Reviews by dcraigross

FIFA 10 (Xbox 360) review

EA have done what they're best at and made key improvements to their last FIFA game making it a much more fun and accurate representation of football. Most of the modes have been updated for the better as well as some new modes that have been added. One of my favourites is the new Live Season where you can play fixtures of your chosen team with accurately updated stats and lineups. Basically if you liked 08 and 09 there's enough new here that its worth checking out 10. If you've always been into Pro Evo and never liked FIFA then it's unlikely this new release will change your mind.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) review

This is seriously one of the best games i've ever played on any platform. Naughty Dog have taken a game that was already really quite a brilliant adventure/shooter and added so much polish, clever ideas and cinematic moments that I was hooked from start till finish. For those unfamiliar with the gameplay in Uncharted it is basically a mash up of the cover-based shooting of Gears of War and the running-jumping-climbing of the Prince of Persia series. However added to the basic gameplay are so many memorable moments and spectacular scenes that it had my jaw dropping many different times. Added to the fantastic singleplayer is a brand new multiplayer mode which is surprisingly addictive and adds something different to the online space.

Street Fighter IV (PS3) review

For anyone who, like me, remembers playing Street Fighter II in arcades or on consoles growing up Street Fighter IV gives just the right balance of nostalgia and next generation gloss. There will be characters you remember (e.g. Ryu, Chun Li) as well as new characters (Rose, El Furte). Great stylised graphics, it plays 2d but looks 3d. It's easy to jump in and start pulling off cool looking moves and simple combos but there is enough depth that experienced players will be able to do some really elaborate combos. Multiplayer works well and is mostly lag free, you can even set it to allow a player to challenge you online during your single-player arcade mode. I didn't like all the hassle you have to go through to unlock all the characters, you will find it really hard to get the last couple like Akuma. All in all though fighting fans won't be dissappointed.

FIFA 09 (Xbox 360) review

If you really liked FIFA 08 then EA took the control and features introduced in that game and expands on them. Be a Pro has been greatly expanded and you can now control a single player for a whole season, as well as play 10v10 online. Greater still is the ability to form a "Club" with your friends and challenge others to matches. They seem to have fixed all the minor quirks and issues with 08 and the gameplay just feels tighter overall. I can't really find anything to criticise about the game other than I wish there was an option to go back to 5v5 online because I felt it was an ideal setup. FIFA 09 is definitely better than the competition again this year in my opinion.

ICO (PS2) review

One of the best games to come out in the PS2's lifespan Ico has a totally unique aesthetic, the art design is simply stunning, the design of the whole gameworld is unlike any other and if you are the type to get totally immersed in a game and its characters then you will leave this one a different person. You owe it to yourself to try out this game and also it's sequel Shadow of the Collossus.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3) review

COD4 really does have something for everyone. If you enjoy playing online you will be amazed by the depth and customisation here and even if you only enjoy playing offline you will be taken in by the excellent single player campaign which is like a roller-coaster ride that never lets up until its conclusion. Infinity Ward have shown themselves to be the true visionaries of the Call of Duty franchise and they skipped World at War to work on the next in the franchise so if you have a choice go with this game until COD5 arrives.

Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) review

If you've been drawn in by the hype then you might believe that GTAIV revolutionises the concept established by the previous games. Truthfully I think it falls far short of that mark. Missions as always boil down to driving places and killing/chasing people. Sure it looks amazing and most of the cinema scenes are very well acted however I felt let down that the city - while expansive and detailed - felt dead to me. You can only enter a couple of the buildings and even then, only during missions. Landmarks such as the theme park are for viewing only and this leads to a world that feels less involving than what what was promised. If you're looking for the next GTA game with great graphics you won't be dissappointed but if you want the next big step in open world adventure then you may be left feeling a little short-changed.

The Orange Box (Xbox 360) review

The Orange Box is a great value package. If, like I had, you've never played any of the Half Life 2 series of games then no question this is a must play. Even several years on Half Life 2 is still one of the most immersive and fun first-person shooters available and episodes 1 and 2 take the game in new and interesting directions. Then you have Portal, an incredibly inventive and hilarious puzzle game that critics have been raving about since it's release and Team Fortress 2 is a solid multiplayer only game. Many people have already experienced the Half Life 2 series already and that may reduce the value on offer here. Valve havn't changed much here, short of adding achievements and TF2 seems to have been left behind by the Xbox Live masses as it's hard to find a game. Still worth a rent.