Halo 5 (Xbox One)

Date Purchased: Dec 26, 2015
Date Completed: January 21, 2015
Price: Free (Christmas Gift)

 

Halo 5 was highly anticipated by many, but by the time I got around to playing it, the hype had died down and I’d come to the conclusion from various podcasts and outlets that game was underwhelming.  Going in with that in mind I was pleasantly surprised by Halo 5.  The game still featured too much “steel”, a criticism I had of Halo 4 as well.  I miss the sprawling landscapes of some older games, snow level, water level where the environments are rich and lush.  This game has some of that, but a lot of the time you’re playing on a space ship of some kind, that must be developer 343’s thing, whereas Bungie was much more keen on natural environments.  Destiny could back this up as well.   Again the Promethean’s prove themselves as a relatively boring enemy to fight (like Halo 4) but there are plenty Convenant here again which is nice.  The story is fine, not as dramatic as some others, but that came appreciated as it doesn’t require a Halo Bible to get through.  Graphically the game is impressive, although I’m not sure if it’s just the way the Prometheans animate or a game flaw, but it seemed they dropped some frames of animation time and again.   The sound is great as always, and from what I’ve played of multi, it holds up well.  Warzone is cool, but I had my the most fun in straight up Slayer.  If only this game had split screen it wold be a staple of the regular gaming get-togethers I have.  The lack of, will probably shelf this game for the long term.  It was a fun romp though, and if I ever do get through the pile and want to play some multi, I’ll pick it up.  Recommend.

Grand Theft Auto V (PS4)

Date Purchased:   November 26, 2015

Date Completed:  January 06, 2016
Price: $37.79 (PSN Boxing Day Sale)

 

My back catalogue was almost complete when GTA V arrived on sale for Black Friday.  I’ve wanted to try this for a while, but haven’t been able to pull the trigger.   I seem to play all the numbered GTA’s, 3, 4 and now 5 but typically not the “sides” like Vice City or San Andreas.  These games have come a ridiculously long way since GTA 3 in terms of graphics, presentation etc.  It’s become so good, that I primarily cared about the story and little else.  I almost would have preferred a GTA V: The movie.  Now, I loved about 50% of this game, maybe less, but the parts I loved, I loved, and the parts I didn’t like, I hated.  I’m a guy with little free time, so when I spend anywhere from half my play time (usually an hour or 2 sessions) driving between locations, or doing very mundane tasks like  mopping floors, doing yoga or operating a crane, I get a little frustrated.  That being said, the other half is awesome.  The heists are a lot of fun and the presentation is at the top of any videogame.   I’d like to see GTA tighten up the 35 hour campaign into 15 hours, then offer additional mission packs as free DLC down the road with a whole new cast.  I don’t see it happening, but there were way too many “fluff” missions.  I never had to worry about money or upgrades, so the draw to do side missions were nonexistent.  Some disturbing content would prevent me from recommending this game, so in general, I’m going to have to say pass.  If you know what you’re getting into though, and want more of that?  You’ll enjoy GTAV.

My Pile of Shame Top 10 of 2015

Here are my favorites among the games I completed in 2015.  Enjoy!