A Week of Gaming - 26-2-12
by adzpearson
This is the start of a new feature of my blog. Each week (or near enough) , I’ll be going over what I’ve played recently. I’ll try to keep things spoiler-free. When I need to discuss later or key parts of the story, I’ll hide them with spoiler tags. Some of the games I’ve played may have been out for a while, but I appreciate that some people haven't got round to them yet (like me). Bulletstorm...
This is the start of a new feature of my blog. Each week (or near enough) , I’ll be going over what I’ve played recently. I’ll try to keep things spoiler-free. When I need to discuss later or key parts of the story, I’ll hide them with spoiler tags. Some of the games I’ve played may have been out for a while, but I appreciate that some people haven't got round to them yet (like me).
Bulletstorm
I completed Bulletstorm on Tuesday. Only took me about four sittings. Maybe could have done it in two lengthy sessions, but that’s rarely how I play games. I try to make them last. I found it a bit short and on the easy side (even though I played it on ‘Hard’), but I really enjoyed it.
Having played People Can Fly’s previous game, Painkiller, it was giving off familiar vibes. Not a bad thing, mind. That said, the weapons in Bulletstorm are a bit different. While Painkiller seemed to focus on weapons that simply made a right mess of the enemies, Bulletstorm takes it up a notch. It looks as though they had a lot of fun making them. I’ll leave it up to you to discover them. Now where did I leave that sniper rifle...
I loved the combat mechanics. It was always great when I found out new ways of killing the enemies. The team must have had a field day thinking of all the names for the executions. One of my favourite ways of killing enemies was pulling an explosive ball towards me with the leash, then kicking it at them ‘on the volley’. I saw it as some kind of demented football training session. If Vinny ‘I’m the Juggernaut, bitch!’ Jones was ever a manager, it’s probably what he’d have his players doing on a cold Monday morning.
My thoughts on the story...
The banter between Gray and Ishi was great. Gray’s constant witty remarks along with Ishi’s struggle to fight the AI from taking control is what pushed me through the game more than anything else. They were certainly an odd couple. Trishka’s introduction later in the game didn’t take anything from the duo. In fact, her no-nonsense attitude enhanced the comedy moments with the two of them (mainly Gray, due to his tendency to upset her).
Favourite scenes? That bit with the robot dinosaur made me laugh. Gray’s dialogue during that section really made it (along with the fact he actually named the thing!) I also liked the scene where they end up in a club with ‘Disco Inferno’ in the background. That pretty much set the tone for the whole game.
Serrano. What an absolute git he was. I really wanted to punch the guy. I was kind of bummed that he didn’t die. At least he got badly hurt...
While the ending was left open for a sequel, it doesn’t look likely to happen. A bit of a shame.
Mass Effect
After I completed Bulletstorm, I decided to play Mass Effect from the start. When I last played it, I got as far as finding the last member you can add to the crew. But, seeing as that was quite a while back now, I decided to start from scratch. Hopefully it’ll allow me to appreciate the story more.
Without giving too much away, I’m now capable of interstellar travel (not that far into the game). I’ve done two side assignments so far. One where I peacefully saved a hostage from some angry biotic guys and another that turned out to be a trap (found some resources on the planet, so not a total waste of time). I think I’ll tackle more side stuff before going back to the main missions. Levelling is never a bad thing.
That about sums up what I played this week. Should have a bit more to say about Mass Effect next week, along with anything else I happen to touch.
...oh, and I actually completed a game of Monopoly tonight. Didn't think it was actually possible, but apparently it is. The things you learn...