Xbox

Men of Valor

April 12, 2005

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/menofvalor/cover.jpg[/floatleft]It is 1965 and the steamy jungles of Vietnam are rife with unrest. You are Dean Shepard, a young African-American Marine stationed in Southeast Asia. It is the beginning of America’s involvement in the conflict between North and South Vietnam, and neither you nor your squad mates know what to expect. Soon, your world will be on fire, and the buddies you played football with will be playing a game of life and death.

At least that is what 2015 want you to think about [i]Men of Valor[/i]. In reality, the game falls far short of the glorified descriptions. From the linear, confined “jungle” maps to the frustratingly dumb A.I., there is much lacking in the gameplay department.

I find it hard to understand how a game based in the jungles of Vietnam can have such confined maps. You will often find yourself running in swallow streams with unclimbable banks. These caused me to suffer horrible flashbacks to the original Crash Bandicoot. Even in the dense jungle areas, the walls encasing the map were blatantly obvious and you can’t even take cover around them. For a game that prides itself in realistically portraying the struggle in Vietnam, this is an unforgivable design flaw. I understand there are limits to the aged [i]Quake III[/i] engine, but that is all the more reason to find another engine for a Vietnam-based shooter.

[floatright]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/menofvalor/ss02_thumb.jpg[/floatright]The A.I. in the game is not intelligent by any means. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by games such as [i]Call of Duty[/i], but I was very disappointed by the combat performance of my squad mates. The friendly A.I. is just not capable of determining the nearest threat. When they have chosen a target, they will continue to shoot at it until it is dead. It is not uncommon for another enemy to run right past a squad mate while your “buddy” is busy trying to shoot a fleeing enemy in the distance. And because your friends are horrible shots, you will often have to kill their targets yourself. In situations like this, I prefer to have no squad mates at all. Games like [i]Halo[/i] and [i]Call of Duty[/i] allow you to trust that your buddy will have your back while you are handling your business. This gives you more time to take your shots. [i]Men of Valor[/i], however, does not succeed in allowing you to trust your squad mates. In fact, I found myself getting killed many times simply because I put too much faith in my teammates and expected them to give me some kindA

Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath

March 22, 2005

Reviews / Xbox / by Ed Zitron /

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/oddworldstrangerswrath/cover.jpg[/floatleft]In the spirit of Lorne Lanning and his unbeatable obtuseness, I have called upon my reserves of Michelob UltraA

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

March 15, 2005

Reviews / Xbox / by Marco Ortega /

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/brothersinarms/cover.jpg[/floatleft]FPS games have come a long way since the good ole days of [i]Castle Wolfenstein[/i] and [i]Goldeneye[/i]. FPS games are slowly evolving into more in-depth character involvement that almost transforms it into role-playing games. They’re not quite there yet as fully immersed role-playing games, but they’re definitely heading towards that direction. The squad-based FPS games are becoming a popular hit with combat-based games. For example, [i]Rainbow Six[/i] set the tone for squad-based FPS games on console systems. With the release of [i]Star Wars: Republic Commando[/i], the newly released [i]Brothers in Arms[/i], and the soon-to-be-released [i]Rainbow Six: Lockdown[/i], squad-based shooters are making their place in the FPS world. But what separates [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] from other squad-based FPS games?

On June 6[sup]th[/sup] , 1944, the United States, along with Canada and Great Britain, launched a major offensive against The Third Reich. [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] puts you into the boots of Sergeant Matt Baker of the 502[sup]nd[/sup] Army Paratroopers. Unlike other games, this game is a real account of Matt Baker who is a real war hero. Some of the men were based upon real men in his squad. You must command your squad in the most effective way possible and destroy your enemies. This is definitely not your regular run and gun FPS game. This is in a totally different column than [i]Halo 2[/i] or even [i]Republic Commando[/i]. Using military tactics will be the only effective way of taking your enemies out and ensuring the survival of you and your men. You will find yourself breaking your controller at times out of frustration. As you begin the game, you are given notes in order to use your military tactics in combat. As you progress, you are shown how to issue orders, how to use your squad to flank the enemy, and maneuver around enemy strongholds.

Issuing your unit orders is basic point-and-click with the use of your left trigger. The orders you can give your unit are suppressing fire, secure a location, or assault a location. By holding the left trigger and pointing to a certain location where an enemy is located, you are issuing the order to give suppressing fire. To assault an enemy unit is basically the same process, only you’re pressing the right trigger as well. In order to know if the enemy is being suppressed and undercover, you are given indicators over the enemy’s location. These indicators are circles which are one of two colors: orange which means they are not suppressed and are firing, and gray which means they are undercover. Positioning your team to give you suppressing fire will allow you or your assault team to flank the enemy and attack them. Using your cover is very crucial to you and your men in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i]. Without the proper cover, you will be killed instantly or you will suffer casualties within your unit. The controls in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] are very user friendly and are similar to that of your regular FPS.

[floatright]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/brothersinarms/ss02_thumb.jpg[/floatright]The development team at Gearbox did an amazing job in capturing the environment. Taking old WWII aerial reconnaissance photos and other WWII photos from towns within Normandy, they recreated towns and locations to be exact in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i]. The graphics teams wanted to make [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] to be historically accurate in every aspect of the game. Usually, console games don’t have the best graphics, but I must say that the graphics are gorgeous and realistic here. The lush green grass and foliage, the towns and buildings, and the vehicles and weapons are very attractive. Looking at the men face to face is fascinating, yet freaky as well. Not to mention this game looks spectacular on a high-definition TV.

The graphics aren’t the only thing that make this game authentic and genuine. The sound used in the environments is just stunning. The WWII weapons actually sound like real weapons. Firing the M1 feels so real in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i]; the sound makes it so authentic that it’s unbelievable. It’s amazing, but every single weapon in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] has its own very unique sound unlike other WWII games. Using submachine guns are much more effective for close combat situations, and rifles are better for ranged combat. The sound effects in [i]Brothers in Arms[/i] are so amazingA

Star Wars Republic Commando

March 10, 2005

Reviews / Xbox / by Marco Ortega /

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/republiccommando/cover.jpg[/floatleft]It was sometime late last year when I first saw a preview for this game. Seeing the in-game footage and the concept behind this game just took me by surprise, and I wanted in. Before I start, we here at Snackbar Games are huge Star Wars fans but have been let down by LucasArts in the past with crappy games. Once [i]Knights of the Old Republic [/i]was released, LucasArts got smart and began to release a couple of games that kept them from sliding down the sucking column. Just to mention a few, [i]KOTOR II[/i], [i]Star Wars: Battlefront[/i], and now [i]Republic Commando[/i]. And it seems that the Star Wars Legos have caught the interest of some in our forums lately.

[i]Republic Commando[/i] throws you into the shoes of a clone squad commander trained especially for covert and tactical missions. The game’s setting take place between [i]Episodes II[/i] and [i]III[/i] of the [i]Star Wars[/i] saga. Just like the game’s catchline says, “The squad is your weapon!” In this high-action FPS, you must learn how to you use your squad in order to be effective. If you dismiss your squad, you will find yourself breaking your controller time and time again. You are Delta three-eight, or what the squad calls you as “Boss,” and you are commanding a unique squad of clones to go behind enemy lines and carry out impossible missions. I know what your thinking, “A unique squad of clones? How can clones be unique?” I don’t know-this is how they made the game. Within your squad, you have Delta four-oh or “Fixer,” who is your hacker and will slice into any security system and computer program you need. Next up is Delta oh-seven or “Sev,” who is a battle-hungry clone who can snipe anything from miles away. And finally you have Delta six-two or “Scorch,” who is your demolition expert who can pretty much blow anything up. As part of the Republic, you are sent on missions that require you to take on countless odds and infiltrate enemy strongholds.

Controlling your squad has never been easier. As you progress through each mission, certain areas will appear with ghostly images of your squad. Just point with your reticle and press the A button to command your squad to move to that location. Each of these commands is carried out in the same fashion. Just point and click. These commands go from manning turrets to taking sniping positions, slicing into security devices, planting explosives, healing your squad, etc. Holding down the A button and using the directional pad will allow you to carry out your orders to secure a certain location, search and destroy, or reform your squad. Hitting your directional pad once allows you to change from weapon to weapon. Weapons come in the form of attachments to your original weapon. Movement, shooting, zooming, and switching grenades have a similar controlling to that of [i]Halo[/i]. It’s safe to say that LucasArts made a very controller-friendly game.

[floatright]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/republiccommando/ss02_thumb.jpg[/floatright]I still haven’t beaten this game, but I have put enough time into it to say that the graphics are well done-not spectacular, but well done. There are very few things in the environment that are interactive and destructive. It’s always very entertaining to look at how other artists design characters from [i]Star Wars[/i]. Seeing the droids and different species come to life in a much-up-close-and-personal setting was cool to experience. The heads-up display really gives you a since of being a clone soldier. When in close combat, you will tend to find enemy blood and guts being sprayed all over your facemask. Also, your HUD will contain squad information and mission objectives.

[i]Star Wars[/i] isn’t [i]Star Wars[/i] without the music and sound effects. The sound of the environments, the droids, the gun blasts, and the voices all have a huge part in [i]Republic Commando[/i], immersing you into this world. The music is always a plus, especially in a heated battle or an intense moment of anticipation. The music is most definitely a sweet addition to the whole commando experience.

The multiplayer of [i]Republic Commando[/i] allows you to customize your clone’s outfit or become a Trandoshan. The multiplayer has a 16-player deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag, and assault. The online multiplayer features split screen but no co-op mode, which in my opinion should’ve been added to the mix.

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/republiccommando/ss05_thumb.jpg[/floatleft]I’m super excited about [i]Republic Commando[/i] and very pleased with what LucasArts has done with this FPS. If you’re looking for a friendly squad-based shoot’em up FPS, this will definitely be your game. Not to mention that it’s [i]Star Wars[/i] and you get blow things up and kill a bunch droids and odd creatures. This is a great game that will keep you entertained for a good while, and definitely is a good change of pace from [i]Halo 2[/i]. These is definitely one of the year’s top FPS games to hit stores, so do yourselves a favor and get this game.

MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf

February 22, 2005

Reviews / Xbox / by Chris Rasco /

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/mechassault2/cover.jpg[/floatleft][i]MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf[/i] is the follow-up game to the wildly successful Mech game that Microsoft launched alongside Xbox Live in November 2002. [i]MechAssault[/i] redefined a genre of games that had typically found their home on high-end PCs with expensive joysticks by making the action fast-paced and bringing online Mech combat to the console gamer. Roughly two years later, does [i]MechAssault 2[/i] improve on its solid foundation, or has the influx of stellar shooters made this game just another Live-enabled shooter?

I was a tiny bit nervous about [i]MA2[/i] when I first got it. I spent a lot of time playing the first MA offline because I didn’t have Live at the time, and I really felt like the game was far too difficult. Lucky for me, Microsoft changed up the basic mechanics of the game, and in the end we have a game that only vaguely resembles its prior version.

The single player campaign in [i]MA2[/i] puts you in the shoes of the MechWarrior-original name, I know. MechWarrior is cruising around the universe with his Cortana-like commander and his token techno sidekick. Our trio happens to get caught in the middle of a battle over some highly powerful data cores. The cores can power a super weapon of sorts, and if the cores fall into the hands of the evil Word of Blake-yet another outstanding name-it could spell doom.

[floatright]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/mechassault2/ss05_thumb.jpg[/floatright]Some of the major changes to the game seem to add a bit of variety to the campaign mode, but it quickly becomes repetitive and no amount of new mechs will save it from its doom. Many of the missions start you out in a battle armor suit that is barely larger than your character. The battle armor is quick, powerful, and also packs a devastating punch in the form of a neurohack. The neurohack allows you to attach yourself to an enemy mech and, through a series of button presses, take the mech to its knees. Typically, you would do this to take control of the mech, but the battle armor has such an advantage over the slower mechs that you may find yourself just neruohacking your opponents until the measly tanks are the only opposition in your way.

[i]MA2[/i] packs virtually the same multiplayer options of the first game. System link, splitscreen, and Live are your methods of madness, and each supports up to 12 players. Game modes include: a deathmatch mode called “destruction”; team deathmatch aptly called “team destruction”; last man standing; last team standing, not it (not it has only one player scoring points for kills while the other players gang up in an attempt to become the next “it”); capture the flag; check it (where you capture and defend a set of checkpoints); snatch it (where you collect a series of objects and return them to your base); and finally, base war (where you must protect a generator inside your base while at the same time destroy the opposing teams generator). [i]MA2[/i] also has an offline “grinder” mode where two teammates fight a never-ending flow of enemies.

[i]MA2[/i] has a large enough variety of gametypes to keep you busy for quite a while. You will also notice that the mech you will be using in each match is determined by the map and not by the player. This forces you to adapt and be fluent with the whole gamut of mechs in order to be a topnotch contender. Being able to adapt your strategy to the mechs available to you will be a key to winning matches. Players can also make use of the VTOL aircraft which will allow you to drop fellow players into battle and operate in more of a support role.

[floatleft]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/reviews/mechassault2/ss10_thumb.jpg[/floatleft]This may all sound great, but my experience on Live with [i]MA2[/i] was that of a waiting game. During peak Live hours, there were maybe 100 games going on, each sporting two to three players waiting for additional players. It got old very quickly. I played a few two-one-one or two-on-two matches and even managed to get a four-on-four game, but before the game launched, the host had dropped. In the three or four hours that I sat on Live attempting to play, I spent the majority of my time running laps in the [i]Lone Wolf[/i] staging area. I highly suggest you make sure a few friends also pick this up before jumping on Live and spending your Friday night waiting to play.

[i]MA2[/i] also debuts a new conquest mode. Conquest mode allows you to affiliate yourself with one of the houses of the inner sphere (think [i]Dune[/i] here). Upon logging in, you see a large map that shows your territory and which areas are currently under attack. Playing through conquest mode will take you through each of the team modes. I didn’t delve too much into conquest mode, as I was far too tired of waiting to spend any more time with this one.

While [i]MA2[/i] is leaps and bounds better than the first [i]MechAssault[/i], I felt the story was completely boring and I spent more time waiting for games to start than I did actually playing them. I enjoyed it, but unless you are a big fan of mech games, this is going to be a rental for you. Mech fans will probably love the changes and fully enjoy conquest mode. The rest of you can carry on with business as usual.

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