DUKE NUKEM FOREVER (for PC): Forever? We Would Say Never
Price: Rs 499
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? You can give this one a miss.
We have been waiting a very long time for Duke Nukem and when the wait ended, there was just disappointment. The game is no fun at all. Most look for-ward to some raunchy fun in this game, but it is less action and more words.
There are just not enough bullets flying. In most of the simple missions, Duke is just running and jumping around doing very little else.
It seems the makers forgot to put some aliens in these levels. Or is it a bug? We played the PC version so we didn't have problems with the frame rates, but we have heard this is a problem on the consoles. The graphics on the PC are just ok, nothing to compare with what other action games offer. The world and object edges are jagged.
Sound is ok too, with little that excites. All of this is accompanied by a not-so-funny humour. You do get to drive a monster truck in the game only to find oh so often that you've run out of gas. There is more running around to find fuel than driving the truck. The online mode fails to excite as well. Overall the game is not quite what we had expected.
GREEN LANTERN: RISE OF THE MANHUNTERS: Lean Mean Green Machine
Price: Rs 2,499 (for Xbox 360)
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? Play if you don't mind the cyclic shooting.
The Green Lantern might be a new character on the movie screens but it is an old one in the world of comics. Rise of the Manhunters makes it to our Xbox 360 screens, where we play the main character of Hal Jordan, better known as the Green Lantern. The game starts at a time when Green Lanterns' planet is under attack from man-hunting droids.
Haland other Green Lanterns quickly go on the offensive to try rid their planet of these wretched beings. We grabbed a copy of the game for the Xbox 360. We must say the graphics are quite nice on the platform. The story is entertaining and keeps you on your toe most of the times. However, as you progress, the game becomes a little predictable and repetitive. Some puzzles and flying missions add a bit of zing but then they are few and far between.
The bosses are easy to kill, and, with the right combinations of keys, can be taken down faster. Green Lantern has lot of weapons and moves in his armoury. The basic hits include sword combos and fist thumps. But if you really want to get going, you can bring out weapons such as mini chain guns, spikes, maces and even a jet fighter. But beware, all these use up your green power-so take care to keep your power bar filled and you will kills warms of enemy coming your way.
The cut scenes are nice and explain a lot of the story. The game can also be played in tandem with another player by your side. Sadly this cannot be played with an online friends-which could have been a lot of gory fun. The game is 3D-ready and can be enabled on any compatible 3D TV. The sound is good and keeps you involved in the action. The game isn't short by any means and keeps you hooked for hours. This first instalment of the Green Lantern game is worth playing if you do not mind repetitive fighting stage after stage.
DIRT 3: Ride Your Luck
Price: Rs 599 (for PC)
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? A must-play for racing enthusiasts.
The Dirt series has always been a rewarding one. We quite liked the second edition of Dirt and now they are out with the third one, which is better than its predecessors. This game is just what the racing doctor ordered. It is nonstop fun from the word go. There is an extensive career mode that will keep you occupied for long hours. In the new gymkhana mode, you can perform stunts with your car. Everything from donuts to high flying moves can be performed. The graphics of the game are very good and the world details have been extensively worked upon.
If you are familiar with racing games you would not have problems handling this game. If you are new to the genre then we suggest you first turn on the race assists and get rid of them once you get the hang of the gaming. Getting rid of them will get you more points when racing. The flash back mode works just like the rewind mode in Forza Motorsports. These are helpful when you meet an accident in the game-you simply rewind to the spot where the car was still intact. You get up to five flash backs per race. There is an elaborate online mode as well in which you can play "capture the flag" and "crush your opponent" modes. Dirt 3 is something you won't regret buying.
L.A. NOIRE: Happens In LA LA Land
Price: Rs 2,499 (for Xbox 360)
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? If you liked Mafia and GTA, you will love LA Noire.
There are quite a few games out their trying to replicate the Grand Theft Auto style of gameplay and so far few have come close to it. L.A. Noire from the makers of GTA, Rockstar Games, comes close. You play Phelps-a police detective in the1940s, living the American dream. The game is quite exciting from the beginning. You get to investigate lot of cases and on your way collar a number of suspects and subject them to questioning.
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The unique thing about this game is that you have to investigate and ask questions in a realistic manner. Initially you will be in the training mode where hints will be given to you. You have to see the facial expressions of the suspects and ask them questions or browbeat them. If you can read their expressions correctly, you will crack the case. The graphics of the game are beautiful and very realistic as a lot of facial detailing has been given priority. You can roam in the free world and drive cars and shoot bad guys every now and then. The chases are good but occasionally you find yourself in a rut. The obstacles do not matter much when chasing-you just need to run in the right direction and Phelps jumps, swoops and slides on his own. You can look forward to playing L.A. Noire.
INFAMOUS 2: Another Electric Experience
Price: Rs 2,490 (for PS3)
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? Give it a go if you do not mind the bugs.
Seems like this is the season of sequels. Here is another in the form of Infamous 2, where Cole McGrath is back with his electrifying action. The game picks off from the last edition and shows you a bigger and meaner world. It all starts off nice and easy, but some blemishes start showing up. The graphics are much better than the first part but the camera angles are not. When combating in tight spaces the third person camera goes for
a toss and all you see is a wall behind which you are combating the foe. Thankfully there are not too many of these in the game.
However, the fights can be frustrating after a couple of levels. There are endless ranks of the enemy that come your way and the fights just do not end. But here is the good part, the physics system has also improved. You get to slide and swing from electric poles, electric wires and scale any building with ease. The game is built around the mortality rate. If you help people, you evolve into a good person, if not then it's a downward journey. But somehow this system does not work. In many levels, even when you kill the enemy and innocent alike, you still get good karma. Hmm, strange. Looking past that, the game itself is a load of fun. Infamous 2 can both fly high and exasperate at the same time and this is a mix that many wouldn't like.
VIRTUA TENNIS 4: Faces Competition
Price: Rs 2,499 (for PS3)
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? This game could have been so much better.
Virtua Tennis has been one of the best tennis games. Now it is available in an all-new pack in its fourth adaptation. We got our hands on the PS3 copy which can also be played with the Move controller. The game is divided into three parts-campaign mode, which is a long career mode; arcade play, where you can play with the Move controller; and online play. The campaign mode sets you off on a career path to take down the current set of top players, including our favourite Roger Federer.
You can choose from the latest roster of players or create your own superstar. However, the game looks a bit old. After 3-4 years of absence, one would want better graphics and technique on a comeback. The ladder system is replaced by a map. It is similar to a strategy game and often you will find yourself stuck on it. The arcade mode allows you to play non-stop and against anyone. The sound is nice and the Move's accuracy in this mode is excellent. However, you cannot play with the stick in the online mode. Overall, this game is fun but it faces competition.
