Sunday, 28 July 2013

Black Ops 2 Zombies Gameplay

Black Ops 2 Zombies Gameplay: Town
 
 
Check out me (Tom) and Ibrahim's Black Ops 2 Zombies gameplay on town! We suck, but we had so much fun playing! There are many more gameplay videos to come so keep your eyes open. Why not even subscribe to our channel "TheTechnoiders".
 
An Idiot's Guide to Black Ops 2 Zombies: Town
Check out this Idiot's Guide! This is basically showing what happens to us every time we play. Enjoy!


Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies Review
 
 
Black Ops 2 Zombies. A very interesting topic. I must start by explaining that there are things I absolutely love about Black Ops 2 Zombies, but there are things that everybody seems to hate. Zombies has come a long way since the debut of Nacht der Untoten in World at War, and become more and more popular as it continued. Personally, I originally planned to get Black Ops 2 simply because of the Zombies, as I was extremely impressed by Black Ops 1 zombies, I thought that Black Ops 2 zombies would be even better. Whether it is or not is debatable.

As far as I am aware, Black Ops 2 zombies leads directly onwards from the Black Ops 1 Moon Easter egg, which was where two missiles were directed towards Earth to destroy it from the Moon map, which was included in the final map pack. This is why all of the non-DLC maps in Black Ops 2 consist of lots of Lava and fire on the ground. I'm sorry to say that I found this to be the first negative point for Zombies. I think that the creators of the new batch of Zombies maps were trying to give the players a different feel to the setting - to create a more apocalyptic atmosphere. I actually found the atmosphere quite effective, what I find most unsatisfying is the cracks of lave on the ground of the maps. When walked on, the cracks set you on fire and injure you, and even set the zombies on fire, so that when you kill them they usually explode and damage you further! This is extremely irritating and has been the cause of death many times during the game. However, this definitely should not put you off it, because once you move past the initial irritation of it, you get used to it and can become a fun challenge during gameplay. They have also reintroduced some beloved Black Ops 1 guns such as the Galil and the raygun, which are all time favoutires, as well as adding some new guns like my two new favourites, the RPD and the HAMR, although sadly the RPD is not available in the rest of the game. However, I would have loved to see some more of the old guns like the AK47 or the Famas. Maybe these will be in a map pack at some point? Developers have also added different game modes such as Turned, which was included in a DLC, and allows a player to become a zombie! Very cool, but for those who prefer original zombies, there are original modes.
 
Tranzit/Bus Depot:


Tranzit is basically a new game mode created in Black Ops 2 that actually allows you to travel through all three of the maps in the game, plus a few extra ones specifically for Tranzit. You start in the Bus Depot map, which is a small but effective map to play on it's own, probably meant for solo play. You begin in the building and discover a new addition to zombies gameplay: parts. There are hidden parts to collect throughout all of Tranzit, and can be built at particular table. For example, in the Bus Depot, you find parts to build a turbine which, when activated, can be used to open doors. There are also parts that can be added to other things, like the bus you get on to travel to other maps. If you find the parts for it, you can open the hatch to the roof or add a ladder to get to the roof. I think that this is a very clever addition to the gameplay, which can give the player other focuses than just killing zombies. Very clever. Between the maps, they have also added a new kind of creature to fight, which spawns out of the ground behind you and clings to your head while tearing at your face. You must knife the creature to be rid of it, which again I think is an interesting feature. Overall, Tranzit is a very compelling game mode which is the best when playing with friends, and Bus Depot is a fun little map to practise your skills on.
 
 
Town:
Town, at this time, is my favourite map. I see it as the main map of the game, as it seems to be the centre stop in Tranzit. It is the largest single map of the three, and contains a good amount of perks, which include Jugganog, Speed Cola, Double Tap, Quick Revive, Stamin-Up, and Tombstone, which are very useful. I love the layout of the map, and the whereabouts of the Random Box, and I also love the structure of the building, because there is always a gap that allows you to jump back into the town, so this provides a good spot to sit and shoot. The very worst bit about the map - as with all of them - is the extreme amounts of lava in the ground. Town probably contains the most, with huge puddles of it in certain places, with the Pack-A-Punch right in the middle of one (Thanks Treyarch!).
However, lava aside, Town is a very effective and addictive map that engages the player and is great fun with a friend or two. Ibrahim and myself have just completed a gameplay video of this map (whith more soon to come) which will be on the website shortly. Or just go to TheTechnoiders on youtube.

Farm:




 

Farm is a very interesting map that you will definitely need help with by friends. It is a very small map, although bigger than Bus Depot, in which you can go into a house to get a random box or buy Jugganog or use the fridge, which is another feature added by the developers that allows you to store guns in the fridge so that you may use them in another game. This is similar to the bank in Town on Tranzit, where you can deposit money to use in another game. I think that this is a very clever idea that can really help players who are trying to reach the higher levels. In Farm, you can also go into a barn to buy another perk, or just to fight off zombies at the barriers. Disappointingly, Farm also has lava, but not nearly as much as town, which is quite helpful. Because it is a small map, the player must be very skilled at manoeuvring through rooms and hordes of zombies and be very quick to escape some spots, which I think makes Farm one of the biggest challenges of the game. Some may like this, some may not.

Overall:
I think that it is clear that the developers of Zombies have put a lot of effort into the new batch, and that the game has very well designed and challenging maps with clever new features like parts or the bank. I think that Black Ops 2 Zombies is definitely for parties of players that want to have good fun and challenge themselves in the different maps. However, I personally think that at this time, Black Ops 1 zombies is still the best (mostly because of the amazing maps) and that Black Ops 2 zombies is slightly ruined by the excessive amounts of irritating lava that can affect your score. However, the Upcoming DLC maps could change everybody's views...

Don't forget to check out TheTechnoiders on Youtube which has some great Black Ops 2 Zombies gameplay that will be on here shortly, and many other gaming videos.



 

 

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Review

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

Assassin's Creed 2 was released for PS3 and Xbox on November 16, 2010, as a direct sequel to Assassin's Creed 2. Anyone who played Assassin's Creed 2 new that to improve their game-play experience, Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed developers would have to create an absolutely astounding game. So, as always, they succeeded with flying colours. From the moment it was released, this game became ridiculously popular, and has been nominated for 7 British Academy Video Games Awards, including Best Game.

This game is, without a doubt, one of my favourite games of all time. It places you in the beautiful world, full of historical culture and compelling characters that clasp you into the heart of the story. I was actually very surprised at how much I loved the game, because I thought that no game would ever be able to match Assassin's Creed 2, but this game just goes above and beyond. The player just can't get enough of the setting, the story, and the strategy. 

The Story Line
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood's Story Line, like Assassin's Creed 2's, is a very complex series of exciting events that twist and turn and drive the player on. Desmond Miles is still controlling our beloved Ezio Auditore de Firenze from our time period, but this time, he is on a mission to find the Apple of Eden. The Apple is a sacred artifact that is believed to be able to prevent an impending disaster that the dreaded Templars will cause. The story takes place in 1499, and is mainly set in the game's stunning recreation of Rome, a setting that makes the player feel like they're being taught the best cultural lesson ever! But the Templar's obtain the Apple and plan to use it to reek terror. Ezio must assemble a powerful Brotherhood of Assassins that can seek vengeance upon the Borgias and take down the Templars before it's too late... I love the intricate storyline of this game, and how the main character's personality develops within the player as the story unravels. If you have the determination to engage yourself in the story, you will not be able to escape from it's thrilling grasp.

The Graphics
Let me just start by saying that Assassin's Creed Brotherhood's graphics are gorgeous. When Assassin's Creed 2 was released, everyone thought the graphics of that game were a revolution, but in this game that have been improved even further (and I thought it would be impossible)! The entire setting and all of the surroundings of the game are spotless and sharp, even with difficult technical details like shadow or movement - everything looks and flows like a dream. 

The Multiplayer
This game was the first in the Assassin's Creed series to feature and online multiplayer, which is actually pretty impressive. Although they haven't quite achieved perfection, for example I usually find it fairly slow to load up, once you're in the online lobbies, your able to experience some pretty fun game modes that involve working with others to find the informer, or teaming up with your friends to assassinate a target, which is usually really good fun. Of course, the multiplayer of any Assassin's Creed game is ever going to look like anything next to the amazing campaign, but it is definitely a very good feature.

Overall
 This is absolutely one of my favourite games of all time, and I doubt that I will ever get bored of it. I think every aspect of the story and graphics are perfect, and that the multiplayer just needs to be improved slightly. I would recommend this game to anyone who wants an exciting adventure, pulse racing action sequences, a gripping storyline, or just wants to see some beautiful scenery.

" Chains will not hold me! I will not die by the hand of man!" - Quote from Assassin's Creed Brotherhood gameplay.

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Grand Theft Auto 5 Trailer

 
Grand Theft Auto 5 trailer!
 
 
You absolutely have to watch this!

Oh my God!!!! Rockstar have finally released a gameplay trailer for GTA5, and it is simply beautiful. I cannot wait for the release of this game, and by the looks of this trailer the game is going to COMPLETELY redesign Open World Gaming! We will be reviewing this game AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, so look out for that. Don't forget to check out our other videos, and make sure you like, comment, share and subscribe!

Thursday, 11 July 2013

Assassin's Creed 2 Review

Assassin's Creed 2
 

Assassins's Creed 2 was released for PS3 and Xbox in November 17 2009. It almost instantly became critically acclaimed, and both the Official Xbox Magazine and the Official Playstation Magazine UK rated the game 9/10. It is also available as a "Game of the Year" edition.

I have owned this game for quite some time, and have never stopped loving it. It is a beautifully crafted, strategic game that presents characters and settings perfectly. You even get to meet Leonardo Da Vinci! It is a very similar game to Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, which will also be reviewed on the website soon. In my opinion it is impossible to choose between the two. The game makes you feel like a part of it's world, and once you've started playing it, you will not be able to stop.

The Story line:
Assassin's Creed 2's story line is a very intricate, deeply thought-out piece of art that requires a reasonable amount of attention, which obviously may displease some gamers. However, if you really get yourself involved in the events in the game, you will find yourself devoured by the game's plot, unable to tear yourself away from trying to move forward in it. It is set in the beautifully redesigned Italy, a magnificent place that gamers will grow to love as the game progresses. The story follows directly on from Assassin's Creed, with the same split focus involving Desmond Miles (who lives in the present) and his Assassin ancestor (who lives in the past created by the animus). This game introduces the awesome and bloodthirsty new character, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. It's hard not to give away any of the plot, but what can be said is that a crime is made against Ezio's family that changes his life, and makes him hungry for revenge... He must learn to control his anger and aid his friends, and finally, learn the ways of the Assassin!

The Graphics:
This game's graphics changed the way people looked upon the Assassin's Creed franchised. They developed and improved hugely upon the graphics of the original game in the series (which were already pretty amazing) and created there own, stunning version of Italy, which must have made an enormous increase to the tourism in that country! Seriously, though, the graphics of the game's settings are phenomenal. And even with all those pixels, I have never experienced any lag! It keeps up perfectly with the action sequences and movements you make in the game. The graphics are a complement to the Game industry.
 
Overall:
This game is possibly the best game in my collection, and I would not hesitate to think that it could be my favorite game of all time. Every aspect of the campaign is impeccable, and very quickly you begin to really connect with the main character. Also, it's the best history lesson I've ever had!

"I did not choose this path. It was chosen for me. At first, I thought vengeance would be easy. For thirty years I've lived in the shadows, visited death upon those who deserved it, and vanished like the wind. I don't know who started this conspiracy, but I know who will end it. My name is Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Like my father before me, I am an Assassin."
―Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Assassin's Creed II Launch Trailer.



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.