Crysis Warhead

I got me a new graphics card, so I figured it was time to put it through its paces. To that end, I borrowed one of the most graphically intensive games ever made. The half-sequel to Crysis - Crysis Warhead. Following Sgt. 'Psycho' Sykes' story, you're still a super-powered bad-ass in a nanotech suit. As for plot? Who. Cares. You're a super-powered bad-ass in a nanotech suit. Any plot is just an excuse for you to go shoot stuff and blow up everything. So, how's the shooting and explosions? Let me tell you.

There's a wide range of weaponry in this game, and you'll find a weapon or three that you like, and use the snot out of. There isn't really a bad gun. Just ones you'll prefer. As for the explosions? Very nice. 

They revamped the engine for this, so it's not quite the resource hog that Crysis was. What this means is you get all the wonderful, beautiful, stunning graphics of Crysis, but without the crawling frame rates. If you shied away from the first one because your machine just couldn't handle it, give this one a go. It'll still kick your machine in its graphics card, but at least it won't stomp on its neck as well. 

One last warning though: this game is difficult. I'm playing on easy, and doing well. However, I think I'd get chewed up and spit out if I went for even normal difficulty. This is definitely not the game to start your FPS career on. But, if you've got several games under your belt, and the machine to run full graphics, you are in for an amazing ride. Make sure to stop and smell the roses.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

I'm going to stick with the shorter review format. Life's been busy lately, and really, the point of the review is to let you know "Is it fun?" Following that rule, I now bring you the review of C&C: Red Alert 3.

Anyone who's familiar with either the Red Alert series, or the original Command & Conquer games knows what to expect. Real time strategy with low emphasis on resource gathering. This time around you have the Soviets and Allied Forces, as well as the Empire of the Rising Sun. The biggest differences between the factions are the way they construct buildings, and the "Secret Orders" or whichever term they're using. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the Empire, as their build style does not work well for me at all. The Secret Orders are a fun addition to the game, and if properly used, can quickly throw the balance of the game in to your favour. Even better, you get them more rapidly if you're the current underdog, as the meter to give you more points to spend on the Orders fills up faster if you have fewer units, buildings, resources, etc.

For the campaign mode, I have no idea how EA does it. They did it with C&C 3, and they did it here. They got a lot of recognizable actors, who all do a pretty darned good job. In addition, the briefings for each mission are given to you by intelligence officers. Each faction uses their own large-breasted, enthusiastic lady to give you your objectives. 

Basically, you can sum up the game in these words: Well-used actors, hot babes, a dangerously high cheese factor, and a solid RTS mechanic not bogged down by micromanaging with 3 factions who all play differently. 

I enjoyed this game, and can recommend it without reservation.