2012 Gaming Sessions

So here we are! The 'end of the world' year! If that is the case, I guess it's time to take note on how cathartic this year is in regards to some aspects of my gaming time! Though suffice to say, because of certain events, I have not been TOO deep into gaming. In fact, there might be a new subject here if I have the 'NEED' to put in that section. Well, time will tell as I work on this blog.


FIGHTING GAMES: Year by year my 'love' for this genre has decreased because of a few certain issues; first and foremost, it's going to be the idea that they aren't as enamoring as they used to be because of their lifetime. Another issue that has become a bit more prominent that factors in to my 'love' for these kind of games is the act of treason of DLC's; and this is mostly on Capcom's doing. Anyways, I have only played two fighting games this year and to judge which one held my interest more is well....

Winner is: 

Dead or Alive. Why? Well, the story of this game isn't that enticing AT ALL. The gameplay is entertaining enough, but why? Well.... I have no real rhyme and reason. It held my interest far more than the other fighting game I did buy this year. Which of course would make the second game the 'runner up'.

(Past posts: Currently, Gaming for the next 2 months)


Runner up:

If I was to care about a fighting game's story aside from Street Fighter's, it would be Persona's. Even though this game has an otaku like sense behind it; deep, but still too Anime'ish for me to an extent. But the mechanics was smooth, the aesthetics are flashy, and the characters are mostly interesting. But again, it didn't capture my attention as much as DOA did.

(Past Posts: Yukiko Amagi)


Action/RPG(Sandbox): I have mentioned before that this genre can be a bit mixed in with another genre. It's few and far between as to how to really distinguish, again I have no real description as to why and how I pick it, I guess I use the 'RPG elements' that isn't completely on the RPG based world. To me, any sort of game that indulges in the notion of leveling up, equipment, character skill/s build up but isn't ENTIRELY leaning towards to the whole feel of RPG like some games like Final Fantasy, etc. is action RPG. It's obscure, and hard to put a grasp on it. But these are the two that stick out. Honestly, in this 'genre', I only have two that really concur in this category.


Winner: 

Dark Siders II Review

This game did a fine job picking up where the other one left off. I only had one play through, but I would say that it was something note worthy to mention as one of the games this year that kept me interested.

(Past Posts: Currently Playing, Currently Playing, Currently Playing: DarkSiders 2, On An Update)


Runner Up:

The Amazing Spider-Man Review

Movie games are hit and miss. Spidey's new game went back to the 'open world' roots, however, it still lacked the flavor that I would prefer. That and the graphics weren't that great and the whole movie tie in wasn't exactly enough to cajole me to think and feel it's Parker's best Video game appearance.

(Past Posts: The Amazing Spider-Man, Currently Playing)


Action/3rd person: This is the other genre that is far too similar with the previous category. Again, they might be one and the same but the fact that the whole 'open world' is taken out as a factor in some of the games, I considered this a completely and totally different game. I am obstinate at the notion that they are different even though the solidity of my argument may not be as tangible as I would like. But again, this is my blog, right?


Winner:

Lollipop Chainsaw Review

Sensual. Funny. Jovial. And not to mention that  there are elements of fan service that appeals to me. This game may not be receiving mainstream appraisal, to me however it is far too enjoyable to NOT claim it first in rank!

(Past Posts: Damsel of the Month, Lollipop Chainsaw MV, Why Lollipop Chainsaw?)


Runner Up:

Asura's Wrath Review

While this game wasn't entirely heavy on the aspect of gameplay, it did serve enough purpose on the story element and when it was indulging in gameplay, it was entertaining enough. QTE is the theme of this said game.

(Past Posts: Currently Playing, I am Enamored, Currently Playing)


BEST RPG: Eventually in the future I want to make it 'Western RPG and JRPG' into two separate category like I did for last year. That is if the case being that JRPGs can actually MAKE a good rpg in this day and age suitable for the need of a much more mature and extensive gamer like me. Truth to be told, what was the biggest JRPG that came out this year? Final Fantasy XIII-2? Suffice to say, while I did eliminate a category in my gaming likes, some games this year like the infamous FFXIII-2 DID help me make a new category in which we'll see later. But anyways, reverting the attention back to the this notion. Role Playing Game. Those three words. With that said, it would be plainly obvious as to why the choices are make are what they are.


Winner:

Mass Effect 3 Review

Why won't it be Mass Effect 3? Aside from PC games (in which I do not indulge) who else will stand in the way of Shepard and his endeavors? The most complaints I have ever received from this game are either Premature and the uneducated kinds, lousy and rather love lost JRPG'ers, non hardcore gamers, and then there are those supposedly fan of the series who allow the ending to completely annihilate the the past decade the game had offered. Sure, the ending is quite important, but Bioware rectified, didn't they? Unlike games like Final Fantasy where if you don't like the ending its your endeavor lost, Bioware made a effort, and although in the end it didn't please everyone, still! Suffice to say, no words I can say will TRULY be enough to capsulize as to why. Mass Effect is the RPG of the year.

(And there are too many posts relating to Mass Effet 3 that I'll leave this 'past posts' side out of the way for the given moment.)


Runner Up:

Mass Effect 2?! Really?! As much as that thought would be cool...

None. I only really finished a few Rpgs this year including Mass Effect 3 (and Mass Effect 2), however there isn't one that is noteworthy to put as runner up. None of them were memorable and the other one that DID stick out is Final Fantasy XIII-2 and that game is atrocious!


Best Humor: Laughter is universal but the quirk that makes one laugh isn't so much. So what I'm really trying to point out is what elicited a few chuckles and grins in the two games I'm going to lay out will probably not be the best games that will adhere to everyone's sense of humor. And if one must scrutinize the humor that concurs with the two games, it's not that hard to tell that I like the more sexual but over the top humor, with some good use of vulgar and articulate words behind it. So...

Winner:

Yes. Lollipop Chainsaw made me freakin laugh! The sexual themes, yes was a good perk, but the dialogue is where it's about as well as the overzealous parody in the whole 'zombie' apocalypse hype. There isn't really much to say aside from the fact that the hours I have put in this game was never short of a 'WTF' moments as well as some rather entertaining game time. Hearing Tara Strong say 'What The Dick' is rather erroneously hilarious.

Runner Up:

NONE as well. No other games had humor that stuck out to me like a sore thumb. So suffice to say we shall leave it as it is, just Lollipop Chainsaw getting the said award.

Best Dialogue: Now this is a new topic I started this year. This can be a tricky one as well, but I'll be eloquent about this, it's not so much as the way the voice actor conveys the dialogue, although that has a big facto to it, it's also in WHAT is being said. How words are articulated, what words are being used, and is it cliche and insipid phrases? Or does it have a very rich and thought provoking verbal usage behind it? So, with that said, here we are!

Winner:

This game is a testament on how gaming should be dictated for the next generation. The last real game to have gameplay, a plethora of good characters, an engaging story that spans through three games, and a real engaging character rapport within side characters and the protagonist regardless of the choices the player makes. A codex that is well written and a good ability to make players comprehend the lore behind it, and with voice acting able to bring forth the character and a well written dialogue that has articulation as well as quirks within each one; well, let's just say, This game is the pinnacle of RPG. 

Runner Up:

It's a pity it's one of those games that I didn't beat this Record of Agarest War II (who's to say I won't beat it sometime in 2013?) because of major flaws within the 'flow' of the game. While gameplay itself isn't entirely the most exhilarating, I have always found them engaging enough and there is still that side of me that loves the classic RPG feel despite it being a 'thing of the past' for me. Though the one thing I would say about Agarest War (all three) is that despite the sexual themes, the rather 'too anime'ish' ambiance, looking past all the rather repetitive character personalities, within the dialogue is a rich and very articulate usage of words. 

Believe it or not, articulation is present through wording as well as limb movements!

Though I wouldn't recommend the english VA, the dialogue when read is rather refreshing for me and something very rare in the gaming industry. If only Agarest would improve on its rather stale story and characters, the perhaps there is hope in JRPGs for me in the form of Record of Agarest War.

(Past Posts: Fan Service: Agarest War)

Worst of the Year: There are games that are just so damn bad that it helped me make a new category for my yearly gaming. I don't think I have to scrutinize the meaning of the topic since it is self explanatory! With that said, let's just list the games, shall we?

Final Fatnasy XIII-2

Ninja Gaiden 3

Resident Evil 6

All three of these franchises used to be enamoring! Now the only erroneous thing that reminds us of what they used to be are the title. The names are what carries them on but inside the package or what not are poorly polished games that shouldn't even BE called what they are called.

Missed Games: These are some of the games this year that came out that I didn't have the opportunity to try out. Eventually next year when they are in a bit more affordable price, I'll be trying them out I hope, but regardless...

Assassin's Creed III

Hitman

Tranformers 2

Prototype 2

Street Fighter VS Tekken

Game of the Year: It's hardly a contest for me this year because of a myriad of factors: lack of games to my liking, lack of sufficient funds for all the games that I would want to play, lack of motivation to finishing a lot of my games, and the fact that Mass Effect 3 kicked some serious ass! So suffice to say...

Winner:

Nuff said.

(Okay, past posts: Extended Cut, Leviathan, Omega, Mass Effect Trilogy, ME3 Memories, ME3 Stills, Mass Effect 3)

The Unfinished: For a number of factors, there are games in my shelves that have yet to see the light at the end. Some are just not enamoring enough to get me going, while others just got pushed away for reasons I have forgotten or know not. The reason why I still claim them as part of the section is because in some aspect, I still enjoyed them, however I just didn't have that much incentive to beat them. Maybe in a dry season of gaming I'll have my chance. But alas, here they are.

Hyperdimension Neptunia MK II

Reckoning: Kingdom of Amalur

Record of Agarest War 2

2013 Prospects: There are a few in the crosshair that caught my attention that might make 2013's gaming session either as fun, or mediocre in contrast to 2012. Mass Effect made my gaming year, so to me, there's a lot to go against; regardless, there are some good prospects. Here are four of them that are in my definitive sights!

Tomb Raider Reboot

Deadpool the Game

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Devil May Cry Reboot

Afterword: Though I must admit that my gaming endeavors had decreased this year since I have started to delve into a hobby that I haven't been as constant and adamant about in the past and that is just this: Writing. So needless to say, the nights when I would come home from work and focus my time on Gaming became more for writing and such. So I'll have to admit that my days this year hasn't exactly been abundant when talking about Gaming; so my choices are sparse this year so maybe things are a bit more biased and lacking a real source of options. However with that being said, I still believe that the ones I have been exposed of this year had given me enough point of views. There was a couple of games I had been waiting for, a few games that came into the radar that proved its worth, but of course there are some disappointment and perhaps a scar in some genres that would perpetuate for years and years. So 2012 has ended and these are the results for me. I can only fathom what would 2013 would give me...

My Words On:

Story/Plot: The game takes place at the same time the first Darksiders was happening. So while War strived to clear his name on Earth, Death was off to another realm trying to undo the extinction of man. On this same note, the player is given a bit of light (and I mean a bit!) to the Horsemen's past and a bit on how they came to be. The most powerful horsemen himself, Death, had plenty of spotlight to share in their archaic past. His means of slaying comrades in arms for the sake of the Councils' orders becomes a burden that he carries throughout the whole game and many entities, Angels and Demons alike admonished or praised him for the many that had been slain in his scythes. Of course throughout the whole time, Death is often reminded of his mission to clear his brother's name and he seems to have very little, to no qualms in keeping that goal in mind.

Demon...

...Or Angel, many knows the name of Death.

While the game itself has a pretty interesting concept that could delve into many aspects of myths and theology, it is still hardly executed in a way that a player can really feel Death in his endeavors.. Death on his own is the harvester of souls so one can fathom that emotions are absent in his being, but the game decides to give him a bit more personality and sometimes the nature of his namesake and his task and the inner struggle the story decides to paint on him becomes an oxymoron; one that doesn't even bode well to mix when trying to convey a story with 'inner demons' and the need for redemption.

Now while in the grand scheme of things the game doesn't exactly have a terrible story. In fact as a person who had always been enamored with the Angels and Demons' means of constantly waging war with each other and somewhere along the lines the humans get the strife of their swords crossing, I do want to say that there is some bias adhering to this. The 'chapter' summary or even the story telling somewhere in between is in fact more than interesting and adds flare however, to me Darksiders I had more ring to it since I did like War better. That and I felt his emotion truly fit him and his persona was indeed more than adequate. There were more than enough times I found myself less caring for the story and wanted to get on with some fighting because of how bland or how inept Death's persona can be. So with that, I present my judgement on this said game.

It was an interesting story; glad they continued it with homage!

7/10

Gameplay: I will always have a place in my gaming heart when it comes to 'hack and slash' type games. They are simple at most times and they offer a plethora of rewards for cutting down the masses that frivolously attack with no sense of real good plan. So I might be just sprouting up my experience from a certain game/s that fit that genre (may I say the Koei brand and their MANY manifestations of Dynasty Warriors?) since Darksiders II does offer something like  that; but it is pretty clear that it has more to the core that simple and mindless button mashing, and no, I'm not just simply saying that because it has the other elements of an RPG, not at all. On the simple statement, even in essence of the fighting, Darksiders can get deep.

Melee with his scythes.

Long range with the gun.

Deep in terms that there is a seamless transitions between using all of Death's capability. Truth to be told from the way I remember the first game with War, his brother Death has the same 'set of moves'. The traditional, strong but swift main weapon (War being his sword, Death being the scythes), and the strong button that is more giving in terms of customization. Then in terms of long range, Death is also given a gun like War and all at the same time the possibility of 'magic' and special abilities are also within the player's whim as long as one has the mp for it.So for the most part, Death is covered in the wide arrays of weaponry. And if that isn't enough, Death's ultimate 'Grim Reaper' form (one that he uses so exuberantly in cut scenes) also adds to the arsenal; of course such a strong and potent move requires building up.

Evasion tactics are also at play as well as abilities that help boost defense or offensive status. So in the avenue of combat, the player has plenty of choices on how s/he wants to use the Pale Rider. One can even choose how Death can be in the abilities' department for it's customizable how one chooses to built up his skill. One can pretty much be a potent 'magic/necromancer' or be more of a melee, up close 'warrior/harbringer' kind. The skill tree is on the player's choice as well which means fighting in Darksiders II can be all about the player's style.

Climbing, an inextricable part of every world.

Now in the first Darksiders, part of what 'brought the game down' for some is the fact that there is myriad of puzzles left and right to be solved. One moment it's all about hacking and slashing, a boss fight or what not, the next would be a puzzle to be solved that can take double the time of the battle. Now for the most part, Darksiders paid homage on that side as well, but just less tedious; in my opinion, less demanding. I won't admonish the game for trying to add another element aside from combat, however if that is the more prominent part, which is what War's game felt like, then I can't really give it my full 'love'. But there is one thing in Death's game that seemed to be everywhere... climbing. Now I know War had to do that here and there but I don't' recall it being as often as Death. Truthfully, it was fun at times, other, I just felt like moving on. Nonetheless, it wasn't too intricate that it hindered process in the game.

So gameplay, Darksiders II doesn't fall short to my expectation. It could have felt a bit more distinguishable than the first, but hey, it didn't die out in entertainment as the protagonist's namesake.

9/10

Graphics: There is something to say about a game that makes no effort to add the gore that a genre and a mood like this MIGHT require but still succeeds in pleasing the visage in its own way. Darksiders 2, much like its predecessor kept the vibe of this comic and medieval aesthetics along with the theological mood all around it.  As I dig into the characters that are lively and filled with exuberance from their own respected myth, one can discern that these are not your saintly Angels and Demons.

The creativity of this certain Angel and the whole aura within his realm...

While the Angels hold to some of their Angelic and rather Holy aesthetics, they are still well depicted as being warriors on their own right; each of their magnificence is thought out to fit the ever so devious world. The demons held true to their more aggressive and sinful nature and can even live up to the stereo type with horns and such, but they themselves are given more of an aggressive tone. And these are just two examples of the breeds that do exists in the game, the others hold the same art that holds deep in respect in regards to their race. There isn't too many of them however what they do have brings forth good nature and very good impression.

From hell....

...To Greenery.

Now the environment and the various change in the visuals all around does elicit a very good impression as well for the drastic changes and the details that goes with them adds the feel of the intended world. Deaths' journey takes him in various corners of the fantasy world and one can only indulge the dynamic difference every time an introduction of a world is given. Again there aren't TOO many, but there is enough to gawk at. The ones that really remains prominent in regards to contrast and elegant (on their own right) details are the Forge Lands and the Shadow Realm. Both really enamoring whether trying to convey the greenery and the colossal stone creatures, or perhaps just trying to bring light into the more vehement scorching planes when roaming about where the demons supposedly lurk. I just think there was plenty of thought put into it and the art conveyed through all of Death's endeavor.

The chapter summaries and the 'cut scenes' may not be the most intricate form there is, but it does serve a purpose to further elaborate on the theme of this game. There is a dark and brooding nature to the way it is told through the narrator and the art behind the voice more than adequately captivates the way it is being told. Again the art isn't the most elaborate in detail, but I think it's trying to capture a different sort of detail; the contrast of light and shadow is for sure the aim of every 'Cut scene' and to me it does a fantastic job to tie in with the rest of the game and its nature to be gloom and morbid one moment to vibrant and 'holy' the next.

In essence everything about Darksiders II is beautifully correct. Like I had mentioned, it wasn't trying too hard to be extremely dark, but at the same time it wasn't exactly your next Kingdom Hearts. It held true to the art of what made Darksiders be a stand alone game. In fact if my memory serves me right it didn't jump TOO high from graphics, which again is no qualms to me. The game served a purpose visually, there weren't enough glitch to notice, the worlds I entered are convincing, and to top it off, the images on cut scenes are inspiring on its own way. So scoring it the way I do fits for me.

9/10

Difficulty: The game itself can be relentless I'll open the statement with that. Now I'm not going to be the one to admonish this game and subtract points from it because of the challenge. My opinion on gaming these days is that it needs more challenge. Now it can't be Demons' Souls caliber all the time, but a bit more of a work and the need to actually practice certain methods of the gameplay to help it be an actual game could suffice. And I can fathom that if I continued to play the game on the difficulty of 'hard', I probably would not have been done with it right now. 

The first major boss, the gargantuan Corrupt Guardian in which really involved Death's Horse, Despair, offered not SO much of an intricate boss battle, but the fact that the damage it dished it far exceeded my patience at the given time. Suffice to say I didn't want to really accumulate efforts and time for too long on the first major boss; that and I was just getting the full feel of the game so I had to step down to normal.

Going through the rest of the game even in normal still offered some challenges; not excruciating mind you, but enough to make it not so much of a hack and slash. And while some levels even in normal are relentless, the amount of weapons that helps Death's offensive stats increase, the ability to upgrade Death's skills, and the armor choices giving Death more defense, the chances for survival are a bit more even. Of course gaining the repetition and the proper knowledge on how to use Death, one can make this game challenging and entertaining.

Puzzles didn't hold the same exuberance as it did in the first Darksiders so going through it may still have some thinking and analyzing required, but in my experience in this game, give it a rest and come back to it after a few hours or a full night's rest and one can weave through the enigma with more vigor. So needless to say, this game isn't a pushover, and it is exactly what the gamer wants it to be. Again, no Demons' Souls, but not exactly something we can adhere with some games out there that are too much on the 'gamer friendly' side.

9/10

Voice Acting/ Audio:  Digging into Darksiders' VA doesn't necessarily uplift the game but it doesn't do it ill either. In fact, just like the first game, it actually works quite well. While it lacks a real outstanding voice, one can only chuckle at Death's more than lively persona and his voice actually fits his more often than not condescending attitude. Voices of other characters also found themselves a fitting tone; beings that would seem to have a deep voice have them, while sentient creatures that would seemingly own a coarse and non human tone also seem to get their justice. To put it simply, the voice concurs with the visage of the game. Nothing in the area of voice acting really puts a damper in my point of view. 

Death and Humor? The voice plays that oxymoron quite well.

As for the audible affects as well as the background music, the game doesn't fall short. The noises creature makes does a fine job to really convey an out of this world beast. Their bellows, grunts, and even 'voices' does wonders with them. The special effects and the sound that derives from them makes a good final product so in that area, there is no complaint. The one thing I would like to point out is that Darksiders II does magic once again with fitting the BGM with the art of the game. Worlds that would seem to have that very majestic but serene music does, areas that are desolate and bleak would have that somber and very vile music playing, while boss battles does are given that epic feel that further enhances the need to really get into the fighting mood.

Voices held their own, background music had a very concurring mood, sound effects added to the flare of gameplay, I'd say this was a good area of the game. However there isn't much to say in regards to something within the sound that elicits a major aura of praise, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm not going to complain about it. Not the trophy giving part, but for sure it won't be the one to bring this game down!

9/10

Overall: I enjoyed the game for the most part. One things I abhorred about the first are for the most part reduced (the puzzles pretty much) while the elements that made War's story and endeavors interesting are kept in. One thing I would say is that the story is still one of those mediocre at best but possibly leading up to something critical. As to what critical that could be, one can only fathom. There are two Horsemen left that are barely scathed in the story, so will there be a 3rd and 4th installation? Will the next two live up to it? One thing for certain, while I give this game a generous and rightful score (in my opinion), if the next game/s doesn't offer a much more distinguishable difference, then my score on that said game may not be like this. But who knows? I might enjoy it just the same.

8.5/10

Who is next on the spotlight? The girl maybe?