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Should Zombies Be More Integral To Black Ops 2?



Everyone's fully aware Black Ops 2 is coming, and zombies along with it. Though only tidbits compose the information we've received on the zombie mode so far, what we do know are pretty big changes when compared to both the Black Ops and World At War Zombies mode. While Black Ops chose to improve, rather than reinvent, the zombie mode of World At War, Black Ops 2 looks like the zombie mode is stripped down and built back up to be bigger, stronger, and much more integral to the overall Black Ops 2 game.


But is this a good thing?

In my opinion, this is the smartest move Treyarch could've made. For many fans, it seems like zombies is the only saving grace to the otherwise inferior Treyarch Call Of Duty games, when compared to the Infinity Ward ones. Zombies, however, has had a strong place in Call Of Duty since 2008, when it was included as a mere bonus mode in World At War.

Since, it's become a smash hit and loved by many Call Of Duty fans all over. It's expanded to have its own storyline, original characters, exclusive weapons, and expanded 500% as a whole since the original mode.

It looks like Black Ops 2 plans to do the same, and then some.

The biggest changes so far are 8 player co op, and the zombie mode having its own campaign. Both huge advances in their own right, but they also turn the zombie mode on itself. Up until now, the zombie mode has been designed specifically for 4 players in mind, and the story has been told through hidden radios and often complicated puzzles.


The campaign will presumably have cutscenes, but I, for one, hope they leave plenty of hidden radios and messages around to keep that sense of familiarity. The 8 player co op also raises the question to whether the zombie campaign will feature full co op throughout or only in set levels, similar to previous Call Of Duty games.

It sounds like Treyarch is pushing the zombie mode to be right there next to the multiplayer and campaign as one of the staple modes in Call Of Duty. This is without a doubt their best move, even in the original Black Ops, Zombies still felt like something overshadowed by multiplayer. It needs to be right there with multiplayer to capitalize.

The choice to include a campaign and 8 player co op is definitely interesting, I see this playing out rather well, provided they don't screw with the formula everyone loves so much. The campaign will no doubt mix things up, but I have a feeling it'll only add to what we love so much about zombies.

So what do you think? Should zombies become a staple mode? Should the Modern Warfare games start incorporating it and ditch Spec Ops? Should Zombies stay a bonus mode of sorts, and keep the original style? Is a Zombies campaign and 8 player co op a good choice? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading!
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May 12th 2012 @ 00:24

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


What Black Ops 2 Needs To Succeed



Black Ops 2 has been all but confirmed via multiple sources. Yes, we will shockingly be getting a new Call Of Duty game this year. Despite a questionable name (Black Ops itself was a sequel to World At War), I'm assuming Treyarch's developing again. As someone who found Black Ops better than Modern Warfare 2, and assuming that Black Ops 2 will be similar to past entries in the likes of gradual improvement over a full-blown new sequel, what things could help make the game a better experience?

The multiplayer of Modern Warfare 3 was decent, slightly addicting at first but not different from its predecessors. While I would hope Black Ops would make strong improvements in this area, the fact is this is the 5th year in a row for consecutive Call Of Duty titles, and they're not going to change what works. I expect incremental improvements in this area similar to the past games with a few new features tossed in for good measure, along with new guns and a few new perks.

There have been reports of Black Ops being set in the future, which, for all intents and purposes, doesn't seem entirely out of the question. Should it be set in the future, the plot should tie in with the plot of the original Black Ops (otherwise, why call the game Black Ops?) so expect to, at the very least, hear a good amount of name drops.

I'd like to see a story similar to the Black Ops campaign, I liked how they shifted the action story to a more thriller-style approach, and the twist worked, for what it was. I'm hoping to see more of the same. Maybe tighten up the story as a whole so the twist doesn't completely come out of nowhere, and is foreshadowed (even if only slightly).

This is where things get interesting. The zombie mode. For both World At War and Black Ops, it's been a huge success, and for many (myself included) the sole purpose of buying the DLC. In World At War it was an unlockable mode. Then the success happened and they promoted it heavily right alongside the multiplayer for Black Ops.

Now that they've seen the success its had, I think they really need to capitalize on it. They should expand the mode as a whole. Give us more maps, throw in some map variations, things along that line. They should take the zombies mode to a whole new level. Expand on it completely.

Combat training should also make a comeback, and be playable offline, that would benefit a lot of people, I'm sure.

I'm also holding out for more wager matches. More types, maybe even customizable ones. They provide an interesting spin on the standard gameplay of the multiplayer, and are pretty fun to play.

Last, but certainly not least, since this is Treyarch, who started the zombie mode in the first place, I'd love to see a new mode. Something we haven't seen in Call Of Duty before. Not a survival mode, not an offshoot of Spec Ops, something new and fresh that fans can get into. I'm not expecting anything, but it would be an awesome addition if they could pull something unique and interesting off.

So, with realistic expectations in mind, that's what I'd like to see from Black Ops 2. I could put out an article about how I'm hoping for all these major changes, but let's be honest, that's not going to happen with this game. We'll see incremental improvements, and I think I kept most of the ideas in this article relatively realistic, so with any luck, maybe we'll see one or two of them!

Do you want Black Ops 2 to include any of this stuff? What about your own ideas? Should they capitalize on the zombie mode more? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
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April 29th 2012 @ 23:33

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


What Does Dragon Age 3 Need?



It's been a while since we've heard any news concerning Dragon Age. With two full games, an expansion, and plenty of DLC, this is a series that's grounded fairly well on its own so far. But with a third title in the works, what does it, and the series, need to be at the forefront of gamers' minds?

In a nutshell, we know the game will: be set in Thedas, cover a much larger geographical territory, focus on mages vs. templars, and will once again feature a new protagonist. There are rumors circulating of multiplayer, as well, though this is neither confirmed or denied.

It sounds like Bioware has the game grounded well from the few details we know. The Mages vs. Templars is a direct continuation of Dragon Age 2, which will be really awesome to see. The larger area also suggests the game will be broader in scope then say, Dragon Age 2, which focused on one character and his life only.

I'll go ahead and give my take on the multiplayer rumors. It's been said to be a player vs. environment vs. player style multiplayer, where you're taking on real players and AI enemies/environmental hazards. There was also a report of being able to control a dragon, which was surprising. It sounds like it could work, and with combat being tweaked, it's possible it could work surprisingly well. I hope it's not combat-centric though, I'd like some story elements thrown in.

I'd also like to see the choices from past games impacting the game in a much more direct way, such as maybe meeting the Warden you played in the first game, or, depending on which side Hawke took in Dragon Age 2 and which side your new character in 3 is on, having to fight with/against Hawke. Those type of big game-changing things would fit perfectly in this third installment.

Dragon Age 2 did an alright job of painting the mage vs templar picture as something where both sides are right, but the end boss of 2 worked against that theme in the overall grand scale of things. I'd like to see that rectified, and for Dragon Age 3 to stress both sides of things, and truly make it one of the hardest decisions on who to side with.

I'm also expecting a fairly new cast of companions, with maybe one or two familiar faces. I can almost guarantee Anders will be reduced to a non-companion roll leading the mages, should he survive your game in 2. And seeing as you can end up killing most of your companions in Origins, I'd be surprised to see any of them return as full companions (although more than once they've had a character you killed come back to life). But I'd be all for new companions, most of them in Dragon Age 2 weren't as believable as Origins'.

Were it up to me, I'd ditch the dialogue wheel and voiced protagonist entirely, I was perfectly fine with the way Origins handled it. Am I the only one not bothered by selecting a dialogue option and not hearing the character say it? I'd rather have 4-5 choices each time and have them diverge to wildly different conclusions without voicing, rather than 2-3 choices that don't affect things too much, but are voiced.

And finally, I'd like Dragon Age 3 to present the sense of scale that was missing in Dragon Age 2. Origins had it, but it didn't set in until you were a decent ways into the game. With Dragon Age 3 picking up with the Mages and Templars already at war, I think it's safe to say we'll get that grand sense of scale right off the bat, and it should be very epic indeed. I hope there are many large choices to make that ripple throughout Thedas entirely.

I'm pretty excited for Dragon Age 3. I hope they can merge the best parts of Origins and 2 together to create an epic third entry in this series that focuses on roleplaying, epic battles, and heavy choices with lasting consequences.

What do you think? Do you want the Origins style back entirely? Were you a fan of Dragon Age 2's style instead? Do you want multiplayer in Dragon age 3? As always, let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter here
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April 24th 2012 @ 18:52

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


What's Next For Uncharted?



With four games, a motion comic, a novel, and a very dedicated fanbase, it's an understatement to say gamers love Uncharted. And who could blame them? You've got an awesome protagonist and his buddies which are equally as awesome and likable, there's awesome, fast paced action gameplay, and tense, near death platforming sections. Plus you can't forget the puzzles, which definitely help vary the gameplay.

But what's next for Uncharted?

We've got three solid entries in the main series, plus Golden Abyss, the flagship Vita title so far. Recently, Uncharted's branched out, we've known of a movie that's supposed to come out, but we officially got a novel last year which was a nice surprise, from the reviews it sounds like the series translated to a novel setting well.

But should we have another Uncharted game? If so, this gen?

Realistically speaking, I think it's safe to assume that we will get another Uncharted Vita game, that makes sense. Possibly set in between the first two games, or 2 and 3. It's probably going to include a multiplayer mode, as well.

As for the PS3, it's hard to say. We've got a trilogy of great games already, a fourth could be seen as the beginning of milking the franchise, but it could also take the series in a bold new direction if pulled off right. One of the main criticisms of Uncarted 3 was how similar it played to Uncharted 2, so something fresh is almost necessary.

Personally, I'd like to see an Uncharted 4, but for the PS4. Possibly as a launch title, but I'd prefer it came out a year or two after the system launched. In the meantime, I'd expect a new Uncharted Vita game late 2013 or early 2014.

In the meantime, I'm sure we'll see some more Uncharted 3 DLC through the end of this yer.

Could Uncharted 4 release for the PS3? Absolutely, and I wouldn't be surprised if it happened, or if it was in the beginning stages of development. However, I definitely don't want to see this series go the route of Assassin's Creed, with constant entries released that make minimal story progression and incremental new features.

I'd personally like to see a new Uncharted Vita game released by early 2014, and then a dual pack released for PS3 as an Uncharted Collection. That could satisfy PS3 gamers who don't own Vitas while the next major entry in the Uncharted series is developed.

What do you want? Would you like Uncharted 4 this gen? Soon? Should the Uncharted series stay where it is, no further entries? Do you think it will end up being milked? Let me know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching!

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April 19th 2012 @ 22:06

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


Should there be more Uncharted 3 DLC?



With the recent "Drake's Deception" map pack having been released, I've been debating in my mind whether I actually want more Uncharted 3 DLC. We've had a total of 4 or so new map packs (2 flashback, 1 new, 1 co op level) so far, and the game's been out for half a year.

They've covered most, if not all the areas from the single player campaign in the multiplayer, and the flashback packs brought back some Uncharted 2 maps that we all enjoyed, so what could they do?

Well, they could just create new maps from scratch, that's one option. Personally, I'd be completely fine with this, I don't need the maps to be from the campaign. I know some people do prefer that, though.

And there are still some areas that they haven't taken multiplayer maps from. Off the top of my head, there's the Plane Wreck that could make for an interesting map, but I get a feeling it would be pretty similar to the Train Wreck map. A map based on the moving ship portion of the single player could be cool. Maybe a map set in the underground areas with spiders that occasionally swarm the map?

Alternatively, they could eat their words and develop some single player DLC, I would be all for that, although it's unfortunate they announced so early they wouldn't be making any.

If it were up to me, I'd release a couple of maps based on the areas they haven't done any on from the camapign along with a couple brand new maps we haven't seen before, and this fall release a new co op map or two to keep interest.

What do you guys think? Are we good as far as Uncharted 3 DLC goes? Are you satisfied with all the maps? Or would you like some more over the summer, and leading into the fall? As always, thanks for reading!
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April 17th 2012 @ 20:13

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception DLC Review



The final Drake's Deception DLC for Fortune Hunter's Club members has arrived, in the form of the "Drake's Deception Map Pack". A slightly obvious name, but necessary, given the fact that the two previous map packs were "Flashback" packs


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April 14th 2012 @ 04:22

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


Mass Effect 3 Resurgence Pack DLC Review



Mass Effect 3's first multiplayer DLC has just dropped, and at the enticing price of free, it seems like it offers a satisfying extension to what people are loving about the multiplayer so far. So how does it stack up, and how is the content itself


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April 12th 2012 @ 16:12

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


Interview With Ridge Games

I recently had the opportunity to do an e-mail interview with Dennis McWilliams of Ridge Games, who gave me some insight to their latest game "Raptor Resort" (Available now on the Marketplace!) As well as the process of development, what he's been playing lately, the company's other titles, among others.


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April 11th 2012 @ 15:13

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


Why The Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut Is The Right Move



I've been discussing Mass Effect 3 a lot lately, so to anyone sick of it, I apologize. However, with the recent announcements of not only the free "Extended Cut" coming summer, but also the free multiplayer DLC, I've seen nothing short of what seems to be a lukewarm response at best


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April 7th 2012 @ 18:07

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


What Mass Effect 3's Multiplayer Needs



Mass Effect 3's multiplayer is fun, slightly addicting, and overall a decent addition to the Mass Effect series. It's got a good basis, the horde wave style gameplay works, and the enemy type variations and different maps are all pretty good to make for a decent experience


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April 1st 2012 @ 18:57

Posted By: infexxion - Category: No Category
   


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