Sine Mora EX PS4 Review

Sine Mora EX is a Bullet-Hell Shmups games for PS4, XBONE, Switch and PC, which was developed by Digital Reality and Grasshopper Manufacture, and published by THQ Nordic. It is a extended version of the original Sine Mora was originally released for X360, PS3, PS Vita and PC in 2012 release.

I've always been the fan of the shoot em ups genres with bullet-hell elements where it had games like Radiant Slivergun, Ikaruga and DonPachi, but Sine Mora is a interesting 2D shoot em ups title that really shines the modern day bullet-hell genres. This game is surprisingly decent for all the fans of this genres will able to experience the epicness of the whole game which adds the magnificent overall of this quality title. The EX version has introduced the new game modes that been added to this game such as challenge mode, local 2-player co-op, and versus mode. I've enjoyed hell of this game that filled with massive gameplay design, dieselpunk presentations, intense boss battles and spectacular visuals that really keeps me playing more and more. Despite the game has quality gameplay, great visual concepts, and newer game modes, the story and characters are kinda not the best part of the game, but it's not that terribly bad for the shoot em ups title regarding on unbalanced plot and forgettable characters.

So without go further do, let's start the review.



Presentation

This game takes place on the planet of Seol which features two different storyplot. The first plot focuses on father bent on taking revenge on the Empire that executed his son for being the sole pilot that refused to drop a nuclear bomb during an attack on the Enkies, while the second plot features the last survivors of the Enkie race also plotting revenge on the Empire for destroying them.

The story in the game features a narrative text that adds the plot of the game, but I finding the story is very confusing to read which they been putting too many details rather than making it simple which causes the reader having difficult to understand the whole story of the game. The characters in the game are rather bit mixed overall, some are okay and some are not quite memorable. I really liked their appearances, but it kinda lacks personality in the game.
I really liked the idea of the dieselpunk theme that made the concepts very interesting for level design and presentation. It has the mixed of rusty looking environment and dark settings, but some are quite beautifully made that fits really well for this type of game. Each of the stages taking place in different areas like the sea ocean, fiery factory, neo-tokyo styled buildings, and others.                 
I got to be honest with most of the boss characters are looked incredibly awesome and the player's ship is looking quite amazing which are very well designed indeed.

Overall, a kinda mediocre story and leading characters, but has cool concepts, awesome boss characters, and impressive settings.



Gameplay

This game features story mode including 2-player co-ops, arcade mode, challenge mode, score attack mode, boss training and versus mode.

You take control of playable pilot ship to complete 7 of the stages throughout the progressing story. The pilot ship has basic attack which shoots normal firing at the enemies and you can also attack them with sub-weapons depending which pilot you're playing as in the game, so it has 2 drones firing, huge laser, homing firing missile, and others useful sub-weapons types. You can also slowdown the enemy's pacing by using the time ability which slows down the enemy's projectiles, but it can easily drains the time capsule so use it wisely. These collectable power orbs can also upgrade your firepower, increasing time capsules and bombs which are very useful to improve your player's playability. Your ship does not have the traditional health bar, but instead plays on the aspect of time limit which continues to tick downwards, so your ship can be damaged by the enemy's projectile which decreases your time limit until it reaches zero meaning you'll die in the game if reached zero, but your time can be increasingly extended by killing more enemies or collecting the time extension orbs, but it's not just those projectiles can decreasing your time limit, it can also lose your weapon abilities too which forces you to collect your weapon power orbs before it can disappeared quickly. The enemy's ships can shootout many of the projectiles which made the player's ship impossible to evade, which takes sometimes to get used too once you've learned how to beat the level without making any of mistakes. On local 2-player co-op, the second player's ship has ability to shoot their firing in different direction by using the right stick and using the shields to protect the first player's ship from the enemy's projectiles. Depending on difficulties, the normal mode which features 8 continues, while harder ones only featured 5 continues making the game becoming a quite of challenge.

So far, I find the game are very playable which keeps me very satisfied with the levels and boss battles. The player's ships are handling well that keeps the controls very smooth and responsive. I really liked the use of time ability which benefits me to evade those enemy's projectiles and the weapons are really well done for both main and sub weapons especially with using weapon upgrades which makes the player's ship even stronger. Shooting multiple of the enemy's ships can rewards experienced player with massive score points which can be added to online leaderboards as being the top player of the whole game. I've also enjoyed arcade mode, score attack mode and challenge mode are surprisingly hard to play, but also added the fun factor of bullet-hell experience to the game. You can also enjoy the versus mode with your friends through 3 competitive matches. It's kinda bummer that it didn't featured the online co-op mode which could have made the game also fun.

Overall, it has great gameplay mechanics and fun game modes. 



Graphics

These graphics are significantly gorgeous for it's modern day shoot em ups standards. The whole environments in these levels are beautifully detailed running on 3D backgrounds of dieselpunk style building and colourful scenery objects that really adds the game's personality. The animation on most of the 2D ships design and level environments are also well done showing how spectacular the game looks and I also love the use of the special effects on the enemy's projectiles are quite bright and heavy at the same time making it easier to see these patterns during the in-game action. The game also runs on 4K native with 60fps from the PS4, XBONE and PC versions giving a perfect picture quality of the game for your 4KTV standards. 

Overall, it has detailed environment, cool animation and heavy use of special effects.



Music and Sounds

The original soundtrack are mixed between synth and industrial of 80's electronic music that adds the mood of the diesel-punk setting, so it was composed by Akira Yamaoka, a Japanese composer behind Silent Hill, did a fine job of making soundtrack for this type of game. The game does have quite atmospheric sounds in the whole levels adding a variety of background noise and other kinds of sound effects which they did get a job done. I find the voice cast quite mixed overall which didn't fit well on their character's role regarding the emotionless voice quality and generic dialogue in the game's storyline.

Overall, it has decent soundtrack and acceptable sound effects, but the voice acting could have done better than this.



Special Features 

The EX version introduces new local 2-player co-op, challenge mode, and versus mode, while it's retains the arcade mode, boss training and score attack mode which adds the newer edition of this game. 

Overall, a great updated features to this game.



Advantages

Diesel-Punk styled presentation

Cool game modes

Great gameplay mechanics

Challenging levels and boss battles

Spectacular graphics   

Decent soundtrack

Local 2-player co-op



Disadvantages

Mediocre story and characters

Where is the online 2-player co-op (WTF!?)

Generic voice cast



Final Verdict


Presentation 6.5/10 - mediocre story and leading characters, but has cool concepts, awesome boss characters, and impressive settings.

Gameplay 8/10 - great gameplay mechanics and fun game modes.

Graphics 8.5/10 - detailed environment, cool animation and heavy use of special effects.

Music and Sounds 7/10 - decent soundtrack and acceptable sound effects, but generic voice acting.

Special Features 8/10 - new local 2-player co-op, challenge mode, and versus mode, while it's retains the arcade mode, boss training and score attack mode.


Overall 8/10 - It's a solid overall game that I'm enjoyed the whole game with clever gameplay style, unique levels and challenging boss battles that really adds the fun factor of the game. Being the bullet-hell shooter is a way to go that gives a player a new experience of the shoot em up genres. I wish they could have been done better on the story and characters to make it not downright confusing, so I hope they can improve it in the future sequels. 

So far, Sine Mora EX is still a total overlooked gem that deserves another pick ups for your video game collection.



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Top 5 Video Game Controllers

Yeah, we all know video games from the mid-80's to early 2000's shares with the greatest controllers they ever invented for the gaming generations. These are the video game controllers are considered to be revolutionary and the most common for the video game technologies that we all need it to plug it into the systems and start playing the most of the titles which heavily designed for its suitable gameplay style and quality standards. I'm focusing on the controllers that are innovative, built quality, reliability and playable, so I decided to make my 5 favourite video game controllers that I really liked the best and why is it so great.

So here is my top 5 video game controllers.




5 - Nintendo 64 Controller

     


















Nintendo's previous console such as Super Nintendo was the widely successful system on the 16-bit era due to killer game titles and powerful 16-bit hardware that blew every gamers mind. They later revealed their 64-bit console on the fifth generation console era was Nintendo 64 is one of the third home console that not just blowing them away with the powerful graphics and launch titles, but introducing the weird looking M shaped controller which features D-Pad, C-Buttons, Shoulder buttons, A, B and Z buttons and of course the analog stick which was designed for most of the 3D platformers and FPS games. Most of the gaming magazines in the mid-90's praises the controller for its control elements and designs.

I find this controller considered to be a great example of the 64-bit gaming, as this controller is quite comfortable to hold and it's very easier to use for its playabilities. For examples, both the analog stick and C-Buttons is perfect for the games titles such as Super Mario 64 was known for the smoother control schemes making Mario easier to walk and run in 360's degrees, and using the camera system to give player freedom to look around the whole level environment. The FPS games such as Goldeneye and Turok that utilises the control stick for the suitable aiming control and the C-Buttons is to move around which is excellent for the right hand player, while using the D-pad is for the left hand player. The best part of this controller is the slot underneath where you can add accessories such as rumble pak that allow the device to make shaky vibration feedback during the gameplay and using the memory pak is to store save files. 

This controller has inspired the video game companies such as Sony would later releasing their newly designed Playstation controller for the PS1 known as the Dualshock controller which featuring two analog thumbstick and built-in vibration feedback. Nintendo 64 has the most impressive video game controller for the fifth generation console era which is surprisingly playable for most of the 3D game titles for the N64 game libraries. 



4 - SEGA Dreamcast Controller

     



















In the between the late 90's and nearly early 2000's, SEGA has released their final home console for the sixth generation console era was the SEGA Dreamcast. After the successful U.S launch of the Dreamcast in 1999, Sony was later released in the year 2000 with their second home console for the sixth generation console era was Playstation 2 has sold many of the units as becoming one of the best-selling game consoles of all time which kills the SEGA's hardware sales and causing SEGA to discontinue their hardware in 2001 due to financial losses. Despite the poor hardware sales and short life-span, Dreamcast has regarded as being creative and innovative which shares with excellent game titles and online play that made Dreamcast quite memorable.

What really made me like about the Dreamcast is the controller which is similar to SEGA's early 3D controller for the SEGA Saturn. It features 3D control stick, bulky looking d-pad, 4-colourful buttons and 2-analog triggers. I know some of the gamers had an difficult with using the Dreamcast controller is because of the wire is below the controller instead of top, so to me I didn't have problem with it because you can always stick the wire to the top ones behind the controller. I really liked the overall design of the controller with sturdy grip which is suitable for big handed people, nicely round-shaped 3D stick with precised rotation controls, curved-shaped triggers is easier to press down without slipping off your finger, the d-pad and 4-buttons is very well designed. It includes the VMU slot where you can insert your VMU memory unit which not only to just stores save files, but allows you to transfer mini-games and using in-game features.   

I finding the controller is quite impressive for most of the 3D game titles such as Sonic Adventure and Jet Set Radio is because of the 3D control stick are very responsive and less sensitive. The d-pad is perfect for most of the 2D fighting game titles like Marvel vs Capcom 2 and Street Fighter 3 which enable me to execute the fighting moves. The 2-analog triggers is worked well for racing game titles like Daytona USA 2001, SEGA Rally Championship 2, SEGA GT and Metropolis Street Racer with better use of acceleration. The VMU is quite handy for in-game features such as Resident Evil: CODE Veronica and Dino Crisis which can display the player's health condition, and the game such as Power Stone and Sonic Adventure has the transferring options which lets you play some of the mini-games on the VMU unit. This controller is surprisingly innovative which was later influenced the Microsoft's Xbox controller which included 2-memory slot unit and the VMU is also influenced the GBA's link cable for the Nintendo Gamecube in the year 2002.




3 - SEGA Saturn Controller (Model 2)

               














After the success of the predecessors SEGA Genesis/Megadrive, SEGA had then finally released the SEGA Saturn in the year 1994 as Japan release to complete against their rivalry Sony Playstation. Unfortunately Saturn did not meet with the sales expectations after its surprise May 1995 launch in U.S and it is considered a commercial failure due to expensive price, difficult development and lack of third-party support which led SEGA Saturn being discontinued in year 1998. The system was known for arcade perfect titles and well received IP's series that the system was known for in mid-90's. The games like Nights into Dreams, Panzer Dragoon, Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Cop 2, SEGA Rally Championship, SEGA Manx TT Superbike and SEGA Worldwide Soccer 97 that made Saturn so great at the time.

Since my younger times where my brother have swapped my Saturn with the Nintendo 64 in mid-90's, but now then I'm very glad that I've bought back my Saturn back in two years ago, so I could able to play my childhood gaming console again. At the start, I never impressed with the Saturn's Model 1 controller is because its has flimsy d-pad, flat shoulder buttons and awkward grip-design which making it difficult to play due to design flaw, but I'm glad that SEGA had later made an improvement with the Saturn's Model 2 controller which features a nicely round-shaped d-pad and 2-clicky shoulder buttons, the grip-design on the Model 2 is much better in comparison with Model 1, and I also liked the 6-buttons which has 3-bigger ones on below and 3-smaller ones on top is definitely top-notch. The reason why I've liked this Saturn's Model 2 controller is because it's kinda feels like the SEGA Genesis/Megadrive 6-button controller and it worked perfectly for most of the fighting games titles such as Virtua Fighter 2, Last Bronx, Fighting Vipers, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Marvel Superheroes and X-Men: Children of the Atom is because of the 6-buttons controls and the build quality of the controller is quite solid overall. It's definitely by far one of the SEGA's best controllers ever made and this is most recommended for all Saturn's owner, who did not own the Model 2 controller, definitely must own for your collection and have a fun arcade experience in your home.




2 - Sony Playstation Controller

            

Sony always made their best controllers in the video game industries. In 1994, PS1 was released as part of the fifth generation console era and it is a main rivalry to their competitors such as SEGA Saturn and Nintendo 64. The console was highly praised for its various games libraries, groundbreaking graphics, CD format that can push the whole game into 700MB CD in comparsion with N64's cartridge based format, and innovative controller including Dualshock version which led the Sony's first consoles as regarded being the best system home seller of fifth generation console era. The success of the PS1 has spawned with later consoles such as PS2, PSP, PS3, PS Vita and PS4.

What really made Playstation Controller so special is the standard version from the 1994 which is similar to SNES controller, but features 4-simple geometric shapes button, added a second pair of shoulder buttons for the index or middle fingers and the grip-handles for making it easier to hold controller. Sony was later released the Dual Analog controller in the year 1997 which added the two thumbsticks, while they later redesigned the controller in 1998, as it become Dualshock which added the build-in rumble feature. Dualshock 2 for PS2 was released in early 2000's was almost exactly the same as the previous DualShock, but also forward compatible for the PS1 console. In 2007, Dualshock 3 is the first wireless controller for PS3 which features built-in battery which can be charged with USB cable, it introducing the Sixaxis motion controls which adds the force feedback, it also added the analog L2/R2 triggers, and the Home button that lets you access to your PS3's home menus. In 2013, the PS4 has Dualshock 4 which was different from the previous dualshock controllers. The start and select button were being removed, instead it been replaced with built-in touch pad on the front of the controller which can be clicked, the option button is to pause menu, and the share button which allows players to upload screenshots and videos from their gameplay experiences. The controller grips are much larger than the previous ones, the analog L2/R2 triggers are slightly curved and they added the new feature on the controller such as lightbar on top of the controller which is used for motion controls purposes, the mono speaker on the centre of the controller and the headphone jack on below the controller which is used for online chat.

So far I really liked the all of the Playstation controllers is because I liked the design of the controller especially with the PS3 controller are one of my favourite controller of the Playstation's console families is due to better battery-lifespan which can be charged up to 12 hours, the reliability of the controller is definitely a trustworthy that didn't breakdown at all, and the whole design of the controller is just a classy as the PS1 and PS2 controllers. I also liked the PS4 controller for its build quality and stylish design, while the PS1 and PS2 controller is quite revolutionary at the times, but the PS3 controller is still the best of all Playstation's console families. Overall, the Playstation controllers is perfect for all video game genres including FPS, RPGs, Fighting Games, Racing games, and Arcades. If you're looking for a finest video game controller outthere, then this is highly recommended for you to try this badass out.



1 - Super Nintendo Controller

     













In the year 1990, Nintendo kicked off with their 16-bit powerhouse was Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is main rivalry to their competitors SEGA Genesis/Megadrive making it a second console wars between Nintendo and SEGA trying to complete each other with their marketing campaign and killer titles. This system was a global success, becoming the best-selling console of the 16-bit era due to powerful 16-bit hardware system was capable of producing graphics and sound co-processors and has top-quality games titles. It also praised the innovation of the controller which features simple d-pad button, select and start button, 4-colourful buttons and 2-shoulder buttons making a most appealing video game controller of early 90's.

Super Nintendo is one of my all-time favourite systems ever that lives up in my childhood gaming. I was really got impressed with this legendary controller that plays perfect for most of the games titles. This controller grip has dogbone shaped which I feel it's fits well on my hand while holding it and these 4-colourful buttons and shoulder buttons are easier to press while playing the SNES classics such as Super Mario World because I can hold the Y button to run with my top of thumb, while I can able to press the B button to jump with my middle of thumb which gives the player a significant playability skill for its gameplay style. The games like Starfox which I can able to press the L/R button for barrel roll with my index finger, while in Super Mario Kart and F-Zero which allows me to perform cool vehicle drift. This controller is very unique and special that really defines the video game controllers and it is suitable for most of the game's genres such as 2D platformer, Run N Gun, Beat em ups, JRPG, and 2D fighting games. This is by far one of my favourite video game controllers of all time and if you grew up with retro gaming controllers then this controller is for you to try it out because now you're playing with super power.




Honorable Mentions:

Gamecube controller
NES controller
ATARI 2600 controller
Xbox controller
SEGA Genesis/Megadrive controller




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This is Zeeshan Mirza's Blog and I'll see you next time, happy blogging everyone.
      

Titanfall 2 PS4 Review

Titanfall 2 is a First-Person Shooter for PS4, XBONE, and PC, which was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. It is sequel to 2014's game Titanfall and one of the first game being released for Sony's console such as PS4, since the original game.

Back in 2014 where the first original game was released for XBONE, X360 and PC, which has received mostly positive reviews from the critics which praised for innovation gameplay, character's balance, and fast-paced player mobility. It also won over 60 awards at its E3 2013 reveal through media outlets and considered the game a successful evolution for the first-person shooter genre. With the success of the first game, they made a sequel for the 2016's release which featuring a single-player campaign, and overhauled the progression system and made subtle changes to the multiplayer to make the game fairer to players. It's a shame that the game did not sold well at the release, due to being released on the period between the launch of EA's own hugely popular Battlefield 1 and Activision's Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, but it still gained positive overall for it's single-player campaign, multiplayer battles and delivering free downloadable content of the game.

So far, my thoughts on the game was really satisfying overall with impressive single-player campaign that fills up with fast-paced action shooter, wicked levels with great platforming design, the variety of weapons loadouts, and awesome gameplay with the mix of mecha-style Titan and on-foot Pilot. The online multiplayer is better than was before with great multiplayer matches, cool classes and of course the free updates and DLC for the multiplayer with more maps, weapons and skins which is a fantastic edition to this game without having a microtransactions bullshit like the other's EA past titles. Despite the positives, I felt the story were quite average due to lack of in-depth plot and being a five-hours length of the single-player made which is aren't that bad, but should have been done better if they add more campaign levels and deliver enough storyline to make it quite appropriate way to impress the players.

So without go further do, lets start the review.


Presentation       

The game takes place in The Frontier, a region of star systems far removed from the Core Systems where Earth is located. It's starts off with Jack Cooper, who is class three rifleman, aspires to become a Titan Pilot for the Militia and is receiving off-the-books training from Captain Tai Lastimosa to prepare for his candidacy. After done with his training session, he and his team goes off to mission by battling with IMC team. After being knocked in conscious, he discovers a wounded soldier named Lastimosa and his Vanguard-class Titan named BT-7274, as Lastimosa began to transfer a control of BT to Cooper while slowly dies in cold-blood. BT and Cooper has set off to complete Lastiomosa's mission and continues to battle against IMC to save their planet.

I finding the story was not that great, but more likely being above the average due to lack of in-depth story which they should have been better off adding more background story of the characters to elaborate enough for the plot. I liked the appearances of the whole pilot characters which has their look, but the issue is that they doesn't have their personality to express the emotions in the game. The only character that I liked in the game was mostly Titans including BT is kinda awesome is because his voice reminds me of Optimus Prime from Transformers franchise and had a cool character's concept that made him more appealing in this game. The only part that made the story half interesting was the great partnership between BT and Cooper to get know each other as a team which adds the similar vibe from the buddy cop film such as Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills Cop.

The game has unique looking Sci-Fi settings of the game's presentation are very well designed and presented at the same time to add the overall atmosphere. There are bunch of spaceships, labs room, and many scenery in the whole game which fits well for the level concepts. It filled many with explosions and destruction for it's game's action which they doing excellent job on whole single-player campaign.

Overall, slight average story, but has decent character's appearances and game's Sci-Fi settings.



Gameplay

The game features eight single-player campaign levels and eleven online multiplayer matches. You take control of Jack Cooper as a on-foot pilot which has ability to use weapons, wallrun and using gadgets, while controlling BT has the variety of using the weapon loadouts. Your main mission is to complete the each objectives while battling against the IMC soldiers. Each of the weapons is quite well balanced, so there are also two types of weapons such as primary and secondary options. The assault rifle has different kinds of accuracy and fire rate depending what rifle you picked, but it's perfect for the long-range shot, while the sub-machine guns has better use of recoil and damage. The best of all was the light machine guns that gives steady fire rate with good damage output and the shotgun has close-range, but much more damage with wide spread shot. The pistols are pretty basic weapons with the use of semi or full automatically, but the best ones are the smart pistols which fires the whole enemies by locking onto them in short range scan. It also featured different kinds of mods which improves your weapon's skills and the sights which helps the player for the use of aiming precision. The pilot can perform their unique movements such as double-jumping, sliding and wallrun which allows you to run along the walls, but you can also jump on another walls while wallrunning which is useful for the platforming level design.

You can also take control of BT by embarking him, so this titan has different variety of loadouts such as the Ion is designed to use splitter rifle and laser shot, the Scorch employs thermite and fire to burn through clustered targets and heavily wooded areas, the Northstar are make use of the plasma railgun and the flight, the Brute employing a quad Rocket and vortex shield, the Ronin combining with a shotgun and broadsword to wreak havoc among enemy lines, the Tone has 40mm tracker cannon with missile barrages to deal heavy damage, the Legion employs a large rotary cannon and aggressive sustained counterfire to deal an unrelenting field of fire upon potential enemies and finally the Monarch who wields the XO16A2 Chaingun. The titan can also perform their heavier attacks by using the different kinds of core, depending which loadouts you're selecting, giving a wicked damage to the enemy's titans and soldiers.

So far, I'm very impressed with the pliot's weapons which is very balanced and responsive especially with the smart pistols are by far the most innovative weapons of Titanfall franchise and I also liked the platforming style of gameplay where I can able to run along the walls and jumping one and another side of the buildings which gives me more satisfaction of the level design with amazing obstacles and easier to find the paths. Controlling the titan is definitely the biggest highlight of the game which offers great mecha-style combat and cool weapon loadouts that made easier to control and fight against the enemies at the same time. Despite the whole single-player campaign is really fun overall with filled with action-packed shooter, the game is quite short in five hours long, but I wish they should have add more enough levels to progress more storyline and extending the campaign's length of the game. The online multiplayer is really damn fun with the eleven game modes to play against the players through online matches, so you got pilot vs. pilot which is a standard team deathmatch mode without titans, while titan brawl is a another team deathmatch mode which you get to play as titans instead of pilot, but you can also play as both through attrition mode. You can also enjoy another modes such as free for all, capture the flag, bounty hunt and all others. You will be rewarded with experience points, after the match, which unlocks several of the perks, skins, weapons and abilities for your player's classes, so you can able to customise your own player's appearances and weapons which adds the improvement of your player's abilities. So far, it's quite addicting to play that you will spent time playing through the demanding matches which keeps the player so entertained with fantastic multiplayer maps and style of gameplay.     

Overall, it has innovative combat gameplay, impressive campaign mode, and great multiplayer matches.



Graphics

The graphics in the game is pretty decent overall. The game filled with great environments of levels regarding the concepts of level design and the use of lighting effects is quite so good on the whole game. It has cool looking Sci-Fi setup of the building and the objects with well detailed textures which is stunningly impressive and the backgrounds of the levels has nice looking scenery too add more atmosphere and the animation of the characters is generally well made without any issues with their A.I systems. The frame-rate is quite stable runs on 60 per-frame seconds without any of slow-downs during the in-game, so I'm very glad that the developers did managed to implement the game properly.

Overall, it has great level environments, well made animation, and stable frame-rate.   



Music and Sounds

The original music was composed by Stephen Barton, a composer behind original 2014's Titanfall, did a excellent job for most of the soundtrack because it's has Harry Gregson-Williams style of movie-like orchestrated music which really suited the game well for its in-game mission and the presentations. The sound effects are really well done with great exploding sounds and background noises are definitely has magnificent use of sound work, but I finding the voice acting for whole human characters is kinda sounds generic that did not suited their voice preferences, except BT is by far has the better voice over in the game.

Overall, it has excellent soundtrack and impressive sound effects, but most of the human characters in the game needs a professional voice work for improvements.



Special Features

This game providing several updates and free downloadable content for the game's release offers new maps, co-op mode, and skins which is a right decision for development team to make players more satisfied with the game's package.

Overall, having nice updates and free downloadable content is worth getting it.




Advantages

Great Sci-Fi's presentation

Innovative combat gameplay

Impressive campaign mode

Addicting online matches

Decent Graphics

Excellent soundtrack

Free DLC


Disadvantages

Average story

Long installation times

Short-length campaign


Final Verdict

                
Presentation 7/10 - slight average story, but has decent character's appearances and game's Sci-Fi settings.

Gameplay 8.5/10 - innovative combat gameplay, impressive campaign mode, and great multiplayer matches.

Graphics 8/10 -  great level environments, well made animation, and stable frame-rate.

Music and sounds 8/10 - excellent soundtrack and impressive sound effects.

Special features 8/10 - nice updates and free downloadable content.


Overall 8.5/10 - This sequel is definitely a finest FPS title that is worth playing on your gaming system. I'm satisfied with the single-player action that brings the players with the mixed of mecha-style combat, innovative weapons, and wicked missions. I also enjoyed playing competitive online matches against the players with addicting game modes, fully-customisable player's perks, and great multiplayer maps which brings the whole excitement for FPS fans to experience a modern shooter genres. It's definitely a less than £10 cheap price for the great title to pick up and play. 



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Top 5 Football Games

Yes it's nearly World Cup 2018 this month, we all know football theses days are the most popular sports activity where we all go out and play football with friends on the playgrounds, stadiums, parks, clubs, homes and other public places. It is also popularised with sports TV and live stadiums where everyone starts watching the latest matches through friendly matches, premier leagues and of course cup matches which made live football becoming the most watched sports TV in around the world. The success of football has spread with many of merchandises, t-shirts, and of course video game based on football.

Playing football on video game can be really fun back in days because it giving us many of childhood nostalgia due to excellent champion modes, great multiplayer matches, and addicting gameplay style with the use of skills and tactics that made the game so much entertaining to play. I've played several of football titles from the past from 90's to 2000's and I decided to make my 5 favourites football games that I really love playing the most and give reasons to recommended to all gamers out there who loves playing type of sports games. These are my top 5 Football games. 



5 - Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Wii)

 



















Konami was known for earlier football titles from the mid-90's such as International Superstar Soccer series which regarded as being the greatest football games titles in 90's and being a great rivalry to other successful football franchises such as EA's FIFA series. Due to success of the franchise has created their own spin-offs called Pro Evolution Soccer which is a football game series had been a best-selling video game franchises that sold over more than 100 million copies worldwide.

I was a fan of this franchise back in days when I first owned a Nintendo Wii console in 2007, a year before the release of the PES 2008 for Wii in 2008. It's one of the very first PES game being released for Nintendo home consoles that featured the ability of motions controls allowing to control players with the use of Wii remote and nunchunk controller. I finding this version as being one of the best of all consoles platforms regarding with Wii's controls that are easier to play as you use the Wii remote to point cursor at the screen for passing and shooting mechanics, and using nunchunk controller for controlling players that made the game quite playable. This game also added master league mode and online matches is a great edition to the Wii version, so I highly recommended to all Wii owners to pick this game up for super cheap price under £1.



4 - Rocket League (PC, PS4, XBONE, Switch)

        


















Rocket League is a vehicular soccer games for PC, PS4, XBONE and Switch, which both developed and published by Psyonix. It is a sequel to Psyonix's 2008 game called Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars for PS3 (via PS Store).

It was first released in 2015 for PS4 and PC, while it was later released the XBONE in 2016 and Switch in 2017. It gained over 18 millions players and sold over 6 million sales after the releases is due to offering titles as free downloadable game for PS Plus members on release date to market the game and it had becoming most popular sport titles for modern gaming.

Rocket League is a fantastic arcade style sports game where you get to play as vehicular players to complete the match against their opponent, so it is a soccer game with vehicles that really got me attention to play because it features excellent gameplay style where you can perform amazing trickstyle to learn and it has playable futuristic sports stadium with addictive game modes to play through exhibition, seasons and online play. You can also customise your own vehicles to make it look edgy, cool and stylish for your own choices. It has arcade style controls, realistic graphics, and more excellent content in the game to keep the game up to date.   

This is definitely must play for the fans of the genres.



3 - Neo Geo Cup 98: The Road To The Victory (Neo Geo)

To all the Neo Geo fans out there, SNK just made their own football titles for the arcade system in 1998 which is Neo Geo Cup 98: The Road To The Victory. It is a re-release version of Super Sidekicks 3 under the licence of FIFA World Cup 1998.

The game features several of the playable teams from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America are aimed to complete with 6 tournaments modes to become a World Cup champion. It also have exhibition modes where you can battle with computer or 2 player through friendly matches. The gameplay is pretty simple to play, so instead of using 4-buttons, it only uses straightforward 3-buttons control that are used for shooting, passing, slide kick, and tackle which worked fluidly well during the matches. It also involves great penalty shootouts and cool quick time events that adds the fun factor of the game. Despite the fluid gameplay, the graphics in the whole game is stunningly amazing with detailed football fields, colourful environments and cool player's animation that made the game look absolutely gorgeous for the Neo Geo system titles.

It is not very easy to own every Neo Geo consoles and games library for everyone due to ridiculously price cost from the online retail stores, unless you're rich video game collectors out there or alternatively try owning the game through emulators. Neo Geo Cup 98: The Road To The Victory is a genuinely solid arcade-sports titles for the Neo Geo library.



2 - Mario Strikers Charged Football (Wii)

           



















Imagine combining Mario franchise with sports genres which turned into Mario Sports series. Back in days where have games like Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, and Mario Superstars Baseball, but there's one of the game that I really enjoyed the most on the Wii is definitely Mario Strikers Charged Football. It is a sports video game, which was developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo, and it is a sequel to 2005's game Super Mario Strikers for Gamecube. It is one of the first game features Nintendo Wi-Fi connection through online matches and tournaments. The game has improved over the predecessor with multiple gameplay modes and better overall controls. It featured favourite playable rosters and sidekicks such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Wario, DK, Yoshi, and more.

What really made the game fun is the Striker Cup mode allows the player to compete in matches against the computer to gain rewards, Striker Challenges is where the player has to complete the objectives through seasons, and Domination Mode in which the player faces an opponent of the player's choosing which adds the nice edition of the game. The gameplay is quite similar to the predecessor, but ability to use Wii's controller such as the Wii Remote is used for tackling players and pointing the cursor at the screen for deflecting the ball during the Mega Strike sequences. So far, the game is brutally fun with tons of playable roster and stadiums to choose, it has great power-ups items to impede the opponents, and the skillshot allowing sidekicks to perform really awesome special shot while the captains can perform mega strike up to 6 whomping shot which makes the game quite epic to play which is perfect for online matches and 2-player modes.

If you're into with these kind of sports titles, then it is worth owning for your Wii collection.



1 - SEGA Worldwide Soccer 97

   

















SEGA had several of the football titles from the past such as Virtua Striker, World Championship Soccer and SEGA Soccer Slam. There's one of the football game that caught my attention in my childhood days which is SEGA Worldwide Soccer 97 for the SEGA Saturn, which was created by SEGA Sports. It is sequel to Victory Goal as one of the debut titles of the console, which had an unsuccessful performance critically and commercially, but this game does a better job than the predecessor. During the release of the game, it has met with critical acclaim from the critics calling it best soccer games ever released regarding with smooth player animation, simply easier to learn controls and has the realistic soccer elements that made the game a finest SEGA Saturn's sports titles.

It featured playable international teams and league, several of game modes such as play-off and tournament, exhibition and championship mode, and introducing create a player featuring edit a name of players. What made me liked the game the most is the quality controls of Saturn's gameplay due to reliable players movements and great shooting and passing mechanics makes it very easy to learn, and the graphics in the whole game are by far the best looking sports game for Saturn's titles. The whole soundtrack was made by Jun Senoue, a composer behind Sonic Adventure series, did a fabulous job with the use of hard rock style of original music that fits really well on both game's presentation and in-game matches. So far, I really enjoyed most of the games mode especially with playing on 2-Player matches with friends and family. SEGA Worldwide Soccer 97 are definitely my top favourite football games of all times and for those who are looking for best sports game for the Saturn then this is must own sports game for SEGA Saturn owners.     




Honorable Mention:

International Superstar Soccer 64
Sensible Soccer
Virtua Striker
Captain Tsubasa: Get in the tommorrow
World Cup Italia 90
SEGA Soccer Slam




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Top 5 Namco Games

Oh yes Namco, one of the greatest video game company that we all loved from the past.  It was well known for their successful franchises from the 80's to 2000's era such as Dig Dug, Galaxian, Xevious, Ridge Racer, Soul Cailbur, Time Crisis, Tales, Ace Combat, Tekken and of course Pac-Man. The company has later renamed their brand title to Bandai Namco, due to agreements between Namco and Bandai has accepted their partnership in 2006.      

The reason why I've liked Namco is because I grew up playing those arcade titles and other different franchises in my childhood days, so I decided to make my own 5 favourite games that I really enjoyed playing the most and made my childhood quite memorable. 

Here is my Top 5 Namco Games

5 - Ridge Racer (PS1)

It's Ridge Racer, RIDGEEEEE RACER!!!

It is a 1993 racing game was first released in arcade system and it is a main rivalry to SEGA's arcade racing titles such as Daytona USA. It's one of the first racing that utilised the 3D polygons graphics that runs on the arcade hardware called Namco System 22 which shows the demonstration of the 3D racing game itself and it is also introducing the drift mechanics which gives driving controls a smoother racing experience for the arcade-style gameplay. The PS1 version was released later in 1994 as a launch titles which received acclaimed reception from the critics praising the game for the graphics, sounds and gameplay. The success of the game has spread with numerous of the sequels.

The PS1 version is the most faithful ports that runs really well on the Sony's 32-bit system powerhouse, due to technical hardware achievements that took 8 months for game's developers to get it done by the winter release in 1994. It features 4 original tracks from the arcade and 8 additional cars to choose from. It has top-notch arcade gameplay with excellent drifting controls, stunning 3D graphics for the early PS1 game and it has catchy in-game tunes that really made Ridge Racer being the best racing games for the system. 

4 - Time Crisis (Arcade)

               

It's really fun to play video games that uses the light gun controller to point and shoot at bunch of bad guys. Time Crisis is a rail-shooter arcade game was released in 1995, a same year as the release of SEGA's Virtua Cop 2. It's one of the first rail-shooter game that introduces a cover system which lets the player uses the foot pedal to hide behind the objects without taking damage from the enemy's projectiles. The game gains much positive overall from the critics for its gameplay innovation that adds the overall experiences of light gun shooter genres. It was later released for the PS1 in 1997 and still continuing to spawn the sequels for its franchises. 

I was really surprising to see how awesome the Time Crisis is when playing on the arcade cabinet which increases my overall arcade experience. The arcade machine is well built with cool looking artwork on the side of the game cabinet, the metallic textures of foot pedal, it has nice larger screen and well designed gun controller. The game features 3 mission levels where the player must complete each area in a certain amount of time. What really made Time Crisis so great is the use of the cover system which I can able to hide, reload and shoot at the enemies with the gun controller and foot pedal is definitely fun to play on the arcade system and it has 3 action packed levels with epic boss battles that keeps the player well entertained. The playability of gun controller and foot pedal is very responsive and accurate making the gameplay more playable and fun which makes Time Crisis a such unique light gun shooter. 

3 - Tekken 3 (PS1)

            

Back in early 90's when the Namco made the first 3D fighting game called Tekken was released for the Arcade in 1994, a year after the release of SEGA's Virtua Fighter. After porting to PS1 version in 1995 which received positive reception and becoming the best-selling fighting series for the Playstation consoles. The success of the first game has spread numerous of sequels, spin-offs, crossovers, and different types of media through to this popular fighting game franchise. The best titles on the series goes to Tekken 3 for the PS1 is a third installiment in the series, which considered being one of the greatest games of all time sold more than 8.5 million copies sold worldwide.

This game offers a largely new cast of characters such as Jin Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Julia Chang and Hwoarang with a total of 23 characters, and included a new beat'em up mode called Tekken Force, as well as the bonus Tekken Ball mode exclusivity for the PS1 version. The game still maintains the same core fighting system and concept as its predecessors with improved fighting controls and smoother gameplay which handles the game really well for the Playstation fighting game titles. As much I loved the fighting gameplay mechanics, cool game modes and cast of memorable fighting rosters, the graphics is just good as the arcade version regarding the hardware limitations of PS1 systems and catchy original soundtrack that fits perfectly for this game. Tekken 3 is definitely being the arcade perfect for the PS1 owners to experience a 3D fighting game masterpiece.      

     

2 - Soul Calibur (Dreamcast)

Welcome back to the stage of history.

Namco bought the legendary 3D fighting game for the SEGA Dreamcast called Soul Calibur is a Weapon-Based fighting game was first released for the arcade in 1999 and then was later released for SEGA Dreamcast as part of the launch title in 1999. It was widely regarded as one of the best fighting game ever released as well as being the greatest game of all time that made Soul Calibur a huge landmark of Weapon-Based fighting genre. The success of the game spawns with sequels and spin-offs. 

The game was known for innovations to the fighting gameplay that include a heavy emphasis on weapons and a unique eight-way movement system. The Dreamcast version offers improved graphics and extra features such as new game modes, new costumes, and the inclusion of an extra character which brings the newer experience to the fighting game title. It has solid gameplay mechanics with great fighting style and responsive controls which made the fighting game much easier to learn and play. The graphics is far more superior to its original arcade counterpart with smoother framerate, crystal-cleared animation, great character models and glossy special effects which proves that the game shows off the Dreamcast's system powerhouse. I highly recommended to pick this game up for the Dreamcast owners or alternately you can also get it for the X360 via Xbox Live Store. 

1 - Pac-Man (Arcade)

    

            

Yes everyone, I've purposely put original Pac-Man arcade on my number 1 list. During the golden age of arcade games, they brought their very first arcade game in the early 80's called Pac-Man is a maze game where you get to play as Pac-Man to collect all the pills as possible while being chased by the ghosts. The game went becoming huge success during the release as being one of the best-selling and the most famous arcade in history which makes Pac-Man an international popular culture icon in gaming industry. The success of the game has spread with numerous of Pac-Man titles, appearances, merchandise and other media.

The game is highly addicted with simple gameplay where you have to clear out the pills without getting touched by the ghosts, but the power pills are always comes in handy to deal with these ghosts. The more you collect the pills, the highest score you could get which adds the fun arcade experience. It has colourful graphics of the characters design and well drawned maze-like level design that made the game more appealing and lets not forget the most memorable sound effects in gaming history. Pac-Man still remains to be a lovable video game mascots that Namco has ever bought to gaming worlds. 





Honorable Mentions:

Tales of Symphonia
Dark Souls
Dig Dug
Galaga
Splatterhouse 3
Klonoa 




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Shenmue 1 & 2 HD Remaster Announced

Yes everyone it's true, I've heard that SEGA has finally announced these masterpiece are coming to PS4, XBONE and PC as the HD Remaster. The dream has finally come true. 

We all know Shenmue series had becoming one of the best open-world game ever made which was created by Yu Suzuki, a well known creator behind his work of the arcade classics from the past such as Space Harrier, After Burner, Outrun, Hang-On and of course Virtua Fighter. During the sixth generation console era, SEGA AM2 has bought their very first open-world adventure game for SEGA Dreamcast called Shenmue which was released in the year 1999. The game was really known for cinematic story presentation, memorable characters, large exploration of open-world areas, great combination of quick-time events and brawling gameplay, and beautifully made graphics that shows the SEGA Dreamcast's system powerhouse. While the game did not sold well which leads to commercial failure, it gained cult following which received acclaimed praise by critics and fans calling it a greatest game ever made and also credited for pioneering the genres. They also made the sequel for the SEGA Dreamcast called Shenmue 2 was released in 2001 and later for original Xbox version in 2002 has received same praise as the first one, but sold poorly compared with the first game which causes the further games in the series entered a period of development hell lasting over a decade. In the year 2015, after Yu Suzuki has the rights to license Shenmue series from SEGA, he finally announced the another sequel Shenmue 3 for PS4 and PC which makes the huge return of the series and the game was funded through Kickstarter gains over $6.3 million from over 69,000 backers which becoming the most funded Kickstarter video game campaign and the sixth most funded Kickstarter campaign of all time.

And now SEGA has finally revealed the HD remasters of Shenmue 1 & 2 for PS4, XBONE and PC in 2018 release. After I've read the gaming article and watching the actual trailers online, I'm very appreciated with the fantastic news from SEGA has finally listened to their fans and giving us what we want for the HD release. I grew up playing these two games in my childhood age as being my favourite Dreamcast game of all time that bought up my happiness and joyful. Going back to topic, the HD version of these two games will feature maybe some possibly graphical enhancements, full screen resolution, updated user-interface, two spoken language options and choice between modern and classic controls. The console version will be available both physically and digitally, while PC version will be released via Steam. I'm excited to see these two games getting a re-release in this year and I hopefully going to get it on my PS4 on the release to play these childhood games again.

SEGA, I wanted to say thank you so much for bringing the greatest Dreamcast classics to the modern consoles and PCs, I hopefully the fans will be very happy to see such breaking news.   

It is time for me to look for sailors again.


If you want to check out the news about the Shenmue 1 & 2 HD remaster, here's the link down below:

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/04/14/shenmue-1-and-2-being-re-released-on-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc

You can also check out the actual trailer down below:

                      




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Axiom Verge PS4 Review

Axiom Verge is a 2D Platform Adventure game for PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, XBONE, Switch and PC, which was developed and published by Thomas Happ Games, while the physical release was distributed by Bad Land Games.

Yes it's another indie games titles for the modern game consoles and PCs, so I'm a huge fan of the Metroidvania type of games, which was popularised by the likes of 90's gaming classics such as Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night are the biggest pioneers of the video game genres. The success of the Metroidvania genres has spread with many of the similar games such as Shantae, Cave Story, and Shadow Complex. There's one of the game that caught my attention was Axiom Verge which borrows the similar elements from the classic Metroid series. I was really surprised with the dark Sci-Fi presentation, unique level designs, amazing exploration and epic 2D gameplay with great boss battles and cool upgrades which made the game quite fun to play. It is perfect for the fan of the genre should be very surprised to see how this game turns out to be really amazing for the classic 8-bit style game.

So without go further do, lets start the review.



Presentation

The game takes place in New Mexico, 2003. The story starts out the scientist named Trace, who works at the laboratory, began to start the experiment until he was knocked out by exploding building due to faulty valve. After the accidental incident, he was awoken in the alien world of Sudra where he was assisted by the war-machine named Elsenova had given him quest to stop the mad scientist named Athetos, who destroyed the Sudrans long ago, and restore the power back to Elsenova. 

The story in the game seems to be quite basic for the 8-bit style type of game. It has well detailed imagery with nicely made 8-bit sprites for the cutscene design and quite straighforward story writing for the part of the story dialogue in the game which makes easier to describe what's going on in the story that involves accidental experiment that causes the main protagonist woken up in wrong dimension which made the whole overall presentation keeps ongoing progress. I really liked the setting of the dark Sci-Fi themes on the level concepts which pretty reminds me of classic Metroid series does adds up to the 8-bit nostalgia of the game. The game has cool looking enemies sprites in each areas, while the main boss in the game are also looked quite amazing for it's design. The main protagonist is kinda look like Hugh Jackman with large wacky hair and long sideburns which definitely suits him well in the game. I finding this character quite interesting for his concepts and personality which adds up the positively of the character in the game.


Overall, it has straightforward story, dark Sci-Fi settings, and impressive characters.



Gameplay

This game features single-player campaign and speedrun mode. You take control of Trace who been woken up in high-tech area, so you are focusing on the action and exploration of the each areas that  features over 60 items and power-ups to collect and defeat many boss as can.

Trace starts off with basic weapon called "Axiom Disruptor" which fires the long range shot. You can obtain more weapons in each areas such as "Nova" which fires large projectile, while firing again causes it to detonate and the "Kilver" that fires the short-range burst of electricity. There are some of the cool weapons that are very easier to kill enemies faster such as "Voranj" that shoots large energy bolts, the "Lighting Gun" that shoots strong electric on nearest target, the "Reflector" that shoots projectiles reflect off the walls, the "Multi-Disruptor" that fires 3-way projectiles at a time and there are plenty of more awesome weapons that allows player to easily kill many of the enemies which works really well in the game. The upgrades are used for improving character's tools and abilities which allows player to perform useful thing in the game such as "Field Disruptor" that allows player to jump higher, while the "Grapple" that allows you to swing from the rocks it latches onto, the "Lab Coat" that lets you teleport across against the wall, while "Trenchcoat" are slightly better than the "Lab Coat" that you can able to teleport in any direction. There are couple of great upgrades such as "Laser Drill" which helps the player breaking the rock objects, the "Remote Drone" which lets player fire to launch the drone, so it is useful to access the smaller paths of the levels. Using the "Address Disruptor" or "Address Bomb" which allows to de-corrupt the weaker blocks to open up the new area of the game. You can also improve the character's power-ups by collecting enough nodes which increases the health bar, size and range of weapon projectiles, and the weapon and item damage that makes the player even stronger.

Controlling Trace is actually pretty outstanding for the player's movement. Holding on the lock-on button allows you to shoot in any direction while standing still is quite responsive in which is easier to keep the player still without making any of movement. I really liked some of the stunning upgrades like "Remote Drone" and "Grapple" which heavily borrows the similar elements from the NES game such as Bionic Commando and Blaster Master. The weapons in the game are quite impressive with greater use of damage and range which adds up variety of the game. Despite the outstanding controls for combat gameplay and character's movements, the exploration in whole levels are absolutely fantastic which keeps me playing the game due to finding cool secrets, collecting notes, and discovering new areas that offers positively for the Metroidvania type of game. You can also use the map screen to know where you on and where you heading to visit which helps the player to navigate whereabouts in the levels. I got to admit the boss battles are quite fun to play, but quite frustrating at the same times that adds up the challenge of the game which is excellent. Sometimes the problem in the game was the player's weaker health points in which most of the enemies in the game can easily give heavier projectiles damage to the player that can cause a frustration for player in the game, so you need to be really careful when playing this game in each areas. You can also go for the speedrun mode which the players have to beat the speedrun timing by completing the whole game in short time as possible which is quite good for walkthrough challenge to see which are the best players can able to beat the time record.


Overall, it has outstanding controls, great combat gameplay and stunning use of exploration.



Graphics

The whole graphics in the game are fantastic regarding the level design and 8-bit sprites. The levels in the game are somewhat inspired by Metroid series, which has really great use of the particles such as bubbles and rocks objects. It has similar textures and backgrounds of the levels are quite detailed and colorful for the 8-bit styled game. The animation are pretty damn impressive on the character's sprites for most part without making it looked too clunky and clumsy. I also liked the use of the scaling effects during the boss battles where the camera starts zooms in and out at same time which is kinda cool.

Overall, it has fantastic level design, cool textures and backgrounds and impressive character's sprites.



Music and Sounds

Thomas Happ made a catchy original soundtrack in mixed style between the 8-bit and 80's synth music that fits well for the game's atmosphere because it keeps you in action while playing this game that adds up the excitement of the players. I also liked the use of the 8-bit sound effects for gun shooting, background noise and enemy's roar effects are also sounds really good in the game. This is by far one of the best music and sounds in gaming that does the right thing for the indie 8-bit games.

Overall, it has catchy soundtrack and excellent sound effects.



Special Features

This game features speedrun mode, over 60 items and power-ups to collect, and the special Multiverse Edition will include a physical copy of the game, a deluxe booklet with developer commentary and art, a double-sided poster, and a making-of documentary on DVD.

Overall, its a worthy special features for game's collectors.





Advantages

Simple story

Dark Sci-Fi themes

Outstanding gameplay

Great exploration

Fun boss battles

Fantastic graphics

Catchy Soundtrack

Excellent sound effects

                             
Disadvantages

Player's weak health

Frustrating difficulty




Final Verdict


Presentation 9/10 - straightforward story, dark Sci-Fi settings, and impressive characters.

Gameplay 9/10 -  outstanding controls, great combat gameplay and stunning use of exploration.

Graphics 9/10 - fantastic level design, cool textures and backgrounds and impressive character's sprites.

Music and Sounds 9/10 - catchy soundtrack and excellent sound effects.

Special Features 9/10 - worthy special features for game's collectors.


Overall 9/10 - Axiom Verge is by far the most fascinating 2D indie-game that the fans of the Metroidvania genres will able to satisfy this amazing titles. Having a simple presentation, outstanding gameplay, great exploration and fantastic graphics does adds up with the nostalgia of the retro gaming from the past and it is worth for picking this game up for the full price.


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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