The 7th Number
12-23-2007, 05:40 AM
On December 17th, 2006 I bought the xbox 360, and it's been a year since then. So I thought now would be a good time to look back, and talk about what went down within the last year. Take a look back at all the games I've played, and just reminisce of the good, and bad times. So here goes nothing!
Opening
I'd first like to point out that last generation I was a ps2 owner, and really never even touched a xbox. So when the news came out on the 360 and PS3 "next gen" systems, I was sure enough going to get a PS3. But after waiting a year, the 360 became the system I really wanted. Even though RROD was running rampid, it just seemed like the best system at the time, and still does IMO. So I bought a 360, and then started to play the games!
XBOX 360 Games (in order that i played them)
- Tony Hawk's Project 8
My very first game for the 360. I remember being happy that I got a 360, and THP8 was on the top of my list. Then I saw the Target ad showing that the new THP8 would be 40 bucks, so I went that morning and got it. Now I have been playing Tony Hawk games since the first one. I loved them, and this game was good. Even though it was pretty much the same thing we have seen before, it did have it's good sides. The slow motion trick moves were cool, and this was the first time Hawk was next gen, so the graphics were like non other before it. This was a game I enjoyed for a long time, even though I never finished it because you pretty much had to rule at this game to get to number 1. I only made it to number 3 I believe. I really didn't like how they did that, but it was still a good game.
Overall score: 7/10
- Lego Star Wars II
Now we move onto the 4th game of my xbox 360 life. Lego Star Wars II! Previously to getting this, I downloaded the PC demo and really enjoyed it. Once I bought the game, I played it for days. The game is almost impossible not to beat. When you die, you respawn right where you left off. You dont run out of lives either. But this really doesn't kill the game at all. It's really a kids style game, but I am sure many adults enjoyed this game as well. It being made of Legos, made this game fantastic, and I loved the humor in the story that you didn't see in the movies. Overall one of the best games I've played on the 360, and I wouldnt put it past me to get the complete saga down the road.
Overall score: 7/10
- Fight Night round 3
I've always been a fan of boxing games, games like Evander Holyfield Boxing, Mike Tysons Punch out!, and I even made a website for Knockout Kings once. This game was pretty good, and a lot of fun. In the end it was a fun, but quick game. I got tired of it in a few days, and moved onto another game. PS. This is an easy 1000 achievement point game, and my first game to reach 1000/1000 points.
Overall score: 6/10
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Ultimate Alliance was the second game I decided to get. I've always a fan of comic book art, though I never bought the comics. Mostly watched the cartoons as a kid, or collected Marvel trading cards. X-men was a big hit in my childhood, and this game looked fun. I thought this game was good, and a lot of fun too. This game took longer to complete with all the comic missions, and leveling up characters. It was great having a big roster of marvel characters to use during the game. Some of the comic missions were too hard for me, maybe because I didnt fully upgrade some characters stats, since it seemed like it took forever. But in the end, another good game.
Overall score: 7/10
- Tomb Raider Legend
Tomb Raider Legend was a 30 dollar game at the time I bought it, and I've already played through it on the ps2. But it was so much fun I wanted to buy it for the 360 and play it all over again. I should add that gettin achievement points, and the fact that i didnt have a ps2 anymore factored into this aswell. But if you have never played Tomb Raider Legend, it's a really fun game. I tried to play angel of Darkness and that game was horrible. Legend brought back memories of the classic Tomb Raider games, and didn't dissapoint at all. Controls were great, graphics were great, levels were great. The whole game felt really good.
Overall score: 7/10
- Crackdown
Ok, a lot of people bought this game for the Halo 3 beta. But I really did buy this game for Crackdown. I thought it looked cool, and I wanted a piece. To tell you the truth, it's still a game I can look back and think, that game was fun to play. Good memories. Sure the story is lacking, and you can beat the game fast once you find all the bosses. But when you first experience the game, it's really a good game, and really fun. The fun don't stop when you beat the game either, because you can do random things just like you have done in GTA games. Plus the DLC added races, weapons, and new agents. All in all I think this game is a must buy for any 360 owner. This is really one of the games that stand out when I look back within the last year.
Overall score: 8/10
- Gears of War
Now this was my real first person shooter for the 360. I should note that I really don't play first person shooters either. But this game just rules! It didn't take me long to get into it, and get comfortable with the FPS style either. I was able to beat the game and I thought the story, levels, just the whole atmophere of the game was excellent. I still get good memories just thinking of the sound that hits when you clear an area, or even the music in the title screen. Now online I sucked royally. I would be lucky to get 1 kill through each round. But as far as the main game, it is a must buy. I've played through it twice, and even in co-op online. This is a game every 360 owner should play.
Overall Score: 10/10
- Saints Row
This game was finally going to be the one that beat out GTA in it's own game,
right? Well it did in some ways, and it didn't in other ways. I have to say this is another game that I look highly on when I think back to the games I enjoyed most over the last year. The game was very good for the most part, but the controls when driving a car made it almost impossible to hit the gas, aim your gun, and shoot at the same time. But that alone didn't ruin the game. It was still a lot of fun, took a while to complete, and had a ton of side missions that I went after. But sadly this was the game that fried my xbox 360. Well I can't be sure it was this game alone. But at this time my 360 wouldn't read games, and i had to call Microsoft and tell them that it's broke. Within 9 days I sent my xbox 360 to MS, and they sent it back fully working. Till this day it hasn't had any problems. *crosses fingers*
Overall Score: 8/10
- NBA Street Homecourt
During this time I decided to rent games from those internet sites that send you games through the mail. This worked well because i was able to play 7 games for only 30 bucks within a three month span. This was the first one I rented. Always been a fan of the NBA and it's games. Won't ever forget the times i turned my SNES on to play NBA Jam. Anyway, NBA street was a solid game. Somewhat of a street ball style game with NBA jam style dunks. Graphics were good, the selection of players were decent, and online play was fun. I thought it was pretty sad not that they added a WNBA team, but that it had only 6 players I believe. If you are going to go out and add some of the WNBA's most talented players, why stop with 6? Why not an East and West team? I don't really think many cared anyway. Other then that it was a good game for NBA and Street style basketball fans.
Overall score: 6/10
- Just Cause
Now here is a game that some liked, and some didn't. Personally I came away from the game with great memories. The game map was beyond huge, the game was fun though a little repetitive, but in the end it won me over. Like I said before, the map is freakin huge! Plus you got to fly in planes, drive cars, and go in the water with boats. Add in cool stunts and a parachute, and life is good. The main game story was decent, and most of the side missions were the same thing over and over. But to me this game was fun and well worth playing.
Overall score: 7/10
- TMNT
Ok, now we finally hit a pot hole. For one TMNT is extremely short. Like most people can beat it in around 4-5 hours. Most of the game is running around, accross walls, just to get to a point where you have to fight a barage of bad guys. This game was more about selling the TMNT to kids rather then putting out a good fun game. It's worth a rent if you love TMNT, or just want some quick achievement points. But this game shouldnt be bought no matter what!
Overall score: 2/10
- NBA 2k6
Okay I am going to man up and tell you this, I rented this just for the achievement points. Yeah I was still new to the whole achievement point thing, and I loved getting them. So yeah, I rented this game, played one game, and got all the achievement points in like an hour. Sent it back, thanks 2k!
Overall score: N/A
- Lost Planet
This game always looked cool to me. After playing the 360 demo over and over I really wanted to buy the game. But something was telling me I shouldn't. But I did rent it, and I am glad I did that instead of buying it for 60 dollars. Now don't get me wrong, the game is good, looks amazing, and has it's good sides. But personally I grew tired of it about 75% of the way in. Getting in those robots were the last thing I wanted to do. They move so slow, and I always ended up dying easy because of that. I got to some boss where you had to follow its arms down the hole and then shoot. Well that boss had me going crazy, because that was the last time I played this game. I decided that I didn't want to play it anymore, and sent it back.
Overall score: 7/10
- X-Men: The Official Game
Ahhh good ol' X-men: the official game. I rented this thinking it would be fun. As I stated earlier in the Marvel game comments, I grew up watching and collecting X-men. Plus i heard this game was an easy 1000 achievement points. So it was a win-win right? WRONG! This game was so horrible. Many of the levels sucked, trying to control mr freeze or whoever the hell it was, was a pain in the ass. Plus the game is not nearly as easy as people made it out to be. Some of the levels had me pissed. So my advice to anyone, DON'T RENT THIS GAME!
Overall score: 1/10
- BulletWitch
This was another game I really wanted to check out, and for the most part it was a cool concept. I dug a lot of things within this game. The main character, downloadable attires, levels weren't bad, and spells were cool. You had to level up your guns, and spells which took some time. The game was more enjoyable then I think people want to give it credit for. I even loved how those big ass giant monsters fell backwards when you killed them. But there were some bad things in this game. Like those flying head monsters. Those things were so fucking annoying. The final boss was cool, but it literally took at least 30 minutes to beat. The first time I got to him I died, AFTER SHOOTING HIM FOR OVER 30 MINUTES! Plus the enemy AI was really trash. But if you can look past those enemies, the AI, and how long it takes to beat the last boss, I think you would really like this game.
Overall score: 6/10
- Tony Hawk American Wasteland
I bought this game for three reasons. I loved Tony Hawk games, I wanted a new game, and the achievement points were easy. So I got 20 bucks out and paid for it, and enjoyed it for three days. Yeah thats how long it took to get the achievements, and then I just tossed it aside because well, I had already beat the game before on PS2. This game isn't really a 360 game, it's more like a graphically updated ps2 game. But it would be more fun if I hadn't played it before this.
Overall score: 4/10
- Madden NFL 08
Ahhh Madden, this game was going to be great right? Well it was but then it wasn't. I bought this game because I really wanted to get back into football games. I have always played older madden or NFL Gameday games, and had many fun franchises in the past with those games. So I went in head first and jumped. The graphics were great, and gameplay was pretty good. For me there were a lot of interceptions, both offense and defense, and tons of fumbles. I started a franchise and killed the teams in the pre season. Then my first game of regular season and I got picked off, fumble around three times, and im down like 38 to 7 at the half. That pissed me off so much I stopped right at that moment. I swear every game you had a better chance of scoring a TD on an interception return than catching one with your wide receivers. Plus fumbles galore in this game. I think they may have fixed this by now, not sure, but it's too late for me now Madden.
Overall score: 6/10
- Bioshock
Bioshock was a game that hit me as a surprise. Up until the release date I really didn't know much about this game, and really paid no attention to it. But when I tried the demo, I was hooked. I had to buy this game. Once I bought it and played through the first time, I just thought it was amazing. Every level was created beautifully, the story is great, presentation is great, weapons are great, it's just a great game. I really got into the story, and the whole experience. Even something as small as the process of saving a little sister was amazing. I can't say it enough, this game was just one of the best games I have ever played on any system. It gets my vote for game of the year in 2007.
Overall score: 10/10
- Skate.
Skate was the game to finally put Tony Hawk in second place in terms of best skateboarding game. Trust me, at the time the Tony Hawk was releasing another, boring, reiteration of their series called Tony Hawk Proving Grounds. But Skate said, hi, and out tricked Tony Hawk at his own game. Skate is a breath of fresh air to skateboarding games, and all they had to do was keep it simple, but realistic. Tony Hawk games kept growing and growing towards the arcade style. But Skate came out with awesome flick it controls, a realistic camera angle, and moves that just felt like you were really pulling them off. Now the game doesnt have real lip tricks, and not many land tricks, but it still is better then what Tony Hawk has done recently. Many people enjoy this game even if they aren't skateboarders, and I believe many real skateboarders like this game a lot more. But I had a blast playing this game. The story was long enough, and fun, then the online modes just made it even more fun. You should pick this up if you have liked Hawk games in the past, and a must rent for anyone looking for a fun game. I should say that learning how to skate in the game may take a while, but once you learn it's really fun to just pick up and play at any time.
Overall score: 8/10
- NBA 2k8
NBA 2k8 was just like Madden in a way. I wanted a game I could play franchise mode, build a team, and have fun. Even though it's a really good game, I got bored with it about 20 games into my 82 game season. After that, and getting as many achievements as I could, I decided to sell it before it's value dropped to 15 dollars. Like I said, it's a good game, I guess I am not into sports games as much as I used to be.
Overall score: 6/10
- Halo 3
The big boy of video games, or anything entertainment ever. Outselling almost everything in the first week was Halo 3, and it didn't dissapoint. Well to be honest it did dissapoint me early on. I played this game for a couple hours and didn't get into it for whatever reason, so i lent it to my nephew for a couple weeks. But when I got it back I went right in and started to play. I finished the campaign and it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The single player mode really isn't much. Some of the levels I would just rather never play through again. Co-op online is a pain in the ass for a couple reasons. 1. You have to start from the begining, 2. Each level takes like an hour and a half, and 3. If one of your partners leaves, you have to start all over again from the start of the level for it to count. But halo is more about online play then it is about single player, and it gets a lot better. In fact I still play multiplayer online to this day. Sure it has it's flaws, but it really doesn't stop you from having fun unless you are dead set on getting the best rank possible. If you just enjoy the game, and have fun with it, its a very good game. I have to say personally I rule at this game compared to me playing Gears of War online. LOL.
Overall score: 9/10
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary
With the success of Tomb Raider Legend, and how much I liked that game, I was excited for TR: Anniversary. I have to say that it didn't dissapoint. Now sure it's a very old game, but with updated controls and graphics, but it really is a good game still to this day. In fact I would say the puzzles, levels, and bosses are much harder then they are in Legend. But I also would point out that i think Legend was more fun than Anniversary. But both are very good games in their own way. I've beaten this game once, and have yet to go through it again for achievements, or just for fun. Probably because of how long it was to beat, and like i said before, how much more difficult it was compared to legend.
Overall score: 7/10
- The Simpsons Game
The Simpsons game is fun, funny, and pretty short. Unless you go back to do side challenges, collect hidden items, and stuff of that sort, you probably wont be playing this game for long. But it is a fun game, and a must buy for simpsons fans. Personally I didn't feel like paying 60 dollars for it, and I must say that it isn't worth 60 either. But if you can find it for 40, then get it. I loved seeing the levels, and the games each level parodied. The voice work is as good as the cartoon, and the art design is pretty good. The camera can be ass at times, and just screw you up, but this doesn't get in the way that often. Overall it's a fun and enjoyable game with a funny story.
Overall score: 7/10
- Assassin's Creed
This is the most recent game I have bought, and it was not a dissapointment. I know some say it is repetitive, and it can be if you rush through it. I thought it would be somewhat like crackdown, where killing off the head people wouldn't take that long, but it actually does. Doing the side missions are somewhat fun, but there are only really three different types. The story keeps you into the game, and the much rumored sci-fi angle of the game is actually interesting. When I first started the game I thought it would ruin the overall game, but it actually made it better. Completing the game is fun, and this is a really good game. I don't think its a game of the year, but it's a game you must play.
Overall: 8/10
Ratings based on gameplay, lasting appeal, presentation, and enjoyment for me personally.
Quick Ratings recap
10 - Gears of War
10 - Bioshock
9 - Halo 3
8 - Assassin's Creed
8 - Skate.
8 - Crackdown
8 - Saints Row
7 - The Simpsons Game
7 - Tomb Raider: Anniversary
7 - Tomb Raider Legend
7 - Tony Hawk's Project 8
7 - Lego Star Wars II
7 - Just Cause
7 - Marvel Ultimate Alliance
7 - Lost Planet
6 - BulletWitch
6 - Madden NFL 08
6 - NBA 2k8
6 - NBA Street Homecourt
6 - Fight Night round 3
4 - Tony Hawk American Wasteland
2 - TMNT
1 - X-Men: The Official Game
Must Buys!
- Gears of War
- Bioshock
- Crackdown
- Assassins Creed
- Saints Row
- Halo 3
Must Rents!
- Skate.
- The Simpsons Game
- Lego Star Wars
- Just Cause
- BulletWitch
- Tomb Raider Legend
Must Avoids!
- TMNT
- X-Men: The official Game
- Tony Hawk American Wasteland
Bonus Level
This is the small but effective bonus level, where I discuss the arcade games I have played within the last year. So here we go!
- Aegis Wing
This game was free and probably well worth at least 400 points. Online is fun, single player is fun, and I still have one achievement left that I never got. Can't beat free, get this!
- Carcassonne
I also got this game free during the Live is Five celebration. Only played it a few times. I don't really get into it personally. But some people might like it more. Last on my list of favorite arcade games.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The best games I have bought off XBLA. Never played the original for PS1, but this game is well worth it's price. It's fun, long, and well FUN!
- Double Dragon
This game is going to probably depend on how old you are. If you are young, and never played the original, you might not like this. But if you are like me, and have played this in the arcade, then it is a must buy. Takes only 25-30 minutes to beat, but it is worth the price IMO.
- Golden Axe
I bought this game basically because it looked fun, and i didn't have anything else to play at the time. I was in the spending mood for a new game. Takes about 20-30 minutes to beat, but the achievements keep you coming back for more. But after about 3-4 days of this I haven't went back yet. Don't forget to ride the cockatrice!
- Hexic HD
I got this game free with my 360, as I'm sure most of us have. It kept me tied down for a while till i could afford my first few games. But after that I really don't play it much.
- TMNT 1989 Arcade
Just like Double Dragon, if you grew up playing this game in the arcade, or on the NES, this is a must buy. I think this game would be more fun for those younger kids that never played the originals though, moreso than Double Dragon. Well worth the points.
- The End -
:bouncy::bouncy::bouncy:
Opening
I'd first like to point out that last generation I was a ps2 owner, and really never even touched a xbox. So when the news came out on the 360 and PS3 "next gen" systems, I was sure enough going to get a PS3. But after waiting a year, the 360 became the system I really wanted. Even though RROD was running rampid, it just seemed like the best system at the time, and still does IMO. So I bought a 360, and then started to play the games!
XBOX 360 Games (in order that i played them)
- Tony Hawk's Project 8
My very first game for the 360. I remember being happy that I got a 360, and THP8 was on the top of my list. Then I saw the Target ad showing that the new THP8 would be 40 bucks, so I went that morning and got it. Now I have been playing Tony Hawk games since the first one. I loved them, and this game was good. Even though it was pretty much the same thing we have seen before, it did have it's good sides. The slow motion trick moves were cool, and this was the first time Hawk was next gen, so the graphics were like non other before it. This was a game I enjoyed for a long time, even though I never finished it because you pretty much had to rule at this game to get to number 1. I only made it to number 3 I believe. I really didn't like how they did that, but it was still a good game.
Overall score: 7/10
- Lego Star Wars II
Now we move onto the 4th game of my xbox 360 life. Lego Star Wars II! Previously to getting this, I downloaded the PC demo and really enjoyed it. Once I bought the game, I played it for days. The game is almost impossible not to beat. When you die, you respawn right where you left off. You dont run out of lives either. But this really doesn't kill the game at all. It's really a kids style game, but I am sure many adults enjoyed this game as well. It being made of Legos, made this game fantastic, and I loved the humor in the story that you didn't see in the movies. Overall one of the best games I've played on the 360, and I wouldnt put it past me to get the complete saga down the road.
Overall score: 7/10
- Fight Night round 3
I've always been a fan of boxing games, games like Evander Holyfield Boxing, Mike Tysons Punch out!, and I even made a website for Knockout Kings once. This game was pretty good, and a lot of fun. In the end it was a fun, but quick game. I got tired of it in a few days, and moved onto another game. PS. This is an easy 1000 achievement point game, and my first game to reach 1000/1000 points.
Overall score: 6/10
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Ultimate Alliance was the second game I decided to get. I've always a fan of comic book art, though I never bought the comics. Mostly watched the cartoons as a kid, or collected Marvel trading cards. X-men was a big hit in my childhood, and this game looked fun. I thought this game was good, and a lot of fun too. This game took longer to complete with all the comic missions, and leveling up characters. It was great having a big roster of marvel characters to use during the game. Some of the comic missions were too hard for me, maybe because I didnt fully upgrade some characters stats, since it seemed like it took forever. But in the end, another good game.
Overall score: 7/10
- Tomb Raider Legend
Tomb Raider Legend was a 30 dollar game at the time I bought it, and I've already played through it on the ps2. But it was so much fun I wanted to buy it for the 360 and play it all over again. I should add that gettin achievement points, and the fact that i didnt have a ps2 anymore factored into this aswell. But if you have never played Tomb Raider Legend, it's a really fun game. I tried to play angel of Darkness and that game was horrible. Legend brought back memories of the classic Tomb Raider games, and didn't dissapoint at all. Controls were great, graphics were great, levels were great. The whole game felt really good.
Overall score: 7/10
- Crackdown
Ok, a lot of people bought this game for the Halo 3 beta. But I really did buy this game for Crackdown. I thought it looked cool, and I wanted a piece. To tell you the truth, it's still a game I can look back and think, that game was fun to play. Good memories. Sure the story is lacking, and you can beat the game fast once you find all the bosses. But when you first experience the game, it's really a good game, and really fun. The fun don't stop when you beat the game either, because you can do random things just like you have done in GTA games. Plus the DLC added races, weapons, and new agents. All in all I think this game is a must buy for any 360 owner. This is really one of the games that stand out when I look back within the last year.
Overall score: 8/10
- Gears of War
Now this was my real first person shooter for the 360. I should note that I really don't play first person shooters either. But this game just rules! It didn't take me long to get into it, and get comfortable with the FPS style either. I was able to beat the game and I thought the story, levels, just the whole atmophere of the game was excellent. I still get good memories just thinking of the sound that hits when you clear an area, or even the music in the title screen. Now online I sucked royally. I would be lucky to get 1 kill through each round. But as far as the main game, it is a must buy. I've played through it twice, and even in co-op online. This is a game every 360 owner should play.
Overall Score: 10/10
- Saints Row
This game was finally going to be the one that beat out GTA in it's own game,
right? Well it did in some ways, and it didn't in other ways. I have to say this is another game that I look highly on when I think back to the games I enjoyed most over the last year. The game was very good for the most part, but the controls when driving a car made it almost impossible to hit the gas, aim your gun, and shoot at the same time. But that alone didn't ruin the game. It was still a lot of fun, took a while to complete, and had a ton of side missions that I went after. But sadly this was the game that fried my xbox 360. Well I can't be sure it was this game alone. But at this time my 360 wouldn't read games, and i had to call Microsoft and tell them that it's broke. Within 9 days I sent my xbox 360 to MS, and they sent it back fully working. Till this day it hasn't had any problems. *crosses fingers*
Overall Score: 8/10
- NBA Street Homecourt
During this time I decided to rent games from those internet sites that send you games through the mail. This worked well because i was able to play 7 games for only 30 bucks within a three month span. This was the first one I rented. Always been a fan of the NBA and it's games. Won't ever forget the times i turned my SNES on to play NBA Jam. Anyway, NBA street was a solid game. Somewhat of a street ball style game with NBA jam style dunks. Graphics were good, the selection of players were decent, and online play was fun. I thought it was pretty sad not that they added a WNBA team, but that it had only 6 players I believe. If you are going to go out and add some of the WNBA's most talented players, why stop with 6? Why not an East and West team? I don't really think many cared anyway. Other then that it was a good game for NBA and Street style basketball fans.
Overall score: 6/10
- Just Cause
Now here is a game that some liked, and some didn't. Personally I came away from the game with great memories. The game map was beyond huge, the game was fun though a little repetitive, but in the end it won me over. Like I said before, the map is freakin huge! Plus you got to fly in planes, drive cars, and go in the water with boats. Add in cool stunts and a parachute, and life is good. The main game story was decent, and most of the side missions were the same thing over and over. But to me this game was fun and well worth playing.
Overall score: 7/10
- TMNT
Ok, now we finally hit a pot hole. For one TMNT is extremely short. Like most people can beat it in around 4-5 hours. Most of the game is running around, accross walls, just to get to a point where you have to fight a barage of bad guys. This game was more about selling the TMNT to kids rather then putting out a good fun game. It's worth a rent if you love TMNT, or just want some quick achievement points. But this game shouldnt be bought no matter what!
Overall score: 2/10
- NBA 2k6
Okay I am going to man up and tell you this, I rented this just for the achievement points. Yeah I was still new to the whole achievement point thing, and I loved getting them. So yeah, I rented this game, played one game, and got all the achievement points in like an hour. Sent it back, thanks 2k!
Overall score: N/A
- Lost Planet
This game always looked cool to me. After playing the 360 demo over and over I really wanted to buy the game. But something was telling me I shouldn't. But I did rent it, and I am glad I did that instead of buying it for 60 dollars. Now don't get me wrong, the game is good, looks amazing, and has it's good sides. But personally I grew tired of it about 75% of the way in. Getting in those robots were the last thing I wanted to do. They move so slow, and I always ended up dying easy because of that. I got to some boss where you had to follow its arms down the hole and then shoot. Well that boss had me going crazy, because that was the last time I played this game. I decided that I didn't want to play it anymore, and sent it back.
Overall score: 7/10
- X-Men: The Official Game
Ahhh good ol' X-men: the official game. I rented this thinking it would be fun. As I stated earlier in the Marvel game comments, I grew up watching and collecting X-men. Plus i heard this game was an easy 1000 achievement points. So it was a win-win right? WRONG! This game was so horrible. Many of the levels sucked, trying to control mr freeze or whoever the hell it was, was a pain in the ass. Plus the game is not nearly as easy as people made it out to be. Some of the levels had me pissed. So my advice to anyone, DON'T RENT THIS GAME!
Overall score: 1/10
- BulletWitch
This was another game I really wanted to check out, and for the most part it was a cool concept. I dug a lot of things within this game. The main character, downloadable attires, levels weren't bad, and spells were cool. You had to level up your guns, and spells which took some time. The game was more enjoyable then I think people want to give it credit for. I even loved how those big ass giant monsters fell backwards when you killed them. But there were some bad things in this game. Like those flying head monsters. Those things were so fucking annoying. The final boss was cool, but it literally took at least 30 minutes to beat. The first time I got to him I died, AFTER SHOOTING HIM FOR OVER 30 MINUTES! Plus the enemy AI was really trash. But if you can look past those enemies, the AI, and how long it takes to beat the last boss, I think you would really like this game.
Overall score: 6/10
- Tony Hawk American Wasteland
I bought this game for three reasons. I loved Tony Hawk games, I wanted a new game, and the achievement points were easy. So I got 20 bucks out and paid for it, and enjoyed it for three days. Yeah thats how long it took to get the achievements, and then I just tossed it aside because well, I had already beat the game before on PS2. This game isn't really a 360 game, it's more like a graphically updated ps2 game. But it would be more fun if I hadn't played it before this.
Overall score: 4/10
- Madden NFL 08
Ahhh Madden, this game was going to be great right? Well it was but then it wasn't. I bought this game because I really wanted to get back into football games. I have always played older madden or NFL Gameday games, and had many fun franchises in the past with those games. So I went in head first and jumped. The graphics were great, and gameplay was pretty good. For me there were a lot of interceptions, both offense and defense, and tons of fumbles. I started a franchise and killed the teams in the pre season. Then my first game of regular season and I got picked off, fumble around three times, and im down like 38 to 7 at the half. That pissed me off so much I stopped right at that moment. I swear every game you had a better chance of scoring a TD on an interception return than catching one with your wide receivers. Plus fumbles galore in this game. I think they may have fixed this by now, not sure, but it's too late for me now Madden.
Overall score: 6/10
- Bioshock
Bioshock was a game that hit me as a surprise. Up until the release date I really didn't know much about this game, and really paid no attention to it. But when I tried the demo, I was hooked. I had to buy this game. Once I bought it and played through the first time, I just thought it was amazing. Every level was created beautifully, the story is great, presentation is great, weapons are great, it's just a great game. I really got into the story, and the whole experience. Even something as small as the process of saving a little sister was amazing. I can't say it enough, this game was just one of the best games I have ever played on any system. It gets my vote for game of the year in 2007.
Overall score: 10/10
- Skate.
Skate was the game to finally put Tony Hawk in second place in terms of best skateboarding game. Trust me, at the time the Tony Hawk was releasing another, boring, reiteration of their series called Tony Hawk Proving Grounds. But Skate said, hi, and out tricked Tony Hawk at his own game. Skate is a breath of fresh air to skateboarding games, and all they had to do was keep it simple, but realistic. Tony Hawk games kept growing and growing towards the arcade style. But Skate came out with awesome flick it controls, a realistic camera angle, and moves that just felt like you were really pulling them off. Now the game doesnt have real lip tricks, and not many land tricks, but it still is better then what Tony Hawk has done recently. Many people enjoy this game even if they aren't skateboarders, and I believe many real skateboarders like this game a lot more. But I had a blast playing this game. The story was long enough, and fun, then the online modes just made it even more fun. You should pick this up if you have liked Hawk games in the past, and a must rent for anyone looking for a fun game. I should say that learning how to skate in the game may take a while, but once you learn it's really fun to just pick up and play at any time.
Overall score: 8/10
- NBA 2k8
NBA 2k8 was just like Madden in a way. I wanted a game I could play franchise mode, build a team, and have fun. Even though it's a really good game, I got bored with it about 20 games into my 82 game season. After that, and getting as many achievements as I could, I decided to sell it before it's value dropped to 15 dollars. Like I said, it's a good game, I guess I am not into sports games as much as I used to be.
Overall score: 6/10
- Halo 3
The big boy of video games, or anything entertainment ever. Outselling almost everything in the first week was Halo 3, and it didn't dissapoint. Well to be honest it did dissapoint me early on. I played this game for a couple hours and didn't get into it for whatever reason, so i lent it to my nephew for a couple weeks. But when I got it back I went right in and started to play. I finished the campaign and it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The single player mode really isn't much. Some of the levels I would just rather never play through again. Co-op online is a pain in the ass for a couple reasons. 1. You have to start from the begining, 2. Each level takes like an hour and a half, and 3. If one of your partners leaves, you have to start all over again from the start of the level for it to count. But halo is more about online play then it is about single player, and it gets a lot better. In fact I still play multiplayer online to this day. Sure it has it's flaws, but it really doesn't stop you from having fun unless you are dead set on getting the best rank possible. If you just enjoy the game, and have fun with it, its a very good game. I have to say personally I rule at this game compared to me playing Gears of War online. LOL.
Overall score: 9/10
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary
With the success of Tomb Raider Legend, and how much I liked that game, I was excited for TR: Anniversary. I have to say that it didn't dissapoint. Now sure it's a very old game, but with updated controls and graphics, but it really is a good game still to this day. In fact I would say the puzzles, levels, and bosses are much harder then they are in Legend. But I also would point out that i think Legend was more fun than Anniversary. But both are very good games in their own way. I've beaten this game once, and have yet to go through it again for achievements, or just for fun. Probably because of how long it was to beat, and like i said before, how much more difficult it was compared to legend.
Overall score: 7/10
- The Simpsons Game
The Simpsons game is fun, funny, and pretty short. Unless you go back to do side challenges, collect hidden items, and stuff of that sort, you probably wont be playing this game for long. But it is a fun game, and a must buy for simpsons fans. Personally I didn't feel like paying 60 dollars for it, and I must say that it isn't worth 60 either. But if you can find it for 40, then get it. I loved seeing the levels, and the games each level parodied. The voice work is as good as the cartoon, and the art design is pretty good. The camera can be ass at times, and just screw you up, but this doesn't get in the way that often. Overall it's a fun and enjoyable game with a funny story.
Overall score: 7/10
- Assassin's Creed
This is the most recent game I have bought, and it was not a dissapointment. I know some say it is repetitive, and it can be if you rush through it. I thought it would be somewhat like crackdown, where killing off the head people wouldn't take that long, but it actually does. Doing the side missions are somewhat fun, but there are only really three different types. The story keeps you into the game, and the much rumored sci-fi angle of the game is actually interesting. When I first started the game I thought it would ruin the overall game, but it actually made it better. Completing the game is fun, and this is a really good game. I don't think its a game of the year, but it's a game you must play.
Overall: 8/10
Ratings based on gameplay, lasting appeal, presentation, and enjoyment for me personally.
Quick Ratings recap
10 - Gears of War
10 - Bioshock
9 - Halo 3
8 - Assassin's Creed
8 - Skate.
8 - Crackdown
8 - Saints Row
7 - The Simpsons Game
7 - Tomb Raider: Anniversary
7 - Tomb Raider Legend
7 - Tony Hawk's Project 8
7 - Lego Star Wars II
7 - Just Cause
7 - Marvel Ultimate Alliance
7 - Lost Planet
6 - BulletWitch
6 - Madden NFL 08
6 - NBA 2k8
6 - NBA Street Homecourt
6 - Fight Night round 3
4 - Tony Hawk American Wasteland
2 - TMNT
1 - X-Men: The Official Game
Must Buys!
- Gears of War
- Bioshock
- Crackdown
- Assassins Creed
- Saints Row
- Halo 3
Must Rents!
- Skate.
- The Simpsons Game
- Lego Star Wars
- Just Cause
- BulletWitch
- Tomb Raider Legend
Must Avoids!
- TMNT
- X-Men: The official Game
- Tony Hawk American Wasteland
Bonus Level
This is the small but effective bonus level, where I discuss the arcade games I have played within the last year. So here we go!
- Aegis Wing
This game was free and probably well worth at least 400 points. Online is fun, single player is fun, and I still have one achievement left that I never got. Can't beat free, get this!
- Carcassonne
I also got this game free during the Live is Five celebration. Only played it a few times. I don't really get into it personally. But some people might like it more. Last on my list of favorite arcade games.
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The best games I have bought off XBLA. Never played the original for PS1, but this game is well worth it's price. It's fun, long, and well FUN!
- Double Dragon
This game is going to probably depend on how old you are. If you are young, and never played the original, you might not like this. But if you are like me, and have played this in the arcade, then it is a must buy. Takes only 25-30 minutes to beat, but it is worth the price IMO.
- Golden Axe
I bought this game basically because it looked fun, and i didn't have anything else to play at the time. I was in the spending mood for a new game. Takes about 20-30 minutes to beat, but the achievements keep you coming back for more. But after about 3-4 days of this I haven't went back yet. Don't forget to ride the cockatrice!
- Hexic HD
I got this game free with my 360, as I'm sure most of us have. It kept me tied down for a while till i could afford my first few games. But after that I really don't play it much.
- TMNT 1989 Arcade
Just like Double Dragon, if you grew up playing this game in the arcade, or on the NES, this is a must buy. I think this game would be more fun for those younger kids that never played the originals though, moreso than Double Dragon. Well worth the points.
- The End -
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