Archive for December 5th, 2007
It’s been three years since we’ve seen an All-Pro Football release and all of the great features of that game are incorporated in All Pro Football 2K8.
What makes this a bit more fun is the nostalgia aspect of having so many now-retired players in all of their idiosyncratic glory here. Jerry Rice’s upright running style is immediately recognizable as is Mike Ditka’s bulldozer-like moves after a reception. Each player has been set with his own unique moves so we can identify the player without even seeing his number.
Other than a few other improvements such as gang-tackling that seems scarily brutal, they really haven’t done that much to this version. Choosing and customizing your teams is intriguing because of the older players but the choice of logos is a bit limited.
The running attack is done realistically although some player movement is too mechanical while the defense is set at such a tough level that you will consistently play close games. One glitch is the disconcerting time lapse between your command to pass and the actual pass, but this is not a major drawback. All-Pro Football 2K8 lends itself very well to a multi-player situation rather than a single player.
The audio broadcast is well done but seems lifted almost straight from the last version. Stat compilation is effective and immediate and the broadcasters themselves are entertaining if a bit stilted. The soundtrack is repeated a few times but the sound quality is quite good. All in all, All Pro Football 2K8 is a good buy but not at the top of the heap.
December 5th, 2007
When you take a classic story that was itself adapted into a Hollywood action epic with A-List stars as prototypes, you run the risk of being unable to fulfill expectations. Beowulf is no exception here as the story line gets short shrift with an overemphasis on gore and unending battle sequences that borders on the ridiculous. Of course, this is just what sells this type of game so we shouldn’t be surprised.
This ages-old story does not get any kind of coherent treatment here so if you want disjointed action with no rationale for various developments, this is your milieu. Beowulf’s minions (Thanes—up to twelve of them), can be summoned in quantity as you progress through the battles with random enemies.
Beowulf can move into Carnal Mode which increases the available power exponentially with more aggressive moves accruing to the hero as he gains experience. The ultimate monster, Grendel, has mother issues that never manifest themselves nor undergo any explanation. For those who have actually read the poem, this narrative has all the coherence of the battles on Jerry Springer. The main thrust of both is to titillate and shock. Gratuitous violence and some skin seem to be the thread that is common to both spectacles.
With a lack of complex commands for the actors in this failed venture, Beowulf disappoints with a vengeance; we see battle after battle with only an increase in the power exerted by the “hero” who turns out to be a manipulative grasping power seeker. This is unfortunate as Beowulf has the existing story line that could have made this game an involving adventure but doesn’t get the royal treatment it deserves.
December 5th, 2007
The Bigs is a welcome addition to the arcade games we have seen in the past like Street and Blitz. Not a sim game, The Bigs features a Rookie Challenge where you can create a player who learns skills and increases his ability to compete with the best.
With a turbo boost that increases power by up to five times normal, home runs show a trail of light or fire as they exit the park, making them an exciting part of this game. You can go through training mini-games and learn new controller moves. The Bigs lends itself pretty well to multi-player games but the controls are complicated enough that it can be frustrating if the other players are not up-to-speed.
Player replication is very convincing (if you put credence in the steroid controversy) and player movement is realistic enough that the slow motion feature is fascinating. Pitching is nearly as difficult as the real thing but can be mastered with a little time spent in the bushes (practice mini-games).
There are alternatives to every pitch in that your pitcher will throw differently depending on the batter’s skill level. This great attribute makes The Bigs an endlessly enjoyable game. Stadiums are faithfully represented down to minute details (hot dog stands) and the most well known are here (Comerica Park, for example).
Although the soundtrack is strictly from the 90′s, the sound quality is superior while the broadcasters seem to repeat a limited numbers of phrases. It really isn’t that difficult to script a greater variety of lines for them to use. The Bigs can be played in a few modes such as career, home run derby and just try the come-from-behind mode; you will be pleasantly surprised at the excitement generated in beating your buddy when you seemed hopelessly behind.
Overall, The Bigs is an intriguing game for both baseball fans and neophytes.
December 5th, 2007