XBOX 360- Armored Core 4
By admin | February 29, 2008
There are so many different gaming genres to choose from its ridiculous. Some of them are extremely popular, such as the recent over-the-shoulder 3rd person shooters (Gears of War, Lost Planet, & GRAW), while other games leave players wanting a bit more. The XBOX 360 title “Armored Core 4″, or AC4, could really go either way, depending on each gamer’s overall likes and dislikes. Whether you’re a fan of the AC series or not, there is just something about gigantic robots firing high-tech lasers & missiles that brings a smile to every gamer’s face.
As far as the storyline goes for “Armored Core 4″, it’s pretty much an extension of the series’ overall plot. The planet is in a war ravaged state and has basically come under control of greedy companies. These companies have, in a round about way, turned the worlds population into slaves that must work in order to receive “food & protection”. As soon as unchallenged and ruthless Empire begins forming, it isn’t long before a rebel force rises up and tries to change things for the better. This group of rebels is known as the “Ravens” and they have devoted all of their efforts to the fight against the corporations.
As dramatic and imagination provoking as it sounds, the games actual plot isn’t nearly as fantastic as the background storyline. In AC4, you’re basically a mercenary that is hired by the Ravens. You keep your thoughts to yourself and follow the orders of the people who hired you; if you succeed in your mission(s), you get paid. As you can see, there’s not too much immersion for the player. But luckily, theres more to the game then just the storyline.
Gameplay wise, “Armored Core 4″ is definitely a more delightful and fun filled experience than previous AC titles. This is because the games developers trimmed some of the unneeded fat from the game mechanics. Cutting out some of the more aggravating aspects of the game has made it a far more enjoyable and less irritating experience. Those changes make it easier for players to continue playing, rather than throwing down the controller in disgust.
One of the biggest cuts or, more accurately, redesigns was that of the boost system. In past AC titles, you were given a very limited amount of energy, which dissipated at an outstanding rate each time you engaged your boosters. That feature was dreadfully annoying, as it forced players to slowly walk to the mission objective while their energy recharged. Luckily, the booster redesign has completed fixed that. Rather than using your energy and then awaiting its recharge, you will be able to use the booster at all times. Why? Because regular booster usage does not drain your energy reserves, only vertical and quick boosts do that. Vertical boost needs no explanation, but quick boost is a relatively new feature that players will undoubtedly approve of. Quick boost consumes a small-moderate amount of energy in exchange for an enormous burst of speed. So not only is it great for covering long distances, but it’s perfect for evading incoming fire. The booster system was one of the most hated aspects of past AC games; therefore, these changes will be greatly appreciated.
With a newly designed booster system, it would have been wise to expand on the boundaries of each level/map. Well, that was done as well. “Armored Core 4″ gives the player a lot more freedom in terms of mobility. In past games, players were severely limited to exploration, as you could only go so far and/or go so high. In a manner of speaking, that is no longer the case. There still are boundaries, but they are expanded to the point that it is no longer an issue.
On the downside, AC4’s missions are still horrifically short. One or two short missions isn’t enough to complain about, however, there are far more than just one or two of them. Depending on the players speed, numerous missions can be completed in just under a minute. Not only that, but players will be hard pressed to find any missions that last longer than 5 minutes. It is painfully obvious the missions were done in a quantity-over-quality way (37 missions). Fortunately, that doesn’t mean they are all devoid of entertainment. Even though the missions are quite short, “Armored Core 4″ does surprisingly well when it comes to mixing it up. Besides the obvious “kill everything” missions you will come across, there is a decent amount of diversity thrown into the mix. You will have to destroy experimental weaponry, defend important structures, go one-on-one with deadly mercenaries, explore enemy cities and eliminate key units, etc. So even though the missions are on the short side, you should still get some intense fast paced action.
Too long? Too short? Protect or Destroy? Who cares what the mission is about; it’s the combat that matters most, right? Well, thats simply a matter of opinion; but either way, combat is definitely a big part of “Armored Core 4″. AC4 requires players to play a bit more strategically during combat. Of course, with missions only lasting 5 minutes, how strategic can a player really get? Missions will be designed to the strengths and weaknesses of certain mechs. So if you fail with a certain mech and specific weaponry, you will know what “doesn’t work”. Failing missions, which is inevitable, is not as frustrating as it may seem. It just forces players to take a different approach the next time around. As for the actual combat, its great. It has everything you remember from the old games and so much more. Not familiar with this genre? Thats fine too. Just imagine lasers, missiles, machine guns, buildings collapsing under heavy fire, helicopters, tanks, colossal robots, and giant explosions. Roll that all up into one great big, action packed game, and you get “Armored Core 4″.
Mech customization has always been a part of Armored Core and that remains so in the XBOX 360 title, “Armored Core 4″. Although, it seems that the aspect of customization has been toned down a few notches. In previous AC title, you customarily got a stripped down mech, known as a stock mech, and plenty of cash. With that cash and stock mech, you were free to do whatever you wanted. “Armored Core 4″ has changed that. Now mechs are basically obtained and maintained through schematics. Schematics are pre-built mechs with preset attributes. So instead of taking a bare mech and piecing it together like Lego blocks, you can jump right into the game using one of the games pre-built mechs. Don’t be alarmed, you can still buy and customize your mech to your liking. As you progress through the missions, more advanced weaponry, armor, and upgrades will unlock. This “unlock as you go” aspect makes “equipment” issues easier to understand and less of a hassle in the long run. It is definitely a big change from the old system, but it’s a change that players will ultimately come to like.
Lets face it, the Armored Core series has long awaited a graphics upgrade. “Armored Core 4″ has finally brought that upgrade with impressive visuals as well as excellent sound. Whether it be the smog and gun fire smoke that blocks out the sun or the silhouette created in the moonlight by your booster, the effects are suburb. Plus, the destructible environment is something AC fans have been craving for quite some time. Of course, the graphics aren’t 100% perfect. Your mech’s legs and weapon will occasionally become transparent and travel through buildings and hilly areas. Also, the frame rate tends to slow down dramatically when the action gets too hectic. One of the biggest disappointments is that of enemies disappearing (when defeated that is). As soon as you take down an enemy, the debris will almost instantly disappear. It isn’t a huge issue, but it is always nice to overlook the battlefield and be amazed at the pure carnage your mech caused. Overall, “Armored Core 4″ gets about a B to a B+ in the graphics department.
“Armored Core 4″ is definitely open to interpretation. Although some critics would have you believe this is a bad game due to some of its obvious faults (mission length for example), it really isn’t all that bad. Great graphics and visuals, good sound, solid single player campaign, decent multiplayer capability, and plenty of mech customization. When weighing these different aspects of the game, the good definitely outnumber the bad. If your not convinced, log on to your XBOX 360 live account and download the demo for free. You will be glad you did.
Topics: Armored Core 4 | No Comments »
Call of Duty 4 overtakes Halo 3 as the top game on Xbox Live
By admin | January 28, 2008
Call of Duty 4 overtakes Halo 3 as the top game on Xbox Live
Category: Xbox Live | 
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The top games for the week of January 14th have been released, and it looks like Halo 3 is now second to Call of Duty 4 as the top game on Xbox Live. It’s about time.
Here’s the list:
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU’s)
1 Call of Duty 4
2 Halo 3
3 Guitar Hero III
4 Gears of War
5 Rock Band
6 Madden NFL 08
7 Assassin’s Creed
8 Mass Effect
9 FIFA 08
10 Forza Motorsport 2
[Via Major Nelson]
Original post by Jeff Nilges
Topics: Top Ten, XBOX 360 Live | No Comments »
Last Chance to Download Undertow for Free
By admin | January 27, 2008
” Don’t forget that today is the last day to download your personal apology game from XBLA for free. For the uninformed, I will encapsulate the situation as best I can. Xbox Live had dicey service over the holidays and in an attempt to make up for it, offered Xbox Live Gold members a free game called Undertow. For those who have already downloaded the game, Microsoft will be pleased to offer you 800 MS points if you can traverse the mine field that is their customer service line.
Now that you are all caught up you can use the remaining hours of today to download your free game or attempt to get your free points. You have until midnight, so get crackin’.”
[Via Kotaku]
Topics: Undertow, XBOX 360 Live | No Comments »
iHaloStats may be just what the doctor ordered, for Halo 3 fans
By admin | January 24, 2008
The pair up may be soaked in irony, but thanks to a clever programmer by the name of Kato, those of you with iPhones, and a Halo 3 fetish to boot, will be able to keep closer tabs on one another while away from the game — painful as it may be to all parties involved.
As the programmer himself proclaimed, “Bungie’s site in its current form just doesn’t do the tight confines of the iPhone screen much justice.” His answer? Meet iHaloStats, where you can check any player’s stats, including their service record, medals, weapon use, rank history, and all the other goodies you like to peruse on Bungie.net.
Fire up the “pride-killer” app, enter a Gamertag, and gather your verbal ammo. Armed with said knowledge, you have the convenience of a phone in which to call and harass them about their misfortunes. Isn’t technology grand?
Original post by mrdestructoid@gmail.com (Destructoid.com)
Topics: Halo Theme | No Comments »
2008 Top 10 Games For The Xbox 360
By admin | January 19, 2008
There are a lot of games to play on the Xbox 360. The XboxGamePlanet.com suggests a list of ten games we believe merit a closer look.
1- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
2- Halo 3
3- BioShock
4- Mass Effect
5- Rock Band
6- The Orange Box
7- Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
8- Assassin’s Creed
9- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
10- Skate
Topics: Top Ten, XBOX 360 Live, Xbox 360 News | No Comments »
XBOX 360- Armored Core 4
By admin | January 18, 2008
There are so many different gaming genres to choose from its ridiculous. Some of them are extremely popular, such as the recent over-the-shoulder 3rd person shooters (Gears of War, Lost Planet, & GRAW), while other games leave players wanting a bit more. The XBOX 360 title “Armored Core 4″, or AC4, could really go either way, depending on each gamer’s overall likes and dislikes. Whether you’re a fan of the AC series or not, there is just something about gigantic robots firing high-tech lasers & missiles that brings a smile to every gamer’s face.
As far as the storyline goes for “Armored Core 4″, it’s pretty much an extension of the series’ overall plot. The planet is in a war ravaged state and has basically come under control of greedy companies. These companies have, in a round about way, turned the worlds population into slaves that must work in order to receive “food & protection”. As soon as unchallenged and ruthless Empire begins forming, it isn’t long before a rebel force rises up and tries to change things for the better. This group of rebels is known as the “Ravens” and they have devoted all of their efforts to the fight against the corporations.
As dramatic and imagination provoking as it sounds, the games actual plot isn’t nearly as fantastic as the background storyline. In AC4, you’re basically a mercenary that is hired by the Ravens. You keep your thoughts to yourself and follow the orders of the people who hired you; if you succeed in your mission(s), you get paid. As you can see, there’s not too much immersion for the player. But luckily, theres more to the game then just the storyline.
Gameplay wise, “Armored Core 4″ is definitely a more delightful and fun filled experience than previous AC titles. This is because the games developers trimmed some of the unneeded fat from the game mechanics. Cutting out some of the more aggravating aspects of the game has made it a far more enjoyable and less irritating experience. Those changes make it easier for players to continue playing, rather than throwing down the controller in disgust.
One of the biggest cuts or, more accurately, redesigns was that of the boost system. In past AC titles, you were given a very limited amount of energy, which dissipated at an outstanding rate each time you engaged your boosters. That feature was dreadfully annoying, as it forced players to slowly walk to the mission objective while their energy recharged. Luckily, the booster redesign has completed fixed that. Rather than using your energy and then awaiting its recharge, you will be able to use the booster at all times. Why? Because regular booster usage does not drain your energy reserves, only vertical and quick boosts do that. Vertical boost needs no explanation, but quick boost is a relatively new feature that players will undoubtedly approve of. Quick boost consumes a small-moderate amount of energy in exchange for an enormous burst of speed. So not only is it great for covering long distances, but it’s perfect for evading incoming fire. The booster system was one of the most hated aspects of past AC games; therefore, these changes will be greatly appreciated.
With a newly designed booster system, it would have been wise to expand on the boundaries of each level/map. Well, that was done as well. “Armored Core 4″ gives the player a lot more freedom in terms of mobility. In past games, players were severely limited to exploration, as you could only go so far and/or go so high. In a manner of speaking, that is no longer the case. There still are boundaries, but they are expanded to the point that it is no longer an issue.
On the downside, AC4’s missions are still horrifically short. One or two short missions isn’t enough to complain about, however, there are far more than just one or two of them. Depending on the players speed, numerous missions can be completed in just under a minute. Not only that, but players will be hard pressed to find any missions that last longer than 5 minutes. It is painfully obvious the missions were done in a quantity-over-quality way (37 missions). Fortunately, that doesn’t mean they are all devoid of entertainment. Even though the missions are quite short, “Armored Core 4″ does surprisingly well when it comes to mixing it up. Besides the obvious “kill everything” missions you will come across, there is a decent amount of diversity thrown into the mix. You will have to destroy experimental weaponry, defend important structures, go one-on-one with deadly mercenaries, explore enemy cities and eliminate key units, etc. So even though the missions are on the short side, you should still get some intense fast paced action.
Too long? Too short? Protect or Destroy? Who cares what the mission is about; it’s the combat that matters most, right? Well, thats simply a matter of opinion; but either way, combat is definitely a big part of “Armored Core 4″. AC4 requires players to play a bit more strategically during combat. Of course, with missions only lasting 5 minutes, how strategic can a player really get? Missions will be designed to the strengths and weaknesses of certain mechs. So if you fail with a certain mech and specific weaponry, you will know what “doesn’t work”. Failing missions, which is inevitable, is not as frustrating as it may seem. It just forces players to take a different approach the next time around. As for the actual combat, its great. It has everything you remember from the old games and so much more. Not familiar with this genre? Thats fine too. Just imagine lasers, missiles, machine guns, buildings collapsing under heavy fire, helicopters, tanks, colossal robots, and giant explosions. Roll that all up into one great big, action packed game, and you get “Armored Core 4″.
Mech customization has always been a part of Armored Core and that remains so in the XBOX 360 title, “Armored Core 4″. Although, it seems that the aspect of customization has been toned down a few notches. In previous AC title, you customarily got a stripped down mech, known as a stock mech, and plenty of cash. With that cash and stock mech, you were free to do whatever you wanted. “Armored Core 4″ has changed that. Now mechs are basically obtained and maintained through schematics. Schematics are pre-built mechs with preset attributes. So instead of taking a bare mech and piecing it together like Lego blocks, you can jump right into the game using one of the games pre-built mechs. Don’t be alarmed, you can still buy and customize your mech to your liking. As you progress through the missions, more advanced weaponry, armor, and upgrades will unlock. This “unlock as you go” aspect makes “equipment” issues easier to understand and less of a hassle in the long run. It is definitely a big change from the old system, but it’s a change that players will ultimately come to like.
Lets face it, the Armored Core series has long awaited a graphics upgrade. “Armored Core 4″ has finally brought that upgrade with impressive visuals as well as excellent sound. Whether it be the smog and gun fire smoke that blocks out the sun or the silhouette created in the moonlight by your booster, the effects are suburb. Plus, the destructible environment is something AC fans have been craving for quite some time. Of course, the graphics aren’t 100% perfect. Your mech’s legs and weapon will occasionally become transparent and travel through buildings and hilly areas. Also, the frame rate tends to slow down dramatically when the action gets too hectic. One of the biggest disappointments is that of enemies disappearing (when defeated that is). As soon as you take down an enemy, the debris will almost instantly disappear. It isn’t a huge issue, but it is always nice to overlook the battlefield and be amazed at the pure carnage your mech caused. Overall, “Armored Core 4″ gets about a B to a B+ in the graphics department.
“Armored Core 4″ is definitely open to interpretation. Although some critics would have you believe this is a bad game due to some of its obvious faults (mission length for example), it really isn’t all that bad. Great graphics and visuals, good sound, solid single player campaign, decent multiplayer capability, and plenty of mech customization. When weighing these different aspects of the game, the good definitely outnumber the bad. If your not convinced, log on to your XBOX 360 live account and download the demo for free. You will be glad you did.
Topics: Armored Core 4 | No Comments »
December NPD: Everyone says that they won
By admin | January 18, 2008
In a sense, I guess everyone does win in December. But the releases sent to us by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft on December’s NPD data all seem to point to their victories over something, and mostly over each other.
Nintendo proudly proclaims that their Wii and DS ended up being the No. 2 and No. 1 best selling systems in the US for 2007. The DS won, moving 8.5 million units last year; almost half of those were sold in November and December. The Wii sold 6.3 million in 2007, and even with shortages, they still moved 2.3 million in the holiday season. Super Mario Galaxy managed to sell about the same amount (2.5 million) in the same time frame!
Microsoft shamelessly announces that they lead the industry in their release. They actually do when it comes to dollars spent in 2007, with $4.8 billion spent on Xbox 360.
Original post by mrdestructoid@gmail.com (Destructoid.com)
Topics: XBOX 360 Live, Xbox 360 News | No Comments »
Rock Your Party with Guitar Hero III, win a TV
By admin | January 18, 2008
Your party will be rocked by Guitar Hero III and Xbox Live, assuming you’ll have a party sometime on or around Feburary 1-3.
A press release tells us of a special event called the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - Rock Your Party Weekend. This 72-hour event will give gamers the chance to win several prizes as well as the chance to take on Neversoft, the developers of Guitar Hero III.
What kind of prizes, you ask? You can nab Guitar Hero gear, Microsoft points, or a Xbox 360 faceplate signed by Slash. The grand prize includes a LG 50″ flat-panel HDTV, an Xbox 360 Elite, and a BoomChair Wi-FX gaming chair.
There are two ways to enter: You can register your gamertag now, and you’ll get an entry into the sweepstakes every hour when you play a multiplayer game of Guitar Hero III on XBL.
Original post by mrdestructoid@gmail.com (Destructoid.com)
Topics: XBOX 360 Live, Guitar Hero III | No Comments »
Konami puts the MGS4/Xbox 360 rumors to bed … until the next time they crop up
By admin | January 4, 2008
A rumor recently appeared on a Web site that was not us (for a change) concerning the appearance of Metal Gear Solid 4 on the Xbox 360. The Internet was on it like maggots on a rabbit corpse, but Konami has now cruelly swiped away the hopes and dreams of 360 owners … for the moment, at least.
Responding to Kotaku, Konami’s Michael Shelling has emphatically stamped out the latest gossip fire with the following statement:
For the record, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a PlayStation 3 exclusive and there are no plans to develop an Xbox 360 version of the game.
Ouch, Konami’s PR department is pulling no punches this time. What happened to teasing us with coy phrases that inject some sense of false hope? While Konami could have milked fanboy dreams forever, it seems they’re getting pretty sick of answering questions on the whole thing.
Original post by mrdestructoid@gmail.com (Destructoid.com)
Topics: Xbox 360 News | No Comments »
Kane and Lynch site possibly lying about scores
By admin | December 4, 2007
As if the relationship between Kane & Lynch and review scores wasn’t messy enough, and now this? Visitors to the game’s official site will notice, once the page’s flash intro is done, that two review scores for the game are flashed for your perusal. One from GameSpy, one from Game Informer. Both look positively glowing! Both give the game a very encouraging five stars! Thing is, both are…well, not real. They’re fabricated. Lies, if you will.
GameSpy did not say “It’s the best emulation of being in the midst of a Michael Mann movie we’ve ever seen” in their review of the game. They said that in their E3 2007 coverage. In other words, a preview. They also did not give the game five stars. They gave it three.
As for Game Informer, same deal. The highlighted quote does not appear in the review of the game. Nor do they give it five stars. Game Informer don’t even score in stars. They gave it a 7/10.
Topics: XBOX 360 Live, Industry News, Kane and Lynch, Xbox 360 News | No Comments »