Sunday, 30 June 2013

The Last Of Us

My review on possibly one of the greatest games of all time

The Last Of Us was released on the 14th June 2013 as an exclusive game for the PS3. Upon arrival, critics went mental for the game, dubbing it as one of the greatest games of all time. IGN themselves rated the game as 10/10-a masterpiece. After I got the game myself, I immediately made a report for it; and this is what I think.
 
I was fortunate enough to be able to get this game, as it is available only on PS3, which I have, and the moment it entered my console, I fell in love. The game puts you in the socks of a young girl called Sarah, who (during a cut-scene) after giving a present to her dad is sent to bed. She later is woken up by a phone ringing next to her, which has a rather distressed Uncle Tommy on the other side of, who urgently requests her father Joel, but is then cut off. From now on, you begin playing the game yourself.
I don't think it'd be wise I tell you everything that happens from then on, as it's a bit too wild to explain. I can dumb it down for you, however, and reveal that later on you change into Joel himself and fast forward 20 years, after a tragic incident. If you are interested in seeing a walkthrough of the game, then check out www.youtube.com/thetechnoiders where you will find a walkthrough of the game.
 
The storyline:
One of the best things that developers can do to the campaign/storyline is make it feel like a film. This feels much more realistic, and you are way more involved. Though a fair amount of the game is cut-scene, it doesn't feel at all as a problem. In fact, it makes the game feel so much better, as they help explain what's happening around you better, at that present time. In general, the storyline is gripping, realistic, has edge-of-seat moments and is very engaging.
 
The graphics:
The graphics in the game is one of its defining features, they're absolutely brilliant. They've done a fantastic job also in making the shadows perfectly realistic too, which are quite static in many games. The only concern to the graphics is down to the AI (artificial intelligence), which has the enemy blatantly see your partner, but ignore them. However, this problem is also quite a big relief to the gamer, as the amount of times you'd be caught would totally frustrate and annoy them. So overall, it's a very good job.
 
The multiplayer:
Though multiplayer isn't recognised much to people, I is one of their best features. I have spent numerous hours on multiplayer, due to how amazing and fun it is! It's biggest advantage is the fact that it never glitches, has connection problems or generally faults. The maps are very well laid out, and each are designed for a specific type of gun load-out, which you do notice, and can easily respond to. I really do enjoy multiplayer, with all its features.
 
Overall:
When I first read the reviews and the feedback people give about this game, I was very surprised, and couldn't wait to play the game, to see if they were true. Now after playing the game, I have no doubts that they are true, and that this game is one of the best games available on PS3! I think however, if it comes to PS4, with the new processors for better graphics, this game can look even more stunning! This game to me is 10/10!

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Uprising DLC: Call Of Duty Black Ops 2

Overview of Uprising DLC

Encore:

The map Encore is set in an outdoor stage. It's a medium sized map which is brilliant for all types of guns. It has small passages that lead under the stage itself, has clever openings which are perfect for snipers and LMG's and pathways along the outskirts which are best used for Assault Rifles or SMG's. I definitely like this map, as all guns work in it, depending on where you are. You must have a clever strategy for this map because dominating the outskirts with an SMG is my favourite, but sneaking through small passages with pistols and shotguns work too. There are key around the map which you can sit in with a Sniper, but be warned. Once you take one shot from your area, you are completely exposed, as your spot can be picked out from all areas. The windows are large and can be seen from anywhere, so you shouldn't stay there too long. My advice would be to simply keep moving, or try to dominate a specific section. If you take shots from a sniper-spot or window, after you get the kill, don't hang around, just go. Overall, I think this is a very diverse map which entices every type of player.
 

Magma:

Magma is another great map, which possible suits shotguns and SMG's best. The map isn't as big as you think, and if you're careful, access from one side to the other can be quite simple. In Magma, you need to watch your back. Due to the almost unlimited access, it'd be advised that around corners or doors, throw a non-lethal grenade, then check your back. This will stop you from being sneak attacked from behind, slow down enemies in front of you, and reveal them if they're around the corner, due to the hit-mark that comes up. Unlike Encore, it's quite safe to go through the middle, and holding one small spot isn't too difficult, if you've planned ahead. It's difficult to choose whether the outskirts or the centre is the best route. You need to understand the flow of your match. Sometimes, players simultaneously realise the centre is packed, so all resort to the outskirts, and vice-verse. I find it best for you to alternate. I tend to run along the outskirts for the whole length of my lifer. Once I get killed, I then go for the middle instead, and once that gets me killed, I'm back to the outskirts etc. This may sound pretty silly and unnecessary, but it's down to the flow of the game. It's more common that you try and break away from the flow of the game as quickly as possible. It's common that the outskirts are the safest option, so Assault Rifles and SMG's are preferred.
 

Vertigo:

Vertigo is a fantastic map. Located in India, in a location familiar to those who've completed the Campaign. I love this map. It's good for all guns except the sniper, unless you're very skilled with it. As it's simple to move from the outskirts to the centre and back etc., it's best that for this map, you try and stay with a pack, but preferably at the back or centre. It's quite difficult to get behind the enemy line in this map, but it depends on your weapon of choice. I think Shotguns and Assault rifles re best, but some places are good for LMG and Snipers, but only for short periods of the map, as the spots you pick are easily discovered, and don't provide the best cover. This map doesn't tend to settle often, so best you keep on your toes.
 

Studio:

IT'S BACK! For those of you who had Black Ops 1, you'll notice Studio is a revamped version of Firing Range. It has the exact same layout, but simple is wearing a new outfit. This is definitely the most versatile and diverse map in-terms of what gun you can use. It is preferred that you take the higher ground, as you have a lot of cover, but be warned, it's very easy to sneak behind people. It's best that after you kill someone in front, you turn around and see if anyone's coming towards you, as it happens a lot. I think that overall, the best type of gun would be an Assault Rifle, as it is useful in all situations. I personally, prefer an SMG, which has FMJ *Full Metal Jacket) and Suppresser. As it's a very active and guns-blazing style map, it's crucial that you keep yourself hidden. The radar is constantly being scouted by everyone, in case a red dot appears on it (someone is shooting). People will instantly send their attention to where it is, so keeping that hidden will save you many lives, and kill many others. Regardless of your style, I can guarantee that you'll love this map. 
 

Mob of the Dead Zombies:

Wow! Mob of the Dead is set in Alcatraz Prison where you are attempting to escape. The map is a maze, very confusing and always gripping. I advise strongly that you stay with a partner at all times in this map because once you split up, it takes a long time to reunite. The map itself is gorgeous, I love the texture and attention to detail in this map. Plus the new guns such as the Tommy Gun, the return of the Uzi, the Black Ops 1 Ak-47( in my opinion the best one), the Blundergat, Death Machine, introduction of the LSAT LMG to zombies etc. It takes sometime, but once you get into round 10, you'll have learnt the map as you're so into it. All I can say is stay with someone, rack up poits in case of emergencies, don't get carried away and...GOOD LUCK! A gameplay youtube video of this will be on the blog above. Be sure to check it out, and subscribe to TheTechnoiders at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTechnoiders

Overall:

Overall I think that Uprising is one of the best DLC's we've ever had to Call Of Duty. It's a fan friendly map pack, all maps are beautiful, well laid out, all gripping etc. I don't have any problems with any of the maps that are worth mentioning. It costs around the same as the others when they came, and it's definitely a good buy.