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!

The Pile - 12/30/2015

The Christmas gifts have all been unwrapped and a few more games have been added to the pile.  I was SO CLOSE to having nothing on left  a month or so ago with only “Links Awakening” remaining, but then a Black Friday sale happened, and then Christmas gifts were received.  And besides, what fun would that be to only have one game to play?  My legions of fans would be so upset if I ceased updating.  I’m in credit card limbo right now which is a blessing and a curse.  I’m saving money, but missing out on some deals.  Had I had a credit card, Batman Arkham Knight and Splatoon would probably be on this list.  Regardless, a Christmas gift from my in laws in Halo 5, and from my wife (and son Cole) in Tri Force Heroes.  With some added multi now that my GNI friends have Xbone’s this pile will take me a while to get through. 

Super Mario Bros. 2 [Japan] (3DS)

Date Purchased: August 26, 2015

Date Completed: August 18, 2015

Price: $5.99 (eShop)

I’ve owned this game multiple times, but could never complete it.  If not for the 3DS and its restore points, I still would not have finished it.  This game is HARD.  Really hard.  So hard that they didn’t bring it over to the US until much later as a bundle in Super Mario All Stars.  This is the original Super Mario 2 in Japan (sorry, couldn’t find any better box art) featuring 9 worlds of all new, difficult levels.  Some aesthetic changes make the game feel different, including some nifty idea’s at the end which I wish they would have implemented earlier.  It’s a decent enough game, but a little unfair in spots.  I’m glad to have seen it all the way through, and my Mario Maker skills did help me get through despite the physics being a little different.  For die-hard Mario players, recommend, otherwise pass.

The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening (3DS)

Date Purchased:  August 1, 2015
Date Completed: December 17, 2015
Price: $6 (eShop)


Almost 4 months to complete this game, would have been much, MUCH longer had I not used a guide.  This game would have been amazing back in 1993.  A portable game of this size and scope could have kept you busy for many hours, but after playing “A Link Between Worlds”, another great top down Zelda game, it’s really hard to go back, no fast travel, pausing to change items, I could go on ... Regardless, this is a really fine game, an incredible accomplishment for its time, I can appreciate it for that, but trying to play it in 2015 is just that, trying.  Pass?



Working midnights is the only way I could get through this game.

The Pile (12/01/2015)

I picked up a few "Black Friday" deals from PSN.  Back to buying games as it appears my run of free games via Xbox game share appears to have come to an end.  It's a shame, but was a good run, Destiny (+ expansions), Halo MCC, Forza Horizon 2, Watch Dogs, and Dying Light (which I tried but had no drive to finish, maybe one day).  Anyways, now have GTA V, 2 Wolfenstein games (well, 1 and a standalone expansion) and may have Halo 5 coming for Christmas.  Merry Gaming!