Just chiming in on the mentioned titles, even though it's not really my conversation...
I agree that Modern Warfare's single-player was quite good. Comparing it to Half-Life (1 or 2) isn't quite a direct comparison though, as they're not the same thing. HL is more paced, more puzzle/physics-driven, with hints of story throughout. MW, on the other hand, is all about squad-based attacks and international crises. One is subtle sci-fi with its moments of adrenaline (like District 9), the other is a complete season of 24 mixed with The Unit.
The criticisms I hold for Modern Warfare are that the enemy spawns do break the atmosphere once you know the system. In particularly difficult situations, it rewards you for running forward and drawing fire. Whether or not that's smart for a real-world squad is debatable, since your point man's likely going to end up resembling a pink sponge. (even if it draws enemy fire and allows an advance) Otherwise, I found it incredibly well-crafted and intense.
FarCry had amazing atmosphere, but the ridiculous story and terrible voice acting killed it for me. The Trigens were a complete turnoff. Stalking through jungles was a ton of fun though, and I loved the simlar parts in Crysis too. FarCry 2 was essentially GTA:Africa, with mixed results. I really enjoyed the open feel, beautiful environments, weapons/safe houses and more high grass stalking. The downsides were stiff dialogue, a story with zero emotional investment, tedious travel times and sluggish pace.
Bioshock? I never played the System Shock titles, but Bio mostly held my interest. Its setting dripped (groan) with atmosphere and art direction was top-notch. On the other hand, the weapons weren't very satisfying and I ended up playing the most of it with stealth and Wrench Jockey. Taking Big Daddies out with only a Wrench (and maybe a freeze plasmid) is fun, I did it out of distaste for the weapons. Lack of ammo might've forced that, too, but it was still a good game. Once the story's major revelation occurs, however, it went downhill. The first 3/4 of the game are what I like to remember instead.
/edit, I'm still getting used to these goofy <>'s in the code instead of brackets
I agree that Modern Warfare's single-player was quite good. Comparing it to Half-Life (1 or 2) isn't quite a direct comparison though, as they're not the same thing. HL is more paced, more puzzle/physics-driven, with hints of story throughout. MW, on the other hand, is all about squad-based attacks and international crises. One is subtle sci-fi with its moments of adrenaline (like District 9), the other is a complete season of 24 mixed with The Unit.
The criticisms I hold for Modern Warfare are that the enemy spawns do break the atmosphere once you know the system. In particularly difficult situations, it rewards you for running forward and drawing fire. Whether or not that's smart for a real-world squad is debatable, since your point man's likely going to end up resembling a pink sponge. (even if it draws enemy fire and allows an advance) Otherwise, I found it incredibly well-crafted and intense.
FarCry had amazing atmosphere, but the ridiculous story and terrible voice acting killed it for me. The Trigens were a complete turnoff. Stalking through jungles was a ton of fun though, and I loved the simlar parts in Crysis too. FarCry 2 was essentially GTA:Africa, with mixed results. I really enjoyed the open feel, beautiful environments, weapons/safe houses and more high grass stalking. The downsides were stiff dialogue, a story with zero emotional investment, tedious travel times and sluggish pace.
Bioshock? I never played the System Shock titles, but Bio mostly held my interest. Its setting dripped (groan) with atmosphere and art direction was top-notch. On the other hand, the weapons weren't very satisfying and I ended up playing the most of it with stealth and Wrench Jockey. Taking Big Daddies out with only a Wrench (and maybe a freeze plasmid) is fun, I did it out of distaste for the weapons. Lack of ammo might've forced that, too, but it was still a good game. Once the story's major revelation occurs, however, it went downhill. The first 3/4 of the game are what I like to remember instead.
/edit, I'm still getting used to these goofy <>'s in the code instead of brackets
The sword might be grateful to the forge fire, but never fond of it.
This message last edited by Zalis on 01/09/2009 at 06:26:30 PM
So what's the most disappointing game in your current library?
- 31/08/2009 05:50:30 AM
1009 Views
Re: So what's the most disappointing game in your current library?
- 31/08/2009 06:52:31 AM
1157 Views
The worst game I own is a DS game. Does that count?
- 31/08/2009 12:40:18 PM
788 Views
Braaaaaaaaaaaaawl. 
*NM*
- 31/08/2009 01:37:25 PM
415 Views
*NM*
- 31/08/2009 01:37:25 PM
415 Views
I second that one. *NM*
- 31/08/2009 04:27:07 PM
435 Views
Funny, I loved every minute of it, and still do.
- 31/08/2009 04:59:38 PM
796 Views
It all comes down to depth.
- 01/09/2009 04:33:24 AM
816 Views
Re: So what's the most disappointing game in your current library?
- 31/08/2009 02:34:50 PM
961 Views
Re: Infamous
- 31/08/2009 04:51:40 PM
748 Views
Call of Duty 4
- 31/08/2009 05:20:23 PM
828 Views
Re: Call of Duty 4
- 31/08/2009 06:51:07 PM
791 Views
The problem is that it is counter-intuitive in a military simulator.
- 01/09/2009 12:47:45 AM
777 Views
A simulator? You're definitely approaching the game wrong if that's what you were expecting.
- 01/09/2009 01:00:07 AM
818 Views
But by employing a modern aesthetic, it does encourage playing in a more modern style.
- 01/09/2009 02:31:21 AM
802 Views
Re: But by employing a modern aesthetic, it does encourage playing in a more modern style.
- 01/09/2009 05:11:56 AM
793 Views
Opinions no one asked for, but voila.
- 01/09/2009 06:24:22 PM
750 Views
If an opinion were meant to be private, we'd take it to PMs. Glad to have you chime in.
- 01/09/2009 07:23:48 PM
786 Views
Chocobo's Dungeon on the Wii. Collecting more dust than the system itself. *NM*
- 31/08/2009 09:25:55 PM
353 Views
Re: So what's the most disappointing game in your current library?
- 03/09/2009 07:44:39 PM
716 Views