Gaming Update

Hello and welcome to three days away from July 2008!

Replaying Half Life 2 on the Xbox360 in 1080p and surround was much more satisfying than when I played the PC version. The Orange Box is a very nice collection of games on one disc, but before I begin Half Life 2: Episode 1 (yeah I know... I'm behind the times) I have dove into a couple new games that are a lot of fun.

Supreme Commander, a massive real time strategy game (RTS) plays a lot differently than its PC counterpart. First you don't sit in front of a computer. Second, you relax in your easy chair or lay on the bed with your wireless controller and completely manage the NEW USER INTERFACE which I happen to like. Supreme Commander had a ton of keyboard commands and thinking this would be possible to manage using the Xbox360 controller, at first, didn't seem possible. But, they did it. The screen is uncluttered with one button bringing up a circular interface that is very inviting and easy to use. This game grows in size, immensely during gameplay, and yet I found managing everything was as easy if not easier than playing on the PC. For me, not having to sit and keep my hand and wrist on a mouse and press keys was a relaxing change of pace. Very much like the previous RTS games on the 360 including, Lord of the Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II and Command & Conquer 3. Actually, the new Command & Conquer: Kane's Wrath [which just shipped this past week] uses a similar radial-menu which is an improvement to their previous romp where the game interface took 25% of the screen real estate. Supreme Commander has 3 factions so playing its campaign mode gives you AT LEAST three entire games. Then you have skirmish modes where you can selectively choose and setup your map type, map size, factions and other details to play random games against the computer. Then you have the real meat and potatoes; playing on Xbox LIVE against other players. So, this game has some lasting appeal to me and those who enjoy RTS games. Don't let some of the "low game ratings" for this title scare you off. If you enjoy strategy games AT ALL, run and buy this game, or at least RENT it and check it out.

Next up is Frontlines Fuel Of War (FFOW). Frontlines is a military-themed infantry and vehicle based, open-world first person shoooter. Now this game was fun from the start, and in part because it is open-world. You're not playing the game, "on a train track" such as Call Of Duty and this makes it more fun. You can wander off a bit and some of your squad will still find you and offer support which is nice. But, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this game because I never was a "Battlefield" affectionato. However, I am LQQKing at Battlefield Bad Company as we speak and am considering it. I will play the demo a few times and check it out. Back to Frontlines. FFOW is easy to jump in and play. Also, unlike the game reviews, I am enjoying the campaign A SECOND TIME already! This game actually was slated as a new Battlefield game, but got shoved and ended up shipping under its own cover. Details about this can be read on the Internet if you scour around for it. But what I like about this game is, it is NOT as realistic nor are the graphics as top notch as in Call Of Duty 4. But, I like that you get more weapons right from the start. And I like that you get to use MORE weapons right away. And the variety of weapons and vehicles is offered to you RIGHT AWAY from the beginning of the game. You don't have to play for hours unlocking bonuses to start having fun. Of course, it is not realistic that you can carry 6 weapons with you while you're running around, but who cares? It's a game! Also, the story [like many other game stories] interestingly is about our current modern day times with the timeline beginning in 2005 and moving through the increased gas prices due to the politics surrounding oil. I thought the story aspect was done well, but I didn't like that the cut scenes and story are STEREO and the game is in SURROUND. Not a deal breaker, but a bit odd. This game and its accompanying sound effects are fun strait from TV speakers too, a major plus for gamers without surround sound systems. Frontlines Fuel Of War is a fun, first person shooter (FPS) that is like Battlefield when you play the game online. It has interesting weapons and vehicles and although this game does not bring anything new to the table, its a fun game to play and worth buying if you're not a game renter.

Xbox360 games that I am [still] waiting for are: Civilization Revolution (TBS), World In Conflict (RTS), Madden '09, Dead Space (FPS), Fracture (FPS), Gears Of War 2 (3PS), Fable 2, Tom Clancy's End War, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., and Unreal Tournament 3. Well, jee, there's $540 dollars plus tax! LOL

;;cheers;;