Dante's Inferno PS3 Review

It is not often I resort to typing up a review, but when playing Dante's Inferno on the Playstation 3 it soon became apparent that I would have to edit most of the video out, due to the adult rated content. So, the 18 Rating is pretty much spot on, not only are some of the scenes very violent and bloody, but they also contain sexualised nudity. You have been warned, or perhaps prepared in advance for what can only be described as the most graphically captivating game I have played in a long time.

Firstly, let me set the scene with a brief excerpt from the publisher Electronic Arts…

EA’s Dante’s Inferno tells an adapted story that focuses on delivering a blockbuster 3rd person action game experience while bringing Alighieri’s depiction of Hell to the medium. Players assume the role of Dante, who descends into Hell after returning home to find his beloved Beatrice murdered, with Lucifer seducing her soul into the underworld. Dante sets out on a rescue mission to save Beatrice, but he soon realizes he is also in Hell to face his own demons and ultimately to redeem himself.

Players will take Dante through nine unique circles of Hell as mapped out and described by Alighieri: limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery.  Each circle will showcase its own distinct look, with demons, monsters, damned and geography that are crafted straight from the poem’s vivid descriptions.

To take down the demons of Hell, Dante is outfitted with two primary weapons: the Scythe he takes from Death and the Holy Cross given to him by Beatrice, which has spiritual powers that will help Dante collect souls and spells from the creatures he defeats on his journey. The game also features a deep upgrade system so gamers can customize their abilities to their specific gameplay style, something they’ll need as Dante comes face to face with Hell’s fiercest beasts and bosses. If successful, Dante will be able to tame certain beasts, exacting their will and turning Hell’s punishments back on itself.

On with the review… The game leads you into each scene in the storyline with such vigor, that you really do find yourself drawn in. The graphic presentation of the cut scenes is nothing short of awesome. Detail is depicted exceptionally well and the special effects are wonderful. Once the scene is set, the battle ensues and you have great control with quick or power attacks with your choice of two weapons. You can also pick up your enemy and fling them into oblivion. Along the way, you also have access to various magical powers. The familiar 'big boss' pops up now and again, they vary in difficulty of course, but all take multiple hits and avoidance to defeat. I was quite surprised that so early on in the game my eyes were diverted from the fast paced action by my loved one shown baring her flesh for all to see (though I was the only one in the room, er game). It would be nice if the blood and nudity had an option to tame it down, as now I can only grab time on this game when the kids are in bed.

That said, Dante's Inferno impressed me. The control method is pretty much spot on. In some of the battles you don't have to be very accurate with your hits, though further in you will discover that you have to mix things up a little and learn how to block. The fluid action, coupled with the powerful soundtrack and sound effects certainly will capture the serious gamers attention, however, for the casual gamer it may prove too much. This is one game you have to dedicate some time to and I am certain that it will not disappoint.

Game Title: Dante's Inferno
Platform Reviewed on: Sony PS3
Supplied by: Electronic Arts 

Battlefield Bad Company 2 Review - Sony PS3

Battlefield Bad Company 2 is the latest release from Electronic Arts. My impressions of the game are pretty good, with plenty of gameplay choices presented with some awesome graphics. Throughout the game spawning points are nicely handled with a choice respawning at select map locations or even from other player positions. Throughout my first few days with the game, the only thing that seems to let it down is the accuracy of the weapons. For example when quick scoping with a sniper rifle or scoping in for that one-shot kill, more often than not I was only achieving a hit marker. Maybe my accuracy will improve with time, but the weapon performance just seemed to let me down a little. That said, this is a first rate game and certainly looks very pretty. A contender for some of my Modern Warfare 2 gameplay hours :)

Check out this video showing online multiplayer action, including a quick look through the menu options too.


Manufacturer website: http://www.eagames.co.uk/

Sony PS3 Slim - unboxing & review

Gotta get the slim thing on with Sony this year, with their release of the PS3 Slim. It seems that they love making ground breaking technology, then making us spend again when they launch a slimmer and better version. Check out my unboxing and comparison between this new Slim model and the original PS3.

TNA Impact on Sony PS3 Review

Something a little different from me this week, taking a look at Midway Game's TNA Impact. Superb wrestling action on the Sony PS3 is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Product: TNA Impact (PS3)
Price: £44.99 (RRP) : £26.00 (average)
Supplied by: Midway Games
Contact: +44 (0) 191 482 8720

Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Headset Review

If you are really into your gaming, or perhaps you spend most of your day communicating with others on Skype. You really should take a look at a classy headset, something like this offering from Razer. Check out the video review below and see what you get for your money.

Product: Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Headset
Price: £49.99 (average UK)
Supplied by: Razer USA Ltd
Contact: saleseu@razerzone.com

Razer Destructor Gaming Mouse Mat Review

Don't let the title deceive you. If you are not into gaming, then this pro level mouse mat might still be of interest. As a graphic designer I really appreciate the precise tracking on offer here. Check out the video review below.

Product: Razer Destructor Gaming Mouse Mat
Price: £25.99 (average UK)
Supplied by: Razer USA Ltd
Contact: saleseu@razerzone.com

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review

I must admit to never really getting into the whole Harry Potter thing, yes, shame on me! For some strange reason, when EA released 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' for the Sony PS3, I was drawn to it like a magnet and just had to take a look.

Previous incarnations of the Harry Potter games seemed to lack something in the magic department, they just seemed to try and do too much magic. In this latest offering EA have nailed it right on the head, the atmosphere of the whole game is spot on, you really feel like you are right there with Harry and the gang in Hogwarts. This feeling is mainly due to the superb graphics and textures that are very detailed and accurate.

To keep the game moving along you have to complete over 30 tasks, learning spells along the way. You also unlock discovery points which in turn make your spells even more powerful. This allows you to unlock even more secrets and certainly kept my interest locked in. There are plenty of battles to be won, which have you twirling your wand, casting spells to defeat nasty kids and even the Dark Lord. During these spell casting battles, you will be impressed by the graphics, and the animation of Harry who reacts in some really cool ways to victory or defeat. Of course the main objective is to defeat your opponent, but paralyzing them is very effective.

The PS3 adds some six-axis controller features, and although they don't seem that accurate, being able to wave your controller to wave Harry's wand is a nice touch. I do not think Sony's six-axis will ever be that accurate, so it was nice to see EA at least implement it in some way.

In summary, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a nice rounded game. Interesting game play, different on-screen battles (rather than awful cut scenes), a nice control method and good sound. Above all, what really stands out is the atmosphere of the game. It really makes you feel part of it, and has you coming back for more. This is certainly one you won't put down until you have finished it.

Product: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Price: £49.99
Street Price: £34.96
Supplied by: Electronic Arts
Contact: 0870 2432435

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom PS3 Review

We covered the US launch of the Sony PS3 some time ago now, it seems like ages since we brought you any PS3 coverage, so it was nice of Electronic Arts to send us 'Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom (ULDK)' to review.

I have always wanted to get into Dungeons & Dragons (the board game) and really wanted to try World of Warcraft, but what stopped me was the dedication (and time) required to play. So, when this game touted itself as 'The Ultimate Next Gen Action RPG Experience' it caught my attention. Maybe, just maybe I could get my fix in a pick up and put down format. By that, I mean that I want to be able to grab a game, play it for half an hour, then be able to come back to it later.

ULDK gets off to a good start with some stunning graphics. Even the player select screen is stunning, with some great level of detail on the characters. At this stage the game introduces you to the storyline, and I was thinking "Oh no, this is going to be boring", but then you are thrown into the action, quickly taught some awesome moves and the blood is (literally) flying.

You work your way through battling various opponents, including some rather rabid creatures. Along your way, hacking and slashing through whatever gets in your way, you get items to pick up. Pieces of armor enhance your protection, as well as various spells and add-ons for your weapons. Your team that accompanies you help, but in what seems a very random way. Maybe, further in the game there are options to determine how you are helped in the harder battles, I certainly hope so.

Each stage is completed with the obligatory 'boss', but in a way that does not break the fluidity of the whole story. This is very well done, and eases you into the game, by not making the first few bosses overly difficult. You can also save your progress at various points, so this game definitely fulfills my need of having something I could play in short sittings.

As well as the single player, there are also co-op and internet modes. Each of these modes play perfectly and add superb value to the gameplay. In summary, the graphics are excellent, the sound is awesome and the gameplay (although a little repetitive) is a joy, the perfect balance in fact between difficulty and enjoyment. I would certainly recommend ULDK to any gamer who wants to experience a magical action packed RPG, without having to spend hours and hours on dedicated gaming.

Product: Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Price: £49.99
Street Price: £39.99
Supplied by: Electronic Arts
Contact: 0870 2432435