Carmageddon: Max Damage - Online (PS4)

This afternoon I was finally able to join two multiplayer lobbies in "Carmageddon: Max Damage". Both experiences were completely lag free, and were quite fun for what they were. In the first lobby I played a mode called "Fox 'N Hound" in which two cars played the roles of the hounds while a single tagged, and highlighted player played the role of the fox. I think the point was to stay the fox long enough to deplete your 3 minute timer completely while dodging the other two players' vehicles. Sort of like a children's game of "Cat & Mouse". In the second lobby I entered I got into a "Death Race" against a single player, and found it to be contrary to what other journalists have said. That said thing being claims that the game lacked proper racing controls. While I did crash on the course several times I was able to keep up a good speed in Max Damage's sports car. Sadly I came in 2nd place at the end of it due to the odd roller coaster style layout of the course, and my unfamiliarity thereof. The game actually looked slightly nicer online than it did offline with all the people, and animals littering the pathway in their simple forms. In fact it kind of looked like a proper racing game to a point. That of course brings me to my final point of this article though. When it comes to online play you will not find pedestrians, or beasts of burden roaming about the tracks. No blood, guts, and gore for you while playing online. It would have been nice if that was a part of it, but it's just not the case. Sorry.

Carmageddon: Max Damage (PS4)

The original "Carmageddon" game was no stranger to controversy in it's early days. If memory serves me well it was actually banned in some countries (Germany? ...) for the gore, violence, and crude subject matter. Seeing it come back in this very same unapologetic form both delights me, and kind of worries me at the same time. Don't get me wrong though. I love my violent video games. The features in this particular game however could easily be offensive to many gamer types. Things like the running over of animals, the elderly, the handicapped, the obese, and the use of certain descriptive words (Babyshit Bronze, Pink Penetrator, Spotted Dick ...) for applicable skins definitely show a sort of tastelessness or lack of common decency. Not that I'm complaining (Freedom of Expression FTW!!!). Despite this potentially frowned upon formula parts of the game really stood out as being polished for a game bearing such a price tag ($39.99). At least to me ...

Coming back in all it's lewd, crude, and rude glory "Carmageddon: Max Damage" returns with it's cybernetic antagonist named 'Max Damage' who is once again focused on wreaking havoc on innocent bystanders, and fellow death race participants. The races which come in three carnage heavy flavors give the gamer some unusual options for winning as the homicidal maniac himself, or as any of the other racers in the league. In the campaign specifically the "Carnage Carma" mode allows the player or racer to win through either the killing of all pedestrians, the destruction of all other racers/racing vehicles, or the usual completion of laps via checkpoints. In other modes you'll also be racing to capture marked points to meet a point quota, or racing to the finish line with vehicular combat in mind during a proper death race. There are plenty of armored, and weaponized vehicles to unlock (25), upgrade, and deal damage with ranging from Max's spiked sport's car to drift cars, dragsters, and even a transfer truck among others. The catch is you are timed, and the damage done to your vehicle is only reversible if you obtain the credits by performing "cunning stunts", killing peds in different stylized manners, or by running over barrels in a fashion similar to the Mario Kart games. There's even PUPs, or Power-Ups which will give you options outside of wrecking, and racing. Again, like "Mario Kart". Customization is an added bonus as well which to an extent will allow players playing with the same vehicles online to make their vehicles more unique in comparison to others ...

MTG 2015: "Garruk's Revenge DLC Expansion"

Sometimes in the process of reviewing a game a journalist finds out hands-on that their first verdict may not have been befitting of the nature of the game, or product that was being reviewed. Some things arise in follow-up playthroughs that the journalist just did not think to take in account so early on. As far as my review goes everything I said in my core review of "MTG 2015" was spot on, but only in the sense that I believed it to be true before moving on. I gave you the details of what the game entailed, and delivered an honest, opinionated verdict at the end based up what I had experienced. What I had experienced on the other hand though was an up, and down roller coaster ride that eventually ended on a good note.

The core game of 'MTG 2015' ended up seeming alright, and I stress the word "seeming". As I continued on with my playthrough of the DLC that was released not long after the 2014 launch of the core game, and given to me recently it became apparent that there was still one nagging problem with gameplay, one problem that had me beating my humpty dumpty noggin against brick wall like a mindless bafoon. This of course was tied to the one-sided duels that I ranted briefly about on Twitter during the beginning of my core playthrough. Well, it seems that this problem I thought was fixed ended up being ten times as worse in the "Garruk's Revenge" DLC. Before I get too far ahead of myself though allow me to go over what the DLC includes.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2015 (Xbox One)

Having had played the actual MTG trading card game in the past, and having followed up said experiences with playthroughs of the console video game series my love for what Wizard's of the Coast and Stainless Games has offered has continued to grow over the years. Up to this point I've really loved being able to get back into the game with the Planeswalkers game series. It has afforded me a long lost opportunity since my old MTG gaming pals have all parted ways, and have gone about their own life paths. I cannot tell you how invaluable a game such as MTG 2015 is, especially when you have no one else to teach you the ropes, or to play with. With all that being said though I do have to be honest about some things pertaining to this latest release. This playthrough was not without incident. There were a handful of bugs, and things that hindered my progress in the game's single player campaign, but in the end it could all more than likely be tied to the Xbox One's operating system. Thankfully though I did find solutions to each of the issues, and ended up enjoying the game as much as any version before it.

MTG 2015 Core Set is here!!!

I know I'm super late getting this article posting out to you guys, and that all of your regular MTG enthusiasts have already covered the latest series with unboxings, booster pack openings, and what not. Even so I though I'd go ahead, and support the one TCG that I have mad respect for. For those of you who follow MTG (Magic the Gathering) closely you will know that the latest 'Duels of the Planeswalkers' game released on a variety of different gaming formats not too long ago. Among those gaming consoles, and mobile devices were the iPad, PC (Steam), Xbox 360, Android, and Kindle Fire. Of course Xbox One players will also be getting their turn at the game a little later this Summer. Where does that leave us Playstation players? Sh*t out of luck. That's where. Yes, I'm a little butthurt by Stainless Games', and Wizards of the Coast's decision to leave out the Playstation players. It's just wrong. I personally think it was a bad decision, and that they could have made more money had they at least released it on the PS4 as well. Regardless of that fact, PS faithfuls who love MTG can still nab the 2015 cards which come in the usual pack, and deck varieties.

MTG 2014 - Expansion DLC (XBLA)

Wizards of the Coast, and Stainless Games up the ante with their latest MTG 2014 expansion DLC. Along with five new decks, and five new challenges you'll find a completely new story arch with an entirely different protagonist. This latest female planeswalker known as "Elspeth Tirel" is basically on a quest for immortality. In her quest to find the items she needs to complete the spell she first seeks out the gods' council, and ends up challenging some of the most formidable adversaries seen thus far in the planeswalkers storyline. You will follow her through five of the most difficult challenges you have ever encountered within the console series of the game, as well as ten campaign encounters, three planeswalkers duels, and five revenge duels all of which will put your MTG knowledge to the ultimate test. Whether, or not you, and this planeswalker prevail will lie heavily on your understanding of the game thus far.

MTG 2014 (XBLA): "Double Take"

I know some of you are wondering what this "Double Take" review/article is all about, so I will gladly explain. As a gaming journalist I strive to give accurate details in my reviews, and as thorough as my initial review of MTG 2014 was it ended up seeming more like a "First Impressions" type of article. I absolutely do not like doing things half-assed, and as thorough as that last review was it still seemed half-assed to me. Being the perfectionist that I am I have decided to right my wrongs, and deliver a more in-depth review of MTG 2014. A game like "Magic the Gathering" is truly complex in nature, and takes some quality time to fully understand. As such a gaming journalist like myself should not rush their work just to get the job done. I knew I needed to spend some more time with the game, but at the same time felt that I needed to rush to get the review out there to support the game. For this I apologize. As I mentioned earlier I am here to rectify that wrongdoing though. So, without further adieu, let us get into this beast of a game that is MTG 2014!!!

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 (XBLA)

Wizards of the Coast, and the game development studio known as Stainless Games return with a fiery vengeance. In this iteration of the classic card game experience turned digital we find that the main protagonist is none other than the Planeswalker, Chandra Nalaar. In past versions of the arcade game Chandra's background was only hinted at, but the developer decided to go all out this time around, and present her in a wholly complete way. Not only will you gain an understanding of Chandra's current predicament, but you'll also be able to hear her voice (via voice acting), and see her come to life before your eyes in full motion 3D cutscenes. Everything about MTG 2014 is fleshed out in a way that brings the characters to life more than they ever have been in the world of MTG. There's definitely tons of new features to enjoy, and explore as you navigate the expansive new menu system that is made available to buyers of the full version of the game.

MTG 2013 DLC Expansion Pack (XBLA)

Stainless Games, and Wizards of the Coast continue to bless us with more downloadable content for the "MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers" series. While it took a while to arrive this latest expansion set is chock full of worthy additions to the core set. Straying a little from the path of the 2013 core set these new decks involve cards from an upcoming expansion release titled "Return to Ravnica". Luckily for diehard MTG (Magic the Gathering) fans these new cards can be experienced in their entirety through the 5 new decks that the DLC expansion pack offers. The new decks each feature dual color, and dual effect mana properties allowing for more in-depth strategies, and more involved gameplay. You will face five very ruthless duelists including Selesnya, Azorius, Rakdos, Izzet, and Golgari. Accompying the five new decks are 10 new campaigns, and 5 new challenges to familiarize you with the gameplay mechanics.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 (XBLA)

In my earlier days as a video game journalist for this blog I was able to secure, and post a review of 'MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012". Through my knowledge of the game I was ultimately able to convince the PR of 'Wizards of the Coast' to allow me to review their game. It was a huge step for me to take at the time, and one I definitely enjoyed venturing into. I've been a fan of the MTG card game for a long time, so being able to post a hands-on review of the Xbox 360 version was sort of a dream job for me. When news of the latest edition of the Planeswalkers game was announced I was seriously psyched! I had to try my best to get the game for review so I could see for myself the changes that had been made, and the new additions that were talked about. I also wanted to share what I found with you guys, and gals. Through some persistence, and determination I was able to score a review code close to the release date of the game. If it weren't for my contact I wouldn't be able to do this review, so my thanks goes out to 'Whitney S.'. Thank you for not getting annoyed by my persistent begging, and for getting me the code. I hope you like the following review.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 (XBLA)

When it comes to the trading card game of 'Magic the Gathering (MTG)' I am no stranger. I actually collected, and played MTG years back with a friend. What always held my interest was the artwork on each, and every card. The art really brings the game to life, and makes imagining a fantasy duel much easier. Without the artwork I honestly think that MTG would have failed years ago, but thankfully they decided to to include the mini-masterpieces on the cards. 'MTG: duels of the Planeswalkers 2012' keeps true to everything the trading card version stood for, and brings it to digital life in a truly amazing way. The game features very detailed customization options as well as lots of unlockable content (via in-game & xbox live marketplace). Wizards of the Coast/Stainless Games (the developer) even went so far as to include the premium holographic cards that veteran fans of the game will likely recognize. Everything about this game is done in great quality. It even opens with an epic cinematic scene that would put most video games to shame. Throughout the entire game there are artistic images of the paintings that adorn the MTG cards. It's eye candy at it's best with quality gameplay that doesn't dilute the core values that 'Wizards of the Coast' set out to achieve.