Playstation, Playstation Store

Playstation Store Update September 15 2015

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Pre-orders

  • Blood Bowl® 2 ($49.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ FIFA 16 ($59.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ FIFA 16 Deluxe ($69.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE 16 Standard Edition
  • NBA 2K16 ($59.99)
  • NBA 2K16 Michael Jordan Special Edition ($79.99)
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 ($59.99)
  • Transformers Devastation PS4 | PS3)($49.99)
  • WWE 2K16 (PS3 and PS4) ($59.99) Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99)

Bundles

Console Bundles Price
PS3 Dead Or Alive 5 Last Round – Falcom Mashup Set $33.99
PS3 Destiny: The Taken King – Digital Collector’s Edition $79.99
PS3 Destiny: The Taken King – Legendary Edition $59.99
PS3 Destiny: Digital Collector’s Edition Upgrade $19.99
PS3 Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 20th Anniversary Bundle $59.99
PS3 Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 Digital Exclusive Bundle $49.99
PS3 Rocksmith 2014 The Doors Song Pack II $7.99
PS4 Dead Or Alive 5 Last Round – Falcom Mashup Set $33.99
PS4 Destiny: The Taken King – Digital Collector’s Edition $79.99
PS4 Destiny: The Taken King – Legendary Edition $59.99
PS4 Destiny: Digital Collector’s Edition Upgrade $19.99
PS4 Onechanbara Z2: Chaos — Gullwings $2.99
PS4 Onechanbara Z2: Chaos — Kitten $0.99
PS4 Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 20th Anniversary Bundle $69.99
PS4 Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 Digital Exclusive Bundle $59.99
PS4 Rocksmith 2014 The Doors Song Pack II $7.99

PS4 Games

  • Arcade Archives Solomon’s Key ($7.99)
  • Bombing Busters ($6.99)
  • Destiny: The Taken King – Digital Collector’s Edition ($79.99)
  • Destiny: The Taken King – Legendary Edition ($59.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16 ($59.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16 Deluxe Edition ($69.99)
  • Flame Over ($11.99)
  • Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight (Free to Play)
  • Kitten Squad (Free to Play)
  • Knock-Knock ($9.99)
  • Overruled! ($14.99/PS+ $7.50)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 ($59.99)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 20th Anniversary Bundle ($69.99)

PS3 Games

  • Destiny: The Taken King – Digital Collector’s Edition ($79.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® Legacy Edition ($59.99)
  • Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight (Free to Play)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 ($49.99)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 20th Anniversary Bundle ($59.99)

PS4 Add-ons

Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

  • Ayane & Fie ($2.99)
  • Christie & Zava ($2.99)
  • Helena & Clotilde ($2.99)
  • Hitomi & Tita ($2.99)
  • Honoka & Renne ($2.99)
  • Kasumi & Alisa ($2.99)
  • Kokoro & Rixia ($2.99)
  • Leifang & Estelle ($2.99)
  • Lisa & Scherazard ($2.99)
  • Marie Rose & Tio ($2.99)
  • Mila & Noel ($2.99)
  • Momiji & Feena ($2.99)
  • Nyotengu & Reah ($2.99)
  • Falcom Mashup – Phase 4 & Altina ($2.99)
  • Rachel & Dela ($2.99)
  • Tina & Mail ($2.99)

Destiny

  • The Taken King – Legendary Edition ($39.99)

Evolve

  • Behemoth Moonstone Skin ($2.99)

Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight

  • Anna ($2.99)
  • Avalanche ($49.99)
  • Blizzard ($29.99)
  • Elsa ($2.99)
  • Flurry ($4.99)
  • Full Set of Lives ($0.99)
  • Hans ($1.99)
  • Kristoff ($2.99)
  • Marshmallow ($4.99)
  • Multiplayer Character Pack ($19.99)
  • Olaf ($2.99)
  • Pabbie ($1.99)
  • Queen Elsa ($2.99)
  • Sven ($2.99)
  • Squall ($19.99)
  • Small Pack of Hourglasses ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Ice Picks ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Power-Ups ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Snowballs ($0.99)
  • Medium Pack of Hourglasses ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Ice Picks ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Power-Ups ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Snowballs ($4.99)
  • Medium Set of Lives ($4.99)
  • Multiplayer Character Pack ($19.99)
  • Large Pack of Hourglasses ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Ice Picks ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Power-Ups ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Snowballs ($9.99)
  • Large Set of Lives ($9.99)

Quiplash

  • Quip Pack 1 ($0.99)

Rocksmith 2014 Edition

  • The Doors – Break On Through (To the Other Side) ($2.99)
  • The Doors – L.A. Woman ($2.99)
  • The Doors – People Are Strange ($2.99)

PS3 Add-ons

Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

  • Ayane & Fie ($2.99)
  • Christie & Zava ($2.99)
  • Helena & Clotilde ($2.99)
  • Hitomi & Tita ($2.99)
  • Honoka & Renne ($2.99)
  • Kasumi & Alisa ($2.99)
  • Kokoro & Rixia ($2.99)
  • Leifang & Estelle ($2.99)
  • Lisa & Scherazard ($2.99)
  • Marie Rose & Tio ($2.99)
  • Mila & Noel ($2.99)
  • Momiji & Feena ($2.99)
  • Nyotengu & Reah ($2.99)
  • Falcom Mashup – Phase 4 & Altina ($2.99)
  • Rachel & Dela ($2.99)
  • Tina & Mail ($2.99)

Destiny

  • The Taken King ($39.99)

Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight

  • Anna ($2.99)
  • Avalanche ($49.99)
  • Blizzard ($29.99)
  • Elsa ($2.99)
  • Flurry ($4.99)
  • Full Set of Lives ($0.99)
  • Hans ($1.99)
  • Kristoff ($2.99)
  • Marshmallow ($4.99)
  • Multiplayer Character Pack ($19.99)
  • Olaf ($2.99)
  • Pabbie ($1.99)
  • Queen Elsa ($2.99)
  • Sven ($2.99)
  • Squall ($19.99)
  • Small Pack of Hourglasses ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Ice Picks ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Power-Ups ($0.99)
  • Small Pack of Snowballs ($0.99)
  • Medium Pack of Hourglasses ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Ice Picks ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Power-Ups ($4.99)
  • Medium Pack of Snowballs ($4.99)
  • Medium Set of Lives ($4.99)
  • Multiplayer Character Pack ($19.99)
  • Large Pack of Hourglasses ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Ice Picks ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Power-Ups ($9.99)
  • Large Pack of Snowballs ($9.99)
  • Large Set of Lives ($9.99)

Quiplash

  • Quip Pack 1 ($0.99)

Rocksmith 2014 Edition

  • The Doors – Break On Through (To the Other Side) ($2.99)
  • The Doors – L.A. Woman ($2.99)
  • The Doors – People Are Strange ($2.99)

PS Vita Add-ons

Samurai Warriors: Chronicles 3

  • Samurai News 12 (FREE)

Themes

Console Theme Price
PS4 Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Big Ben Theme $1.99
PSP NFL: Arizona Cardinals Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Atlanta Falcons Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Baltimore Ravens Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Buffalo Bills Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Carolina Panthers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Chicago Bears Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Cincinnati Bengals Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Dallas Cowboys Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Denver Broncos Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Detroit Lions Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Green Bay Packers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Houston Texans Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Indianapolis Colts Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Miami Dolphins Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Minnesota Vikings Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: New England Patriots Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: New Orleans Saints Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: New York Giants Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: New York Jets Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Oakland Raiders Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Philadelphia Eagles Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: San Diego Chargers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: San Francisco 49ers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Seattle Seahawks Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: St. Louis Rams Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Tennessee Titans Theme $1.49
PSP NFL: Washington Redskins Theme $1.49
PS4 Rock Boshers Dx – Dynamic Theme $2.49
PS4 Seabird – Dynamic Theme $1.99
PS4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Geralt & Ciri Theme $0.00
Anime, Gaming, Hatsune Miku, Project Diva, Project Diva F, Project Diva F2nd, Project Mirai, Project Mirai Deluxe, Project Mirai DX, Review, Video Games, Vocaloid, Vocaloids

Hatsune Miku on the 3DS! Project Mirai DX review

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Hatsune Miku on the 3DS! Project Mirai DX reviewBy Stella Rice

 

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX is a rhythm game for the Nintendo DS featuring Hatsune Miku and other Crypton Future Media Vocaloids. If you aren’t familiar with Vocaloids, Hatsune Miku is essentially a Japanese virtual pop-idol whose singing voice comes from a voice synthesizer program. Originally, the game was set to release in May 2015 but was delayed until September. Since the release date was delayed, a special Launch Edition is available for North America which comes with a Hatsune Miku wallet keychain and an AR card set.  The game is going for $39.99 USD and well worth the price!

Initially, I was afraid the game wouldn’t meet my expectations. I’ve pretty much played the pants off of Project Diva F/F2nd on PS Vita so I didn’t know what to expect from the 3DS. However, I’m far from disappointed with my purchase. Packed with features, Project Mirai offers a variety of playing modes. The rhythm game includes 48 full length tracks with two modes (button and tap) as well as three difficulties: Easy, Normal, and Hard. There is not an Extreme difficulty, but I do have to say Hard mode is actually, well, hard!  Aside from the rhythm game you have a “Hang out” mode where you can call Miku, Rin, Len, Luka, Meiko or Kaito to hang out. There are also cameo visits from Gumi where she gives you game tips and presents. “Hang out” mode is more than patting the Vocaloids on the head, giving them presents, or being a creeper who watches as they dance around in their room (as those who have played Project Diva  are familiar with).  You can interact with the Vocaloids by giving them snacks, playing mini games, or even giving them an allowance (which I have yet to figure out what the allowance actually does).  Outside of “Hang out” you can dress-up your Vocaloid, remodel their rooms, play Puyo Puyo 39 against other players or Vocaloids, and even create your own tunes using voice samples and sounds on a mini keyboard feature. This option is also available in the rhythm game while watching music videos. But wait, there’s more! You can take your Vocaloid around the main map to go shopping in the department store (where your Vocaloid companion will model outfits for you, and you can purchase furniture or snacks), visit the dance studio to edit dances, or go to the AR Station to put those Launch Edition AR cards to use.  With all these features you’ll definitely find it hard to put the game away.

Since Project Mirai comes on a 3DS you can choose to play in 3D or 2D (if the 3D option feels too harsh on your eyes). My favorite aspect of the game is you don’t have to wait forever in a load screen since songs load fairly fast. You can also choose help items, character outfits, and sound options in the song select screen so you can go directly to the song without encountering another options screen before playing. The Vocaloids are all “Nendoroid” designed but the chibi appearance doesn’t diminish the graphics of the game; the characters are far from blocky and rigid. The singing voices are also clear and sound less mechanical.  Remember when you were first introduced to Vocaloids and they all sounded like robots? I feel like each song has been remastered and cleaned up to give the best sound and voice. The attention to detail is also spectacular particularly in the dance moves and lip sync; all the vowels match up. It’s all just… so darn cute!

To be honest, I’m not really a DS player so mastering the game play is difficult since I’m not used to the button layout, however, this doesn’t detract from all the fun I’ve had playing it. Icons appear on a line that flows throughout the song winding into different shapes or moving across the screen. For the most part, the line is continuous but the harder the mode, the more the line will separate or shift across the screen. Difficulty determines how many different icon buttons you’ll see in a song:
Button Mode
Easy:AB
Normal: ABY + Direction Pad
Hard: ABYX + Direction Pad

Tap Mode
Easy: Pink
Normal: Blue, Pink + Swipe
Hard: Blue, Pink, Yellow + Swipe
*** There is an option to change the colors for each mode so you’re not committed to these colors***

Difficulty also determines the amount of notes, speed, and variety of icons that are displayed (as with any Hatsune Miku game).  In hard mode you’ll have to hold down a button and push different directions all at the same time; you’ll definitely have a coordination workout! At the end of the song you are graded based on your performance. You can increase your score by gaining an extra “Spin bonus” or hitting all the SP notes that appear intermittently throughout the song. You never actually “complete” the song unless you get 100% of the notes but no worries; to keep you motivated the Vocaloid singer will encourage you with every 100 notes you hit. Never forget Project Mirai is a rhythm game so just go with the groove!

The shortcoming of the game is that there is no Extreme mode.  The game does make up for it by offering a Super Hard mode for select songs, but it’s not offered for the entire track list.   I’m also not very fond of the Nendoroid design.  While it looks adorable it doesn’t match the mature content of certain Vocaloid videos. This contrast doesn’t sit well with me when characters, dance moves, or costume, somewhat sexualized.  However, I keep in mind Project Mirai plays on a 3DS; a gaming system meant to be “family friendly” so the chibi style does feel like the best fit for the system. My last qualm I have with the game is that you already get the costumes for the songs.  While this is totally awesome because you get the full effect of the video right off the bat, I think it diminishes the replay value.  Why start buying costumes at the costume shop when I already have the costume? Why bust my buttons for points to spend in the store? Fortunately, I can use all the points I earn to buy room furniture and snacks for my Vocaloid but I remember always having fun earning points to purchase a costume.

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX will definitely keep you entertained for hours on end.  I beat the game in less than a day, however, there are so many features that keep me coming back. I recommend this game to anyone who loves rhythm games and to all Vocaloid fans.
What do you guys think of the game?  Do you plan to buy it? What’s your favorite track? Let us know what you think!

Playstation, Playstation Store

PlayStation Store update September 8, 2015

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Here you are guys, the Play Station Store update for this week! Enjoy!

Pre-orders

  • Blood Bowl ($49.99)
  • Destiny: The Taken King – Digital Collector’s Edition ($79.99)
  • Destiny: The Taken King – Legendary Edition ($59.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16 ($59.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16 Deluxe Edition ($69.99)
  • EA SPORTS™ NHL® 16 Super Deluxe Edition ($99.99)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 ($59.99)
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 ($59.99)
  • Transformers Devastation PS4 | PS3)($49.99)
  • WWE 2K16 (PS3 and PS4) ($59.99) Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99)

PS4 Demos

  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

PS4 Games

  • Arcade Archives A-JAX ($7.99)
  • Ascendant ($9.99)
  • Beyond Eyes ($14.99)
  • Broken Sword 5 – the Serpent’s Curse ($24.99)
  • Hyper Void ($9.99)
  • Leo’s Fortune – HD Edition ($6.99)
  • Rugby World Cup 2015 ($59.99)
  • Tearaway™ Unfolded Full Game Pre-Order ($39.99)

PS3 Games

  • Rugby World Cup 2015 ($59.99)

PS Vita Games

  • Fat City

PS4 Add-ons

Awesomenauts Assemble!

  • Coco Nebulon Announcer ($2.99)
  • Gnariachi Skin ($7.99)
  • Loninator Skin ($4.99)
  • Nibbs Character ($1.49)
  • Voltar Bonaparte Skin ($2.99)
  • Wildlife Announcer ($4.99)
  • Wraithlord Scoop Announcer ($3.99)
  • Battle Nibbs Skins ($4.99)

Dragon Age: Inquisition

  • Trespasser ($14.99)

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3

  • DLC Pack 1 (Cross-buy) ($7.99)

Rocksmith 2014 Edition

  • The All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects – Move Along ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects Song Pack ($7.99)

War Thunder

  • James Prendergast’s Spitfire FR MK XIVE ($29.99)
  • James Plagis’ Spitfire FR MK IXC ($24.99)

PS3 Add-ons

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3

  • DLC Pack 1 (Cross-buy) ($7.99)

Rocksmith 2014 Edition

  • The All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects – Move Along ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects – Dirty Little Secret ($2.99)
  • The All-American Rejects Song Pack ($7.99)

PS Vita Add-ons

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3

  • DLC Pack 1 (Cross-buy) ($7.99)

Samurai Warriors: Chronicles 3

  • Samurai News 11 (FREE)

Themes

Platform Theme Price
PS4 1 Attack On Titan Eren Yeager Dynamic Theme 2 $2.99
PS4 1 Dynamic American City Chicago Skyline Theme $3.49
PS4 1 Dynamic American City NYC Skyline Theme $3.49
PS4 1 Dynamic Halloween Jester Skull Theme $3.49
PS4 1 Dynamic Pirate Halloween Skull Theme $3.49
PS4 1 Dynamic Purple Smoke Theme $3.49
PS4 1 Dynamic USA Skull Theme $3.49
PS4 2 Dynamic American City Chicago Theme $3.49
PS4 2 Dynamic Colored Smoke Theme Purp $3.49
PS4 3 Dynamic Zombie Attack Theme $3.49
PS4 4 Abstract Dynamic Theme $3.49
PS4 A Dynamic Cloudy Snow Covered Mountains In Chile Theme $2.99
PS4 A Dynamic Colorful Film Leader Theme $4.99
PS4 A Dynamic Couple With A Dog On Cannon Beach At Sunset Theme $2.99
PS4 Aspen Comics: Damsels In Excess Theme $2.99
PS4 Attack On Titan Cadet Dynamic Theme $2.99
PS4 Attack On Titan Mikasa Rain Dynamic Theme $2.99
PS4 Audio Theme Series Zombie Invasion $2.99
PS4 Solar Horizon – Tikipod Dynamic Theme $2.49
PS3 1 Space Dynamic Theme $2.99
PS3 A Moon And The Stars Dynamic Theme $2.99
PS3 Electricity Dynamic Theme $2.99
PS Vita Aliens Theme $2.99
PS Vita Beautiful Nebula Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Arizona Cardinals Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Atlanta Falcons Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Baltimore Ravens Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Buffalo Bills Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Carolina Panthers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Chicago Bears Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Cincinnati Bengals Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Cleveland Browns Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Dallas Cowboys Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Denver Broncos Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Detroit Lions Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Green Bay Packers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Houston Texans Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Indianapolis Colts Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Miami Dolphins Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Minnesota Vikings Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: New England Patriots Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: New Orleans Saints Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: New York Giants Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: New York Jets Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Oakland Raiders Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Philadelphia Eagles Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: San Diego Chargers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: San Francisco 49ers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Seattle Seahawks Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: St. Louis Rams Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Tennessee Titans Theme $2.99
PS Vita NFL: Washington Redskins Theme $2.99
PS Vita Zombie 2 Theme $2.99

Avatars

Platform Avatar Price
PS3 A Fighter 2 $0.99
PS3 A Warrior 3 $0.99
PS3 Black And White Skull $0.99
PS3 Elf 2 $0.99
PS3 Elf 3 $0.99
games
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Mad Max Review
By UNDED
            Developed by Avalanche Studios, the great minds behind the Just Cause series, Mad Max is neither adapted from the film, nor is a standalone game. Mad Max straddles both worlds by taking cues from the universe as a whole more so than just the movies, and at the same time trying not to let that cannon dictate how the story plays out. It’s very odd but as a game to be enjoyed, Mad Max does its job, and does it well.
Mad Max follows Max, not Tom Hardy, not Charlize Theron, and sure as hell not Mel Gibson. Don’t get it twisted. It starts out with him getting stripped of his car, named the black on black. Meeting up with Chum Bucket, a freaky little creature of a man that’s quite the gear head, Max is quickly convinced by Chum that he can be helped in making a new car to better survive the wasteland. The ‘you-scratch-my-back-I-scratch-yours’ theme follows heavily in this game with every ally you meet, including a dog you save from dying simply named Dog. From then on you are taken to Chums base of operations and start working on the Magnum Opus, a vehicle Chum has been saving which needs a lot of love. Chums compound is quickly overrun and destroyed by Scrotus. I’m not making that up, they are really named that. The game takes a couple hours to get started with you and Chum being ushered into the main map which has five large areas. These five areas are named after the raider who has the most influence, the first of which being Jeet. The scrotus terrorize the areas by command of Deep Friah, who resides in the main city, Gastown. Once in the main area, you must build the Magnum Opus using scrap metal found around the map. Scrap metal is used to build everything, even your skills so it is for all intents and purposes, the currency.
The story in Mad Max is probably the weakest part of this game. It’s blatantly obvious that what little bit is there is only meant to keep you exploring, fighting, and surviving. To continue on with upgrading the Magnum Opus, you must first find a new base of operations. That’s where Jeet comes in. In order to stay at Jeets compound, you must help him with the Scrotus occupancy in the area. All the areas have danger levels of 5, and you must liberate the territory by destroying enemy strongholds, tearing down towers meant to scare the locals called Scarecrows, and locating landmines using your new pal, simply named Dog. All while collecting scrap to upgrade you and your car.
I can honestly say that the gameplay of Mad Max was the biggest surprise for me and thankfully the best part of the game. There isn’t a whole lot of original ideas here, in fact the combat is ripped straight out of Arkham Asylum, destroying enemy strongholds is very reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed, and even scouting the areas is very much Far Cry-esque. The only thing about scouting the areas is that it is not automatic. You use a hot air balloon to raise yourself into the sky and you must use your binoculars to manually scout the area for dangers. This was a nice little touch that I greatly appreciated. It made me feel like I was actually looking out for enemies and after the third or fourth time scouting areas, I could drive to almost anywhere in Jeets territory without needing to set a way point. The combat isn’t bad but like Arkham Asylum and Shadow of Mordor, when you’re facing multiple enemies a Triangle/Y will flash above an enemy’s head who’s about to hit you. As with scouting the area the notification above enemies’ heads wasn’t an original idea, but I’m glad it was there because often times I would walk through a doorway and all I would see is that flashing light. I was hit in the face so many times because it genuinely surprised me, and I didn’t react. Unlike in most games, it wasn’t an unnecessary mechanic. In fact, it was used well. Because of the unpredictable flow of combat and not knowing when I was going to be ambushed, one of the first things I did in the game was scout out and defeat every one of the enemy strongholds. It was a genuine pleasure to drive up and not know what you were going to face. Most stronghold interactions would go like this; upon arriving I would be shot at by a sniper that I had to take out immediately, and then towers would fling fireballs at me, which I had to take down with a harpoon that was attached to my car. Sometimes the entrance to the stronghold would be blocked by a wall of fire so I had to attach the harpoon to the gas tank that was supplying this wall of fire and bring it down. Crashing through the gate, I may or may not be surrounded by enemies. If I had been my first priority would be to take down the War Crier, an enemy that was suspended in air from a crane that would scream and yell and get the enemy’s riled up. If I didn’t take him out with a shotgun blast in time, the enemies would be ‘buffed’ and it would be much harder for hand on hand combat. Even after I had upgraded my car and my melee skills, it was still a bit of a challenge to get through the strongholds. The driving in Mad Max was also really fun. You‘d think driving through a wasteland would be boring but the dips and hills and fragile rocks that you could drive through made traveling all the much more enjoyable. It was the kind of terrain I wish I could actually drive a buggy through. To help build up your strength when you have been injured you must either find pipes with spouts and fill up your canteen with water, or find cans of dog food lying around. The nastiest way to regain health is to find a dead body with maggots on it, and eat the maggot’s. Yum!!!
There is an undertone to Mad Max that I didn’t originally see, but the more I thought about it the more I enjoyed my time in the wasteland. There is no specific year for when this happens (not that it matters), but all you can tell about the time period, is the terrain. I didn’t notice it at first but a lot of the strongholds that you try to find scrap in, are actually old rusted ships. Some are the size of crab fishing boats, some look like they could have been cruise liners. I didn’t pay it no mind until I was driving through the terrain and I found myself enjoying smashing through very fragile rock formations. I also love to drive through patches of what looked like dried out vines because they would kick up huge clouds of black dust. There are pipes elevated above the ground, there are bridges that are broken and crumbled. I didn’t realize until way too late when I was NOT playing the game that the wasteland is actually the bottom of the ocean. This revelation blew my mind. It made sense now. The fragile rock formations that I love to drive through were coral reef, the pipes that I drove under were oil pipes, which means the main city Gastown is most likely a recycled oil rig. I had no idea and it was never once mentioned by anyone. The more time you spend in game the more you come across ‘relics’, old photographs from before the apocalypse. Again, the more I thought about it the more I realized that I only ever found these in old rusty ships. The thought that these photographs of families, of houses, of people’s lives were all inside luggage from sunken ships is astounding. Even the name of the currency used to upgrade your gear, “scrap”, is ironic. I would never kill someone for pieces of metal that don’t mean anything, but in this wasteland where resources are scarce it really drives home the idea that you are absolutely surviving by any means necessary. Like I said the more I thought about it, the darker this game seems. As action packed as the movie was, you never feel it sitting in that world for two and a half hours. Only in the medium of video games can you truly experience helplessness.
Summary