Thursday, September 19, 2013

Grand Theft Auto 5 Review (Speical Edition Revealed)



Finally, Rockstar Games has giving us the glorious gift that is another Grand Theft Auto game, the fifth one to be exact. GTA 5 does not disappoint fans in giving them loads of the things to do in this sandbox version of LA called Los Santos. The production value and acting give GTA 5 an entertaining experience of the story through funny dialogue, vulgar language, and of course violence. This game is awesome.

In this installment of GTA, you play has 3 different characters. Yes, not 1, not 2, but 3. The game also allows you to flip through the characters whether changing perspectives within a mission or seeing what a character is doing roaming around Los Santos. Michael is the first character introduced who is a former criminal who is not trying to live the thug life anymore (but he is “about that life”). Next is Franklin, who oddly resembles Ice Cube from Friday (if you’ve seen the Friday movies then you know what I’m talking about). He has big ambitions to make money and move out of his auntie’s house. There is also Trevor who I haven’t really run into in the story yet. At one point in the game you get to flip to Chop who becomes Franklin’s dog. The ability to flip characters gives a variety of ways to play the game, as if there weren’t already so many things to do.

GTA has been about the vehicles (hence Grand Theft Auto, its in the title) and GTA 5 definitely spent some time working on these, mechanics included (vehicles actually handle pretty well). From sports cars, to old rides, bicycles, jet skis, helicopters, and motorbikes you can almost operate any of the vehicles (including the Blimp, yes a blimp) in the game.

If the vehicles don’t tickle your fancy, then maybe the numerous side activities will from deep sea diving and parachuting to playing golf and tennis. You can also trade stocks and buy and sell real estate but even that’s not all. After already experiencing a few hours of gameplay I can say that no game can compare to the quality put into GTA 5 (there is always room for improvement) and that I will be playing this a long time (multiplayer is even out yet).

If you got your hands on the Special Edition (like me), then you received a copy of the game in the
GTA 5 Special Edition
collectible steelbook case with artwork of the 3 characters Michael, Franklin and Trevor. Also includes was a blueprint map of Los Santos and Blaine County (which also has secret instructions only seen by a UV light) but thats not all. In-game perks were also included including special ability boots for your characters and a boost that will allow the special ability bar to generate 25% faster. Not to mention the bonus outfits, tattoos, special deals from shops and single player stunt plane trials (include for me was being able to call and drive the blimp, free weapons (melee hammer, pistol .50, bullpup shotgun).

With all there is to do in this game you will not be bored and for that Im giving it two thumbs up. Go buy it if you know whats good for you (all the cool kids are doing it).

B-T-Dubs here are those maps instructions whatever they mean (Hint: ALIENS).

Great Ocean Highway
Through North Chumask
0.5 miles past Raton Canyon
blah blah blah
Follow the dirt road
Down to the Docks
Bring $500,000 CASH

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Saturday, September 14, 2013

FIFA 14 Demo Impressions


The FIFA 14 Demo has been available for download since 9/10. As a fan for the series I was a bit reluctant to download the demo as I had only planned to play the game on odd years (11, 13…15) but something about the hype of next gen console games attracted me to still try it out. A few eye catching updates in the features also got my attention.

The first thing I noticed when playing the demo was the feel of the game seemed a bit different. The overall physics during gameplay felt more fluid not only how the ball moves but the player movements as well. Compared to FIFA 13 I felt that the player and ball movements were a bit magnetic as if certain things were still stuck in animations and if you were able to trigger an action there wouldnt be much you could do to stop it (but this is only a demo). This alone makes me curious on how different the gameplay experience will be on a next gen console (I mentioned this about Madden 25) but I am not getting my hopes up. I was surprised on how better players move with the ball at their feet and that some of the dribbling animations and players movements were smarter and sharper (the keeper might still be a complete idiot). Could EA have created the type of FIFA we have been waiting for? Here are some other features in FIFA 14.

Gameplay – Precision movement and “real” ball physics were noticeable improvements in the demo. The “pure shot” isn’t something that I noticed because a well hit ball or not you still have to aim where you are shooting. Teammate Intelligence and protect the ball were two other noticeable improvements, it was great to see how better the jockeying for the ball is which also players to dictate tempo and change the way you go into challenges. Increased intelligence is yet to be see (“Did EA finally give the Keeper a not retarded button?” – KSI).

All – New Celebrations – The Gangnam Style is a celebration, enough said (check on the EA Sports link on the Gaming1Hunnit Facebook page for more).

FIFA Ultimate Team – A new chemistry style system has been added to the game mode which will affect player attributes. This will have a bigger impact on your team’s performance. Now you will be able to customize your kit numbers and set piece takers among other things. Season mode has been expanded along with single matches. A cleaner transfer market system claims to be much easier to find players you are looking for. There is a new thing call player loyalty that affects chemistry as well.

Co-op Seasons – Yes, that’s right 2v2 online seasons mode.

Match Day – The Match Day forms will affect players in Seasons and Co-op seasons. I am not sure if I like this because I doubt it will stop people from cheesing with the same teams (i.e. Real Madrid).

Career Mode – New scouting features for scouting players to find the right fit for your squad to be successful via the Global Scouting Network sounds interesting. A few other tweaks make it seems that you have more options on how you run your team as a manager with easier menus.

An early review of this game after playing the demo gets a thumb up from me. Fans of the series will certainly enjoy the new features in this game when it comes out later this month. I know I will be getting a copy. Happy Gaming.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Madden 25 Ultimate Team



Ultimate Team takes on a different look in Madden 25 with the addition of Team Chemistry, Seasons, and a few others. These new elements may change the way users set up line-ups and plan their strategy for this game mode.

There are 4 chemistry styles for both offense and defense. On offense there is Short Pass, Long Pass, Ground & Pound, and Speed Run. On defense there is Zone D, Man D, Pass Rush, and Run Stuff. Upon starting this game mode you will have to choose a captain along with the play style that comes with him. Although you can change it later, it is better to try to choose one to build your team around. You will also be able to choose a 2nd chemistry (a defensive one if you choose offensive and vice versa) when you reach a team skill of at least 85. By increasing your team chemistry and starting players with the same style, you will be able to unlock team bonuses that will boost some ratings (for example, the run speed chemistry boost elusiveness and run blocking).

1st Ultimate Team Play Through
Head-to-Head seasons are similar to season play in NCAA Football 14. You play 10 game seasons to try and make a deep playoff run and win the super bowl (there are coin prizes for how far you go). I was able to make the playoffs in my first season with a 5-5 record (see photo). I will admit that I tried to
cheese and it didn’t work for me, also my defensive players were pretty crappy in the beginning (which led me to a pretty good pack opening). The best line-up button now looks in your entire roster (including reserves) to fill in players for your line-up. The only issue is that it ignores your team chemistry, so minor tweaks will still be needed.

Packs are set up the same as NCAA Football 14 as well. Bundles are not sold for coins which have been previously rumored and at the moment, All-pro packs (limit to 5) have been seen and along with a fairly cheap gold upgrade pack (limit to one). Getting the gold upgrade pack is essential to upgrading your team pretty early on but was pretty useless for me. If you have the cash open a pro bundle, it will help. If you are low on funds, auctions, trades, and doing solo challenges for coins will help you find the players you are looking for (I earned some special packs that landed me Barry Sanders and Walter Payton).

Here are some other tips to get you started:

- Hold off playing Head-to-Head matches unless you are really good or you are playing a friend with a similarly matched team. Most people have team skills in 80s already.

-Solo challenges are an easy way to earn currency and grab some better cards as well as game experience.

-Keep an eye out on the auctions. You might be able to land some cheap players and sell some of your own for coins. Don’t forget about trades.

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