Brutal Legend (review gameland. Ru)

Author: Alex 'SPARTAN' Karpenko
	16.11.2009

Disciples II: Light or Darkness

Roman Yepishin
	15.08.2003

Name game: Disciples II: Guardians of the Light, Disciples II: Servants of the Dark Platform: PC Genre: Turn-Based Strategy Developer: Strategy First Publisher: Strategy First Release Date: June 14, 2003 - Guardians of the Light July 18, 2003 - Servants of the Dark Minimum system requirements: Intel Pentium II 233 MHz, 32 MB RAM; c card 8 MB RAM, 200 MB HDD Official site: http://www.disciples2.com/D2/ Do you remember the Disciples II: The Dark Prophecy? I am sure many will answer in the affirmative. Without pretending to originality and accomplishment of any revolutions, published more than a year ago, the game is an example of good make, and hard work of talented programmers, artists, composers and writers. It seemed that the idea of ​​traveling on the global map with the capture of resources, urban equipment and turn-based battles in the local arena has exhausted itself in the line of Heroes of Might and Magic. But it is unlikely Disciples II: The Dark Prophecy someone seemed boring. Interesting history of confrontation of the human Empire (Empire), Mountain Clans Dwarfs (Mountain Clans), the demonic Legions of the Damned (Legions of the Damned) and half-rotten Undead Horde (Undead Horde) coupled with a qualitatively elaborated gameplay ensured the project a solid fan base. Naturally, there were add-on'y, with just two. The developers decided to clearly delineate further conflict in the light and darkness, good and evil. As a result, gaming community received Disciples II: Guardians of the Light and Disciples II: Servants of the Dark. As you might guess, the first offering to speak on the "good guys", ie Mountain Clans and the Empire, and second, respectively, focuses on the "bad guys" in the face of the Legions of the Damned and the Undead Horde. Progress will agree, very original, but in terms of marketing - and even profitable. Licensed versions of both add-ons are priced at $ 20 each, but here is justified whether such costs for the average player? In the best traditions of preparation add-ons on'y from Strategy First are only quantitative, but no qualitative changes. On the drive to Disciples II: Guardians of the Light contains the original game (sic!), two new campaigns (for the "good"), about 15 fresh script maps for multiplayer games, the random maps and a script editor. To the credit of the creators, grown up most of the cards in sizes up to 120x120. Nevertheless, a set of standards to the resident in the stomach. Disciples II: Servants of the Dark offers a similar kit with a campaign for the "bad" and other multiplayer maps and scenarios. Neither you of new buildings, or innovations in gameplay. However, I will lie. One important innovation in the gameplay will still be seen: the opportunity to automatically complete obviously winning or losing the fight. Only here is misfortune, this possibility can be added in the original game with an absolutely free patch. I almost forgot, the video settings the opportunity to exhibit at 1024 * 768 instead of 800 * 600.Delighted? In vain! Since the only change is the resolution map, leaving everything else intact. Of course, I could be accused of boring pragmatism and offer a look at all the more poetic. Submit, for example, the emergence of add-on'ov as a new round of interesting stories. Fortunately, the screenwriters were paid back on their bread. For example, empire after the war in the original game was plunged into a political conflict between fighting for the throne of the three factions. Gnomes in the mountains with their grief in half to rebuild their shattered economy, incidentally trying to establish contact with their god Wotan'om. Undead intensified under the leadership of the goddess Mortis ... Here are just interested in all these twists and turns, rather, only for fans of the game, closely followed developments in Disciples II: The Dark Prophecy. They, in fact, designed add-on. Another proof of that - severe restriction on participation in the events of add-on'ov characters with a level below 10. And it is not surprising. Picturesque land inhabited by two additions though not changed in appearance, but fattening to shine in the eyes of well-fed and 12-level monsters. It is assumed that you have already passed the original, postponed for a year I've found with circulated a hero and look forward to continuing. Meanwhile, I'm sure most of the players immediately after the Disciples II: The Dark Prophecy gently remove it. But do not despair. On such a special case of each of the two add-on'ov has cleverly hidden in directories and subdirectories "pumped" fighters at level 12. You just need to dig into a text file, so find out how these tough guys cram into the game. True, it is not clear why this process is so complicated. In general, it seems that Strategy First viciously mocking the players. Judge: release a supplement with a minimum quantity and the complete lack of quality innovations, and even ask for each of them $ 20, while and the Servants of the Dark, and the Guardians of the Light would have got on together peacefully on the same disk . In add-on'ov and there is a common name - Gallean's Return. That is exactly what a two toys, once on a single computer. Why, he wondered, was to organize the representation of light and darkness? The answer is simple: to help our purses with you. The most interesting thing that the fans be happy to facilitate. All the rest of us go on about the developers do not recommend. Not worth powder and shot.

Metroid Prime Trilogy

Sergei Tsilyurik
Source: Country Games № 23 2009	17-12-2009

Excessive complexity of some of the bosses in Echoes "Trilogy" has been corrected. (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes) In different parts of the game, Samus helmet different functions. In the third example, with the help obtained call for suitable landing sites for the spacecraft. (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption) GameCube was not nearly as successful as the PlayStation 2, and most gamers prefer the console from Sony, conceding more than worthy exclusives from camp Nintendo. Such as Eternal Darkness, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and the first two Metroid Prime. Now, with the increasing popularity of Wii, reissues of old hits have become more urgent.

Red - Dead Revolver

Timur Archangel
	20.08.2004

Red - Dead Revolver Genre: action Platform: PS2, Xbox Publisher: Rockstar Games Developer: Rockstar San Diego Number of Players: 1-4 Game site: http://www.rockstargames.com/reddeadrevolver Almost forgot a couple of decades ago, genre westerns creeping back to life. The company Rockstar Games offers to our attention an interesting project - Red Dead Revolver. Romance of the Wild West in all varieties: crazy shootouts, fights in saloons, beautiful women and atmosphere of this cinematic westerns - all assembled in the new game. Together - we have the power! The authors decided not to torment us a long prelude, and went straight to the point. The young family rested peacefully at his ranch, when suddenly there was a gang of robbers and shot the teen parents. Grabbing my father's revolver, the young man bravely slew of bandits. Dissatisfied with this revenge, he decided to devote his life to fight tyranny with the gangster. Riding faithful horse, our hero with the proud name of Red Harlow goes in search of adventure. Such guileless tie the game. In the fight alone has long been unfashionable and boring. During the passage you will meet many characters, too, decided to challenge the evil gangsters. Sometimes it seems that the story constantly switches to the secondary characters, but in reality, passing game, you will understand how their lives intersect with the main line. Each of them has a little background, from which it becomes clear - why do these people have a grudge against the evil gangsters. And for every one of his friends you can play yourself. This battle kovboysha protecting his ranch, and a gallant Englishman, whose own accounts with one of the ringleaders of the gang, and even general peacemaker, trying to personally settle the armed conflict. That is, in fact we have non-linear action! The main part of the game, you still take on the role of the valorous cowboy Red Harlow. Over 30 missions you have to protect civilians, to rescue the girls, to help the sheriff of the town - to do good deeds. Special flavor to the game bring cinematic scenes. During some scenes perspective is built as though you're watching an old black and white movies. Most of the time you shoot the evil cowboys and Indians. In some missions will have to act tactically (hiding behind rocks and carefully postrelivaya a gun), while in others you can make a real massacre, armed with a pair of pistols. Sometimes the game and did become interactive in nature - when the whole mission was built in a duel on a train. Who first drew his colt - the winner. Incidentally, the duel in the game reserved seat. Clint Eastwood of our time Imagine a scene from the classic westerns. On a deserted street near the saloon two converge. CU - impassive face of the protagonist and malevolent villain face-Mexican. Duelists face each other in the eye, the hand of each lies on the holster.The next moment they draw their guns, shot and sounded ... Mexican with a frozen face falls lifeless wonder ... Do not be surprised - in the game, such episodes will occur often. At the time of the duel image changes, you slowly hover over the left analog stick cursor on the enemy and then shoot. Please note that until you hover the crosshair on the target, the opponent takes out his gun. Much the same way you can punish enemies and bosses. In the lower corner of the screen builds up a scale in filling that can activate the Dead-eye (something like the special attacks for each character). For example, Red Harlow Spaces target areas on the body of the enemy, and then thrust the queue, and Annie Stoakes shoots a powerful charge from a shotgun so that all nearby enemies instantly sent to the forefathers. This cowboy is to be forearmed, and - preferably - is dangerous. In the avarice of developers did not reproach: the choice of ammunition is enormous - the most exacting taste. Here is everything that we've seen in classic westerns: from simple revolvers and shotguns to a steady six-gun, carefully installed by someone at some levels. And if true colt is out of date - not a problem - before the next mission you will be able upgrade weapons. Well, of course, what Western can do without a fight? Some missions are that you are using the materials at hand discourage girls from arrogant cowboys (in the end, though, you end up mediocre shootout). Unfortunately, the arsenal of techniques is small. You can spend a good hook so kick the enemy until he is knocked down, or just break a bottle on his head. For greater entertainment. Multiplayer for the poor Level of complexity does not make you a nuisance to throw the joystick. AI opponents are not particularly high. Bosses, of course, are able to more than just strafe, but the rank and file enemies usually do not take the quality and quantity. Nevertheless, you can finish the level with two ratings: "good" and "excellent." "Excellent" to pass easily. You have to use as little as possible lechilok and try to destroy opponents with the least amount of rounds (shot in the head). The better the finish the mission, the greater the reward will get. And it was on matsredstva you can repair / buy weapons and rare items for the regime Journal. The fact is that besides the main mode Story mode in the game, there are two additional ones. First - Showdown ("Disassembly"). In the best case - is the multiplayer for up to 4 players, but for our region, deprived PlayOnline network - just a battle against the computer. After completing the mission you get a new location (or character), which will gradually "open up" in this mode. You can put up to 4 opponents, and choose your favorite location and arrange a tournament. The second additional mode - this Journal - a diary, which contained information on weapons, characters and plots. In some stores there are items buying that, you open the pages of the diary. Opening a diary in full, you will learn the history of the town, a biography of the characters and be able to better navigate in the choice of weapons. Accompany their intelligence Graphically, the game is not as good as we would like. Simple design of landscapes, rough character animation and useless gestures leave an unpleasant aftertaste. As if the creators are simply flawed graphics engine the game. But we must pay tribute to the more powerful Xbox. Version of the game for this console for obvious reasons, much more impressive. And the special effects, and texture - all this is done much better than the version for the PS2. Another serious drawback of both versions - the annoying orange hue, has the most missions. However, even if you close your eyes on the graphic flaws, one is struck by how well thought-out mechanics of the fight. For each body part the enemy has a certain loss.If you're stupid to burn on the legs, the result is not good, but wasted ammo, do not wait. And vice versa: if the shot in the head - just get the corpse. But the sound design was pleased. During the adventure you are constantly accompanied by country music. And then during a fierce exchange of fire guitar melody gives way to anxiety and minor scales - all in the best tradition of the famous Ennio Morricone. And the voice of characters perceived "a great success." Even the wandering through the town NPC actors' voices are heard quite clearly. That's how pleased we are a company that produced the great GTA and controversial Manhunt! If you do not pay attention to the mediocre graphics and annoying sometimes poisonous orange palette (although in some more colors can be made Western?), Then you can safely take on this game. It is quite fascinating and is not devoid of originality. And how often do we have the opportunity to play in the Western?

Smash Cars

Author: Alex Kosozhihin
Source: Country Games № 21 2009	22.11.2009

Why so long lacked the PSN, so it's racing radio-controlled machines. No, of course, was a pretty good Toy Home, but "race" to call it language is not turned - rivals, then it was not. Smash Cars is by no help for the fans of these games, especially in conditions of total bezrybya.

Spyborgs

Source: Country Games № 23 2009	18-12-2009

After earning a sufficient number of points for the opponents, you can execute spectacular superspace. Which one - depends on what a couple of heroes is now in the game. We must pay tribute to the Bionic Games - graphics and special effects Spyborgs deserve the most flattering words.

Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon

Roman Yepishin
	20.12.2003

Name game: Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon Platform: PC, PS2, Xbox Genre: adventure Developer: Revolution Software Publisher: Adventure Company Release Date: November 17, 2003 Minimum system requirements: Pentium III 750 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 3D-graphics card with 64 MB RAM, 1 GB HDD Official site: http://www.brokenswordgame.com/ Everything flows, everything changes. But unforgettable, vivid moments of life remain with us forever. I have such events, no doubt, is familiar with a series of Broken Sword in late 1996. Last century, by the way! Although, if it was not a series, and the bright, beautiful, interesting and extremely exciting adventure game Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars. Crowded impressions, I, a year later, with open arms received Broken Sword: The Smoking Mirror, more vibrant and exciting. Total on two projects for the Broken Sword reputation of one of the best series in the genre of the quest. In fact, he has become the standard, a kind of beacon to which developers rushed adventure projects from around the world. Needless to say, that the third coming of an old friend of thousands of fans (and yours truly included) were waiting with impatience and apprehension at the same time. On the one hand, the looming meeting with their favorite characters and familiar game world. On the other - a new series for three-dimensional graphics, an experiment, as they say, a bold and malonauchny. Today it's time to expectations held ... Arm cutlery on a plate - "Sleeping Dragon". In this regard, my sincere congratulations to the gentlemen admirers! Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon, in spite of all the graphic innovations, remains as it is Broken Sword. Yes, the world has been transformed into three dimensional characters prihoroshilis set of polygons that completely changed management (which its still receive), but the adventurous spirit of the game safely moved to a new body. Yes, and the overall animation style, wonderfully conceals a serious and thoughtful gameplay, survived. Catchy, really "living" characters of the game, I promise, will not leave indifferent even the most phlegmatic "biscuit". In this respect, the game is close to the cinema, traditionally renowned for art to penetrate the very soul of the people. As well as not undergone changes in the global unfolding events. Once again the tireless journalist Nico and very familiar with the lawyer, George will save the world from the deadly threat. And here's the paradox. Hackneyed idea to bald spots of the global heroism with compulsory saving the world seems to be blue in the face to all the annoying, look at Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon is quite natural and appropriate.The history of the mighty villain Susarro whose activities in the field of the Earth's energy threatens all beings on the planet, as soon as possible brings the player on the other side of the monitor with your head dips in the gaming world. And the main content of the world quests, as you know, puzzles, riddles and puzzles again. In general, this aspect of the Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon raises no objections. Assignments are interesting, varied and not overloaded with complexity. Particularly pleased borrowed from Shenmue (and only) scene "at the reaction. In them, the player must quickly press a key to catch, for example, to spin "steering wheel" bearing the enormous speed of the car, avoiding thus the collision. In the camp a few flaws, perhaps, should be attributed only bust with the tasks of drawing boxes, barrels and other stuff so that the hero can pass on the resulting design for the new section level. Locations, following the traditions of predecessors, encouraged by the diversity and beauty of design. George and Nico will visit several interesting places in Glastonberi (England), Paris, Prague, visited the Congo. Please note that the list is not complete, should remain the same, and surprises! Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon really has something to surprise the players. However, found a place and unpleasant surprises in the face of management. From first to last frame of the game I was tormented by severe nostalgia for the classic point & click interface. Alas, he has sunk into oblivion. Been replaced by the unprepossessing keyboard layout, a couple with the camera focused on effectively, rather than on efficiency, good complicating the game. Difficulty, of course, quite familiar, such as changing the value of key areas. For example, at one camera angle forward movement controls the cursor up, while the other - have the cursor right. When the camera angles change quickly and often, small, but annoying mishaps are inevitable. They seem more noticeable and unpleasant than the beautiful and fascinating game done as a whole. Do not be such humiliating detail, and Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon is easily would have risen by one notch to their brilliant ancestors. But the facts - are stubborn things. Excellent three-dimensional drawing toy, its a genuine original spirit, wonderful "live" voice acting, dramatic, heart touch the deeds of heroes, exciting plot and stylish design still overshadow some of the failures and shortcomings. Truly, there is a world without a drop of honey barrels of tar. Nevertheless, let the game does not repeat the dizzying success of the most August relatives, it is worthy of a respectable family name Broken Sword. Fans of the series and fans of quests (including newcomers to the genre) is strongly recommended.