Uncharted 4 (2016) - [Review]

It’s been 5 years since Drake’s Deception, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End has finally landed. Set 3 years after the events of the former, Nathan ‘Nate’ Drake (Nolan North) is living a meagre existence as a salvager with his wife Elena (Emily Rose), although neither of them seem entirely happy – but hey, there’s plenty of antiques in the attic to cheer them up. However, suddenly Nate’s long lost presumed-dead brother Sam (Troy Baker) shows up, and he’s in need of some pirate gold fast, since he claims that Hector Alcazar (Robin Atkin Downes) has given him three months to find the treasure or else (needless to say, it’s up to you to help him). Teaming up to find Captain Henry Avery’s mammoth fortune, the two brothers encounter an old partner, Rafe (Warren Kole), who is also searching for the treasure alongside mercenary Nadine Ross (Laura Bailey). Now the Drake brothers must enlist Victory ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Richard McGonagle) to aide them in their quest to find the Pirate’s booty – but of course, it’s never that easy.  

One of the things that strikes you the most when playing is how captivating the visuals of Uncharted 4 are. It’s a masterclass in dedication to complete immersion and the graphic visuals in the game are stunningly crafted and envisioned. From the Italian architecture to tropical shores, the snowy hilltops of Scotland cliffs to the gorgeous African plains, every destination is expertly designed and the attention to detail is astonishing. It would certainly be fair to say that Uncharted 4 has significantly raised the bar for visual graphics, and all involved should be immensely proud of themselves and their creation.

As aesthetically pleasing as the game is, it doesn’t rely on this sole element to carry the game to completion – instead, the narrative is actually one of the most cohesive and adventurous, and the inclusion of new and old characters makes it one of the most compelling. As Nathan, you get to team up with Sully, his brother Sam, and even (spoiler) Elena at one point, the latter of which is refreshing and the gameplay would have proved a bit repetitive if it had been a constant Sam/Nate outing. The characters and dialogue are humorous and appropriate, and the voice actors really give each character life and personality, with Elena and Nate’s goofy, loveable and dynamic relationship properly given its time to shine, as well as old buddies Nate and Sully. The backstories of Sam and Nate are too, given more screen time in this epic chapter adventure, as we are transported to their childhood and learn where they got their passion for treasure hunting and their infamous last name – certainly not something to miss out on.

The action sequences and gameplay options are also greatly improved, as is their seamlessness; the cinematic switching between cut-scene and gameplay scenes are enviable and may actually make you forget that you have to start playing again. The introduction of stealth elements allows you to be a bit more calculated with your kills (afforded to you by long grass and cover), whilst the different weapon options increase your versatile arsenal; grenades, pistols, assault rifles and RPGs are just some of your options. 

The handy grappling hook allows for high-intensity action sequences where death is a mere missed grapple away, or an ill-timed jump from a rope swing. But it doesn’t stop there, and players can now take control of vehicles – like Sully’s jeep – to traverse vast landscapes and uncover hidden treasures (which are everywhere on the massive map) and scale mud slides and cliff edges with the useful winch. The diversity of weapons, and optional stealth kills allow for the game to be played in a multitude of ways (although, if you go in all guns blazing, you may find yourself at the wrong end of a sniper rifle), which increases enjoyment and investment in the game’s outcome.

Uncharted 4 combines problem solving elements – in the form of pirate and pattern puzzles – with engaging action sequences (and equally funny death scenes should you fail) and incredible visuals for a truly remarkable and innovative game that makes use of the technology available. So, get ready to sail off with Nathan Drake for his final outing as the infamous treasure hunter, as Uncharted 4 has succeeded in making sure his send-off is one to be thoroughly celebrated.

Evie Frye & Assassin's Creed Syndicate - The Real Revolution

OK let's get one thing straight. One of the best things about Assassin's Creed Syndicate was it's inclusion of a female character in a main story game (no, Assassin's Creed Chronicles China doesn't count). And she was a twin - need I say more? Sister of Jacob Frye, Evie was 100% badass while also being a competent assassin, kind and generous. There is literally no reason to not like her. 

She was the unsung hero of the game. Now, if you think this sounds a little bit much (or perhaps you agree?) then you can read my full cohesive thoughts on this below, including the general gender inclusion of the game, below:

http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/assassins-creed-and-the-real-revolution/ 

And by all means, let me know what you think. Do you think this is a step forward for game-makers and Assassin's Creed in general? Are we going to get our first solo female assassin in the next game or will there be a pair again? 

And in case you love Evie just as much as I do, here are several ass-kicking gifs. You're welcome. 

Melissa x 

Life Is Strange - Episode 4, 'Dark Room' [Review - SPOILERS]

As Life Is Strange slowly built up to its finale, it was anyone's guess as to what episode 4, entitled 'Dark Room' (how ominous), had to offer. And if you thought episode 2 with Kate was bad, then let's just say to keep your wits about you as it's anyone's game in this latest thrilling addition. With so many potential deaths to deal with, it almost seems as if it's likely anyone...and everyone will die at the end of this series. 

As always, if you want to hear our review at the end then feel free to skip on over to that (best to keep your eyes shut until then as they'll be spoiler-filled pictures). But first we shall start by discussing the events of the fourth episode as they unfolded. 

Recap:

After having the shocking twist at the end of episode 3 with Chloe Price in fact having been involved in her own car accident (and now needed a wheelchair and several other pieces of equipment to move, breathe, and basically function), everything from the previous 2 episodes were uncertain. After spending the day with Chloe (with the option of choosing extremely guilt-ridden dialogue) and William, it was left to Max to decide what to do. Chloe, knowing of her worsening condition and her parents agony, asks Max to do the unthinkable...to kill her. 

At this point, you have the option to accept or reject Chloe's offer. Ultimately though, it means nothing as Max decides she must say goodbye to William (essentially re-killing him) and restore the old, not-disabled, Chloe. So back comes the blue hair and feisty attitude. Phew, we were getting worried there. Over the course of the episode, Max and Chloe gather clues (get ready for some searching and puzzle-based games, people) as to what could possibly be going on with Nathan, the disappearance of Rachel and Kate's ordeal. 

You spend a bit of time rummaging through David's garage to find some of evidence. Second stop though, Max goes to visit Kate. This is suitably awkward, as if you saved Kate you will get to see her alive and well in the hospital (and we're guessing if you didn't it's most likely going to be her funeral). Dodgy dialogue aside, Kate volunteers (or doesn't) to help you find Nathan's dorm number so you can break in. 

On the way to Nathan's dorm you get the opportunity to talk to a load of familiar faces including the incredibly wise janitor who may as well be some sort of hidden deity given his cryptic but enlightening dialogue. After finding a whole load of torture porn in Nathan's room along with some other creepy thoughts of the mini serial-killer, you eventually discover Nathan's phone (another one of the clues). Just as you think everything is fine and we have escaped without harm, Nathan shows up and starts getting aggressive. Cue Warren to the rescue. Quick as a flash, superman jumps in and beats the shit out of Nathan. No, really. He's practically blubbering on the floor. 

Next stop is Frank's trailer, where the real stuff goes down. Now you have multiple options to coax Frank's client list out of him nicely (easier said than done) or get almost mauled by his dog, thus causing Chloe to shoot the dog and then subsequently Frank. 

You can just leave Frank and his dog lying dead and steal the list, or you can rewind time and just shoot Frank in the leg, or successfully get him to give up the list. Got, that? Be nice to Frank = scores you the list without any canine death...or actual human death. Now that we have all the pieces of info it is up to Chloe and Max (mainly Max) to put together all the information and come up with the location of a mysterious haunted barn, naturally owned by the Prescott family. After finding a locked trap-door in the barn, Max and Chloe descend into what is known as the 'dark room', a disturbing one-stop-shop for creeps and kidnappers. 

Duct tape, video cameras, needles and secret files litter the room and in the notable red box files are pictures of Kate Marsh...and Rachel Amber (oh, and also there's an empty file for Victoria). Some incredibly disturbing photos of Kate are shown, along with ones of Rachel which appear to show her being buried in the junk-yard. Nathan's jacket is also present, along with other evidence that indicates he and his father are involved. Naturally, Chloe freaks out and the two of them high-tail it over to the junk-yard. 

At the junk-yard, Chloe frantically digs up and finds (presumably) Rachel's body, although this is not 100% confirmed. Now Chloe and Max have one joint goal: find Nathan at the Vortex Party and presumably make him pay (we're taking this as code for killing him, at least in Chloe's mind). On their way inside, the two briefly run into Warren, who wants to take a selfie with Max to commemorate the moment. Needless to say, Warren is totally trying to make the moves on Max. 

But, unfortunately the party is pretty much a dud, thought you do have the option of warning Victoria about Nathan and your previous actions towards her mean that she will either believe you or not. Mr. Jefferson is also present, and hands Victoria the award for the elusive 'Everyday heroes' contest. 

He also randomly stops Max and Chloe on their way out, but returns to the party. Chloe abruptly receives a text from Nathan who says there won't be any evidence left to find and Max and Chloe return frantically to the junk-yard. Whilst Chloe digs up Rachel, Max is injected from behind with drugs from a shadowy figure, who then proceeds to shoot Chloe straight in the head. 

Chloe falls down, covering the ground in blood and Max can't stop or rewind the situation due to her drugged state. And as a final twist, who should the shadowy figure be, other than... Mr. Jefferson! 

Yes, the over-enthusiastic photography teacher is somehow involved and just killed Chloe. Surprise! Although, if it's anything to go by, Chloe has proven to be as resilient as fuck, so we're pretty sure her death isn't going to be permanent (perhaps some photo-ception with a photo Warren coaxed Max into taking before the duo entered the party?). After all, she has been shot by Nathan, hit by a train, paralysed by a car 'accident', almost killed by a dog and so much more. This girl's a survivor (thanks predominantly to Max). 

Of course, now Max is left to wiggle her way out of this deadly situation with a disturbed Mr. Jefferson and the 'dark room', save Chloe (somehow) and figure out the mystery behind the weather. And who knows, maybe even save Rachel somehow too. Sufficed to say, the last episode is going to be a real epic adventure. Once again, it would seems as pretty much everyone's fate really does rest on Max's (and your) shoulders. 

Review: 

It's fair to say this episode was all over the place in terms of actual action, although it did move at a fairly glacial pace to start off with. Fortunately though, by the time the Vortex party approaches, events have kicked up a gear and now the episode is moving far more quickly. The lip-synching is still completely awful (but we're thinking they were going for more of a certain aesthetic with the beautiful imagery, exciting game-play and atmospheric music) and off-putting, but is fine if you don't actually look at their mouths. The narrative was decidedly more action-packed and lengthy than previous episodes, with a minimum total of 4 hours of game-play (longer depending on how you like to play), which certainly gave you plenty of scenarios to encounter, rightfully so, considering it has been over 2 months since the last instalment. It's fair to say if the game had ended upon the discovery of the 'item' in the junk-yard, it would have felt incredibly anticlimactic and lacklustre, but with the add-on of the Vortex party and the shocking thriller (and set-up) at the end, it propelled the episode to far more riveting heights. After the shock ending last episode, all eyes were on the game-makers, who were certainly under a lot of pressure to produce an equally climactic and shocking cliff-hanger for this addition, and thankfully, they didn't disappoint. 

The puzzle sequences and evidence gathering also showed great improvement from previous episode, with gathering David's, Nathan's and Frank's evidence being one of the most strategic and enjoyable experiences. Of course, performances from the main cast are all captivating to watch, and Chloe and Max really function well as two 'sister' type characters. It now remains to be seen whether the finale will see the series end on a high note or ultimately fail the promising scenario all 4 episodes have built up to. With so many questions left unanswered, Life Is Strange episode 5 has a monumental job tying off loose ends and drawing everything to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Life Is Strange - Episode 3, 'Chaos Theory' [Review - SPOILERS]

Well, if you ever needed a more apt title, Life Is Strange's latest 'Chaos Theory' is pretty up there. Focusing on how small changes can have a dramatic effect, episode 3 will have you truly gob-smacked by the ending act. Needless to say, there shall be some spoilers ahead. If you'd like to skip the spoilers completely, scroll down to our 'overall review' section below, and save yourself the trouble. 

The new episodic 5-part game by Dontnod Entertainment and Square Enix has certainly garnered a considerable amount of attention due to its intriguing time-rewinding and mystery element. Players have the option of making certain decisions that will have great (or minor) impact on the gameplay and characters in the game. Centring around Maxine (but don't ever call her that) Caulfield (Hannah Telle) a student at Blackwell Academy who suddenly finds she has the able to control time. 

Plot summary/commentary (many spoilers): 

Reuniting with her former best friend Chloe (Ashly Burch) after saving her from being shot to death, the two embark on an adventure to figure out what really happened to missing student Rachel Amber, whilst also trying to understand what Max's visions mean (incoming Tornado anyone?). After the most recent attempted suicide (or actual death) of Kate Marsh, a bullied student at Blackwell, Max is now knee-deep in the aftermath of whatever choice the player made. So now we open up with Max and Chloe who decide that the only logical next step is to break into Blackwell Academy at night. No, we aren't kidding. 

The two musketeers arrange to meet outside the Academy, and after narrowly missing Principal Wells, Max is able to escape the dormitories and reunite with her friend. Sufficed to say, the lip-syncing is still terrible but we're loving the developing characterisation, as we get a chance to see more of Max and Chloe as characters and friends, although not as much as in 'Out Of Time'. There is a great deal of back-and-forth collecting in this episode, which - if you're aware of the great bottle saga 2015 in episode 2 - you'll know can be incredibly tiring after a while. 

After using explosives to break open the door to the Principals office (and then rewinding time so they don't get caught) the two find several files on Rachel Amber, pompous idiot and all round psychopath Nathan Prescott, and even a few files on little old Max. Blue haired wild-child Chloe then suggests a swim, and the two almost get caught by 'step-douche' David. 

After several menial tasks, we get to explore into the back-story of Chloe a bit, something which we haven't seen much of. We know that her dad died in a car accident and ever since then she's never been the same, but at the moment it doesn't seem like much. Oh how wrong we are. After much Joyce/Max bonding, Max manages to hack into David's computer and sees the files he has. Cue intense screaming match with David, Joyce and Chloe (if you side with Chloe that is, and not David; seriously, who would side with David?!). 

The dialogue is as cheesy as ever, but it's become somewhat of a trademark by now that we sort of love it. The indie tunes, the 'nobody understands me' clichés, it's all strangely likeable, it reminds us a bit of Pretty Little Liars (plenty of secrets, after all!). The time travelling element remains the best feature as it is up to the player to figure out tactics and decide which moments to rewind to get a better result. Ultimately though, if you spend enough time looking out for things to interact with, you'll usually end up with the right conclusion. 

After the bust-up with David, Mad Max and Chloe head to the diner where they see Frank's RV. Keen to take a closer look, Max uses her abilities to get them in. There, they find that Rachel knew Frank rather intimately, and the two were very close. This upsets Chloe considerably, who is frustrated with everyone in her life, and is upset at her father for 'leaving' her (this girl does know he died right? He didn't just one day decide he wanted pancakes and up and left?). Chloe and Max get into an argument, which ultimately leads us to one hell of a finale for episode 3. Whilst looking at a picture Joyce had given Max of a time when Chloe and Max were kids, Max suddenly gets strange vibrations...and transports herself back in time to when Chloe's dad was still alive.  

At this point, you are thinking something along the lines of: oh shit, we're going to try and save her dad aren't we. And sure enough, saving her dad is the ONLY option in this segment, as you go through an epic journey to try and save her dad, including: unplugging the phone so he can't get a call, hiding his keys in a vase, trying to warn them both to no effect, trying to ring Joyce which doesn't work out, and many, many more. Eventually though, you throw his keys into the sink and advise him to take the bus. Huzzah, you think! We've saved her dad! We are amazing! Or so you think. Back in the real-world however, everything has changed. Victoria is now friends with you, Warren is interested in another girl and Kate...well, actually, we don't know what's happened to Kate. But what about Chloe and William? Rushing over to Chloe's house Max finds out that William is indeed still alive, Step-douche is now the bus driver (not the security guard) and Chloe is...in a wheelchair. 

Hold on, what? Yes, in some sort of weird twist of fate, Chloe is now in a wheelchair complete with neck brace and headgear. OK, time-out. What just happened? Naturally, this is where the episode ends and you're left wondering whether the previous two episodes are now null and void because genius Max has essentially erased them. Never mess with time, people! 


Overall Review (spoiler free): 

Whilst there are certain parts of the episode that are a little dull and seem to go no where (hunting for stuff you don't need, talking to people who ultimately have no impact on the story in any way) there are more favourable elements. These come in the form of the scenes with Chloe, where we really get a stronger feel for the characters and become invested in their success (or failure) and hint at what might come in the future. The characters are intriguing and original and although the sometimes glacial pace can make events seem a little too stretched out, there is enough original and exciting game-play elements to make it worth a go. The time-travelling and time-controlling are the best features, which stretch new boundaries for game playing and invite the player to take a different route where their actions really do have consequences, beyond the simple answer-clicking. Negatives however are the continual terrible lip-syncing (although providing you're not looking directly at the character these can be avoided) and the pace, which could be greatly improved in some areas, as it feels like you are on a bit of a journey - you know something is going to happen, but you don't really know what you're doing in the mean time. 

Similarly to the last episode's ending, this one really takes you by surprise, however. It is unique, genuinely unpredictable and invigorating as it sets up a whole new world for Arcadia Bay residents, and you just know that this is going to have a great impact on the last two episodes. It propels the narrative closer to its end goal, and you feel as if there has been some real progress made towards the ending of the 5-part series. As always, the graphics are beautiful and atmospheric, and the soundtrack adds to the whimsical nature of this mysterious story. It's surprisingly relaxing for a game that doesn't let you catch your breath for particularly long towards the end. The final act of Episode 3 is particularly impressive, and if you can manage to get through some of the more tiresome elements (although we're being particularly critical) then you will no doubt enjoy this startling revelation. 

Watch Dogs (2014) - [Review]

A recent addition to the videogame universe this year was Watch Dogs, a multiple platform video game that offered its players the chance to take control of a fictional version of Chicago, by ‘hacking’ the City. The game, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft collective, enticed players in with the idea of being able to hack every technological feature in the City, after its installation of the ctOS network, which connects the whole city together ‘as a community’. The centralized operating system manages and controls the whole city of Chicago, and as evidenced, is apparently easier to hack into than anything before. Whilst the construction of said system was probably the most idiotic thing a person could do, it serves as a great function for the game, as players are able to control (after acquiring the needed skill points and abilities) everything from blockers to bridges, steam pipes to junction boxes, helicopters to explosive packs on enemies, are much, much, more.

Watch Dogs focuses on the character Aiden Pearce (Noam Jenkins), whom the player controls throughout the game, a grey-hat hacker who can hack into the poorly designed ctOS network and use the system for his own means. By opening his phone (which contains the software), he can profile those around him and access cameras, vehicles and other technological items in order to infiltrate people’s bank accounts and steal money from them, in addition to a wide variety of other things (like one-time hacks, songs and vehicles). The story begins with Pearce and his former partner, Damien Brenks, as they carry out a job on the Merlaut Hotel, which Pearce transferring funds from his smart-phone. Things start to unravel when Brenks comes across a mysterious file, and although Pearce tells him to leave it, whilst Brenks tries to unlock it, he alerts another hacker, who notices them both. Pearce quickly leaves the scene, disabling Brenks’ abilities to further investigate the file. Pearce hurries to get his family out of the city and away from any danger, but a hit has already been put out on Aiden and a man named Maurice (Christopher Jacot) drives past Aiden’s car, which is also carrying his sister (Nicole/Nicky, voiced by Anne Hopkins), neice (Lena) and nephew (Jackson/Jacks, voiced by Nicholas Bode) and shoots out the tyre, causing the car to crash – and Lena to die. Post funeral, the game focuses on Aiden’s character as he tries to get revenge and answers for his neice’s death.

In addition to Aiden, the only playable character in the game, there are other character who help him, in the form of DedSec member Clara Lilles (Isabelle Blais), a tattoo artist and hacker; Raymond “T-Bone” Kenny (John Trench), a former ctOS engineer who designed the network; and Jordi Chen (Aaron Douglas), a ‘fixer’. The notable other characters in the game who Aiden converses with are his former partner, Damien Brenks (Daniel Kash), ‘Lucky’ Quinn, a crime boss of Chicago’s underground (Myron Natwick), and a gang leader with a military background in the form of Iraq (Jerod Hayes). The character’s storylines are particularly developed, and this is one of the positive features of the game, with particular reference to Clara and Raymond Kenny, and the player can also discover audio files throughout the games campaigns that reveal further information as to their back-stories.

The weapons available to players to use range from semi-automatic weapons like machine guns/rifles, SMG’s, pistols, grenade launchers, sniper rifles, shotguns and more. Ammo for the weapons are available to buy at the gun stores located throughout the districts, whilst hacking is available in the districts once the player has infiltrated the various compounds that hold each connection. After Aiden has ‘defeated’ the compound in that district, he will be able to hack into, and control, that area. Players also have the option of visiting the craft stores that stock things like jam coms (which disable communication and tracking devices in the area), IED’s (bombs that detonate on command or motion detection) frag grenades and blackouts, which can be used to aid in mission completion. The variety of weaponry and the hacking features of the game propel gameplay to exciting new levels and further the level of interactivity one can have with the city, making for adventurous and action-packed sequences and explosions, particularly during chase sequences. Furthermore, the player can earns skill points from XP advancements, which can be used to purchase increased abilities that span across four areas; hacking, driving, combat and crafting. These allow gameplay to be moulded around individual choices, which make for an engaged gameplay situation (note – there aren’t enough skill points to buy all the options, so choose wisely!).

In addition to the developed character back stories (through audio files, cut screens, video files and interludes) and hacking and weaponry abilities, the graphics are particularly on point (we played the PS3 version of the game) and there are extra online features that are available through the game’s network. Players are able to take fixer contracts that range from criminal convoys to gang hideouts, and are also alerted to when a crime is being committed; a player can also choose whether to be a ‘criminal’ or a ‘vigilante’, by the actions and choices they make in the open-world game. The extra online features are an appreciated addition to Watch Dogs varied gameplay, and the mission stylings are ever changing, meaning campaigns don’t become boring or repetitive. As mentioned, the graphics are particularly advanced (as would be expected), and the details on the features of the city and the characters themselves are intricate and well-researched and developed.

Whilst we would have liked to see more resolution for some characters in the end, and perhaps an increased understanding as to why exactly the main character would risk hundreds of other lives over the death of one girl, his niece; he only ever truly seems to contemplate this actuality towards the end of the game (after many, many, people have died). Whilst the narrative is sketchy (but the accompanying characters are great), the visuals and the open-world gameplay are the true feature to the game. The abilities Aiden possess in this playground truly make Watch Dogs a highly enjoyable game, whether you wish to cause the upmost destruction, watch your enemies simmer, or sneak past undetected; the game has all of the options to do so.

So, whilst the title character is plagued with ‘ghost of the past’ and clouded in uncertainty and ambiguity, the actual game is a full-out affair of open-world freedom, which provokes genuine enjoyment. A chaotic adventure that is fuelled by its sheer choice and abilities, and kept on a sturdy path by its secondary characters; Watch Dogs is another successful open-world game, which is sure to delight and entertain you whatever direction you choose to take with it.