Small Type #1: DarkSiders II & Sleeping Dogs

Small Type #1: DarkSiders II & Sleeping Dogs

Reviewed & edited by Jeff Williams

Welcome to a new review section I'm doing called "Small Type". With most modern gams being full of time consumption, I though it would be best with some to start doing smaller, scaled down reviews for specific games.

The lucky two to be the Starters for this will be THQ's DarkSiders II and Square-Enix's Sleeping Dogs, reviewed for the PlayStation 3.

DarkSiders II 

Developer: Vigil games

Publisher: THQ

Release Date: 08-14-12

Systems: Windows PC (OnLive/Stream),  PlayStation 3 (Review),  X360 & WiiU "Late '12"

After the success of 2010's Darksiders,  publisher THQ commissioned series developer Vigil Games to start working on a sequel. Two years later and their published almost 6 ft. under, Darksiders II was released to the gaming public on August 14th (a day earlier for steam users).

Plot:

Though this is a sequel, the game's plot flows parallel to the original. You play as Death (voiced by Michael Wincott) and your on a quest to prove War's innocence with the 100-year imprisonment of the Horseman War and the extinction of the Human race.

Presentation:

Unlike the original's look having the same "nothing but BROWN" feeling when it comes to the post-apocalypse, this game's universe and look has color.

The Voices that bring these characters to life has been one of the most impressive voice casts I've seen this year.. so far.

Michael Wincott's portrayal of the Pale rider makes him feel  a complete opposite to War. Where as War was a noble horseman, Death is the one that's in "The Gray".

This cast also includes James Cosmo of "Game of Thrones" fame and he voices Maker Elder Eideard, Death's guide.

The music done by Jesper Kyd of Assassin's Creed, Hitman and Borderlands fame,  is an amazing score. I know ALOT of people know and use this word to often, but this soundtrack is the perfect definition of the word Epic!

Gameplay:

The Combat in the sequel is fast and fluid. With this series being a action-adventure/RPG, it improves it more with that ideal. The loot that you pick up and acquire from your fallen enemies is easier, the menus are cleaner, the weapons/armor that you pick up or buy throughout the game shows the stats and the pros/cons of it.

Bottom Line:

Not only this is an improvement to the 2010 original, but it's an improvement to the action/RPG genre that it should become the new standard. In other words, Like how developer Vigil Games were inspired by the legendary Nintendo series, "The Legend of Zelda", Nintendo should and hopefully would be inspired from DS II's gameplay and presentation for the little elfin boy's next adventure.

DarkSiders II gets an almost perfect 9 out of 10.

Sleeping Dogs

Developer: United Front Games (additional work done by Square-Enix London)

Publisher: Square-Enix

Release Date: 08-14-12

Systems: Windows PC (OnLive/Steam), PlayStation 3 (Review) and X360

Plot:

You play as Hong-Kong officer, Wei Shen. Your undercover to infiltrate a locally feared Triad gang, The Sun On Yee or "Water Street Gang". Will you survive the ordeal? Will you discover who's more corrupt or Loyal? You'll have to stay alive to find out...

Presentation:

The recreation of Hong-Kong is Amazing. Though this game's mission structure is a Linear one, the city itself feels like a character of it's own.

With this being United Front's first big title, the talent they acquired for the voice cast is highly impressive and showing that finally, Voice-overs are becoming a more recognized/accepted gig in Hollywood. From Hollywood actors/actress such as: Tom Wilkinson, Emma Stone, Lucy Liu and Kelly Hu to recognizable actors as Robin Shou of Mortal Kombat fame, this cast is both respectively diverse and great.

The music for Sleeping Dogs was done by composer Jeff Tymoschuk (007 Nightfire and Everything or Nothing). While it's the same flair in regards to previous action scores in the the industry, it gets it's job done. If theirs one thing that does differ itself with others is that it acknowledges it's background and culture beautifully.

Gameplay:

With Sleeping Dogs, developer United Front has made a perfectly crafted game when it comes to it's combat…. almost. The melee combat in SD does take a page from Rockseady's "Freeflow" combat from their Batman: Arkham games, but has made it more fluid and assessable. The shooting mechanic however felt in some places, sluggish.

Sleeping Dogs has done one thing that Rockstar's own Grand Theft Auto series STILL can't get right and that's the driving mechanics. While the driving physics and control in GTA IV were hair-pulling annoying, in Dogs it's more refined. In other words, the driving in Sleeping Dogs feels more realistic than in GTA IV.

Bottom Line:

While I dislike their games in resent years, I have to applaud Square-Enix for picking both this IP and the developer up after Activision cancelled it. From the plot to it's gameplay mechanics, this is another game (like the previously mentioned Darksiders 2) that could be a dark-horse for Best Action Game of 2012. Besides the mentioned linear mission structure, this should and must become the industry standard for future Sand box games.

Sleeping Dogs gets a 8 out of 10.

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What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave you comments below in the comment box. Also, please leave some creative criticism below in the comment box as well. It will help me get better and improve in future articles, editorials and reviews. 

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Top 10 video games that need a comic book

Before I continue with this let me point you guys to my previous list the Top 10 Fighting games that need a comic book. http://thebrokeninfinite.blogspot.com/2012/08/top-10-fighting-games-that-need-comic.html So here are the rest of the games that need a comic book.

Here we go!

Number 10.

Darksiders

You'd buy this right? I mean look at this

With Darksiders you actually have a comic book creator that did the designs for the game, Joe Madureira. So how is it that this does not have a comic? People that are into comics like Spawn would love this take on apocalyptic events with a unique take on the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Number 9.

Medievil

A quirky horror-ish comedy

This game with it's quirky storyline about a hero that was supposed to be great but ended up being the very first warrior to die and then resurrected as an undead hero with powers would be a great read. Matter of fact it's always been the writing in the game that's what drew to me to the game in the first place. So having it's writing shine in a comic would be fantastic.

Number 8.

Parappa The Rapper

Chop!

Not all comics need to be dark or for adults, last time I checked kids love comics too. Parappa The Rapper would be perfect for the younger crowd to read and for adults who are nostalgic. The story is lighthearted but also charming enough to be a series of comics.

Number 7. 

Actraiser 

All kinds of stories

So, it's all about Go-- I mean the "Master" fighting sat- I mean "Tanzra" and a comic based on this would be one heck of an epic story. Large battles and miracles being performed and the like, if done by a great artist would be an eye catching comic that would be hard to put down.

Number 6. 

Twisted Metal

Sometimes just having something be crazy is good.

Twisted Metal's wackiness can work for fans of violence, destruction, and grindhouse movies. Get a great mechanical designer, especially one with a knack for drawing cars and this would not only be a fun read but an eye catching.

Number 5.

Syphon Filter 

Tactical Espionage..., oh wait that's another game

People know Metal Gear Solid and they know Splinter Cell those games are still going on and Metal Gear is even getting a movie. But Syphon Filter is another good mercenary/military video game but with it hardly getting any new games and the best remembered games being on the first Playstation. But it would appeal to fans of military espionage and action.

Number 4.

Threads of Fate

People know Mana, Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest but what about this one?

Oddly enough there was a manga planned for this game. It was being done by none other than Ken Akamatsu of Love Hina and Negima fame. But it was scrapped. This was one of those games that had an interesting story but unlike the more famous games done by SquareEnix it didn't get any extra attention. I think this should get another shot at being adapted into printed form.

BONUS: check out the opening for the game here The game is also known as Dewprism in Japan.

Number 3.

Elder Scrolls series 

Who doesn't want to read about how people fought tough mudcrabs? eh? eh?

The Elder Scrolls series does have novels but with it's lore it would also make great comic books. Being able to see the stories you read or hear about in the games on the printed page would be cool. If I had to choose a storyline to be adapted I'd like to see the rise of Tiber Septim as a comic.

Number 2.

Legacy of Kain series

This just begs to be made into a comic

How does this not have a comic? Just, how... does... this... not have a comic!? The Legacy of Kain series has a lot of lore and each game, or at least most of the games had an interesting story. Like Darksiders it seems like this was made to be a comic in the first place yet somehow it isn't. Plus, not only is there a great story and great characters and character designs there's a very devoted fan base that would gobble these comics up.

Number 1.

Shenmue 

For anybody that knows me know that this is no surprise at all

This is my favorite game of all time, so... yeah... But if you want a bit more of a reason the game's story is not done even after a decade and a lot of us Shenmue fans are so desperate for the game to continue it's story that we'll take a comic. At least I will anyway. The story of Shenmue is really captivating for a lot of people and if it has a great artist, especially one that can draw fight scenes well, I would not be able to put a Shenmue comic down.

So that's my top ten list of games that aren't fighting games that need a comic book. What are yours? Let me know.

Follow me on twitter for more of my thoughts on games and geeky stuff in general @ikariradio

Also listen to my podcast the Ikaricast on iTunes where we discuss geeky things bi-weekly.

Darksiders II review!

Developer(s): Vigil Games
Publisher(s): THQ
Platform(s): Playstation3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Windows, Cloud (OnLive)
Genre(s): Action, Hack and Slash
Release: August 14, 2012 (PS3, Xbox 360, Windows), Late 2012 (Wii U)
Rating: Mature

You have not seen the story of the Apocalypse or the Four Horsemen told like this before! Darksiders gave us a vision of the End of Days in a way we could only imagine. The sequel delves further into the game mythos. Darksiders II follows the story of the most feared of the Four Horsemen, Death. The sequel coincides with the storyline of first game but follows what occurred in War’s story. The Charred Council has detained War for bringing about the Apocalypse and wiping out humanity to which War proclaims his innocence. Death, knowing War to be the most noble amongst them, rides to clear his brother’s name and, in turn, restore humanity.

The Pale Rider starts off already on his horse Despair with Scythe in hand as he rides hard into battle. You are thrown to the wolves in this opening tutorial to get you familiarized with Death’s combat mechanics. Let me tell you, the way that Death fights he might as well be called the “Pale Ninja”. The Reaper is far more agile and swifter than his brother War. He comes equipped with two small Scythes that he uses to dispatch enemies with ease. War was more of heavy hitter, exhibiting power rather than speed. Death is a contrast with his speed and agility. However, what really sets him apart from War is how customizable he is. Where War had only a few items and weapons, Death can use a variety of secondary weapons, such as an axe or hammer to deal massive damage, and items, like armor to increase his defense. The enemies you battle drop these materials upon their defeat. Customization in Darksiders II takes a page from RPGs. Outfitting Death with different weapons and armor changes his stats, giving you the freedom to make him into the awesome Harvester of Souls he is known as. Some materials will actually change Death’s appearance.

The world of Darksiders II is far more expansive that in the previous title with bigger environments allowing players more exploration. Since Death has his noble steed Despair with him right from the gate, traversing this open plane is more appreciating than in the first game where this could not be full explored since War is reunited with his horse Ruin late in the game. Graphically, the sequel is just as impressive as its predecessor if not more so. Bigger environment means greater attention to detail and very little was spared here. There are more puzzles and dungeons to solve than before that allow Death to continue his journey so long as he solves them properly, think of an RPG crossed with God of War. The element of side-quests also exists which play on the expression “scratch my back and I scratch yours”. Some NPCs will give Death a special gift or upgrade only if he completes their task whether he likes it or not. Some of these gifts are useful and some are not but all-in-all, the job has to get done.

PRO: Darksiders II takes several pages from other titles. Let’s start with customizing. I’m immediately reminded of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night when I saw the customize screen and how different items change different stats. Even the layout closely resembles SotN. Death can also use items to change his stats. Their effect varies upon the item used and the same goes for Death’s weapons and armor. Like Alucard did with swords, Death uses a variety of Scythes each with their own attributes. As awesome a game as the first Darksiders was, War felt limited in this aspect. He should’ve had a much larger arsenal than what was given to him. Another problem that was corrected was dodging. Death moves like the wind when avoiding enemy attacks AND he can do it mid-strike even with a heavy item. Thank Dante or Kratos for this one. War was pretty quick on his feet too, but his heavy strikes left him open for counters. Another detail in the combat mechanics is the seamless transition between primary and secondary weapons while fighting. Starting a combo with either one and finishing it with the other will lead to variety of attacks including Death combining his two Scythes into one and sending it whirling about, punishing his enemies with multiple strikes.

CON: There aren’t too many complaints about Darksiders II except sometimes the background graphics tend to lag when focusing especially in the forest area. The controls are still a bit lacking when riding on horseback and do not feel as tight as they should be.

OVERALL: Darksiders II is a fast-paced hack and slash, beat ‘em up that falls well into the genre along with games such Ninja Gaiden, God of War and Asura’s Wrath. Death is an amazing character with crazy combat skills, a wicked cool Reaper Form and a mean looking ride. There is so much going on in this game between the puzzle solving and open world exploration that, rest assured, you won’t be bored to…well, you know.

Darksiders II gets 4 scythe slashes out of 5.

See you on the next level! BrianM.

Editorial: "Why the Legend of Zelda Series needs to mature"

Editorial: "Why the Legend of Zelda Series need to mature"


Author/Editor: Jeff Williams

Hello. my name is Jeff Williams and I'm one of the many reviewers here on the broken infinite. Recently, I've been wanting to talk about the issues I have with the Zelda series and here they are.....



First off, when I use the word "Mature". I don't mean Nintendo needs to make a M rated zelda game with blood, gore, swearing and boobs....Boobs as far as eye can see.

No, When I mean that the Zelda series is in need of maturing. I mean it with it's gameplay, it's interface,  and it's storytelling.


When it comes to it's gameplay and user interface (UI), while I love the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic, Ocarina of Time. that game show one of the series' many problems. They've been using the same structure, the same game mechanics, the same layout "since the NES original" (exploring a dungeon, defeating a boss in said dungeon, destroying Gan.. Ganondo..... "Baddie of the Week" and saving Princess Zelda) since the aforementioned N64/3DS title.


While the layout doesn't bother me and it can be improved in future titles. The other things that make the gameplay "a Zelda title" is starting to become stall. My solution would be as followed....


Like how us gamers were inspired to become game designers or go into the video game industry, thanks to the many games that came from Japan during the late 80's/90's era of gaming (the 8-bit/16-bit console cycles).  I think it's time for Eastern developers to be inspired by some of our games. When I mean that, I'm not saying that Capcom should be inspired by Call of Duty to create the next installment in the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil 6. I mean that would be stupid and would probably kill the ser...... Wait, they're not joking O_O.

Anyways, on a serious note...  for the next Zelda game being developed for it's HD console debut, Zelda Wii U. I think it would be best that the developer of the series, Nintendo EAD* would take a look at some of the popular action/adventure/RPG games here in the states, themselves (EAD) taking a look at what they've been doing and accomplished since 1998 and take some aspects that worked in other games and try to come up with an experience that would entice Zelda fans once more. The best example I can give is taking a look at the game mechanics and design of the Darksiders series done by developer Vigil Games and published by THQ.


The other problem is in it's storytelling. To be fair, I've been personally feeling bad for the Nintendo EAD team since 1992's Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The reason why I'm saying this is this was the game that the developer started to make the story more complex. With this and the installments that followed, they really shot themselves in the foot. Now, I know, I know. It's been said for years that people really don't play the Zelda games just for it's story. While to some degree, It maybe true. Nevertheless, a story/character development is a big concept when it comes to game design.

I applaude Nintendo for the character development that happend in last year's Skyward Sword because it does show that they do listen to it's fanbase's concerns and are trying to break the set characterizations of the main characters, but I would like to see them go further....

Like how Link is the "all-around" good guy and Ganon/Ganondorf is the "all-around" bad guy, I would like to see Nintendo press forward in these characters. Unlike having Link (or any Zelda fan would do: "insert name here") being the infallible hero, make him more relatable. Make the player feel for Link. What is his purpose? Why does he want to save Zelda?.


Pride?....

Greed?...

Love?...


The same thing goes with the series' main antagonist Ganon. Why does he kidnapped Zelda and steal the Trifore of Power? Is there more to what we've know since 1987? Is it even the typical Villain complex "To take over the world"? Or is it something far more sinister? It's funny that I'm mentioning this character because they made the player feel sympathy for Ganon at the end of 2003's Wind Waker.


While I did bring up my problems with the Zelda franchise. The Question is as followed.... "Do I faith in Nintendo that they'll improve with future Zelda titles?" Majority of today's gamers would say no and that they're just a company for little children and bash on them continuously for no reason. I, however would say yes, yes I do. Because I've realize that while they've been innovative in the industry with their hardware and pulling this nostalgia card with their software in recent years. They have shown they're longtime fans, Wii/DS era fans and "casual gamers" that with their upcoming console, The Wii U. They showing what they learned from their mistakes with the Wii and are improving on it for today's consumer.

In other words, they do take their criticism to heart and try to improve on it. But in the future Nintendo, when one of your crazed die-hard "fanboy(s)" said that they won't buy one of your games or consoles because it's different. Please don't listen to them, listen to what you you, the developers, the actual backbone of the company would do to not only make it  work but also evolve the gaming industry for future generations.



                                                                                    From a Nintendo fan since 1992,
                                                                                                 Jeff "16bitjeff" Williams