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Reviews
Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Was Never Going to Better Modern Warfare But Still an Excellent Game
When creating Call of Duty: World at War, Treyarch didn't stand a chance. If released two years earlier this title would be a game that everyone would be waxing lyrical about. However, it followed in the footsteps of the fantastically addictive Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Anyway, what is done is done and Treyarch tried to make the best game they could.
As happens on all games the first impression you have is of its graphical capabilities. World at War has a different feel to those of Modern Warfare as its set in World War II but the graphics are still impressive. They take some getting used to if you've played Modern Warfare meticulously but the details on everything are very realistic and its refreshing to see a game set in different locations such as Russia and Japan. The sound quality in the game is as impressive as its predecessor as well.
Now the most important factor whats the game-play like? For those who delve into the campaign, its almost on a par with Modern Warfare. It lacks the intensity and brutality of Modern Warfare's campaign mode but makes up for this with its interesting set pieces on the Eastern Front and in the Pacific. One level replicates the fantastic Chernoybal snipers levels from number 4 but moves the action to Stalingrad. It doesn't hit you with the same 'wow' factor as the levels in the predecessor but its still a great level. Overall, the campaign mode is incredibly enjoyable to play through but the main criticism is, its even shorter than the campaign mode in Call of Duty 4. And that was short.
Now to the online mode. Franky it is excellent, the problem is if you are not a newcomer to the series: it is no Modern Warfare. The matches are a lot of fun and contain a good mixture of close quarters combat and long distance shooting. Tanks spice proceedings up nicely too. The maps are generally well constructed, however some are just too big. A particular level called Outskirts is insanely large and there are few kills to be made on this map. The weapons just aren't as fun to play around with as those in Modern Warfare either. I understand that Treyarch are vying for realism but the inclusion of more powerful weapons would have been welcoming.
To conclude, World at War is a game that should be played in isolation. Forget that Modern Warfare came before this title and you'll have a lot of fun playing through this. This should be viewed as a great game and a good stop-gap before Modern Warfare 2. However, it is easier said than done to forget how good Modern Warfare is. You will most probably go back to play it but give World at War a chance - especially you Mr Taylor
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Not a Bond Film, Not a Good Film
Casino Royale was exactly the film the Bond series was crying out for after the entertaining, yet disappointing Die Another Day. It certainly was a film that replicated the style of the Bourne series with its 'harder edge' and its darker tone. But what propelled Casino Royale to its status of being a great 007 flick was the fact it still felt like you were watching a James Bond movie. Quantum of Solace, on the other hand, does not feel like a James Bond movie and is not an enjoyable action title either.
The car chase that opens the film replicates the plot of the film perfectly. It is nigh on impossible to work out what on earth is going on and the film continues to transcend into this fashion. The film has plenty of action but contains no substance. A large proportion of these action sequences don't move the confusing storyline forward in any way. As a fan of mindless action films of the 90s this would normally prove to be an acceptable mishap but the fact of the matter is: the action sequences aren't exciting. Forster seems to be obsessed with shaking the camera and cutting to a new angle every other second. This leads to confusion as its difficult to tell the characters apart when the fists are pumping and the bullets are flying.
The other main qualm about Quantum of Solace as alluded to above, is the fact that this does not feel like James Bond anymore. Casino Royale had an absence of gadgets and omitted certain other elements as well. Bond had become colder and more brutal which was a refreshing change. Yet, the series still retained its glamour and its bond trademarks such as Bond's famous introduction, the gun-barrel sequence, the Vodka Martinis etc. All Quantum of Solace retained was the titles sequence. In Quantum, Bond is also far too cold, he has always been a womanizer with a certain amount of 'coldness' about him but the character has become overly brutal in this film. Also to mention the other characters, Dominic Greene is a very weak villain who just does not come across as the slightest bit evil. Gemma Arterton is irritating and Olga Kurylenko's character, Camille is just not particularly interesting.
This is not the worst film in the world and maybe if it wasn't dubbed as a James Bond film maybe I'd call it a decent film. However, Quantum of Solace is just a tremendous disappointment. The plot does not make any sense, the action sequences are filmed poorly and this just is not a James Bond film despite what the the title may say.
P.S. Why the hell does the film end with the gun-barrel sequence and how come Felix Leiter has suddenly become black in the last two films?
24: Day 2: 10:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. (2003)
Television at it's finest
24 is generally at it's best when either the bullets are flying or the writers throw in some great twist or cliffhanger. Ironically, this episode, which is the best episode yet, has neither of these elements.
At the beginning of the episode we discover that the bomb cannot be defused and has to be detonated in the desert in a suicide mission. Unsurprisingly, Jack volunteers and refuses to let George Mason go. Ultimately, despite the bomb's detonation during the finale, the acting in this episode makes it special.
The scene where Jack speaks to Kim for the last time (so he thought) is one of the most compelling and emotional scenes I have ever witnessed. The dialogue, as well as the performances from Keifer Sutherland and Elisha Cuthbert, is outstanding.
This episode also has another great scene when George takes over from Jack. The two of them put their differences aside and show compassion for one another. I particularly like Mason's plea to Jack to be a real hero and to put "the pieces back together".
Stuntman (2002)
Brilliant game which is both addictive and frustrating
I bought this game about 4 years ago and I was impressed with the originality and gameplay of the product.
You play as a driving stuntman and you must complete certain objectives whilst you rush to the finishing line. For something that sounds so simple, the gameplay was a real breath of fresh air when the game was released.
The first few 'levels' are simple enough but once you progress further into the game, the difficulty curve sky rockets. When you encounter this jump in difficulty, you will fail, time after time, after time. As strange as it seems though, you become determined to complete the challenge and become addicted. In order to progress, you need to slowly improve on each section of the course until you can put together the 'perfect run'. Due to the difficulty of the game, it is very satisfying when you complete a scene in one of the six films.
Overall, the game is excellent but infuriating. The gameplay is brilliant but the load times between takes are atrocious. I also have to admit, I couldn't quite complete the final few scenes because it is just too hard. However, if you spot this game, second hand it is a worthy purchase. I recommend it.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Top-Notch First -Person Action
I was never a fan of the previous games in the Call of Duty series but I must say that Infinity Ward has created a wonderful game.
The first 3 missions give you great idea of what is to come. Call of Duty 4 has a perfect mixture of stealth, sniping and all guns blazing warfare. This game is the first I've played where I truly feel as if I'm in a war zone. You either play as a British SAS agent or a US Marine and you have to contend with the enemy's bullets, grenades, exploding cars and tanks. In Call of Duty you have no control over your squad but you really feel immersed in the action as it unfolds.
The graphics and sound in the game are superb. The environments and soldiers both look realistic and the lighting casts shadows and sun glare beautifully. The soundtrack provides music which fits the mood of the game perfectly and you can hear explosions in the distance as well as the 'tinging' noise of ricocheting bullets.
Online play is fantastic. There is a great variety of modes ranging from your standard death-matches to some excellent objective-based team games. Rarely, do you encounter a poor game. The only problem with the online system is the poor lobby which doesn't give you the option to choose specific games to suit your needs. However, the game has a top-notch ranking systems which rewards you for good play by giving you extra weapons and perks as well as game modes.
The single player game is a little short but I have not come across one as good as Call of Duty 4. If your a fan of First-Person Shooters you will love this game. If not, you may still be converted to the genre because of the quality of this title.
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Thoroughly enjoyable and interesting
I watched Letters from Iwo Jima after recently watching the very good Flags of our Fathers and I loved it.
Eastwood's direction is excellent and he gives an excellent portrayal of the Japanese soldier's bravery and patriotism. The film was filled with many emotional moments which could be distressing for some viewers but Eastwood handled these scenes very well.
Before watching the two films, I had no knowledge regarding Iwo Jima, other than its name. Eastwood has proved to us that the events on Iwo Jima were very interesting but grim and unbearable for those who fought there.