Marco Ortega

Lucas Arts and Xbox have announced that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has been chosen to be a Platinum Hit. Only 20 bucks, I will be at EB Games re-purchasing the game I never got to finish. This time I will get Pickle to help me level up my Jedi properly.

In other news, I have been in talks with Cone about upgrading my PC. I recently won an ATI X800 video card and with next generation games asking for a massive amount of horsepower I think it’s time to level up my PC. Next on my September hit list: Half-Life 2, Star Wars: Battlefront, and Fable.

Far Cry

August 17, 2004

For quite some time now, I have been itching to get a review up on Far Cry, but never really had the chance. Being that Far Cry has been out for a good time now, I thought I would sack up and just get it done. Crytek and Ubisoft have combined forces to design one of the best FPS out right now. A feature that stands out about this game is most definitely its superb graphics. Lush vegetation and clear blue water are just many of the exceptional scenery graphics that Far Cry provides.

After having their ship blown to pieces, Jack Carver (our protagonist) is on the search for the missing passenger of his boat. Valerie, who has been abducted by the habitants of the island which I might add are heavily armed, is in search of the answer of why hired mercenaries are guarding the island from outsiders. Of course, Jack is forced to find Valerie, which in turn sets in motion the horra that is being contained on the island.

To be quite honest, I have not finished Far Cry. I really enjoy engulfing myself in a game and I have been taking my time with Far Cry to really appreciate the graphics and AI. My PC is pretty solid which makes it a piece of cake to run the game. I must say that the environments are quite stunning with gorgeous tropical landscapes. Far Cry truly captivates you with its interaction with the environment. Something I really liked about Far Cry is the choice you have to either infiltrate an enemy base by stealth or guns blazing. Not everyone enjoys sneakers and so it appeals to a broader range of gamers by allowing the guns a blazing method of attack. The foliage allows you to really take cover and make your way around the island undetected. If detected, be very weary of the enemy because they will do everything necessary to eliminate you. They will give orders for back up, air support, covering fire, flanking maneuvers, and fire support so it’s best to find other means of infiltration. The games graphics and AI really bring another level of game play to the FPS genre. Blowing up helicopters over water or boats on the water is actually pretty slick. The burning wreckage of the still afloat boat will continue to smoke while partially sinking. Helicopters will fall directly to the ocean bottom, wrecked and leaking of oil. Dead bodies will continue to bleed and stay afloat on the water as well.

Far Cry’s game play is not as exciting as their graphics, but still provides a nice level of excitement to the gamer. If you get tired of playing the missions, simply pilfer a boat and take the scenic route around the entire island if you want. The free roaming is a really neat feature that has been implemented in Far Cry. Another really great feature is the sound of Far Cry. Gunfire, dialogue, environment, and vehicle sound effects really add to the uniqueness of Far Cry.

If you’re an FPS fan with an itching for something to hold you ever until Half-Life 2, then I suggest purchasing Far Cry. Experiencing the environments of Far Cry alone is a reason to try it out. Storyline and game play are little above average at best, but it’s well worth the money at the end of the day. To sum up my review, Far Cry really gives you a different aspect of gaming that has rarely been seen in the FPS genre.

BF Vietnam Champs!!

August 16, 2004

It is with great honor to announce that Team XG has won the iGames Battlefield Vietnam Tournament. Pickle, myself, Mr. Furious, Kron and other members of the XG Crew battled it out against other opposing lan centers across North America. The XG Crew took top honors, and in doing so receiving the main prize. An all new ATI X800 video card. The XG Crew, fought tooth and nail to be the #1 lan team across North America.

I want to give mad props to Kron and Mr. Furious for providing a kick ass lan center. Also, this would not be possible without the other members of the XG Crew. Burning Napalm, Aaron176, Mike410, Shoveler, ArmedandHammered and anyone else I might have left out. Great season guys!!

SB, XG, and EB on TV!!

August 11, 2004

Thats right folks, The SB Crew along with the XG Crew and the EB Crew, will be on local TV tonight!! Fox 29 in San Antonio is covering a story on Doom 3, by hitting all the HOT gaming spots in SA. Fox 29 stopped by EB Games Huebner to interview our very own Man U to get his take on the sales of Doom 3!! Soon after, stopping at the our favorite LAN center Xtreme Gaming Cyber Cafe, to interview none other than our esteemed Kron, to see the impact of Doom 3 has on the LAN Center. Kron graciously invited me to be interviewed by Fox 29, to give my take on how Doom 3 rules!! Needless to say the Trifecta Bomb has been dropped on San Antonio tonight by the tight knit family of SB, EB, and XG.

I heard from Cone how impressive Ground Control was for an RTS. Being intrigued by the statement, I decide to give the sequel Ground Control 2 a try at the [url=http://www.goxgaming.com]Xtreme Gaming Cyber Cafe[/url]. First let me point out that the graphics are the most amazing I have seen for an RTS game ever. The game freaking rules with awesome camera dynamics, great gameplay, and incredible graphics. For those of you out there who want to try something a little different, this is the game for you.