Lego Star Wars Episode3: The Clone Wars REVIEW

Nintendo 3DS
Lego Star Wars Episode3: The Clone Wars

Yet another game from the Lego Star Wars franchise has been released. What makes this one any different from the others? Well, nothing actually. Even 3D can’t save it…

Almost everyone loves the Lego Universes take on old franchises from Indiana Jones to Batman to Harry Potter to even it’s own take on the MMORPG realm. You’d think by now they would have dropped Star Wars while they were ahead and went on to something else, like for instance, Star Trek or even Lego Mortal Kombat (think about it…) but yet they’re still running the ol’ Star Destroyer into the ground. I’m not saying I didn’t have my moments of enjoyment with it but it all felt like I’ve done it before… like I was having one of those days where after everything I do I would tell myself “I swear I’ve done this before”.

The game starts off in the hull of your ship, which also serves as your hub, with absolutely no introduction what-so-ever. Anyone who’s ever played a video-game before will find out what to do from here. (ex, move analog upward) Upon walking foreword a message will ask you press the action button and boom Mission Select appears. Each level varies in tasks to complete in order to accomplish the mission while also throwing in multiple puzzles made specifically for different characters in your party to complete. With that said each of your characters on any given level has their own special action, for example the clone soldiers (light and heavy variant) use aimed shots, laser-machine-guns, and bombs to dispatch obstacles and enemies. Jedi have the ability to double jump, use the force to move objects, cut holes in walls ect. and droids can mostly float and hack terminals. You can also use each of your characters special ability to discover hidden collectables in each level. Most of these collectables can generally be found by exploring and destroying everything in sight while others actually take time to discover and track down. With that said the exploring and the platforming were actually the only challenge I found throughout the game, enemies were never more of a threat than slowing me down and “bosses” were even more annoying, I used quotes because they were no sort of challenge at all. Why? Well to put it simply, while you do have heart containers that can be depleted, dying means nothing because you simply respond a few seconds later like nothing ever happened. While this may work for the casual crowd it didn’t sit well for me. I only wish there were a way to turn it off. Personally I like a challenge in my games and this was just disappointing.

While I found the gameplay lackluster the level design was much better. Each mission has you planet hopping throughout the galaxy following different characters as they completed different missions and to do whatever it was the upwards scrolling text told you before starting said missions, since each missions takes place somewhere different throughout the galaxy the developers were able to craft all sorts of crazy set-pieces and designs. The 3D effect of the 3DS was used in full swing with alien foliage and structures popping up in the foreground and even laser beams being whizzed right past you. It actually brought a smile to my face. Visually SW:CW was a treat. Outside of completing Missions and destroying everything in sight to collect as many studs as possible you can also visit the shop where you can use all of those hard-earned (time-wasted) studs to purchase short cinematic videos, hints on where and how to discover those treasured hidden red Lego pieces, and for unlocking any one of the 83 playable characters in the game. There is also a room where you can create your own character by mixing different pieces from your characters you have unlocked and run around the ship. Yes, I know, very silly…

With all said and done I did enjoy myself for a short time while playing Lego Star Wars: The Attack of The Clones but in the long run my enjoyment fizzled out and died. With very little depth in the gameplay and storyline(s) I just didn’t have the motivation to hold on for too long. Needless to say I never unlocked everything like I usually strive to do. If you’re a gamer, like me, who likes a challenge and even some depth in their games then I do not recommend this for you. Leave this one for only the most loyal of Lego fans.

Another Dead Rising?

Seems as if Capcom likes our money. I mean takes notice to us being fans of Frank West. Who we played as in Dead Rising. So now in a alt universe. We have the story of Dead Rising 2 but instead of Chuck. We now play as Frank West with the following. New missions, new weapons, new enemies, a new section of Fortune City, an enhancements to the save system and the co-op. The updated game will be on Xbox360, PS3 and PC sometime in the fall. So does Capcom have your money or have you been there and done that?

Mortal Kombat Legacy ep1

MK is not only back with a great fighting game. There back with a new live action series. Episode one can be found here. With an episode to follow each week.

Amazon taking on Gamestop?

As we already know. If you want exclusives for video games. Most of the time you buy them from Gamestop. Though it seems from this little side ad that I came across. Shows that Amazon might be ready to take on Gamestop.

Not only did I find that. Though also Portal 2 is on sale for pre-order. The price running about $55 for Consoles and about $45 for PC. Most of the pre-order games have a special lower price deal. So if you pre-order a game and between that day and till the end of the release day. If the price happens to drop lower. You will receive the lowest price.

New Gameloft games coming..

Gameloft who's known for bringing so many carbon great copiers of games seen else where. This time they have scooped the Fast and Furious licence. For the upcoming movie Fast Five. We have a driving game released on April 28 for the iPhone,iPad and Android devices. Trailer can be seen below.

Another game that impressed me just based on the trailer. We will have to wait for gameplay trailer to make a full preview. Titled Backstab: Henry Blake's Tale. Seems to be an action game set in the revolutionary period. Though what makes this standout is that it's exclusively made for the Xepira Play first and then to come to Android and iOS devices at a later time. Trailer to follow below.

Battlefield 3 another teaser....

 Seems as if every time I see this game. Just keeps truly getting better. From the new introduction to action button control scenes. The lighting system of creating shadows and I'm sure will be apart of the game's strategy. On April 17, EA will show off the full 12 minute reveal. I'm assuming it will be of the teaser we keep seeing only way longer.

In this picture. The solider is in mid-combat and has to click the right mouse to execute the action.

Just some of the details of this graphics engine. Bullets are falling from the helicopter

A new Resident Evil awaits us....

Capcom has shown off a teaser trailer of their new game due out this winter. What we can learn from the trailer are the following. It's returning back to it's roots. Such as in we will see the much loved Raccoon City. Which is now over run with zombies. Though a team of highly trained tactics sharpshooters are in a battle to destroy anything left in the city. We can assume that Leon will be battling zombies and stars soldiers. I believe Nemesis or a new version will return. Maybe we will have some kind of multiplayer mode added. A survival mode. The reason to that idea is mainly because Slant Six Games is behind the game. Who has done the highly popular Socom series. Stay tune as I'm sure their will be more news during E3 in June.

 I believe this is the same guy as below.

Could he be our new Nemesis?

Stumping on a zombie head is just nice!

Multiplayer Mode? 

Nintendo 3DS Hands on....

Seems now a days you just can not bring anything up without the word 3D. First movies, then video games, and now 3D pictures. Though roll all of these things into one device. It's called the Nintendo 3DS. Could it be an awesome feature or just a trick up their sleeves?

The device is nice in size. Lightweight using a smooth analog stick, regular d-pad, 2 shoulder buttons and 4 buttons. If you have used a DSI before then nothings really new there. The speaker was quite nice and loud. Though I'm betting you want to know about that 3D huh? There's a level to the right of the screen. To adjust the intense of the 3D. This can be kind of confusing. Turning the level up. Can be the right for some but not for others. Also with holding the device away from your eyes is recommended to experience the full effect. This could be a problem when game time reaches over the 30 minute mark. Onto the two games I was able to demo.

 Pilotwings Resort
The game ran quite smoothly as I guided a plane around the resort. The 3D is ok  but nothing mind blowing. I will say I did experience the screen jumping between 2D and 3D when moving the device around. It was not only annoying but down right terrible.  Instantly distracting me from enjoying the game. The only way to avoid this factor from what I notice. Is to stay very still. Not quite a good idea for a mobile device if you ask me.

AR Games
First I played a augmented shooter game in which you snap a picture of anyone's face. Then that face is mapped upon these robot heads. That you have to shoot down before they tear the screen apart. The controls are very simple but easily fun for anybody. The 3D overall wasn't too noticeable but the use of the camera was the awesome effect here. This game is really meant for in doors. As you will be moving around and might appear to look quite stupid in person.

The other camera game involved us pointing at a card placed upon the table. Then on the screen 6 little boxes appeared. Only  being able to pick the arrow shooting game. We started off aiming our shots at targets placed on whatever popped off the table. It's really hard to explain just how it truly works. Though it does very well. At the end we fight against a dragon. Which not only do you have to move around the table to get open shots but also to avoid it's attacks. The only problem I ran into on this game. Is as soon as the card is out of the camera view. The game basically stops until you place it back in view. This simply kills the fun for a game in which you are moving around.

For the price it's a very hard sale. Most people I have talked with are completely sold on waiting for a price drop. Sure the 3D could be a gimmick but with what Nintendo has in store. I'm sure it's an easy decision for most gamers to make. If your already didn't have a handheld before or don't own an up to date phone. Go ahead and purchase. Their are enough features to keep you busy until better games come along. Though if your the opposite wait to see not only what pans out in a few months but to see what Sony has in store for their NGP.

SF4 iPhone Contest

Starting from today all the way up to March 22nd. We will be gifting (1)Street Fighter 4 for the iPhone/iPod Touch randomly each day. All the sales, Capcom receives will be donated to a charity to help what has happen in Japan.

All you have to do is follow us on twitter (twitter.com/1SBeyond) or like us on Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Step-Beyond/137618036303722) and replay back to us the following. SF4 and tell us who is your favorite character and why.

Marvel vs Capcom 3 Review

In the year of 2000, Capcom released what is considered a classic among fighting game fans. Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heros set a high level to beat. Though over ten years later we finally have another entree into the series. Will Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds triumph over the past? Read on to found it.

Anybody who has played the second video game. Should know the basics. Controller wise is about the same. For those new players there's a simple mode. Which I can say doesn't change or help if your fighting against an experience player. Besides the X factor and the graphical 2D comic style being added. There isn't much new added. Which isn't a bad thing in this case. There's a story somewhere in there. Though it really doesn't madder when it comes to the fighting. Which is still 3 on 3 gameplay. Their choice of characters are vast but felt a little empty. The choice of their selections leave me scratching my head. As to why there isn't a Ken available is beyond me. This would be something of the effect of only having Luigi in a Mario Bros game. Also no Bison, Guile, Gambit, Sabertooth or War Machine. This brings no tension of using rival characters. 

To brake down the categories. You play offline or online. That's about the end of it. I would have loved maybe a quest mode added. You may have noticed I kind of skipped that online topic. First let me say I can hold my own in any fighting game. Though when playing this game online. It's just a terrible experience. From a confusing system of using gamer cards. To not being able to watch matches while waiting to play. At least a option of pre-selecting characters or practicing in the training room before hand. This could have helped ease the annoyance. Serious people, you just sit there and watch the other player's life drain. This is truly unexceptable in this day of age. When Street Fighter 4 has the ability to watch. I would also state the game felt unbalanced due to the adding of a launch button. The only scenario this leads to is who ever launches first, is who is winning the match overall. Normally I would be happy with DLC. Though this time around. Any characters and features should have been added in before the release. It's not like they did not have the time.

Pros:

• The animations of the characters are fun to watch.
• Playing with skills or just button mashing is a great time.

Cons:

• The character list regular or even unlock is quite low.
• Online playing system overall is very dated.
• soundtrack is not as strong as the second installment

Shelling out over $60 for a flashy fighter in which the short list of characters don't strike me as entertaining . A simple yet boring online play system that will not keep me coming back. With DLC on the way I'm sure to only bring the total cost above $70. You could buy Super Street Fighter 4 for about $35 less or even Marvel vs Capcom 2 way less. Both would be better for the money then this full price title. I would suggest you enter at your own risk or you might just be yelling at the TV screen.

Marvel vs Capcom 3: 6/10

Xbox has Labs?

Microsoft rolled out a very weird optional download called Xbox Live Labs. In which they use three network performing test to gather data. Each being different in length. Though for our help we receive free Avatar items. While doing the test you can not use live and may experience a slow down in Internet usage. Only available for use inside the US from March 10-27.

They state it's to make Xbox Live a better experience. Sure I would believe that, but this is suddenly out of nowhere. Now if I had to take a guess. The fall update, maybe IPTV or something around the corner with a new system. None the less I'm sure it's important.

Resistance 3 viral marketing

While watching Battle: LA I was shocked to see the following placed upon a billboard. Though I do believe it had a release date stamped on it. Reading Holiday 2011. I'm betting at E3 Resistance 3 will have a large role in Sony's press conference.

Another GOW3 Beta?

Seems the studio Epic really tried to pull one over on Xbox360 owners. Before BulletStorm was released. They pushed about buying the game to get into the Gears of War 3 beta. Almost as if it was your only chance. Though leave it to GameStop the following banner shows another way into the beta.

The Simpsons Arcade

Back in the year of 1991. There's was a game under the title The Simpsons Arcade. Which still today is the not only the best Simpsons game ever created but also one of the top arcade titles. Konami was the game's developer. This time around it's EA's turn. Now will the iPhone port fail or kick major butt?

Unlike the other game you play as just Homer who is on a mission to eat a donut. Though not just any one. This one has a special USB drive stuck inside. In which it contains a plan device by the towns villains(?) No not Sideshow Bob. Which just would have made too much sense to use. The villains are just the regular characters who we see on each episode. On the show I'm sure besides the jokes the story is a main focus. Though in this game it really is not.

Graphics
Sticking closely to the original style. It looks good and very smooth. The animations are crisp and fluent. Though not having retina display support is really a let down.

Gameplay
The button layout is not different from any game you've played using a touchscreen d-pad and buttons. There's random weapons that can be found. Each having it's strength and weakness. The mighty power ups are when you receive help from a family member. I wish it could have been more of a collecting feature power. For use at anytime.

Pros:

• Good graphics that are closely similar to the tv show

• Gameplay is fun filled and will provided 2-3hrs.

Cons:

• Controlling only homer and no other characters.
• The use of the Simpsons universe is small.
• No retina display support
• No achievements and use of Gamecenter.

 With the current price being $2.99. I would suggest wanting until it hits the 99c mark. Then it will be worth the price.

The Simpsons Arcade: 7/10

Battlefield 3 Teaser..

Seems EA is rolling out the big guns at this years Dice. They released a teaser trailer with gameplay footage showing off the new Frostbite 2 engine. If you pre-order Battlefield 3 you will receive the DLC "Back to Karkand" at no charge. Below you will see captures from the teaser.

In this photo we can see just how clearly design the city is.

A screenshot from the ground in combat.

A view using the gun's aiming system. Notice the blurring effect around the gun.

In this screenshot. We can see how the new frostbite 2 engine handles the contrast of darkness and shadows. I believe this will play into the strategy of the combat.

The solider is dragging another wounded solider. Another part of the gameplay.

Realistic damage can be seen using the new engine.

We can see the combat will be taken to great heights. Also a rocket weapon can be seen.

Pro Zombie Soccer

Two things, I thought I would never see combined together. Zombies and Soccer, bare with me. Jax, who is our young hero. Wants to try out for a local soccer team but is embarrassed by the coach. Feeling down and having his head in the clouds. While not paying attention he has a situation with a zombie. Armed with nothing but his soccer ball. He destroys the zombie and off sets the game. Spanning across different backgrounds in which the characters are the only factor to separate the levels. Mostly I tend to play with the phone on silent but the soundtrack is really fun and a rush.

The art style between the cut scenes, the game itself and awesome zombie deaths. Are all very cool comic-book looking. Gameplay is more along the way of Angry Birds. Placing one finger upon the left side of the screen will control just the ball. The only movement is to shoot up, middle or down with three different power-ups shots. Which adds a little strategy and verity.

The length felt fine due to some levels being hard and needing a few retries. The only fouls I could give the game are the dialog in the cut scenes should have been shorten a bit. Also not being able to move the character at all. Limited the fun and the tension of having zombies attack from all angels. The replay value was a little low. Mainly due to no game center support and no collectable items. At least being able to move up and down and maybe some mild RPG element would have kept me playing after I've finished. Pro Zombie Soccer is free and well worth the download.

Score:

• Graphics: 4/5
• Gameplay: 3-1/2 out of 5
• Replay: 3/5
• Overall: 4/5