DRAGON BALL FighterZ

Developer - Arc System Works.
Publisher - BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment.
Release Date - January 26th, 2018.
Platform(s) - PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows.
Reviewed On - Xbox One.

Introduction

DRAGON BALL FighterZ returns to the video game series' roots, but this time, with a flavorful kick of beauty, action, and epic moments, spanning across all available game modes. Overall, the story mode is fairly long, considering there are three different story arcs, complete with action-packed battles against cloned-versions of classic characters, such as Android 16, Cell, Vegeta, and more. This entry of the Dragon Ball video game series definitely holds up to its hype, and builds off, gameplay-wise from its predecessors.


Gameplay

The game features an action packed fighting system, with classic moves, such as Goku's Kamehameha, Vegeta's Final Flash, Tien's Tri-Beam, and so much more. If you're a hardcore fan of the series, you're in for a treat, since Dragon Ball FighterZ has it all. Even if you're a newcomer, this fighting game is easy to pick up on. There are 24 (base) characters, including an all-new character, created just for this game, Android 21 (shown below). There are 8 downloadable content characters coming out soon, and they're not free. You'll be charged a nice fee if you want the rest of the characters, as they release. The Fighter Pass is $34.99 USD.

Android 21 (left) and Android 16 (right) share a scene together in the story mode of DRAGON BALL FighterZ.

Graphics

DRAGON BALL FighterZ features a realistic anime experience, and is the first ever in the video game series to have graphics that are reminiscent to the anime series. When you're playing story mode, it's just as if you're watching the anime. But you're not. You're playing the game. Overall, the graphics are amazing, compared to those of Xenoverse, or Budokai, or even Budokai Tenkaichi, one of the most popular game trilogies in the history of Dragon Ball Z games.

Replayability

When it comes to replaying the game, it's a definite yes. The game is replayable, only because you can always come back to multiplayer and clobber everyone in the game with your totally-not-a-tryhard fighting style. There are plenty of characters to master, and that alone will take some time to do.

Should you play?

If you're a Dragon Ball Z junkie, or even a fighting game junkie, you should probably consider picking this game up. If you're in it for the story, then yeah, you should also pick the game up. If you're all of the above, then you should definitely pick it up. It's the best Dragon Ball Z game in years, definitely a refresher, if you miss the old Budokai games, and whatnot.

Overall Score - 9 / 10 - Amazing.

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Borderlands

Borderlands

Developer - Gearbox Software.
Publisher - 2K Games.
Release Date - October 20th, 2009.
Platform(s) - Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3.
Reviewed On - Microsoft Windows.


Introduction

SPOILER WARNING! You have been warned.

Borderlands is mostly famous for its in-depth story-telling skills, as it brings you through the journey to find the 'Vault', which, in the end, is just a big monster who wants to kill you. The game is also famous for its insane loot system, which includes thousands of weapons with different elemental effects for each weapon. If you play through all of the missions (including side-quests), you'll get an insanely powerful weapon, that is, for a good chunk of the game, the Dove. One of its positives is the fact it has unlimited ammo, so you can fire away without worrying about not having ammunition for your weapon. But that's a topic we'll cover later. The game also features four pieces of 'downloadable' content, adding more story into the game. There's even a Zombie story DLC! Sit back, and relax, because Borderlands has a lot to offer for fans of First-Person-Shooters and RPG games.


Gameplay

LAST WARNING - SPOILER WARNING!

Throughout the game, you'll come across plenty of quests to keep you occupied for the 40+ hours you'll spend playing the game, if it's your first time. There are also a variety of weapons you can acquire, making playing the game over and over again increasingly fun, since the loot-dropping system is definitely random. There are vehicles in the game, but they're not what you expect. The controls for the vehicles are a little wonky, that is, if you're coming into the Borderlands franchise. That definitely takes some time to get used to, but it's not really a hassle. Whenever you kill a boss, they usually drop a unique weapon, and they have different elemental abilities, as well as certain improvements to your character. You can also find ultra-rare shields to assist you in staying alive longer to kill that last enemy in the Circle of Slaughter, which is a round-based arena where you kill enemies and get rewarded for completing the three rounds. There are so many things to talk about, gameplay wise, but we're going to keep it simple.


Graphics

If you take a look at the rest of the Borderlands series (Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel), you'll come to realize this game looks like a nightmare. Although the game did release back in 2009, they could've had a final sit-down to talk about how they want the game to look. Overall, the game came out looking like a child's game, but with blood, and gore, in a good way.

'Borderlands' is not very famous for the graphics, but they'll do.

Replayability


Like stated before, this game features tons of quests, weapons to collect, shields to collect, etc., so the replayability is definitely high for this game.


Should You Play?

This is definitely a must-play for fans of the FPS/RPG genres, even if you're not really a fan of the mentioned genres. You'll find yourself immersed into the game within minutes, with its quirky comedic lines, along with its action-packed content.

Overall Score - 8 / 10

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Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

Developer - Neversoft.
Publisher - Aspyr Media.
Release Date - November 13th, 2007.
Platform(s) - PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows.
Reviewed On - Microsoft Windows.


Introduction

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is the third installment in the Guitar Hero franchise, featuring over 70 songs, from acclaimed groups like Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, Disturbed, and more. If you're playing the game on the computer, you'll be able to get even more songs than the base track-list, by using a simple thing called modding. This series entry also features three boss battles throughout the story. You'll battle Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Slash (Guns 'n' Roses), and even the devil, himself.

Gameplay

The game itself is a rhythm game, so all you really have to do is hit the frets at the right time. Simple, right? If you're playing on a keyboard, and you're new to the game, you're in for a treat. That was sarcasm. Getting used to the keyboard to play this game is definitely a task, so be prepared. You could also use the Xbox 360 X-Plorer guitar controller in the computer version of the game, so if you have one of those stashed away, you're in luck. If you don't, have fun searching for those things, they're pretty much extinct.

Some of the songs featured in the game are fairly easy, but for the most part, you're basically better off getting a guitar controller, or you'll be happy with getting 99% on an 'Easy' song with the keyboard, like this fellow. Oh, and have fun attempting 'Through the Fire and Flames' with a keyboard.

Graphics

As far as the graphics of the game goes, it's pretty standard. The game was made in 2007, so cut it some slack. The PC version of the game has far clearer-looking graphics compared to the PlayStation 2 version, that's for sure. If you're looking for a good graphical-styled Guitar Hero title, this one is definitely not your style.

Replayability

Guitar Hero III definitely has a lot of replay value, if you're one of those people always trying to beat your personal high score on songs. You'll find yourself sitting in a dark room mashing buttons on a keyboard, or a guitar to try and rack as many points as you can on that fantastic song. Or maybe you're trying to beef up your skills on a sick guitar solo, there's a practice mode for that, adding extra replayability time to the game. After you've beaten the devil, you'll definitely find yourself heading back to Quick Play every now and then for a good time-- whether it's by yourself, or with the company of some friends.

Should You Play?

If you're a mega-fan of rhythm-based games, then this one is definitely for you.

Overall Score - 7 / 10

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DRAGON BALL FighterZ (Beta)

Personal Note: A week before the release of the actual game, I want to write a review for the beta. From here on, whenever I review 'BETA' versions of the games, I will speak for myself, not like I usually do with 'real' reviews (final versions of games).

DRAGON BALL FighterZ Official Logo

DRAGON BALL FighterZ (Open Beta)

Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Release Date: BETA January 16, 2018.

On the first day of the beta, DRAGON BALL FighterZ had internet issues, to the point where BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment stated the beta may get extended, because of the issue mentioned. After the beta ended, they released a 24-hour 'extended' beta the next day, giving players another chance to get some extra experience into the game, before launch on January 26th, 2018.

When you're dropped into the game, you're met with a non-skippable Terms and Conditions page, which takes away about 45-50 seconds of playtime, which is useless. I know that it's not a long time, but for a beta with internet issues, that's quite a letdown. After you finally get into the game, you get the walk around in a Conton City-styled space where you can, ultimately, find games, view replays, check the leaderboards, and so much more. Out of all of the recent 'Dragon Ball' games that released (Xenoverse, Xenoverse 2, and FighterZ), this one really takes the cake. I personally think this game has potential. I mean, hey, who wouldn't love a Marvel VS. Capcom-styled Dragon Ball Z game?

DRAGON BALL FighterZ releases January 26th, 2018, across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

The beta featured a good variety of playable characters, including Goku, Vegeta, Cell, Frieza, Beerus, Krillin, Android 18/17, Nappa, Adult Gohan, Piccolo, and Kid Buu. Pretty good, considering the fact it was an open beta testing for everyone to enjoy. The main game, in total has 24 characters, and they're all unlocked the same way as any other Dragon Ball game-- by going through the storyline to unlock them. There is a character that was announced to be unlocked early if you buy the add-on, Android 21, but you can also unlock her via completing the game.

As far as the connection quality goes, the game was fantastic. I had no hiccups in the internet connection, only until I met someone from a different country, as I was assuming. After I clobbered them in round one, I immediately got disconnected. There was no way you could leave the game after entering a battle, but I think he could've closed the application as a whole. My internet really isn't 'bad', so I know it's nothing on my end.

Gameplay quality, the game was good, the combos were easy to use, and it felt like an overall good game. The only flaw was the character swapping in-game, I never figured how to change characters mid-battle.This is, so far, one of the most anticipated games of the year, for me, at least. So, I hope this doesn't disappoint. I'm a big fan when it comes to Dragon Ball games, so this is a must-grab for me.

That about wraps it up for this small review, I will definitely review the final version of the game, upon release on Friday. Remember, I will not post reviews in my point of view for other reviews, ONLY for beta versions of the games.

If you're looking to pre-order the game, head on over to the 'Marketplace' page on my Blog! Just select the desired platform, and you'll be redirected the the selected platform purchase page!

Should You Buy?

If you're a major fan of fighting games, I recommend the game to you. If you're a fan of the fighting genre, AND Dragon Ball, definitely pick this up!

Overall Score: 8 / 10

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 / Biohazard 4 

Developer: Capcom.
Publisher: Capcom.
Release Date: January 11, 2005.

One of the most critically acclaimed of the franchise, Resident Evil 4 brings a lot to the table for hardcore fans. Whether it's a true survival-horror experience, an in-depth story, or just a ton of content, Resident Evil 4 has it all.

The game begins lightly, but only for the first half hour of gameplay. Once you meet the deadly horde of Ganados in the village, the game officially begins to go downhill, in a horrifyingly good way.

You're placed back into the shoes of an ex-cop, Leon S. Kennedy, and this time-- his job is to rescue the president's annoying daughter, Ashley Graham. She gets herself into quite the situations throughout the story, but that's okay. Leon just keeps rescuing her, over and over.

This installment also introduces quick-time events, and if you're a fan of this game, you'll know that they sometimes get annoying. But then again, they're managable, and that's okay. There are plenty of enemies you can fend off with your large selection of weapons. For instance, you can take down one of the game's most horrifying enemies-- the Regenerator, with a high-powered rifle that has a special scope equipped. The game is well-crafted, and simply one of the best in the franchise, and there's a reason that Capcom decided to put it on almost every platform known to man, because the players think that it's one of the greatest in the history of Resident Evil.

Upon completion of the main storyline, you're greeted by a few new game modes: Mercenaries, Assignment Ada, and Seperate Ways. Both Seperate Ways and Assignment Ada are add-ons to the story, in a sense, while The Mercenaries is a minigame that has you playing as different characters that each have different loadouts to accumulate as many points as you can within an allotted time. There are also different stages to the minigame mode as well, with each stage granting a new character if you get over a certain amount of points.

Assignment Ada is a minigame, that has Ada Wong, one of the main characters in the Resident Evil series, collecting all 5 plagas samples. It wasn't really the best of the three unlockable modes, but it's decent enough, and that's good. Once completing that mode, you get a reward for use in your next playthrough of the main story of Resident Evil 4.

Separate Ways has you playing as-- yet again, Ada Wong, and she has numerous missions throughout the five stages. One of the missions, is to kill Saddler and retrieve the sample. There is also another unlockable item for use in the main story of Resident Evil 4, and with both of the unlockables combined, you'll be unstoppable.

The Mercenaries is yet another minigame that has you playing in five different stages, with a set of characters that you can choose from, with each giving you a different loadout. For example: Wesker has a magnum that can take down enemies with ease. Krauser has an overpowered bow along with a TMP. There are plenty of characters to choose from, so take your time and see which one is better for you. Once again, you need to unlock them, so be aware of that. You start off with Leon S. Kennedy, and you can start from there.

Overall, this game packs a ton of content for each player, and right now it's on sale for $4.99 USD. That's basically a steal, considering the amount of content, along with the amount of playtime that's included with this gem.

Should you play?

Definitely. This game is truly one of the best in the Resident Evil franchise, and it deserves all of the attention it garners.

Overall score: 9/10

Bad Rats: the Rats' Revenge

Developer  -  Invent4 Entertainment.
Publisher - Strategy First.
Release Date - July 20th, 2009

I received this game as a birthday gift a few years ago, and recently I was searching my game library for something to review. This popped up and I instantly downloaded it. I knew the game was great material for a bad review, so I took the chance.

I'm a level in, and the game's already as boring as staring into space for 6 hours straight. Basically, the main objective in-game is to use the rats to kill cats. After you've successfully killed the cat(s), your mission (level) is complete. Oh, did I mention this game promotes animal abuse? Now, I'm not the kind of person to go around being an SJW about things, but this really caught my attention when I first acquired the game. You're killing animals to complete levels. Pretty PETA-worthy, right? I guess I'm wrong, since this game is still alive and well.

For a game created in 2009, the graphics are utterly horrible. You'd expect the visual quality to be nicer than what it really is, but they lost an opportunity. The game automatically launches in windowed mode, and that itself is more annoying than the actual game. This is the only game that has this feature, and I haven't messed around with the settings enough to know if the game even has a full-screen mode.

There are three difficulties to choose from-- Tutorial (Easy-mode with tutorial enabled), Normal, and Expert. Since I wanted to start off fresh, and play seriously, I booted up in the 'Tutorial' mode. I was greeted by an insanely cringey text-to-speech bot, who gave me directions on how to play the game correctly, and complete the first level. After completing the first level, I transitioned to Normal mode. The same thing, just no cringey bot telling you what to do.

There is really nothing else left to say about this game, it's a piece of crap, and if you're actually considering purchasing this joke that the developers call a game, then suit yourself. I warned you, this game is nothing more than a dust-collector sitting in my game library. Enough said.

There's a reason this game is originally $0.99, and that's because the developers definitely rushed on this title. This game could've been a little better than what the end result turned out to be. There is apparently a second Bad Rats game, and I have yet to get it. Probably sometime in the future, when I am at my wit's end, and I have nothing else better to review, I'll get the game. It'll be for comedic relief, though, I can tell you that.

Should You Play?

I think that nobody should play this game, even if they were intoxicated to any extent. This game is meant for jokes, but it was really terrible at delivering that joke. Well, I guess you can say the game is a joke, but that's all I'm giving it. I think that alone is too good of a thing to say for a worthless game like this.

Overall score - 1.5/10

PLAYERUNKOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS

PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS

Developer: PUBG Corporation.
Publisher: PUBG Corporation.
Release Date: (Official) December 21st, 2017.
Platforms: PC, Xbox One.

This game was recently in Steam's Early Access program, and on December 21st, 2017, they officially released the game out of the program, along with the 1.0 update for PC. Also, recently, they're released the game on the Xbox One, via the Creator's Program, which is similar to Steam's Early Access system. We will be reviewing the Xbox One version of the title.

PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS is simply the pinnacle of all Battle Royale games. Your objective is quite simple-- land, loot, and survive. Simple, right? In some ways, that is not the case. With recurring lag spikes, random crashes mid-game, poor hit-reg, and almost piss-poor graphics, this game barely makes it out alive in my review. There's something that makes me keep coming back for more, and here's what that is.

When you drop into a game, you don't know if you're alone, or if you've been joined by fellow enemies, who want one thing-- to snatch the loot from your cold, dead corpse. One of the good things about this game is that the loot is randomized within the map(s), and it makes you think twice before going in that house you found the Scar-L in, in one of your previous games, expecting to find another one sitting in the same exact area.

Another thing that's pretty neat about the game is the vast range of vehicles that you can use to traverse the map. They're not common, but they're also not rare. They're actually pretty easy to find, that is if you look in the right spots. Although I do not recommend a motorcycle as it's dangerous if you are a reckless driver, like I am. Also, you're very vulnerable to enemies' attacks unlike being in a car, or a jeep that has all doors intact.

Playing in first person was fun for a bit, then it got a little tedious, with driving and looting, as well as combat. Moving around the map wasn't really an issue when it came to first person. Using the third person camera is basically ten times better than first, because you can see more of your surroundings, so you can be more prepared for your next gunfight. After all, it's better to be prepared for something as dangerous as that, then to not be prepared, and get gunned down almost instantly. If you're not used to the first person camera view, that is.

There are many suggestions I have for the developers of the game, but I feel as if that my voice won't be heard by them, and even if they heard it, they'd simply ignore it without considering it for a second. The game could be so much better with some of these changes, and I think I should disclose that information, so the next few sections will be dedicated to things I want to be fixed in the game.

When playing in first person, I don't think you should have to tap LT to aim down sights, I personally think if you're mainly in first person, you can hold the trigger down and aim, instead of tapping it to toggle it. During gameplay, I found that it was a hassle to change camera angles while aiming down the sights, so I think they should alternate the control to have it held down for aiming, instead of tapping.

Also, the fact that someone can shoot you from a few miles away when you're driving at max speed on a bike, with a M16A4 and kill you almost instantly, shouldn't be a thing. Some guns should definitely be nerfed.

Now I know I have little-to-no experience in the game, I could tell almost right away that I knew what I wanted to write on this game. When the game gets a proper update I might edit this review, but here's for the stuff you've been waiting for.

Should You Play?

I think that everyone who enjoys games like H1Z1, and probably even Fortnite should definitely give this game a try. I can't talk for the PC players, but I've noticed that the game is buggy on PC as well as Console (Xbox One), so I'd wait for the game to be adequately optimized for both platforms.

Overall score: 6.5/10