Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn have featured in all previous Lord of the Rings titles but now it’s time for a new chapter in the IP with Snowblind Studios co-op action role-playing game, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North. Three new heroes are portrayed in the game with most of the elements from the Lord of the Rings film installments having a presence resulting in a half-decent hack-and-slash experience within Middle-earth.

Agandaur, a servant of Sauron has summoned his evil army that threatens the north. Three protagonists embark on a quest to stop Agandaur and its army, with the events that take place in the regions situated within the north of Middle earth being significant enough to distance the protagonist’s adventures from the Ring. The premise of the story is emblematic to what a fan would expect, but that shouldn’t deter from how and where it’s presented: several segments from the Lord of the Rings films are present in the game via the presentation of the atmosphere, as well as the presence of familiar faces from J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has three protagonists present, all of whom are new to the franchise; Eradan, Farin and Andriel. An individual class is designated to each of the characters; a champion (warrior), Loremaster (mage), as well as the Ranger (rogue). With it being a role-playing game, players will see their chosen character gaining experience as they defeat enemies and eventually levelling up once the threshold for the required amount of experience to do so is met. Strength, stamina and dexterity are some of the stats that can be improved, as well as utilizing skill points to gain special abilities or upgrade them once acquired.

Eradan features a sword, as well as a shield, in addition to having the ability to dual wield weapons or carry a bow. Stealth abilities are also a strong point for Eradan. Farin, meanwhile, has the most skill in regards to the utilization of melee weapons, whilst also carrying a crossbow. Andriel utilizes her magic mostly as her primary weapon. However, she can dual wield weapons via her staff which is another weapon she can use for melee attacks.

How do these character attributes convert into gameplay, though? Initially, the combat works well but throughout the opening stages of the game it can get too repetitive; and when the fact that you’re stuck with most of the same skills and combat elements for the initial phases of the game, it can get quite boring. Although, levelling up one’s character is satisfying. Generally, though, the action does remain repetitive throughout the campaign; reach an area that’s littered with orcs and troll, kill them all and then progress. Weapon and armor upgrading can become a desire for players but it’s generally a simple system isn’t too deep. Loot, also, can be acquired by players with it being scattered over the game’s world.

Multiplayer is where The Lord of the Rings: War in the North really shines. Single player provides for a fairly entertaining play-through what with the protagonists by your side providing decent cover and actually are prove their worth, but playing the game in a cooperative fashion is the way to experience the true fruits of War in the North. Both online and offline co-op components are included with the latter being a preferred and recommended option; sense of teamwork is greater, as well as the fact that in online play could be a hurdle for some with team mates being either a higher or lower level than your character. Multiplayer is also an important factor to consider regarding the game’s inconsistent, poorly thought out save positions; players will find themselves replaying large segments of the campaign all over again due to the inability to manually save.

The locations included with the game are visually appealing, with locations such as Rivendell being diverse enough to offer some admirable graphical attributes. Upon the completion of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North’s campaign, players can play replay the story mode with all the skills and such you acquired in your first play-through; however, with the various faults War in the North features, there isn’t much fun to be had on another quest in Middle earth; that’s not to say that it’s enjoyable playing through cooperatively, though.

A weak storyline and several other factors leave much to be desired for a game that could have been so much more if its shortcomings had been implemented more appropriately; the gameplay mechanics such as the upgrading of weapons aren’t deep enough considering it’s an action role-playing game, but the locations and characters in the game do well in instilling some Lord of the Rings history with the same being applied to the locations portrayed in the game. Considering more superior titles such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim also available, there’s not much to be recommended in The Lord of the Rings: War in the North but a fun, action-packed cooperative experience should warrant fans and newcomers to try it out.

What clicked -

• Collecting gear, loot and upgrading characters is satisfying and rewarding
• Offline and online multiplayer component complements the game’s nature well

What bombed -

• Gets too repetitive and nothing has been done to remedy it
• Extremely mediocre storyline
• Behavior of enemies can become odd at times
• Inconsistent automatic save feature can lead to frustratingly lengthy replays of levels

Cooler Master’s first gaming headset comes in the form of the CM Storm Sirus gaming headset. The company has instilled 5.1 surround sound and is seemingly built with the purpose of its audience primarily being both ‘gamers and audiophiles’.

It’s a bold statement; gaming headsets are usually delivering high quality audio and admirable microphone quality but its audiophiles aspects tend to fall short of the quality otherwise seen in other headsets. However, it’s sure managed to deliver its claim of being design for gamers, as well as audiophiles.

Firstly, though, is the CM Storm Sirus gaming headset’s comfortableness. The headset features an accumulative of four drivers which are positioned to deliver sound within different parts of one’s ear; these drivers are surrounded by a pair of soft cushions which are detachable; Cooler Master provides a pair of leather padded ear-cups; both the default and replacement ear-cups are noticeably comfortable with long gaming sessions ideal; such is the quality of the ear-cups placed on the CM Storm Sirus gaming headset.

Both ear-cups have the Cooler Master logo which, once connected to the tactical mixing, lights up in red. The tactical mixing console itself is a great piece of kit included with the CM Storm Sirus gaming headset. A circular pod offers several controls for the headset and it’s certainly a useful piece of kit, as well as compact; its build quality has ensured an extremely solid feel. The console’s controls include a quick mute button controlling either the microphone or headset, in addition to other buttons including rear, centre, front and bass – these are all controlled by a volume wheel placed on the heart of the tactical mixing console.

Communication through the microphone with the CM Storm Sirus was extremely clear, and the sound quality itself is exceptionally admirable; gameplay sessions with several shooters (Battlefield 3, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Killzone 3) delivered clear, crisp sound with the bass, although possibly quite heavy for some, being satisfactory. The 5.1 surround sound capability really excels with the headset and the tactical mixing console complements the overall features and sound quality of the headset itself.

When testing movies, explosions and destruction is a noticeable feature which the CM Storm Sirus excels in. Background audio, as well as voices for general use such as TV shows were both crisp and clear which can also be applied to the listening of music. Although the tactical mixing console came into use on several occasions, Cooler Master also provides useful software for detailed configuration of the headset’s setting.

Cooler Master’s foray into the gaming headset market has been capped by a brilliant product in the form of the CM Storm Sirus headset; with gold plated connectors provides top-notch quality and performance throughout its use, as well as an added pair of leather ear cushions (which isn’t the norm at all in terms of other gaming headset manufacturers), a true 5.1 surround sound headset is delivered in near perfection with the CM Storm Sirus.

What clicked -

• Sound quality is brilliant for gaming and general use
• 5.1 surround sound is superb along with the similarly great tactical mixing console
• Microphone is clear and headset’s build quality is admirable
• Ear cushions are extremely comfortable with an extra leather pair added

What bombed -

• Its cost can be a tad bit too pricey for some
• Bass can become too heavy

PC gaming has arguably been the pinnacle of competitive gaming for years now. You may have heard that the key to having an edge over one’s opponent is to hear them before they hear you; well, with the Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME headset users will receive exactly that, in addition to an extremely overall quality gaming headset for the PC.

Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME headset’s comfort is one of the contrubuting factors to its excellent build quality; ultimately, the headset delivers comfortable earcups with its large size. Having them on for several hours won’t cause any noticeable irritations due to the design. The headset is of a open back kind which essentially means minor audio leaks can’t escape the earcups and cause potential disruptions, in addition to blocking out external noise, too.

Another aspect where the Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME headset performs well in is its overall build quality; in particular, the light weight complements the piece of kit as a headset. Furthermore, the velvet headband ensures that a natural headset fit is experienced by users. A volume control mechanic, in addition to a mute function, is placed suitably on the headset’s earpiece which has subsequently resulted in no need of an in-line controller of any sort, which may have been an unwelcomed addition by PC gamers.

The sound quality, in strictly gaming terms, is one of the best you’ll experience from gaming headsets; enemy’s footsteps, for example, can be clearly heard when in battle, and another notable sound quality is the fact that games which have atmosphere instilled will sound superb. Although the gaming sound aspect of the PC 360 is crisp and clear, listening to music – although it’s fairly good – won’t come close to delivering the sound quality you’ll receive in other gaming headsets ranging for a similar price. With the headset’s ability to close out any external noises greatly, long gaming sessions won’t be interrupted at all.

In terms of the microphone, the build quality and actual deliverance of voice clarity is top-notch. A click system is included which, one it’s lifted up, turns off automatically. The durability is something that is greatly admirable for how sturdy it feels and solid it actually is; you can probably drop it countless times and it won’t affect it at all.

Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME headset’s sound deliverance can sometimes result in vocals sounding somewhat remote and it especially applies to the listening of music with this headset on. The bass in particular is extremely noticeable in both a positive and negative light but, while it may become overwhelming for some, the bass is still of an admirable quality.

In comparison to other gaming headsets in the market, the Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME headset is a costly piece of kit but it’s certainly not surprising with its bass-heavy feature, in addition to the sturdy microphone, as well as the headset itself. Although it has its setbacks, gaming wise, pro and normal PC gamers won’t go wrong with the PC 360.

What clicked -

• Solid overall build quality
• Gaming sound is noticeably superb
• Comfortable earcups and headband

What bombed -

• Will be too costly for some
• Bass can be overwhelming
• Music deliverance isn’t as good as other headsets

Electronic Art’s Need For Speed series has proved to be a massive success since its inception to the racing genre; over 100 million units for the franchise has made the IP a household name in regards to racing titles. Following last year’s well-received Need for Speed Hot Pursuit – developed by Burnout Paradise creator Criterion Games – EA released yet another yearly installment in the form of Need for Speed: The Run.

Need for Speed: The Run’s premise is intriguing and has a good foundation to provide for a solid racing game. Jackson “Jack” Rourke is the protagonist for The Run.  A mysterious crime organization is on Jack’s back following an event which he needs to avoid and escape. He owes sums of money in large quantities which cannot be paid for individually which is when he gets advised by Sam Harper to earn the cash via a large scaled illegal street race event entitled The Run.

$25,000,000 is the prize for beating the other 200 racers involved where the driver who’s first gets the prize money; it’s enough for Jack to pay back the organisation he owes to. The game’s opening phases sees the initial segment of the race start within San Francisco with the finish line situated in New York City. To add to his misery, he owes money to both the organisation, as well as the police who stand in his way throughout the race.

Vehicles within Need for Speed: The Run perfect every aspect a racer should essentially flourish in regarding gameplay elements including responsive actions, as well as balance with the drifting in the game which is always satisfying to pull off properly. Ultimately, the racing is fluid and feels solid enough to keep players progressing through the campaign – which is extremely short by being around two hours.

Although the gameplay mechanics that were vital to be perfected came into fruition, other issues deter from the overall gameplay experience including the awful on-foot quit-time event sequences. A small percentage of the game is in relation to these events and whilst they initially deliver short bursts of enjoyment, it eventually feels like a tacked-on and feels extremely boring once you’ve tried it more than once.

Within races, players are given the opportunity to active a reset which, upon being triggered, rewinds the action to the last checkpoint. You can execute the so called ‘resets’ an accumulative of five times within a stage which can also occur automatically as opposed to manually when you get busted by the police or crash your car. Notably, too, the XP system is somewhat pointless and also feels tacked-on; sure, players can unlock abilities for their cars such as drafting and nitrous but beyond that the rewards leave much to be desired with a mere result of backgrounds and icons for one’s Autolog profile. Similarly frustrating, constant occurrences of text display once you’ve accomplished several factors such as passing an opponent cleanly or drifting successfully.

Loading times is another annoyance that is a constant presence during gameplay. As soon as you’re outside the allocated space of a track, or just crashing into cars, generally getting wrecked, being busted by the cops all lead to the reset feature which takes several seconds to occur once it’s triggered. Consistency is another letdown for The Run; some stages you won’t get reset for going off the track, whilst others you’ll do the same but the reset won’t come into fruition. Additionally, there’s a notable load time that are present before races and when it’s coupled with the reset’s loading time, the delays applied to the momentum of the game becomes apparent.

Powered by the Frostbite 2 engine utilized in Battlefield 3, the visuals for Need for Speed: The Run are stunning. Graphically speaking, the racer boasts some of the best in-game visuals you’re likely to experience in a racing title; landscapes that are visible around the tracks look gorgeous, destruction segments such as avalanches crashing down from the mountains onto the track, as well as the intricately detailed cars.

An inevitable online multiplayer component is present in Need for Speed: The Run and certainly provides for a more enjoyable experience that single player, as well as giving reason to keep coming back to the racer. There’s several playlists for players with a few initially unlocked whilst the rest can be unlocked via the completion of multiplayer objectives such as, for example, passing an opponent three times using nitrous. Despite the satisfaction and thrill of passing opponents during an online race, on occasions clear technical issues would occur such as frame-rate drops and physics relating to collisions that feature an erratic behavior.

It’s not the worst entry in the series, but Need for Speed: The Run is far from the best. Developer Black Box has been responsible for several iterations in the Need for Speed which have mostly failed to deliver on quality the series excelled in back in its heyday by being ultimately lackluster racers. Unforunately, the trend continues with the latest outing for the annualized series but despite its poor game design and flaws, it still perfects some key elements in gameplay to deliver a somewhat fairly enjoyable experience.

What clicked -

• Story premise is capitalized on well
• Visually stunning title via DICE’s Frosbite 2 engine
• Core gameplay mechanics deliver fairly satisfactory results

What bombed -

• Notably lengthy load times is an ever-present factor
• Poor overall game design
• Technical issues hinder overall gameplay experience
• Quick-time events gets repetitive and feels tacked-on

The legendary fighting game series is back. King of Fighters makes its long awaited return to the fighting scene in the form of King of Fighters XIII, the franchise’s thirteenth installment. The last title in the series, King of Fighters XII, had several flaws and indeed its successor addresses them, as well as retaining its brilliant art style and 2D fighting style.

The fighter’s setting is set after the events that unfolded in The King of Fighters XI.  Ash Crimson has captivated the powers away from two descendants who sealed the Orochi nearly 2000 years ago. Elisabeth Blanctorche plans to prevent Crimson from utilizing the powers. As the fighter prepares, others see the receivable of an invitation to another King of Fighters tournament; hosted by ‘R’.

The premise of the core gameplay style for The King of Fighters XIII follows in the footsteps from past iterations; the game delivers one-on-one action which is split linked within a total of two three-fighter teams. Upon a fighter being defeated, the next character in line within the team is summoned which occurs after a short loading screen; however, the loading screen breaks, whilst short, is an ever present factor and may become too frequent for a players’ liking.

Gone are the Clash System, Guard Attack system, and the Critical Counter system. Instead, there’s a series’ first in the form of EX Mode; character’s super moves are converted into a more powerful attacks. Additionally, Hyper Drive mode is another inclusion for The King of Fighters XIII. Once the Hyper Drive Gauge is maxed out, this mode essentially allows the player to have control over an unlimited use of Drive Cancels for a certain period of time. Also, to deliver new combos for fighters, the Drive Cancel system has been integrated. The fighting itself is smooth and gives players enough freedom to experiment with their fighters.

Another series’ first is a new class for Desperation Move, ‘NEO MAX’; this requires players’ gauges (a total of three of them are needed) to be substituted with one NEO MAX execution. Also, there’s an accumulative of four jump types, as well as a roll which will take some getting used to if players want to master how to effectively use the stage to their advantage.  Special attacks and desperation moves are, although hard to master, a notably satisfying element to pull off. Each character can deliver their own shattering combos, with all of the fighter’s health being equal. The health gauge is represented into several segments which are displayed on the top of the screen.

King of Fighters XIII boasts a story mode that can be completed within a few hours; it features several endings, as well as routes to reach it – parts of the campaign are influenced via actions executed by the player. A novel styled visual element is presented to players within the story mode to showcase the story. In terms of general visuals for The King of Fighters XIII, the fighter excels in delivering vibrant graphical attributes that are simple gorgeous. This is one of the best looking fighters available in the market and indeed in 2011.

An online multiplayer component is included in The King of Fighters XIII and it certainly lives up to expectations; a steady and smooth online experience is beckoning for players which is usually delivered via real-life players who boast a higher network connectivity range (around three to four green bars). Upon a match’s completion, players can save the match they had so they can view their fights. The lack of a Spectator mode would have been a neat addition to the game but unfortunately The King of Fighters XIII doesn’t come with the mode, as well as not giving the ability to view or share other players’ replays.

The King of Fighters XIII will remind you why the fighting game genre has flourished over the years, as well as reminiscing the history and inception of the genre. The execution of skills which is performed well is rewarded with immense satisfaction, as well as graphics that are implemented with grand details. Pair that with a core fighting gameplay mechanics for the title which is balanced perfectly, The King of Fighters XIII will deliver enough to keep you coming back for more.

What clicked -

• Beautiful graphics that represent some of the best visuals found in the genre
• Animations and character details are intricate
• Core gameplay mechanics such as combos and special moves are satisfying
• Online mode is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor

What bombed -

• Lack of spectator mode
• Other players’ replays cannot be viewed or shared

Mad Catz’ acquisition of Tritton has proved to be successful one judging by the quality of the gaming headsets delivered by the company. During E3 this year, the manufacturer of gaming-centered gear announced a line-up of a co-branded Tritton headset range that were being built specifically for the Xbox 360; one of which included the Tritton Detonator.

With the Detonator being designed specifically for the Xbox 360, one of the key areas is inevitably the microphone; it’s one of the clearest of its kind a gamer will ever experience. With its great functionality, the Tritton Detonator’s Microsoft is also detachable, as well as being fully adjustable in order to place it where you wish. Being detachable brings in several advantages, of course: firstly, if you don’t want to communicate whilst playing online and just want to have the game’s audio playing it’s always useful to have a microphone that can be removed so it doesn’t get in your way. Additionally, the detonator’s mute button – which has a backlit feature to ensure it’s found whenever a user wants to press it – can allow gamers to have the microphone’s functionalities turned off and on whenever the user wishes.

Another notable feature of the microphone is the integration of Selective Voice Monitoring (SVM). This essentially allows users to hear their voice upon speaking which can be particularly helpful when there’s a lot going regarding in-game action; if one’s teammates are speaking all over the place, hearing your own voice can become a utility that’s valued by gamers. If you don’t want the ability to do so, however, there is also the feature of turning it off and on with the useful remote.

The in-line remote itself, meanwhile, is a great addition of the Tritton Detonator headset due to what it entails; firstly, the game’s volume can be altered with a tool on the side of the in-line remote. Additionally, opponent’s voices can be notched down a level via a feature just below the game volume adjusting tool. As previously stated, there’s a mute button present on the remote which is situated between two buttons; one which mutes the game’s audio with the other muting the microphone – they’re both backlit compatible to ensure you can find it in an instant.

Tritton say the headset is ‘ergonomically designed’ to ensure the deliverance of ‘extreme comfort’ is experienced. Does it live up to something most headsets say they deliver on but end up short on the comfort factor? It does indeed; the Tritton Detonator is one of the most comfortable gaming headsets currently available in the market. With the 50mm speakers integrated into the headset you may have had worries regarding the fit over one’s ears. However, the earcups fit expediently over ears which can result in endless hours within a gaming session without any considerable irritation. Also, with the headset equipped over one’s ears, external noises won’t have a chance to be heard; the way the headset is designed ensures that any noises apart from coming from your TV will not be heard at all.

If you’re a regular in terms of extended gaming sessions, the Detonator will be a suitable choice as far as gaming headsets go. The build quality of the headset has a segment of comfortable padding on underneath the top of the headset (which has a sleek a sleek-looking Xbox 360 name being imprinted). At first, some may be sceptical as it’s not the best material that could have been on the headset but it certainly does the job with it being comfortable enough to aid long gaming sessions and not being at all irksome in any way. In addition to the mentioned padding, the earcups’ padding is comfortable and restful enough to also not being an annoyance for short or long periods of time of usage.

The driver for the Tritton Detonator can’t be complemented enough regarding the quality it delivers.  50mm speakers are integrated in the headset which provides a great audio experience when gaming, especially to hear the subtle yet significant noises made in-game such as an opponent’s footsteps that may otherwise not be heard without a gaming headset which, of course, will consequently result in an edge over opponents.

The Detonator’s primary use is for the Xbox 360 but it also acts as a regular headset for other uses such as music on practically any audio player (including phones), as well as PCs and laptops thanks to its 3.5mm jack. With the microphone and in-line remote being fully removable, the Tritton Detonator can’t be recommended enough for audio quality in terms of non-gaming use (such as music and movies) with its 50mm Neodymium drivers; listening to music in particular is complemented well with the headset due to its heavy bass (although this may not suit everyone’s taste) and highs that are noticeably crisp. Also, another neat addition is the microphone can be used on phones.

With several gaming-oriented headsets in the market, one of the major annoyances and setbacks for consumers is when it doesn’t come equipped with the components needed to connect it to one’s console and/or TV. The Tritton Detonator, meanwhile, quenches said fears by delivering everything you need: all of the necessary adapters (including the audio adaptor), as well as cables are paired with the headset so gamers need not worry about purchasing extra components in order to make it functional. With that said, though, the actual setup itself can be fairly lengthy for some. Another useful feature the Detonator comes with in regards to its components is that it’s compatible with both newer-based Xbox 360 HDMI setups, as well as traditional setups.

The build quality for the headset is something to admire and so it should be considering its price. The adjustable headband (which has the capability of extending 1.25 inches in order to fit a host of head sizes), while it’s not the best of its kind for gaming headsets, clicks into place suitably for wherever the user may want it to extend. The earcups itself are soft and notably comfortable, and when you’re taking a break from gaming the Detonator’s earcups swivel to see the deliverance of a the headset resting when it’s around the user’s neck. The wired headset’s cable has a measurement of 14ft and with all the components required to make it work, it can result in a batch of wires all over the place, but when it’s being used for non-gaming use the wire is of a perfect length since you can detach the gaming-oriented components.

The Tritton Detonator addresses issues – and adds notable additions – which most gaming headsets feature in the current market. Its 50mm Neodymium drivers deliver an enjoyable audio experience whether that is related to gaming or lifestyle use. The build quality is admirable with the headband being suitably adjustable, the earcups and padding on the top of the headset being extremely comfortable to accommodate long gaming sessions or just general use, and the microphone is of a high quality. The Detonator delivers effectively on all fronts and is a fitting choice for gamers who are looking for a multi-functional gaming headset.

What clicked -

• Sound quality is superb via 50mm Neodymium drivers
• Can be used for MP3 players, laptops and PCs, as well as phones
• In-line controller delivers useful features including Selective Voice Monitoring
• Build quality ensures comfortable components such as general padding and the design of the earcups

What bombed -

• Wires are delivered in a batch which can be result in being an excess amount for users
• Plug-and-play doesn’t apply; a fairly lengthy set-up phase

Bethesda’s fifth installment in the The Elder Scrolls franchise has, after a year of eager anticipation, finally arrived in the form of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Few games lack the caliber, breadth and quality that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim delivers; such is its brilliance that has left gamers speechless. One of the biggest games in regards to scope, Skyrim has, literally, an unlimited content factor that is crafted in a way which is simply awe-inspiring. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of, if not the best role-playing game to ever release.

The fifth Elder Scrolls game is not a direct sequel to its predecessor, Oblivion. The game is set 200 years after Oblivion. In typical Elder Scrolls fashion, the opening stage of the game puts the player into the shoes of a prisoner who is unidentified who’s on their way to Helgen in order to be executed due to being misguided in terms of being associated with Stormcloaks. You’ll witness the person ahead of you in the execution line getting his head chopped off, and whilst you’re about to meet the same fate, a dragon intervenes by destroying the town. Ultimately, Skyrim is the final string of visionary events that have been forecasted by the Elder Scrolls. Nordic dragon head, Alduin, has also been predicted to destroy the world with player’s objective being to terminate the creature.

Fans of the series will be familiarized instantly in regards to the gameplay experience that awaits them in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Firstly, the player has to select a human, elven, or zoomorphic human race, all of which feature unique abilities. Players can then customize the character’s appearance, too. The skills of the character initially chosen can be improved in select areas including stealth, combat, as well as magic. By exercising the areas effectively to a certain standard, players will see the levelling up of their characters.

The deliverance of efficiency and usefulness in combat solely is dependent on the fact of the weapons, in addition to armor the player possesses; such equipment can be created at forges, taken from enemies, or bought. In addition to a weapon being designated to one hand of the player, another element in the form of magic can also be allocated to the other hand. With dual-wielding in tow, the contents of each hand can be substituted for a selected weapon, armour or magic via a menu that can has been created for quick use (via the utilization of a single button on the controller). The inventory within said menu allows the storage of items which can be added to until the weight meter is reached.

Shields are utilized to defend attacks from enemies consequently resulting in the reduction of otherwise potentially considerable damage. They can also be used to bash an enemy to reduce their health. Magic, meanwhile, are delivered via the use of spells with an accumulative of 85 spells seeing the deliverance of a unique purpose. For example, restoration of health can be acquired via a specific spell.

One of the major presences in the latest installment for the Elder Scrolls series is dragons. Dragons are arbitrarily generated so the quantity of the creatures in Skyrim are, in a literally sense, endless. They battle with by players either individually or in groups of a miniature size. Whilst you’re in one of the game’s locations such as a city or a town, dragons can attack at any given time but not all of them are enemies; friendly dragons are also present and players can interact with them. Since the player is a Dragonborn, influential spells entitled ‘dragon shouts’ can be utilized, with a total of 20 shouts which all can be acquired via the visiting of dungeon’s ‘Word-Walls’. Players can operate the shouts via the absorbance of souls from a defeated dragon.

The sheer replayability factor of Skyrim is hundreds of hours with side quests being able to self-generate on an endless scale based on the player’s skill level. The environment, such as snow falling dynamically, itself in the game is absolutely stunning due to the brilliance that is Bethesda’s ‘Creation Engine’. All characters, NPCs, dragons, the world’s contents in general such as the dungeons, various enemies are all detailed intricately. Music, meanwhile, is also another great aspect of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim; background audio will play once certain areas are triggered and the way it has been implemented is something that can’t be helped but admired; the only way to experience the luminosity in terms of audio it is to play it.

The vast amount of content in Skyrim will keep players coming back for more, and just the sheer overall scope of the RPG will ultimately result in a continuously action-filled, memorable experience. When exploring the game world, the player may encounter wildlife. Many wilderness monsters are immediately hostile towards the player and thus can be slain. Players can explore the world of Skyrim via a horse, foot, as well as the inclusion of fast-travel that applies to already-exposed towns, cities and dungeons. NPCs can assign quests to players with the Radiant Story system which results in such quests being changed to meet the fittingness for the player actions; this can ultimately lead to the quest’s objectives and characters being affected enough to be influenced. Unexplored dungeons can also be assigned to players by the Radiant system as a quest location.

NPCs can additionally be useful for training or favours by the player upon interaction. Quests which are of a scripted nature, as well as ones which are, as previously mentioned, generated dynamically both ensure a variety and diversity of quests for the player. Another intriguing element of Skyrim is factions; a group consisting of NPCs including the Dark Brotherhood; a group that consists of assassins. Vampires also have a presence in the game; if players get bit by them, certain elements of the game can affect them such as exposure to the sun.

No other game is able to inculcate the amount of discovery, depth and adventure that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim delivers on all fronts. The fifth installment manages to keep players immersed in anything they do, whether that be fighting dragons in immense battles, searching dungeons or just generally taking advantage of the beautiful open world experience. The sheer factor of scope in Skyrim will keep players busy for the coming months and indeed years, and the soundtrack is enthralling enough to keep players immersed throughout their gameplay experiences. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has perfected so many countless elements that games generally won’t dream to deliver, making it an absolute gem of a gaming experience that shouldn’t be missed by any gamer.

What clicked -

• Massive, immersive open world brimming with a great experience paired with a massive array of content
• Graphical detail and soundtrack elements are a sight and listening experience to admire
• Quick menu system is brilliantly crafted
• Combat and magic are deep and narrative is delivered well
• Unlimited amount of quests will keep players engaged for the coming months and years

What bombed -

• Rare bugs which shouldn’t at all deter from the overall gameplay experience

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has spanned for a good few years now and is an established franchise from Ubisoft which sees an annual installment formula in place. The latest title in the series, Assassin’s Creed Revelations, will be the final iteration that features Ezio and Altair with their stories being wrapped up, as well as the last title to be set within the Renaissance era. All protagonists from previous installments in Assassin’s Creed are all present in the form of Ezio, Altair, and Desmond with the stage set for another deliverance of a blockbuster Assassin’s Creed experience.

Revelations sees the continuation of Desmond’s story which occurred during the game’s predecessor, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. As previously stated, Assassin’s Creed Revelations includes appearances for several series’ characters who are Desmond Miles, Ezio Auditore and Altaïr. The game’s setting is during 1511 AD with the historical location being set in Constantinople.

Players will discover the fact that, during the opening phases of the game, Altaïr had sealed a prehistoric object that could set an end to the Assassin and Templar and war for good. The seal constitutes a total of five keys that are hidden within Constantinople. Whilst players set out on a quest to retrieve the keys, Ezio utilizes specialised relics which will tap into Altaïr’s experiences, which players will take control of the assassin and relive certain segments of his existence.

Gameplay remains largely similar from its predecessor, Brotherhood. An open-world gameplay experience is awaiting players in Assassin’s Creed Revelations with additions to core gameplay mechanics being the hookblade; an item that players will retrieve during the opening stages of the game that is utilized in order to grab hold of zip lines present in the city. Other features of the hookblade are grabbing enemies with the aim of executing a combo attack.

Another gameplay inclusion players will have at their disposal is bombs; an accumulative of 150 different bombs – all of which are distinguished – that can be create at select stations. Also, districts within the city from the Templars can be captured via the use of a tower defence-centred mini-game A group of assassins are assigned within the min-games to rooftops which are designated to stop hordes of Templars passing through; the beginning wave of Templars are regular soldiers whilst the later hordes consist of equipments. Once a district is controlled, Templars can retain their possession of it to which players must respond by defending it or risk losing the district. The inclusion of a tower defense min-game is questionable to say the least with it feeling, in the end, tacked on.

The world itself in the form of Constantinople is truly an amazing setting to explore which is filled with beautiful, vibrant visuals, paired with the music being appropriately gentle and suitable which complements the gameplay perfectly. Each protagonist present in the game more or less retain their looks from pass instalments but do feature noticeable detail in their animation, along with the civilians and enemies of Revelations sporting the same niceties.

One of the distinct features of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood was the inclusion of an online multiplayer component, a first for the series. Indeed the inclusion paid off with a unique, fresh and ultimately enjoyable experience for players. Multiplayer is also included in Assassin’s Creed Revelations, with additional locations and characters being included.

With players levelling up in the game’s multiplayer mode, their Abstergo Templar rank will accordingly rise. Characters can be customized by players in terms of their weapons, as well as appearance and weapons. Furthermore, the insertion of a guild feature is present which allows players to create their own guilds and build various aspects regarding it.

In terms of new gameplay modes in Assassin’s Creed Revelations, a so called ‘story-oriented quests’ mode is included. Additionally, a Capture the Flag mode gets an inclusion; a first for the series. A typical deathmatch mode makes its return too, with the removal of perks, as well as abilities from players being implemented. Ultimately, the multiplayer component for Revelations retains the great experience Brotherhood managed to risk and deliver upon.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations doesn’t change an awful lot from past instalments in the long running series, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing; everything from core gameplay elements to the story itself is refined with perfection, although the additions for mechanics relating to gameplay could have delivered more than a hookblade and such. Still, with the story rounding off questions fans have been yearning to be answered, paired with another enthralling Assassin’s Creed experience, as well as an advanced addictive multiplayer mode, Assassin’ Creed Revelations is one of the best games in the franchise that both fans and newcomers alike shouldn’t miss out on.

What clicked -

• Another brilliant story experience, as well as general gameplay experience
• City is brimming with content, exceeding the normal 12 hour completion time
• Attention to details in characters, graphically stunning and suitable, soothing soundtrack

What bombed -

• Gameplay elements could have seen more additions
• Inclusion of tower-defense mini-games is bland, pointless and feels tacked on

Battlefield 3 isn’t just a game, it’s more like a war machine which EA created in order to topple Activision’s shooter series. With the amount spent in marketing the game, and the resources made available at DICE’s hands, it doesn’t require you to think hard to figure out that this game’s big, at least in scope and hope. But, does EA manage to create the monster which is supposed to take down Call of Duty eventually? We’ll find out…

Like every modern shooter Battlefield 3’s single player campaign is predictable, with the common backdrop of a terrorist organization out to destroy  the world. Ironically, like some Call of Duty titles, there are certain nukes in the open, a world to save, and playable characters which are executed. The story is the typical modern day shooter stuff and would leave little to no impact on you by the end of it.

If it greatness that DICE set out to achieve, the single player campaign of Battlefield 3 certainly won’t be the passage through. Flooded with irrelevant QTEs, a story which is predictable, and missions which any shooter fan must have experienced before, it’s nothing to write home about. To be fair, the campaign does have some moments of brilliance, especially the missions involving tanks, jets, and the likes. The vehicular action is something which really bring the Frosbite 2.0 tech to the fore front, and every one would relish it.

Apart from these rare occurrences, the rest of the campaign is pretty average, with lots of scripted sequences playing themselves out, as the main character often plays narrator and takes you back in time a la Black Ops. But Battlefield 3 isn’t about the campaign mode, it was never meant to be that way. Considering this point, DICE manages to produce a semi enjoyable campaign which never gets frustrating or boring, but isn’t that exciting either. It can be seen as a nice incentive for gamers who’ve purchased the game for the reason it’s developed – multiplayer.

There’s also a co-op campaign which fares a whole lot better than the single-player. The annoying QTEs aren’t there, nor are the scripted sequences which are more frustrating than interesting.  It’s only you and your friend against hordes of enemies, requiring you to plan your moves, and tactics. The only gripe I had was the lack of any split-screen mode, something which I think could have worked really well.

Battlefield 3 looks beautiful, anyone who says otherwise will be lying. Be it the great lightning effects or industry leading destructible environments, it all lends a realistic feel to the game, looking amazing at the same time. Coming to the audio, I’m yet to play or rather hear a more authentic sounding shooter ever. Be it the footsteps of running marines, or the growls of tanks, or bullets hitting the wall, you won’t be blamed for thinking that you’re in an actual warzone while playing the game.

Moving on to discussing what every one pre-launch have been hyped about, Battlefield 3 delivers the goods when it comes to multiplayer. This isn’t your usual Call of Duty – fast paced, often illogical multiplayer experience. Battlefield 3 actually tries to replicate a real-life battlefield, and this is where the game truly shines. You can’t go Rambo on most occasions, and will actually require to work as a team on the field in order to succeed. This lends the game a sense of immersion and authenticity and none before it has managed, at least in my books.

The core mechanic of Battlefield 3’s multiplayer is the “respawn ticket” system – a system which works as the ability to respawn for a number of times while playing online. Each respawn costs one.  This is evident across all multiplayer modes, and therefore DICE tries to focus on not getting killed in action rather than scoring a hundred kills by throwing knives a 100 meters away (cough cough). This combined with vehicles being a core part of the gameplay creates a battleground which is both exciting and immersive.

Talking of vehicles, the Battlefield series has always been known for using them, but Battlefield 3 takes it to another level. There are always vehicles around you, and even if you’re playing on foot, the entire map is buzzing with activity from tanks, choppers and APCs running around. This enables to DICE to create moments which are both memorable and exciting and much better than what the single player had to offer. The vehicles, although capable of wiping out entire squads aren’t overpowered. Each have some vulnerability which can be exploited with proper planning and execution. This helps in creating a balanced gameplay experience.

DICE manages to create an almost perfect amalgamation of vehicular, foot, and aerial combat which makes the multiplayer an experience to rejoice. It’s something which is often fresh and should keep you occupied for a prolonged period. There are certain flaws in the multiplayer however none of them are a cause of concern. Team stacking seems to be one of the bigger issues, as the game’s seldom balanced with players often switching to the stronger team mid-game in order to be cool, which really messes the playing experience. There are other issues like hacked lobbies, some annoying bugs and stuff, but those can be fixed via future patches by DICE.

Battlefield 3 isn’t perfect, the single player is just about passable, but the multiplayer component more than makes up for it. It still isn’t the CoD killer that EA was claiming it would be, but it’s a step in the right direction nonetheless. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Battlefield franchise becomes a serious contender for the king of shooters crown in a few years time. If you’re looking for a solid multiplayer experience, Battlefield 3 is definitely worth picking up.

What Clicked

• Great Multiplayer
• Great Effect and Audio
• Good Vehicular Action

What Bombed

• Singplayer is pretty average
• Story isn’t gripping.
• Bugs and some flaws in MP
• Isn’t the game EA was hyping it to be

Upon Traveller’s Tales’ LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4’s release, it was inevitable for a successor. The formula for the possibly last LEGO title based on the magical franchise, LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7, is retained from the game’s predecessor; whilst players may see the same principle and structure being implemented as a setback, it’s, firstly, not necessarily the title’s fault and the diverse gameplay mechanics in addition to the charm of other elements such as the solving of puzzle provides for an entertaining experience.

Harry, Hermione and Ron’s latest outing in the game portrays the events of the last three books, as well as final four films for the franchise. If you’ve already spent time experiencing the world of LEGO based on Harry Potter you’ll know what you’re in for with the LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7. However, saying that, this is indeed one of, if not the best LEGO game that has seen a release.

The story itself doesn’t maintain a dark tone throughout the campaign; as is the case with titles in the LEGO franchise, it’s loosened and lightened up. With the story being portrayed without the sinister style showcased in its movie counterpart, players will still experience a conveyance of a suitable deliverance regarding the various storylines present. Traveller’s Tales have effectively managed to keep the storyline blithe, paired with a comical twist on how the story line is depicted.

Exploring, collecting and puzzle solving is back in full force in Years 5-7. Gameplay has largely remained unchanged from the game’s predecessor. The quantity of spells integrated in Years 5-7 are unlocked when the player progresses through the campaign. Due to the amount of spells that are included, a wheel can be selected in order to opt for specific spells. Potions, too, hold a similar importance in the gameplay experience; if the potions are created without perfection negative effects – such as players turning into a frog – can take their toll.

To progress to the following level, a fairly simple formula must be followed in order to advance; the environment being explored, to which will feature key tools for spells and potions, and then using magic to mould the findings together. Sure, the challenge element for players will be lacking but it shouldn’t deter from the simple yet satisfying gameplay aspects such as discovering essential ingredients.

LEGO Harry Potter series’ ever-present studs inevitably make a return and players can put them to good use; following the completion of the campaign, a staggering amount of characters can be purchased – an accumulative of over 200 Harry Potter-based characters are available. Additionally, a total of 20 cheats can be obtained; one of which include magnets, as well as a stud multiplier.

Combat was never a gameplay element that had a great emphasis implemented, such is the case with puzzle solving and the creation of potions. In Years 5-7, meanwhile, another gameplay addition to bolster the combat players is the dueling system. Situations which are scripted will occur which players will enter a duel – for Years 5-7, a face-off battle with a significant foe – which requires the correct spell being chosen swiftly that subsequently sparks off a wand battle between the characters involved. Although it’s certainly a neat addition, it becomes eventually worn-out with select battles requiring several minutes for completion.

Hogwarts and its surroundings have been increased in terms of the locations added, as well as what players can experience within the castle itself. The gathering of studs can be acquired, as well as collectables, in addition to new characters spread around Hogwarts. Players can also achieve spells that can be utilized to open otherwise unreachable locations. It’ll also work in favour for the player in regards to solving puzzles which are more of the complex nature. In terms of Hogwarts’ adjacent settings, portions of the Dark Forest are made accessible, on top of London, the Hogwarts observatory, as well as several others. There’s a lot to do in Hogwarts and its surrounding areas and provides as a smart distraction from the main story.

The amount of activities that players can carry out in LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 is unquestionably of an impressive amount. Hogwarts boasts large segments that are can be easily overlooked by players due to parts of the castle being entirely optional. If you’re looking to accomplish 100% completion for each level, then they’re needed to be played over several times. However, to avoid levels becoming too much of a chore upon being revisited by players, additional puzzles, as well as paths become available. The total quantity of areas present in Hogwarts and its ensuing contents that can be explored certainly add to the longetivity and replayability factors.

A drop-in and drop-out cooperative feature is also present and is undoubtedly the best way to play the game. With players being able to help each other out in terms of unlocking secrets and such, experiencing the magic cooperatively is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. The split-screen system from previous instalments has also accompanied the co-op feature’s return. Players who are close together will have a single viewable screen, whilst separating from a certain point from the player will turn into a split-screen view.

The presentation of LEGO Harry Potter Years 5 – 7 remain as it is presented in Years 1-4, and it’s still a visually appealing game. New locations such as the Ministry of Magic and Hogsmeade are presented superbly and it’s something you can’t help but admire. The animated design of all of the game’s character and environment strikes a balance between both the Harry Potter franchise and its LEGO-associated counterpart. The audio, meanwhile, suitably and indeed effectively sees the playing of the film’s music in the background; certainly a notable addition that are accompanied with subtle sound effects of spells.

Closing Comments

Indeed, this undeniably feels exactly like what it is; a second part of the LEGO Harry Potter franchise, but it’s indubitably brimming with excellence throughout each department. The graphical attributes sees detailed backgrounds and environments, a co-op adventure that is waiting to occur, and the tongue-in-cheek humour that delivers a lighter tone are all elements that sees off Harry and company’s LEGO adventure in appropriate style. The target audience, as well as a diverse range of gamers will enjoy LEGO Harry Potter 5-7’s amiable departure to the franchise; the simple yet enjoyable gameplay, paired with the trademark charm we’ve come accustomed to results in a more than worthy experience that Traveller’s Tales have managed to deliver.

What Clicked -

• Alluring charm of LEGO games presented brilliantly in story telling and in general
• Gameplay foundations are simple yet solid enough to provide for an enjoyable experience, as well as stacks of collectibles and characters to acquire
• Visually appealing with backgrounds and environments being detailed, along with additional areas being portrayed perfectly
• Smart cooperative feature is one of the best of its kind that can be experienced

What Bombed -

• Majority of puzzles don’t require much thought
• Fussy targeting mechanic, in addition to the overuse of dueling system
• Aging formula taking its toll; nothing significant enough to be warranted as new to the series