At last, my childhood dream will get a little chance! :) The first space tourism jet Virgin Galactic is unveiled and will go for testing in few months. The bad news is that we have only 18 months to save £100,000 for the ticket :)
So, yeah, it’s all about giant shuriken (JP. ninja star) or in other words- hand released tri-blade. And what’s the use of it in Dark Sector? You name it! Want a direct control of its flight with the camera fixed behind? Got it! What about watching sliced off limbs flying away in the same slow motion? Yeah! Just don’t forget to charge your glaive with fire, electricity or ice for additional effects :)
What else you’ll find in this heavily infected ex-USSR area? The list is quite solid: some very well made and upgradable guns, slow-motion finishers, pleasing puzzles for your beloved glaive, impressive boss fights and some top exciting toys like four-legged and heavily armoured tanks that you’ll be able to test-drive by yourself :P (These are as great as in MGS4!)
Sounds good? Well, not everything is perfect here, mind you. First of all, I have an impression that level designers were undecided which audience they wanted to address- hardcore shooter fans or mass audience. So the gameplay is not consistent- it varies from enjoyable to quite demanding. Secondly, the graphics. The game development took more years than usual (6y), but the most of graphics were nicely updated before the release. However, the artefacts from the primary built are present and too obvious. Though, the interface itself is superb- there are no numbers, bars or any other “tech” info the screen- just Hayden Tenno, the glaive and infinitive numbers of enemies :)
And finally, WARNING: don’t play this game if you’re sensitive to vast amounts of blood fountains. In the end, there was a reason why Dark Sector was banned in Australia :)
In one word- crap. That’s one of the worst gamesplays I have experienced in >20 years. The only reason I finished the game- that’s the story itself and explanations of some enigmas (I’m huge fan of Lost series). But the gameplay itself was far from enjoyable. The electrical puzzles are an exception- that’s a creative re-make of the classical game “Pipes”. One more “funny” point- there was almost no exploration element in this adventure game. On top of that, graphics are no good. Models of Lost cast are terrible- Kate, Hurley, Clair should feel especially offended. What else? Maybe one of the most annoying things for me personally was the lack of Lost atmosphere. Actually, it was absent at all. Conclusion: buy this game only if you find it for £1. OK, OK, maybe for £2 :)
Looking for an inspirational 3D animation? Or maybe you’re fancy for something that’s as good as the original Shrek? Then I could easily recommend Chasseurs de dragons (Dragon Hunters). That’s a very arty, beautiful and funny tale about an extremely cute little princess, not-wanna-be-a-hero big guy and his greedy manager. The story is set in the marvellous world of floating islands, ancient ruins and unique monsters. Did I mention that the big guy loves knitting? :P But my most favourite character was the little blue “dog” with rabbit ears (in the image above)
(The photos above: you will unveil the beauty of Scarlett Chorvat, Mieko Rye, Lyndall Javis and Yumi Kikuchi during MGS boss battles. For high quality photos, please visit GGL Wire)
Where to start from? There is so much of everything in Metal Gear Solid 4, that it’s difficult to lay down focussed impressions. Though, I could describe it in an abstract way- that’s phenomenal and masterpiece. I personally think MGS4 goes beyond any known media by synthesising them into one the most solid experience. That’s a seamless hybrid of a film, a video game, an intriguing story and superb music. Well, basically this is it- Metal Gear Solid 4 invented a new media- Interactive Films.
My personal picks from it are- the scene on motorbikes, Screaming Mantis battle and the fist fight with Liquid Ocelot. Though, all the bad girls there are unforgettable as well as the whole experience. Did I mention the music? MGS4 soundtrack (2 CD) is set on loop on my MP3 player!
But I will write no more. You have to experience it by yourself. Period.