Fallout 4 Review

Written by: Ice Cold Tabasco

"...Fallout 4 is a great game. Not perfect, but great nonetheless."

_________________________________________________________________________

So here it is, purported to be the most ambitious title ever done by Bethesda Game Studios; a title that was hyped up to no end and awaited for over 7 years. Here we have Fallout 4.

Welcome Home.

Pros
+ Improved and all around solid gunplay
+ Engaging world, story and characters
+ Weapon, character and enemy variety
+ Beautiful Graphics and Aesthetic
+ Engaging main quest
+ Lots to do
+ Weapon Modding

Cons
- Brain Dead Companion AI
- Bugs and glitches, bugs bugs and glitches
- Performance Issues
- Enemy AI ineptitude
- Lack of Quest Variety

Fence Straddlers
-+ Streamlined Leveling System
-+ Companions 
-+ World Space
-+ Voiced Protagonist
-+ Ending
-+ Settlement Building

And 60 hours later, having played the game beginning to end, explored the vast expanse of the Commonwealth, got to know its inhabitants and their struggles, do I finally have a cohesive review on the “most ambitious endeavor ever taken by Bethesda”. Due to my lengthy opinions, I’ve taken liberty to splitting up this review into the Positives, Negatives and the Fence Straddlers (things that don't necessarily offer anything that diminishes or enhances the overall experience)

The Negatives

Performance leaves much to be desired. A title running on what is effectively a last gen engine fitted with some basic next gen eye candy, should NOT chug at below 30 fps on a 290X or any high end card for that matter. At often, though irregular intervals, the framerate dives from a solid 60 to the sub 30s. This is completely un-fucking acceptable. Coupled with the fact the game is littered with bugs and glitches, (though thankfully none are game breaking) these problems diminish the overall experience.

Even at the gameplay standpoint, Fallout 4, much like its predecessor, has rather inept enemy AI, making the late game combat laughable easy. No, not even late game combat is easy, combat itself is too easy (played on Normal), so for those who desire a real challenge, I recommend bumping up the difficulty to hard, or the highest for a better challenge. Companions aren't a great help either, as they serve mostly as the most inefficient bullet sponges in any game I have ever seen. Allies should aid you effectively in combat, a EARNED edge in combat; to not get constantly downed and collected quickly and stowed away lie baseball cards.

Questing hasn’t really diversified much from Fallout 3, matter of fact, I would say that the actual variety of quest available has actually taken a dive. We have these “go do XYZ” quests way more often than anything with some actual substance. How did no one see a problem here? A quantity over quality mentality, in the case of any basic RPG, is a VERY bad thing.

The Positives

Qualms stated, there is still a lot this game does right. Gunplay is MASSIVELY improved from its predecessor. Its tight, responsive, and coincides to the norm of what FPS mechanics are supposed to have nowadays. Sure it's not revolutionary, but it gets the job done and then some, considering what is was in Fallout 3. Especially with the EXTENSIVE weapon modding system, guns are variant and all have a satisfactory kick. Not even counting the numerous melee weapons in the game, Fallout 4 passes with flying colors when it comes to weapon variety.

The main story itself somehow manages to hold interest throughout, though it does wan a little toward the end, the characters you get involved and moral ambiguity of the different factions you can side with makes it seem real; well, as real as Fallout has ever been. I’ve always considered the New Vegas DLC Dead Money to have the best writing the series has EVER had to offer, and somehow Fallout 4 manages to live up to that high point. Trust me, it isn't the best story you’ll ever experience, but it hits all the right criteria for a fantastic and engaging plot. Coupled with the fact there is actually OTHER things to do in the world, and are startlingly numerous, this game will hold you hostage for quite awhile.

While questing lacks diversity, the characters you meet and the enemies you face are incredibly variant. Battle anything from synthetic humanoids, mobsters, super mutants, mercenaries, and deathclaws, which are all are fun to battle and have the chance to kick you ass if you're not properly prepared. At any location, you’ll almost never know what you're going to face, save the telltale signs of a super mutants subsistence.

Now, many have complained about the games graphics, as nowadays they expect to see every single pore on a character's face while a meticulously crafted explosion goes off in the background, all with that J.J. Abrams style lens flare. Personally, I think the game looks a HELLUVA lot better than 3 and New Vegas, even downright gorgeous at times. If you can play this game on Ultra, it is a real treat to see. Though, the overall look of the game is hindered by the a few bugbears, namely low res textures and the INSANELY demanding Shadow Distance setting. Still, it’s a good looking game, though not as good as other triple A titles out nowadays.

Fence Straddlers

-+ The leveling system is alright, it serves its purpose and provide sufficient reward for each level up, though is by no means more rewarding than its predecessors. Still, it gets the job done, not really adding much or taking much away.

-+ Companions are also rather banal, but they serve their purpose, but by no means do they accomplish their tasks with any sort of efficiency

-+While Boston is considerably smaller feeling, it is by no means a slouch when it comes to content. Regardless, its serves its purpose and is very reminiscent of Fallout 4

-+Having a voiced protagonist has been the most polarizing thing that has divided Fallout fans nearly in half. Honestly, it's a non issue, as this is likely to be the standard of the upcoming Fallout games. This is the start of a new trilogy, mark my words.

-+Ending was very meh for what the story itself was hyping up to no end. Could’ve used a bit more cleverness, as they apparently had plenty while writing the story

-+ Settlement building is largely throwaway and doesn't offer much to the game, nor does it hinder it. Its here and it's boring.

Verdict

All in all, Fallout 4 has, in my eyes, just BARELY lived up to the immense swaths of hype over the few months between June and November. While the positives outweigh the negatives, I feel if a little more effort was applied on Bethesda’s part, we could’ve had title that would mirror Fallout 3’s success, rather than merely being just a great game. While by no means better than 3 or even 2 for that matter, Fallout 4 is a great game. Not perfect, but great nonetheless.

General Score

 8.75

Near Fantastic

The Game and The Gamer: A Psuedo Analysis of the Game's and their Disciples

The Game and the Gamer

Written by: Ice Cold Tabasco

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Games, a concept that has been in play since the dawn of time, are the most unrecognized product of human ingenuity. To put the human body under a certain conduct to develop stratagem to achieve victory or some semblance of it; that is the core of what a Game is. Still to this day the traditional form of Games dominate the social space, though not completely by any means. Only was it when a man wanted to make a game you play simply with the twist of a knob or the push of a button would the Game be truly redefined. So it was, simply made as a construct by a bored physicist; wrought from a simple analog computer did the first  true Video Game come into form. From that oscilloscope and the efforts of a single man did the concept of a virtual means of attaining challenge and victory arose, and from this concept derived the booming Console Industry a few decades later.

Gamer, a term that is hotly debated by those who share a single trait in common, a nearly religious devotion to the virtual space. Gamers are a diverse lot with many defining traits to each consecutive flavor, but most who identify under the moniker usually call themselves Hardcore, as to announce their devotion to the medium. Even this particular group is split and divided by many invisible lines and barriers wrought by a single question: 

“What is a true Gamer?”

This single mantra can have banners raised and keyboards held at the ready, for forums flood with dissent and possibly the vitriol of both instigator and dedicated participant. Blind to their single connected factor, do that spit and flail with childish demeanor for their definition to hold true and high above the rest. It is a argument as faceted as a newly cut diamond, persistent and numerous. Will it have a victor? Only to eyes that are willing to see what they wish to see will witness a victor, within their distinct circle.

Why argue and not enjoy the product of the toiling few? True, Video Games are the one of the forms of media to have a moniker for its disciples; but is it necessary to fight for a definition? We all have enjoyed Video Games and see them from a myriad of different lights, so why not recognize that? Well, what is asked is not a simple request, as the human is stubborn, ignorant creature.


Perhaps it's in our nature to divide. It may be well to conquer.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Review

Written by: Ice Cold Tabasco 
So, is The Witcher 2 a good game? Yes. Is it the best RPG I’ve ever played? No.

_________________________________________________________________________

The Witcher franchise, as a whole, has garnered rather favorable reception from critics, with its apex widely considered to be the recently released Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt. Now, I personally have strayed from the Witcher franchise for no particular reason, just a general disinterest I suppose. I enjoy the fantasy genre and RPGs, so why wouldn’t the Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings be able to saunter onto my radar and come out being considered a fantastic piece of game? Well, with over 23 hours of this game under my belt, I have many choice words for this games favor, as well as many for is developers to mull over.

The first thing that you notice and will eventually salivate over is how great this game actually looks, especially how color filled it is. Thankfully The Witcher 2 has fallen prey to the better side of gamings trend toward better graphics without having everything doused in dank browns and greys like many other titles. You’ll often just sit back and enjoy what a visual spectacle that has been prepared for you, hair swaying, tassels bouncing on the character, flora flowing with the winds; everything blends together to make such a believable visual style that manages to remain all its own. In terms of graphical and aesthetic prowess, The Witcher 2 can stand toe to toe with any of the next gen releases, and even come out on top in many areas.

Protagonist Geralt of Rivia

While the game is very pretty, the story, while set in world of rich history and believability, leaves much to be desired. Maybe it is because I lack the investment from the first game, but the stakes never feel like they should. I mean, further down the line your to repel a fucking invasion; the unfortunate thing being is that the whole thing is turned into essentially Horde mode, beat one wave after another to progress in the story. I mean this happens a lot in many situations if not all, this “kill everyone to progress to the next level” mentality. Even when you kill a FUCKING DRAGON, the thing is easier than the first boss in the FUCKING GAME. The characters also feed into this tone, as, while the voice actors try, I kinda get the feeling they were only performing at half their capacity as they don’t pump the player for any major plot events as they should.

Still, even if the the events of the story lack weight, the decisions do. Im sure if you were to replay the game again, the decisions would feel less dynamic and spontaneous, but that's what they felt like. As if I could’ve chosen a different path and wildly change the outcome of things, creating a real tension when you do have to make these choices. Some are bullshit though, like when you are given the choice to help someone who busted you from prison or give a sword to someone who is aiding you tracking a kingslayer, with the ultimate decision having either character you chose tag along with you the rest of the game. Still, while story lackluster, the decisions are weight filled and consequential, to a tad of a fault in some instances.

Great looking game, honestly

Combat is a mixed bag. First, praise should be given to how layered it is, as you could increase damage dealt with various oils, potions and trophies. This kind of complexity will be sure to get you out of a tight jam more than you realize, especially early game. While layered, this complexity seems to become irrelevant later down the line, as you’ll have more powerful equipment that will compensate the damage you couldn’t deal prior, at earlier levels. Magic is also thrown into the mix, but with mixed results as you will make the most use out of one, Aarnd, which essentially force pushes opponents. Despite how seeming layered the combat is, I hate how the leveling system is incredibly lopsided, favoring basic melee attacks over the other mechanics. The melee combat is still rather good, though a little variance in leveling would be nice, as alchemy and magic become underutilized in late game, hurting you more than you think.

Complementing the combat was the surprising amount of enemy variety. You got scores of different monsters and scores of different types of men to fight. You’ll face harpies, knights, zombie-like things, crossbowmen, insectoids, and much much more. Each enemy has specific fighting patterns you can utilize to your advantage or suffer for naught, it all feels very dynamic and satisfying when you blow through a horde with only sliver of you life bar remaining. Bosses are a bit anticlimactic though. There was this huge build up a some point to fight this giant fire demon, who died in like ten hits. I wish more challenge was brought here as with the other enemies.

So, is The Witcher 2 a good game? Yes. Is it the best RPG I’ve ever played? No. While much of the game is rather great, and it presents itself rather well, these little minor hindrances here and there bring down what could’ve been a rather fantastic game. If these problems were fixed, maybe this game would be fixed, this game would rank highly with me, easily one of my favorite games of all time even. But sadly, that isn’t the case.

Verdict

7/10

Good

(Movie Night) Kung Fu Hustle Review

Written by: Ice Cold Tabasco

Kung Fu Hustle is one to THE greatest movies I have ever seen.

_________________________________________________________________________

I feel I’ve sufficiently established myself as a video game critic, so naturally, I’ve decided to post a movie review. Honestly, yes I will primarily be reviewing video games, but, I felt so compelled to write this that I could hardly contain myself.

Kung Fu Hustle is one to THE greatest movies I have ever seen. There is no hyperbole, I’m confident in the fact that if I were to ever put out a “Best Movies of All Time” list, this would in the top ten, if not the top FIVE. There is just so much that this movie does so right, that it does so well, that I found myself constantly repeating the same, singular phrase of, “This is amazing!” while, LITERALLY on the brink of tears from the sheer joy that is Kung Fu Hustle. This film's greatest triumphs is what many others of its kind fail to do, establish its mood and maintain that atmosphere through the entire thing.

From the get go you're bombarded by over the top, hilarious, and cartoony shit that it’s impossible to mistake this for a anything other that a comedy. Where movies like Kill Bill tend to confuse the audience by having seemingly conflicting feels, Kung Fu Hustle never makes a mistake in this department. While, yes, there is some mild drama to drive the plot, it never drowns out the sort of spontaneous and impossible world that it places you in. You will constantly scratching you head at some of the superhuman feats that are accomplished here, albeit in a good way (if that's at all possible).

Fight scenes are SO GOOD!

That’s actually a great way to describe the FANTASTIC fight scenes in this film, super-FUCKING-human. Though I hate to make the comparison, the action sequences are reminiscent of the generic anime crap, save being FAR from crap. There is so much style and visual flair and creative direction and character- AHH, it's hard not to love! Your jaw will be permanently glued to your foot at how amazing the fight scenes are here, they fail to be hindered by the rather dated CGI that over seventy five percent are made by. You have old land ladies shouting people’s clothes to shreds, limbs flying off from a recently tossed hatchet, heads pummeled (LITERALLY) into floors, and people turning into GODDAMNED FROGS. While all this may sound a contradictory of my last statement, once you see this film, it will all become clear.

While the SFX department and choreographers deserve literal tons of praise, I refuse to let that pesky story get away. While it isn’t anything that would be considered oscar worthy, it has the right amount of intentional cheese, great characters, and writing. There is a lot to love with how this move plays out, especially with the heroes and villains that sprout up. While not the highlight, the story manages to hold up the movie one hundred percent.

There's really nothing I can harp this movie on, other than its dated CGI with I have granted exception due to its age. Its a grand kung fu spectacle that will enthrall you in it's impossible, comical and fantastic world. A must have to any ones collection, digital or otherwise.

★★★★★

Five Stars

Must Own