Review: Fat Princess

Fat Princess is a PS3 exclusive downloadable game on PSN for about $15. It's an isometric RTS experience where you control only one unit on your team. Online multiplayer is the focus but there are A.I. controlled bots and a simple campaign mode for some fun and easy trophies.
The main game mode is called 'Rescue The Princess'. The objective is to rescue your princess from the enemy's base while simultaneously defending their princess in your base. It's capture the flag with a few refreshing twists and it works almost flawlessly.

Genre: Third-Person Action
Platforms: PS3 (Reviewed using PS3)
Players: 1-32
Rating: Teen
Developer: Titan Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

I've already put over 10 hours into this game, so it's obvious I enjoy it, but let me start with some of the bad to get it out of the way.
There are only 8 maps, which for a $15 RTS-like game feels a tad low. however The levels are very unique and each one it's own style. Some feature lava which rises and lowers to cover certain parts of the map, some have water hazards, others have instant death cliffs. They're all equally fair to both teams because they're always mirrored.

Online however, it's hard to jump in a game. Too many network errors and 'failed to connect to host' messages bringing you back to the main menu. Once you're in a game everything is smooth, little to no lag is always welcome. I just wish there were a matchmaking and party system, that's what updates are for I suppose.

As for classes, there are 5. The Worker, the Warrior, the Ranger, the Mage and the Priest. all are balanced besides the wizard who's area attacks are a beginner's best friend. It's really annoying and unfair when you have say, 2 warriors and an archer, and the mage is constantly freezing (thus damaging) them.
Other then that they all work great, every class has it's role the player must fill for your team to succeed. Priests must be weary of their teammates health, warriors require the support of the ranged classes, workers need defenders like the warriors to gather resources. It's this rock-paper-scissors gameplay that make this title standout. Not only is it original, it works, something only a few IPs can say.

There is classic team death match and a few other game modes if capture the flag isn't your fancy. You can also semi-customize your avatar, you gain new hair colors and styles depending on your performance. A new direction Fat Princess goes in is how the class system literally functions. You don't pick a class when you die like many games today. Instead you have 'hat machines' that dispense hats that you can pick up and wear, these turn you into that class. Picking up a warrior's helmet will transform you into a warrior complete with shield and sword, also their own stats including speed and health. Grab a wizard's cap to gain a magic staff and robe, or snag a priest's ornament and start healing.

So how do these classes cooperate and what's so RTS-like about Fat Princess? Well as a worker, you collect resources such as trees and diamonds to construct castle doors, human catapults, ladders, bridges, and your base's hat machines, which when upgraded, give their respective class an alternate weapon or ability. Warriors get a spear, Priests can drain enemy's health, Mages gain ice abilities, etc. This is where teamwork becomes essential, if your team neglects resources for example, you won't have castle doors to keep the other team out of your base. Voice chat is also supported, which is a must to stay competitive.

Thankfully there is a lock-on system, and it's near perfect. Holding L1 aims your character towards the closet enemy which will also display the target's health. This can be problematic however if you are playing as a ranged character like an archer or priest, as you cannot heal or attack anyone without moving yourself near your target.

The graphics are cell-shaded and the characters all look like they would be fitting in an animal crossing title. Don't let that little detail fool you though, this game can get pretty gruesome. Bombs will go off leaving nothing left but a pool of blood and a few empty hats on the ground. It gives Fat Princess a certain charm, the game has quite the quirky sense of humor.

There is room for improvement here, but Fat Princess is well worth the $15 price tag. If you're an action fan who fancies some strategy, you'll feel right at home. Fat Princess's flaws are easy to look past and once you do that, you can enjoy a truly fresh take on video games.

Rating: 4/5

*End Notes*
PSP version announced.

Double-Take 09

Lets face it, games are expensive these days. Keeping up with new releases can cost a fortune. $60 for one game? That's just crazy, but fear not (cheap) comrades. For I have compiled a list of pushed aside titles that are ripe for the takin'.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Platform(s): PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3
*1-24 Players, WW2 First Person Shooter*

Unfortunately Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway was overlooked when it first came out, but with solid reviews and fast-paced strategic gameplay, BIA continues to improve upon it's original style that paved the way for a truly unique and yet familiar FPS experience. You control your squad via easy point and click commands, issuing orders like 'take cover' and 'suppress the enemy' take only seconds to learn. Yes it's another World War 2 game, but its great story and fresh take on the shooter genre make this ride well worth it. Unlike most FPS's or even action games in general, BIA's deep character building and phenomenal voice work make you actually care for the men under your command and their plight. There are no nameless soldiers that constantly plague the average war game. BIA is a lengthy experience and at only $20 it's well worth it.


Final Fantasy XII
Platform(s): Playstation 2
*1 Player, Japanese Role Playing*

This Final Fantasy is unlike others in the series in a good way, it was done by Yasumi Matsuno. The man responsible for the spectacular FF: Tactics and Vagrant Story. You play as Va'an, a street kid who dreams of becoming a sky pirate. You end up getting intermingled with some powerful people and off you go into another great FF storyline. What's different is there are no random encounters, you choose who you want to fight and when. If you want to level up your character, you can do that. If you want to get somewhere quickly, there are no annoying battles in your way anymore. This is a natural evolutionary step for role playing games and it's just in time. One of my biggest gripes with older FF titles was being forced to waste time, fighting laughably weak enemies I didn't want to fight in the first place. Not anymore though, oh no sir, this game addressed numerous problems that have kept past RPGs back, and at only $12, it's a must-have.


Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection
Platform(s): Playstation 2
*1 Player, Third Person Stealth Shooter*

Metal Gear and the Metal Gear Solid series has been going strong for over 20 years now, why not catch up with the best MGS collectors package to date? At only $30 for three of the biggest games of the PS2 era, this collection is a great deal.
One of the coolest features here, is the included Metal Gear Solid 2 which is actually the revamped MGS 2 substance, and Metal Gear 3 is the updated MGS 3 Subsistence. Sadly, MGS 3's multiplayer is not included and you must have an original PS1 memory card to save MGS 1, even though the disc is PS2 formatted. Which is just plain regrettable on Konami's part.


Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
Platform(s): Xbox 360, Playstation 3
*1-16 Players, Third Person Action Adventure*

One of the first, and best, Xbox 360 games is now only $10. Lost Planet is an amazingly cool single-player adventure with 16 player multiplayer to boot. I haven't seen snow so realistically rendered, whether you're trudging through it on foot or in one of the many battle mechs, its fluffiness will entice Floridian and Canadian gamers alike. Featuring 11 single player missions and countless online opponents to face, you'll rarely put Lost Planet back into it's case once you start playing.


Other Mentions with Listings...

$10-Far Cry
$10-Resident Evil 4
$10-Dragon Quest VIII
$15-Mass Effect
$15-Dark Cloud 2
$15-Blue Dragon
$15-Devil May Cry 4
$15-Kingdom Hearts 2
$18-Skate
$20-Chrono Trigger
$20-Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
$20-Army Of Two
$20-Assassin's Creed
$20-The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Game of the Year Edition)
$20-Ninja Gaiden 2
$20-Burnout: Paradise
$20-Battlefield: Bad Company

It's not a budget title, it's not even technically a game, but Valve's complete pack is a one time fee of $100 which gives you every game they've ever made. This includes an insane amount of titles like Half-Life 1, 2, all the expansion packs, Left for Dead, Day of Defeat, Day of Defeat Source, Counter Strike, Counter Strike Source, Portal, Team Fortress, Team Fortress 2, and more. If you're a PC gamer, there really is no excuse to pass this up.

$100-Valve Complete Pack

Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2's Arsenal

Below is a list of confirmed weapons that will be appearing in the upcoming Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2. It's safe to assume more weapons will be added as the November 10th release date approaches.

*Assault Rifles*

- FAMAS
- M16
- M4
- TAR-21
- AK-47
- Steyr AUG A2
- Imbel MD3
- FN SCAR
- FN 2000
- FN FAL
- Bushmaster ACR
- G36C
- G3

*Sub Machine Guns*

- MP5
- FN P90
- UMP .45
- TDI Kriss

*Sniper Rifles*

- Mk 14
- SVD Dragunov
- Walther WA2000

*Shotguns*

- W1200
- AA-12
- Franchi SPAS-12
- Remington 870MCS
- Winchester 1887
- Armsel Striker 12 Gauge

*Light/Heavy Machine Guns*

- RPD
- AUG HBAR-T
- MK46
- M240
- MG4

*Pistols*

- USP .45
- M1911 .45
- Glock
- Desert Eagle

*Gun Attachments*

- Red Dot Sight
- ACOG scope
- Silencer
- Thermal Scope
- Master Key Shotgun
- Heartbeat Sensor
- EOTech Holographic Weapons Sight

*Grenade Launchers*

- GP-25 Grenade Launcher
- M203 Grenade Launcher
- AT4 Rocket Launcher

*Explosives*

- C4
- Frag Grenade
- Smoke Grenade
- Stun Grenade
- Semtex plastic Explosive

*Melee*

- Combat Knife
- Ice Picks


Some of these will not be available in the multiplayer; but the riot shield has been confirmed to be. As you can see, a ton of guns found in Call Of Duty: 4 Modern Warfare (1) will be returning, as will some levels.
Unfortunately as you can also see, many things look like they will not be returning. Including the skorpion (anyone care?), MP44, Mini-Uzi, AK74u, M40A3, M21, R700, Barrett .50cal (noooo!), M1014, M9, and Flashbang.
Although their is no real news on new perks, a riot shield for multiplayer has been confirmed. Which is a big hit or miss, either people will use teamwork or it'll be worthless and never used, e.g. Metal Gear Online's Riot Shield.

No word yet if the RPG will return, or what weapons have been altered. Also, the M249 SAW will return but it'll be the variant MK46, as will the M14's variant the MK14. Lastly, silencers will not be available for any sniper rifles in multiplayer.

As for other new features, there will be new camos for some weapons and you can expect some new game modes, I'm betting it will have Capture the Flag and VIP.

So, I know I'll be whoring the FAMAS online but what are some of your favorites? What other equipment do you hope Infinity Ward will add?

Dead Space: Review (PS3)

Genre: Third-Person Action Thriller
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360. (Reviewed using PS3)
Players: 1
Rating: Mature
Developer: Visceral Games and EA
Publisher: Electronic Arts

EA has been helping developers get a ton of new IPs out recently. Mirror's Edge, Crysis, Boom Blox, Army Of Two, and now Dead Space. A survival horror set in the 26th century. You play the mute Isaac Clarke, an engineer sent to answer a distress call from the Ishimura, a giant mining vessel. The game opens with a message from Clarke's girlfriend Nicole, a medical specialist aboard the the Ishimura whom Clarke plans to reunite with aboard the ship.

As you and your small team prepare to dock, your transport malfunctions and must emergency land in the hanger bay. Leaving your badly damaged ship, you find out very quickly that not all is well, as there is no sign of life.
While searching for someone your team is attacked by grotesque monsters, leaving only you, Kendra a technologist, and Hammond a security officer, to fend for yourselves as you struggle to find answers.

The story stays strong throughout the game, and it's not too bad. It's your basic religious cult crazies are causing problems and its up to you to stop them, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The path through the game is linear and there are no side missions which really bogs down the experience. I would've loved to have met survivors along the way giving out mini-missions in exchange for rewards or credits (the game's currency).

Gameplay-wise, it's very similiar to resident evil 4 & 5. The camera is positioned behind the player's right shoulder and you use L1 to aim and R1 to fire. You can strafe fairly easily, allowing much more freedom of movement then RE5. It's just enough restriction to know you can't outrun every creature you come across, but it doesn't make you feel stiff. You spend the majority of your time running around the ship to either fetch hardware or pulling some kind of lever. the missions get old pretty fast.

The graphics and sound are definitely the best thing this game has to offer. The developers did an amazing job making the environments you traverse expressive and immersive. Lights flicker, barely lighting dreary corridors. The ship's instruments quietly hum as you pass by control panels and various status displays. I found myself stopping multiple times thinking I heard footsteps only to realize it was me making them. Sound is going to be your best defense here, letting you know when enemies are about to strike.

So what will you have at your disposal to defend yourself? Well to be frank, I haven't had this much fun with a game's weapon selection since Ratchet and Clank. There is the basic assault rifle and flamethrower, but the cooler ones include a force gun that throws foes on their backs, a blade saw which shoots razor sharp spinning discs allowing you to effortlessly dismember your foes. Cut their legs out from under them, take off their arms crippling their reach, etc. This adds a bit of strategy to your attacks. it's evident early on that this is game is gory and violent. Limbs spurt out blood, weapons neatly slice through tissue, and mucus sprays out of the dying monsters.

Enemies you encounter are intelligently designed clumps of mutated flesh with fierce bone blades and sharp hooks askew, giving you a real sense of danger, knowing full well they can and will tear you to pieces. Great artwork has never been so hideous.

There is no real HUD. Your life bar is displayed on your character's suit along with your special ability meters. Ammunition takes the form of a lit up ammo counter on all your weapons. Since there is no HUD, you won't miss any of the action by or die any cheap deaths via blind spots.

Quite a few things hold Dead Space back from being perfect. The save system is checkpoint-based like that of older PS2 titles. There are no multiplayer features, a game like this could've been a blast hacking through baddies with a friend. The upgrade system can be frustrating, you really have to play through multiple times to fully upgrade anything. While this adds great replay value for the hardcore gamer, casual ones may be put off.
Enemies mindlessly run at you, disregarding everything you throw at them until they die. It fits the story, but it's just not much of a challenge knowing they'll never take cover or attempt to dodge. Thankfully there's a decent amount of enemy types, some swipe at you with blades or blunt fists and others shoot organic material out of tentacles, some will just plainly rip your head off with those same tentacles.
If you're looking for a superb action thriller, look no further. While Dead Space isn't everything it could've been, it's still one of the more original and well executed games of the year.

Rating: 4/5

*End Notes*
EA announced sequel, live action movie planned.
Dead Space: Extraction, a prequel to DP exclusively for the wii, currently in the works.

PC System Requirements
Windows XP SP2 or Vista
Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or equivalent
1GB RAM for XP, 2GB for Vista
7GB hard drive space
256MB video card w/ SM 3.0 (nVidia GeForce 6800/ ATI Radeon X1600 Pro)
DirectX 9.0c sound card
Keyboard
Mouse

Music Review #1

Streetlight Manifesto's 'Keasby Nights'
Length: 46:57
Genre: Third-wave Ska

Keasby Nights is a re-made album from well-known New Jersey band Streetlight Manifesto, It was originally released way back in 98' by Catch 22 but that's a long (and interesting) story. Let me start off by saying that this album features 14 tracks of the best skank worthy songs you'll probably ever hear from a third-wave ska band. 'Keasby Nights' hits the ground running with fast paced up-tempo songs that rarely gives you time to rest. Almost every song on this album features a fitting intro then ends with a grand epic ending leaving you feel nothing short of complete. Between Thatcher's upbeat rapid drumming, Kalnoky's meaningful and deep vocals, and the entire brass sections complex but amazing sections, Streetlight prove they're just a pure orchestra of awesome.

There are a few songs that break up the action such as 'Kristina She Doesn't Know I exist' and 'As The Footsteps Die Out Forever'
but only because they're slower and a bit on the sad side. Still better than average songs in my opinion though. The album's lyrics primarily focus on emotional burdens such as death, inadequacy, and overall low self-esteem while promoting a positive and optimistic outlook. This album is uplifting while disusing depressing topics, something I don't see that often. Keasby Nights has been called a 'defining album' in the third-wave ska world and for good reason. I can't think of a better way to spend $13 bucks than to purchase a copy of this. If your a fan of newer ska, older ska, or even music in general, this album is a must try.

Key Tracks: 'Keasby Nights', 'On and On and On' Riding The Fourth Wave', '9mm And A Three Piece Suit'.

Rating: 5/5

'Keasby Nights'
2006 Full Length Album

1.Dear Sergio
2.Sick And Sad
3.Keasbey Nights
4.Day In, Day Out
5.Walking Away
6.Giving Up, Giving In
7.On & On & On
8.Riding The Fourth Wave
9.This One Goes Out To...
10.Supernothing
11.9mm And A Three Piece Suit
12.Kristina She Don't Know I Exist
13.As The Footsteps Die Out Forever
14.1234 1234

Music Review #2

The Jester's Dead's 'The Jesters Dead' (Self Titled)
Genre: Synth Pop-Punk
Length: 12 Minutes (approximate)

I got a email from this band asking if I could review their stuff. So although I've never heard of them before, they're not half bad. This is their first official release and they're giving it away completely free. Which definitely makes me feel better about it being on this blog. Anyway, let me just say that if you like pop-punk in general, I strongly suggest you try this EP. It has that nice pop influenced singing for sure. The guitar work is nice but nothing phenomenal or eye-(ear?)-catching. The bass is ok, it has it's moments (check out Cassette Hate). Drums feel lacking for the most part, they do their job and every now and then there's a nice fill. It just feels like everything on this album is only doing it's job. Nothing more and nothing less.

Chalk Avenue is a very synth ridden poppy intro for sure, I'm a fan.
The Humility Bullet feels bland and filling. It's overly safe, I admire songs that take chances and this, unfortunately, is not one of those.
Cassette Hate has a nice hardcore touch while very staying melodic.
144 is surprisingly rock and roll, while progressing into straight up punk.

I can't say this band changed my life, but they're a nice listen. I'm grateful for learning of them. they'll stay on my MP3 player for a couple months I suppose but nothing more. One sentence to describe this band? Not amazing but not terrible. This EP is free so I do recommend giving it a few minutes of your time.

Key Tracks: It's only four songs, just hear for yourself.

Rating: 3/5

'The Jester's Dead'
2009 EP Album

1.Chalk Avenue
2.The Humility Bullet
3.Cassette Hate
4.144

Music Review #3

No Service Project's 'Return To Paper'
Genre: Ska/Punk, with a dash of reggae
Length: 30 minutes (approximate)

If I had to describe this EP in three words, I would say "catchy", "relaxed", and "clever". I'm going to come right out and say that this is one of my favorite releases, so I'll try not to be biased.
Lets start on the good, the whole flow of this EP needs a mention.
It starts off fairly excitingly and does a great job of setting up the mood early.
'The Placebo Effect' is a five minute long intro which makes it sound repetitive, but the opening track is one of the best here. The EP starts off strong, climaxes at "Kick", then slowly mellows out, it's a perfect tone all the way through. "Ugly" is a bit weird and experimental though. Every instrument (including the singer's vocals) stands out.

The guitar is soft while staying edgy and many of the riffs are overlapped, making it sound more full and melodic. There's a lot of ska-ish upstrums too. The singer sounds...well I don't even know who to compare him to. Just listen for yourself. He's not amazing or anything, but hes not bad by any means. There is good backup vocals as well. The bassist is exactly what you'd expect from a band with some ska in them, spectacular. It's only a big focus on the later tracks though, which is a bit unfortunate.
The drums are a bit complex while still setting the beat. If I had to pick one instrument that compliments this album, I'd say guitar, but drums are a close second.

Lyrics here aren't amazing. While they're great at exploring the overall topic, the topic is what's bland. Songs about taking risks, loving life, good weather, and no regrets, while good, are nothing revolutionary. They're what keeps this album from being truly great.
The production is phenomenal, especially for a band no one's ever heard of. I implore you to take a chance, download this and listen with an open mind.

Key Tracks: "Kick", "Return To paper", "Not The Place".

4/5

'Return To Paper'
2009 EP Album

1.The Placebo Effect
2.Grind
3.Kick
4.Not the Place
5.Ugly
6.May
7.Return to Paper