Final Blog: Video Blog

For our final game review post, we decided to meet up at Meshal's apartment, one of our team members, to play some games and discuss what we liked and didn't like about them.

In the video you will see Michael arrive at Meshal's home, and is greeted by Matt and Brian who are playing Fifa 16 and Mortal Kombat X respectively. Michael begins discussion by asking questions about the game's and what they like/dislike about them. This is followed by further questions from Meshal. 

Big thanks goes to Meshal for supplying his home and his video equipment which he used very professionally. Meshal is also responsible for all production and editing.

Hope you enjoy!

Michael Sparks: Actor
Brian Ko: Actor
Matthew Theseira: Actor
Meshal Alragom: Actor, Producer, Editor

Asphalt 8: Airborne Mobile: Game Review

Reviewed by Brian on 18th May 2016

Our rating: 7.0/10.0

Platform(s): Mobile (Android/iOS/BlackBerry 10), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Phone 8, Windows 10, Tizen

Genre(s): Racing

The best mobile arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point! Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts in an intense driving experience powered by a brand-new physics engine!

Asphalt 8: Airborne is developed and published by Gameloft as part of the Asphalt series. The gameplay is done through touch controls.

There are two game play modes on mobile version Play (Single-player) and Multiplayer. On Multiplayer mode, you can play with players all over the world.

(Play mode: Play and Multiplayer)

In play

You can get tokens and credit while you play and you can buy Car packs, Pro boxes and Cars by using this game currency.

One awesome feature of this game is that you can collect your dream cars such as Lamborghini, Pagani, Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren and Devel Sixteen.

Lamborghini

Pagani

Bugatti

Ferrari

McLaren

Devel Sixteen

All jumps earn nitro boost.

(Boost in use) 

Overall this is a great racing video game and it’s worth playing.

For more information about the game, please visit here


Pros:

- Decent graphics and highly polished racer with loads of content

- Collection of super cars

Cons:

- No Watch Replay

- Too many pop-up ads

Dying Light The Following: Game Review

Reviewed by Michael on 18th May 2016

Our rating: 7.5/10.0

Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows 

Genre(s): First-Person Shooter/Melee, RPG, Zombies, Horror

Dying Light The Following is a brilliant expansion that builds upon the already intriguing game mechanics from the core game. The game introduces Kyle Crane to a new area of Harran, a more open countryside environment with a much larger map than the original, and with this brings the ability to drive a dune-buggy to help you get around.

The addition of the buggy along with the quests that come with it such as racing quests, gives players a new mechanic to work with in the game as players build and upgrade their buggy to be more deadly across the environment.

The storyline, though not as long as the core game, still manages to keep the player compelled throughout. New quests include fighting off giant zombies, that either take wits and a lot of experience from the player to defeat, or you must team up with a number of other players online and take it down as a team. As players complete quests they can build upon their skill trees to unlock to abilities. The Following introduces a whole new skill tree, The Driver skill tree, where players earn upgrades from completing driving quests, by doing driving stunts, or by completing side-quests like mowing down zombies.

The Following also brings with it a number of new weapons, including the cross-bow, as well as many more melee weapons including swords, scythes, axes and throwing grenades. This gives new styles of gameplay, especially with the cross-bow, as the player can use a stealthy approach to not alarm the zombies, while also using the speed, range and accuracy to pick of zombies from a distance.

Pros: 

- Stunning environment

- Large Map

- New quests and weapons

- Dune Buggy

Cons:

- Shorter story

- Less captivating characters

- Hard to find co-op players

To find out more about the game click here

Fruit Ninja: Game Review

Reviewed by Matthew on 17th May 2016

Our Rating: 8.0/10.0
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Genre(s):Arcade

Fruit Ninja is an Arcade game developed by Halfbrick Studios. The game has reach over 300 million downloads sin May 2012. This game is very addictive and easy game to play and it only costs $1.99.

In this game the player slices fruit with a blade controlled by the touch screen. When fruit are display on the screen the player swipes their finger across the screen to create a slicing motion to cut the fruits. Extra point is gain from slicing multiple fruit or getting a critical slice which I don’t understand how that works.

They three types of modes, Classics, Zen and Arcade. Classic is when you slice fruit and avoid slicing the bombs or it is game over and if you missed three fruit it also game over. This keeps alert so you don’t mindlessly slice the screen.Zen mode allows player to seek high scores without hindrance of bombs. However, there is a one minute and thirty seconds time limit. For Arcade mode, player have 60 seconds to receive a high score from chopping fruit. Bomb deduct scores, and special bananas give special abilities. These special bananas temporarily double points; slow down time or fills the screen with a lot of fruit. At the end of the game three awards are given which give bonus points. 

All these modes are addictive but my least favourite is Zen because I feel like there’s no challenge. While playing these modes, you unlock new blade which  are usually coloured differently or have a patterns

 Fruit ninja has a multiplayer which allows people to compete with each other and features leader boards and achievements. In this mode the player’s has to slice their own fruit which are coloured blue while avoid the opponent’s fruit which are red. Also white fruit are worth three points.

Star Wars Battlefront: Game Review

Reviewed by Michael on 17th May 2016

Our rating: 8.5/10.0

Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows 

Genre(s): First and Third-Person Shooter, Online Multiplayer

Star Wars Battlefront is a visually appealing masterpiece that brings the incredible vision and action from of the movies to a playable experience across gaming platforms. It is an online multiplayer shooter that can be played in both first person and third person perspectives, giving the player freedom to take on each battle in their preferred perspective. The game features missions which can be played in single player or co-op, either online or local, as well as both large and small multiplayer battles that can be played out in a number of different modes.

In the co-op missions players compete in battles on planets known to the Star Wars universe. Players can choose to side with either the Empire or the Rebellion allowing for repeated play that differs both times, with the ability to use different heroes or villains on each. The excitement of playing your favourite Jedi or Sith Lord creates an atmosphere of chaos and leaves the player with a great sense of achievement once they have overhauled their opposition. 

The multiplayer modes are what captures the true essence of of Star Wars' massive battles as seen in the movies. The "Walker Assault" game mode puts players in a massive 20 vs 20 battle where the Empire tries to push two "Walkers" to one side of the map, while the Rebellion defends points that give them Y-Wings to try and take down the Walkers. The incredible attention to detail in both the audio and visual elements of the game is what brings it to life. From the sound of the Tie-Fighter ships flying over-head, to the constant flurry of laser bullets being shot around the map makes for an incredible experience.

Credits are earned in every battle and open the player up to new blasters, as well as star-card power-ups and different player outfits, as you level-up. This gives each player a unique set of fighting equipment, creating a different fighting experience each match.

Pros: 

- Stunning graphics

- True Star Wars visuals and sound

- Large sandbox maps

- Exciting heroes and villains

Cons

- Lack of story-mode

- Multiplayer can become repetitive

- Serves can be hard to find

To find out more about the game click here

STRIKERS 1999 Mobile: Game Review

Reviewed by Brian on 17th May 2016

Our rating: 7.0/10.0

Platform(s): Mobile (Android/iOS)

Genre(s): Scrolling shooter

Enjoy the 20th century's last classic arcade shooting game on your mobile. The latest fighter aircraft from F-22 to F-117 stealth bombers awaits you.

STRIKERS 1999, also known as Strikers 1945-3, is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up released in 1999 by Psikyo for Arcade version. The game is developed again by Mobirix and released in 2015 for mobile version. It is developed a version for iOS and Android devices. The gameplay is done through touch controls.

There are two play modes on mobile version Single Player and Multiplayer. On Multiplayer mode, you can play with players all over the world unlike in the arcade version.

(Play mode: Single Player and Multiplayer)

In play

You can get Ruby and Gold while you play and you can buy Aircrafts, Partners, Power and Upgrade by using this game currency. Unlikely on arcade version, you can buy a special aircraft, X-36, transforms to a robot, on mobile version. You can also choose the difficulty of the game.

(Result: Rewards after play)

(The hangar)

Special aircraft, X-36 gameplay

(Choose the difficulty)

If you are a kid of the 1990’s, you will remember spending a lot of pocket money on the original arcade game. This game will bring you back to the 1990’s and you don’t even need to spend a lot of money as you can simply download this for free on your mobile.

Overall this is a great port of an old favourite and you will love this game, if you are a kid of the 1990’s. 

For more information about the game, please visit here

Pros:

- Simple controls

- Various difficulty levels

- Multiplay battle

Cons:

- Monotonous and predictable after a while

- Poor graphic

Angry Birds 2 Mobile: Game Review

Reviewed by Matthew on 16th May 2016
Our Rating: 6.0/10.0
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Genre(s): Puzzle

Angry Birds 2 is a Puzzle video game developed by Rovio Entertainment and is the direct sequel to the original Angry Birds. It is a free to play game and there’s optional purchases for in game currency. They are new birds, spells and gameplay occurs in multi-stage level.

In Angry Birds games, players use slingshot to shot birds at nearby structures with pigs on it, but in Angry Birds 2 the players have the ability to select birds from a deck.  By doing this it gives player more freedom which encourage players to be more creative and think of good strategies. What annoys me is when your about launch the bird you able to change the mind and switch bird.

Card can be return after uses by filling up a destruction-meter, and also purchasing new cards in-game currency if haven’t destroy all the Green pig yet. If you fail to complete a level you lose a life and you onlyeget five lives only, there’s a timer (usually 30 minutes) that refill your life, pay premium currency or watch an advertisement. This prevent us for playing longer at a time which makes the game less fun. But if you buy the whole game you can play as much as you want which is stupid.

Compare to the other angry bird game level design, Angry bird 2 falls short and Is more simplistic. When restarting a level, a certain amount of times it generates different layout. This keep gives an unpredictable nature.

Overall the game has few problems but it is still fun and entertaining.

Pros:

- simple gameplay

Cons:

-  limited lives
- dull level designs

Final Fantasy IX: Game Review

Reviewed by Matthew on 15th May 2016
Our Rating: 8.0/10.0
Platform(s): PS1, PS3, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows
Genre(s): Role Playing Game

Final Fantasy IX originally released on the PlayStation 1 in 2000 was a great JRPG. Square Enix,   have re-released the game for the iOS, Android and Microsoft Windows with improved graphics and added more features to these ports.

Currently I am playing this on Android version and the controls work pretty well. Square has ported the game to touchscreen instead squashing a joypad on the screen like Final Fantasy 7. You controlled the characters with floating stick or tapping the screen in the direction you are going. When interacting with NPCs or objects an icon with appear on the screen. Furthermore, you can swipe outside the text box to choose your response, then tap a button to select when you’re chatting.  
The 3D models of the major characters have redrawn texture that, look amazing. However the NPCs are low resolution and blurry. Also, the pre-rendered background seems to be not up dated from the PlayStation 1 port. I understand why because the upgraded pre-rendered. Backgrounds would have made the game files bigger but it would have been nice.

 

However, the time turn- based combat is still interesting and fun and also the touchscreen handled and flows wonderfully when in combat. Also they are new features in the mobile port. For example, 9999 damage, no random encounters, full battle meters, auto, attack, fast forward and level and gil max. This is for players who want to experience the story quickly without bother of leveling up their
characters. In my opinion I don’t think they need these features because it ruins true nature of the game but you don’t have use it anyway.

 

Overall The cast of characters is fresh and interesting especially Vivi, the combat is intriguing and the plot wonderful and heart-warming. Although the Final Fantasy IX a bit expensive it still worth buying it as is on of the finest JRPG ever created on the Android or iOS.

Pros:

- compelling story

- mesmerising characters
- great turn-based combat\
- tounchscreen controls work perfectly
- new 3D models of main characters

Cons:

-a bit  expensive
- low resolution pre-rendered background



Click here for more information about the game and to buy the game.

Forza Horizon 2: Game Review

Reviewed by Meshal on 15th May 2016

Our rating: 9.5 /10.0
Platform(s): Xbox one, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Genre(s): Racing video game

Forza Horizon 2 is the last game of the Forza series. its a car racing game that the players play in an open world with choosing between many real cars. 

The cars: 

(Image from gamezone, 2016)

the cars in the game are been developed by a high level group of developers. The players will have cars same as the cars on the real life. There are more than 150 cars in the game cars shows.

The map:

(Image from kudosprime, 2016)

The map of the game its very big so the players will not get bored. There is many places in the map player would like to visit it like the airport or the port.

The game play:

There are many ways to play the game online or offline. player can play by race cars and get money and rank. In the online game  its an open world to play with others and friend.

Hit Man 47: Game Review

Reviewed by Meshal on 15th May 2016

Our rating: 9.0/10.0

Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One

Genre(s): Action-adventure game, Stealth game.

Hit man a single player game talk about agent 47 who is player who you gonna play with this the second hit man game. the game just can be download it from the online stores they didn’t start to sell it on CD’s because they want to keep developing it. The game its fantastic and its make you feel like you are really in the real world.

This game start on 2012 from the hit man movie. The movie is at 2000. Now they start with the second version of it.

(Image from moviepilot, 2016)

The game run throw some killing mission that you have to do it. Until now they just upload 4 missions include the starting mission. The missions keep updating and you can download them from the stores.

I tried to play the game there is many ways to finish the missions so they work hard on it to make it interesting. 

The full game will be realise in late 2016 in CD’s all over the world.

WWE Immortals Mobile: Game Review

Reviewed by Brian on 14th May 2016

Our rating: 6.5/10.0

Platform(s): Mobile (Android/iOS)

Genre(s): Action

Have you heard any of WWE Superstars named The Rock, Undertaker, Triple H, Big Show, and John Cena? If you answered yes, you are already in this game. Take your favorite WWE Superstars out of the ring and into the supernatural world of WWE Immortals.

WWE Immortals is a fighting game based on the professional wrestling promotion WWE. The game was developed by NetherRealm Studios in conjunction with Phosphor Game Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is developed a version for iOS and Android devices that you can play on your mobile phone. The gameplay is done through touch controls in 3 on 3 tag team combat, pretty much the same with Injustice: Gods Among Us.

There are three play modes on mobile version Challenge, Play and Online Match.

(Play mode: Challenge, Play and Online Match)

In fight

You can get Immortal Credits in every fight and you can buy Booster packs, Characters and Talent cards in the store by using this game currency.

Store

One outstanding feature of this game is that you can collect WWE Superstars from your old memory such as The Rock, Undertaker and Warrior. Unfortunately, there is no Hulk Hogan.

The Rock

Undertaker

Warrior

Overall you will love this game, if you are a big fan of WWE and fighting game.

For more information about the game, please visit here


Pros:

- Decent graphics and flashy fighting moves

- Gorgeous artwork

- Playing as WWE Superstars

Cons:

- Cards and upgrades are too expensive

- Less Characters

- Poor storyline