Zygos Games

Mirror’s Edge feels like when you scratch an itch but it sort of stays there, so you scratch it some more and it starts bleeding, and then it just becomes a mess. Seriously. That may be an odd analogy to use, but Mirror’s Edge, developed by Dice who make the Battlefield series, has some really great ideas that sort of get tedious after a while, and by the end of your time with the game you’ll be preying for it to end just so you can find out “who done it”.

Dice’s latest effort sees you playing as Faith, a young, energetic woman who delivers important, secretive data through a supposedly utopian city full of staring eyes and praying “blues” otherwise known as police. Delivering this information requires some pretty inventive ways of getting around, so you’ll be free running almost everywhere you go in order to get to where you need to be without anybody seeing.

Well, that’s the theory of it anyway. Obviously, (although my simple tastes were satisfied) something had to go wrong somewhere, and, of course it does, with your sister getting mixed up in a murder of a politician, which is where the game gets its purpose and you spend almost the full game trying to get her back. Getting her back means getting info from people and being in certain locations damn quick, and so how are you going to get somewhere without being seen super-fast? You’re going to free run over the roof tops of course! These sequences are usually the fastest sections of the game, and to help you reach your destination with the necessary punctuality; you’ll be jumping, ducking, sliding, leaping, diving, swinging, mounting, climbing…the list goes on and on and on. All of that basically makes this game one hell of an action platformer.

In terms of gameplay, which is definitely the game’s strong point, there are a bunch of things which make Mirror’s Edge original and fresh, the first being it’s simplicity. To begin with, you’ll be extremely daunted by the large amount of stuff introduced to you in the training level, where you learn all of the game’s basic manoeuvres, and the fact that the button you’ll use most of all is LB doesn’t help the situation (especially mine because my left bumper is mental and doesn’t even make that satisfying “click” noise when you press it in). However, despite the extremely steep learning curve, you’ll get the hang of it after a couple of missions, and from then on you’ll have muchos fun flying around the city. So what about the level design? I can tell you, mirror’s Edge is pretty much as linear as it gets. Unfortunately, this isn’t some kind of first-person version of Crackdown allowing you to free roam through a sand box world, and you’ll have to follow very specific paths to lead you to your next location which is a little bit of a let down.

Once you’re at your destination, which is usually some sort of building, you’ll have to navigate at a slower and more methodical pace through ventilation systems, elevator shafts and normal boring old corridors. These sections are usually peppered with pretty easy puzzles which usually involve doing simple tasks such as opening or closing valves to stop steam from scolding you as you walk past a water pipe…yeah, they’re very simple. However, this change of pace is extremely refreshing, especially in the later levels of the game where Dice decided (wrongly) that it was a good idea for you to be chased by fellow free runners who are trying to beat you up whilst you’re getting from place to place, which can get extremely annoying.

This leads me nicely onto the next port of call, which is the combat. Yes, this is a first person action platformer with fighting in it to boot. Can anyone hear the alarms of “too much stuff!!!AHH, BURNING IN THE FIRES OF EXCESS”? OK, that may have been a little bit over the top, but, you know, sometimes I can’t help the melodrama. As you’re running about the city the “blues” will shoot at you, and you’ll have a few options of how to dispatch of them. The first thing that you can do is beat them up, which is extremely difficult and if you get more then one on you you’ll have no chance in hell at winning, and the other thing you can do is beat one of them up, pick up their gun, and then shoot everyone else with it. Now this may be by far the most effective method of killing everybody, but from an academic perspective, it’s not very satisfying, an Dice have tried to shoe horn both melee and gun combat into a platformer with only minimum success. I think that Dice nearly got the melee stuff right, what with you being able to do quite a number of attacks, and you can even slow down time and disarm enemies, which is quite cool. However, without any real focus, the combat in Mirror’s Edge is by far it’s weakest point.

Something quite outstanding about the game is its audio design. From the sound of Faith’s footsteps which change depending on the acoustic of your location, to the excellent soundtrack which you can hear on any of the game’s trailers, Mirror’s Edge does the “sound in games” industry proud.

For me, it was definitely the graphical style of the game mixed with flawless sound design combined with a compelling story that made Mirror’s Edge a good game. If there weren’t so many other little problems like the very short (6 hours) campaign, lack of multiplayer, linear game pathway, continuous repetition and bad textures on character models, then this game would have been one of the best of this year. Despite that, Mirror’s Edge is definitely worth a look, especially if you’ve been seeing a lot of colourless games out there; a combination of style and fluidity make this a game you should at least rent, but don’t go spending £40.00 on it, there’s not enough there to warrant your purchase.

-Tom Rhodes-

The New Xbox Experience Arrived Today so what does that mean for you?

Zygos Games takes an in-depth look at Microsoft’s new operating system for the Xbox 360.

Welcome To The New Xbox Experience

We were very surprised to see that the NXE seems so far to have gone off without a hitch. With the surge in demand hitting the Xbox servers we really expected lag and downtime but it’s been great. The Welcome To The New Xbox Experience intro video just added to the build up and it looked great.

The Avatar Creation System

Once the intro video finished you are greeted by Rare’s Avatar System. Visually it looks great and for the release it features a lot of body parts and attires so you really can customise the look to exactly how you want it to be. Some of the stuff like the eyes look out of place but it’s a great addition to the Xbox. We’re hoping that it builds upon the Wii Avatar system but it’s far too early to tell with only 3 games utilising the avatar system. One of them is Uno and it very basic support and in a way it’s a disappointment, it’ll be interesting to see how the avatar system will be used in future games if at all.

Netflix Streaming Movies

A great coup for Microsoft. It’s another of the new features included with NXE and not only are the streams quick, there in HD. The selection is pretty big for North Americans but I suspect there will be little in it for the rest of the world.

Parties

This is one of those features that is purely a convenience and it works. It makes it easier to get into a game with friends and the 8 way chat function is great. It means no more flicking through individual conversations and it’s a pretty big step from a two way chat.

Visual Appearance

This really has to be the main selling point. The colour scheme looks great and the layout even more so. It’s also good that you can choose a theme so if you’ve paid in the past for a premium one it’s all usable are gamer pictures so that old school feel is certainly there. You really can’t help but think that Microsoft have put time into making a beautiful finished project that feels a step up from the old dashboard. When you press the guide button you still get the blades there smaller and look more sleek and slicker but it makes for familiarity and makes navigation easier than before. The logos for each feature look great too, they have a modern feel and appear cleanly finished. Nice job Microsoft!

Inside Xbox

Essentially the same as before the update except it looks a lot sleeker and it’s great that it has its own tab. This should mean that more people know it exists and the usage of image (which is really good I may add) means it’s great for finding what you want to know without having to flick through everything.

Capture a moment

This is addition just highlights how Microsoft are trying to sell the social side of the Xbox. Basically what it means is that you can share your pictures with friends and the quality is pretty good too. You can also rate your friends photos and discuss them in real time with the photo party feature.

Overview

The New Xbox Experience really builds upon features which have already done. Whether this the avatar system (think Wii, Yahoo) or the 8 way chat (built upon from the original Xbox dashboard). At the end of the day the debate over whether the NXE is a rip-off of everything else is irrelevant. It looks good, runs smoothly and adds some nice features. Xbox users everywhere should love the update. It now means that all other consoles will have to up their games (see what I did there?) and it’s certainly a hint at the future of how taking your console online is growing in popularity and usage.

So what do you guys think of the nxe? If you haven’t got an Xbox is this enough to make you want one?

Leave a comment or head on over to the forums now!

-Sean Linley-

The New Xbox Experience Update is out now and free to download via Xbox Live.

Update: Check Out ZG’s First Impressions Now!

It’s official, time to get your Xbox on and update! Join the thousands of nerds who took the day off of work or just stayed up/got up early. So what do we think of NXE? Look out for our NXE impressions coming later today.

In the meantime enjoy the NXE! And play Uno! It has avatar support!

-Zygos Games-

This is the first time we’ve run awards I’m sure in the days of 360stage we probably tried and failed. So here’s how it’s going to work.

There are going to be various categories in which you guys can vote but in the same category there’ll also be the editors choice. Example Below:

Most Hilarious Gamertag/ID

[Poll]

- The Rage Of Tybolt (Editors Choice)

- Greenie91 (Public Choice)

We’ll design a better layout for everything but the awards will be coming very soon.

Some Of The Categories:

- Video Game Of The Year

- Most Original Gameplay

- Most Impressive Graphical Performance

- Most Anticipated Video Game Of 2009

- Best Advertising Campaign For A Game

- Worst Advertising Campaign For A Game

- Most Original Story

- Most Innovative And Groundbreaking

- Best Of Each Genre (Shooter, Puzzle, Sports etc)

- Best Multiplayer Featured In A Game

- Best Franchise Game

- Best Video Game Soundtrack

- Best In-Game Animations

- Worst Video Game Of Each Genre (Shooter, Puzzle, Sports etc)

- Worst Video Game Of The Year

There will be a few more categories appearing too!

So get ready to vote as the awards begin very shortly.

-Zygos Games-

It’s back after an extremly long hiatus. Last time you joined us we reviewed the amazing Custer’s Revenge. Now we’re going to review The Great Waldo Search and yes you guessed it, it was shit.

Name: The Great Waldo Search

Platform: Sega Genesis, SNES

Release Date:

Developer/Publisher: THQ

Trivia: Waldo’s original name was Wally, but the name Waldo sold a lot more in America which literally killed poor Wally. Waldo’s dog is called Woof- How original!

The Review

When at the main menu you notice three modes. Normal which is in fact super easy, expert and a picture of waldo. I have no idea what that picture means or what that mode is. So you click normal mode have a quick glance through the levels and guess what. There are only 4 levels which I completed in about 5 minutes (just been told there are 5 but who really cares? do you?). The gameplay is absymal its a simple point and click adventure game which follows the same pattern of the original book, in fact this is an interactive version of the book. The only game you get to play is Waldo’s dogs mini game. Which is even worse. You play as the dog moving up and down to collect as many bones as possible. Thats it. Theres no bad guy chasing you, no finding waldo, just a dog on a flyng carpet! On each level the mini game is exactly the same and I mean exactly same!

Replayability is dead and reptitivness is now on a high score. Back to the main game you find clocks which I presume is for time, silver blocks with numbers in them which again I presume is extra points and you also search for waldo and his dog. In addition to this you search for clues, but clues for what I have no idea? So you complete the 4 levels and it brings you back to the main menu and if you select normal again there are NO extra levels to unlock or anything. So it’s time to try the mysterious picture of Waldo mode (which turns out is the 5th and final level). There are no clocks, no silver blocks or clues. This is simply a picture in which everyone is dressed as Waldo. There are NO instructions on what to do nor do I recall been told what to look for, so I paniced and clicked everything and still managed to get points. This game is shit in its purest form. Its a complete waste of time. You’d have to be a die hard fan to have fun and I doubt there are many of those! Where’s Waldo? Where’s the nearest trash can more like!

Furthermore for some unknown reason the game has a delayed reaction (maybe like Waldo’s sperm). For example while I was shouting at Waldo how much of a bad person he is playing the game it randomly said “man with three legs”. For a start - man with three f**king legs? The letters ‘WTF’ spring to mind. Since when do men have 3 legs? Oh alright I know what you’re thinking…

Perhaps this isn’t a kids game but it’s sure not Custers Revenge, there’s no rape* for a start, well who knows what Waldo and Woof get up to, I bet it’s not just walkies though…

If you’re seriously intent on anymore Waldo then please just stick to the books (not to the man).

Gameplay Video

Do you really want to see this game? That’s what Waldo wants you to do. Just keep looking, searching oh and for the record I never did find ‘man with three legs’…

-Sean Linley-

*Zygos Games does not endorse rape. Rape is very serious and ZG condones rape in any form. Especially to the dog.

The PS3’s second birthday has just passed and Sony are happy to praise their efforts as Playstation Network has hit over 14 million users worldwide.  That’s an increase of 4.2 million users in 5 months and over a 100 million extra downloads in the same time period. Sony released the following statement:

PlayStation Network has truly hit its stride with unique downloadable games and a video delivery service featuring movies, TV shows, and original programming that you can watch in HD with your PS3, or bring with you on your PSP. And with 14 million active accounts and 273 million pieces of content downloaded, we know that you’re thirsting for this digital entertainment.

It’s great to see the Playstation franchise picking up popularity once again but will it keep growing?

Leave a comment or hit the forums.

-Sean Linley-

Source: Happy Birthday PS3! [Playstation Blog]

Reports are appearing today that Brash Entertainment’s movie based game Saw will be attempted to be sold on to other publishers. The company recently fell on hard times due to several failed projects (Space Chimps, Jumper, Alvin And The Chipmunks) and as a result the company has now folded.

Brash’s official website has yet to officialy confirm that the company has closed despite reports from Variety and other sources.

Zygos Game’s has now heard that the game ‘Tales Of Desperaux’ will still go ahead while the planned Saw: Video Game will be sold on to another publisher if any come forward. We also hear that they are trying to sell other licenses they held including reported licenses for Prison Break and Superman.

Brash have so far refused to comment.

Would you like to see Saw: The Video Game? Take part in our poll below:

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-Sean Linley-

I believe that this video is quite self explantory. This advertising campaign seems to have gone the way of Guitar Hero On Tour!

Anyway here are the British trailers for you to cringe at.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

-Sean Linley-

From the very beginning of Call of Duty: World at War you realise that Tryarch have really gone out of their way to make their new entry to the Call of Duty franchise as much like CoD: Modern Warfare as they possibly could. Now, for better or for worse is your decision to make, but personally, I enjoyed CoD: MW a hell of a lot, so for me, this was just more fun.

World at War uses all of the same technology as CoD 4 did, and adapts it to a World War 2 setting. Thankfully, this time round sees you fighting in more than just Germany, and you get to fight form 2 perspectives: an American fighting in and around Japan, and a Russian fighting in Russia and then Germany; more specifically Berlin and the Reichstag. Obviously, if you’ve played a WW2 first person shooter before in your life, you’ll know what to expect from the Russian and Germanic campaigns, but what about Japan? Well, the American campaign is the most unique part of CoD 5’s single player portion, and it’s easily the most fun to play through. Most importantly is atmosphere as you’re walking through swamps and marshes, knowing that there’s probably going to be a Japanese ambush waiting just around the next corner, or hiding up the next tree. It’s these important gameplay changes which make the campaign fresh and interesting. If you remember the sniper level of CoD 4, the Japanese portion of this game is sort of like that, but it’s less about stealth and more about ambushes.

The campaign on the whole is far better then Tryarch’s last effort: Call of Duty 3, and they appear to have taken the Infinity Ward route of short but explosive, because you’re probably going to be able to get through the full campaign in about 6 hours or something ridiculous like that. Nevertheless, when you finish it you won’t feel dissatisfied with what you’ve done. You’ll be running through Berlin, Sniping guys off of roof tops, mowing down Japanese with turret guns stationed above small Japanese air bases, and you’ll be rescuing American troops from the Pacific Ocean all in under 6 or 7 hours. Good times. Tryarch haven’t just added a new lick of paint to the same old gameplay mechanics though, they’ve added something which seems to be coming into fashion what with its inclusion in Gears 2 and Farcry 2: the flame thrower. Again, the flame thrower is another reason why the Japanese section of the game is the best. Going up to bunkers full of Japanese and setting the whole god-damn thing on fire and seeing everyone just melt is super awesome. Maybe that’s a little bit twisted, but oh well, that’s what I’m into.

If you don’t want to play the campaign on your own, you can have a go with 3 of your mates over PSN or XBL or, well, the internet on PC… (not the Wii version I’m afraid), and if you decide that that’s how you want to play, you can check who’s killed the most etc at the end of your play time and your scores will be added to the leader boards so you can see who’s done the best and how you hold up with the rest of the world.

When you’re bored of the campaign, you should head online, which we all know is what makes the CoD franchise so popular and successful. Here’s where I started getting a little bit cynical, because as soon as you enter the multiplayer menu, you just feel as though you’ve put CoD: Modern Warfare into your disk drive: It literally looks the same. The menus follow the same colour scheme and layout and pretty much most of the options are in the same places with the same names. The dilemma that I’ve got here, is that yes - the multiplayer stuff all looks the same as CoD: 4’s, but I loved all of that stuff, and the fact that it all looks the same means I can get into a game faster. Oh god, I’m not sure whether I should criticize it or give it a star and pat it on the head…grr.

The multiplayer itself, in essence, is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, but with tanks. Tryarch have done a fantastic job of taking everything that was great about Call of Duty 4 including the leveling and Perk systems and have translated it to a World War 2 setting. So first things first: If you don’t like World War 2 themed first-person shooters then there’s really no point in even trying this out, because you’ll most definitely be running around with your Thompson and shooting people in the face. Thankfully they’ve kept the kill streak mechanic in the multiplayer, which was something that kept the player on their toes at all time and something that I personally loved about the fourth game. The difference this time round is that on 7 kills, you release a whole bunch of dogs onto the map who run around and bite the hell out of your enemies. It’s much more visceral then the helicopters of CoD 4, but I prefer them more. On that note, the pace of the multiplayer hasn’t changed much either. It’s still ridiculously fact paced and you can still click in the right stick to run etc etc. However, because Tryarch are Tryarch, they’ve felt it necessary to include tanks on some of the larger multiplayer maps. Now, in terms of pace, these maps are the ones that feel a little more like CoD 3 (the crappy one): a little slower. To me, sometimes it feels as though you’re spending too much valuable time searching for people to kill instead of doing the deed itself, which is a shame, because all of the other, smaller, maps feel perfectly balanced in every way possible. In terms of modes, all of the old ones are all there with the inclusion of War, a new mode allowing players to do a large-scale capture and hold type-thing, but that’s not really my bag. To me CoD is all about none-stop “in-the-face” action and therefore I prefer stuff like ‘Headquarters’ and ‘Free For All’. However, all of the modes in the game are fun to play, and games are extremely quick to get into, like, extremely quick. I’m talking, like, 10 seconds to find a group of people and then get into the action. It’s great.

In the end, it all comes down to whether or not you want to play more Call of Duty. If you’re like me and love the series then you should definitely pick this one up, because it’s an extremely well made sequel to CoD 4: Modern Warfare, and even though a bunch of the content is the same, you’ll have a great time with it.

-Tom Rhodes-