Dishonored first impressions

 

 I know I said I wasn't going to get it.  But the original Dishonored is one of my top ten games, so I couldn't resist.  I still have the Tarot deck from pre-ordering the first one!  So far I've done two and a bit chapters, and I couldn't be happier.  The graphics are gorgeous.  The game takes place in Karnaca, which fans of the first game should be familiar with.  We didn't get to go there but it was mentioned quite a bit.  The island setting is a nice change from the somewhat dreary Dunwall.

   The game gives you the freedom to play anyway you want.  You can either play as Corvo, the protagonist from the first game, or his daughter Emily.  Who is the Empress of the Isles.  I picked Corvo, because even though I happen to be a female that doesn't mean I want to play one in a video game all of the time.  Nice of them to give us a choice though.
   You can also choose how to play the game: full on stealth or shoot-em up.  I prefer to go full stealth, but some people will prefer to just run in and shoot anything that moves.  There's multiple paths and ways to complete your objective.  And you can upgrade powers that will support your style of play; there's plenty of choices for both types of players.  Just keep in mind if you decide to go the shoot-em up (high chaos) route you will get the crappy ending.  I plan to play through both ways, just because it's that good of a game.  Seriously if you plan on buying one more game this year, make it this one.  It's worth it, trust me.      

Mafia 3 review

 

   I have mixed feelings about Mafia 3.  It is a good game, for the most part.  The story is very well written; in fact it's the best part of the game.  The characters are lifelike and believable, especially Lincoln.  He does some terrible things but it's impossible to not have sympathy for him.  The controls are tight and responsive for the most part whether you're driving, shooting, or running.  Some of the cars turn like you're driving a semi but that's forgivable.  I know some people have mentioned that the graphics are not the best, which is true.  They have a washed out, kind of vintage look to them.  To me it adds a nice feel to the game since it is set in the 60's, but if you like cutting edge graphics you'll probably be disappointed.
   One of the things that could've used a lot of improvement is the way the rackets are set up.  Once you take over a district you can assign it to one of your three partners, which unlocks bonuses for you.  Each underboss of course has different bonuses, so choose wisely.  Some of the bonuses include calling in backup, being able to call off the police, and cutting off the phones so your enemies can't call in backup.  The problem is it seems every time I get into a tight situation and I go to use these abilities they're unavailable for some reason, which is very frustrating.  The whole system could use more depth and improvement.  The ability to have some underlings go with you on missions would come in handy; it's a common enough system and should have been implemented.
   Also if you're expecting a ton of side activities to do you may erase that idea from your head.  Each under boss will have stuff they'd like for you to do but it's limited to one or two missions until you take over a new district.  Some people probably won't be bothered by this but I think it could've used  a little more content in that regard.
   Another complaint I have is the game gives you a very nice sniper rifle to purchase.  I love sniping; in any game I play if there's a sniper rifle you will find me in a tree somewhere.  The problem with them in Mafia 3 is that there's rarely a place you can use them.  The game does designate sniper points in some missions but after you shoot your first enemy the rest of them are going to rush your position.  Because when you shoot the rifle it sounds like a cannon just went off.  Which is fun but that leaves you with a useless rifle and only a pistol as backup.  The missions could've been a little better designed, especially for people who enjoy using stealth.  Or give us a silencer, at least!
   Despite the flaws it is an enjoyable game and worth a play through.  It's a shame it received so much criticism; I think they kind of shot themselves in the foot by not sending out early copies so they could be reviewed.  Give it a rent at least; I don't think you'll regret it.              

Anyone need a new indie game to play?

 




 
I came across an interesting game the other day called Kholat.  It's based on the real life event known as the Dyatlov Pass Incident.  If you don't know what that is I'll give you a quick briefing. Nine experienced hikers were killed in the Ural Mountains, which are in Russia.  (See you learn something new everyday!)  Something or someone caused them to run out of their tents and into the snow sans clothes or supplies; some of them were found to have died of hypothermia while others had some pretty gruesome damage done to them.  You might want to google it for the whole story; it's very mysterious and pretty tragic. It looks very interesting, I'll let you know how it goes.  Ever since I played the Vanishing of Ethan Carter I've been hooked on indie games; so far none have quite reached the level of amazing that game was.  (At least in my opinion.)  So if anyone has any suggestions on what indie games are good I'd be eternally grateful!  In other news, I know Dishonored 2 came out yesterday.  I really want to play it but I just have too many games to finish to justify the $60 right now.  Hopefully soon! Anyone tried it out yet?  Let me know what you think!

Happy Halloween!

  These are the final photos, I promise.  I got over 150 trick or treaters so it was a good night.  I hope everyone has an awesome Halloween, stay safe and eat lots of candy!  I'm off to have a glass of wine and watch American Werewolf in London.

Halloween decorating is done!

  As promised I'm posting photos of my Halloween decorations.  They're not quite done but everything that's left can't go out until Halloween night.  So I'll post final pictures but for now it's complete.  If you want to see them a bit bigger I've posted them to Facebook as well.  https://www.facebook.com/gamersoracle/

Mafia 3 review in progress

   Mafia 3 starts off with a bang.  I don't want to ruin the story, so I'll just say so far it's the best part of the game.  The game is set in 1968 New Orleans.  Not one of my favorite decades but I think the 80's might be used a little too often nowadays.  The story is handled well and doesn't gloss over the racial issues of the era.  I know a lot of people are going to compare it to Grand Theft Auto, so do yourself a favor.  Don't compare them.  Try not to even think about Grand Theft Auto while you're playing.  This game isn't GTA and won't magically turn into it, no matter how hard you might wish it so.  It's not a bad game, but in comparing the two, it will fall short.  So just don't.
   So far I've played about 10 hours and I've not unlocked that much yet.  There's not a whole lot of side stuff to do; I'm hoping that changes further into the game.  The map is a decent size, but so far it's kind of empty, except for collectibles that serve no purpose.  (That I can see).  You can rob stores but it doesn't net you a lot of cash; I usually haul in $20 to $50 dollars.
   The missions are pretty straightforward: kill the goons and take out the boss.  Hopefully there will be a little variety down the road.  They do take place in memorable places at least.  So far the best one  has taken place at an abandoned carnival.  It killed my love of carnivals, I can tell you that.  Actually that's a lie, the only reason I go to carnivals is because they're slightly creepy.  Even when they're brightly lit and full of people.  Carnivals are like miniature Halloween Horror nights, except a lot cheaper and not as scary.  But I digress.
   Speaking of scary, the AI leaves a lot to be desired.  You can usually get away with killing goons right in front of each other and they don't react.  Witnesses will usually call the police when you commit a crime but it's easy to knock them down.  Pedestrians don't react when they're crossing the road and you honk at them.  Nor do they run in fear when you almost run them over.  They just keep walking sedately along.  Out of all the stores I've robbed, not one has reported me to the police, despite being full of people.  Maybe I've gotten lucky.  I'll continue to test this theory as I go.
           
 

It's that time of year

 

 



   Time to start hauling out Halloween decorations!  My favorite time of year, actually.  I'll have to get a little more creative this year, as someone hacked down the two trees in my front yard.  (They were diseased, unfortunately.)  Which leaves me with a palm tree to work with.  Not very spooky, I must say.  But we'll make it work.  This time next year I'll be living in another state, so this is my last Halloween in Florida.  Some things I will miss, but the heat and lack of trick or treaters I can do without.  I have heard Halloween is a much bigger affair up north, so I've got my fingers crossed that's true!  I'll post pictures as soon as I'm done decorating!
   On an unrelated note, I went to pick up a copy of American Werewolf in London, one of my all-time favorite movies.  Apparently there's been a rush on this movie, as  I couldn't find it in any store I went to.  So I figured I'd just order a copy from Amazon.  Amazon has everything!  But no, they're out of stock as well.  Then I tried BestBuy.  No luck there either!  My last effort was Walmart.  Walmart, like a polar opposite of Amazon, has nothing.  Not even a listing for the blu-ray copy.  So if anyone wants a copy, might want to get your order in now.  No telling when they'll be back in stock.