The Sword of Etheria

Author: Natalia Odintsova
Source: Country Games № October 2006	17.05.2006

Once the gods have sent emissaries to distant villages. The divine order was brief: children steal, with adults to understand the circumstances. The boy Fiel (Fiel) decided not to sit in the bushes while his sister Dorothy steal unknown Frighteners, and summoned to the battle commander of the envoys, the benefit of a sudden came to hand a magical sword. Defeated by the messenger, contrary to the canons of the genre, not the guy promised to come back in a couple of missions that slapped him in the neck, and realized the injustice of the order of the gods. So at Fielya appeared first ally in the quest still stolen under cover of his sister.

Jak X

Author: Red Cat
Source: Country Games № January 2006	26.12.2005

Almost everyone in life has a dream. For example, make a million. Or become a master of the world. Or even what nonsense. But the dream always hovering in the air, fat Cru (Krew) was much more modest: he just wanted to put up for competition in the Kras City a strong team and a little bask in its glory. However, that's bad luck - because of the restless couple, Jack and Dexter Crew seemed to have lost the possibility of the dream a reality. For, suddenly flew off into another world. However, it soon became clear, the death appeared to fatted criminal bigwigs temporary obstacle. With the help of some tricks he had poisoned potential racers and advanced (through its holographic image), the condition - an antidote in exchange for victory. Without the right to bargain.

Far Cry Instincts

Serge
	14.11.2005

Platform: Xbox Genre: FPS Developer: Ubisoft Montreal and Crytek Studios Publisher: Ubisoft Project website: http://www.farcrygame.com/uk/farcryinstincts Excellent creation of Crytek Studios team deservedly became one of the three best action game of 2004, amounting to compete in such a promoted FPS, like Doom 3 and Half-Life 2. Excellent graphics, good design and thoughtful gameplay coupled with a complex plot - all this in Far Cry was present. But even this was not the most important. The game takes place against a background of fabulous tropical island. Blue sky, crystal clear waters, exquisite natural beauty - the landscape was so bright, vivid and saturated, that there are insurmountable desire to return to this paradise on earth again and again ... Lucky for Xbox owners only The game has gained wide popularity, and the publisher of the project, a little reflection, decided to release a special version of "paradise shooter" exclusively for consoles. Development was called Far Cry Instincts, and its creation of trust Canadian studio Ubisoft Montreal. Initially it was assumed that the game will be released on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, but later the decision was made for the PS2 version to cancel due to insufficient capacity of the system from Sony. Employees Ubisoft Montreal is not just a PC-ported version of Far Cry, fit it under the possibility of Xbox. They went the other way, creating a new project almost from scratch. " And, frankly, they failed to do the impossible: Far Cry Instincsts turned out even better than the original version for the PC. Quite another Far Cry Despite the fact that the possibilities of Xbox much more modest than srednestaticheskogo PC, developers managed to squeeze out of the picture boxes are not inferior to (and sometimes even superior) to that can only be seen on the computer high-end configuration. In Far Cry Instincts have additional locations, and the plot is overgrown with new details and unexpected twists. Have not been forgotten a map editor and full multiplayer mode. As a result, we got probably the best representative of the genre on Xbox (though there is still Serious Sam 2, but this is a different type of FPS). So, will introduce you to the main character - a former military Jack Carver. A certain journalist hires him as a guide to a distant tropical island. But when the destination of their separates a couple of hundred meters, Jack in the boat for no apparent reason attacked almost the entire army of heavily armed individuals. "What is it? What's going on here? And where did this damned journalist? Why are all trying to kill me? "- Jack asks himself. But ask the council has no one to have to figure out everything myself ... Here, indeed, begins an adventure itself. Further, we are waiting for government conspiracies, monstrous experiments, mad scientists and the sea, not even a whole ocean of hurricane action games.Tourist Walk will turn bloodier Massacre, and paradise "island of the Bounty" will turn into a real hell. Not just action Far Cry Instincts can not be called "traditional" representative of the genre of FPS. It includes elements and stealth-action games, and even horror - sometimes it will be really scary. And not because of some sort of monsters, zombies and other evil spirits. Insecurity and vulnerability - that's what scares the most. Here, you will not feel like Superman (well, almost did not succeed), which is mown legions of enemies in a few minutes (as in the same Serious Sam). Each enemy - the owner of a well-developed artificial intelligence, each in its own way is dangerous. Breakneck speed, with a gun at the ready - with such tactics in Far Cry Instincts will stretch out very long. Each step must be carefully planned. As is known, Far Cry for PC differed in that the paths to the goal was a great set. Freedom of action, lack of clear limits and targets. There is a goal, well, how you would go to her (crawl, fly, ride, roll ...) - your own business. In this regard, Far Cry Instincts - almost an exact copy of its "elder brother". But, unfortunately, was not without some limitations. Walking around the island have not come out so freely, as in the PC version. Although visually levels remained equally huge to fit the entire island entirely in a small RAM Xbox, alas, failed. Far Cry Instincts was more linear, and there's nothing you can do. Modern Rimbaud Compared with PC-version has seen some major changes in gameplay. The most notable innovation - an opportunity to set the trap. Now you can set traps around the perimeter of the jungle and methodically to lure them as enemies. Plenty of room for tactical maneuvers huge. At the beginning of the game pressing need in this, but closer to the final location of the literate minutes becomes almost the only guarantee of survival - the rounds at all is simply not enough. Important - most do not own popastcya in the same trap. The basic rule of conduct on the island - try as little as possible in making his opponent. There are all conditions are met: you can hide possible for the trees, behind rocks, in bushes, in the grass, etc., thanks to lack of vegetation in the game are observed. To facilitate orientation in the terrain in Far Cry Instincts present a special radar (like the one that was Metal Gear Solid), which shows the location of enemies and their level of alertness. As with any stealth-action, Jack can strike from behind (stunned or immediately sending adversary to the forefathers), thus eliminating themselves from a long firefight with the enemy. As for weapons, the main character can carry only three weapon at a time. Arsenal are pretty standard: knives, pistols, rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and so on. Weapons can not only find, but also to select from the corpses of enemies, which is quite logical.Also, Jack is able to shoot with two hands (akimbo mode) in the manner of Max Payne. The Beast Within, or primitive instincts As you go, the Carver will appear superhuman abilities. Superforce, increased speed, night vision, improved several times reflexes - tremble, enemies - Superdzhek coming! True, the use of these abilities is limited. For the regeneration of adrenaline used. What modern FPS do without the use of various means of transportation? That's right, decent homes lack this features is mauvais ton. Jack is able to operate both water and land transport modes. However, the call driving one of the best chips Far Cry Instincts language is not rotated. Too inconvenient to control. So that you will use the car mainly in order to overcome the vast distances in those moments when just too lazy to walk. Far Cry Instincts are difficult game. And it's not in an advanced enemy AI and a lack of weapons. As for the PC, the Xbox system remained annoying checkpoints. Sometimes they are quite competently. But you do not just curse the developers will be passing the same place again, a kind of five or six. But such episodes in the Far Cry Instincts, believe me, plenty. Look and listen On the appearance of the Far Cry Instincts I have already said a lot of flattering words. This is truly one of the most beautiful games on the Xbox. Worked on the character models, a high degree of detail, sharpness and excellent special effects. Add to this the sensitive use of light and shadow, and you get an idea of ​​how should look like a modern FPS on Xbox. Despite the fact that the game has huge levels, a slowdown was observed. With regard to audioryada, everything on the level. Not bad music, high-quality voice - and thanks for that. Special attention is given only the fact that the main character speaks the voice of Hollywood actor Stephen Dorf (vampire "Blade"). Secret around the world Those who will be single-user mode (and it will take a maximum of two weeks) suggest that pay attention to the multiplayer. It presents three modes: standard and team deathmatch'a (Chaos and Team Chaos), the traditional capture-the-flag (Steal the Sample) and original mode Predator (one player with superpowers against all). The use of transport, tactical maneuvers (traps, mines, traps) and the hunt for "otozhrannym bunny" make a multiplayer mode is extremely fun. Despite some shortcomings (which, fortunately very few), Far Cry Instincts claims the title of the best console shooter of 2005. Excellent game that combines excellent graphics and exciting gameplay. Another reason to envy the owners of Xbox. Gameplay: 9 Graphics: 9 Sound and Music: 8 Design: 9 Score Author: 9 Outcome: 93%

Serious Sam 2

Andrew Chaplyuk
	27.12.2005

Platform: PC, Xbox Genre: FPS Developer: Croteam Publisher: 2K Games Publisher in Russia: 1C Project website: http://www.serioussam2.com Requirements: P-April 2, 512Mb RAM, 64Mb Video It is hard to find amateur action, which would not be familiar with a steep Sam. At one time, the brainchild of Croteam has made a real revolution in the genre, proving that the plot shooter, contrary to the predictions, and have not managed to bury the "meat" genre. Just to gamers have regained the love of the primitive, but a dynamic fighter, you need to intelligently approach the matter. The experiment was a young team has been extremely successful, as clearly indicated a very respectable sales. Building on the success, the developers have released add-The Second Encounter, which has made a favorite game more interesting and varied. But the fans and it was not enough. They waited a full second part. Expectation was full of anxious thoughts. Will the game to preserve the dignity of old? Do not lose the brand of drive? Fuel to the fire and poured a very unfortunate demo version, released by developers for a few days before release. Boring urban living, ridiculous opponents and the absence of truly large-scale battles plunged fans in shock. All worried about only one question - is it the whole game will be just as dull and monotonous? But for a long time did not have to worry about. The first episode of Serious Sam 2 makes it clear - in front of us is still the same beloved Sam, however, substantially changed since the last meeting. Meat and minced The plot is traditionally simple and unassuming. And if he needed to do this project? There is a goal - Mental. There is a vast arsenal and an impressive army of enemies. It is not hard to guess that we need to. Well, if you do somehow miraculously get into the plot, a dead end, a nice voice girl Coordinator will give the necessary clue. The essence of the game still boils down to processing hundreds of opponents in the minced meat with the help of various weapons. It is worth noting that the developers kept their promise, the world is really filled with giant creatures. First encounter with a huge mechanical spider or robot Tirex remember you for a long time. But fear not worth it. Monsters Serious Sam 2 fully confirm the famous saying that "the more rack, the louder it falls." Cracking down on them is much easier than with the crowds smaller, but more numerous creatures. For every big game in the game there own gun. Arsenal Serious Sam 2 is almost completely moved from The Second Encounter. Shotgun, rocket launcher, sniper rifle, a grenade launcher and even a mortar - all this remained in place. It's a shame that we cheated a flamethrower, because it was so fun to roast enemies. For some reason the developers decided to ignore this wonderful trunk, instead of providing homing a parrot with a bomb - utterly insane thing. But the appearance of hand grenades that Sam is always ready zashvyrnut into a crowd of opponents, making the game a hefty portion of new techniques. Diversify the extermination of adversaries is also designed equipment, which occurs during the passage of indecent lot. War, sitting in some flyers, more fun than shoot peshkodrapom. Moreover, many villains can not just shoot, and to crush. Particularly well suited for this business spiked bubble, climbing into that, Sam becomes a sort of semblance of a deadly bowling ball. The only pity is that this device meets only twice per game. Such a shortcoming is inherent and other military equipment. From an extensive fleet will fall mostly small boats on antigravity pad. A cute green dinosaur, a catalyst for us back in the second mission, never for more travel time and no-show. If, however, became quite ill, you can use the stationary turrets that are carefully placed by developers in areas of maximum accumulation of opponents. But sometimes they do not save. After all enemies are such tight formation that the breach in their ranks are sometimes beyond the power of even a machine gun. Bosses. More precisely, boss. Since the time of The Second Encounter are substantially transformed, becoming not only larger in size, but also more diverse. It is noteworthy that beat leaders "ahead" will not work. For each opponent will have to pick individual tactics, finding his weaknesses. The most vivid impression on a fun pink dragon, which you want to shoot from stationary ballista, gathered with the help of pre-boot to spring a huge boom. Serious Humor It is gratifying that Serious Sam 2 is not trying to pretend to be a serious thriller. First and foremost this game - banter and ridicule as on numerous colleagues in the genre, as well as over by the genre. What to say skeleton Dukas Nyukema tied to a post on one level. Yes, and links to other toys are found almost everywhere. Even the names of the levels here speak for themselves - Doomed Canyon, Unreal Wasteland, Area 5100 ... Himself the protagonist regularly gives Crown frazochki, wondering who it is scattered in the surroundings as valuable "trunks", or giving comments on the intelligence of enemies. Especially funny sounds utterance climbing into the sewer Sam that the toys without the sewer level just does not exist. Banter, and only. Visiting Fairy Tales Appearance Serious Sam 2 in the first minutes of the game is literally shocking. Pestryaev colors, funny models, as though he had just descended from the pages of comic books. Really after the realistic models of Doom 3, Far Cry, Half-Life 2 and the mass of the recently published hits IS possible to play? Even as much as possible. You just need to schedule Serious Sam 2 for what it is and try to find it its zest. And as raisins in the Serious Engine 2 - excited and a little cart. The engine is still copes with open spaces. And although such giant fields as in the first part, Serious Sam 2 we did not find the place to give battle to a hundred or so minions of Mental, enough with interest. Opponents in the game is not just a lot, but a lot.On average level accounts for about 500-700 opponents. The undisputed champion in this respect - the final level, where Sam in total will have to send to the country of eternal hunt about six thousand enemies. And the number is in no way has no effect on quality. All models boast an impressive number of polygons, high-quality "skins" and good animation. But most importantly, the game engine is surprisingly unpretentious. Even when the screen is accumulated hundreds of opponents, Serious Sam 2 on medium settings and not very advanced "prostate" continues to honestly give 40-50 fps, which is enough for a comfortable game. Landscapes will not get bored for a minute. Just fought in the jungle? Get ready for the journey into the world of giants, where every abandoned calf is comparable in size with a huge log. The plot throws us into the most bizarre places. Here we are at the ramshackle flying platform traveled around the island, hung in the air, and after a few minutes later storm an alien base. Designers to work can put a solid "five". Come up with so many original decorations can be done only truly outstanding artists. The only disappointment for the whole game is probably the last level. Toward the close of the action the creativity of developers began to dry up and we got a simple and monotonous maze, around every corner is waiting for hundreds of monsters. The glory succeed and voice. In the midst of battle, when you climb on all sides by a crowd of snarling monsters, from the horizon leave tens of disgusting giggling clowns, a gun pops never ceased for a moment diminish slightly better sound. And then the deaf for long. But the music is frankly disappointing. After divine Tracks The Second Encounter, I was expecting based on the full minimum quality tunes and the second part. However, during the whole game just came across two more or less decent composition. The rest are nothing special. So if you want to get maximum enjoyment from the game, turn on in the background WinAmp and enjoy shooting villains your favorite music. Don't get serious! Around Serious Sam 2 vengeance hotly disputes. Some argue that the game has lost all of the best pieces of the first part and turned into a simple children's arcade. Others assert that the Serious Sam 2 - it's just that Sam, that we all dreamed of. In fact, such disputes - a waste of time. Treat Serious Sam 2 does not need a sequel, as well as a separate game. Moreover, apart from glavgeroya, the main idea and the crowd of opponents, the first and second parts of the offspring of Croteam did not bind. Even the game atmosphere changed so much that the extermination of foes are totally different feeling. Yes, Sam became more bright and cheerful, we finally got rid of the raid "maturity". The game has openly stated that it, in spite of the name, do not take seriously, look deeper meaning or counting polygons into the enemy. You just need to relax and have fun.What can be better than after a hard day to come home, and sitting at the computer, race around the colorful cards, wiping out hundreds of opponents is not terrible? Gameplay: 9 Graphics: 8.5 Sound and Music: 8 Design: 9 Score Author: 9 Outcome: 87%

Final Fight: Streetwise

Author: Alexander Rogulin
Source: Country Games № December 2006	17.06.2006

The name of this game - like a drug for all lovers of hodilok-izbivalok. Happy owners SNES many years ago flirted in each of the three parts of the famous series. Therefore, after the announcement of Final Fight: Streetwise nostalgic lovers held their breath and allowed himself cautiously hope for the best. Such a name for the developer - not just a brand, a huge responsibility before a crowd of fans and at the same time, the need to interest people who are not familiar with the earlier games. With both objectives of Studio 8, managed only in part. Us see what was going on.

Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic

Dmitry Karasev
Source: PC GAMES № April 2010	21.04.2010

For new Silent Hunter has only one competitor. However, very serious. His name - Silent Hunter 3. The already excellent game for five years has acquired a lot of modifications and has become a real icon for fans of maritime simulators. Silent Hunter 4 and failed to send the predecessor of the well-deserved rest. Let's see what we offer developers from Ubisoft at this time.

Michigan: Report from Hell

Authors: Sergei «TD» Tsilyurik
Source: Country Games № January 2006	06.01.2006

Thick fog! City packed with monsters! Broke free of viral mutagen! ... You already scared? If yes - do not hesitate, buy Michigan is not looking, and fear their hearts' content. But if, God forbid, you find that funny like the attempts of developers to scare players, then cook a means of hiccups - for Michigan: Report from Hell is a collection of the vast number of cliches inherent in the popular horror.