Reader Reviews
Reader Reviews
We want your views, thoughts, opinions and passions! So please submit your reader reviews here and the best one's will appear in PC Format.
The Rules: All reviews must have a rating in percentage. They must be no more than 200 words in length. We reserve the right to edit as we see fit and there is no guarantee that it will be published. Please include the name that you want to use on the review whether it is a pseudonym or your real name. Have fun!
The Rules: All reviews must have a rating in percentage. They must be no more than 200 words in length. We reserve the right to edit as we see fit and there is no guarantee that it will be published. Please include the name that you want to use on the review whether it is a pseudonym or your real name. Have fun!
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here's my review
Prince of Persia - the Sands of Time
95% score
Prince of Persia places you in the role of a young prince in midevil Persia, who is tricked into unleashing the sands of time, a force that turns everyone into sand demons and causes widespread panic in chaos. The prince is spared this fate by a magical dagger that allows him to control time and slay the foul sand creatures. The dagger itself is a very useful weapon since it gives you the ability to slow down time, much like the bullet time used in Max Payne and Enter the Matrix, and it also allows you to "rewind" in order to avoid certain death.
Controlling the Prince is very rewarding as he has an incredible array of acrobatics at his disposal, very useful in combat and also escaping the numerous booby trapped areas he finds himself in. There are some minor issues with camera angles during gameplay, but it's not a major problem and can usually be fixed by resetting the camera by the press of a button.
Prince of Persia's graphics are jaw dropping, and the same can be said for the sound. The atmosphere is so immersive, you'll feel your stomach turn as you have to make death defying leaps, experience a fear of heights as you balance on narrow beams hundreds of kilometres up, and enjoy defeating hordes of seemingly unbeatable enemies with cunning swordplay that in sometimes resembles fight scenes from the Matrix movies. The game also features a very solid story and is very rewarding to play through from beginning to end. It'll leave you wanting more in the end though, so let's hope there is an expansion or sequel in the works to this brilliant game!
-Francois Linde
Prince of Persia - the Sands of Time
95% score
Prince of Persia places you in the role of a young prince in midevil Persia, who is tricked into unleashing the sands of time, a force that turns everyone into sand demons and causes widespread panic in chaos. The prince is spared this fate by a magical dagger that allows him to control time and slay the foul sand creatures. The dagger itself is a very useful weapon since it gives you the ability to slow down time, much like the bullet time used in Max Payne and Enter the Matrix, and it also allows you to "rewind" in order to avoid certain death.
Controlling the Prince is very rewarding as he has an incredible array of acrobatics at his disposal, very useful in combat and also escaping the numerous booby trapped areas he finds himself in. There are some minor issues with camera angles during gameplay, but it's not a major problem and can usually be fixed by resetting the camera by the press of a button.
Prince of Persia's graphics are jaw dropping, and the same can be said for the sound. The atmosphere is so immersive, you'll feel your stomach turn as you have to make death defying leaps, experience a fear of heights as you balance on narrow beams hundreds of kilometres up, and enjoy defeating hordes of seemingly unbeatable enemies with cunning swordplay that in sometimes resembles fight scenes from the Matrix movies. The game also features a very solid story and is very rewarding to play through from beginning to end. It'll leave you wanting more in the end though, so let's hope there is an expansion or sequel in the works to this brilliant game!
-Francois Linde
Last edited by OnlyOneKenobi on 19 Dec 2003, 08:44, edited 2 times in total.
Intel Core i7-950 | MSI X58 Pro-E, STK1366 | Geforce GTX470 1280 | 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM | Samsung 226BW Monitor | Windows 7 Home Premium
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/me is such a dumbass... maybe I should go get my eyes tested again... anyway I put the score in...
Last edited by OnlyOneKenobi on 19 Dec 2003, 08:46, edited 1 time in total.
Intel Core i7-950 | MSI X58 Pro-E, STK1366 | Geforce GTX470 1280 | 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM | Samsung 226BW Monitor | Windows 7 Home Premium
Re: Reader Reviews
Stunning idea Tamsini !Tamsini wrote:We want your views, thoughts, opinions and passions! So please submit your reader reviews here and the best one's will appear in PC Format.
The Rules: All reviews must have a rating in percentage. They must be no more than 200 words in length. We reserve the right to edit as we see fit and there is no guarantee that it will be published. Please include the name that you want to use on the review whether it is a pseudonym or your real name. Have fun!
It's like a take on the "Star Letter"
/me goes of to review something... scratches head...mumbles about operating systems...
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Do the reviews have to be on software, or can I write a review on some hardware I just bought, like a 5700Ultra or the X-Dream HSF?
L8r
L8r
Supplier of Smart-IT Business Management & Accounting solutions
Smart-IT
Point of Sale/ Ledger/ Customers/ Suppliers/ Workshop/ Stock/ Purchases/ Quote/ HR
Smart-IT
Point of Sale/ Ledger/ Customers/ Suppliers/ Workshop/ Stock/ Purchases/ Quote/ HR
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Mmm, I want to review JK:JA but its already done . I think with my sense of detail and perfectionism I could have pointed out the advances of the game from JK2 (even thought it is the same game ) that many ppl didnt see. Like for instance, the review in PCF this month didnt even mention the new graphical effects such as the saber, blaster damage marks on the models. And the now balanced MP forceSides instead of the Dark dominated Net games. but ill give it the same rating cuz its basicly just an expansion from JK2, but a stand alone game. Thus the same game *Grunt*
Tamsin, could you give us a heads up on what reviews the PCF staff is going to do? Like putting requests in the mag eg.
Software and Hardware up for reader reviews next month:
fx-5950, JK:JA, blah, blah, blah
Also, I think putting "Kyle Katarn" as a CON is a bit unpro.
Tamsin, could you give us a heads up on what reviews the PCF staff is going to do? Like putting requests in the mag eg.
Software and Hardware up for reader reviews next month:
fx-5950, JK:JA, blah, blah, blah
Also, I think putting "Kyle Katarn" as a CON is a bit unpro.
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C&C Generals: Zero Hour
In the tradition of great C&C expansions, the first 3D C&C’s RTS has its foot in the door. C&C: Generals: Zero Hour doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the good old new units, campaigns and more CDs’, much have been added. The first noticeable aspect is the 9 new factions. Each old faction (USA, GLA, China) now has 3 generals, each using different tactics.
USA:
Super weapon
Laser
Air Forces
GLA:
Anthrax
Demolition
Stealth
China:
Tank
Infantry
Nuke
These are well balanced eg. the Air force general has no tanks but its Raptors are now upgraded to King Raptors, among other things. The Stealth general can turn all structures and units invisible, but also have no tanks.
This has brought up another new feature called Challenge. It is a campaign of one-on-one skirmish battles between you and a AI controlled player. In every battle you start with your command centre while your opponent starts with a complete base.
More features include the new battle Honours. One of which is a Honour for winning every map against a Hard enemy. These can temp the player to win each one, as before. There is also an improved interface, super weapons launch buttons are now displayed on screen.
If you like C&C, you have to get Zero Hour.
Pros:
New factions
New game mode (Challenge)
New Battle Honours
Improved Interface
Cons:
2 CDs large
Short
Not much story
Annoying enemy commentary
Rating: 79%
-Psych0_Cr1tt3r
In the tradition of great C&C expansions, the first 3D C&C’s RTS has its foot in the door. C&C: Generals: Zero Hour doesn’t disappoint. Apart from the good old new units, campaigns and more CDs’, much have been added. The first noticeable aspect is the 9 new factions. Each old faction (USA, GLA, China) now has 3 generals, each using different tactics.
USA:
Super weapon
Laser
Air Forces
GLA:
Anthrax
Demolition
Stealth
China:
Tank
Infantry
Nuke
These are well balanced eg. the Air force general has no tanks but its Raptors are now upgraded to King Raptors, among other things. The Stealth general can turn all structures and units invisible, but also have no tanks.
This has brought up another new feature called Challenge. It is a campaign of one-on-one skirmish battles between you and a AI controlled player. In every battle you start with your command centre while your opponent starts with a complete base.
More features include the new battle Honours. One of which is a Honour for winning every map against a Hard enemy. These can temp the player to win each one, as before. There is also an improved interface, super weapons launch buttons are now displayed on screen.
If you like C&C, you have to get Zero Hour.
Pros:
New factions
New game mode (Challenge)
New Battle Honours
Improved Interface
Cons:
2 CDs large
Short
Not much story
Annoying enemy commentary
Rating: 79%
-Psych0_Cr1tt3r
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Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic takes place 4000 years before the movies that we all know and love. As with any good RPG you get to choose your character class and appearance, as well as some basic abilities. The three classes you get to choose from are Scout, Soldier or Scoundrel. The Scout specialises in explosives, disabling mines, and ranged weapons. Soldiers are good at ranged and melee combat, while the soundrel is better suited to stealth and lock picking. Eventually your character will learn the ways of the Force - and become a Jedi... or a Sith.
Combat is based on Dungeons and Dragons - pen and paper RPG's and is turned based, while it all appears in real time. While some may not like this style of play, I found it more strategic and more cinematic than other Jedi games like Jedi Knight 2 or Jedi Academy.
With any RPG choice over what path you guide your character is a necessity, and KOTOR is no different. You'll follow either the path of the Jedi and become a hero, or choose the Dark Side and become a conqueror - giving the game at least twice as much playability. There are multiple solutions to problems, some leading you on the path of the light, some leading you down the dark path, and others are simply neutral choices.
What's unusual about KOTOR is that the music is totally original and doesn't use John Williams' score, save for the opening and closing credits. Some of the music is done very well, but I can't help but feel that the most of it is out of place for a Star Wars game. The voice acting is superb and all dialogue is spoken - you won't need to read any speech at all.
The graphics that make up the scenery is simply gorgeous, faithfully creating authentic Star Wars locations - the characters are not done so well however, they lack detail in some areas and the talking animation is pretty generic.
Unfortunately, KOTOR is also quite unstable. The Lucasarts forums are littered with complaints about various crashes, installer problems and blue screens trying to run the game. Fortunately I was spared all the serious errors, but the game did crash to desktop from time to time. There is a patch out which deals with most of the major issues.
As for the story, well, it has it's pro's and cons. It's pretty obvious that the creators of KOTOR were big fans of the original Star Wars trilogy, because many of the characters are carbon copies of Ep4-6's characters. Darth Malak is a poor man's Darth Vader, Zaalbar the wookiee looks and acts exactly like Chewbacca, and Carth Onassi is very much like Han Solo. The original characters of KOTOR, however truly shine and my favourite character is the assassin droid - HK47. He is quite possibly the best sidekick character ever invented.
Score : 95%
Pro's :
40+ hours gameplay
*Ability to play light or dark
*Sound effects are perfect
*Levels are well designed and have authentic Star Wars "feel"
*Overall, the plot is good, despite borrowing heavily from the Original SW trilogy.
*Strategic use of weapons and force powers.
*Hk47 is a brilliant character
*Interesting plot twist
Con's :
*Somewhat buggy
*Original KOTOR Soundtrack doesn't always live up to John Williams' standard
*Character graphics and animation could have been better
*Borrows heavily from Star Wars movies
-Francois Linde
Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic takes place 4000 years before the movies that we all know and love. As with any good RPG you get to choose your character class and appearance, as well as some basic abilities. The three classes you get to choose from are Scout, Soldier or Scoundrel. The Scout specialises in explosives, disabling mines, and ranged weapons. Soldiers are good at ranged and melee combat, while the soundrel is better suited to stealth and lock picking. Eventually your character will learn the ways of the Force - and become a Jedi... or a Sith.
Combat is based on Dungeons and Dragons - pen and paper RPG's and is turned based, while it all appears in real time. While some may not like this style of play, I found it more strategic and more cinematic than other Jedi games like Jedi Knight 2 or Jedi Academy.
With any RPG choice over what path you guide your character is a necessity, and KOTOR is no different. You'll follow either the path of the Jedi and become a hero, or choose the Dark Side and become a conqueror - giving the game at least twice as much playability. There are multiple solutions to problems, some leading you on the path of the light, some leading you down the dark path, and others are simply neutral choices.
What's unusual about KOTOR is that the music is totally original and doesn't use John Williams' score, save for the opening and closing credits. Some of the music is done very well, but I can't help but feel that the most of it is out of place for a Star Wars game. The voice acting is superb and all dialogue is spoken - you won't need to read any speech at all.
The graphics that make up the scenery is simply gorgeous, faithfully creating authentic Star Wars locations - the characters are not done so well however, they lack detail in some areas and the talking animation is pretty generic.
Unfortunately, KOTOR is also quite unstable. The Lucasarts forums are littered with complaints about various crashes, installer problems and blue screens trying to run the game. Fortunately I was spared all the serious errors, but the game did crash to desktop from time to time. There is a patch out which deals with most of the major issues.
As for the story, well, it has it's pro's and cons. It's pretty obvious that the creators of KOTOR were big fans of the original Star Wars trilogy, because many of the characters are carbon copies of Ep4-6's characters. Darth Malak is a poor man's Darth Vader, Zaalbar the wookiee looks and acts exactly like Chewbacca, and Carth Onassi is very much like Han Solo. The original characters of KOTOR, however truly shine and my favourite character is the assassin droid - HK47. He is quite possibly the best sidekick character ever invented.
Score : 95%
Pro's :
40+ hours gameplay
*Ability to play light or dark
*Sound effects are perfect
*Levels are well designed and have authentic Star Wars "feel"
*Overall, the plot is good, despite borrowing heavily from the Original SW trilogy.
*Strategic use of weapons and force powers.
*Hk47 is a brilliant character
*Interesting plot twist
Con's :
*Somewhat buggy
*Original KOTOR Soundtrack doesn't always live up to John Williams' standard
*Character graphics and animation could have been better
*Borrows heavily from Star Wars movies
-Francois Linde
Last edited by OnlyOneKenobi on 12 Jan 2004, 14:15, edited 1 time in total.
Intel Core i7-950 | MSI X58 Pro-E, STK1366 | Geforce GTX470 1280 | 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM | Samsung 226BW Monitor | Windows 7 Home Premium
I understand this game is a few months old, but it is the latest release from Sports Interactive. And is still fairly new.
Championship Manager 4
Starting off I needed to pick my strategy and training regimes. I explored the tranfer market and eventually found the “special†player I needed. With the excellent negotiation options I had I could tweak any extra fees or exchanges into the deal.
Let's go into the vital clash for the 2nd Division title. Previously, there was only text to show you the game. So it was like kicking a ball in pitch black with a blindfold on.The all new 2D match screen has been designed to show you the pitch and players while the game is being played. You notice a lot of space is being left in the centre of your midfield. Simply go into your team options and change your strategy to bolster the midfield and then carry on watching to see if your strategy worked.
Taking a look back at the memorial season I had, the game has definitely improved with all the options available to you. Maybe too many options. I think the game has become a bit too realistic and it may deter some gamers to the other management titles.
But that is the level to which the Championship Manager series has strived for.
Rating: 90%
-- Terence Brown
Championship Manager 4
Starting off I needed to pick my strategy and training regimes. I explored the tranfer market and eventually found the “special†player I needed. With the excellent negotiation options I had I could tweak any extra fees or exchanges into the deal.
Let's go into the vital clash for the 2nd Division title. Previously, there was only text to show you the game. So it was like kicking a ball in pitch black with a blindfold on.The all new 2D match screen has been designed to show you the pitch and players while the game is being played. You notice a lot of space is being left in the centre of your midfield. Simply go into your team options and change your strategy to bolster the midfield and then carry on watching to see if your strategy worked.
Taking a look back at the memorial season I had, the game has definitely improved with all the options available to you. Maybe too many options. I think the game has become a bit too realistic and it may deter some gamers to the other management titles.
But that is the level to which the Championship Manager series has strived for.
Rating: 90%
-- Terence Brown
Be Silly. Be Honest. Be Kind. | Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Need for Speed: Underground
Score 95%
These are the facts and they are indisputable. Need for Speed: Underground is published by EA(Electronic arts). Game play involves racing cars through the streets of a city at night.
The fact is, you are blasted kicking and screaming into a universe where the name of the game is SPEED and STYLE.. You begin life on the streets as a no name looser who owns a granny-mobile. Your vehicle is ugly, and slow. It is up to you to win races, gain cash and turn your sad excuse for a car into a Day-Glo, rubber burning, tarmac consuming beast. In the world of Underground the word kitsch has been erased from the dictionary, and the word “enough†has been replaced with “moreâ€. Paint your baby silly, add vinyl, spoilers, turbo, NOS, rear air dams, side skirts, window tints etc.
You eventually find yourself piloting a monster of your own creation, dodging traffic and road hazards, cursing when you crash into an impotent standstill.
You begin to experience a warm feeling deep down. You soon realize that it is due to your crotch being wet.
Yes people, this game is that good, and that’s a fact!
Pros:
Awesome Soundtrack
Speed Blur
Cons:
No damage models
No network play
Vuk Miler
Score 95%
These are the facts and they are indisputable. Need for Speed: Underground is published by EA(Electronic arts). Game play involves racing cars through the streets of a city at night.
The fact is, you are blasted kicking and screaming into a universe where the name of the game is SPEED and STYLE.. You begin life on the streets as a no name looser who owns a granny-mobile. Your vehicle is ugly, and slow. It is up to you to win races, gain cash and turn your sad excuse for a car into a Day-Glo, rubber burning, tarmac consuming beast. In the world of Underground the word kitsch has been erased from the dictionary, and the word “enough†has been replaced with “moreâ€. Paint your baby silly, add vinyl, spoilers, turbo, NOS, rear air dams, side skirts, window tints etc.
You eventually find yourself piloting a monster of your own creation, dodging traffic and road hazards, cursing when you crash into an impotent standstill.
You begin to experience a warm feeling deep down. You soon realize that it is due to your crotch being wet.
Yes people, this game is that good, and that’s a fact!
Pros:
Awesome Soundtrack
Speed Blur
Cons:
No damage models
No network play
Vuk Miler
"Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist that black flag, and begin slitting throats."
- H. L. Mancken
- H. L. Mancken
There's a link here on the EA forum from the guy who's writing the multiplayer app, if anyone's interested.
Oh, almost forgot - here's where to get the software: http://3priedez.net/nfsu/ (Win (16kb) and Linux (19kb) versions available)
Oh, almost forgot - here's where to get the software: http://3priedez.net/nfsu/ (Win (16kb) and Linux (19kb) versions available)