UNCHARTED 3

I'm documenting for my next project, and one of the games used as reference is Uncharted 3, which I bought and finished the other day. If you liked Uncharted 2 you have to like this one since all mechanics and features are pretty much the same.

Still, not a problem. I think U2 was a really remarkable game, and I've talked about it in this blog here and here. I may have tried to add some more unique gameplay but achieving the level of 'movie-like' they maintain is not easy at all, so still a recommendable title.

CRYSIS 2

Due to a work interview I recently played and finished Crysis 2. I remember I tried to play the demo when the game was released but it was multiplayer only and furthermore I couldn't log into any server so after a week trying I gave up. But now I've got the chance to play the game and the sensations are quite good.

Yes, the first levels are not as engaging as the last ones, which have unique scenarios and much more compelling enemies, but graphically the game looks good (although I keep thinking that I've seen NY destroyed in too many games / movies / series) and the tactical shooter type is unusual, a variation from the far-too-common Call of Duty approach so popular these days.

Anyway, if you buy it ensure to play until the end, that's where the best parts of the game are.

ORCS MUST DIE!

Taking advantage of my current state which allows me to have some free time, I'm intending to finish some games I have in the shelf. I've just finished Orcs must die! (PC), an excellent twist to the tower defense genre where you not only set your traps for the incoming hordes of orcs but you're also required to take them down with your crossbow or sword.

A nice twist which works perfectly, good story pieces with lots of humor, smart mechanics to favor replayability and an additional challenge when I discovered a friend on the leaderboards, so I felt compelled to better him.

In any case, a good purchase. I'll possibly play some more to beat my marks... and those from my friend.

MASS EFFECT

Since now I have some free time, I finally had the chance to end up Mass Effect. It took me around 33 hours, and my overall sensation is quite good. It definitively deserves the money I payed for the game (a long time ago, I'm afraid). The production values are high, storylines are clearly above the line, and combat is acceptably engaging.

On the minus side (and it's a small side) frame rate drops were frequent, level design twists were not as common as you'd desire and the game is a little too easy. I barely used any of the special/biotic powers I was given.

Still, a great game. However, I still wonder how Bioware essentially makes the same game over and over and succeed. I mean the whole plot is basically taken from Knights of the old republic, as well as much of the core mechanics (team combat, inventory, dialogue system, etc). But hey, if something works and sells...

FRANK DARABONT vs L.A. NOIRE?

I've just read this news about Frank Darabont, the director of The Shawshank redemption is going to adapt for the tv L.A. Noir. At first I thought it was the videogame but seems like there is a book with a similar name.

Still, it sounds like the relative success of the videogame has pushed forward that project. I find it exciting in any case, we'll see.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Well, my contract with Digital Legends has not been renewed, so I'm free again. I'll take some days to relax and I'll evaluate my next steps shortly. I keep thinking this is going to be a good year in terms of opportunities so stay tuned!

DESIGNERS ARE HUMAN TOO

Here is an interesting lecture from an ex-Blizzard and now one of the managers at Riot games (League of Legends).

Assuming designers fail as much as any other professional (and it doesn't matter if they're senior or not) he encourages to share design work and ask for feedback as soon as possible to avoid those mistakes.

From my experience in the Spanish industry this doesn't work here. Early works are rarely judged as they are, and most of the time they're critizised to personal gain, or simply analized with low constructivity. I'd love to work on an environment as he describes, though.