The "Complete" List 2009

So a brand new year, A brand new list.

Resistance 2

First scalp of the year. It's very linear. Very old school and somehow a bit of a let down. As Insomniacs third PS3 outing I was expecting something jaw dropping. Something like Ratchet & Clank. What I got was more of the same really. Some dull boss fights and some annoying difficulty spikes.

What there's most of is annoying design decisions. Gone is carrying the huge arsenal of weapons in favour of a Halo style limit letting you to carry just two weapons. Which is dull. Most weapons spawn where you might need them but it stops you from experimenting with weapons and combat ... or even carrying a favourite. Next is the health system. The first game had four health sections each section would recharge in cover but you'd have to collect health packs to replace lost sections. That's been replaced by a Call of Duty style reddening of the screen when you're getting hit. Rubbish.

There's also a host of annoying enemies (Yes I know they're the bad guys and they're not supposed to be likeable). There's a 'Flood' like zombie sort that charge straight at you (even when you're in a squad they mostly home in on you) in huge numbers. It's not fun. There's a sort of invisible monster that doesn't appear until it's very close and charges straight at you. Most of the old bad guys reappear and they're fun.. There's some huge mofo's as well and, mostly, they're fun (as long as you find the hand heavy ordinance that will have been left conveniently about.. ). Other wise the combat is mostly as solid and fun as before. OH and there's no annoying vehicle section.

Story wise it's more of the same with a bit of globe trotting thrown in for fun. It's thoroughly average. Although not devoid of entertainment.

A look ahead to Quarter 4 - Part 3

So this is the third part.. Not quite so easy to title either.. It's the: "Ones I've registered an interest in but will only buy if they get a great review score andI get time Andthey're cheap"..

Far Cry 2

Sounds like an interesting concept.. Is weapons jamming and breaking going to be fun? So many FPS's so little time

Midnight Club: LA

It certainly looks very pretty and unlike GTA IV it has licensed cars. It's probably between this and...

Need for Speed: Undercover

Last years game was so rubbish even my casual mate (Whom I normally play EA's yearly offering with didn't want to bother) but having lifted it's plot from The Fast & The Furious this looks like something of a return to form.

James Bond: Quantum of Solace

Really looking forward to the film. Based on the CoD4 engine this could be pleasant enough distraction in a quiet spot spell next year.

Silent Hill: Homecoming

Is this going to pull of the magic? The signs aren't looking good. This can be summed up by 'Pyramid Head' turning up in it.

Motorstorm 2

Enjoyed the first game up to a point.. Later on in the game it just got to random to compete at the highest levels without teeth grinding frustration. Doesn't sound like much has changed this time around either.. This'll have to be cheap. Maybe even Platinum.

Resistance 2

Another PS3 exculsive that now has to work a whole lot harder for my gaming time now the novelty of PS3 ownership has worn off and I'm beginning to see the 360 dominate my gaming time.