Drill Dozer

author: Spriggan
Source: Country Games № October 2006	17.05.2006

Far from being engaged in the promotion DS, Nintendo has not given up attempts to delay the death of Game Boy Advance. Cartridges-compile class "two-in-one reissue of the great RPG-hit Super Nintendo (for Final Fantasy IV and Tales of Phantasia, probably followed by FFV and FFVI), Nintendogs clones and port Alien Hominid - all good. Thank you brave developers - players are not left without a pair of full of surprises: even saw the light of the Japanese version of Yggdra Union from the makers of Riviera: The Promised Land, and to us got Drill Dozer - a new platforming collected by the authors of Pokemon.

Sonic Unleashed

Author: Alexey Golubev
Source: Country Games № March 2009	01.03.2009

SimCity DS

Author: VP
Source: Country Games № 21 2007	15.10.2007

Several months passed from the output of SimCity DS in Japan, and all this time we tried to understand - whether the game is worthy of existence. Perhaps this is a real hit? Looking ahead, we say: so far hit far, but their portion of pleasure it can deliver.

SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs

Timur Archangel
	21.05.2004

SOCOM II. US Navy SEALs Genre: action Platform: PS2 Publisher: SCEA Developer: Zipper Interactive Number of Players: 1-16 Game site: http://www.us.playstation.com Sultry tropical forest, the temperature at 90 Fahrenheit, the hiss of poisonous snakes, malarial mosquitoes buzz. But here suddenly the heavy breathing commando, slowly rising from ambush, interrupts the quiet idyll of exotic flora inhabitants. In the field of view disguised fellow gets dilapidated bungalow on a vacant lot ... Some a couple of minutes later he knocks out the door with his foot and heavy fire from the U.S. will stop and frustrated a deal the two gangsters. And after a successful mission, he returned to his home country house on the coast of Costa Rica, where he was waiting for a beauty-wife and a bath full of expensive champagne. Ah, life is good! That is probably just a small episode in the life of the hero of a Hollywood blockbuster. Unfortunately, we do something you know that in the real world things are not so nice. Well, okay, after all afford something like this can, and we - that is what we have SOCOM II.Razrabotchiki bungled deadly cocktail, managing to twist very organic elements of stealth-action and FPS, laid on the basis of Syphon Filter. Want to continue the extraordinary Metal Gear-get! Like Medal of Honor, - please! Total output have sturdily built product designed for the very mass market. In the world of video entertainment has its axiomatic themes from the discharge of the eternal. Certain genres of video games ruthlessly exploit this theme for the second decade. For example, the fight against terrorism, the world's narkokortelyami and the Russian mafia. Culprit of today's review is no exception. Somewhere in the depths of abstract Kamchatka two powers that agree on the crossing of a nuclear warhead. Consent comrades was not originally, unfortunately, and soon one of the solid dyadechek trite lost their nerve - he shot his partner in crime. That tie future mishaps you loved as part of a special detachment. Yes, yes, detachment, consisting of 4 persons, where everyone has a unique outfit. I'm amazed at how calibrated tactic management team - is only the enemy try to shoot as it immediately was packed your companions. Truly, the team spirit is strong! As expected, in a purely male environment was a place and a beautiful girl, let it not be seen. A gentle female voice instructs the operator constantly your squad. I advise you to follow the directions as to fill up a mission - a trifling matter. So, I rushed into the hut with some krminalnym authority, but accidentally slammed and hostage - the job failed. And do not think that losing one of the characters, you can safely move on. Each member of your squad has a different military gadgets. I had to mine the two warehouses with explosives, and my partner Wardog was killed. In the end, I had only one charge and an unfinished mission into the bargain. As far as high-quality performance, so it flawed. According to the law of Lomonosov-Lavoisier, that if something, somewhere, will be taken away, then in another place must be added. And here: very smooth character animation allows gentlest way to raise the still warm corpse and move it to pre-brushed from the burden of heavy ammunition.But it is necessary to peer into the face of the gallant young man in camouflage and you'll understand what a catch something - a model quite weak. This is not the tears streaming down her sweet little face Una! And the design of landscapes could be a level higher: faded trees and angular buildings, at a distance, breaking up on the texture, not very pleasing to the eye. Once even in the best traditions of Lara Croft, I was a prisoner front wall. Bold arithmetic cross game receives the most realistic Stealth-elements. Live target gently rocking to the beat of your breath, which is very difficult to her killing. Sneak up on enemies undetected is extremely difficult. I'm waiting for the enemy around the corner, never thought he would be attacked first, and cut the throat of my fighter. But just wanted to jump and shoot neatly reptile. Great help for quick orientation in such games is the starting point. It can be love or hate, but still have to learn. Censure is an extremely unfriendly interface of the initial options, where you can get information about the job and equipped. When you see Pestryaev set of cursors, the head starts to go around. Before each mission you will be offered to distribute equipment among your team and the most preferred weapons for the current job, but you can leave all the default - it master's. Clicking the mission aki seeds, leading a barrage of enemies in an open area, (or firing from the shelter) will not work. I even after the "trial" approach been building a strategy of warfare. On every job you have to adjust to the situation: either something to undermine (as I mentioned above), or use your weapon is an enemy to neutralize him. And what is possible and such a decision. For example, a notice fixed machine gun, crawled neatly to her and had shot the whole hostile to living creatures in sight. That musical component remains completely faded and inconspicuous except for the effects signal the approach of enemies. But then just some audiofobiya begins: the soldier has not yet appeared in range, and tight instrumental forces to rush in search of an optimal position. Finally want to touch is not very pleasant for a Russian gamer theme multiplayer games. In the United States and Europe are gradually improving, the number of users is growing every day, and we as always "ahead of the rest." SOCOM II. US Navy SEALs was initially focused on online gaming, and it is unlikely the majority of gamers will be able to enjoy all the amenities of a multiplayer game. A pity, because such a variety of weapons (from gas grenades to sniper rifles), simply-designed physical model created for a realistic duel with a live opponent. After all, not MGS 2, or James Bond: Everything or Nothing can boast such a realistic physics. Well, unless it can be by jumping from a balcony, seriously cripple? But here in the inept conduct on the battlefield and suicide will not be difficult! Yes, gentlemen, lovers of high quality tactical fighters, rejoice! Except for small gaps and high graphics game firmly established among the more expensive luminaries of the genre. Will have little poobvyknutsya with the physical model - well, never mind, is sheer nonsense! Take it, do not regret any time spent rubles.

I-Ninja

Spriggan
	28.05.2004

I-Ninja Genre: platform Platform: PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PC Publisher: Namco Developer: Argonaut Games Number of Players: 1 Game site: http://www.ininjagame.com A British company, Argonaut Games, not so long ago celebrated mediocre shooter SWAT: Global Strike Team, has decided to once again assert themselves on the stage platform brodilok. Subjects were chosen rather trite and quite unoriginal: a ninja. Yes, again a ninja. From time immemorial, these "shadow warriors" inhabit the games of different genres, whether it's fighting games, action or RPG. Over the years, playing the public and seen a ninja-mutants in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the true followers of the teachings of ninjutsu in Tenchu, and did not are those heroes Shinobi. I-Ninja invites us to see how such a theme feels a platformer. This is our way of the ninja Background on the new project Argonaut Games does not shine with originality. It all begins with that little round-Ninja (Ninja; yes, with capital letters - is the name of the protagonist) finds Stone Fury (Rage Stone) and, in a rush this very rage, accidentally kills his Sensei. Only the ghost of his beloved teacher Ninja learns about a certain tribe of synthetic ninja who must be destroyed. Of course, as anyone not Ninja destined to deal with these pathetic likes of this war ... Trite? To a disgrace. Perhaps the only pleasant part of "domestic content" I-Ninja - humor. Although the joke here at all, and not graceful, but its main task - playing a tune on the merry way - great to handle. What good are nothing but a replica ghost Sensei or prolonged cries of opponents "And despite the fact that they are accompanied by all the story rolls and a considerable part of the game, this comedy does not get tired even to the end of the game (and for the average platformer is a very long). CHIBI SHINOBI? Model gameplay similar to the other creatures in the genre of 3D-platformer. The world of I-Ninja is divided into locations, each of which, in turn, is divided into several stages. Since Ninja - Warrior beginner, he must learn and acquire new skills belt is a kind of pass on the stages of a certain level of complexity. Happen to the hero skillfully cut and shred clouds of "synthetic imitations, collect precious coins, rolled the ball in the style of Super Monkey Ball (GC, GBA), run on the walls, thus resembling the distant relative Hotsume of Shinobi (PS2) and make a whole a bunch of tricks, complete list that does not make sense. The main plus of gameplay I-Ninja - its richness funny and original details, which are by no means allow to quit the game at half-passage. developers have invented so tortuous and constantly changing, "track" of gameplay, that the same methods repeated passage not something that is not a time - much less! Another question is whether this will have to "track" the taste you personally ... but there's nothing to do - if not yours, so not for you. The main thing - in any case did not think to compare the project Argonaut Games with a new generation of Shinobi - This game has no virtually nothing in common with the failed crafts Overworks. With such a variety of options for passing, the ultimate goal of all stages, usually the same - to get the order needed to improve the grade.This is the way and we can move on "hierarchy" ninja, get better and better weapons and new skills. In general, all quite logical - as far as learning and improving Ninja gets access to a more severe test, so that the balance can not worry with He's all right. In addition to all of the above, we are waiting for the battle with the bosses and small branches in the form is not the most trivial of mini-games: the brave hero to pilot a giant robot, rule the roast sea defenses, try yourself as a submariner and mess things up for many more useful things . gameplay I-Ninja may seem anything but just not boring - diversity and humor, the game does not hold! SLOWLY, SLOWLY, FUNKY, MONKEY It's a shame, but the schedule is not as good as we would like. No, no, it is not bad to such an extent as to force the player to saw the drive and burn his ashes fired from a gun, but the game in 2003 much to be desired. Detailing is low, though the game bestowed us with the Dreamcast, about the same hang around special effects. But not only in I-Ninja even with the tight level design! Dull plants, monotonous caves, jungles mediocre ... Is it possible? It is impossible, but if you really want, you can. Apparently, Argonaut Games wanted, so we are to travel to such places nabivshim nauseam. Better things with the design of the "shadow warrior" and its enemies: a little boy with a tremendous head and a thin sword, tadpoles, pseudo-ninjas, giant robot a la Grendayzer and "big scary ninja" look impressive, though the title of something something special and original is not intended. As you know, decent characters on the frankly mediocre backgrounds do not look very impressive, so the graphics and design, the developers made an unfortunate mistake. Musical accompaniment I-Ninja gameplay perfectly suited. Almost every track is an explosive mix of techno, hip-hop and rock - in fact it's much more fun than in words. We see that the soundtrack was paid enough attention to - as a result, hack vrazhin in cabbage or worn on the troughs over the ball to a very fiery and upbeat music. Not worse things with sounds: a replica Ninja strikes and explosions sounded quite natural. MISSION COMPLETE Despite the unattractive appearance, the game turned out great. Varied gameplay, interesting mini-games, funny humor and literate soundtrack leave a good impression so that the graphics are generally no longer play any role. Strongly doubt that the holding of I-Ninja time will seem dull and wasted - a project Argonaut Games earnest does not release dzhoypad playing out of the hands, or yawn, leaning into a dream. And by this I-Ninja favorably with many platform games, people-centered is not the gameplay and other aspects. Did not these games are valued in our time?

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero

Sergey Paramonov
	07.06.2004

Game Name: Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Platform: PC Genre: FPS Developer: Turtle Rock Studios Publisher: Sierra Release Date: 03.23.04 NA; 03.26.04 EU The official system requirements: Pentium III 800 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 3D-graphics card with 32 MB RAM, HDD 1.8 Gb Official website: www.cs-conditionzero.com There is safety in numbers Now it is difficult to imagine a PC-gamer, and never once who saw the power modes of the legendary Half-Life, proudly referred to as the Counter-Stike. Who would have thought that in just a few years, this amateur modification like an avalanche engulf all computer clubs in the world, and gamers chose a side of terrorists or special forces, just sink in the game, leading the fighting in virtual locations. CS has become the main benchmark for online battles for several years, but in cyber-competition tournaments in the game of CS causes the greatest activity among the participants. During the period of its existence, the modes grow had several versions, each of which brings into play new elements. With each new release games improved physics, realism, character models, and most importantly - replenished assortment of real existing weapons and other lotions, made the game so popular. The success of this supplement is in the selection of a strategy of fighting for one side or another, as well as in its endless change. Kibersportsmeny around the world, playing in professional tournaments, develop at least a professional plan of action for any of the submitted maps. It will lead either team battles, or be a lone assassin. Alternatively, you can buy anti-tank gun and run with it right through, imagining themselves invincible Rambo, but is not excluded that such a hero, "prishyut" in the first round, then there will be a little sorry for money spent on not without expensive equipment. So wildly popular Counter-Strike has forced publishers of the original Half-Life to think about moving the game into "single-player". This meant that apart from already bored of multiplayer players will be available to single player. After a certain period of time was announced the project, called Counter-Strike: Condition Zero (on CS: CZ), for the establishment come from the developers of the most Valve, and later on in this business has been involved over the well-known studio Gearbox Software. Release dates game postponed several times, thus demonstrating the level of development of an unstable process. Maybe all the fuss was due to the use of outdated graphics engine of the original Half-Life, which was developed CS: CZ. A little later development of the project was transferred into the hands of skilled craftsmen from Ritual Entertainment, known for Heavy Metal FAKK 2, Sin and other PC-hits. The new masters of the game release delayed indefinitely, and the game development process was started from scratch. The promised three-year wait One of the main designers of levels of the game became a big fan of women's breasts and just a connoisseur of all that is beautiful - Richard Gray, better known as the game world Levelord (Levelord). The development was in full swing, and then entrusted the game, other developers of a little-known firm Turtle Rock Studios. Precise statement concerning the release date, after many changes of developers and was not, instead, were bold promises of publishers that artificial intelligence bots delight us with their innovations in the field of "shooting - to hide," and in the same way that we play in a single have only a side counter-terrorists. Terror, they say, and so the game will be more than enough. Even rumors that the project frozen, but these were only rumors, but recent long-awaited release of the game still was able to dispel. Well, yes, the rumors, it is scattered, but is unable to meet the expectations of gamers, so eager to get hold of an old candy in shiny new wrapper? So, first things first. After installing the game the gamer is to choose between two modes of play. After selecting the first, bearing the same name, takes us into the very "counterrevolution" in which everything is so long and hard to play, but it is only a first impression. On further acquaintance with the version of the game, even with the naked eye can notice the difference from the old network versions. Main menus "Play Condition-Zero" entails the following: create your profile and selecting one of four levels of difficulty, we collect the SWAT team (something similar was in Rainbow Six) for further fighting with the aggressor to beloved maps have undergone cosmetic changes and made from it is much more beautiful and attractive. To win at the selected location to perform multiple tasks. For example, killing five opponents (two of them will shoot a gun), and win the round for 75 seconds, but do not relax, will continue to be more. Each of the heroes has provided certain features and weapons, as buying new rifles bots can not, and will run with what we have from the outset. Also attending the distribution of groups of characters, more than a group, the more experienced fighters are present in it, and accordingly one such fighter can take place in the team as for the three less experienced colleagues, but having a player in the team you can be sure that he justify the choice made. The remaining modes are offered directly through the network supporting corporate service Steam, as well as run around with bots on random maps. Speaking of AI enemies. He is close to perfection. Sometimes you wonder how the bots behave quite reasonably at all given the maps, try to only shoot in the head, bombs pose each time on different bases, ably led team battles and cover each other in a shootout, in fact, it all looks pretty interesting and informative . Forget about the old versions of bots, which discharge the same every time stuck in the door, ran only with pistols and with one shot in the head killing all whom he could, even yourself. Playing a certain period of time in this version of the game you can easily become a sophisticated cyber, check! The second mode is called "Deleted Scenes". Deleted scenes - this is exactly the notorious single-player. In the play it will visit in the skin of the valiant police officer and carry out dozens of the most dangerous jobs, otherwise the terrorists will be in power. Fate will throw the player in the U.S., Russia, Japan, Iraq, Argentina, Brazil. At each of these continents have to perform several tasks at the end of which is sure to be spectacular and thrilling shoot.Whether it is a hostage rescue, bomb disposal, or simply support for VIP-persons. The list itself in any case does not settle, the heroes have to survive the collapse of the "Black Hawk" in the midst of military events, not to let terrorists spread a deadly virus, to visit a Russian province in the nuclear power plant, again filled with additional malicious enemies. Aggressors, incidentally, tend to scream in their native language. English, Chinese, Russian, German, Latvian, Arabic, and so on. Please note that each of the languages ​​of the opponents have a perfect command and without any accent, it is, and Russian concerns. Especially pleased to hear them cussing each other. We now turn to the very sweet - the armament. Here, the spread is as follows: one pistol, one automatic knife, and armor by 100%, and even some accessories, but they are just below. Do not worry, this equipment is available only at the beginning of each mission, in the process of cleansing the territory there is much more interesting and familiar to the network version of the game. That stems, which we have to use: Shotgun (Benelli m3 super, Benelli XM1014 Automatic Shotgun), automatic weapons (H & K MP5 Navy, Ingram Mac10, P90, UMP 45, Kalashnikov AK-47 Rifle, Steyr Aug Rifle, Colt M4A1, Commando SIG sg-550 sg-552). Pistols available H & K USP 45, Glock 18, Sig Sauer p-228. In a game with bots per side SWAT added to shield French and Fa-Mas, which, in turn, terrorists have an improved version of the Kalashnikov and the famous Uzi. Grenades are not forgotten, they are still three types: discontinuous, and the blinding smoke. There is now something else, like a C4. An old friend - is better than two new ones The most notable innovation in the game lies in the fact that now in some missions will have to use spy gadgets. This camera, which will take pictures of secret documents and objects, something like a welder (c it, we burn the locks on the doors) and indispensable mini-camera, with which you can peek in the door, mines and crates. If you remember this little thing was Sam Fisher from the renowned Splinter Cell. In CS: CZ placed considerable emphasis on realism. In the explosion of smoke grenade, the enemies begin to shoot in different directions to scream and run from corner to corner, trying to get out of the clouds of smoke. But in the smoke, unfortunately our character as an enemy, losing coordination, which is reflected in the targeting. Cheering every moment of the explosion towers, houses, crates, missiles and so forth, so to say, objects of the surrounding items. Particularly impressed by the episode, where a terrorist driving a military jeep at full speed, shouting flies into the wall of the building. Believe me, these moments in the game have more than enough, but how much adrenaline you experience during a shootout with the combat helicopter in a mission, words can not describe. In conclusion, a few words on the chart. Compared to the original CS, here it is more precise and polished, the character models are also not deprived of polygons, and the level of detail of weapons reached its peak. Of course, this maximum does not dare to compete with the latest hits in the genre of FPS, but definite imprint on the history of the PC-games will be able to leave, despite the old, already nipped into holes graphics engine. TOTAL As a result, we got good old "counter. Compulsive gamblers will be given a chance to try out all its forces to the maximum level of complexity, and novice fighters for justice will be very useful to practice with the local bot intelligence which is much more elaborated compared with all previous versions. What to the "fathers" CS, then the developers have prepared for them a lot of surprises that can cause them to break away from their present entertainment and once again sit down for the updated Counter-Strike.

Tom Clancy's EndWar

Author: Vladimir Ivanov
Source: Country Games № June 2009	07.04.2009

Strategies for game consoles - it's always sick theme. On the one hand, consolers also really want to drive across the screen herds of tanks, on the other hand, the standard gamepad for such training fits very poorly. So developers are looking for new management scheme. For example, in Tom Clancy's EndWar is the voice.