Modern Warfare 2 - It's another classic!

It's been a month since the release of this long awaited sequel and it delivered that pack of punches after it arrived at retail stores. No matter if you're among the queues at launch release or desperate to pick up that Prestige Edition, you could always be the first to play it. Also what impact it had made after that two year gap as it sold 4.7 million copies on the first day in the States and UK alone (see this link). Just exactly what COD4 done back in 2007, it's just as good as its predecessor as I decided to explore the in-depth of this newly massive game.

First up is my impression. Again it stuck to its continuity within the concept in which the modern era remain unchanged. Plus defining it couldn't get any better as you're likely to experience that open approach within that awareness as you're going to witness (in you first-person perspective) what reality is all about. And speaking of reality, how many body counts are we going to get? Or how many vehicles will be destroyed? It's the matter of feeling that realism yourself as you get onto the battlefields and show that you have the determination to fight back against the opposition.

You'll see Soap MacTavish return in this new installment as he's been promoted as Captain of Task Force 141. He recruited Gary 'Roach' Sanderson, who you take control of throughout the campaign as you undergo several major assignment to prevent national terrorist attack from happening. Led by new Ultranationalist leader Vladimir Makarov, it builds up the plot where it starts to open up the unexpected consequences. Plus there's a character who's also been involve in some conspiracy, which makes the storyline even more interesting. You'll find out when you play it.

As for the graphics, what can I say? The crispiness remained very consistent and it built that distinctiveness like ever than before. It's so clear that the reworks of the the lighting effects and colour palettes found in open environments (such as concrete blocs, grass and even desert) looked incredibly polished and the smoothness of those surfaces cannot be replace. And yep it held on to that sheer speed of the framerate (which ran at 60fps) and would be considered as the technical trademark that originated from the previous COD series (with the exception of COD3). Supported by the instrumental scores of Hans Zimmer, it demonstrates that connection within the concept and can bring that emotive value to it. Some spectacular set-pieces include surviving the battle on the plane graveyard; the invasion of The White House; and breaking into the Russian prison as you have to rescue a prisoner (who appears familiar) and make the great escape at the end.

What promised to be interesting is the gameplay, which went through mass improvement. Apart from been given wide range of weapons to choose from, the inclusion of vehicles become valid as you can drive the snowmobile found near the end of the 'Cliffhanger' mission and what a ride it was after passed these obstacles and going down that hill for a big leap! Also co-operating with AI had grew recently as you can send in the predator missiles and Stryker to wipe out those enemies. Plus there's the moment where you use stealth via SCUBA diving, which was followed by the slow-motion feature after you breached the room or wall, giving you the opportunity to take out the enemies one-by-one.

Into the online multiplayer, it cannot get any better! Equipped with the usual weapons such as M4A1, pistol and frag grenade, enhancement had reach the point as you been given various attachments from holographic sight to heartbeat sensor and the additional shotgun built to the assault rifles once unlocked during this mode. And speaking of assault rifles, new weapons had been introduced as you're loaded with SCAR-H, MP5K and AUG HBAR. Plus the machine pistols are also available to use as the weaponry becomes more open and wide in range. Also look out for the akimbo kit, which allows you to carry two weapons (or pistols) at once unless you're attempting to pull off some John Woo action-style sequence!

The multiplayer maps had become more variant and like in COD4, the alteration of the environments is more open as you explore the desert mountains and caves in Afghan, the coldness of Derail and the public places found in Highrise and Terminal. Plus these crashed planes also return as the props as it could be use as an ideal hiding place, especially if you consider to plan out the strategy. As the XPs advanced heavily, the addition of the titles and emblems enable you to represent your gaming identity once coming face-to-face with millions who're playing online. Even better is that you can customise your killstreaks by including care package, which gives you random items; the counter UAV to sabotage your opponents' radar; and become the chopper gunner for the first time that allows you to shoot down your targets from above. Also the AC130 ship makes it to the list as it can create that immense impact after dropping those bombs on the map. Almost forgot, the tactical nuke is there too and can be unforgiving! Those who yet haven't witness it, here it is:



Once again it achieved that epic status as it becoming more adventurous in terms of climax and intensity. It adds that dimension on how everybody should experience the game. Hollywood-style action? Fluid movements? Advanced gameplay? You name it all. Despite the availability of other first-person shooters e.g. Halo 3: ODST, I assume the terms of popularity could be the reason behind the success of the COD series. Yet all that ingredients are still there which makes it as solid than ever and no matter how far you go with the online multiplayer (especially with the Prestige Mode), it's going to be everybody's first choice. Plus what can we expect from the conclusion within the storyline? We'll have to wait another two years to find out.

Where have all the retro stuff gone?

Over the past few years there's been several video game stores that are used to specialising with retro consoles and games. However, the expectation doesn't seem to last long as it was on the verge of being neglected or possibly left on the shelves and cabinets covered in dust. What could the reason be for it? Items are ridiculously overpriced? People never own or see those machines before? Or is it the arrival of current-gens that became the main attraction in retail stores of the present days.

Starting with CEX (shorten for Computer Exchange). The last time I went in there, most of the retro stuff had been removed in favour of new gadgets such as iPods, mobile phones and computer accessories. I don't see the point of it as it have very little to do with gaming. Even more recently, the cease of PS1 stocks had already been confirmed as it experienced neglected order from the shelves. It's either that or there are too many doubles full of EA Sports games that nobody play anymore. Otherwise I can't be bothered with it!

Also with Gamestation, there were some coincedence within the store. About five years ago, I came across a sealed Mega Drive (original model) with SMS Power Base Converter, two control pads and any game for £27.99. Don't know if I would intend to spend that much on it though as it's an opportunity for those who're eager to relight those early memories of the 16-bit era. Luck seems to happened again as I spotted several loose NES carts and boxed Mega Drive games and it did offered that curiosity in terms of revival and nostalgic value. However, after I went back there, it was starting to decline as it was only left with original GB carts displayed on the cabinet. It doesn't help as it been overshadowed by hi-tech mobile phones and iPods. Ever since it was bought by GAME, it's a pity that most of those retro items have already disappeared. :(

Time for some positive and moving on to Game Focus, it's another indie game shop that offers great range of titles (which also include imports) for PS1, PS2, Gamecube, Saturn, Dreamcast and current-gens. Plus peripherals (e.g. controllers, memory cards, etc.) for both old and new consoles are also available if you're searching for those missing pieces of the gaming set. See this link for more information. Although the items seem to be way too overprice nowadays, you never know if it's going to lower down or get any special offers. Last time I went in there, few Game Gear carts were available on the cabinet and it was later supported by boxed MD games such as Speedball II, Turbo Out Run, Cool Spot and few others. Don't know if it's still there to be honest and it does offer that chance if you're going to rebuild your gaming collection of the yesteryears.

Modern Warfare 2 - Time to make way!

As there're so many new titles coming out in autumn, what would be on everybody's wanted list? Or I could say what would you like for Xmas? After the success of COD4, it's going to be very interesting to see how the sequel follow up to its predecessor as the series had already grew even stronger. Yet there're still talks of it being the most highly-awaited game for this year and we might see the likes of Assassin's Creed 2 and Splinter Cell: Conviction fallen behind. It also attracted huge attention (including hardcore gamers) as they're willing to get hold of a copy, no matter if it's on the XBox360, PS3 or the PC. Or if they're lucky, the Prestige Edition (or Veteran Editon as it known as in the UK) could be up for grabs too!

Already revealed at the E3 Show last summer was the gameplay demo, where we saw the return of Soap MacTavish (the protagonist you controlled in COD4) who been promoted as the captain and this time you take control of Gary 'Roach' Sanderson, the newly recruit member and also the leading protagonist of the campaign. Here's the footage of the 'Cliffhanger' campaign which looks very promising and does reminded me of a James Bond film:



The storyline is concluded from where it last left off and we have a new villain by the name of Vladimir Makarov, a new leader of the resurging Ultranationalist (and once a right-hand man for Imran Zakhev) who has his own ambition by constructuring a very powerful base that allows him to regain his dominants in Russia. His voice can be heard as these trailers are available to watch:





The most interesting part is the online multiplayer and it's confirmed that the introduction of the AC-130 can be operated once you get 11 kills in a row. The weapons went through a lot of updates as we get new assault rifles such as M4A1, FAMAS and SCAR-H, as well the machine pistols that comes in useful especially if you're going to demonstrate that close-quarter battle against opponents. Also the rocket launchers is definitely a must-have if you're take out the helicopter and AC-130 that comes by! New perks had been confirmed as we get the likes of Copycat, Painkiller and Commando once it's unlocked after levelling up. Oh and the return of the Prestige Mode is likely to improve the gameplay and lifespan too. Here's the footages which comes in useful:







Can't believed the excitements had grew over the past few months. I hoping this one to be as successful as COD4, as long it follows the similar trend of its predecessor.

Call of Duty 4 - Why is it a classic?

I can't believe it's been two years since the release of this highly anticipated game by the award-winning development team known as Infinity Ward. After the success of previous games (don't know if COD3 gets a mention due to its flawed outcome), it cannot get any better as I decided to recapped this game as it was filled with unique quality.

So where do I start? My first impression was the decision of moving away from the Second World War setting and into the modern era. It made a big difference that defined the concept within the timeline and in terms of realism. Just like in COD2, it kept to its usual structure from the first-person perspective as you explore the world overshadowed by destruction and rebellious conflict between the opposing parties.

Into the graphic, I was blown away by the polish crispness of the characters, environments and locations. Say for example the lighting effects that appears on the surface of the sea, buildings and the pitch dark rooms. It demonstrates the sense of clarification within the development to show that the technical progression had evolved. Ran at an incredible 60fps, it creates that sheer speed that remain consistent especially when you create series of action from sprinting, crawling and firing weapons (although there's some slight slowdowns in the PS3 version, but I can live with it).

The climax of the storyline proved not only we have to examine those wonderful cinematic sequences, but to experience the intensity throughout the hard-hitting campaign. It was also supported by the dynamic scores (arranged by British composer Stephen Barton) to create that suspense atmosphere whenever you enter the scenes filled with unknown consequences. Would like to point out those spectacular set pieces as we had the escape from the sunken ship, the arrival of US Marines helicopters and the massive explosion that hit the Arab border which was turned into a nuclear holocaust. Probably the most memorable moment was the 'All Ghillied Up' campaign, where you make your way to Chernobyl and underwent the assassination attempt before making the great escape from the Ultranationlist:







Moving to the gameplay, mass improvement was made and just like its predecessor, it was put into a much advance route than before. You're equipped with highly upgraded weapons such as the M4A1 or MP5 along with several gadgets from UAV, claymore and flashbangs and co-operating support helicopter to wipe out those targets during the campaign too. Also firing the grenade launcher from the Blackhawk and dropping bombs during the AC-130 ship mission cannot get any fun as it gives you the chance to deliver some devastating blows against the enemies.

In what would be regarded as one of the most popular feature ever made for this game, the online multiplayer gets the mention. It's so incredibly addicting that you become very immersed by the coherency and after hours of playing, you're likely to come back for more. From Team Deathmatch to Domination, the choices is yours as there's so much to offer and it gave everybody the opportunity to show what they're worth, especially if you're searching for some success.

The maps offer that constant scale that allows you to adapt to the open space and it takes time to know the awareness of your opponents' location. It's like going from place-to-place where you explore the greenery in Overgrown, the abandon apartments of Bloc and the grimness setting found in Bog, Backlot and Crash (oh and that crashed helicopter does make a great prop for that stage too). Choosing from modern primary weapons such as assault rifles, sub-machine guns and sniper rifles, it provided that purpose where current gamers are able to organise their weaponry system once levelling up. And speaking of levelling up, it used that role-playing-game elements where you earn points for shooting down your opponents, completing challenges and winning matches. Plus it increase your promotion rank in which you also unlock weapons and add-ons to the perks during online. Also I thought the PC version gets the accolade for allowing around 50 players to kick each others' butt on the Shipment map, which was turned into the martyrdom zone! I can't believe how packed it was that it reminded me of the exact carnage that I experienced on the console version! Here it is:



It really took it to the new height in terms of achieving that perfection during development and to do this, you need that bit of luck to find it. With the change of technology being evolve since the arrival of next-gen gaming, the option of moving forwards really matters. Look back on how Doom earned that critical acclaim after its release in the 90s? It's now looks very dated in terms of graphics and simplistic sound. Plus I can't wait until Modern Warfare 2 burst onto the scene!

Super Street Fighter IV - It's true!

It's been nearly 8 months since the return of this long awaited sequel and what a return it was! First played it on the arcade cabinet at HMV, it still offers that coherence in terms of gameplay and lifespan. Moving on to the console version, the coherence still carries on as it reminded me of the early SFII games that I played on the SNES. Now what we going to have is some very interesting news.

According to Famitsu magazine, it's been confirmed that T.Hawk and Dee Jay are back in this new update as selectable characters. Another new character name Juri made its debut in this new version too and rumours regarding characters from Street Fighter III and Street Fighter Alpha series could make their return. Who are we going to get? Guy and Cody (who made their name in Final Fight)? Or the likes of Dudley and Ibuki? We'll find out on this one.

There's also talks of whether it should be a downloadable content as several people had already owned the original game. Yoshinori Ono, the producer, indicated that it'll be a disc release and "won't be sold at full price". He also mentioned that "every character has been changed slightly based on comments from both players and the dev team, while an improved online experience is also promised". See this link .

Plus the trailer was revealed as these characters made their comeback and debut:



We have an exclusive interview with Yoshinori Ono as he talks about the new update, which is due for release in spring 2010:



There's also a game testing where we see T. Hawk and Juri in action as those who volunteered get to control them for the first time:

Tokyo Game Show '09

Exhibitions does offer that excitement when it comes to the public. Just like those art galleries, museums and concerts, it's the matter of being familiar with your own interest. No matter if it's painting, performances or installations, it gives you the opportunity to be open with some particular area and in terms of technology, we turn our attention to video gaming.

Last weekend the Xbox360 Team headed to Japan to attend the Tokyo Game Show. Basically they came to see what's happening within the next-gen gaming and believe it or not, we going to get tons of new releases next year.

Starting with the arrival of Project Natal, it was clear that companies such as Sega, Konami and Ubisoft all wanted to do new projects and according to Creative Director Kudo Tsunoda, he stated that the 'the potential of new technology could bring new customers to Xbox360 and building exciting things for core gamers'. Here's the clip:



Next we have some more exclusive games that's coming to the Xbox360. Take a look at Lost Planet 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Bayoneta. Plus it also include the editors taking part in the Tekken 6 tournament:



Finally we have the cosplay, where people came to dressed as their favourite game character. Look out for Dante (Devil May Cry), Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid) and of course Ryu (Street Fighter)!



Looks like the excitement has starting to grow ever since it was announced and I can't believe it's been confirmed already! I leave you with this showcase trailer so that we can understand what's coming to the home console:

It's coming to PSN!

Whether it's Xbox Live Arcade or Playstation Network, there's been millions of classic video games that are available to download. Original or remake, the appeal may likely to be decisive and allows you to re-live those nostalgic value.

After weeks of speculation, it's been confirmed that Sony had been in talks with Sega about bringing some of our favourite Dreamcast games to PSN. It yet hasn't been confirmed what titles we're going to see. Maybe Shenmue, Crazy Taxi or Chu Chu Rocket. According to Edge Online, it led to strong interest by Sony and regarding the plan to bring these games:

“If we provide a list of DC titles, SCEA will let us know which ones they’re interested in having exclusively. If we give them a long period of exclusivity they’ll give us more marketing support.”

Also the talks of bringing PS2 emulation could be the possibility as Sony aim to improve the game library. However, it was stated that it could sell “all PS2 titles on PSN”, and that it “could put Japanese games directly on the PlayStation Network for download in a special Japanese Import section". The report can be found here.

It seems like a boost for the game community as we're hungry for some more vintage gaming. Apparently we already have the original console to play on as it's likely to be cheaper than digital download. Also what would be on everybody's wanted list? Back to back vertical shooters like Mars Matrix or Gigawing? We'll find out next year hopefully.

When the 'Yellow Light of Death' strikes

Since the Xbox360 made headlines thanks to the infamous 'Red Ring of Death', it left Microsoft staffs scratching their heads and wondered what went wrong with this current-gen console. Already witnessed this faulty experience, I assumed reliability issues is likely to be the main concern especially how the product was manufactured. Over to Sony, a new case had been confirmed that the original PS3 (60GB or later model) had went into similar circumstances just like the Xbox360. What could it be this time?

It was discovered that the technical problem known as the 'Yellow Light of Death', had occured over the past few months (or maybe a year ago). As it was mentioned on 'Watchdog' last Thursday, the team investigated to see what's the cause behind the breakdown of this brand spanking console.

During the show, one guy experienced that 'you turn it on and it don't work. There's a blue light, and a yellow light and then a red light', which indicated the symptom of the technical fault after hitting the power switch. It could be suggested that the 'yellow light of death' could be for any reason - in which Sony say they can't tell what is wrong with the machine until they actually see it'. Also it could cost around £128 to fix your beloved console, which is a lot of money! Here it is:



It's very hard to say whether machines like those PS3s can be easily repaired. For instant, we get a lot of people go in and out with the Xbox360s and yet haven't been convinced by the problem solving. It's the matter how the company deals with this oncoming issues and it's entirely up to them to decide where they go next. Finger cross everybody, you never know what to expect from Sony or Microsoft.

Back to 2D for Sonic

After an abysmal display of the previous Sonic titles for the current gen, where does Sega go from there? Ever since it went into the 3D world, it didn't quite get to grip with its originality. As it resulted in several techinical faults, some believed that it'll never match the success it had in the 90s.

It's been confirmed that Project Needlemouse is in development at the moment, which sees our favourite spikey blue hedgehog switching back to its original form. Rumours had spreaded that the forthcoming game might borrowed some elements from Sonic Rush (DS) to capture the reminiscent of the classic game. Here's the teaser trailer for it:



It's the matter of getting back on track for this iconic Sega character. We already had Mega Man 9 going back to the old NES pixelated graphic and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix presented in high definition for the first time on XBLA and PSN. The search for success is needed to make Sonic who he was since the 16-bit era.

London Games Festival '09

After its debut in 2006, the London Games Festival will continue to get better as it makes it return in October. As it became the equivalent to the E3 Show, what can we expect from this event?

Starting with the EUROGAMER EXPO (Oct 30th-31st), it was announced that most familiar game publishers such as Capcom, Namco/Bandai, Konami and Sega will be present at the event. UbiSoft and Eidos also made it to the list with other companies to complete the line-up. This is where you get the chance to play the latest titles on multi-formats, which are ready for release around November/December. Also the photos and video clip from last year can be found here.



Other events available are London MCM Expo (24th-25th Oct), a consumer base show that covers area of interests through entertainment such as video games, films, mangas and animes. Last year we had dozen of people dressed as their favourite games character as they aim to make history by breaking into the Guiness World Records.



Playful (30th Oct), a one day event which looks at how the gaming scene have an effect on everybody's life through creative and cultural dimensions. It also concentrates on the lively debate on the nature of play and games: what they mean to different people – both inside and outside the industry. Finally we have The Golden Joystick Awards, a gaming ceremony which gets voted by you (and I mean us gamers) to decide which game deserve to picked up this prestigous award.

At the moment, I'm still wondering if Modern Warfare 2 is going to be available at the EUROGAMER EXPO. As I browsed the list, I'm looking forward to the likes of Tekken 6, Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Ultimate All Stars and Lost Planet 2. Plus the Street Fighter IV arcade cabinet is back too as it's been a while since I played it at HMV.

My first ever console...

The 80s would appear as a significant period of the 20th century. Having to came across the likes of Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong, arcade gaming grew rapidly ever since Pong was made. When it comes to porting into various conversions, the decision of including those great titles had finally made its way to the home console, especially on the 8-bit format.

It wasn't until Xmas 1987 when I was given an Atari 2600 (Jr. version) from one of my relatives. Didn't know what it was until it was plugged into my old Ferguson TX TV. Getting to hold that joystick (which is already an iconic peripheral) was something special and whatever game was inserted indicates that my gaming journey had began.

Booted up Asteroids for the first time, it took a while to get to grip with the controls as I'm usually spinning around and had the habit of crashing so often! Anyway the task of the game is to shoot all the big chunk of asteroids that move around to clear the stage and it goes on for long period of time.


Next it was Dodge 'Em, an overview driving game that allows you to follow the dotted lines on the track without crashing into your opponent. Otherwise you're playing the car version of Pac-Man.


Moving on to Adventure, another early RPG title that allows you to explore the castle, get lost in the maze, retrieve the key and go face-to-face with those dragons.


Onto a sports game I was introduced to Pele's Soccer (aka Championship Soccer). It feels like the equivalent of Pong, which you have three players lined up to attack, defend and attempting to score goals.


Finally onto Centipede, which had me hooked for a while! Can't believe how addicting it was, which provide hours of zapping and watching those creatures moving around the screen. It did left me wondering how far can I go with this game in terms of endurance and determination?


Although it was the earliest console I had, I never thought that the Atari 2600 would made its mark to become a potential machine. It gave everybody the opportunity to see what it offers and to do that, you have to feel the pleasure of it. Already succeeded by later consoles, who knows where it would lie as you can always go back to it.