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Halo (Xbox)
by Thebaker50
Halo is a first person shoooter game set in space. The game starts off pretty cleverly. You see some scientists (or technicians, I am not totally sure) open a cyrogenic box of some sort, and pull you out. Then they say stuff like "sorry to wake you sir, but we need you", and "your reflexs may be a bit funny because of the ... sleep, can you just turn to the left and right for me" and then you practice all the controls. After this you then start to do various things like any bog standard introduction level, but around halfway through, aliens suddenly attack, and you have to run away, crouch under things, and make your way to the bridge (at this point you still have not been given a gun, so you can't just shoot them all).
Once you get to a bridge, you are given a gun, and are told to get off the ship with the ships AI system. You then fight your way through aliens (convenent), and take some allied soldiers with you as well. You must fight your way through to the dropships, and escape.
Once you escape, you get onto the alien world, and you must regather your troops, and find out whats going on. You eventually work out that there are an ancient weapon system, called a Halo Ring, with the power to destroy planets, and that you must know find their location (break into alien places, steal details, that sort of thing), go there, and win it. Then find the hidden entrance to the halo rings (this is where I have got to, once you get in, suddenly you must go find the general urgently, but I have no idea why, just had to turn it off and haven't played it since).
The game features a variety of guns (but not a huge variety, 1 missile launcher, 1 sniper, 1 assault rifle, and a few alien laser weapons). But to be honest, it doesn't feel lacking in that respect. The plot is very original, and awesome. The gameplay is a bit sort of "shoot your way through waves of aliens" but this games plot is so strong it makes up for it. The only bit I don't like are the "invisible aliens". I just hate invisible stuff on games, i find it very annoying.
There are also some vehicles that you can commandeer, from jeeps with machine guns, ghost riders, etc. Although I found that I haven't had a chance to drive some of them because aliens get in them before I have a chance to get in, which sometimes is a bit annoying.
One last annoying thing about this game is the multiplayer. For some reason you can't add bots onto multiplayer, so max you can have is 4 players on one system (which isn't that good, and if there is just two of you, it feels a bit boring). Also because of the stupid xbox live payment, if you do not have live, you cannot play online (I hate xbox live so much, its another game ruined by xbox live as there is little/no support for the older games).
So in summary, a very good game singleplayer, and a must play. But due to microsofts greed for stuff like xbox live, its truly ruined by not being able to play online.
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Quantum Redshift (Xbox)
by AverageJoseph
Created by the designer of the fairly well known racing series 'Wipeout', comes another version with a new coat of paint. Only found on Xbox, Quantum Redshift doesn't really differ from the genre that worked well enough to sell games and keep people happy. Unlike WO though, QR sees the ideology of the race shift into a more offensive, ... slower tournament. It makes use of all the buttons and controls when racing, without being complicated. In fact its one of the simplest racing games because although there is damage to your vehicle or SPARC's as they are called in game, you go so fast that crashing only serves to slow you down (theres not real brake button), the damage comes from everyone else. Each SPARC has the exact same configurations, capabilities, and controls - 3 weapons, boost, accelerate, power-slide and directional moves for both analogue stick and d-pad. Throughout races you can also pause like most games, change the camera/rear view (black or white button) and handily 'reset' your racer to a stable area of the track, should you go the wrong way, get stuck, be the victim of a rare glitch or just do it for the hell of it.
From the main menu, you have the choice of what mode: Tournament, Time Attack, Quick Race, Multiplayer, Options and Demos. The tournament mode starts with your selection of 1 of 16 characters (most are unlockable) each with a specific rivalry with another. They also span several nationalities, something not many games do, with most speaking in their native tongue (subtitles are included). While the manual and conversations between rivals may build up their personalities slightly, there isn't really much story other than 'I'm the best' or banging on about destiny. Each person gains momentum from racing in their home town too. Time attack is self explanatory - race around a track trying to get a good time. Quick race is just a standard one off race between 5 AI's (which all races consist of). Multiplayer though, allows for 4 player split screen - not a pleasant site having a tiny quarter of your television, but those familiar with this one have any real beefs - its a laugh for a quick party game.
At the beginning of the race, you start with a small amount of 'boost' to use at your convenience like nitros. Then there are the 5 power ups. Keeping it simple, the main weapon powerups are in primary colours - red for homing rockets, yellow for shields, blue for non-homing like machine guns. Each of these sections can only be used when gaining a powerup and when your craft is upgraded via points won from races, can be maxed out to handle 3 in each slot. The Star powerup offers all 3 colours and the microchip merely gives you more points to finish with. The Boost can also be upgraded further. When you or an opponent fires at an enemy, a notice appears saying 'Attack Warning' followed by 3 beeps. This allows for a player to quickly activate the shields option to take the brunt of the damage. When a players health diminishes, the craft explodes and thats the end of that. This is something I found particularly fun, especially as you gain a huge amount of points for doing so, an even greater number should you destroy your nemesis. Of course this does have its draw backs. Should you be second, you run the risk of missing both killing the leader and taking 1st place on the podium.
During the time, custom soundtracks had only just been implemented into Xbox games, a frankly wonderful idea as there are so many games with absolute garbage for background scores. QR doesn't necessarily have a bad one (Gonna crush ya) but the temptation to revert to your own music is just too much to bear. If you delve into the options, you'll find that you can alter the number of laps required in races (1-5). Race tracks are quite decent to look at now and again too.. although most of the time you're going way too fast to notice. The environments vary greatly depending on where abouts in the world you are - while the actual tracks themselves are mostly concrete grimness with brief glimpses of nature overcoming the course. You can even exploit certain areas and jumps by going over obstacles and finding hidden shortcuts. If I'm not mistaken, there is a very valuable move you can pull off which sacrifices all of your powerups to release a homing nuke to an opposing ship - very handy!
In summary Quantum Redshift is a fun game to play when you don't want to be seriously staring down a sniper scope or immersed in a deep story. Its practically an arcade game.
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Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes (Xbox)
by AverageJoseph
For me, Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes was a rare impulse buy - after hearing good things about the original game from friends, the images on the back and the 4 ratings on the front cover (Official Xbox Magazine rated ELITE, 9.0/10 "A must have title", E3's Editors Choice for best in show 2005, dubbed "One of the Xbox's best ... offerings". Only available on Microsoft's Xbox console, Online Enabled (for a now defunct Xbox Live service), KUFH was developed by Phantagram and Blue Side Studios, both creators of the predecessor KUF 'The Crusade', a game which it doesn't differ much from. This time, you get more different characters with brand new story-lines, new troops, maps and a generally better battle system. While there are 7 characters to choose from in the beginning, each ones story is fairly short and consist of around 10 main plot battles and 5 optional ones for further experience and gold. Regardless of its short single player experiences, KUFH became one of my favorite Xbox titles due to its addictive customisation and accumulation of troops as well as its strenuous learning curve. Rated 12+ by PEGI due to a fair amount of fantasy violence and the odd curse.
STORY
The game is a prequel to KUFTC, 5 years before the Encablossa war (an everyone for themselves type continental peril) accurately dubbed 'The Beginning of Chaos. Dependant on which character you choose, the story can be broken down into 2 sections, practically of good and evil. The human alliance involves pushing back the hordes of orcs and sneaky dark elves, and take the castle stronghold of Arein, where the vampire lord dwells. The dark legion is more about the defence of the castle, acquiring new allies and keeping them on a leash while you try to usurp them and their land. It spans across several areas of the continent Bersia known as Hexter, Vellond, Hironeiden, Ecclesia and Azilla, occupied specifically by each set of races, tribes and armies. One constant in the story however is the plan of Valdemar called 'The appeasement of Vellond' which sees his armies strike deals with neutral forces and crush enemy resistance. Another reoccurring noteworthy plot item is the 'Ancient Heart', an artifact of unknown origin and religious importance. Once thing is certain however, everyone fights, everyone dies, civil war is rife throughout.
CHARACTERS
The Human Alliance
Rupert (Hard) - Wielding a two handed war hammer, this savage man fights for his human homeland of Hironeiden, with slow but strong attacks and a high defence. A companion of the 'good' characters from past games. Only made available when one of the human storylines are complete.
Ellen - a half elf character, using a swift sword was an Ecclesian army captain, later turncoat, who focuses on multiple blows, fast attacking and mana regeneration. Wife of the Crusaders main character Gerald, who she befriends and follows under his command.
Walter - Found on the PAL front cover of the game is a holy warrior with a mighty mace and shield. A man of faith, almost cult like belief, utilizing spells for healing and improvements. His God Encablosa whispers to him on occasion, forcing his hand to commit terrible deeds to prove loyalty, making this campaign a tough journey about religion.
The Dark Legion
Cirith - A beautiful dark elf whose story is mostly based on family ties and military orders, which end up with the task of stealing the 'ancient heart'. Her attacks are rather weak but incredibly fast, using a katar as her main weapon.
Morene (Nightmare) - A half vampire whose raw beauty is only matched by her brutal mindset. Dressed in the most revealing outfit ever seen, she sees to the needs of the King of Vellond, Valdemar, Leinheart's father, and is sent to dispatch various troops with her bone blade, as well as keep a close eye on the dark prince. Like Walter, one of 2 story-lines must be finished before being unlocked.
Urukubarr (Hell) - The mightiest ogre of the tribal chieftains. A defender of the ogre land Hexter, Urukubarr faces the toughest campaign in the game, making peace with the vampire lord, only to discover their intentions are far worse than first thought. He uses his bare hands to tear into enemy troops and is only available to play when Morene's story has been completed.
Leinhart - Son of the vampire lord, and prince of Vellond, Leinhart is a half-blood sporting a deadly longsword. His task is to unite the orc tribes of Hexter in an attempt to gain a powerful ally, but soon enough he takes up a supportive role to the mighty Regnier. Fairly quick attacks with good rhythm and hilariously devious conversations make this my personal favourite character.
Each character has they're own specific move set, with steady controls of A as a strong attack, X for quick hits, B special moves and Y special attacks. Most of which can be combined for devastating moves that can plough through droves of enemies at once or just be visually gruesome. They all have fairly different storys that don't always necessarily tie into the past games, nor do they always come across each other in battle. Your beloved heroes are not alone on their journeys either, accompanied by captains and generals beneath and above you. Devald, my particular favorite wingman, is an undead lich, that always refers to Leinheart as 'Milord' and tries to suggest the best course of action when battle ensues or is considered unnecessary. He is often brushed off as an annoyance and gets told off a few times for his insistance with memorable lines of dialogue in and out of battle. Devald: "War-chief Kulu's force is critical." Leinhart: "I'm asking you politely, Devald. Shut up." all in gloriously well done voice acting.
BATTLES
Start off by selecting your additional troops of up to 4 and when allowed, 2 extra support units. The objectives aren't always the same, but the majority of the time, the task is to decimate everything in sight. You take control of all your units and guide them across the map in search of others or objectives. You can give orders for troops to change their formation (tighter or spaced apart) for strategic advantages, send out lone soldiers to scout out the unknown battlefield (up to 3), send units to specific locations and position them to get every advantage out of your surroundings (which consist mostly of thick forests, barron deserts, mountain side hellholes and medieval camps and castles). The landscape also ties into battle very well, for example, placing units underneath trees makes them less vulnerable to arrow attacks, having the upper ground and making surprise attacks from the rear catch your enemies off guard etc. When units commence in battle, you take control of your character and dish out the damage personally, searching for high ranking officers to damage their morale and leave them hopeless, saving time and your troops lives. In time, the battle cries of your men and main general can be a bit annoying, with phrases like "We'll get another chance later" when retreating and character introductions. Each troop has their own health and SP bar (stamina or special points) along with their own unique abilities for use when SP is high enough. These mostly include healing & destruction spells, with elemental benefits like freezing, burning, paralysis, poisoning etc. Generals can also be summoned to aid you when pressing the white or black buttons.
TROOPS
Range through the different races of elves, humans & orcs - each with separate paths to becoming stronger, more advanced fighters. The unit types consist of various infantry, sappers, archers, spearman, axeman, cavalry, mortars or combinations of two. Special unit types also offer some fantastic options: elemental incarnations, massive scorpions, dirigibles, swamp mammoths, wyverns, catapults, balistas etc. With this vast arsenal of strategic options, you can make sure no battle is ever the same and plan your next one immensely to be in your favour. These troops get better stats and defence by being levelled up after gaining EXP from battles (which is spread out as you wish) to increase specific stats like attack power, elemental strength, teamwork, riding ability, frontal assault and several other perquisites to achieve the next rank. Every troop is led by a superior officer which can be changed and upgraded singularly. With victory, comes gold to spend on new recruits, weapons and armour. Purchase new leaders with new battle options in pubs, offering them a deal and haggling for a better price. Kit your troops out in new gear to make them more resilient in battle, acquire unique weaponry with elemental damage, more gold & EXP gain, better health & SP regen.
MUSIC
The soundtrack is built up of non stop heavy metal-core instrumental rock. Lots of chugging, grungey guitars with finger blister melodies, double bass pedal & over the top symbol use for intense battles and well chosen tracks to match themes such as retreating and gaining the upper hand. Outside of battle, the music is the same as the menu song - a downplayed, epic orchestral piece with sinister undertones. The credits upon completing the game bizarrely have timid piano pieces which may seem fitting to the end of fighting, but when you know the story, its only the beginning. The games introduction video that showcases the battles has some lyrics, along the lines of "I am alive, I am war" with the insane heavy metal musicianship going on. Even the when plotting out the battle beforehand you get bombarded with an intense metal-core soundtrack.
MULTIPLAYER
This feature was fairly good, meeting fellow opponents on Xbox Live to do battle with in similar fashion to the games campaign. Unfortunately there is no cooperative option which would have made this function so much more enjoyable and it was quite difficult to find anyone to compete with anyway and as of May 11, 2010, the old service was disconnected completely, making this mode obsolete.
NEGATIVES
Sometimes in battle, you'd get caught between fights and escaping which seemed like a glitch as you couldn't really do anything to stop it. Some troops just don't bare strong enough capabilities to warrant an inclusion to your battle or the game itself for that matter and the inclusion of the 'bone dragon' is even more of a slap in the face now as it sounds so awesome and appears a possible troop upgrade in the progression tree - but it was only possible in multiplayer. These are the only faults I could find for the game, that and loading times between battles and loading of saves, but since this is fairly old now and on the original Xbox platform, I can let that slide.
CONCLUSION
The difficulty will put a lot of gamers of as some levels are just ridiculously hard and only perfect timing and strategy will prevail - this is something I applaud because games don't challenge gamers as much anymore.. at least not legitimately. So I'd rate this a very high 4/5 stars, missing out because of the lack of coop, missing multiplayer, and somewhat short stories. Even so, I still go back to play this game every so often - because it defines the word challenging, whilst being rewarding, without being boring.
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