Assassin's Creed Review

(PS3, Xbox 360)
Released: 11/14/07 (US)
Rated: M
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
MSRP: $59.99

Game of the year contender? Probably not.

When Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed was first shown, jaws were dropped. You can climb anything and go anywhere, it was just so crazy. Now the game is out and it disappointed the hell out of me.

Let's get in to the flaws first. This game has so much repetition that it will bore you to death. I'm serious, all you do is run around the city and just do the same thing over and over again. The missions get boring quick. I mean how many times do I have to save a citizen. The good thing is that you don't have to, but sometimes you do. The could've made it different to save the citizen, but no, throughout the whole game you are saving these citizens the same way, listening to their same sayings.

The missions in this game are atrocious, they lack the fun and put you to sleep. They are probably fun for the first time, but then you will keep doing these stupid missions for the whole game. Missions like eavesdropping, interrogation and goto the high point aren't fun. Also that's all the missions right there. Imagine Grand Theft Auto: Vice City with just taxi missions, ambulance and police missions; throughout the whole game but those missions are much funner than Assassin's Creed.

Sure the environments are big and gorgeous but they are the same as the rest. They look different but they feel the same. Jerusalem, Acre, and whatever the other one is. You see, I can't even remember the other one because they all have the same god damn missions. There's nothing memorable about them either.

The story of the game is very stupid in my opinion and confusing, thats all you need to know. I probably would have liked the story if the cutscenes were better. Because the cutscenes in this game, are extremely dull. All Altair does is just stand there and listen to a lecture which is never interesting.

Let's go in to the good things. The controls are solid and very simplified. All you need to do is hold the right trigger and the jump button and there you have it, you can climb any thing and jump to any destination you are pointing with the analog stick. The combat is ok at best because later on you just parry the enemies and it gets annoying. Graphic wise the game looks great. Very detailed and has a unique style to it.

Sure this game is kind of innovative with many people on screen and a hardcore free running sim. But All in all this game is not worth $60.00, it's probably worth the rental to check it out, I'm sure you will not finish it.

~MoeShiznit

Final Score: 5.5/10

They Tried

Episode 9 (finally)

Finally! The episode you've been waiting for!

Just to let you know, we are not quiting this podcast. So enjoy this Thanksgiving Special edition of the Tri-Force Podcast.

Listen now, or subscribe on iTunes.

Super Mario Galaxy Review

(Wii)
Released: 11/13/07 (US)
Rated E
Developer: Nintendo
MSRP: $49.99

Super Mario Galaxy has finally hit, and it delivered every aspect in what a plat former should bring. This game takes a huge step forward on the genre, just like what Mario 64 did, and this is the true successor of Mario 64. The game opens up with Mario getting an invitation from peach, leading to that comes bowser, who kidnaps the princess (again) starting off Mario's new adventure. Gravity plays a big role in this game, making for some cool gameplay mechanics.

The presentation is beautiful, with over 50 galaxies to venture, and each with there own unique look that really distances them from each other. The lighting is top notch, and you've never seen Mario look this damn good before in your whole life. Yea, this is the best looking Wii game, and it proves to us that Nintendo's little machine has some power after all. The pretty looking graphics is also backed up with an amazing orchestrated score, setting up the mood of the game, and bringing a smile to our faces. The music has a few throwbacks from Super Mario Bros. 3, that old Mario fans will appreciate and love, with an addition of new ones that sound surprisingly epic for a Mario game. The game is played with the the nunchuck and wii-mote, you jump with A, and shoot star bits with B. Star Bits are used to shoot at your enemies, and to feed hungry Luma's, once you feed the hungry Luma enough star bits, he'll transform into a galaxy, which now is accessible to go. Shake the Wii-mote to spin attack. and jump, while in mid-air press Z to do the famous Butt-stomp(ground pound). The game plays so nicely, and even more thanks to its genius level design; the way there implemented into the game is simply astonishing, also executing it with Mario, with his precise controls is one unforgettable experience in gaming.

Super Mario Galaxy is simply magic, that will reach out and touch your heart. You wont want to stop playing till you achieve all 120 stars , and the more stars you get the more challenge you get out of it. This game is hard to stop playing, and if you do, you just cant stop thinking about. This game certainly has the " feel good " feel when you play, leaving you close to tears, to how good the game is. All the recognition I'm giving this game may sound that its perfect, but let me say that this game is not perfect, there's a few camera issues, even though its good most of the time, there might be times that it can be bothersome. If I don't give this game a 10 out of 10, then I don't know what deserves a 10, like I said, this game is not perfect, but this game is too freaking close to perfection, giving this game a 10 is the right thing to do, and well deserved for Super Mario Galaxy.

~Burnt Crust

Final Score: 10.0

Instant Classic

Call of Duty 4 Review

(PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Released: 11/05/07
Rated M
Developer: Infinity Ward
MSRP: $59.99

Infinity Ward's World War II shooter comes to the modern era but does it blows us away?

You might think you've seen it all, but then Infinity Ward's latest war pageant rolls out some new tricks. With a single player experience this spectacular, and with this much multiplayer content, here's a shooter you won't want to miss.

The story in Call of Duty 4 is mostly from the perspectives of an American and a British soldier whose storylines eventually converge. There's even a nicely developed back story and an astonishing third act twist.

The Single-player campaign is simply fantastic. Each level you play will keep you on your edge of your seat. The reason the campaign is so good is that each level is different and you actual feel like a solider out on the battlefield. Yes the game is short (6-8 hours) but those 6-8 hours will be amazing. The only complaint I have for the campaign is that there is no co-op.

The multiplayer is easily strong enough to be a standalone game. It's every bit as good as recent multiplayer gems like, Team Fortress 2, and Halo 3. With the arrival of Call of Duty 4, this will be a difficult season for the wallets of gamers who like to go online. the real hook is an experience point system that lets you unlock new weapons and special abilities called "perks". You then mix and match these to create your own classes. Perks range from the usual (extra health, extra damage, longer sprinting) to some really inventive tricks like getting in a last shot when you've been killed or being invisible to enemy radar scans. During the course of a match, getting a string of kills will unlock radar scans, air strikes, and a ruthless helicopter that circles the battlefield and guns down enemy players. The 16 maps are tightly constructed and finely detailed, with a wider range of sizes than the previous Call Of Duty’s.

By raising the single-player bar and also including a full-featured multiplayer game with its addictive leveling system, Call of Duty 4 isn't just a rehash with a number after the title; it's one of this busy holiday season's must-have titles. In my opinion it’s one of the best first person shooter I ever played, yes even over Halo 3 and Half-Life 2.

Final Score: 9.5
Must Buy

~Mr. Striker

Burnt's Quickie

"Pause, This game is hot and all, but chilll it ain't better than Half life 2 or Halo 3.

Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure Review

(Wii)
Released: 10/23/07 (US)
Rated E
MSRP: $39.99

Zack and Wiki is the best third party wii game to date, Its a crime if you don't purchase this hidden gem. The game is a point and click adventure that utilizes the Wii's capability's to the fullest. The game also makes you use your old noggin , Thinking is the fundamental of the game. You start of as Zack, a sea pirate rabbit, addicted to treasure and, wiki a magical golden monkey that can transform enemy's into items. The game is only played by using the wii-mote, and you point to anything around the environment to observe, and click; the same goes for moving. Sounds simple enough, but don't let this games cute cel-shaded graphics, and wiki's annoying voice fool you, this game will have your head scratching, and pondering hard what to do next.

You only control zack through 7 huge stages, and wiki is only used when you shake the wii-mote as a bell to shift enemys into items. At first the games puzzles may not seem like much, but once you start to progress through the game, you'll be forced to use a guide. The wii-mote is used in over 20 different gestures, for example sawing a tree, using it as a phone, fishing, using contraptions, and so on. The game also does a good job in keeping each puzzle unique and fresh, it wont feel like you did something similar, or the same in the game. Solving a puzzle is also very satisfying, and even more seeing how well you got graded , the game grades your puzzle-solving skills on how fast u can clear the stage.

Zack and wiki, has humor, charm, nice graphics, great and easy controls, unbelievingly clever puzzles, and overall its a fun experience that can only happen on the wii. i have a few complaints that I may have to go over, there minor ones though. If you mess up a puzzle, you have to start all over from the beginning, unless you pay for a revive which lets you start from where u messed up. Some puzzles are really well designed, but to know what to do in some puzzles you have to die, to know not to do that again, kinda like memorize where not to go and go. I just wish that we could've had more ways in doing the puzzle, not the same linear way all time, for it can add more replay value in the game, but a few levels actually have secrets, and another complaint I have is BUY THIS GAME FOR WE CAN GET A GODDAMN SEQUEL!!!

Final Score: 9.0
Must Buy

~Burnt Crust

Episode 9 DELAYED

For a good reason though. The next episode will be the best, hands down. I mean, you will be glad that you waited this long. Plus with the release of Super Mario Galaxy and Assassins Creed, we will have alot to talk about.

BTW those aren't the only games that are coming out in the week. There's much much more. (Contra 4, Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, etc.)

Podcasts

Subscribe on iTunes, this page is under construction.

What the hell is a Burnt's Quickie?

A Burnt's Quickie is a quick review by Burnt Crust. By determening the expression of his face, you can tell how he likes or dislikes the game. It is also followed by a one to three sentences review. Expect this for every review for the lazy people who don't like reading that much can just scroll down and look at the quickie.

Here is how the face criteria goes...


= 0.0-3.5=Trash

= 4.0-5.5=They Tried

= 6.0-7.5=Aight at Best

= 8.0-8.5=Pretty Good

= 9.0-9.5=Must Buy

= 10.0=Instant Classic

Guitar Hero III Review

(PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, PC, Mac)
Released: 10/28/07 (US)
Rated T

Guitar Hero III is the sequel to the highly sold Guitar Hero II. Funny thing is that this one is developed by Neversoft, the people who brought you Tony Hawk. While this one might not be by Harmonix, Neversoft totally nails the trick. Guitar Hero III will make you feel like that you are playing a Harmonix game.

One problem with Guitar Hero II was, that the playlist wasn't as strong as the first game. The songs did indeed get boring after a while. So did Guitar Hero III fix the problem? Sort of. The playlist in GH III is much better than II's but they do get less fun to play.

There are many new things GH III has that II doesn't. One gripe people had about II was that you couldn't play Co-op Career mode. Well now GH III has it. This makes the game fun to play with your friends. There's also new characters in the game as well as the old ones. And for the first time ever, online.

Online play was one big thing announced for GH III. It was interesting at first, but I lost interest fast. The online mode is great and all, but it was very hard for me to find a match. Then when you find one, you fight one of the greatest GH players and lose horribly. Still it's a awesome mode added for GH fans and it runs smooth.

The gameplay is the same from the other GH games, but they added Boss Battles to somewhat change the gameplay. Throughout career mode, you will fight guitarists, such as Slash. The gameplay still is the same, but they add these little traps for the other player. Think of Mario Kart, where you get a red shell and mess up the other player. Well it's kind of like that. If you strum all the notes right, you will get a power that you can throw at the opponent. Like a string cutter that will make one of your opponent's guitar strings useless and he/she will have to jam on that button to make it work. Boss battles are interesting at first, but they are nothing special.

Guitar Hero III is still a good game, but if you can't handle hard mode and will not have time to be good at it, I suggest you just goto a friends house and play it. But if you 5 stared almost every song on expert and you are hungry for more Guitar Hero, then this is the game for you.

Final Score: 8.5
Pretty Good

~MoeShiznit

Burnt's Quickie
"Welcome to the Jungle, this game ain't fun to play!"

Welcome to the new Tri-force headquarters

I decided to move the site to a blogger so people can leave their comments without signing in to Clickcaster. Now clickcaster is cool and all, but its not for blogging. So now the podcasts are at Clickcaster and the previews and reviews are at http://triforcepodcast.blogspot.com/.

Now you don't have to goto clickcaster to get our podcast, we will post Podtrac links here and downloads.

Also sorry about the delay of Episode 9 of the Triforce podcast, I had to finish my motion picture, Halowulf. A 23 min epic'/commedy based on the epic poem Beowulf. You can check out Halowulf here....

Veoh
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1404078R2gWJSt8

Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgwSbR2CPp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArUvq7VLuqM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRRlJX8ktE0

Myspace tv
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21294701

As for Episode 9, it might come out today or tommorow. So please be patient!

Listen to episode 8 if you didn't already.

~MoeShiznit

Yaris Review

(Xbox Live Arcade)
Released: 10/10/07
Rated: E

Ladies and gentleman, Yaris Sucks, and shouldn't even be purchased even with its free price tag. This game feels like your old high school days when you were a freshman, and all the cool senior kids gave you a swirly . Yup son, this game can bring back some of your not-so-glory-days back to a reality because this game is covered with toilet shit stains. I'm sorry for my language, but who gives a fuck when your reviewing a game like Yaris. You control some car, with an alien looking thing sticking out of the roof of the car that can shoot tiny balls of crap, So your driving around a plain looking track shooting targets for points trying to get the highest score ( "which no one would beat because no one would play this game") and thats it.

~Burnt Crust

Final Score: 2.5/10
Trash
Burnt's Quickie
"Read Above"---------------------------^

Portal Review

(Xbox 360, PC)
Released: 10/9/07
Rated T-M

Portal is a first person puzzle game developed by Valve, the makers of Half Life. When Portal was first shown, I was impressed with Valve's new invention, the portal gun. Now the game is out and available in The Orange Box or on Steam.

The gameplay of Portal is very simple, but challenging. The game consists of 19 chambers of crazy portal action. The only weapon in the game is the Portal Gun which progresses you through the game. The Portal Gun can shoot out two portals and it can grab items, but can't shoot it like the gravity gun in Half Life 2.

The controls are easy to learn and very responsive, you just have to time your jumps right. All you need is the left and right triggers, and a jump button. You don't have to be a FPS nut to play this game, beginners are welcome.

All in all, Portal is a amazing game with a satisfying twist. You can finish the game in about 3-5 hours. Completing the puzzles will make you feel satisfied, also the ending of Portal is worth beating the game for. It's a short game but it does contain some replay value with adding advance mode portal puzzles and other time challenges. Of course if you own the PC version, you can download community maps made by the people.

For the price of $19.99 on Steam, its pretty good, but I suggest getting the whole Orange Box Package. Portal does a very good job being its own game and sucking you in the challenging and innovative experience.

~Moe Shiznit

Final Score: 8.5/10
Pretty Good

Burnt's Quickie-
"Portal your ass to the store and buy Portal!"

Our Rating System

The rating system of the Tri-force is pretty simple. We go by .5 increments, so for example...

0.0-3.0=Trash
4.0-5.5=They Tried
6.0-7.5=Aight at Best
8.0-8.5=Pretty Good
9.0-9.5=Must Buy
10.0=Instant Classic

NBA 2k8 Review

(Xbox 360, PS3)
Released: 10/2/07
Rated: E

Gameplay-This year, they have added a 'great new feature' which is lock on D. I have said before that I like the concept of Lock on D, but not exactly how they decided to implement it. It does at times feel like it's too easy to play defense, especially offline. Then, of course, they have the cellphone bars and so-called hot spots. Which work well in theory, but I've still seen people make a lot of shots that they shouldn't have made. They've definitely taken this 'wide open shooting' thing a little too far.

The post up game is way too powerful this year. The drop step spin move is still impossible to stop and it takes forever for the computer to realize you should be double teamed, like at least 25 points from one player. It does feel like there's more of a battle in the post, but it doesn't matter because in the end the shot you flip up is probably going to go in. Either that or you're just going to dunk it. Although, the pump fake inside is a huge plus.

I absolutely love the new isomotion. For once, it feels realistic. I don't see where people say it's sluggish because it, to me, is very responsive you just have to have a plan when you dribble and not just swing the stick around while you hold turbo. You have to pull off a pretty sick move to get into the lane when the computer is guarding you.

They improved the rebounding, which is great. It feels like you are actually rewarded for boxing out, and the foot planting system is a great idea, too. Although I don't believe that they are planting their feet every time. Apparently, there is no foot planting on dunks.

The new get open feature and 'run the play' feature are both good for people who don't want to memorize plays.

This game really shines is animations, all of which, to me, look like real life. The foot planting system really helps here, too. I actually feel like I'm watching a real game at times. The players' interaction with each other is great as well. High-fives, helping people up, and I swear I've even seen people step to someone after making a shot on them. There are still problems, though, like which animations trigger when. I've had a few instances of Durant pulling a Kobe and sucker punching his defender after he made a shot because he was trying to do the fist pump with someone in front of him. Overall, I like the graphics but still needs to improve the player models.

Online Play: This is where we've seen the most improvements. Unfortunately, there is still a long ways to go in this aspect as well. The dunk as a scoring option is still an over powerful weapon, as is the post game. The double team effectiveness is a good idea, but, again, it's poorly implemented. Lock on D shines online, but I have still met people that could get by me with a superstar. THE SUPERSTARS ARE SUPERHUMAN. I can see one or two crazy dunks, but over and over again, come on!

In summary, 2k made a great game this year, but at times it does feel rushed. It is missing a lot of features and that is unacceptable but it’s still the best basketball game on the market.

~Mr. Striker

Final Score: 8.5/10
Pretty Good

Burnt's Quickie
"Razzle Dazzle he's on fire!" This game is HOT!
"Razzle Dazzle he's on fire!" This game is HOT!