Activision/Infinity Ward

PS3/Xbox 360/Wii

3.0 out of 5.0

Black Ops was my first long-term exposure to the COD franchise. I quickly got up to speed that the lackluster single-player campaign mode was offset by the amazing online multiplayer modes. Learning that the next COD, Modern Warfare 3, would not be made by the same developer, Treyarch, had me a little skeptical as my favorite feature, zombies would not be in this year’s game. But Infinity Ward has an excellent reputation, handling Activision’s cash cow game.

Full Review

(Before I get too deep in this review, I am required to state, “that Activision hooked me up with free copy of the game for this review.” Yes, I HAD to say that per the legal/FTC full disclosure notice that was included with my copy. Whatever.)

If you are buying this game simply for the campaign and have played the other Modern Warfare games religiously, you will be disappointed. MW1 and MW2 were incredibly unique, and genuinely added to the campaign experience. This version simply uses the same formula and splices in game-play highlights from the previous games. The campaign also had a Black-Ops feel of simply running and gunning through the same types of levels you have done before. Doesn’t matter if you are on a submarine, or shooting your way through Paris, it all feels like the same game you’ve played before. The campaign ended in six hours on normal, and I felt myself just wanting to get to the end so I could do something else, rather than full sense of accomplishment. (Well at least Xbox gave me an achievement for doing it.)

That being said, most people buying this game, got it for online multiplayer. This year’s game feels very intuitive with the controls and provide countless hours of leveling up your character and weapons. Multiplayer is nice, but again, it is familiar and despite the new killstreaks, (The MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) and Juggernaut Suit are easily the best) will favor those who spend countless hours playing and memorizing the maps. The saving grace and fresh component to the game is the new Spec-Ops mode. Grab one of the homies play through the scenario missions. These missions really do shine amidst a lackluster campaign-multiplayer experience. For COD players going through zombies withdrawal, Survival mode is a good substitute. The goal: survive wave after wave of attacking troops, dogs, riot geared up cops, and C-4 strapped terrorists. Only complaint, is that there are too few levels.

Overall, you are paying $60 for a MW2 map-pack, another campaign, and extra Spec-Ops missions. Nothing is new but  people would gladly shell out the money for a chance to play more Call of Duty. Buy this game if you like online play. Split-screen co-op may be enough for others to purchase.

]]> http://www.kuhvet.com/2011/11/21/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3/feed/ 1 http://www.kuhvet.com/2010/11/23/free-dj-hero-2-tiesto-mix-pack/ http://www.kuhvet.com/2010/11/23/free-dj-hero-2-tiesto-mix-pack/#comments Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:41:29 +0000 The Notorious BJP http://www.kuhvet.com/?p=6593

With so much downloadable content out there for purchase it’s cool that Activision and Coca-Cola are giving fans free DLC for DJ Hero 2.

The Tiësto Mix Pack Presented by Coca-Cola is available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the PlayStation Store and as downloadable singles for Wii for free from November 23 through November 29.

Hit the jump for more mix pack details.

Three exclusive mixes are “Traffic” Mixed With “Louder Than Boom,” “Feel It In My Bones” ft. Tegan & Sara and “Knock You Out” ft. Emily Haines Mixed With “Young Lions.”

Konsole Kingz have been adding their brand of gaming flavor to Xbox Live for awhile and now they are blessing PS3 users with exclusive themes as well. The latest theme from KKZ comes courtesy of popular model Rosa Acosta.

The Rosa Acosta Wild West Theme features 14 new photos of Rosa Acosta along with themed icons and sounds to customize your PlayStation3.

Hit the jump for the commercial

Check out the Little Big Planet 2 “Adventure Trailer.” Here you will see Sackboy roaming through the new Story Mode of the game. LBP2 hits stores on November 16th, 2010.

Today SCEA announced plans to release Little Big Planet 2 for the PS3. The title will be developed by Media Molecule, the press release says that LBP2 will provide fans a new means to play, create and share including a revamped graphics engine, a fresh storyline, added accessories (grappling hook, power gloves, a magic bag, and more) and equipment for Sackboy (players can create interactive, programmable robot Sackboys allowing users to record animations and voice-overs with them, as well as customize sizing and clothing), and “revolutionary gameplay mechanics providing players a level of control and customization that has never been seen before.”

“Since LittleBigPlanet launched, our online community has created an amazing selection of levels with the tools available,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “With LittleBigPlanet 2, users will now have a new, evolved Create mode with the ability to make actual games, not just levels, providing an endless gaming adventure for fans, as well as an entertainment experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family.”

LittleBigPlanet 2 will also be backwards compatible with LittleBigPlanet allowing players to access all online levels created with the original game. It will also include bonus levels that will support the PlayStation Move navigation controller.

Today Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)announced the PlayStation Protection Plan, an extended service offer for the PS3 and PSP systems. Under the new program, PS3 and PSP owners in the United States can purchase an extended service plan of one or two years that begins after the original one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty expires. PSP owners can also choose the Accidental Damage Plan, which adds coverage for cracked-screen damage in the event of an unexpected drop.

* PS3 – 1-year extension ($49.99) or 2-year extension ($59.99)

* PSP – 1-year extension ($29.99) or 2-year extension ($39.99)

* PSP with Accidental Damage – 1-year extension ($39.99) or 2-year extension ($49.99)

The pricing includes all shipping charges and repairs, which are performed by PlayStation-trained service technicians using official parts at SCEA-authorized repair facilities. The PlayStation Protection Plan is available beginning in May 2010 and will be priced competitively.

Earlier today Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) announced that MLB.TV is currently available in North America on the PS3.

MLB.TV subscribers can enjoy every regular season game live in HD.

Hit the jump for more info.

A few of the PS3 exclusive features include:

* Home and Away Feeds – Choose to watch either the home or away broadcast feed.

* Live Game DVR Functionality – Use the live video overlay to pause and rewind live games or fast-forward back to live game action.

* Scrollable Linescore – Go directly to any half-inning to watch only that portion of the game.

* MLB Scoreboard – Scrollable league-wide scoreboard for each day’s games in three modes: Pre-game with scheduled starting pitchers; Live with up-to-the-minute game status; and Post-game with final pitching decisions and archived feed selection.

* Favorite Team Selection – Pick a favorite team or teams to be featured first on the daily scoreboard.

* Calendar Schedule – Scroll through the entire 2010 Major League Baseball schedule in calendar format or the user-designated favorite team’s schedule.

MLB.TV Premium is available for $119.95 annually or $24.95 per month and run of the mill MLB.TV (which does not include the choice of Home or Away Broadcast, Multi-Game View or DVR Functions) goes for 99.95 per year or $19.95 per month.

God of War III picks up where God of War II left off – climbing to the top of Olympus to wreck s#%t up for Zeus and the other gods. For those who aren’t familiar with the series the developers do a decent job at recapping some of the recent events for newbies.
Full review
If you’ve played the previous GoW installments, put your mind at ease that the core gameplay mechanics from its predecessors remain with added depth and speed. You can real-time weapon switch in-between combos, adding more combo variations, cancellations, and air juggles. Everything runs ridiculously smooth in the game. Why? Because Sony was so smart to put a Blu Ray drive in their PlayStation 3 that allows for a variable 40-60 frames-per-second. Meaning, the visuals GoW III is simply stunning and the combat is so fluid and responsive with little to no lag, even during those massive boss battles.

The game has made many improvements over the previous titles insofar as the weapons/items go. A new item bar makes using your previously less than desirable side arms practical as it regenerates on its own after use. The spell system, now neatly tied to each individual weapon, simplifies combat and streamlines the experience. On that note, each weapon is also as practical as the initial Blades with its own twist on the blades themselves. The battles themselves actually lend to the experience by mixing and matching enemies to make you think on your toes as to which weapon might be better suited for the experience.

The combat is just as visceral as ever, with sick finishing kill moves from Kratos and tons of blood spillage all over the place. The level of detail in the graphics are amazing as the developers used a dynamic blood stain effect that not only affects enemies and your surroundings, but the blood gets smeared all over Kratos as well. However, developer Santa Monica made one miscue, in that there are way too many cut-scenes. I understand Full Motion Video (FMV) cut-scenes are now a part of gaming for better or worse, but with a title like this it doesn’t add to the game’s story insomuch as detract from the action. Time after time as your ready to dish out a lil’ more whip ass, the game goes to yet another cut-scene. Oh and FYI, you can’t skip any of them.

For a challenge, you gotta step your game up and play on Titan (hard) mode. The game’s just too easy on God (normal) mode. The difficulty is balanced just about right, with some really tough and frustrating parts, but nothing you can’t overcome. To break up all the hack n’ slash goodness before it gets repetitive, there’s some light platforming and puzzle elements in here, that aren’t too difficulty for an action game.

Everything you could hope for from the franchise, Sony succeeded with in the trilogies’ “finale”. Very over the top, dramatic music paired with stunning visuals and nearly no load times ever to dampen the experience. Whether you’re a hardcore  fan of God of War, a newcomer to the series, or someone that just wants to play a dope game – you must cop this now and witness its magnificence. –A. Kennedy

Uh, haven’t we seen this before somewhere?

Props: IGN

Today 2K Games announced the Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack. It will be the first in a series of single and multiplayer downloadable content for BioShock2. The DLC will be available on March 11, 2010 from both the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Games for Windows-LIVE for 400 Microsoft Points, and from the PlayStation Network for $4.99.

The pack includes

* Rank increase to level 50 with Rank Rewards

* New playable characters – Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca

* 20 new trials

* A third weapon upgrade for each weapon

* Five additional masks*