Evolve Review (Xbox One)

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   The first time I heard about the concept for Evolve of 4 players going against 1 Monster player, I had my doubts that this concept would work. I didn’t think about checking the game out until it started earning all sorts of awards from many different review sites. So I decided to buy the game to see how I felt about the game; and I can gladly say that those review sites were spot on, with all of those accolades being presented to Evolve.
   Evolve is an addicting, graphically nice, masterpiece of balance that doesn’t fail to its incredible expectations that it presents itself. There are strengths and weaknesses of every character that allows for either team to win. Examples such as with the Wraith Monster that has the lowest health out of all the Monsters, but uses deception and speed to destroy the other Hunters that have an assortment of countering gadgets that they can use to destroy the Monster. 

   Evolve is a strategic game that surprised me in its complexity and replayability because the addition of many different modes and various characters to play as. In Evolve, there are more modes besides Hunt Mode that people can play, such as Nest Mode which has the Hunters track down and destroy eggs that are all over the map. While the Monster can evolve to become stronger or create a minion by forcing an egg to hatch; which forces the Hunters to deal with the Monster and his minion while trying to annihilate the eggs. Then there is Rescue Mode, in which the Hunters have to search and rescue victims that need to be revived all around the map, then brought to a teleport pad. Finally, the last and most extensive mode is Evacuation Mode which takes place over 5 days with all these modes. Throughout the different modes, the environment changes due to the outcome of previous days. An example is when the Monster wins, in the next match the hostile wildlife attacks the Hunters more. Then the in last day the Hunters have to defend generators to end the match.
   Although Evolve is a great and entertaining game, there are still negatives. My two main problems with it are with the progression system and the numerous, long loading times that plague Evolve. First, the progression system takes way to long when you first start playing the game; so all the numerous and enjoyable characters are locked until many hours of playing the game. Second, I absolutely hated all the long-ass load screens that you have to wait through to play the game. There are about 3-4 load screens that players have to endure, just to see if they can join a game.

   To conclude my review, Evolve is a fun and methodically thought out game that I was shocked by. If your the type of person that just wants to hunt down and destroy a gigantic monster or wants to feel like a complete beast of destruction, then Evolve is the game to buy.

Graphics: 9.0/10
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Multiplayer: 9.5/10
Campaign: N/A
Replayability: 10/10

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Review (Xbox One)

   Every year, a new Call of Duty is released and every year I feel disappointed with myself for buying a game that is the same year after year. I had no interest in buying Call of Duty again until I saw the gameplay for Advanced Warfare which had improved graphics, exo-suits, and actually looked pretty cool with the futuristic look. So after playing Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, I can say that I don’t feel disappointed in myself for buying Call of Duty. The game has its normal, action-filled campaign and an addictive multiplayer. However, due to the additions of the exo-suits, new customization options, enhanced graphics/sound, and fun new multiplayer modes; Call of Duty has become a new kind of game worth buying.

   Graphically, there have been improvements to Call of Duty; mostly in the different cutscenes during the campaign that makes the game look like you are watching a live-action military movie. Also, the fact that Kevin Spacey looked spot on was an achievement for their graphics. The sound is has also been improved to create explosive sounds just like in real warfare. Plus, the voice acting was actually pretty good for a video game.

   Nonetheless, the campaign was your usual Call of Duty that was filled with over the top action, betrayal, and plot twists that you would expect from a Call of Duty game. However, instead of just having you play an ok campaign for lots of hours; the campaign seemed short, and as if it was an entertaining extended tutorial of the exo-suits, weapons, and other items that you would see in multiplayer.

   Multiplayer wise, Call of Duty is better than ever with a whole lot of customization options, new game modes, and the new additions of exo-suits that give you all sorts of new abilities. With the customization options, you can now change how your multiplayer character looks, other than just their face. Now you can customize the gloves, boots, pants, shirt, hats, and exoskeleton of your character that allows personalization never before seen in a Call of Duty game. Sledgehammer games also brought back the pick 12 system, but now its the pick 13 system which also even more customization.

   There are also new game modes in multiplayer that are very fun to play, such as a new Co-op (Survival) mode that has you try different cooperative objectives while being pursued by enemies that get stronger each round. Then there is the new mode of Uplink, which is basically like Halo’s Grifball except you have guns and you can throw the ball to your teammates or enemies to disarm them. Last but not least is the additions of the exoskeletons and their abilities. These new abilities change the whole foundation of how you play multiplayer because of the jet-pack double jump or dodge maneuvers of the exo-suit. People are moving everywhere in multiplayer and are using the abilities of shields, invisibility, increased health, and increased speed that have revolutionized Call of Duty in a better way.

Overall, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare has made it fun to play Call of Duty again. Sledgehammer games made improvements to the game in almost every aspect, that you could tell that they wanted to energize Call of Duty fans that have started to become disappointed with the same old thing. With the additions of the exoskeletons, customization options, and new game modes I have become a fan of Call of Duty once again.

Graphics: 8.8/10
Campaign: 7.5/10
Multiplayer: 9.5/10
Replayability: 9.0/10

Sunset Overdrive Review (Xbox One)

   Sunset Overdrive is a ridiculously fun game that makes you feel like a badass. So many games try to put their humor into their game, and most of the time it just doesn’t work along with the game. However, with Sunset Overdrive you get the perfect balance of comedy, action, and creativity that allows the game to be really fun. The storyline is comedically entertaining, there are lots of creative weapons, different types of enemies, a huge open-world, lots of game types to keep you busy, and is so fun to navigate the world.

   Nonetheless, graphically Sunset Overdrive is just beautiful. Colors pop out of the screen, and characters have a cartoonish punk look that works perfectly with the apocalyptic world created. Also, there are lots of customization options that you can take full advantage of, to make your perfect character. Sunset city is also filled with nice-looking explosions that sometimes even have written messages in the explosions. For instance, when you kill a popper there is an explosion with the word “Pop” spelled within the flames. Combined great graphics with many different enemies on the screen, Sunset Overdrive is a gorgeous game in today's graphic standards.

   The campaign of Sunset Overdrive is actually quite entertaining because of the pop culture references, voice acting, and a funny script that sometimes would have me laughing out loud. It’s a funny looking game that knows what it is, and pokes fun at itself and other games in the process; which is something I’ve never seen in a video game.

   Gameplay wise, Sunset Overdrive is a game that is fun, while also a challenge. In the game, you will feel like a total badass while grinding on rails and bouncing off of roofs while shooting explosive teddy bears. Also, for different enemies types you can choose the right weapons to effectively kill specific enemies. However, there are many different buttons to press to do these different actions; and sometimes your hands can feel overwhelmed by the controls. The game encourages everything to be chaotic, and it accustoms you to playing in total chaos in the process of having you move around the map to be effective.

   In the end, Sunset Overdrive really surprised me with how fun of a game it is; and I am so happy that I gave this game a chance. It has provide me with very fun gameplay, lots to do after beating the game, and has given me an engaging storyline that I feel I could play again. If you want a fun game that is filled creativity, comedy, and explosive action; then you should not look elsewhere other than Sunset Overdrive.

Graphics: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 9.8/10
Campaign: 8.5/10
Multiplayer: 8.0/10
Fun: 10/10

NBA 2K15 Review (Xbox One)

   

   Basketball is my absolute favorite sport in the world, and every year I look forward to the great simulation of basketball. And over the past couple of years, the basketball crown has gone to 2K because of their outstanding gameplay. This year, they did not disappoint in being the best simulation basketball game that you can buy. With 2K’s combination of great gameplay, graphics, customization, and the additions of new modes; NBA 2K15 is one of the best basketball games that I have ever played.

   Nevertheless, 2K is known for having the best gameplay that is filled with tight controls, great play-calling, and a new shooting mechanic that is more based on skill. There is a lot more motion from the teams that help with getting you open shots instead of always having to go to the play-calling menu, and on defense you have to really learn how to play defense to be able to defend against your opponent. Plus, the new shooting mechanics encourage you to know the timing of the release of your players; and the ratings of the shooting players. Overall, not much needed to be done to the gameplay; yet 2K still found a way to make it better.

   The best part about the gameplay in 2K is that it looks like real basketball that you would see on TV. This is thanks to the amazing graphics and smooth animations that 2k has built their foundation on. Players look better than last year, with better looking player models; and contact animations have been improved. NBA 2K has actually made a sports game that looks like real-life basketball while your playing it. Also, thanks to improved customization of rosters; you can go in and change the color of different equipment, based off of it being a home or away game.

   NBA 2k has always had your standard modes in a typical sports title of online head-to-head, dynasty mode, and a career mode. But this year they stepped up their game by adding the MyTeam mode, which is just like EA Sports’ Ultimate Team. It’s a fun mode that allows you to play around with different lineups and play a whole bunch of scenarios. If you wanted Kevin Durant to play with Andre Drummond and Derrick Rose, you could do it. If you wanted to have LeBron James with Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, you could do it. In my opinion, it is a challenging and fun mode that everyone should get a chance to try.

   NBA 2K has also improved their standard game modes. Like with dynasty mode having more options than ever on how to run your favorite team, and the career mode having a better storyline and the ability to skip games that you don’t want to play. However, the only thing that has not been improved would have to be online head-to-head modes and their connectivity issues. In most games I’ve played online against people there has been lots of lag, which isn’t much fun for a game that depends on timing with shots, movement, and dribbling.

   To conclude, if you want to buy a simulation basketball game that is both fun and freakishly realistic, then NBA 2K15 is the game to buy. With its combination of outstanding gameplay, great graphics, improved customization, and the additions to game modes; NBA 2K has once again won the basketball crown this year.

Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 9.4/10
Replayability: 9.5/10
Online: 7.5/10

The Maze Runner Movie Review

        I've never read James Dashner's "The Maze Runner," but I can say now that I am going to read it after seeing the Maze Runner movie. The movie reminded me of another series which is one of my favorites; called Escape from Furnace. The Maze Runner had the same premise of breaking out of something, with mysterious creatures in the way. However, in the Maze Runner there was drama, mystery, and action that is made for a good adventure movie. The acting was pretty good, and the unknown mystery kept you in wonder. This movie was also the director's first movie, and you would have never known with how well directed the movie was.

Nevertheless, the plot is one that will leave you wanting more. That's all you can ask for in the beginning movie of a series. Although, throughout the whole movie they hint that there is going to be a second movie. There was also good action with multiple camera angles that kept you engaged as if you were actually in the movie. The director did a great job of bringing the emotional intensity into the movie through camera angles and the setting lighting.

As for the acting, Dylan O'Brian did a great job as Thomas. You could just see his character's curiosity of the world around him and feel the fear when he was running away from mysterious things. Although, the other character's were sort of a mixed bag when it came to their acting performances.

To conclude, the Maze Runner is a movie that I would recommend if you are a fan of good action/adventure, mystery, and dramatic concepts. Although, I can't compare it to the book because, I've never read it. I am now interested in the reading the book because I liked the movie.

Plot: 9.0/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Action: 8.5/10

Interest: 9.5/10

FIFA 15 Review (PS4)

   Throughout my whole life, I have never been impressed with the sport of soccer. But since many of my friends were such die hard soccer fans, I decided to start paying attention to the World Cup. That's when I started to enjoy watching soccer and wanted to learn more about the sport by playing it in the accessibility of my home. So I started playing the demo for FIFA 15 and had such a fun time playing it, that I decided to buy my first soccer game. Nonetheless, FIFA 15 is one of the funnest sports games that I have ever played; and I am so happy that my friends introduced me to such an amazing sport. It has great graphics/animations, has many addictive game modes, and is really fun to play.
   For instance, FIFA 15 looks and feels amazing to play. There are many different types of stadiums that have their own lighting; and get scratched up throughout the games. The animations make the game look as if you are watching it on TV, and the player models look very good. Although, the numbers look kind of weird on the jerseys. Other than that, FIFA 15 is a beautiful game.

   Another thing that I was impressed with, was the amount of addictive game modes that were in the game to play. There was an addictive Career mode, skill games, Ultimate Team, and online seasons that made it hard to put this game down. I never played sports games online until I figured out that I was kind of good at them; so when I started crushing people online, I became addicted to winning the different trophies that were available for me to win. Also in addition to being fun, Ultimate Team can help me figure out the names of the different players in soccer that I can use to know what my friends are always talking about.
   Gameplay wise, this game is just awesome to play. The ball physics are amazingly accurate and the pace can be really fast or slowed, depending on your play style. Plus, the feeling of scoring a goal against your friends is one of the great moments of playing FIFA.
   Overall, I am really impressed with FIFA 15 and I am so glad that my friends requested that I should watch the World Cup. Without that request, I would have missed out on my new favorite sports game that has great graphics, addicting game modes, and is unbelievably fun to play in the gameplay department.

Graphics: 8.5/10

Gameplay: 9.8/10

Game Modes: 10/10

Fun: 9.5/10

Destiny Review (PS4)

   Destiny has become a hit for Bungie and has pulled in over 300 million dollars from gamers. I have played the full game, the Alpha and the Beta for Destiny, and I would have to say that it is a great game for this generation. It's a perfect mix between HALO and Borderlands that has all the makings of a greater shooter. From the full game, I can conclude that Destiny has an engaging online multiplayer component, good controls, nice graphics, and has customization options that make everyone feel unique. However, the campaign is kind of dry compared to other shooter campaigns.
   Nonetheless, Destiny has a very good graphic design that reminds you of Halo, such as the style of the graphics on the armor or the weapons. The futuristic graphic direction, helps create a sound setting that makes it seem realistic that you are in the future. A cool thing that I noticed with the graphics is that not all the settings stay the same. You can see one setting during the day and the same setting during the night throughout the whole game, even in multiplayer. Nonetheless, characters also have similar animation motions to Halo; such as the Guardians running like Master Chief, or the enemies ducking into and out of cover. You can tell that the game was put together by the same developers as Halo, which is good because those games are awesome.
   With those same developers working on Destiny; the gameplay is still great fun. Over the course of going through a mission, enemies will come out of everywhere and you will have to constantly keep guard of your character. With an array of all sorts of weapons at your disposal and specific class abilities like in Borderlands; it's a blast to fight enemies. On top of all the great gameplay fun you will have; at the end of missions and throughout the world you will be rewarded with loot or upgrades.

   

   However, the campaign is a little flat. You don't feel that connected to the characters or become emotionally attached to the story and constantly feel disconnected from the story. That's probably because of the transitions between missions in which you are brought back into orbit every time. Even if you want to continue with the story missions. Overall, I'm not impressed with the campaign and wouldn't really think about going through the story again after finishing it.

   Although the campaign is ok, multiplayer is what will keep people coming back to this game. There are tradition game modes comparative to other shooters. But in Destiny, no one felt to over powerful and the game became more fun the more you played it; unless you played in the Iron Banner which unrestricted everybody's abilities. Also, thanks to being an online game; other Guardians can drop into your campaign game to help fight off enemies while exploring. However, when you enter a respawn restricted area the other Guardians disappear and it's then just your fireteam. Although, strike missions require fireteams that the game will start matchmaking so that everyone can experience co-op with others online.

   In conclusion, Destiny is a fun game that will remind people of their days of playing Halo and become a classic game that people will play for years after. That's all that you can ask for from any type of videogame, and I don't make that statement often about a game. Destiny is an awesome shooter.

Graphics: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Multiplayer: 9.7/10
Campaign: 7/10