F.E.A.R. 3

F.E.A.R. 3

The series is moving away even further from its creepy horror roots and starting to feel a bit like a typical “Call of Duty” style shooter. There’s still a few nice ideas, but the scares are thin on the ground and the story isn’t exactly gripping. The co-op seems to have been the main focus of the game and works well.

Gameplay: The shooting mechanics are solid but it loses that spooky “F.E.A.R” feeling along the way.

Graphics: Looks good and the environments are a bit more varied than before.

Sound: Nothing but silence from the lead character, but overall the voices and music is decent

TimeSplitters

TimeSplitters

For a nice multi-player blast fest this can’t be beaten. Single player on the other hand will be over way to quick too make it worth your while. It’s a lot of fun for a launch title however and a brave step for first person shooters in the console world.

Gameplay: Fast and frantic, but definitely geared more towards multi-player than single player.

Graphics: Lots of variety and an interesting visual style.

Sound: Frantic soundtrack that fits the visuals perfectly

DESYNC

DESYNC

Assault your eyes, ears and self-confidence with this ultra-challenging first person shooter by The Foregone Syndicate. Desync is an all-out action fest that doesn’t believe in hand holding or pulling punches. This can make it an extremely frustrating game, but also very satisfying when you master the skills required to stand a chance. The visuals are stylish, but blinding while the music is outstanding. If you prefer playing your shooters on the easiest setting or easily frustrated, then this is probably not the game for you, but if you want to really put your skills to the test then this is the game to get.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and very unforgiving.

Graphics: The Tron-style visuals are stylish, but a little headache inducing after a while.

Sound: Sound effects lack a little punch, but the music is excellent

QUAKE

QUAKE

Every bit as playable as when it first came out Quake is a true classic and, while the plot might be non-existent, the action is non-stop. It also has enough mods and patches to keep you busy for a long, long time.

Gameplay: Fast & frantic.

Graphics: Pretty dated but there’s enough mods and updates to make it look very decent.

Sound: Creepy sound effects and spooky ambience

Borderlands: Claptrap’s Robot Revolution

Borderlands: Claptrap’s Robot Revolution

While not the epic finale that I would have liked to see, Claptrap’s Robot Revolution still has plenty to offer fans of the game. The Claptraps are adorable and the new “claptrapped” enemies look pretty cool even if they still act the same. While not as big on content as the last DLC it should tide fans over until the inevitable arrival of Borderlands 2.

Gameplay: More of the same but still fun.

Graphics: Apart from the Claptrapped themed enemies, not much new.

Sound: Still good

Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

With more humour, weapons, enemies, locations and vehicles this is the best Borderlands DLC yet. A much improved effort than Mad Moxxis Underdome Riot and another chance to loot Pandora. The story is engaging and apart from the tedious driving sections this DLC is a lot of fun to play. If you own Borderlands then you definitely want this DLC as it ups the level cap and throws in some nice high-level loot.

Gameplay: A much better effort than the previous DLC.

Graphics: Nice but nothing we haven’t seen before in the main game.

Sound: The usual high standard

Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot

Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot

After I praised The Zombie Island Of Dr. Ned as a good example of how to do DLC properly Gearbox goes and does the exact opposite with Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot. The arena fighting idea is nice but by removing all the XP and loot gathering we are left with a empty shell of the addictive Borderlands experience. This could have been so much better.

Gameplay: A tedious grind with very little to show for all your efforts.

Graphics: Nice, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the main game.

Sound: Pretty good, but Moxxi can become a bit repetitive with her quips

Borderlands: The Zombie Island Of Dr. Ned

Borderlands: The Zombie Island Of Dr. Ned

The Zombie Island Of Dr. Ned is a good example of how to do DLC properly. With some nice new areas, a new visual palette and an interesting storyline this should definitely not be missed. Zombies have been done to death before (pun intended) but Borderlansd proves that there is still some life left in the undead.

Gameplay: A tighter story and lots of zombie killing action.

Graphics: A completely new look and feel for the game.

Sound: Good but would have liked to hear some new battle cries

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

As a first person shooter this game is great but as a follow up to the excellent F.E.A.R its hard not to be slightly disappointed. The emphasis is on all out action with only a few spooky bits thrown in here and there. As long as you don’t expect the same experience as the original game you will have fun, but there are definitely less thrills and chills.

Gameplay: The scares have been replaced by action which is somewhat disappointing.

Graphics: Nice but maybe a bit too cartoony for its own good at times.

Sound: Very good but could have benefited from a bit more oomph from the weapons

Borderlands

Borderlands

Borderlands is a unique first person shooter with some nifty RPG elements making it very action packed and addictive to play. For the best results the game should be played in co-op as the story is rather thin and the game has a very MMO feel to it. The unique art style and abundance of weapons makes this game a great time waster.

Gameplay: Thin on story but lots of action and loot hunting.

Graphics: The visual style sets it apart from other first person shooters.

Sound: A good soundtrack and decent voice acting