Sniper : Ghost Warrior 2

 Two years after the Initial Game , Sniper Ghost Warrior 2 comes in with a polished Graphics Engine , supposed to be a much more tactical and advanced Gun Mechanic Game. The first part was supposed to be a modern version of the age old Sniper Elite Game which takes place in the Olden Era of War . But unfortunately Ghost Warrior 1 could never compete with a legend like that . Namco was so sure that with this game they would reach the pinnacle of Sniper experience they had hoped to achieve with the Initial one . Huh , well lets see how they faired .

Plot ::

The entire pot revolves around Captain Cole Anderson and his pursuit to get a WMD ( weapons of Mass Destruction )which goes AWOL back into custody before it gets used by Evil hands . The Entire game is like a narration which is told from The player character's mind , As the levels zoom back to the past and to the present .

Graphics  ::

from Chrome Engine 4 ( used to create Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood ) to Cry Engine 3 is whooping improvement . And its sure does show in the game . The one thing that outshines like hell is the beauty of the Blue waters and the greenery of the Foliage with the sunlight streaming in an out of it . So when a game runs in CE3 you can surely expect all kinds of glitches and AA issues . Well this game has got many . You need a decent card even to run the game in its basic settings . Such is the power of Cry Engine 3 . Even a good Rig will suffer in FPS when it comes into intense action sections.

But still the game is amazing to look and experience .

Gameplay ::

Unfortunately unlike Crysis 3 this is not a Sandbox style game but rather employs the age old Linear style of gameplay that kind of pissed off many players. I mean come on seriously, Like in 2013 if a game is released which is so linear that even a step which you take which is not according to what game developers have designed will result in Imminent Death . For Eg : One level where I experienced this first hand was in the Cave Level .When your spotter tells you that some one is coming up in the path and asks you to quickly hide in the water , if you jump into the water that is on the right side of the bridge you are going to end up dead . On the other hand , you are supposed to jump on the left side which is of the same height and width , you will emerge alive . I mean that kind of programming is just plain silly huh .

But Although the linearity may irritate some players , some players may like the serious Linear gameplay . You have to follow the instructions given by your spotter to the spot if you are to cross a level unharmed . Leave it to your spotter to identify potential threats and hidden snipers . Because seriously without him , you wont even know where to look at all. That doesn't mean that you will always have him around . There comes levels where you are left on our own to fend for yourself as you follow the instincts which has been drilled into you by your spotter.

Night Vision

Gun Mechanics ::

In every Sniper Game , this is the Crucial part which matters . Well i cant say that I was excited when I was sniping or got a chance to put a bullet into the Head of a long Distance target . But i have to say Sniping was satisfactory as a whole . How ? you ask, Well maybe it has to do with Silencer attached to your gun at the front . Every shot is just a sizzle and Phut !! and not the traditional Canonic Boom that snipers are good at making . Well that makes this game more interesting .

In-Game Video

Especially when your spotter calls out Targets and you have to take them out before they get alerted by the already downed bodies of their comrades. Once a Guard gets alerted of your presence , a result of Sloppy Shot , They will rain down at you from all sides . The ones that are exactly in front of you will play some kind of weird hide and seek game with you while some are tricky to some extent that they try to sneak upon your position as you engage the others.  This may have been more exciting if not for the mini map. Because unlike FC3 Where you have to spot the enemies via Binoculars if you need them highlighted the mini map , this game actually shows the position of all your enemies as soon as you enter into a hostile area. Some what spoiling the fun of a unknown enemy sneaking up on you and knifing from your six.

But that doesn't mean there are some tough corners . Sometimes you have to make use of your Handgun if order to fight around close Quarters . Bcos aiming your rifle at close quarters is just plain ridiculous . And of course tats not how its done in Military . Lets face it . tats the Reason we play these kind of Military Stereo types .

Knife Kills 

The Bullet Cam does make an appearance now and the but nah somehow it lacks the excitement of the old Sniper Elite ignited in us . Its dull and Boring that you may just switch it off for a good Sniping experience.

Bullet Cam Initiated 

Pulling off headshots or One Shot kills becomes extremely hard as difficulty level ramps up . The harder the mode is , the harder it gets  to get a good shot in . The reason , Well let me tell you . All of Sniper Fans would know that the bullet does not travel in a straight line to its end of trajectory . When the initial propulsion dies down the bullet slows down and bends towards the Earth surface because of Gravity Pull . This is what they term as " BULLET DROP ". Well this comes a major factor when you need to take down enemies who are at a distance of more than 500m . Tats when there is a radical difference because of Bullet Drop and reduced velocity  .

Thermal Vision - Helpful in taking out enemies behind cover

You have to keep in  mind the direction of wind too if you want to pull off a successful shot . Because  the bullet Turns in the air too . Don't worry you will get that in the top of your viewfinder , so no need to panic :D . So in order to make it easy for the beginners or for players who are playing Sniper for the first time and doesn't know how to factor in all these , will be helped with a small Red circle that kind of acts as a Reticle Assist showing before hand as to where the bullet will drop because of the wind and distance . So all you have to do is to hold your breadth and Squeeze the Trigger by keeping the Small red Circle on the head of your target . Sounds easy ? Well it is easy in the Easy mode. In the medium mode , the Game engine gives you some time before the small red circle makes an appearance everytime you highlight an enemy in your scope . If you are really good you would have taken the shot even before the small circle makes an appearance .

Make a Note of your wind speed and Direction too before you fire .

In the hardest mode , the red circle never appears :) . Its all you and your Gun .

Pro's ::

1. Amazing Sniping Experience with real time bullet drop and wind conditions .
2. Cry Engine 3 makes the environment and textures look damn good . It can be a bit of strain on your GPU too . So watch it .
3. Real time Military Jargon that keeps a Military Junkies ( like me ;) ) High always :D .

Con's :: 

1. Story is little confusing and not clearly narrated .
2. In-Game videos sucks . While the actual gameplay looks damn good :D Well what a change over from the past games huh ;)
3. BGM could have been made a little more attractive.

Overall ::  A must Play for Military Junkies . Especially Snipers. If you are not a fan , then don't try this.

Rating : 8.5 / 10 ( Good )

Regards 
Ram 

Remember Me

When I first heard of this game I was skeptical, as to whether this would be unique experience or just some another poor rip-off of  POP series platformer movements .The video of the game play which was released a few days before the game Release convinced me that its just another ordinary game . When the game finally got released , IGN and GameSpot gave a average score tagging the game as an ordinary , repetitive and forgettable experience. So I was in no hurry to get the game started . But finally as I wrapped all the games that were in my queue and this one was one among the less interested games  in my hard disk  , I thought of giving it a try . I thought maybe I can play 2 levels and if it didn't impress me by then , I will stop and delete it . But Whoa!! the game took me by surprise !! Wanna know how  , Lets plunge in

Neo Paris 

Plot :: 

The setting is in the future , year 2084 in  Paris - Titled as Neo-Paris . A new organization called Memorize had taken over people's memories by providing them with a Sensen device with the help of which you will be able to remove the unwanted memories from your life and store them in a central Server H3O . A  group of people who rebel against this kind of invasion of Humankind's privacy start a Rebel movement calling them as Errorists. Nilin is one among them . Atleast tats what the Mysterious voice in her ear , Called Edge , tells her . Its Nilin's job to stop what the Memorize is doing and thereby free the world from the apocalypse its in .
Moral :: Life is not about happy memories alone . One should have the sad ones too to actually experience Life .

Gameplay :: 

Like all 3rd person gameplay with platformer movements Remember Me also has the same basic Combo attacks , Dodge , and unique special set of skills that have been modified according to the game's ideology . But where does Remember Me stand apart , Its in the basic Combos . Unlike other games where your health automatically regenerates , This game depends upon your Combo skill to actually heal you . I don t know exactly how it works , but it does ;). So if you are in the middle of a fight and you are seriously low in heath , all you have to do is to hit some basic combos at your enemies to gain health . This is made interesting by the Sensen Menu where you do have a Combo Lab which can be utilized to rearrange your combos to the best possible effect which you prefer . Extraordinary thinking and which also makes the otherwise dull Button mashing Fights a little tricky and interesting :D hats off for the idea .

Overload Kill

Another Unique feature of the game is the memory remix Sequence you come across . This is the highlight of the game overall . Being the Legendary Memory Hunter you have the capability to remix other's memory and thereby make them do things that actually benefits you and your goals . Amazing thing to visualize and experience. You have a key to rewind and forward and also some glitches which can be tampered by you and thereby ending up with a different ending to the otherwise existing memory . The person will be having one memory and once you alter it according to your needs , he will think tats what happened really and will help you . Quite amazing . Although it takes some real talent and Some trial And Error to actually work out your objective . Bcos doing changes with all the glitches will never work to your favor . And each glitch will work in its own unique way and thereby giving you a different memory . You will understand it better if you play it . but seriously  this is a damn good one . But unfortunately there are only three times that you actually encounter them in the whole playthrough.

Memory Remix Sequence 1 

Glitches highlighted 

Remembrance is another yet unique feature in the game that you make use of . Since you are a memory hunter you  have the ability to steal other person's memory and relive them . By reliving them it helps you to cross over some difficult spots like Dodging from a mechanical Security Drones that sweeps the corridors or to open doors in some tough areas . Again , Excellent use of the Memory Concept by the Developers .

Relive Memories

Combat Moves :: 

Combos

Like I said your basic combos plays a major role in this game . Because if you don t execute combos correctly you will keep on hitting the guy and the enemy wont even take a dent . And its not just simple button Mashing of X and Y . The perfect way to start a combo is to press the button just as the first hit lands . Don't worry , You will get hints at the bottom that will help you guide through the completion of a basic 3 hit , 4 hit ,6 hit and 8 hit combos . And the pressens which are nothing but combo buttons that you unlock . You have the Power ( attack ) , Re-gen ( health boost ) , Cool down ( favorable after getting unique special kills that needs a particular time until you can make use of it .) and chain ( multiply the effect of a Pressens by replicating the previous chain combos) Pressens .

Combo = Basic + Power + Power + Cool down + Re-gen 

 So based upon the pressens you keep in the different combos you have , your attacks may vary . Although its initially scary looking and confusing , once you get the hang of it , you will be praising the ingenuity of the game Developers .

Special Skills :: 

You have 5 kinds of Special and Unique skills .

1. Sensen Fury ::

This is the first one you come across which kinda of throws Nilin into a insane Rage that her Attacks actually become unstoppable and heavy . Quite effective and a must against Bosses when their vulnerability is exposed for a few seconds.

2. Sensen DOS :: 

Its like a stun attack where Nilin smashes her hand on the floor and makes the enemies go blind and confused . Quite Effective against enemies with Shields and Boss Fights .

3. Logic Bomb :: 

This is another cool Power where Nilin can press a Bomb on her nearest enemy and then dodge away so that it can take down her other enemies.

4. Rust in Pieces :: 

Can be use only when Robots are available . When used will make the Robots go crazy like a Electromagnet pulling all the enemies towards it and blowing them up .

5. Sensen Camo :: 

As the name Suggests Nilin can go invisible for a few seconds during the time of which you can go behind a enemy undetected and overload him ( Quick kill )

You also get to use a other cool weapons that help you in the platformer movements as well as in the fights like

1. Spammer :: 

Shoots bolts of info at enemies thereby stunning them . Quite effective against Robots and Environmental Puzzles

2. Junk Bolt : 

An upgrade of Spammer that provides you with a grenade Launcher like shot for Max overload .

3. Pick Socket :: 

Helpful in opening doors and provides a unique challenge in some Environmental puzzles .

4. Force Spammer :: 

Very useful in moving heavy objects and other environmental things that obstruct our way around the world .

Boss Fights :: 

Against Madame

Boss fights are not that hard and again one has to make use of all skills of Nilin in order to bring them down . And also its not easy and short as in the recent DMC :P . This extends into a all out fight where you get to cross levels where you have to destroy the boss again and again and yet again . Not just by using the X and Y . But by using the above mentioned  unique set of skills . Literally so cool . If you find it difficult to crack the technique that is used to take down a boss , don t worry the game itself takes pity on you as it sees you struggling and gives you a hint :P as to how to get it done.

Against H3O

You do have challenging puzzle Segments which you have to solve by hearing to Word Riddles . Its complex at first . The Trick is Listen Careful. Once you do that ,  you will find it silly enough that you will crack through it easily .

Environmental Puzzle 

Pro's :: 

1. Amazing Story that has gives a unique feel even though its the same PROTAGONIST has to save the World theme :P
2. Superb Music that just blows your mind when the action takes place . I just cant place them  , but its amazing to hear . Some fast beat Ultra modern Techno .
3. Amazing Graphics that shows you the beauty of Future Paris . Not stressful on your GPU too .
4. Combos that are actually necessary to be executed if you want to survive in this game .
5 . Memory Re mix sequences are amazing , making you feel like a detective and analyst trying to achieve your goal by trial and error ---> INCEPTION ;)

Con's :: 

1. Thank God , its not open World . But still many Gamers Complained about it. So :)

Overall :: Not a must play 3rd person Platformer but hey , just give it a try . Maybe it will take you by  surprise as it took me :)

Rating :: 8.7 / 10 ( Good )

Regards
Ram 

Call Of Juarez : Gunslinger

The First Call of Juarez started back in 2007 , which brought back the age of Western Styled FPS back  in action .But the series actually became a Rage with Call of Juarez : Bound in Blood which tells the story of Two brothers . Praised for its impacting  story , the game was well received by Gamers world wide as it was like a breather to all the Sci-Fi FPS titles that were cluttering up the gaming world. Call of Juarez : the Cartel although was much anticipated by Gamers due to the success of the previous game , failed miserably as the game was titled as " The most Racist game ever " and was even banned from releasing in many regions .

Now in  2013 Call of Juarez : the Gunslinger Makes an Entry . First introduced as a Xbox Live Arcade and PSN network game , it was released later for PC . Unlike Cartel the game once again goes back to its old Western Style way of story telling with a gripping Legendary Characters and amazing voice Acting with the perfect Drawl .

Plot :: 

The game begins with a Old guy entering into a Bar in  Abilene, Kansas  and ordering a beer and slowly starts speaking as to who he is or was n his prime . None other than the Great Silas Greaves , One of the Legendary bounty Hunters of that time . Silas promises to tell the bored people in the bar his adventures in return for free drinks . And thus starts your journey , as Silas recounts his famous adventures and how he came to meet  Billy the Kid , Butch Cassidy and Johnny Ringo and some other famous Outlaws who terrorized the West during their time . Story is loosely based on Silas's Revenge on the 3 outlaws who killed his brother and how his quest for Revenge turned into him a Bounty Hunter .

Gameplay  :: 

Gameplay is one of the best things about this game . I mean although the story goes on as Silas starts Narrating ,  he doesn't stop narrating even when you have actually entered the game. Based on his narrations new objects like Ladder or new door or new path pops up right before you :D. Its hilarious and kind of cool in a way . You will be feeling the same when you play it ;) . The gun fights are too satisfying with blood spurts all over your enemies as your bullets find its mark . One headshot and BAAM , he is down . The feel that you are in a Quentin Tarantino Movie sure does pop up now and then .

Firing a gun has never felt so satisfying . Every gun is a authentic western style weapon with the impact rolling on your shoulder as you get accustomed to the way they react when you start pumping lead at your enemy. And the amazing slowdown when a Lethal bullet is coming at you is super cool . I mean the path of bullet is shown in slow motion and you have to weave right or left if you want to avoid death . It occurs randomly and at the least moments that you are expecting it so that when you do successfully execute it you will feel like you had actually avoided death at the last second because of your super Reflexes :D Take that Quick Time events :P

But that does't mean there are no QTE in the game . They are there , know as " Super Reflexes " . When you enter a new area , suddenly the game slows down and you will be asked to push the arrow keys as prompted on the screen in order to take down the enemies that ambush you  . The Jump and gun Technique was also pretty amazing , All you had to do is to keep pressing your Gun Trigger until all enemies are down with heads open. But it happens on its own and no way to trigger it.( or else it wud have been like Max Payne :D )

You do have Concentration mode that highlights the enemies in RED so that you can easily pick them out as they hide out in covers . Extremely useful when you are facing a infinite number of enemies and bullets are flying everywhere and you don't know where to shoot . Recharges when you kill enemies .

The Villain's Intro are shown amazingly with a slow down freeze of three frames showing who he is and what is he good at and why did he became so famous . It somehow makes you feel that you are fighting against a real legend and not some silly game Character.  I really loved it when they showed that :D

Boss Fights are again a touch back to the old FPS genre Formulas . You get the Boss's Health Bar at top and fire at him from cover as he throws Dynamites or showers you with bullets . Old things Die hard and it was so cool to experience it once again .

Duel :: 

Dueling is back . What western movie doesn't have it . The duel technique in Bound in Blood had been upgraded and now you have to keep your enemy in focus as you move your Gun hand left or right to position it exactly on top of your weapon . Depending upon the percentage of Focus and Speed you will get to draw your gun when the time is appropriate to pierce the enemy . Make sure you draw the gun when the enemy draws it or else you will lose XP points as the game considers it as a Dishonorable Kill :D (i.e )if you draw your weapon before the enemy does .

Graphics :: 

The game looks like its ripped off from a comic book. So if you see closely you will be able to see the outline around each object or person that appears in the game . The comic book feel is really nice to look . But that doesn't mean the game is inferior in any way . Its superb and makes you feel like you are back in the old Mexico . Especially the level where you have to walk through the Marshlands . Its absolutely breathtaking to look and experience .

Weapons :: 

One thing that is abundant in this game are the Guns and Ammo . You will find a huge amount of both scattered through out  your linear Path in the game that very rarely you do run out of ammo. There is scavenging from your enemies to help you too .Your Rifle acts like a Sniper which can take down even the furthest enemy pretty easily that is if you aim properly  :P My personal favorite was the Rifle along with the Ranger . Dual Wield is available too , but The ridiculously long  Reloads didn't make me a huge fan .

Gatling guns are there too but thank god no over heating and all other real shits :D You can just press your hand on the Trigger and blast your enemies to the other side of hell :D . Ah ! the fine old West .

Pro's ::

1. Amazing Story Narrative that pulls you back into the shoes of a old Western and True Gunslinger.
2. Pretty cool Comic Book Graphics that still astounds you at some places .
3. Dynamic movements of the landscape according to the story that is told .
4. Satisfying gunfights with weapons giving of an amazing real and authentic feel .
5. BGM is ultra with all the bells and whistles .
6. Amazing Blood Spurts and Bullet impacts into bodies that kinda of make you feel that you are in a
Quentin Tarantino movie .

Cons ::

1. Game was too Short .

Overall :: Amazing Western themed FPS that acts as a breather in the Modern Day  Sci-FI shooters of the past 2 years.

Rating  : 9.2 / 10 ( Very Good )

Regards
Ram