A mixed bag of goodies
Haze Demo (PS3) Free UK PSN
So far I’ve only been through the offline version of the demo but I was relatively surprised by how nice it is. Haze is yet another FPS but the main selling point for this is not the guns but the Nectar drug that the soldiers take to enhance their abilities.
The controls and gfx are standard FPS fair but they still look rather nice. The story appears to be the beginning of the game and gives you a good introduction into the world of Haze. I’ll let you know what I think to the 4 player online co-op when I get chance to test it later this week.
Bourn Conspiracy Demo (PS3) Free US PSN
I was expecting a game in the vien of Uncharted and have been surprised that it plays out more like an interactive movie than anything else.
The Demo but you in the role of Jason Bourne but sadly sans Matt Damon. The demo gives you three different level styles to try. Run and punch / escape mission set with Bourne and his red bag from Bourne: Identity. Which features a boss battle and having to escape sniper shots. You get thrown straight into the action which was a little disconcerting at first due to the fact that not much of the controls are explained but are relatively simple. The only issue was the action sequences that require you to press a button quickly or be captured. The fighting is simple but looks like the close quarters fighter that are a signature of the films.
The second level is a run and gun mission which allows you to shoot ot puch your way through to another boss battle.
The third is a chase sequence which starts in Paris with the girl he later goes on to have a relationship but with him avoiding the police in a red mini. Sadly this part is the least special of all the parts I played.
My first impression was it’s nice but I’m not going to rush out and buy it, would certainly have a go on a rental copy though.
Bishi Bashi Special (PS1) £3.99 UK PSN
A friend told me I really should check this out and to my amazement it’s a brilliant collection of truly random mini-games. None last much longer than 30 seconds but are alsorts of strange from etering number, turning combination locks, collecting cheese as a mouse, making burgers. The list seems endless and I only had a bash on about 30 games. I’ll provide a full review soon but from what I’ve played it’s very much a Sony version of Warioware.
Beats (PSP) £4.99 UK PSN
Now I cannot say how damn amazing this game / tool is. I say game but I have played very little of it due to the fact that it’s basic beatami (ie rhythm matching button presses). You can also play this with music stored on your Memory Stick duo. Works well with DJ Shadows remix of the Uncharted theme.
The reason I call it a tool is that it allows you to make your own music using a collection of loops and samples and setting them up to play, which allow interaction in changing thing as they go.
I’m not the only one to have fallen madly in love with this as every friend I’ve shown it too and allowed them to play with has had to have my PSP wrestled back off them.
CoD4 Variety Map Pack 1 (PS3 DLC) £7.99 UK PSN
These have been anticipated for some time what I didn’t expect was that they would also be playable in splitscreen multiplayer and not just online. There are 4 maps in total:
Killhouse: Set in the training level from the beginning of the Story mode. A rather small area perfect for offline or small number of player games.
China Town: A rabbit warren of a level with loads of routes through shops and houses.
Creek: Which should be called snipers paradise as it is just that. A creek that can be used for sniper to shoot at each other. Al well as a few building and a tunnel. Loads of green and grey and very different from any of the pervious multiplayer levels.
Broadcast: Set in the TV station from the Story mode and a lot of fun a real mash of playing styles from running and gunning to Sniping.
Warhawk: Operation Broken Mirror (PS3 DLC) £3.99 UK PSN
Another map for Warhawk, but this one is on ice. I sadly have had very limited play but was impressed with the dogfight on it. There is also supposed to be a new APC vehicle. Allowing lots of troops to be transported at once, a bit like the drop-ship but on land. This also come equipped with a shield that cannot be penetrated by the enemy.
I’ll add a full review when I get chance to have a proper play.
