LeRay Presents: My Most Wanted Reboots

Before I jump straight into this list I want to let you all know that this was a difficult one for me. With there being so many great older games from previous generations of consoles. Yet I have managed to pick my Top 5 favourites that I would like to see rebooted for current generation consoles.

So without any further ado let me get into my 5 Most Wanted Reboots

(List in descending order)

Oh who doesn’t love themselves a bit of Scarface? Even though this game is set after events of the film itself, with having Tony Montana survive and seek revenge on those who attacked him and not actually being voiced by Al Pacino himself. It did amazingly well.

Trying to take back the Miami drug trade by destroying rival gangs was just brilliant, a huge selection of weaponry which was accessible and not to mention the cars you could buy and steal.

I loved the progression system, with you unlocking more and more from a driver to even an assassin.

If they decided to reboot this game, with an all new engine, updated graphics and more weapons then I would gladly throw my money at them.

I don’t know what it is, but I just love western style games. Ever since I played Gun I couldn’t get enough of it. That and because I enjoy a bit of history and for those that have never actually played Gun, you do journey to El Dorado.

Being able to hunt and kill animals, causing mayhem everywhere and not to mention, fighting off the law and gunslingers if any should try it. To me this was somewhat an inspiration for Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption.

There wasn’t much of a weapon system but that can be sorted rather simply if a reboot would every actually happen amongst other things also.

Yes as you would imagine this game has made my list. Rockstars North Man Hunt now banned around most of the world is justifiable. This was one of the most brutal, violent and graphical games of 2003. In my opinion there hasn’t been one since either.

There was nothing like discovering how many execution you could do with a single item that was at your disposal, yes it was very gory and even got blamed for somethings in the news over here in the UK (we won’t get into that though). Yet I can’t help but want to play this game again. However would they be allowed to publish such a game in this age?

I would imagine this is on every gamers list of great games from older generations. Time Splitters and Time Splitters 2 was just something else. They were fun, well designed and could be a challenge at times. Me and my brothers used to play through the co-op together on the hardest settings, we would even strategize in some way.

Developed by Free Radical Design, released in 2000 Time Splitters is a game which stood apart from the rest during its time. Gaining an 8 stars and above by most reviewers.

Nothing was better for me at the time. The story line which involved traveling back in time spanning 100 years, the co-op and multiplayer, not to mention the massively enjoyable challenge mode. I remember working so hard to unlock all of the characters possible so we had a huge selection to choose from when we played multiplayer.

One of my favourite things about the Time Splitters franchise is something simple. When you choose your character there would be an annimation and they would say something.

I remember when I first played Freedom Fighters and well, after that I couldn’t put it down. It was just the best game I ever had played at the time. The game dynamics, story line and even the split screen multiplayer was just something I had never seen before.

Released in 2003 by IO Interactive and Electronic Arts, from the makers of Hitman you just expected this game to be on a level of its own.

I would play the game from start to finish several times and I even played it over this Christmas with my brother for a bit. It’s just one of those games that once you pick up and starts playing you actually don’t want to put it down. I believe I owned this originally for the GameCube but once I switched to PlayStation 2 it was my first purchase because I knew how much fun I would have on it.

I think could be on of the most wanted reboots by a lot of games (well I am hoping so). This is why it has earned the top spot on my list. Nothing was better at it during its time.

What is your most wanted reboot?

Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter or on our new subreddit.

@LeRay0409 – @GrumpyGamers – /GrumpyGamers – r/GrumpyGamers

LeRay Presents: Top 5 Games to Be Optimistic for 2016

Right, as you already should know by now. I am not a PC gamer so I apologise to any PC players out there that may read this Top 5 list, for not including any PC games.

With that being said. Let’s get right into my Top 5 Games to be Optimistic For 2016

(list in decending order)

When this was shown off at E3 2015, I could help but think about the potential that this game could possibly have.

I loved what I saw in the teaser trailer and I am hugely awaiting to see more of this game. I am also really hoping that this does not get delayed. However I am not 100% sold on this game, as there are many things which could end up going wrong with it.

I did play the first Deus Ex a little and what I did play of it I enjoyed. Although with that being said I wasn’t a huge fan of the game, which has led me to believe that the second instalment may also have the same effect with me.

But LeRay why is it on this list? Well that’s easy this game has been in development that long that I am hoping, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will have what it takes to change my mind.

 Since its announcement at E3 2009, The Last Guardian has had nothing but developmental problems. Yet when it was re-introduced at E3 2015 I can not do anything but have huge expectations for this.

I am also very precautious, as it could still suffer from yet another huge delay. If this happens then I think most of the people who have waited since 2007 for this game to come out will lose interest, which would be a huge shame for such a highly anticipated game.

 When Sony announced No Mans Sky at E3 2014 I couldn’t help but jump with excitement. No Mans Sky is a game I could see myself getting and spending hours on hours playing. It’s release date June 2016 was announced at Paris Games Week 2015.

Since then there has been nothing but excitement around the game. With a few of my friends constantly talking about how great it will be once it is released. I am hoping that this game will be extraordinary and help push Hello Games into their next big thing.

Right, I have not actually played a DooM game from start to finish; I have watched people play it and enjoyed what I had seen. I know what you’re wondering also. Why is DooM on this list? It is rather simple. With me not fully playing a DooM game from start to finish, I don’t know what to expect from such game.

Due to me not knowing what to expect from the up and coming DooM, it has earned my top spot on games to be optimistic for 2016.

@LeRay0409 – @GrumpyGamers – /GrumpyGamers – r/GrumpyGamers

LeRay Presents: Top 5 Games To Be Excited For 2016

 

Before I get into this top 5, I just want to say that I am not a PC gamer so I have not included any PC games on this list so I apologise to you the PC master race. However I am a console peasant, owning both current gen systems.

So let’s get into my Top 5 Games to Be Excited For 2016

(list in descending order)

What can I say about the fourth instalment into the Souls franchise?

The only thing that comes to my mind is; great another one of these stupidly difficult games that I am completely useless at, but I can’t wait for this to come out. Why you ask?

I enjoy watching people play these types of games, even though I can’t play them myself for some unknown reason that has eluded me for the last two Dark Souls that have been released. The fact that these games are difficult yet there are some people who make them look so easy does entertain me.

With that being said, will I pick this game up? I am not too sure. It may be on my list of games to purchase further down the line, but as far as a pre-order goes for me, I have other games I currently have my eyes set on.

When Far Cry Primal was teased & then announced within 2 days, it’s safe to say that almost everyone was surprised by it.

Even though I have yet to actually play a Far Cry game, (I know please don’t hurt me), the fact that Far Cry Primal is set 12,000 years before the present day during the beginning Mesolithic period and is open world game filled with wildlife, does nothing but appeal to me. This next instalment into the Far Cry franchise is nothing but a must play for me. As soon as I was told by my friends over at GameorGaming about this being teased and then being announced with a small trailer, all I can think about is how great this game could be.

So I am anxiously awaiting the release of this game on 23rd February as it definitely looks like a game I can lose myself in.

OK so some people might get a little upset at me for saying this but, I’ve only played 1 hour of the first Uncharted game, despite owning the Uncharted collection.

With that said, I cannot wait for the release of Uncharted 4, even if it is the last we will see of Nathan Drake. I am holding my breath that they send Mr Drake out with an explosive send off.

What I have played of the previous Uncharted games I thoroughly enjoyed and maybe with the release of Uncharted 4, it could be the kick in the back side that I need to finish the previous games.

When Gears 4 was announced at E3 this year, I was not that surprised. There was speculation for some time, that there was going to be another Gears release, even though we were told after Gears of War: Judgement there would be no more Gears of War games to be released.

Even with that said, I am a huge Gears fan and cannot wait for this to be released and I am really hoping that Microsoft Studios do not ruin this for the hard core Gears fans, even though Rod Fergusson, the former Director of Production at Epic Games, is playing a key role in the development of the franchise for The Coalition.

Since I was told by a friend several years ago that I am missing out by not playing Gears of War, I have not missed one since. I enjoy the co-op and the survival multiplayer, but not being a fan of PVP games has kept me away from the main multiplayer. Will Gears 4 be different? All we can do is wait and find out.

I have been anxiously awaiting for The Division’s release since I heard it was actually a thing. As soon as I could I signed up for the beta, but then it was announced that the beta would be postponed. It saddened me a little inside and then I got an email titled ‘The Division Alpha Key’ and well I got super excited.

Whilst playing the alpha, I saw some amazing things: 3rd person gameplay, a great map system and some brilliant graphics. With this being an alpha on the XBOX ONE, I can’t wait to see what the PS4 version will look like. I have some high hopes for The Division, as the build up for this game has been amazing. I am a huge fan of these types of game and with it being multiplayer and not PVP, it makes it even better for me.

There is a huge amount of customisation to The Division. You can customise your character your weapons and your gear. Accompanied with all of this customisation we also have skills and abilities that you can purchase via experience points and upgrade.

The Division takes my top spot due to it being an online multiplayer RPG game which I really enjoy. There are many things which I enjoy in a game such as The Division, which is why it is also one of my few pre-ordered for 2016.

@LeRay0409 – @GrumpyGamers – /GrumpyGamers – r/GrumpyGamers

Mister Herbish Presents: Top 5 Games of 2015

 

Right people. Let me preface this list by telling you that 2015 has been one hell of a busy year professionally. I’m currently working full time in secondary education AND attending University. The result? Less time to lose myself in video games. Boo! But, at least I’ll be a classroom teacher some time in 2016. Yay!?

Secondly, I’m a huge PlayStation fan and I own a PlayStation 4 and Vita at the moment, so if any PC fans chastise me for missing some super PC games, I apologise in advance.

Enough belly aching…

(List in decending order)

This game pleased and frustrated in equal measure. I don’t think there was a better feeling in gaming this year, than timing your double jump flip JUST right, to score a last second goal to give your team victory. Watching miniature rocket powered cars fly across the arena, claxons blaring, whilst you celebrate your victory by screaming ‘get in you beauty’ down the mic is immensely satisfying. Probably not for your opponent mind you… The frustration comes when that very scenario happens to you, instead of your bumbling opponents.

If you love football (the game you play with your feet, not your hands), you will adore this strange mesh of micro machines and the beautiful game. There aren’t many game modes to choose from, but when the gameplay is so insanely fun, the basic premise keeps you coming back for game after breathtakingly furious game. The fact that this was FREE if you were a PlayStation Plus subscriber sweetens this already scrumptious cake.

As a huge motorsport fan, I’m always on the hunt for the next great racing game to plough some time into. ‘Some’ time clocks in at a hefty 103 hours in this instance. It’s the most polished sim racer since the release of Gran Turismo 4 ten years previous, with vehicles meticulously crafted to match both the interior and exterior look of the real life counter parts. The licence is impressive, with a plethora of manufacturers represented; such as BMW, McLaren and current Formula One constructors’ champion, Mercedes.

Engines sing with all the gumption of a Tenor and your trusty race engineer adds another layer of authenticity. Perhaps the most influential layer of a racing game is the handling and this game is triumphant in this department; it is the epitome of superb car control, with a multitude of options to tinker with to suit your driving style. Fancy yourself the next Lewis Hamilton? Throw off all the driving aids to test your skills. More akin to driving like your nan? ABS and traction control can be tuned, to help you feel at one with your chosen mechanical beast.

Graphics, sound and handling. The three key components to get a racing SIM revving. Project Cars is thoroughly recommended, if you’re a racing enthusiast or not and fully deserves its top 5 placing.

This was my choice for game of the year until September. Gothic, creepy and tense, Bloodborne was as much a horror title as an action RPG. The grotesque inhabitants of Yarnham provide a stern challenge to even the most experienced hard-core gamer, proving a good gauge of your reflexes and ingenuity. There wasn’t a huge selection of toys to choose from to hack your enemies to death; however each weapon has two very unique functions, which added depth and tactical options to the combat. Throw in a gun, perhaps even a shield and you could adopt your equipment to match your play style.

I managed to battle through to the bitter end of Bloodborne’s excellent, albeit hidden narrative. You definitely had to work hard to piece together the story, but that’s what I loved most about this masterpiece. It makes you think about everything. What equipment to use, how aggressive to be, which bosses to fight. A game for the thinking man. Heaven.

Metal Gear Solid 5 is the culmination of all of Hideo Kojima’s gameplay ideas throughout the series. He somehow managed to pull off providing players with a multitude of gadgets, guns and companions and provide two vast maps for gamers to explore, and yet keep the core values which make a Metal Gear title. Stealth is still very much the ideal method to complete the majority of missions, but you’re not punished for ‘going Rambo’ and blowing up everything with a RPG.

Enemies were intelligent, changing tactics mid-way through fire fights to keep you thinking and enemy bases prepared for your attacks, by wearing helmets if your preferred method of neutralizing foes was a headshot for example.

Some will argue that the story was lacking, but I disagree. Sure, it’s not as cinematic as previous entries, but the cut scenes you do receive are supplemented by numerous audio logs, which could be listened to at your leisure. It’s a crying shame that we didn’t get the ending this game seemed to be building to (Google MGSV secret ending if you want to see the true ending) but I’m one of the few that enjoyed the final twist and the consequences it had on the whole series.

The base building mechanic added enjoyment for the micro manager in me and the online play is solid, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. All of these components came together to provide a stunning game and one fitting of Kojima’s last Metal Gear.

Bethesda announced the hotly anticipated sequel to Fallout 3 and New Vegas only a few months before its release, but in that short time, the amount of hype generated was off the charts, so much so that I was trepidatious when I popped the disc into my PS4. I needn’t have been concerned.

Fallout 4 put simply is; perfection. I’ve poured 100+ hours into this game and I foresee is stealing another 100 from my life. Sure, the main quest line is compelling, full of set pieces that punctuate the game and make you think ‘that was awesome’ and the developers have once again created a rich, detailed and intriguing world, but it’s always the side quests that offer the juiciest narrative and quirkiest characters, which was true with Fallout 4. The Silver Shroud quest was a personal highlight.

The gunplay was honed and refined, following the template laid out by New Vegas and the VATS combat system offered an alternative for those who want to cling on to the roots of the series. Fallout has never been known for its graphical prowess and this theme continues in the latest entry, but there were still moments when I looked across the wasteland and saw a strange beauty from the nuclear wasteland.

The crowning achievement in Fallout 4 was the settlement building. It is a little fiddly when you first start to craft your settlements of down trodden waste landers and the game does a poor job of explaining how to shape buildings, but when you grasp the basics, the results can be amazing. I have 10 settlements in total, all with unique layouts and selling points. One has a barbeque area for example, with a fully stocked pool table, whereas another settlement has a 50ft tower of death, filled with 20 missile turrets and 4 large power generators, to keep raiders at bay.

I understand that some can’t look past the bugs and quirks of the game (I’ve yet to experience any game breaking bugs, but they are most definitely out there), however I simply can’t deny this game the top spot on the list. It is truly a marvel of current gaming and is a pinnacle that may not be topped until a certain Mr Drake comes calling in April.

What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below.

Honourable mentions

Superbly funny, episodic, narrative driven adventure from Telltale.

Another narrative driven game, but one I became fully invested in. Sad, poignant story, with a nice twist. Problems with bugs.

Some excellent examples of episodic narratives this year. Story sagged slightly in the middle, but still an impressive and pretty experience.

Probably the game closest to pushing Rocket League out of the top 5: excellent open world, intriguing characters and amazing visuals make this a strong game for RPG fans.

@MisterHerbish – @GrumpyGamers – /GrumpyGamers – r/GrumpyGamers