Left 4 Dead 2

The zombie apocalypse is among us. Well in the form of Left 4 Dead 2. Recently this game hit stores in a rather quick fashion. Valve is not known for making sequels in such a timely affair. Nonetheless the gaming world always has room for zombies, and if it is as fun to play as the first Left 4 Dead, the more the merrier. However would the hasty decision for a quick sequel pay off? Here is my review.

Though the games are not that far apart in release dates, L4D2 has a plethora of new and exciting upgrades. Lets start with the new characters. There is a new band of players that all have a very colorful personalities and don't hesitate to speak mind, making for an exciting campaign. Next is the upgrades in weapons. Now there are melee weapons at your disposal that provide a new fun way to exterminate zombies. Items like chainsaws, guitars, frying pans, and my personal favorite the axe are now available. There are also some new special infected to emerge out of the wetwork. The powerful Crusher, the annoying Jockey, and Clowns are just some of the new enemies that you will face in campaign and multiplayer. Speaking of multiplayer, it is stellar as usual. The addition of Scavenger mode makes for a more sustainable online experience. The graphics have been greatly improved to provide for a more realistic environment. L4D2 did not disappoint and received a 9.0.

You vs 6 Million Zombies. Can You Handle It?

-Justin

Assassin's Creed 2

Another gaming juggernaut landed on shelves this past week in the form of Assassin's Creed 2. Ubisoft is following up their franchise game with one that hopefully will be better than the last. Which I don't know how you top the original, but Ubisoft always finds a way. When put in the hands of reviewers, how will AC2 fair, and will it just as fun and amazing as the original Assassin's Creed? Here is my review.

Assassin's Creed 2 brings back many aspects from the first games, but also introduces tons of new weapons, missions, and ways to eliminate your enemy. Some new weapons you have at your disposal are pistols, flying machines and my personal favorite double hidden blades. Also the scenery and environment is remarkable. It really looks like Renaissance Italy, with plenty of new ways to get around the city. Ubisoft also improved fighting to include new combos and deadly finishing moves. AC2 basically tops the original in also every category. The only thing that I hope to see is replay value because the in the first game, once I beat it I never played it again. Overall Assassin's Creed 2 received a 9.0.

The story here picks up in Italy with a man named Ezio Auditore di Firenze, an Italian banker. Unlike Altair, Ezio was not originally a born and bred killer. What gets him into the business is a murder and betrayal by the rivials of the assassins, the templars. Ezio then is trained to become one of the most deadly assassins Italy has ever seen. But he doesn't do it all by himself. He has help from the renown inventor Leonardo da Vinci. You get to use many of his inventions like the flying machine, and hidden pistol. The story is very detailed, and intriguing so I won't ruin it for you. But I would have to say that Assassin Creed 2 is one of the best games to be released this year.

-Justin

Modern Warfare 2

Activison has done it again. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 just hit shelves and are selling at an accelerating rate. Modern Warfare 2 is a long awaited sequel, and was Gamespots most pre-ordered game ever. To put it in perspective, Modern Warfare was the highest grossing first person shooter game, and Modern Warfare 2 will probably pass its predessessor with flying colors. But would it deliver everything that gamers where hoping for? Here is my review.

Modern Warfare 2 is pretty much all pros and no cons. It is better than Modern Warfare in so many ways. First the campaign is full of action. The levels are intense and fun. The plot is intriguing and delivers a surprise ending that I didn't see coming. Next there are side missions called special ops. These are basically levels that test a gamers skill. They grow in difficulty, but you are able to co-op them if you need any help. They range from bomb diffusions to operating a chopper to taking a swarm of Juggernauts. These are just addtions to what I consider the selling point of the game. But overall Modern Warfare recieved a 9.0.

The multiplayer of Modern Warfare 2 is simply amazing. I don't know how they will top it if a third game where to come out. There has been drastic changes to the multiplayer between MW and MW2. First there is more customization at a gamers disposable. Thermal sights, heartbeat sensor, and full metal jacket just to name a few. Also there are many new perks like commando, ninja and cold blooded that come in handy during different situations. Lastly there are tons of new rewards. One that I enjoy is the killstreak rewards. What can I say, dropping tactical nukes are fun. Some of the others range from emblem rewards, clan tags and new operative multiplayer accomplishments.

R.I.P Ghost and Roach

-Justin

Tekken 6

Tekken is probably one of the best fighting games made, next to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Just this past week Namco released their newest installment in Tekken 6. Personally I love Tekken, maybe because it really takes no skill to win due to the fact that mainly just a button masher, or the fact that everyone seems like they are on steriods and kick the crap out of each other. Nevertheless, Tekken never fails to disappoint, but will it be better than games previous? Here is my review.

Tekken has been around forever. I can remember playing Tekken 2 on PS1 and it being amazing. But Tekken has make tons of progress since then. Adding new characters, better graphics, and putting in an acutally story/campaign are just some of the improvements that Namco has made. In Tekken 6, improvements have also be made. The fighting is acutally more clear and fluid, and not chopping and annoying. They continued to add characters, the most interesting one is named Bob, he is just a big fat guy. It will be interesting to see how he will fit in the story. All of the normal people are there, like Jin and Law, with their stories picking up where it left off last game. Another addition is a customization option. Now you can make you fighter as mean or as prissy as you would like. They most intriguing addition is the introduction of an in-depth storyline. The last game had one, but it was short and vague. This one is more well-rounded but its more scenario based rather than a flat out story. Overall Tekken has brought fighting games back to the surface in the gaming world, and recieved and 8.5. I am excited to see what will come next.

-Justin