Happy Wars XBLA Review

Happy Wars is an exciting addition to the XBLA and marks the introduction of Xbox Live's first free-to-play game. But just how 'free' is it? and will Developer Toylogic be able to resolve teething multiplayer server issues?

Happy Wars marks the advent of Xbox Live’s first free-to-play online game, and the start of a new free to play program launched by Microsoft. Happy Wars is a third person button-mashing strategy game in which players will be pitted against various armies across a range of maps. The main aim of the game is to capture enemy towers which act as spawn points, and ultimately siege the enemy’s castle. While there is a distinct lack of storyline involved in the game, the main focus is clearly multiplayer, where players can choose to either battle against the AI in co-op mode, or other online players in quick match. Multiplayer can host up to 30 players in two teams of 15, however players will often find themselves in games which are not full.

Players will face off in exciting, large-scale battles of up to 30 players. 

There are three main character classes to choose from: i. Warrior, ii. Cleric, or iii. Mage. These classes can be easily switched during games after dying, and is very handy when tactics need to be actively changed; for example during a siege a cleric may be more useful by building ladders or a battering ram. Characters can be customised in a variety of ways such as facial expressions, hair style, and skin tone. Equipment can also be changed via the customisation screen prior to entering battle. A variety of weapons, armour and accessories will be found while playing, however the more powerful/premium gear will require players to purchase weapon packs with happy tokens (which cost Microsoft points). In addition to priced happy tokens, happy stars will also be earned based on performance during games. These can be spent on levelling up items and equipment, or gambled on the spinner wheel. While the spinner wheel does allow free players to win some relatively rare or powerful weapons, the majority of decent gear must be bought using happy tokens. This introduces an unbalance to the multiplayer, as those with premium weapons and armour will inflict far more damage and be much more difficult to kill. They can also place buffs upon weapons when respawning which massively increase attack damage for short periods of time, with seemingly no way to tell who has a buff active. In addition, some of the AI seem extremely unbalanced and overpowered (for example when a dark opposing team is encountered), and may be another money making tactic to encoruage players to buy premum equipment.

Nevertheless, it is still nice to be able to try the game for free and decide whether or not to buy premium items. Toylogic has clearly placed emphasis on the multiplayer aspect in order to encourage players to purchase happy tokens, and this is echoed in the fact that single player quest missions cannot be progressed without first levelling up online. While this is a sound money making strategy, it does make gamers question the fairness of the game. It should also be noted that this game is only ‘free-to-play’ for Xbox Live gold customers who already pay £40 membership per year, and when this is compared to Playstation’s Plus membership which gives away a variety of full retail and arcade games free each month; it leaves Xbox gamers with more disappointment.

Players are encouraged to spend Microsoft Points in order to obtain the most powerful equipment. 

Unfortunately Happy Wars also suffers badly from server issues, with players waiting very long periods of time to find matchmade games (especially in quick match), or even get to the title screen. Difficulty may also be experienced when trying to join games with friends, leaving players with an ‘update required’ message when there is in fact no available update. In addition to matchmaking server issues, players may also be booted out of a game mid-way through causing them to lose all stars or achievements earned during that game. This can be especially frustrating for players aiming to complete particular multiplayer quests (the Happy Wars equivalent of challenges), or when the match has almost finished. It’s unclear why there are so many server issues at present, perhaps the developer did not forecast for the popularity the game has received, however if these problems are not resolved soon it may lose a large amount of its audience. 

SCORE: 7/10

+ free-to-play.

- Extremely severe matchmaking issues from launch.

- Players are encouraged to spend MS points or face unbalanced matches online. 

Borderlands 2 Review

Borderlands 2 successfully continues the series, immersing players into the imaginative, hilarious, cell-shaded world of Pandora. With excellent user-friendly online playability, and a bazillion new guns to plow your way through enemy hordes on the hunt for Handsome Jack; Borderlands 2 marks one of the most enjoyable RPG experiences of the year.

Background:

Borderlands 2 launches players into Pandora – the world of insane bloodthirsty bandits, futuristic alien technology, cut-throat interplanetary organisations, a mysterious vault, and diverse terrain from snow-covered outposts to deserts. The game offers a unique cell-shaded, online role playing shooter experience matched only by the previous title. Players will find themselves battling through countless maps and enemies, ultimately trying to stop the evil (yet witty) Handsome Jack. A sense of whacky humour is maintained throughout the game as a number of strange and interesting characters are encountered.

Players are able to choose from four different characters and an additional one if they pre-ordered the game or purchased the premier club content. These classes are roughly the same as those found in the previous title, and cater for a variety of play styles from sniping to close quarter combat. Skill points can be allocated in three individual trees for each character, allowing players to greatly enhance their combat abilities. A skill redistribution option has also been included in the game, allowing players to re-allocate skill points at any time. This has been highly welcome in other titles such as Kingdoms of Amalur, and relieves some of the pressure from early game skill point spending.

Borderlands 2 allows players to choose from four different characters. 

The most notable character change has been with the sniper class, which is now classified as an assassin and features a new cloaking/decoy skill. This is a nice addition to the game but unfortunately means that players will not be able to use the bloodwing ability from Borderlands 1. The tank class - now known as a gunzerker - has also changed notably. Players will now be able to duel wield guns and deal massive amounts of damage for short periods of time. This is extremely enjoyable and essentially enhances the tank class from the first game. Unfortunately the soldier and siren skills are very similar to the first game, but do allow some new and improved upgrades to be obtained from their respective skill trees.

The first few chapters of the game may seem rather linear, however this feels like a great way to begin the game, providing players with some introductory background storyline while pitting them against enemies of similar skill levels. The ability to free-roam is given later on, and thankfully the fast travel network is operable from near the start of the game, and can be used to quickly travel between visited areas to complete quests. In addition to the main quest there are 109 optional side missions of varying difficulty to complete, providing players with around 40+ hours of gameplay. There is also a challenging new game plus mode with different types of enemies, guns, and equipment. And if that’s not enough there’s also a huge number of unique challenges which can be completed throughout the game, offering extra depth and encouraging players to use different types of weapons and fully explore areas to earn badass points. One notable example is the inclusion of hidden vault symbols spread throughout the majority of areas in Pandora. These challenges augment the game well, and provide an extra sense of satisfaction as well as being transferable to other characters.

There are various areas to explore on Pandora with aesthetic and varying terrain. Some areas also allows players to travel be vehicle, and feature a new style of bandit vehicle which can seat up to four people. The Catch-A-Ride stations are well-placed, and easily let players teleport to the passenger seats of other vehicles. Furthermore; vehicles, like character, can be customised with various unlockable skins found throughout the game. At times it feels as though some areas are relatively empty, and lack main quests or even side quests but are instead filled with other optional challenges. This is a shame as some areas could have been utilized a lot more, and may seem as though developers tried to go for quantity over quality.

Gameplay:

One of the core components of Borderlands which makes it different is the inclusion of thousands of unique weapons and equipment, which can be bought, looted, or traded online. Some of the weapons will have surprising effects; for example a gun that can be thrown as an explosive whilst reloading, or a grenade which teleports to its destination. Players will not be disappointed with the wealth of weapons which can be found in Borderlands 2, and it seems Gearbox have put a huge amount of effort into the detailed weapon design found in this title. However players may be disappointed by the weapon chest loot compared to the previous title, as it seems common weapons are much more frequent whilst rare weapons are more difficult to find.

Borderlands 2 has thousands of different unique guns. 

Gameplay offers fast paced and enjoyable firefights with various types of enemies and bosses. However gameplay may become rather easy after a while, especially if players level up slightly too high by completing side quests and then return to the main story. This can make segments of the storyline overly easy and therefore less enjoyable, but is rectified by the inclusion of a new game plus mode. The menus and HUD are displayed neatly and the inventory is made very clear, however may become slightly cramped whilst playing in split-screen co-op. Excess weapons can be quickly sold to merchants, and the inclusion of a ‘buy-back’ option in the shops is very welcome. Furthermore the maps are visually pleasing and concise, and the start menu allows players to quickly manage matches, join friends, or switch between characters. The D-pad mapping also allows for quick transition of weapons during combat, however the application of diagonal mapping may have been useful for players with over 4 primary choice weapons.

The HUD and mini-map are displayed neatly in-game. 

Online gameplay has never been easier, and allows players to easily jump-in and out of games with friends. Lobbies are automatically set to allow friends to join, or can be changed in-game to public matches via the start menu. Matchmaking is relatively lag-free for players of the same region, however slight delays may prove frustrating during combat, for example when trying to snipe. Online players can also be frustrating by persistently activating fast-travel points or progressing storyline missions alone before you can reach them. Thankfully the host can easily remove players if they wish, however it would have been nice to have the option of allowing only the host to activate fast-travel points. Ultimately the online gameplay is extremely satisfying in Borderlands 2 and offers players with an increased challenge to complete [preferably] with their friends.

SCORE: 9/10

+ Excellent user-friendly online gameplay.
+ Great class choice and character customisation.
+ Thousands of weapons and equipment to choose from. 
+Long storyline with multiple side-quests available. 

- Gameplay becomes relatively easy after a while, and difficulty could have been increased. 

The Witcher 2 Review

A rich, unique storyline coupled with immersive combat and stunning graphics. CD Projekt RED has truly accomplished a successful console release of the popular Witcher series.

Background/Storyline:

The Witcher 2 continues the storyline from the previous game, instantly immersing players into an epic siege alongside King Foltest of Temeria. You play as a witcher known as Geralt of Rivia – a deadly warrior of inhuman strength with various magical capabilities. The world of The Witcher provides players with a unique and predominantly adult-oriented plot in which murder, incest, and corruption are all key aspects. This is not a game for the light-hearted, and this hard attitude is echoed within the combat which provides a difficulty comparable with that of Dark Souls. This game is a certificate 18+, and if you are wondering whether it is truly that explicit the answer is yes – there are a variety of nude and disturbing scenes from the get go, and is definitely not appropriate for children!

The game is comprised of three chapters and an epilogue, equating to around 25-30 hours of gameplay including side-quests. However particular choices can be made which significantly impact the storyline, and alternate endings can be experienced. This provides an incentive to re-play the game, or re-load saves from key moments in order to change the storyline. If you are intending to do the latter it may be advisable to briefly look at the point in which the storyline splits, in order to save re-playing certain chapters of the game. While side-quests are obviously optional, it is recommended players attempt to complete at least some of them as they may supplement the main game, and allow extra gold and special equipment to be gained. Players can also build relationships with other characters, however this component of the game is rather lacking and boils down to only a few dialogue choices. It would have been nice to see a more intuitive relationship plot such as that of Mass Effect 2.  

Various characters will be met throughout the storyline, each with their own interesting background. 

The dialogue sequences are also reminiscent of Bioware’s Mass Effect and feature beautiful facial textures (thanks to the use of the powerful RED engine) and optional dialogue choices. However, at times characters may seem unrealistic, and their facial expressions rather ‘stiff’. The HUD is displayed neatly and does not intrude onto the screen; and the menus are also satisfying, providing players with the typical inventory, skill tree, quest log, and map. Players will find themselves collecting lots of seemingly useless items throughout the world, which contribute to the weight limit and may ultimately over-encumber you. Selective looting is unavailable meaning that whenever an enemy drops items you are forced to pick up all of them. This can be disappointing and time-consuming when you come to a new item you really want to pick up, but have to trawl through your inventory removing insignificant items looted accidentally from enemies. Items are, however neatly arranged into sub-categories, and the inventory screen feels fairly spacious. The skill tree allows players to allocate experience points and pursue four different pathways: 1) Training, 2) Magic, 3) Alchemy; and 4) Swordsmanship. While this may seem a curious choice of individual skill trees to other RPG gamers, after you have played The Witcher you will understand it’s a good mix. In addition to the general combat bonuses, new skills can also be learnt, for example greatly improved magic, or an adrenaline rush technique which gives a massive strength boost over a short period of time.

The skill tree allows players to allocate experience into four different pathways. 

Gameplay/Combat:

The combat is perhaps one of the most exciting and fulfilling aspects of The Witcher 2. Players are able to use a variety of weapons from swords to poisoned throwing knives, and construct their own weapons or armour using blueprints from a blacksmith if they wish. Unfortunately there is a rather steep learning curve associated with the combat, and beginners may find themselves being repeatedly killed near the start of the game. Fights may also feel ‘clunky’ and unresponsive at times, but there is more involved than merely button bashing, and players are forced to accurately time and string together combinations of attacks. An interesting element of battle is remembering to switch between a silver and iron sword depending on the type of enemy you are facing. For example humans are more vulnerable to iron swords, whereas creatures are more susceptible to silver swords. Once players become experienced, the combat will become rich and dynamic offering a rapid transition between swordplay, magic, and ranged attacks. In addition traps, bombs, oils, and potions can be used as support in combat. The application of oils to buff weapons is relatively confusing as there are multiple places to do this from, and could have been made clearer.  

The combat is essentially comprised of four main moves: 1) light attack, 2) heavy attack, 3) magic; and 4) dodge/roll. These moves are mapped well to a controller, allowing players to quickly string together attacks and magic signs to great effect. Special finishing move animations can also be experienced which further enrich combat, however may seem glitchy at times as other enemies continue to attack you during the animation or simply stand nearby motionless. Geralt will also not recover his health automatically during combat, placing greater emphasis on the consumption of potions. While this adds an extra element of strategy into the game, it can be harsh on players who may have run out of potions during a boss battle and are stuck due to an autosave.

At particular points in the game characters will enter a stealth sequence, encouraging them to sneak past or knock out guards from behind. These sequences are a good addition to the core gameplay, however it would have been nice to be able to engage stealth manually whenever the player wanted. These sequences can also become aggravating if discovered, as players are forced back to the previous autosave.

The Arena introduces a new gameplay mode added to the game with patch 2.0 (and automatically included with the Enhanced Edition). This can be selected under new game at the main menu and allows players to fight through waves of enemies to earn gold and unique items, and upload your scores onto an online leaderboard to compete against your friends and the world! This is a great option for players wanting to quickly jump into the game, practice combat, or learn tactics against individual enemies.

The Arena allows players to upload scores to compete against friends and other players online. 

Finally, three mini-games are also available: arm wrestling, dice poker, and fistfighting. Unfortunately the associated quests are rather regiment, and only involve defeating opponent A, B, C etc., and earning some more gold. At first the mini-games may seem quite challenging, however they become extremely dull after a short time and feature perhaps one of the most frustrating achievements in any 360 game – ‘Poker!’. Furthermore, various sound glitches may be experienced when playing the mini-games for example random amplified sounds such as running water, or just annoying and repetitive dialogue from nearby characters. This is definitely an aspect which could have been improved, and it seems little effort was put in to make these mini-games worthwhile.

Overall the Witcher 2 has some rich and memorable RPG experiences, coupled with a sound combat system and graphics. Various improvements could have been made, most notable of which is the slow response time of button presses during combat, however this can be compensated for by experienced players. The multiple storylines and endings also provide a good amount of re-playability, and allow players to experience different scenarios, characters, and locations.  

SCORE: 8/10

+ Excellent replayability value, offering different chapters to be experienced.
+ Brilliant graphics, including character textures during speech.
+ Very satisfying combat system, with the addition of an Arena mode. 

- Combat may take a while for beginners to get used to, especially due to slow button press response times. 
- Certain side-quests could have greatly been improved by adding more depth.