Looking ahead to 2012 - Part I

We here at Casually addicted like a lot of things in life but waiting isn't one of them. We're well aware that game development is a lot like fine wine, the best games take that little bit longer to squeeze all the goodness into it.

So while we're waiting we thought we'd get our three top men to tell us they're most anticipated titles of 2012.

Today we'll start with Editor Craig John Shields as he tells us what delights will keep him trophy hunting into the early hours.

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE

Metal Gear Solid is dead, but I"m glad it is. Kojima has wisely decided that Snake's time sneaking after 80 year old men with robotic talking arms is over. Its time to take the Metal Gear series in a new direction without its long-running protagonist...

To see full article go to casually-addicted.net and much more!

ASSASSIN'S CREED REVELATIONS REVIEW

This is now the third year in succession that we've seen a new Assassin's Creed game. Much to everyone's surprise last years entry, Brotherhood was a fantastic game and was a personal highlight. I enjoyed every minute of it's well written narrative, gorgeously designed world and of course Ezio himself. Revelations tries to build on Brotherhood and the foundations set before it in Assassin's Creed II.

Revelations sees the end of the Ezio Auditore trilogy while also closing the chapter of the first assassin, Altair Ib'In lhad. Ezio is getting on a bit for his age and for his final mission he has travelled to Constantinople in order to recover five keys left by Altair. The keys unlock a historic area in Masayf - the setting for the first game in the series.

At certain points during the game you will travel back to the time of Altair. You don't play as Altair often but his parts are key to the story in expanding the overall narrative. Altair's missions though do feel a little tacked on and even (dare I say it) a bit of a rush job. One mission in particular saw me following an ally trying to avoid combat, but while following, my ally would randomly go too far ahead of me and I would de-sync. It sounds like I just wasn't following closely enough but it really wasn't. I just got the impression it was a bit broken and I know I'm not the only one this has happened too. Another one of Altair's missions doesn't work well but any details from that would be a big spoiler so I"ll refrain. If you can overlook this small problem then Altair's role is a nice change of pace all be it a far too frequent one.

Despite Altair's short sections, 95% of the game is taken up by Italian protagonist and AC mainstay Ezio Auditore Da Firenze, to give him his full title. Like AC2 and ACB he steals the show. Despite being a lot older, Ezio is still the charming charismatic showmen we all know and love but this time he comes with an added touch of humility. The development of his romantic interest, Sofia, is handled well throughout and for those wanting more, Ubisoft have put out an animated short called Assassin's Creed: Embers which I highly recommend watching.

Along the way Ezio learns a few new tricks most notably the Hookblade. While climbing in AC games has always been a breeze this new gameplay mechanic allows the player to climb walls quicker, add new combo moves and more interestingly zipline across the city. While the ziplining idea looks good on paper, it wasn't really used enough and just finding a zipline itself while hopping across the city was a rare occurrence. It certainly was a welcome addition to climbing, but the 'clank' sound it makes as you go up a wall takes a little bit out of the moment of being an assassin. But luckily enemies don't seem to hear you 'clanking' near them, as long as your out of sight.

But what of Ezio's newly found home? Constantinople. While the switch from Italy to Turkey should have seen some changes in the landscape you'd be hard pushed to really find any. With just a casual glance at both Rome (in ACB) and Constantinople the only difference seems to be an orange hew which glazes over the Turkish capital. I would've liked to of seen a different approach in the environment but the development team have still managed to capture the same sort of NPC community that made me want to be apart of Rome and now Constantinople. The only other loss in the environment are ACB's horses who proudly strode around Roma. Being replaced by sparse ziplines and boats that connect the two parts of Constantinople.

But my biggest problem with ACR wasn't the age of Ezio or indeed the predictable nature of the game itself as it follows a similar path to the previous two titles. Revelations didn't have a character anywhere near the likes of the Borgias in Brotherhood and that was a real shame. I didn't feel like there was an urge for me to continue the story for the first two thirds of the game. The last third ramps it up a bit but not to the highs of Brotherhood or even AC2.

Unfortunately, Revelations fails to live up to the high standard set by Brotherhood and the AC engine, like Ezio, is starting to show its age. It was hard coming from Uncharted to play ACR, the difference in animation and graphics are like night and day. But while an overhaul is needed, ACR does what Assassin's Creed games do best and drag you into its world. A world that ultimately you end up falling in love with. We know Assassin's Creed 3 and a conclusion to this intricate story are forthcoming, I just hope we have an up to date game to really do the finale justice.

8.5

SONIC GENERATIONS REVIEW

Sonic isn't back.  Contrary to what all the other review sites tell you, we won't pity your knowledge of the blue blur by 'welcoming' him back.  To those with a keen eye on everything Sega he never really went away.

Last year was the start of the Sonic comeback with the brilliant Sonic 4 and excellent Wii exclusive Sonic Colours.  This year though Sega have gone one better by giving the world Sonic's best game since Sonic Adventure 2 on the Dreamcast back in 2002.

Generations sees the inclusion of not one but two Sonics.  Some crazy time eater monster has decided to mess with time and space in Sonic's world and this mad plot twist has seen both the rounder and cuter classic Sonic and the more modern slimline Sonic appear in the same game.

All nine levels are split up into two acts, the first one is for Classic Sonic and features 2D gameplay that all fans of the Genesis/Mega Drive era will love and remember fondly.  While Act 2 see's Modern Sonic take the lead roll in all his homing attack, break neck pace loving self.

Both versions play brilliantly and could so easily have made two separate games.  At first switching between the two Sonic's is kind of awkward, I initially kept attempting homing attacks and boosts with Classic Sonic but after a while of adjustment it seamlessly fits together.

But it's not the notion of having two Sonic's that steals the show here but the level design themselves.  Every stage is based off one from a previous Sonic game.  All main Sonic titles are represented by one level except Sonic 3.  This gives us nine stages but it does feel a little short.  I'm well aware that one Sonic level takes an age to create due to the speed you go through it but it only took me just over four hours to complete the story.  I would have liked at least another three stages.  We might see some extra as DLC but I am a bit miffed at the lack of Lava Reef and Ice Cap from Sonic 3 and Knuckles.

All the levels are fantastic, the only bad one of the bunch would have to be Planet Wisp but even that level looks wonderful and has some interesting all be it frustrating ideas at times.  One of my personal favourites would have to be the 2D Crisis City.  To run to the goal post and actually see it fly away from me was a real eye opener.

Apart from the usual nine stages Sonic Generations gives so much more, it really is a Sonic fans wet dream.  After collecting hidden red rings in the normal stages and completing some of the 100 challenges on offer you'll unlock a whole treasure trove of stuff.  Artwork, music, videos and even character trophies it's a wonderful nod to Sonic's worldwide fan base.

Is this the greatest Sonic game of all time?  No it's not, that title still belongs to Sonic 3 in my opinion and I don't think it's even the best of modern times with both Dreamcast iterations fighting for that title.  But it is the best Sonic game since 2002, not that there's been too much competition.

Even if you have a passing interest in Sonic it's well worth picking up and if you look hard enough you can easily find 20 plus hours of gameplay trying to better your own times over and over again.  Now to get my Green Hill Act 1 time to under a minute for that damn trophy.

8.5/10

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE'S DECEPTION REVIEW

Let's get this out the way first.  Uncharted 3 isn't perfect, in fact it's far from perfect.  But there is nothing in the history of mankind that has ever been or will ever be perfect.  I would have loved nothing more than to come onto this review and tell you Uncharted 3 has no negatives.  But it does, so let's get them out the way then.

The shooting in Uncharted 3 is slightly different to 2 and takes a little bit to get used to.  The aiming feels more heavy and the way bullets fly has changed since its predecessor.  But after a few hours play it becomes second nature.  One of the Uncharted series big flaws has been the slightly iffy controls when it comes to climbing.  Initially it's slightly awkward when trying to get Drake to jump in a specific direction, depending on where and what your hanging off.  But like the issues with the shooting, a few hours of gameplay remedies this and its not long before your flinging Drake from one death defying situation to the next.  And lastly, the pace of the game lulls just before the last few chapters but I can forgive it for knowing what came before.

That's the negatives out the way, time to wax lyrical.  Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is dangerously close to being the greatest game I've ever played.  The game follows our budding hero Nathan Drake on a voyage to beat token bad guy Kathrine Marlowe and her henchmen to discovering the Pillars of Ubar.  An ancient lost city in the heart of the Rub'Al Khali desert.  The story seems familiar for veterans of the first two games but it takes a completely different path.

Uncharted 2 was a great game, but at times I felt like I had done it in the first game.  The character that turned?  Saw it coming.  The supernatural end game, expected it.  But Uncharted 3 takes everything you know about the series, flips it upside down, puts it in a mixer and spews it all over the floor.  Throughout the whole game I was questioning the relationship between more than a few characters.  I was curious about new additions Cutter and Talbot, just what exactly was their end game in all of this?  The game takes a massive twist as I was left gob smacked when I realised just what was happening in Chapter 2.  Without spoiling it, I can say I was not disappointed in the story.

But Uncharted 3 isn't only great for its story telling, its also a technical marvel.  I've played the famous boat and plane scenes from all the trailers.  They play ten times better than they look, my jaw fell to the floor on more than one occasion as the tanker was swept from side to side as I struggled to help Nate escape the sinking ship.  But to be honest, I enjoyed some of the smaller scale set pieces the most.  The frustrating thing is that I can't tell you for fear of spoilers but rest assured you will not be disappointed.

It's not just the hollywood moments that appeal, something as simple as Drake brushing his hand past a wall looks fantastic and just adds to the realism.  The way Drake acts in cover as well is brilliant.  If there isn't any guards around Drake acts relaxed but as soon as he senses something you can just see Nate react accordingly by moving his hands or just tensing his body up.  Its this sort of attention to detail that really sets Naughty Dog apart from the crowd.

The main gameplay mechanic that has had a real overhaul from Uncharted 2 though is the melee combat.  Naughty Dog have given an obvious nod to the folks over at Rocksteady and the combat is now very similar to Batman: Arkham Asylum/City.  Drake can take on multiple opponents and in some ways it exceeds the Batman games but the countering system unfortunately isn't perfect but it does make for some good brawls throughout the game starting right at Chapter 1.

So is Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception the best game this generation?  Obviously everyones opinion is different but right now I would have to say yes it is.  This is the benchmark that is now set for everyone and I can't possibly see how Naughty Dog can top this.  But I'm sure there already well on their way to proving me wrong.

10/10

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY REVIEW

After the surprise hit that was Arkham Asylum back in 2009 we knew that Arkham City wouldn't catch us off guard again.  I'm very happy to report that if you loved Arkham Asylum, Arkham City will not disappoint you.

Arkham City's story revolves mainly around the mad scientist Hugo Strange and the Joker.  Both are in Batman's face for most of the story and are without a doubt the main villains along with one other antagonist that I won't reveal for spoiler reasons.  I enjoyed the story but felt that way too many characters were shoe-horned in just for the sake of it.  A few like Mr Freeze really came out well in the overall arc but a few others were made to look like bit part players.  I would of preferred if some characters were merely referenced and not just made to look like they aren't even a real threat to Batman which is what happened here.

Rocksteady tread quite closely to Arkham Asylum's plot line, revisiting many parts of the original including the Scarecrow sequences.  While the Scarecrow doesn't make it in this game, Rocksteady tried to replicate the wonderful hallucination sequences but unfortunately missed the mark here.  While they are good in their own right nothing had me close to a 'wow' moment like the original did time and time again.

The combat system has been slightly refined and still remains the best hand to hand combat in gaming.  The counter and melee combo's still work well but thrown into the mix are different counter actions for knifes, riot shields and even different enemy types.  It really keeps you on guard at all times and makes getting a higher combo tougher than in the original.  But once you get the hang of things there really is nothing quite like the satisfaction of taking out ten guys with a 40 hit combo.

While we were told that Batman would have a sprawling world to cover it's not quite 100% true.  Yes it is free roam but it's the same type of free roam we had in the first game.  The world is open to you from the start but unless you have certain abilities you won't be able to explore very far.  I"m perfectly fine with this, the pacing in visiting new areas was good and it shouldn't upset unless you wanted GTA Batman.  Arkham City is bigger than Arkham Asylum but in some places it's more difficult to navigate and the map doesn't really help in some situations, especially when searching for Riddler trophies (of which there are 440).  Batman's main way of moving quickly is via his grappling gun and of course his cape.  Both work well and you can easily make your way from one end of the map to the other in about two minutes.  It doesn't sound long but it's really down to how quick your able to move.

I enjoyed Arkham City but I have to admit I didn't enjoy it as much as the first game.  When you make a game that comes from left field and is amazing it's even more difficult to follow it up.  I love the way Arkham City is a love letter to the Batman universe and I have learned so much more about it all by playing but it just didn't grab me all the way through like Arkham Asylum did.

The story was so-so and it didn't really give me the urgency I needed to want to carry on, the ending was slightly flat although it does finish with a controversial moment.  The side missions were well done and felt just as important as some of the main missions but there just weren't as many as I'd hoped for.

All in all Batman: Arkham City is a well polished game that is certainly one of my gaming highlights this year so far.  It should be on all of your playlists but just don't expect an Arkham Asylum beater, it came close, but not close enough.

8.5

inFamous: Festival Of Blood Review

Commonly mistakened for DLC, inFamous: Festival of Blood is actually a standalone PSN game exclusive to Sony's console just like the first two games.  Developed by Sucker Punch to take advantage of the lucrative Halloween market, this game see's Cole McGrath turn his electric powers on the creatures of the night and vampires.

The game starts off with Cole's best friend and one of the highlight characters of the franchise Zeke impressing a big boomed chick in a far by telling her a tale of vampires in inFamous 2's setting of New Marais.  That's where you as Cole McGrath come in.  As Zeke tells the tale you act out his story, it's quite a nice idea and does come together quite nicely at the end.  The story see's Cole turn into a vampire, he must kill the head of the vampire's 'Bloody Mary' before the night's out or forever be a creature of the night.

One thing I must point out is that this is unmistakenly inFamous 2 with vampires.  The slick controls and all Cole's moves are there for the most part.  Some of the moves are dressed up a bit to match the tone of the story, like Cole's melee weapon the Amp being replaced by a cross but all in all this is inFamous in all it's glory.

The major criticism that I have about the game is length.  I beat the game in a bit an hour and a half and had received every single trophy within three hours.  While it was short, I must say I really digged getting back into inFamous, even if it was for a short while.  It gave me a taste of playing the sequel this summer and reminded me just how fun the world of inFamous is.

If you love inFamous downloading this is a no brainer.  But even if you haven't entered the world of Cole and Zeke perhaps this small download will give you a decent amount of time to decide if you want to go back and sample the main games.

7.5

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVELOUTION REVIEW

In a lot of ways Deus Ex: Human Revolution snuck up on me, many of us were looking far ahead at the gaming delights that await us this winter (Batman and Uncharted to name just two). But as summer tailed away and autumn decided to rear it's ugly head along came DE:HR's Adam Jensen to take us into it's wonderful world and cyberpunk charm.

A prequel of the first two that were major hits on PC early on last decade, Deus EX: HR it a lovingly crafted first person RPG that borrows heavily from a lot of games. Fallout, Metal Gear and even elements from Mass Effect are all used here and fit lovingly well.

The game predominately takes place in Detroit and Hengsha but a few other locations do come into it further into the plot. The atmosphere is loving crafted and is clearly inspired by cyberpunk flicks of the 80s combined with a hint of culture form the Italian Renaissance mixed with a yellow tinge to create a really unique and most importantly, believable world that you'll want to explore.

One of my big complaints about RPGs and even Mass Effect to a certain extent is that you can clearly see the difference between side missions and the main story. Of course the main plot missions should take precedence but I have to tip my hat off to some of the brilliant side story missions contained in DE:HR that could so easily have fooled any player they were part of the main missions.

The main draw for the third in the series is the way you can approach any obstacle from a number of angles. You have the obvious options of going in head first guns blazing to take everyone out. Or perhaps sneaking through the area using distraction tactics and stealth camoflauge to out manouveur your enemies appeal. Air vents? You'll be seeing a lot of these as they provide Adam Jensen unique routes that sometimes take you in the other direction of your enemies.

But don't get ahead of yourself, this isn't a first person shooter, if you go in guns blazing you are likely to die, a lot. The emphasis is heavily on stealth as shown by Adam's augmentations. 'Augs' allow you to mold Jensen into the character you want him to be, by earning 'Praxis Points' through the game you can buy certain moves to aid you through the game. All Augs are mainly helpful for stealth players, there is really only one that helps with a full on assualt. Unlike other RPG's that follow a similar level-up system, each time you spend a Praxis Point you really do think about how will upgrade. The upgrade system works so well and is so brilliantly balanced that every single augment will aid you, but not enough to make any of them game breaking.

While there are no glaring glitches or faults like similar titles released at a similar time (Dead Island I'm looking at you!). Deus Ex: Human Revolution does suffer from a tiny bit of blandness. That sounds a lot harsher than it is in reality for lack of a better word but it feels like I've done all this before. Hiding round corners ala Metal Gear, using a multi-choice conversation system ala Mass Effect and an FPS RPG in a similar style to Fallout.

That's not to say you shouldn't pick up Deus Ex: HR it is a wonderful game and should be on most peoples to buy list. It's certainly a contender for Game of the Year and that is reason enough to get involved in the shady world of Deus Ex.

9/10