Review of the Week Archives https://www.gameogre.com/topics/review-of-the-week/ Online Game Community Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:03:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.gameogre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/favicon.png Review of the Week Archives https://www.gameogre.com/topics/review-of-the-week/ 32 32 246904748 Sword Coast Legends Review https://www.gameogre.com/sword-coast-legends-review/ https://www.gameogre.com/sword-coast-legends-review/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2015 10:03:47 +0000 http://www.gameogre.com/?p=16435 Sword Coast Legends is a Dungeons and Dragons single and multiplayer co-op that tries to recreate old school table top magic. Also, the game was highly anticipated with the hopes that it could be a modern version of such Dungeon and Dragon classic CRPGs like the Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights series. I for one […]

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Sword Coast Legends is a Dungeons and Dragons single and multiplayer co-op that tries to recreate old school table top magic. Also, the game was highly anticipated with the hopes that it could be a modern version of such Dungeon and Dragon classic CRPGs like the Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights series. I for one loved both, but GameOgre once had a dungeon full of NWN modules and other creative stuff. The first one, in particular, was a truly special game.

Does Sword Coast Legends succeed in any of that? Despite high production values and a valiant attempt, SCL falls well short of the mark on both cases unfortunately. Maybe it tries to be too many things at once with the innovative dungeon master feature. However, like the old saying goes that sums it up fairly well: “A jack of all trades but master of none”.

The very first thing that jumped out at me when playing this game was the combat unfortunately. It seems about as effective as a towel fight in a gym locker room. You start swinging and swinging and swinging some more. In other words, the action comes to a screeching halt before it can even get started. Yes, it follows a D&D rule set, but that does not translate to a computer game well at all. There also is a lack of strategies because of all the cool downs and auto attacks.  Do not expect anything like Diablo gameplay.

The brightest spot of the game by far is due to creative possibilities. Besides the highly touted dungeon master feature where players can try to capture the magic of D&D pen and paper modules where a player guides the action, players also have the power to make their own dungeons. In fact, this creation tool is very simple to learn and use. The simplicity comes at the price of making most dungeons created by players look alike instead of unique. Thus, it is more for players to make their own content, but there isn’t a great need to get dungeons from other players. Hopefully, this gets a major update because it could certainly use one as soon as possible. Overall, this is one game that could use its first update as soon as possible. The potential for a fantasy classic is still here if it can improve these shortcomings sooner rather than later.

Key Features:

  • Launched on October 20th, 2015
  • Forgotten Realms setting.
  • Isometric viewpoint.
  • Xbox One and PS 4 versions will come out next year.
  • Dungeons and Dragons RPG.
  • Dungeon master like in the pen and paper games.
  • Music by the Prague Orchestra.
  • Single player.
  • Multiplayer co-op.
  • Combat based on fifth rule set of Dungeons and Dragons.
  • The ability for users to make dungeons.

Pros:

  1. Forgotten Realms setting works well.
  2. Tries to recreate old school D&D pen and paper play on computer screens.
  3. High production values.
  4. Heaping amount of D&D lore.
  5. Very attractive environments.
  6. Decent plot.
  7. Long gameplay.
  8. Users can create content.

Cons:

  1. Hard to get into.
  2. Hyped heavy.
  3. Not cheap at $39.99.
  4. Bad creation tools.
  5. Unexciting combat.
  6. Very linear gameplay.
  7. User interface can be clunky at times.

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Rocket League Review https://www.gameogre.com/rocket-league-review/ https://www.gameogre.com/rocket-league-review/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2015 07:02:51 +0000 http://www.gameogre.com/?p=16246 Once in a very long time, a multiplayer game comes along that innovates the whole genre. Rocket League is one such game. I first learned about the game because somebody wanted it as a prize for a forum event here. I saw cars and a ball and immediately thought “oh, another futuristic sport”. There have […]

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Once in a very long time, a multiplayer game comes along that innovates the whole genre. Rocket League is one such game. I first learned about the game because somebody wanted it as a prize for a forum event here. I saw cars and a ball and immediately thought “oh, another futuristic sport”. There have been so many unsuccessful attempts at futuristic games like the old HyperBlade and Deathrow over the years that I was not expecting too much. Wow, this concept is actually viable now in 2015 with multiplayer, Youtube, eSports, and livestreaming. The game itself also makes Rocket League a clear winner by mixing the sport of soccer with customizable rocket vehicles and a giant ball. In fact, you start to wonder as soon as you start to play why nobody did this sooner.

Well, that thought would only be partially true because Rocket league is actually a sequel of a lesser known game unfortunately called Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars back in 2008. If that name was not long enough, the game was also only the Playstation 3. Yes, this is one of the few times where the sequel is definitely better than the original.

Rocket League also fully embraces the “sport” by offering game modes and customization galore. The game is also perfect for Esports (competitive gaming). Multiplayer is obviously the main focus, but the game also has considerable solo options such as Exhibition, Season, and Training. Exhibition can be used to improve your items, experience, and Steam Achievements while learning the basics. Season mode gets you working more as a team. I started a season with a team called the Ogres and it really helped having two constant teammates. Training mode allows you to develop your skills like flying. You can get the concept of flying down in free play mode since it has unlimited boost. Then there is is an aerial test where you have 10 tries to fly and knock the ball in the goal. Flying well is one of the most important things to learn in the game along with proper timing.

The biggest draw of course is the multiplayer aspect and Rocket League definitely does not disappoint on that score. You can play other players worldwide either one on one or on two player, three player, and four player teams. You can also participate in multiplayer seasons and compete to be one of the top players in the world. For example, Major League Gaming (MLG) recently hosted a Pro Rocket League season/tournament. The best players in the game usually have widely followed livestreams on Twitch such as Camgears aka Kronovi who is considered to be among the best in the game if not the best. Watching the top players you will notice that flying is a must at that level and that the best can make it look so easy.

Overall, Rocket League is something special and should not be missed. Gaming goodness can be found here by multi-play focused players, solo gamers, hardcore gamers, sports fans, car fans, and even people who like to watch spectacles. The game is a blast to play and still fun to just watch.

Key Features:

  • Buy to play.
  • Multiplayer focus.
  • Has a PS4 version.
  • PS4 version has Sweettooth .
  • Can use a keyboard or a mouse.
  • Replays after every score made.
  • There is solo play to get you started.
  • Has an Exhibition and Season mode against bots.
  • You get a new item for your vehicle after every match.
  • Customization of your vehicle includes the body, paint, decals, flags, and wheels etc.
  • You can gain experience and levels starting as a rookie.
  • Holds a season for ranked multiplayer.
  • Both solo and multiplayer have the following game mode choices: 1vs1, 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4.
  • Steam trading cards.
  • Many Steam achievements.
  • Has co-op and local co-op.

RocketLeague 2015-10-15 20-33-51-18Pros:

  1. Replays allow you to see exactly what happened when a score was made.
  2. Can customize your character as you play.
  3. Takes only the good stuff from soccer.
  4. Easy to just start playing.
  5. Games are fast and intense.
  6. Solo mode is there to learn and to get experience.
  7. Has a strong community that keeps getting stronger.
  8. Season mode feels almost like the NFL withe standings etc.
  9. Being difficult to master makes you want to try to learn that next move.
  10. Has a plethora of options and game modes.
  11. Can use training to learn different aspects of the game.
  12. Consistently one of the most viewed livestreams on Twitch.

Cons:

  1. Frame rate really drops when trying to record play.
  2. Premium DLC.

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A Fistful of Gun Review https://www.gameogre.com/a-fistful-of-gun-review/ https://www.gameogre.com/a-fistful-of-gun-review/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2015 05:55:23 +0000 http://www.gameogre.com/?p=15915 The old saying goes that dynamite can come in small packages. Well, A Fistful of Gun may not be a mega blockbuster or sweeping epic western, but it packs a lot of action and fun into this little indie arcade shooter. In fact, Wild West games in general have improved their fun factor a little […]

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The old saying goes that dynamite can come in small packages. Well, A Fistful of Gun may not be a mega blockbuster or sweeping epic western, but it packs a lot of action and fun into this little indie arcade shooter. In fact, Wild West games in general have improved their fun factor a little with the recent launch of A Fistful of Gun. This little gem is a 2D action game with both single player and multiplayer modes. Actually, in some ways it is considered a sequel to the free game called simply Fistful of Gun. Where that game only had three characters, this one has almost four times more with eleven. Note that only three characters are available when you start story mode, but they are unlocked by you during the game. In contrast, arcade mode starts with all eleven right off the bat. Essentially, there is more of everything in this retail release on Steam.

The Wild West in games is one genre that always seemed to have potential for more great games. Outside of a few exceptions like Outlaws ages ago and Red Dead Revolver and its sequel, other entries have been hit or miss. A Fistful of Gun is a great addition to the old WW because of its bang for the buck. The action is always intense, there humor sprinkled in throughout, and it is on of the games to offer both single and multiplayer. Most western games offer only one or the other. You can even play local coop with friends instead of being fully dependent on online players.

The video below shows one full game in story mode with the Sniper character. During the clip, I shoot everything thing from bulls to bears to outlaws to dynamite boxes. You have to keep moving and be sure to avoid being near any TNT if possible. Once you clear a screen or achieve a mission, you are given a clue what the next screen holds with symbols. For example, if you see a flash card by the right screen, you can go east to play a card game they have. Eventually, I came upon a NPC that wanted the autograph of the machine gun character called Duke. Not long after that, I ran into the man himself and he joined my list of characters for Story mode. It is a nice way to introduce the colorful outlaws that could be referred to as the dirty dozen with just one more member. The bullet hell gameplay and 2D graphics are perfect for this outrageous group. The sniper rifle only shoots one bullet at a time so I have to reload after each shot instead of pumping lead continuously. Finding Duke was great in the story mode because he is my favorite to play in the arcade mode.

Overall, this indie gem should be tried by anybody who likes westerns, local multiplayer, and lots of action with a little bit of humor mixed in for good measure. Hopefully, content will continue to be added now that the game has been successfully launched. Although it launched only a few days ago, there is already an update available and I even saw the developer supporting the game further on Steam. That is what you call a passionate developer and I cant give enough props for that. All I can say is that A Fistful of Gun is my favorite Wild West game since Outlaws.

Key Features:

  • Multiplayer and single player modes.
  • Up to 9 player coop.
  • Local multiplayer available.
  • 2D top down graphics.
  • 11 playable characters.
  • Each character has its own controls.
  • Sequel to a free version.
  • Has a story mode.
  • Has an Arcade version where all characters are unlocked.
  • Bullet hell gameplay.
  • Spaghetti western theme.
  • Wandering stores to upgrade equipment.
  • A good dose of humor.
  • You unlock characters in the story mode by meeting them.

Pros:

  1. Offers both solo and multiplay.
  2. Many different characters to choose from.
  3. Very fast paced.
  4. Solo play is strong.
  5. The diversity in weaponry between the different characters is huge.
  6. Local multiplayer is very fun.
  7. Already had an update after launch.
  8. The developer is giving great support.
  9. A ton to do in the wild west.
  10. Steam trading cards
  11. Great soundtrack.

Cons:

  1. Graphics are rather basic.
  2. Some of the characters have awkward control themes for their weapons.
  3. Not enough players for great online multiplayer yet.
  4. Some characters are better played with a game pad.
  5. The card game is not clear.

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Review of the Week https://www.gameogre.com/review-of-the-week/ https://www.gameogre.com/review-of-the-week/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:20:32 +0000 http://beta.secure.gameogre.com/?p=8842 This week’s Review of the Week is on Ogre Adventures by Thundemp. Here is an excerpt, “Ogre Adventure is one of the newest achievement of project that can only be found at WWW.GAMEOGRE.COM in which ideas is origin from none other than “ogreman” with the help of active member of community especially the one who […]

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This week’s Review of the Week is on Ogre Adventures by Thundemp. Here is an excerpt, “Ogre Adventure is one of the newest achievement of project that can only be found at WWW.GAMEOGRE.COM in which ideas is origin from none other than “ogreman” with the help of active member of community especially the one who made image that you saw here on online game review of this page that contribute the most.”

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Neverwinter Nights Review https://www.gameogre.com/nwnreview/ https://www.gameogre.com/nwnreview/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2015 05:32:34 +0000 http://beta.secure.gameogre.com/nwnreview/ by Bioware Pros ? puts you in charge of the adventure rather than managing a huge group ? makes excellent use of the AD&D license ? ability to expand into a MMORPG ? endless replay value with player-created modules and online play ? the most powerful tool set ever given to players right out of […]

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by Bioware

Pros
? puts you in charge of the adventure rather than managing a huge group
? makes excellent use of the AD&D license
? ability to expand into a MMORPG
? endless replay value with player-created modules and online play
? the most powerful tool set ever given to players right out of the box

Cons
? uninspired single player campaigns
? interface can be a little clunky at times

The Bottom Line – The current king of Internet games.

Link: Official Site

Review

Not only does Game Ogre rank Neverwinter Nights as the Top Online RPG that can be purchased via retail but we also rank this monumental RPG as the Top Internet Game period. Why? Because no other RPG has ever offered a more complete package of downloadable content and online game play than NWN.

Undoubtedly some people may argue that Half-Life deserves the title as Top Internet Game due to its plethora of mods and overwhelming multiplayer following. However NWN gets the nod over the online gaming juggernaut due to its over 2000 player-created modules (and counting) its excellent online play and its ability to be made in a huge persistent world similar to MMORPGs.

One of the best examples so far of a NWN persistent world is with Nordock where up to 64 players can play. Another NWN persistent world is Exaria. With Exaria you are able to play in two different worlds loaded with custom items unique races and sub races and Deities in one MMORPG-like atmosphere. Of course this only the beginning since several modules can be tied together on different servers by using portals.

For the online game play itself the ability to use a dungeon master (DM) that can make your gaming experience even more enjoyable separates NWN from more hack and slash oriented Online RPGs like Diablo and Dungeon Siege. Furthermore you are able to relive memories of playing Dungeon and Dragons pen and paper (Pnp) modules by assembling a group of friends and tackling computer remakes of your favorite classic AD&D PnP modules.

On a slightly negative note Neverwinter Night’s official campaigns keep the game from receiving a perfect score. Surprisingly several player-created modules like Grand Theft Otto Dreamcatcher Avatarship Polished and Elegia Eternum have easily surpassed the original campaigns in terms of excitement and depth. In fact Bioware needs to seriously think about hiring some of those module makers for the future. Besides that one small negative which can be easily avoided by sticking to player-created modules Neverwinter Nights should command the attention of any RPG fan. Simply put NWN has changed the way that people play RPGs from now on.

Game Ogre’s Rating (out of 10):

9.00

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