DEVELOPER: Edge of Reality
PUBLISHER: Edge of Reality
SYSTEM: Windows PC
PRICE: Free Download
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Most modern shooters sport serious militaristic combat in realistic environments, so it's refreshing to see a shooter that doesn't take itself seriously. Enter "Loadout," a surrealistic ultra-violent frag fest that features online-only 4v4 arena matches with the coolest weapon mods I've ever seen.
Before I continue, let's get the free-to-play bit out of the way. Players can download and play this game for free or pay $20 to get 20K Steambux (the game's currency), exclusive Steampunk goggles, a hi-tech harness and a magazine rig. These items are mostly time savers and don't give paying players much of and advantage over non-paying ones.
While this game may look like Team Fortress at first glance, it only takes a few minutes of over-the-top cartoon violence to see that it has it's own personality. Watching the unusual characters blow each other up with crazy weaponry reminds me of a cross between "Looney Tunes" and "Mad Max."
Of course, the weapons are the stars of the show, not only because the options are so unusual, but also because the weapons are so customizable. Base weapons refer to the style of weapon players begin with, and that includes Launchers and Rifles as well as Beam and Pulse weapons. Then it's up to players to customize everything from the stock and scope to the barrel and magazine. It's tons of fun to experiment with weapon combos such as fusing flame rounds with the pulse weapon or healing with lightening rounds.
My main complaint is that the matchmaking doesn't work very well. It's frustrating to try to enter a 4v4 match only to be placed in a 1v1. It would also be nice if there were more outfits available by default so I didn't have to pay real money just to look remotely unique.
"Loadout" is a fast-paced, violent, funny shooter that's definitely worth a try.
'Tomb Raider: GOTY Edition' is a Great Bargain
DEVELOPER: Crystal Dynamics
PUBLISHER: Square Enix
SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
PRICE: $29.99
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 5.0 stars (out of 5)
Lara Croft's first outing on the original PlayStation helped introduce 3D gaming to the world, but several sequels fell flat on their face. Now the series has undergone a much-needed reboot, and the new "Tomb Raider" is intense, fun and engaging! The GOTY edition features all of the previously downloadable content included for free.
Lara's story begins as she abandons a sinking ship and awakens on a remote island. She feels cold and alone and quickly discovers the hardships of enduring both the remote wilderness and merciless natives. This isn't the spunky spelunker that gamers have come to know, and Lara soon transforms from an innocent, wide-eyed archeologist to a hardened survivalist.
It doesn't take long for Lara to discover that she has to kill to survive. On one hand, she must hunt animals for sustenance, and on the other she is forced to kill humans before they kill her. I really appreciate how she is sickened by both acts at the beginning because it adds authenticity to her character.
Four main weapons are at her disposal throughout the game: a compound bow, pistol, shotgun and automatic rifle. My favorite weapon is the bow because it lets Lara silently take out enemies, which lets players use a stealthy approach if they choose. Another great addition is the ability to upgrade all weapons with various accoutrements such as a larger clip, extra damage and even a secondary fire feature!
In addition to combat and linear mission objectives, Lara is tasked with a wide variety of adventuresome activities that include searching for hidden documents and artifacts, rescuing members of her crew and even finding hidden tombs. While there aren't many blatant puzzles, simply finding her way around the island or discovering new areas equates to built-in puzzles.
When you combine the low price with the downloadable content, "Tomb Raider: GOTY Edition," ends up as a fantastic game at a fantastic bargain!
REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM
5 stars = Must Have
4 stars = Very Good
3 stars = Above Average
2 stars = Bargain Bin
1 star = Don't Bother
RATINGS KEY
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: (Everyone)
E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)
T: Teen (13 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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