Review: S.T.A.L.K.E.R - Shadows of Chernobyl

Name: S.T.A.L.K.E.R - Shadows of Chernobyl

Developers: GSC Game World

Publishers: THQ

Genre: FPS

Release Dates: Out now

Platforms: PC

Ok fair enough, this isn't exactly a new game either. It was originally released back in 2007 by the Ukranian boys over at GSC, also famous for bringing us Cossacks and Codename: Outbreak, and has since had two games following it, a prequel and a sequel, sub-titled 'Clear Sky' and 'Call of Pripyat' respectivly. Even as I write this, a S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 is being made, and the following review will tell you why. Because if any series needs more games, it's this one. And this is not meant as an insult, because the more we get of the Zone, the happier I get. And hopefully, you too.

Review: Demon's Souls

Name: Demon's Souls

Developers: From Software

Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment, Atlus, Namco Bandai Games

Genre: RPG

Release Dates: Out now

Platforms: Playstation 3


Ok, so I know this isn't really a new game, it does have almost two years on it, but I feel that after spending so many hours in it, it deserves to be reviewed once more.

About half a year ago I invested money into a PS3, whereas my first purchase was Heavy Rain, and Demon's Souls. I had read up a bit about it, and when people describe Demon's Souls, they usually use two words: "Hard", and "Hardcore." Both of these are true to the game. This game is hard. Well, actually, I wouldn't really say that "hard" is a justified word. "Ruthless" is more the term I want here. Demon's Souls will punish you, if you are inattentive, and if you don't pay attention I guarantee you will find yourself on the end of a sword/spear/burly fist. This will happen a lot. Because in the world of Demon's Souls, death is only the beginning.

What is this?: Gemini Rue

So while browsing the usual gaming sites like I often do during the days, I came across the fellas over at Giantbomb making another interesting Quicklook of the game "Gemini Rue".

I booted the video up, and the first thing I saw, was old-style graphics á la Lucasarts adventure games, and I was instantly instilled with equal amounts of interest and nostalgia. Who can forget all those wonderful adventure games back in the day when Lucasarts were responsible for most of the clever/funny adventure games on the market? Full Throttle, Day of the Tentacle, the whole shebang.



Anyway, the game is like described, an old-fashioned point-and-click adventure game, or in this case, perhaps detective game is better suited. It tells the tale of Azriel Odin, ex-assassin, in what only appears as a futuristic dystopian society very much reminiscent of Blade Runner in artstyle, drenched in rain and trenchcoats all around.

I looked it up, and no wonder it seems fantastic, it was awarded 2010 winner of the Independent Game Festival Student Showcase, no small feat indeed. It's currently avaliable for purchase from the developer's site, and a demo can also be found on there. If you're interested in point-and-click'ers, I suggest you head over and look it up.

Developer's Site: Here
Giantbomb Quicklook: Here