Splinter Cell: Blacklist isn’t your usual Splinter Cell affair by a long stretch but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it manages to strike the right balance between offering you an amazing stealth experience while also ensuring the trigger happy among us aren’t left high and dry.

Sam Fisher is still working for the U.S government but under a new organization known as the Fourth Echelon. The U.S in under attack by an organization calling itself as the ‘Blacklist’ and have threatened to carry out a new attack in the country each week. Your job is to stop them from doing this.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist combines the best features from the series’ predecessors and introduces new elements which ensures that Sam’s latest outing becomes his best one yet. The gameplay is really dynamic and offers you options which allow you to choose between stealth or an assault oriented approach. The gameplay is evenly diveded between both styles of play and you can choose which one you want to lean on before starting every mission via the character customization screen.

The game also features a ranking and score system which analyses your performance after each mission and you’re rewarded with cash based on how well you performed the mission. You can use that money to buy equipment, upgrades as well as customization for your headquater; a plane known as the “Paladin”. The ranking system features three styles of gameplay – Ghost, Panther and Assault.

This ensures that the game packs a great replay value as you can try to complete the same missions using diff play styles. It really adds the extra value that people want in games. While I personally prefer the Panther style, all three styles of gameplay has enough depth to make sure you can master them and complete any mission using either.

However, some sections of the game require that you use Stealth as it’s a Splinter Cell title, and there must be some sequences which remind you of the good old Sam Fisher. The amount of depth in the gameplay ensures that each mission can be approached in a different manner.

The inventory at your disposal does complete justice to the varied gameplay styles and you can optimize your loadout to suit any particular style of gameplay before each mission. It’s best to focus on one style of gameplay during a particular playthrough and fully optimize your inventory to suit that style of play.

The game isn’t lacking in the department of what comprises of a good shooter either. The cover system is really solid, and the targeting is spot on. You can also mark your targets after filling up your execution meter and overall it’s a robust shooting experience.

It also has a large arsenal of gadgets at Sam’s disposal which allow you to complete any mission with whichever way you prefer, be it stealth or a more aggressive approach. The game also has plenty of side missions, all of which can be played either solo or co-op, using split-screen with a second player or choosing your ally online. This really gives the game amazing replay value and enough bang for your buck.

However, co-op isn’t the only online and two player experience you will get in Blacklist. It also has a multiplayer component known as the “Spies Vs Mercs” which can be really enjoying and gives you hours upon hours of extra fun. The mode pits two teams against each other and both are very unique in their approach. The spies team need to hack into computers while the mercs need to prevent them from doing so. While the spies are similar to control as Sam, having access to all the fancy gadgets and equipment you get to play with in the campaign mode, the mercs are heavily armored soldiers, who aren’t as nimble but are very hard to put down. They’re also controlled in the first-person view perspective, making the mode all the more interesting.

This mode can be a really enjoyable experience to pass some quality time with your friends and really adds that much more to the game. Another great addition to what is an excellent game.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist offers you with a bevy of options and manages to excel in all of them. With a rock solid campaign mode, amazing co-op and online experiences and spot on execution gameplay wise, it manages to become arguably the best game in the franchise yet and fans and newcomers alike shouldn’t give this a miss if you’re into stealth-action shooters.

With Speed Wheel 6 MT compatible with the PS3, users will finally be able to experience the realistic driving of racing world simulated on their consoles. Speed Wheel 6 MT provides the player with the option for using manual transmission and foot pedals making it more realistic to experience.

Game sensitivity wise, now with an actual driving wheel you would expect to get a more realistic feeling as if you where really driving a real car, but you do get the complete opposite of what you would expect. Like for instance, making sharp turns was difficult to accomplish compared to using a controller. Also the car would turn late and there was no resistance in the wheel to make me feel like I had to keep control of the car but hardcore gamers will find it very impressive and wouldn’t mind this.

The buttons on the wheel can be a little complicated sometimes. They are too close together. Pressing one at the time, you can  end up pressing all the buttons at once which then gives you the feeling of you button mashing which makes it difficult to to do one thing without losing focus for a few seconds which can prove decisive in a driving game.

Now there are some good qualities about Speed Wheel 6 as well. Shifting gears is very easy so if you love to drive in manual you would like the Speed Wheel 6 MT. Overall I like it. If you  love racing games and want yourself a real challenge, I recommend you to get a Genius Speed Wheel 6  MT. The steering wheel and the break pedals offers you the best driving experience and give you the feeling as if you are in game.

Besides its obvious flaws, the racing wheel from Genius manages to hold its own in the market flooded with racing wheels and emerges as one of the better ones. If you’re a racing fan and own a PS3, but are yet to buy a racing wheel, Speed Wheel 6 MT is definitely worth a purchase.

Rating – 3/5

In order for you to have a proper understanding of the review of the game, we have divided the various aspects of the games into multiple categories. Read on to find out more.

Though Company of Heroes 2 is not a revolutionary upgrade from its predecessor, the visuals are nonetheless stunning. The game is unmatched by other contemporary RTS games as it can render even the smallest details, details that can be missed in the blink of an eye if you are not observant. The animation of the war torn Russian landscape is fluid and believable. As the bullets fly and bombs explode, you begin to wonder how war can look so beautiful.

As much as the visuals can be praised, the sound effects of the game can be said to be the best in the genre. As the action intensifies, the sound effects create an atmosphere which seems disturbing but gels very well with the gameplay. The sounds of battle at times made me anxious as the action progressed. Hats off to Relic for such an excellent soundtrack.

Company of Heroes 2 succeeds in recreating the harsh winters the European Front is famous for having. Also, the impact that such weather has on warfare is properly depicted. I had my gut wrenched many a times as units were subjected to hypothermia and death. Even the lakes freeze in the game, creating new areas to employ new strategy  for attack. The weather is very well done and imparts a degree of immense realism to the game.

The multiplayer aspect of the game is pretty awesome for fans of Company of Heroes. It is just like the original game; you can build a base, gather resources, attack the enemy and the like. But don’t scoff on the lack of originality because this aspect is what makes the multiplayer aspect much enjoyable as you pit yourself against your friends. It is thrilling to take on your opponent employing various strategies that you have learned in the course of gamelay.

Company of Heroes 2 is all about real time tactics and strategy. This aspect makes it much different from most of the games of the same genre which primarily focus on pre-determined strategy. The different units under your command possess different abilities that can be cleverly utilized for proper and satisfying completion of missions. The essence of gameplay in Company of Heroes 2 is that you have to think on-the-go. The game is pretty difficult and requires management in all aspects, even the smallest ones. However, all this is properly rewarded by the satisfaction that is felt on completion of a particularly difficult mission.

The Theater of War mode in Company of Heroes 2 is enjoyable to say the least. The mode erects different scenarios, both single player and multiplayer and makes you compete for high scores. From time survival missions to various missions with unique objectives, the mode brings out your creativity and capacity for strategy. Completion of missions will unlock various rewards from gameplay bonuses to cosmetic upgrades.

Till now I have been all praises for that game. But nothing is flawless; the game possesses some aspects that were not at par with the aforementioned ones. Let us have a brief look at what is not so enjoyable in the game.

First of all, it is the campaign presentation. Although the story is not so bad, the presentation leaves a lot behind when compared to the gem of a gameplay that the game possesses. The cut-scenes are really flat, and lack the emotive expressions that have become a mainstay of the games of the current generation. The narrative is quite well written, but the presentation does not do justice to it.

Secondly, the multiplayer is very frustrating for gamers who have not played Company of Heroes. The tutorial aspect of the game does not properly teach the ropes to inexperienced players. The tactical and intellectual challenge of the multiplayer is much more challenging than the campaign mode of the game and that makes it all the more difficult for newcomers.

Having gone over the pros and cons, I am pretty sure that you all unanimously agree that the pros outweigh the cons. Although the game can be criticized to lack originality and emulate its predecessor, it is heartening that the game is at par with Company of Heroes, which was a marvel in almost all aspects of its design. Enjoy the game without reading much into the repetitive aspects; you will have a good time.

Final Score – 4/5

The Last of Us provides us a gory and brutal view at the post-pandemic world of humanity. The first new IP in almost six years, the overall theme and setting of the game bears huge contrast with any previous offerings by Naughty Dog. The maturity level is very high in the game than the previous games from the same developer; even the Uncharted series pales in comparison.

The setting of the game is around 20 years after the mysterious cordyceps virus hit the US and began mutating people. The plot centers on a 40 year old pandemic  survivor Joel, who has seen a 20 year old struggle for survival and a 14 year old girl Ellie who has been born after the outbreak and so has never known the real world that was. Joel is tasked with protecting Ellie (serious spoiler alert), who has never set foot outside the quarantine zone run by the army. Due to the non-existent government in all areas, “factions” have been formed in some uncontrolled areas that eke out their own living and control certain areas. (spoiler end)

The game’s story and acting is at par or arguably better than the Uncharted series. However, don’t expect any funny quips or situational humor from the game. It is as intense at it comes. The overall tone of the game is replete with twists and turns with some intense nail-biting scenes thrown in.

Joel is a resourceful and tough person but does not possess the trademark athleticism of Nathan Drake. But that does not matter because he is the person with the right experience to survive in the infected world outside the quarantine zone. Supplies are scarce, discarded firearms have a low supply of ammo, and so the items from the environment have to be used to craft weapons or resources. The crafting system is rather easy to understand and contributes to the strategy used in gameplay. They way they affect strategy can be understood from instances from the game as for example you will once have to choose between making a molotov cocktail or a health kit from the same materials. Crafting is better done not out in the open because it happens in real time.  Work benches are strewn around the city where Joel can break or upgrade his weapons.

The pace of the game is slow. Gameplay stresses more on the use of stealth. Through a good part of the game, you will find yourself crouch-walking. Though Joel can sprint, it tends to be noisy and attracts unwarranted attention. To foster the use of stealth, a “listen mode” is introduced early in the game which allows Joel to locate his friends or enemies within earshot, the ability essentially allowing him to see through walls to some extent. As resources are low, stealth takedown of enemies is the best option. Joel can carry a variety of weapons in his backpack like a handgun, molotov cocktail, a melee weapon like a pipe or plank or a distraction item like a bottle. But the use of firearms is usually a last resort.

Close quarter combat in The Last of Us is a treat. The melee system is also well implemented, systematic and satisfying.  Joel can usually make his way out of most situations but it is dangerous to take on more than one enemy at the same time. Need-to-know survival strategies include learning to use sprint to break away from the onslaught of multiple enemies or backing up to defend yourself. Ellie is a no-nonsense character during combat sequences and not only manages to handle herself but also help Joel on some occasions.

The motion-captured character animation and the impressive and realistic environments renders The Last of Us visually impressive. From the rain drops to the dust settling on objects, the visual effects of the game is the best till date that has been seen on the PS3. The game is one of the best looking games of the current generation, on the threshold of pushing into the next generation.

There are many emotionally shocking instances in the game which will tear-up many a gamers. The voice work and soundtrack is well done and properly complements the gameplay. The 7.1 surround sound, the rich sound effects and the screams and clicking noises made by the infected create an atmosphere that will haunt your dreams for real.

The single player campaign of the game tends to test you. It is not particularly easy or short. The onus is on stealth and creating unwanted disturbance is never a good option. Taking time to plot a way around an obstacle unnoticed is usually the best bet. The AI is very intelligent and tries to flush you out at the first sign of anything unusual or suspicious. Replaying any particularly hard sequence did not pose a problem because checkpoints are generously strewn around.

The only flaw that I found with the gameplay environment were some rectangular areas which had the too obvious lay-out of crates, boxes and the like to promote stealth gameplay. Though this is a common practice in most games, it was the only thing unrealistic about The Last of Us.

The multiplayer of the game is a different experience entirely. The storyline of the online Factions mode picks up from where the single player campaign ended. It is a team based survival gameplay and players can join the the Firefly or the Hunter factions. The gameplay is rewarding when stealth comes to play but also provides much more freedom to the trigger-happy among you than the single-player campaign. The idea is to mix a healthy dose of combat and survival strategies. The multiplayer complements an already great game.

Naughty Dog has made a statement and shown the guts to introduce a risky and mature franchise like The Last of Us at the ending portion of the arc that was the PS3’s life span. The game proves a hit from all aspects and has reaffirmed our belief that great things are in store for us in the near future. The PS3 produces such a marvel; we cannot begin to comprehend how far the PS4 can take us.

Score – 5/5

The review lavished praise on the game touting it to be an easy contender for the best game of this console generation. “The Last of Us is not just the finest game that Naughty Dog has yet crafted and an easy contender for the best game of this console generation, it may also prove to be gaming’s Citizen Kane moment, a masterpiece that will be looked back upon favorably for decades.”

The Last of Us demo which was bundled with God of War: Ascension is scheduled to go live today. Hopefully we will know more then. The game will release worldwide on June 14.

Although the full details have not been revealed about the PS4, we can undertake a speculative comparison with the Xbox One.

Hardware

The first area of comparison that comes under discussion is the hardware. The silicon used in the two consoles is almost the same but has a few key differences. The main difference is the RAM that has been used. The PlayStation 4 uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM whereas the Xbox One uses 8GB DDR3 RAM. The PlayStation 4 scores in this aspect as the RAM used is of the same type that is used by most PC video cards. The PS4 is said to have at least 50 percent more raw graphic processing power than the Xbox One. However, treat this as a speculation as of now as no one has a hands on experience with new games on the recently revealed next gen consoles. So, we will have to wait for E3 to know for certain.

Here is a complete list of specs of both the consoles.

Games and exclusives

Let’s throw light on the games and exclusives that are to be released for both the consoles. Not much was said about the games in the Xbox One reveal event which focused more on the hardware aspects of the console. In contrast, the PS4 reveal event was more software centric. It goes without saying that each of the consoles’ first party games will be exclusive. Here we can take the example of new Halo, Gears of War, or Fable titles which will remain exclusive to the Xbox One whereas new Uncharted, Killzone, or Ratchet and Clank games will remain as PS4 exclusives.

Microsoft revealed that there will be at least 15 first party games for the Xbox One this year, 8 of which will be new franchises. Also it was announced that all DLC for Activision’s Call of Duty: Ghosts would debut first on the Xbox One.

Right now it’s not possible to get a clear picture of what is in store for both the consoles and what will be the difference between the two in terms of games. E3, hopefully will provide more details.

Controllers

Now we come to the controllers. The controllers have not undergone much change in their fundamental design. The overall feel is the same with few differences. They are basically evolutionary descendants of previous controllers of both the platforms. A clickable touchpad on the front differentiates the Sony DualShock 4 from the DualShock 3. This added feature will facilitate the designing of games as it will provide developers with an additional option.

A ‘light bar’ is added to the body of the DualShock 4 which combines with the PS4’s Eye camera to enhance motion control functionality. The console can track where the controller is and if need be, can adjust the screen orientation with respect to the player.  The same will be accomplished by the Xbox One with the help of Kinect. Also included in the DualShock 4 is a Share button, a built-in speaker and a headphone jack.

The DualShock 4 is connected to the console via Bluetooth 2.1+EDR whereas the Xbox One uses Wi-Fi Direct. The use of Wi-Fi Direct provides 250Mbps theoretical throughput in contrast to a mere 3Mbps maximum speed that is achieved by the use of Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. The difference that this speed variation will foster remains to be seen when the consoles will be available in the market.

Motion Gaming and Voice Control

Sony’s Move controller and a new stereo camera will be compatible with the PS4; no plans have been announced as yet to bundle them with the system. On the other hand, the Xbox One will come bundled with a second generation Kinect. The second generation Kinect will be an upgrade from previous version as it will enhance everything from the field of view to the tracking of individuals. It will also be able to determine your current heart rate!!

The first generation Kinect was not successful enough because it did not resonate itself with the core gamers. However, Microsoft has made a well thought out move by deciding to bundle the second generation Kinect with the console itself. As it will be available to all Xbox One users, Microsoft predicts an increase in functionality.

The voice control feature is the reigning feature as the entire interface can be navigated by voice commands. The Xbox One can be powered on by simply stating “Xbox on”. In addition, to log in, facial recognition is used. Sony is also not lacking in this aspect as facial recognition has also been announced for the PS4.

Non Gaming Entertainment

It is in this aspect that the Xbox One scores over the PS4, as per the details released till now. During the Xbox One reveal, Microsoft demonstrated how the console will integrate with the television to be more than simply a gaming console. Voice commands will enable the switch to TV shows, the web, Skype, a movie seamlessly. Multitasking will also be enabled; background applications will run even while playing games.

The Xbox One will allow you to plug your cable box into the console, in essence giving the control of Live TV to the user. Personalized channels can also be created with shows of your choice. Though concrete details have not yet been revealed, NFL will be integrated with the Xbox One. Also, most likely to make a return from the Xbox 360 are Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and other streaming services.

Live TV integration is not on the cards for PS4. It is too early to say anything more in this regard because Sony has not released any further details.

Community and social media

With the addition of the Share button in the DualShock 4 controller, Sony has taken a big step in the integration of social media in its services. Facebook and live video chat will see a native integration in the PS4. Via the Share button on the controller, gamers will be able to broadcast live gameplay, take screenshots, or share videos of their latest gaming triumphs. If a player is stuck in a particularly difficult section of the game, he can seek help of other players online who can help him out by literally taking over the controls.

Also as an added feature is the ability to stream games to the PlayStation Vita via Remote Play.

The pioneer in the integration of social features, Microsoft is not to be belittled at all in this aspect. Xbox One users will be able to share the last few minutes of gameplay via Xbox Live and other social networks. The Xbox Live friends list limit has been increased from 100 to 1,000. As announced in the Xbox One site, the new achievement system, which is getting a massive overhaul,  will have “richer detail and span across your games and experiences.” Other social features in the Xbox One include built-in Skype, the ability to track Xbox Live trends, and see what your friends are playing or watching most. Smart Match and Smart Glass will be more properly integrated with the Xbox One.

Pricing

Rumor has it that the Xbox One is to be priced at $499 for the base model with a subsidized rate of $299 if you sign up for Xbox Live. The pricing seems a little steep and predictably will be less than what has been rumored.

Our sources cite that PlayStation 4 is to be priced around $400 in all leading international markets.

There are many unanswered questions regarding the two consoles and their associated services. What will be the pricing structure for Xbox Live and PSN? Will Microsoft do away with the points currency system? How much will new games cost? How essential is internet connectivity?

We sincerely hope that these type of questions will be answered at E3.

Another issue that bugs both Microsoft and Sony is the problem posed by the used games market. Game publishers are crying foul over how the used games market diminishes their overall profit margin. Sony is yet to answer queries regarding the handling of this problem with the PS4. Microsoft however said in a statement, “Xbox One will support the reselling and used game market for Xbox One games. We have not announced details about exactly how it’s going to work, or how licenses are going to be exchanged.”

“What we have announced is that a used game ecosystem will be supported, so people can breathe easy. They will be able to get used games.”

The next-gen cycle is about to begin and this year’s E3 is going to be the biggest in recent history. With a host of exclusives, new IPs and various other interesting announcements on the cards by both console makers, gamers will be watching closely. It remains to be seen who’ll walk out as the initial winner and score big with its presentation during the event. The cards have been placed on the table and gamers world over are eagerly waiting to see who’ll make the first big move.

The focus of the game is on the narrative and the surroundings, and is maintained throughout the game. The Lara Croft in the new version is not like the Lara Croft of the previous games. She is not the ruthless killer she used to be. She has been shown as a rather inexperienced explorer who is marooned in a mysterious island named Yamatai along with a documentary crew whilst searching for a certain Dragon’s Triangle.

The beginning is rather gut wrenching for Lara as she is kidnapped, beaten, bruised and subsequently injured during her escape from captivity. Survival takes priority after her escape and she is accosted mainly by the Solarri- the resident cult brotherhood of Yamatai. New additions to combat is seen in the form of the inclusion of the manual third person targeting as opposed to the automatic targeting which was a mainstay of the series till now.

The combat is the main attraction of the game and is unlike what fans of the series are habituated to. Lara is responsive to the surroundings and the gameplay. The character acts on its own accord in some situations without any input from the player, like taking cover in the face of attacks from enemies and sneaking when enemies are detected hidden in the foliage.

Tomb Raider is not much of a ‘tomb raiding’ game when compared to the previous installments. I remember when I used to spend a the better part of an hour in the process of opening a door. The new game does have puzzles and tombs, but is not much of a challenge.

However, exploration is not relegated to the background at all. The surroundings are meticulously designed and are very pleasing to the eye. There were many instances when I stopped for a while just to admire the view. Exploration also results in new collectibles and more XP points. Weapon modifications are also possible from the items collected during exploration.

The multiplayer aspect of the game, as a new addition, does not quite reach to the level of the main game itself. It feels like a different game altogether with muddy textures and sloppy action.  The animation is not up-to the mark and the combat feels loose. The multiplatyer aspect just does not reach the benchmark set by the other recent multiplayers. Definitely not worth our time.

However, the multiplayer is a small part of the game, the onus being on the main game which is amazing to say the least. One of the most loved characters of all time has received a perfect overhaul and is more relateable and likeable than ever. Definitely a game to buy.

4/5

Third in the series of the Bioshock franchise, Bioshock: Infinite begins as a vision, a spectacle. An imagery of Utopia is conveyed through a church which is shown bathed in candlelight and a thin layer of water. It is a bizarre setting of early 20th century America. The first few minutes contains tones of Protestant beliefs and a vision of a carnival is thrown in. The city is named as Columbia and you play a carnival game called “cast the devil out” where some eerie power is used to lift a small cartoon devil in the air.

The seemingly unreal vision goes on for about fifteen minutes when suddenly Bam!; the main character stabs a guard in the neck and Bioshock: Infinite begins earnestly.

 The City in Clouds

Bioshock: Infinite resembles Call of Duty to some extent but the game is essentially a corridor based FPS with magical undertones. The combat is somewhat unexciting when compared to games in the level of Call of Duty. The city of Columbia, which is present in massive details in the game, also feels like an added accessory.

The problem of a badly divided personality, which plagues the earlier installments of the game, is also present in Bioshock: Infinite. However, the difference is that exploration in the game is interesting to a large extent. Exploration is punctuated with combat as you make your way through slums, factories and even a beach resort in the sky. The excesses of American imperialism are vividly portrayed through various museum artifacts. The various environment settings are fascinating to explore, the only drawback being that you have to combat a large number of boring enemies to reach new areas.

The narration of the story of the game however is flawless to a large extent, You assume the role of Booker Dewitt, a tough guy from the surface with a gambling debt who is sent to  this place in the sky to rescue Elizabeth, a magical girl with mysterious powers relating to the time and space continuum. Elizabeth and the city, Columbia are the focal points of the story. The first half of the narrative is well rounded and sound but then in the second half problems arise.

Let’s have a dance, should we?

Focus seems lacking in the second part of the narrative as a bevy of added accessories such as smatterings of religion, hints of metaphysics, a notion of race and a few half-fleshed characters are added to the mix and the setting of the city, which is the most interesting and beautiful part of the game, is relegated to the background. The game is mostly combat oriented towards the end and the ending is akin to a typical sci-fi multiverse fantasy.

There are some moments of brilliance in the game like a simple duet between Elizabeth and Booker and a somewhat charming pair of multi-dimensional dry British wits, but such occasional sparks are not enough to match the Big Daddies of Bioshock or the character of Andrew Ryan.

The final verdict on the game is that the setting is awesome, but the gameplay and story is not at par with it. Although that’s true, the fact remains that fans of the series are definitely going to try it no matter what. For those who’re new to the series, it’s still worth a shot, if only for the beautiful setting and decent enough story.

Review Score – 4/5