BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

Alexander Antonov
Source: Country Games № 16 2009	27-08-2009

Many fans of the genre awaited the arrival of Guilty Gear on the next-generation hardware, but Arc System Works decided otherwise, and instead the next incarnation of the Guilty Gear was born BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. A year has passed since the release of the game on arcade machines, and now, finally, she reached up to the consoles.

Praetorians

Wilson
	14.05.2003

Game Name: Praetorians Platform: PC Genre: RTS Developer: Pyro Studios Publisher: Eidos Interactive Minimum System Requirements (recommended): COMPUTER: IBM PC or 100% compatible OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows 98/2000/XP CPU: Intel PIII-500 or equivalent RAM: 128 MB GRAPHICS: 100% DirectX 8.1 compatible 16Mb Graphics Card SOUND: 100% DirectX 8.1 compatible Sound Card CD-ROM: Quad-speed (4x) CD-ROM drive HARD DRIVE: 600 MB free disk space INPUT DEVICES: 100% Windows 98/2000/XP-compatible mouse and keyboard Official site: http://www.praetoriansgame.com/ Commandos, like many in this word ... No, we have no evening of poetry, just the creators of the game decided to ask for them a new genre - real-time strategy. Saboteurs have destroyed a good half of strategic facilities, equipment and personnel to the Nazis, received well-earned break. They were replaced by the Roman legions, and including, the same Praetorians - Imperial Guard, the military elite of ancient times. It takes place at the time of Gaius Julius Caesar (well, and who else?). The Roman Empire has been actively expanding in Europe and in Africa, seeking to seize the land of Gauls and, accordingly, the Egyptians (this is the second and third "race" in the game). And that means trouble for our protagonist, a certain unnamed tribune missing. Under his leadership will be very large units consisting of all the armed forces of that time, there will be all kinds of infantry and cavalry, and pride "pyromaniac" - a variety of siege weapons. All this variety we have to apply for 24 missions. Incidentally, the campaign, as you may have guessed, one - for the Romans. Apparently, the other parties are not actively aspired to world domination:). It is gratifying that the game has a number of innovations that distinguish it from the numerous representatives of the genre of RTS, so beloved by developers. To begin with, that you command the squad as a whole, not individual soldiers, as usual. Among the Romans such units consist of 30 soldiers from the barbarians and Egyptians are about 2 times smaller. On the advantages and disadvantages of this approach argue, except to say that the detachment can be divided into several smaller ones, thereby achieving greater manageability. In addition, a detachment from the military services can increase in rank (transformed into a commander) of one of his soldiers, who then becomes a kind of ability, as well as an aura that improves the quality of all combat troops around him. Also, it should be noted that the health unit consists of two parts - the current number of companies, and the average health of all its constituent soldiers. In addition to health is an indicator of how endurance. It allows you to move faster and use special skills, for which, incidentally, can be included autocast. For example, Legionnaires can throw a short spear, Gallic hunters - an ambush in the woods, Nubian archers - let poisoned arrows. At the same stock endurance decreases, but at any other time he recovered, even during the fight:. Of course, in pretorians a battle formations, and an essential tool in the hands of the ancient military leader, including the virtual. Parameters of the unit is quite changed with different tunings.Say, the archers, standing on one knee and shoot more accurately, pikemen, with his spades into the earth, become an insurmountable obstacle for the cavalry, and finally the legionnaires, to build a "turtle", get almost impenetrable defense. Another element of tactics - the use of the terrain. And here, too, was not without ideas. The game has several types of relief: plain (with her all clear), elevation (raising the review and firing range of those at the top, making them invisible to those at the bottom), forest (impassable for certain types of troops, hiding those who therein), high grass (hiding infantry, until she moves and does not attack, it can burn), water (through the deep "construction battalion" builds bridges at certain locations, which can destroy, through small can go almost all kinds of troops). As you can see, offers scope for tactical tricks with relief. Another story - the siege of fortresses. This is not what we're used to seeing, for example, in a series of Age of X. Judge for yourself, is finally on the walls and towers can be placed teams. A auxiliary infantry (aka construction battalion) can build a pretty impressive set of siege machines and tools, including a ladder:), mobile tower, ballista, catapult, battering ram. Now imagine that you can push the ladders, and siege weapons to set fire - storm becomes a very difficult task. But what a pity, in multiplayer'e no separate treatment, not even a card from the fortress, so that all this grandeur is almost irrelevant. That is, you can build and make sense? As regards the economic side - she is minimized, which could not affect its quality. Construction of the base and collect resources in the conventional sense of the hot Spaniards abolished, apparently considering it a boring lesson. But resources are still there - it's the people and the glory. First we get, taking the next village, and the second - killing n-Noe number of enemy fighters. Capture the enemy's village is quite funny: first, all together they demolish some hovel near the village, then beat face with the local commissar, then "construction battalion" (the cheapest form of troops) is building the same nondescript building, and finally, our commander has already lost in the village. After this difficult procedure to gain recruits, ie train all types of units, but only until enough people in the village. To hire certain types of troops, however, also needed glasses glory. Now, the very tasty - on the schedule. She leaves a positive impression. Although neither of which supermnogopoligonalnyh models are not talking (not 3D-shooter all the same), animated, almost all very good. The trees swayed just perceptibly in the wind, the legionnaires are marching briskly, raising clouds of dust from the sky snow falling in large flakes. Although no blunders could not have done: notice how the soldiers were deployed to the stairs or running wolf. But this stuff. In general, the Praetorians look pretty cute. Sound too at, but it can not be called outstanding. Music in classic style, which is quite natural for the historical strategy. In general, the game is pretty interesting. There are a number of interesting innovations, there is scope for tactical thinking. But there are a few things that do not give a hundred percent record in the game hits. One of those moments - it's what you can not order the squad, which came in a close fight, to retreat. Several times lost only because he could not bring critical to the mission of the character from hell. On the other hand, it is nice to see how, under good control your troops "utterly" divide the enemy forces ... equivalent.

NBA Street Homecourt

Author: VP
Source: Country Games № October 2007	15.05.2007

Sports! You're the world ... but a parallel. Especially basketball. "Provide only: what can be amusing to attempt to take away from each other the ball, so then zashvyrnut it to a nearby bucket with a carved head?" Reasoned about your obedient servant, about fifteen years ago, watching the corner of his eye for the burly, rushing from one ring to another . Appeared several years later fashionable Megadrive console together with a smart cartridge NBA Jam, instantly changed the view of the seemingly ordinary things.

Bullet Witch

author: Red Cat
Source: Country Games № August 2007	26.05.2007

Evil alien invaders are now out of fashion - to replace them more often climbs Evil takes many forms. Peace and tranquility on Earth are threatened demons, vampires, living dead and the werewolves, hungry human flesh and world domination. Moreover, unlike the little green men, to deal with which can often only one squad of commandos, with ghouls to agree on human-usually does not work. Wedge have to knock out a wedge. Therefore, the demons are fighting demons-half like Dante, with vampires - Blood vampires (or their immediate family), and if suddenly there was not any of those others, will come down and the witch - like Alicia, the main character Bullet Witch.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Author: Igor Sonin
Source: Country Games № 14 2008	15.07.2008

The team that works on the series Metal Gear Solid, with years of thinking that does not change. Head of Department shall hold office for five or ten years. One of the newcomers, hired for MGS4, - a young foreigner Ryan Payton, assistant producer. Hideo Kojima gives him a demonstrative description: "This is the most hard-working Americans from all I've ever seen. In the team nine out of ten people - Japanese and diversity, we will not interfere. " Good or bad, but no increase in teams of up to fifteen hundred people, no transition to a new generation that did not change the status quo. Metal Gear Solid - a show that is held apart. The entire gaming industry separately, Kojima Productions - separately. The impression that the developers last four years, without leaving the office in Roppongi, saw only a sticker with a flying superman on the glass cabinet Kojima and focused solely on their interests and their own standards of quality. Studio recalls eccentric recluse, who climbed into the mountains, many months ate mushrooms and roots, and then returned c genius and totally divorced from real life novel in seven volumes. Metal Gear Solid 4 can not cram into the Procrustean bed of conventional genres, it does not work to compare with the usual hits. Advantages of the game are undeniable, it is full of discoveries, jokes, innovation and adventure. While playing, mentally alternately ask two questions. First - "Well, who does that?", Then - "And why, in fact, no one does that?".

StarFox Adventures

Mac Fank
	16.10.2002

StarFox Adventures Platform: GameCube Genre: Action / Adventure Publisher / Developer: Nintendo / Rare There are developers who will never disappoint the quality of their products. A rare example of such good faith is a British company Rare. This is a nice team, a lot of years working under the wing of Nintendo, made an invaluable contribution to the treasury of the gaming industry. Just recently, Rare was bought by Microsoft, but the British still have released for the GameCube a farewell game. The project, which is known as Star Fox Adventures (hereinafter SFA), was first announced for the Nintendo 64. At that time it was called Dinosaur Planet, and was conceived as an independent thriller. Then place the main character took Fox Fox Macleod (Fox McCloud) - character space shooter Star Fox, and the entire project successfully migrated to the new platform. In developing the original concept has changed beyond recognition. Survived except that proverbial dinosaur planet, and she broke into pieces. Connect with floating debris in space would be easier if it was not the evil machinations of General Scales (General Scales). The plot is written in the classical canon: there is a global catastrophe, dastardly villain, a beautiful captive, and, of course, a brave rescuer, surrounded by a few colleagues. SFA can not describe without mentioning the legendary Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (N64). The guys from Rare have not tried to hide the source of his inspiration, as clearly seen similarities between these two games. However, the imitation of the famous creature Shigeru Miyamoto (Shigeru Miyamoto) can hardly be put in a rebuke to the developers. In addition, a concept borrowed from "Zelda" - this is only the foundation on which to build the gameplay. In the world of SFA easily get on the giant reptiles, magic and high technology. Gameplay is made of two parts: a flight on a space fighter and walking on the fragments of the planet. As it turned out, Fox is not only a consummate pilot, but also an experienced traveler. He can run, jump, tumble, climb and swim. There are, however, a "but": you can not manage on their own jumps. Lees himself jumping over obstacles as soon as you approach them closely. Unfortunately, the enemies also do not, have to fight with them, using bladed weapons and spells. One has only to approach the enemy, as immediately enabled battle mode. Your hero himself is aimed at the enemy, so you just have to attack and at the right time to put the block. Combining shots with the touch of the Arrow joystick, you call the various combo series. Rod, which you tan all in a row, while a source of magical power. As the game progresses you will gradually be adding to her collection of spells. Eventually Fox will learn to fry enemies with fire, freeze them and even cause earthquakes. All this power is most useful during fights with bosses. Their role is performed by the giant reptiles that resemble the fantastic dragons than dinosaurs. But do not think that the gameplay consists of the same battles. In contrast, most of the time spent on the implementation of various tasks and search items. There are also puzzles, some of which are combined with elements of thriller.Choose a combination of leverage is not as difficult as, say, smuggle explosive canister on an unlit corridor. Fortunately, you are constantly helping friends. Frog Slippy (Slippy) and the Hare Peppy (Peppy) are familiar from previous installments Star Fox. Contacting them on the radio, you can always get a hint or a map of the area. Mainly as your assistant is Prince Tricky (Prince Tricky). Despite the blue hue of blood, this dinosaur is running for the Fox as a trained dog, ready to fulfill any orders. With the help of the command menu, you can get Tricky to dig the ground, breathe fire and do a bunch of other actions. Using found and bought items, you are improving the ability of his companion. As you may recall, the planet of dinosaurs broke into pieces, each of which represents a separate stage. Some asteroids resemble natural oasis with lakes and trees, while others are covered with snow or, conversely, the lava. Move from one fragment to another Fox helps correct spaceship Arwing. Aerial scenes reminiscent of the previous Star Fox: you are moving on a given path, dodging obstacles and shooting enemies. What differentiates SFA from other members of the adventure genre, it's duration. On the passing game will have to spend a minimum of 20 hours. This period will be doubled if you itch to find all the secrets and hidden quests. Reward for the effort will be a special final splash. Having examined the pictures, you probably agree that the graphic design of SFA is to be commended. Magicians from Rare pushed GameCube in a vise and squeezed all the juice out of it. Only one fur covering his red face of the protagonist, is able to charm even the most experienced gamer. No less striking land, strewn with blades of grass that sway in the breeze and cast shadows. All this tumult of polygons, of course, could not affect frame rates. Yes, the frame rate is unstable, and this is perhaps the only serious drawback graphics. Music is also good. Perhaps the game lacks the orchestral compositions, but the melodies that are available, pleasing to the ears. The same goes for voice acting characters. The developers have provided technology support Progressive Scan (it improves the image quality) and surround sound Dolby Pro Logic II, so that owners of expensive televisions and audio systems will be able to experience all the features of their equipment. As mentioned above, Rare can not make the pot boil, so the success of SFA can be no doubt. The question was only one thing: a place among the mega hit will take the creation of the English masters? Now we can safely say that Star Fox Adventures - it hit the mean. Before us is not the most original, but solidly made and technically advanced game. More to such ...

Summer Online

SI
Source: Country Games № January 2010	25.01.2010

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Volleyball at the Summer Online "is presented in two modes: Normal is for those who just want to have fun, in a special mode, all the more serious - at stake valuable points. Fortunately, select the appropriate (ie weak) opponents quite comfortably thanks to an intuitive interface, and the points awarded for any sign of activity from the tournament before the training tasks. By the way, management is able to master and a young child without any aides: the keyboard arrows and involved key S, F, and especially the D - it is responsible for starting, kick, pass and block (depending on the situation and the position of the character on the court). Free games time is dedicated to walking on the beach, relaxing in a lounge chair, swimming and socializing with others. In a chat you can not only make friends that will quickly climb to the top lines of the rating, but also get the latest news, and even earn an experience! Experience is essential for growth of character, acquire new skills with a speaking name ("Fire Ball", "Speed," "The Shield") and, most importantly, clothing and accessories. Actually, the pumping - it's the only way to get free items in the game, which decided to pay for them. Well, if you do not want to spend your hard earned in bonuses, the "Summer Online is better to skip.