Sunday, March 5, 2017

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Extended Ed. (PS4)

Before I get into the updated options of the extended edition of 'The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing' let me redirect you for a moment to my previous Xbox One review of the same base game. You can click the link here (Van Helsing) to get a good idea as to what I thought of the original console release before hearing me rant again about some of the same issues ...

Van Helsing (as I'm gonna call it) is a game that borrows heavily from Blizzard's Diablo series. It features character gear setups that are not too dissimilar from said gaming world as well as a rarity system that takes in account Blizzard's color coded item and enemy rankings, among other things. There's that, and the overall look of the game which in itself is reminiscent of Diablo on so many levels. When it comes to this particular game though you'll find that it does have it's own mythology, and story that is admirably accented by nonstop voice-over talent that was no doubt costly for the developer to add in. We get to see the son of the infamous monster slayer Abraham Van Helsing do his thing as he follows in his father's footsteps alongside his ghostly female companion, Katarina. It's an adventure filled to the brim with humor, sarcasm, and challenging quests involving the burdened people of Borgova (Borgovia?), and those who would meddle with science and the supernatural.

The extended edition of this quirky dialogue enriched Diablo-like Van Helsing adventure, as it were, is a direct all inclusive port of the PC and Xbox One versions of the same game. Yes, I said "port". It lacks any fixes, and is pretty much a carbon copy of the previous PC, and console versions all the way down to the frame rate stuttering. As far as being "all inclusive" goes I simply mean that the additional DLC of the first game is included at no additional charge. You get the base singleplayer adventure from before which follows closely the exploits of the original Van Helsing's son, and his ghostly companion Katarina as well as the multiplayer tag-along-mode for an online co-op experience, should you feel the need to drag a friend along on the journey. Along with that is the character class DLC (Thaumaturge & Arcane Mechanic), and two new modes of play that extend up the originally offered four difficulty settings (Easy - Hellion) and two campaign types (Normal & Hardcore). Everything from the gameplay to the in-game mechanics, and even the campaign content stays fairly much the same. Those pesky problems I mentioned in my link, they are still there as well. The lack of a guide explaining what you should level up first still hinders early progress as does the abusive hive minded enemy AI which, for lack of a better word, makes for a proper fustercluck. It's a game experience that could have been great, but fell short due to over-complication.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Blue Rider (PS4)

Ravegan's 'Blue Rider' is a minimalist shmup (shoot 'em up) oozing with vivid visual charm, and challenging gameplay that is spread across 9 environmentally different stages. It is "minimalist" in that everything from the menu to the control layout, and even the gameplay itself is easy to understand, and easy to get into with the only real challenge being the controlling of the Blue Rider ship. At the main menu you'll gain access to 9 different stages in unlocked order as well as a controller diagram via the 'Help' menu option that will explain the controls to you. Your goal in each stage is to simply survive without losing health meter while shooting down all patrolling bullet hell enemies as well as the end boss for a top score. There are multiplier opportunities gained from consecutive enemy kills, and power-ups dropped from the occasional enemy to extend upon further gameplay potential. Each stage has branching paths that are sometimes blocked by enemies of varying types as well as gates that require mechanism destruction/activation to get through. There's even stage specific environmental hazards to avoid along the way. When you make it to the end of the stage you will face off against one of nine unique bosses that incorporates a specific strategy for defeat. Learning this required strategy, and dodging bullet hell spray will help you defeat the boss. As it were the main goal in each stage is to ultimately make it through to the end boss, and defeat it in order to unlock the next stage in rotation. Supposing you fail your score will be tallied up at that end of your playthrough, and you'll have to start over at one of the currently available/selectable stages via the main menu 'Play' listing.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

88 Heroes (PREVIEW)

Bitmap Bureau's "88 Heroes" for the PS4 is the epitome of 80's geek culture done up in retro gaming fashion. Through deviously difficult gameplay, action packed 2D platforming levels, and 88 playable heroic misfits you'll see various hints of 80's entertainment culture scattered about in pixel form. Character designs included in the generational mash-up mock everything from 80's action and horror movie icons to video game characters from the 8bit era, and even computer references that only geeks will get, among other things. All of which is implemented in a unique theatrical way seen through the televised spy monitor, and commentary inclusive perspective of the game's main villain, "H8". A display in which you control, and use each of the randomly placed 88 heroes as well as their abilities, or lack thereof.

As far as objectives go you have a set time of 88 minutes to get through 88 levels, and stop H8 from doing his devilish deed. There are all sorts of enemies, and environmental hazards to face as you play through one of the games three modes. Those modes being the standard "88 heroes" inclusive playthrough, and two unlockable modes where you tackle the same obstacles with only one (Solo) to eight (Magnificent 8) heroes that are personally selected by you. While the levels themselves aren't randomly generated you will find in the base, and eight character modes that the heroes themselves provide that rogue-like element of surprise. It's an experience that will have you laughing at the ridiculousness of it all as well as crying when you realize how hard it is to beat.

What You Get At The Inferno

Metrics, and analytics across the board pretty much confirm my relevance as a social media influencer. Ranging from an astounding "Top 0.1%" on the former Klout scale to an almost as impressive "Top 5%" on Klear's scale in regards to gaming it is undeniable that what I say, type, or text holds sway in the industry that this blog is centered around. Though numbers on said sites often times may look confusing in relation to said percentages those percentages are not inaccurate. Yes I'm an acknowledged journalist about gaming, and "yes" I'm friendly to those who follow, and engaging with my audience on various social media platforms. I'm even highly knowledgeable about the industry itself, often times giving sound advice to those who would listen. The best advice being made available on the business side of things through my more professional LinkedIn account. While the Inferno might be a humble blog in appearance make no mistake that what is typed in each review is more than what most big sites will ever dare to include. That grand scope of detail including breakdowns of all in-game features sprinkled with a little opinion at the end based on the functionality, and the fun to be had. My opinions, and critiques are not bought out, and are not misleading with college level word play that only detracts from the insight the gamers are seeking. You'll also find no ads, and no monetization efforts here at the Inferno. This is a passion project that is five plus years strong, and growing. A project I would never dare to corrupt with paid for influence. Not clouded by bias, or other peoples' written reviews this blog stands above a lot of the bigger names in content and context.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Vertical Drop Heroes HD (PS4)

Nerdook Productions, the one man indie development studio brings to us yet another addictive, and outright challenging game. This time the game in question is made available on the PS4 console. That game being an HD console port of, "Vertical Drop Heroes". With the charm of games like 'Castle Crashers', and 2D RPG platformers of the retro arcade type this game leans heavily on the age old destined hero trope while making light of the fact that said heroes are not always what they think they are. Death comes often in the adventures taken on by these heroes who come to believe the Tome of Knowledge's myths about a chosen one, damsels in distress, fabled treasure, and formidable foes. 

While many heroes, and heroines venture out to make a name for themselves not too many ever reach their ultimate goal though. In fact sometimes you'll find it takes descendants of the wannabe savior to finally reach that point of glory, and fame. A final chapter in a never-ending story that starts innocently enough at the Tome of Knowledge, and takes them on a dangerous descent into various environments laden with environmental hazards, enemy lackeys, and gargantuan bosses. Utilizing two assist abilities, a basic weapon attack, and the aid of other captive heroes the chosen protagonist must survive long enough to reach the end of their perilous journey in order to reap the rewards thereafter. Should they fail another hero will no doubt take their place as that fabled protagonist of a tale passed on generation after generation.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Double Dragon IV (PS4)

I'm at a loss for words. I went into my playthrough of Arc System Work's "Double Dragon IV" hoping for an authentic trip down memory lane, but was met instead by "Sucker Punch Simulator 4.0". That's what it felt like. Sure the game took the series' main characters Billy and Jimmy, and followed up half-heartedly with a story that takes place after Double Dragon II's events, but the beefed up gameplay felt intentionally one-sided. I remember the first Double Dragon on the NES being sluggish, but not gang heavy like it is here. In this follow up there's way too many enemies onscreen at a time, especially with the sucker punches flying, and your character's inability to respond quickly to the threats at hand factored in. Not only that, but this latest Double Dragon adventure feels shallow, and without substance. Like a straightforward experience hindered by cheap fights, and cheaply made environmentally hazardous platforming. I'm truly surprised, and not in a good way.