Review - Zeno Clash

Zeno Clash

ACE Team

Windows (Reviewed), XBLA

Action, FPS, Fighting, Brawler

April 21, 2009

The Preamble

In the downtime between GTA V and Pokemon X/Y, which I'm still working my way through, I was able to play a couple smaller games. 

I knew Zeno Clash was going to be weird, but I didn't expect the weirdness to enchant me as much as it did. While the game isn't perfect by any stretch, it explores some new areas in FPS mechanics that we don't see very often, and blows your mind with one of the strangest stories I've ever experienced in the the medium of video games.

The Overview

Zeno Clash is an FPS brawler where you play as a Ghat, making your way through the world of Zenozoik. The game is designed in a very linear way, but it works for this kind of game, as it is very similar to the campaign of a fighting game. 

As you make your way through the Zenozoik, you encounter groups of enemies that you must defeat in order to move the next area. The combat consists of a mixture of fist fighting, ranged weapon, and blunt weapon combat, all from the first person perspective.

As Ghat, you are a child of the great Father-Mother, which is a bizarre, bird-like, hermaphroditic single parent who has raised all of the children of the community and stands as the apex of the group. We learn early on that Ghat has discovered a dark secret of Father-Mother, and decides to leave the village and community as a result. 

Father-Mother

The story then unfolds as you play from Ghat's perspective, fighting your way through the villagers, the Corwid of the Free (an especially strange group that live out in the forest), and countless other Zenozoik oddities. With the help of some flashbacks, and the discovery of an ancient character called Golem that helps you in your journey, you unravel the real secret that Father-Mother is hiding. 

Golem

The Good

• The story and world surrounding the characters is completely bonkers. I can't think of another game that makes me feel like I'm watching a David Lynch film as much as this one. I loved it. The creativity of the designers really shines in this game.

• The game looks really good. With great support from the nearly 10 year old Source engine and wonderful creative design by the developers, the game holds up against the test of time on a visual level. 

• Sure the world is cool, but possibly the most impressive part of this game is the mechanic they put front and center, the fighting! Hands down the best FPS hand-to-hand combat I've encountered in a game. The attacks are weighty, combo-ing feels amazing, and timing is crucial.

The Bad

• It's hard to criticize a small budget indie game like this one too much, but if I have to, I will complain about the length. This is short game; I finished it in about 3.5 hours. That being said, there is a sequel out now for those that are hungry for more.

• Even though linearity makes sense for a game like this, I think adding some non-linear gameplay for the player would have done nothing but add to the enjoyment to the game.

The Conclusion

Zeno Clash is a creative indie marvel that I think anyone with an appreciation for something staunchly outside of the box will enjoy. It sells for ten bucks on Steam normally, which might be a bit steep for a three hour game, but it goes on sale often, and I would highly encourage people to take a look when it does. 

Review - Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V

Rockstar

Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (reviewed)

Action, Adventure, Open World

September 17, 2013

The Preamble

Grand Theft Auto releases have been making a big splash for years now. I remember waiting in line with my friend's parents (my parents wouldn't let me get it :P) back when I was a teenager to pick up Grand Theft Auto III, and the mind blowing moment of diving into Liberty City for the first time. My friends and I would stay up to the wee hours of the night, getting up to 5 stars and trying to escape police, searching for the coolest car in the city, and of course, needlessly turning innocent civilians into roadkill.

It's been 12 years since Rockstar wow'ed us with this landmark release.

This is what GTA has been for years, and it continues to be that today, but with so much more. With each release the game worlds and narrative strategies evolve, making for something bigger and better than the previous game. This release is no different as far as massive hype goes, in fact, it has turned out to be the highest grossing media release of all time. It's funny how that works out: The most controversial franchise of our generation is also the biggest money maker the industry has ever seen.

In the first 24 hours, GTA V sales amounted to 800 million dollars. After 3 days, they had breached a billion.

All of that aside, Rockstar has yet again brought a truly impressive beast to the table with Grand Theft Auto V. All of the things you loved about past GTA titles is back, but it's been improved, and paired with a plethora of new activities in a region that is the biggest we've ever seen in a GTA game. Perhaps the most noteworthy is the new and unique narrative approach that has been presented, where you are given dynamic control over three different main characters. And to put a cherry on top, we are also given the most comprehensive and polished approach to GTA multiplayer we've seen yet.

The Overview

The game begins in North Yankton, where two of the three characters you play are pulling off a bank heist. This is where you get an introduction to the mechanics of the game, but it also sets the stage for the real story, which takes place in Los Santos, ten years later.

The characters you take control of are Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. It's hard to give too much detail here without giving things away, but I will say that each character has their own distinct personality and mini-story arc, as well as a master arc which intertwines the three characters stories. The magic here lies not within the individual stories, but in how each of them cross paths, allowing you to play from multiple perspectives, while progressing the overall story.

Gameplay wise, we are given a smattering of just about every game type you can think of. The bread and butter of course is third person, cover based shooter mechanics. But in addition to this, you are given, essentially, a racing (both car and boat) game, flight simulator, tennis game, golf game, as well as tons of other stuff. 

The Good

• The multi-pronged storytelling approach Rockstar took with this game is unprecedented in an open world game like this. Switching between fending off the cops, setting an explosive to open the bank vault, and manning the helicopter to escape, all while working toward the common goal of pulling off a bank robbery is a truly special experience to behold. It didn't take long for this mechanic to win me over in a big way.

• Heists! What an awesome construct to have in GTA, especially when you're playing three different characters. There are planning, preparation, hiring, and execution phases, and they are all a blast. Going through these steps to pull off a grand crime, especially when the payout is massive, is super fun and satisfying.

• Rockstar has an eye for detail that is unmatched. From the character animations, to the dialogue, to the dynamic weather in the environment, the world feels like it is a real living and breathing entity.

• As far back as I can remember, Rockstar has superb dialogue in their games, and GTA V is no different. Each cutscene is a treat to observe and the characters that you meet throughout the story are always unique and amusing in their own way. The characters and dialogue truly stand out in this game.

• While I personally don't feel the map compares to Skyrim's, like some say, Los Santos is immense in this game. It's completely open to you as soon as you get past the initial heist mission, and as I mentioned before, it is chock full of things to do. Driving, flying, parachuting, property purchasing, scuba diving, and more. There's no shortage of stuff to do in the massive open world Rockstar provides in this release.

• While I had some issues with picture quality on my monitor, it didn't stop me from being awe struck by the visuals in this game. From the skyscrapers in the city, to the mountains in the wild, to the depths of the ocean, the visuals are truly a sight to behold in this game. More so than any GTA title that has come about before.

• I haven't had a chance to spend too much time with this yet, but the GTA Online feature seems to be something Rockstar spent a lot of time on, and has consequently made a fun, unique multiplayer experience in Los Santos. There are skill progressions, gang mechanics, property acquisitions, heists, and more to enjoy with your friends online. This is something I plan on spending more time with, and perhaps will have another write-up on.

The Bad

• I'm not saying I'm in love with Niko Bellic, but I liked him more than any of the characters you play in GTA V. That's not to say that they don't make for a good story, but on a personal level, Michael, Franklin, and especially Trevor are all pretty despicable. If it isn't from being a ruthless asshole, it's from being a pathetic coward. Of course I don't expect characters in GTA to be saints (no pun intended :P), but it would be nice if they had at least some admirable qualities from time to time.

• Grand Theft Auto games always push the limits of censorship and GTA V is no exception. Minor spoiler here, but there is a mission where, as Trevor, you needlessly torture someone in a overly brutal fashion. While I understand that this kind of thing is more a satirical commentary on the uselessness of torture, putting the player in the shoes of the torturer is pretty ham handed. To me, this felt like it was a little too far, but it begs the question, how far is too far?

• I mentioned this earlier, and maybe I've just grown too accustomed to PC graphics, but the console graphics really let me down here. I think it was partly due to the monitor I was playing on, but the textures looks pretty horrible to me, and hardly did the game justice on a visual level. Only a few hours into the game, as much as I was enjoying it, I couldn't help but wish they had waited to release this on next generation hardware.

• Along the same lines as the above criticism, if Rockstar couldn't wait to release on next gen systems, then at the very least release it on PC! It is baffling how much better GTA IV looked and played on PC vs. console, not to mention the amazing mods that have come out for the game. I really wish Rockstar would give it's PC audience some love and actually release their games on PC in a timely manner and not wait years like they typically do.

The Conclusion

Is GTA V the game of the year? Probably for some, but not for me. That being said, is it an impressive feat of gaming? Absolutely. Any fan of the GTA franchise, or open world games in general, will be thrilled with this game. Rockstar does some really neat things in this game, things that haven't been done in other games, and for that I praise them. For those gamers out there that want to have their eyes opened to a new approach to storytelling and open world gaming, I couldn't recommend this game enough, but fair warning, make sure you have a strong stomach, because Rockstar doesn't pull any punches in this one.

Review - Dust: An Elysian Tail

Dust: An Elysian Tail

Humble Hearts

PC (reviewed), Xbox Live Arcade

Action, Adventure, RPG, Platformer

August 15, 2012 (XBLA)
May 24, 2013 (PC)

The Preamble

Here's one I left off of my "I'm Back!" post. Which is strange since it's actually the one I finished most recently. At any rate, after so much shooting (Last of Us, Metro: Last Light, Saints Row: The Third) I needed some RPG goodness, and why not throw some platforming in there.

Dust: An Elysian Tale is an action-RPG, originally released back in August 2012 as a Xbox Live Arcade exclusive. I heard loads of good things at the time, but for one reason or another, didn't get a chance to play. Luckily, the developers have been hard at work porting it to PC, which was released in May of this year.

The Overview

Dust: An Elysian Tail takes place in a world called Falana, inhabited by a plethora of anthropomorphic animals and monsters. You awake as Dust, a blue animal (fox?) out in the middle of the forest, accompanied by a living, floating sword, as well as a small wombat by the name of Fidget. Dust has no recollection of who he is, how he got here, and what his purpose is. So, of course, your quest leads you along that path of self discovery and unraveling of the past.

It's not a bad story, but it's nothing extraordinary. The mix of the strange anthropomorphic creatures and, at times, obnoxious voice acting, makes for a fairly cringe worthy storytelling experience. On the upside, the combat is pretty fun, at least for a while. And the developers kept it kid friendly, so gamers of all ages will be able to safely enjoy the game.

As for the game itself, Dust is a mix of action RPG, beat-em-up, and metroidvania all clumped up into a single game. While the RPG elements lack a bit, and the combat can get old after a while, it's still a well made game in a lot of respects.

The Good

• The game is really beautiful. Vibrant colors and fluid animations make for one of the more aesthetically pleasing indie experiences I've had in quite some time.

• There's a surprising amount of content. I spent 15 hours with the game and didn't really even near 100% completion. There's a lot to explore, and many hidden treasures to find.

• While the voices got on my nerves a bit, the writing and voicing overall is well done. It's not the most compelling or unpredictable of stories, but it's also not bad. Assuming it's aimed at a somewhat younger audience, which I think it is, I was impressed by the story arc.

The Bad

• While the gameplay elements that are present are good, there simply isn't enough here to keep you interested for the entire game. You learn a few abilities initially that end up being your bread and butter for the entire game. 

• While new abilities are unlocked throughout the game, they are purely used for accessing different areas of the map (e.g. sliding, climbing walls, etc). There isn't a single modification to the combat mechanics after the first 30 minutes of the game, making combat extremely repetitive.

• The RPG elements are very weak. Outside of the levels and stats, there's no skill progression and loot is extremely basic. If they could have added some combat skills to learn as you go, it would have improved this game a ton. I mentioned above that there's a lot of exploration and treasure to find, which is true, but the treasure is almost entirely gold and food (to restore health), which makes the hunt far less interesting. Where are the phat lootz!?

This is about the extent of character customization.

• I allude to it in The Good, but the voice acting leaves something to be desired, to say the least. Some of the voices are fine, but others are annoying almost at a Claptrap level. This is a good example of a time to go the Nintendo route, and make the characters mumble, with accompanied text for the player to read.

Fidget... One of the most obnoxious characters I've encountered in a while.

The Conclusion

If you're looking for a game with exceptional art, Dust is a game you should check out. If you're looking for a unique action RPG experience, that will keep you engaged for the entire game, I would look elsewhere. The game has a ton of potential, but falls flat in too many aspects. Hopefully we'll see some improvement if sequel comes along.