was too easy even when placed on the highest difficulty so I feel maybe they should add an insanely hard difficulty setting to help appease franchise fans.

Final Thoughts:

Due to circumstances beyond the fans control the franchise got a reboot. In life it is a given that most times people will not respond well to change; even more so when they see nothing wrong to be changed in the first place. Sadly most of the hate this game receives is due to the unwillingness of people wanting to change; thankfully however the masses are the ones that buy the games and not so much the ones that influence sales of the games. Most if not all reviewers played the game unbiased and enjoyed it and as such the review scores the game has gotten have all been acceptable. The game is a well done reboot to help usher in a new age of 'Sparda' (only fans of the series will get that reference) which hopefully after seeing more and more positive reviews old fans can come to enjoy the game just as much as the new fans. AS always feel free to pull up a chair and watch me get into the game itself if you don't have ready access to it; you can live vicariously through me. So until next time; keep on gaming...

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Double The Pleasure; Double The Fun..

Gameplay - 10/10

Storyline - 8/10

Graphics - 8/10

Game Score : 26/30

Hey y'all; your friendly neighborhood gamer here. Sad to say that I almost didn't write up a review this week because work has seriously been kicking my ass and I didn't feel comfortable writing up a half-assed review for a game I didn't really play. So Instead of not giving you all anything I figured it would be better to at least give you something and write up a review for a game I played but didn't write a review for yet. This game is currently available on Xbox 360 (XBLA) and PlayStation 3 (PSN); it is free for Playstation Plus members and XBOX Live Gold Members. I present to you Double Dragon Neon...

Double Dragon Neon is a video game in the Double Dragon series of beat 'em up games. It was developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Majesco Entertainment, and is intended as a reboot of the Double Dragon series. As with previous installments of the series, the player takes control of martial artists Billy Lee (Player 1) and Jimmy Lee (Player 2) in their fight to rescue Marian from the Shadow Warriors gang, this time led by the super-lich Skullmageddon. In addition to the standard punch, kick, and jump buttons and a designated run button, the player now has a evade button for dodging attacks. If the player times their evasion right so as to perfectly dodge an enemy attack, they will "Gleam" by briefly glowing red, during which time their attacks will be more powerful.

What's Good:

The soundtrack for this game is really good. While playing this with my friend David  we actually found ourselves enjoying the soundtrack itself a lot. The fun factor of this game is insane from doing forbidden techniques to double teaming enemies for long combos  its just all around fun. The inclusion of items to power-up and change your character as you play adds an element of RPG character customization. There are two types of collectible items in the game which play a huge part in how you will approach the game. One to grant the brothers a powerful attack that consumes a separate energy meter, and one to alter their statistics and grant special effects. By collecting multiple copies of a tape, its effect gradually increases until it reaches a maximum capacity. You can effectively mold your character into a healer type of fighter that absorbs health points with ever successive hit or you can make an all out strength based character that does crazy damage. This helps add a layer of diversity and versatility to the game.

What's Bad:

This game is unforgiving; as such you may very easily find yourself dying a lot. It has multiple difficulty levels but honestly even on normal me and my friend David had a hard time on some of the levels. Not to mention after we beat the game we tried it on hard and couldn't properly get past level one. 

What Should Have Been Added:

After playing through the game I kind of wish there was an option to play as some of the other notable characters in the game. Would be so cool to do a play through as Skullmageddon. I swear that he became my favorite character after playing through the game almost wanted to let him get to lay the pipe on Marian.

Final Thoughts:

Well with all that said its a no brainer to get this game for free if you are a PSN Plus Member or XBOX Live Gold Member. Be sure you play it with a friend cause many good times are there to be had. Also if I were you I would stick around after the ending credits of the game for a nice plot twist surprise so to speak. Game-play with commentary provided by Maximilian.

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