iGamerz – XGE

Oh yea!!! Der Riese! THE ZOMBIE MAP! This is the one that basically transformed zombies into what we have today. Der Riese (or The Giant,) was the first for many many things that wound up continuing in recent zombie maps. To this day, Der Riese is STILL a fan favorite, and hardcore fans consider this to be the best zombie map in existence. I’ve been waiting to do a review of this map ever since I decided to post reviews on zombie maps. So here goes.

Der Riese introduced us to teleporters, monkey bombs, major Easter Eggs, radios with hints, an in-depth story line, the Bowie Knife, and the much loved Pack-a-Punch Machine. Hell Hounds return along with the Wunderwaffe and our four main characters Dempsey, Richtofen, Nikolai, and Takeo. And as opposed to Shi No Numa which had Japanese zombies, Der Riese returned with Nazi Zombies.

The setting is a factory near Breslau Germany in 1945 (during an eclipse no less) which Element 115 was being tested and experimented on by Nazi scientists to weaponize and create super soldiers. The Nazi’s created a branch of Nazi scientists to do the experiments on the element. This group of scientists were called Group 935. Group 935 successfully created powerful weaponry, as well as teleporter devices and other things. In Der Riese we find out how all these things came to pass. Element 115 was the tool necessary in many things…including bringing the dead back to life. During tests with the teleporters, subjects would teleport but return as zombies making the teleporters still in their testing phase.

During Group 935’s experiments, a break out occurred causing a large amount of deaths. Nobody made it out alive. Nobody except Dr. Edward Richtofen who was the apprentice of scientist in charge of Group 935, Dr. Maxis. Dr. Maxis had a daughter named Samantha, and Samantha had a pregnant dog named Fluffy. Dr. Maxis was using Samantha’s dog Fluffy in his experiments with the teleporters. During one experiment, Samantha walked into the lab to find her father using her dog as a guinea pig in his experiments. In her desperate attempt to save her dog from her fathers twisted experiments, she ran into the lab where the tests were being conducted. Fluffy had teleported but upon return was now zombified. Dr. Maxis frantically tried to get his daughter out of the lab when Dr. Edward Richtofen betrays Dr. Maxis, locking the door to the exit killing both Dr. Maxis and Samantha at the hands of her own pet dog.

There are many things learned throughout this map. First of all, we learn that Dr. Edward Richtofen is under orders by a shadowy society called “The Illuminati.” The reason Richtofen killed Dr. Maxis was because of an order by the Illuminati, as we see in symbols throughout the map. When translated, we can see the messages clearly.

Richtofen now needs to return to Der Riese for unknown reasons (as of yet) and uses the help of the other three characters Dempsey, Nikolai and Takeo. Some think he was sent back by the Illuminati to retrieve items left behind during the break out. Some think he went back to retrieve the remaining Element 115 that was left behind. Either way, there’s much to learn about what Richtofen’s true goals are.

In later maps we find out that Dempsey, Nikolai and Takeo are nothing more than pawns being used by Richtofen, and that they are being experimented on using Element 115. There memories have been wiped clean and they only know that they’re under attack by a horde of zombies. By finding the radios throughout this map, the story begins to unfold and some questions are answered. Unfortunately, more questions are left unanswered than answered.

This map has it all and is still fun to play no matter how many times it’s been played. I must admit that even with all the Black Ops zombie maps already finished, this one is still my favorite to play. It has a dark atmosphere that is lacking in the Black Ops maps. Der Riese hasn’t even been touched by the maps that came after it in my opinion. Of course, there are still more zombie maps to come including the Moon map which is set to release August 23rd for XBOX 360 and probably a month of PS3 and PC.

Indeed Der Riese is my all time favorite zombie map and will continue to be until a better one is released. Out of 5 severed fingers, Der Riese gets all five.

Easter Eggs:

Der Riese has many Easter Eggs. There are 7 radios found throughout this map that clue us in on certain happenings in the storyline. One is in the spawn room, one is in the lab, one is in the teleporter A room, one is in the room right above the steps in the furnace room, one is in the teleporter B room, one is in the teleporter C room, and one is in the little cave like part  under Dr. Maxis’s office.

There are several writings found throughout this map. Some are on walls, some are on the ground, and some are found behind the windows. Some of them must be decoded using the chart above.

There is a brick in the room with the furnace that can be removed using the reload button. Under it is a note.

The Fly Trap is an achievement but also considered an Easter Egg. If you pack a punch a weapon (besides the Flame Thrower) you can activate it. It’s right outside the map behind one of the windows on the Trench Gun side of the map. You must shoot the fly trap with a pap’d gun and you’ll find that 3 teddy bears are located on the map afterwards. This is a game called Hide and Seek that is played with Samantha. You must find and shoot the 3 teddy bears to hear Samantha say “You win, GAME OVER!!!”

The song “Beauty of Annihilation” by Elena Siegman and Kevin Sherwood is activated by pressing reload on the 3 spinal chords found on the map. One is in the small room next to teleporter B and 2 are in the lab.

Hell Yeah!

Call of Duty? Check!

Nazi Zombies? Check!

Online Multiplayer (WiFi)? Check!

This game has it all! Excellent graphics, excellent controls, multiplayer, and most importantly its a shit load of fun!

I didn’t even realize this was headed our way on the iPhone and I was quite surprised when I found it while trolling the App Store. I immediately picked this one up and gave it a go…

Game Play

Call of Duty Zombies offers two modes of play. You can play the single player campaign or you can join up with four team members (two if you are using Bluetooth). One down side here is currently you only have one map to play on. According to the developers new maps should be on the way soon. We are not sure if it will be free or purchased DLC but either way I am looking forward to some additional maps.

The single map available does provide for some interesting strategizing on your part though. As you kill the zombies you will earn points that you can use to either purchase new weapons or open various pathways throughout the map. You can use this to your advantage to control the paths available to the zombies as they begin to over take you in later rounds. Each entrance the zombies can utilize are boarded up with the exception of a tunnel that will open up once you unlock the door to the second room on the bottom floor. The zombies must breakdown the barrier before the can enter the building.

Head shot coming right up!!

The game play is divided into rounds. Each round will increase the amount of zombies that want to eat your brain. You will have a little breather between each round to restock ammo, repair barriers, or try your luck at the random weapon box. The weapon box also adds some excitement to the game. For a cheap price you can grab some pretty decent firepower or you may get lucky and score some hardcore firepower. I highly recommend opening the clock on the second floor and picking up the flame thrower. Roast Zombie meat for all!!

COD Zombies also offers an achievement system which provides some interesting goals to achieve like blowing your self up with a grenade and taking three zombies with you!

Ahhhhhh!

Controls

The controls all seem to work well although, I have spent the most time playing with the Dual Stick configuration. I found the controls smooth and responsive in the Dual Stick configuration. I have had an issue a few times getting the flame thrower to fire though.

Braaaaaiiiiinns

Graphics & Sound

The graphics are nicely polished and smooth. On my iPhone 3GS the frame rate has been consistent regardless of how many of the undead are running after me. Atmosphere is perfect for scaring the hell out of you especially when things are getting crazy. Creepy noises, moaning, and screaming zombies all add to the atmosphere of the game. Which sounds awesome when you have your earbuds strapped to your ears. The heavy music just adds to the excitement.

Closing

We have seen a few issues where shooting the zombie does not inflict any damage and repairing barriers does not give you any points but don’t let that stop you from making this most excellent purchase. Hopefully those issues will be fixed in the next version. Also, I think this game would benefit if they enabled Voice Chat. Working out strategies with your team members would make this game even better.

Also don’t forget to setup an account on codwaw.com and link it to your iPhone COD user to track all your zombie killing stats!

Please stop by our forums to discuss strategy or setup private games.

iGamerz Recommended!

The battle between good and evil continues in this less than crappy adaption to the smash hit movie Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. He he. Of course there can’t be a sequel without some twists and turns. Decepticons aren’t the only antagonizer this time as The Fallen return (from God knows where) to claim their universe…or wait…our universe.

Roll Out…

The only rolling I wanted to do the whole time was to take this UMD disc and drive a STEAM ROLLER over it. This games sucks. Let me say that again. This game SUCKS!!! It’s called Transformers BUT YOU CAN’T TRANSFORM!!!

You can pick Autobot missions or Decepticon missions. Each mission is THE EXACT SAME THING! YOU running around with a big gun and shooting hordes of robots until you excel to the end of the mission. Watch the crappy cut scenes and do it all over again until finally, you reach the end of the game where you get to kick the crap out of The Fallen (which is only one guy by the way.)

Each time you select a mission (whether it be Autobot or Decepticon) you are given a choice as to who your character will be. There are some familiars such as Bumble Bee, Optimus, Starscream, and Megatron; and there are some new characters who aren’t worth mentioning. Your main weapon is a gun which you can upgrade throughout the level until it’s just a clutter of lazer beams damaging everything in it’s path, and some bombs. Did I mention that you can’t transform? Yea, I did. There is one level that you get to drive as a transformed vehicle which I believe is Bumble Bee, but that level sucks. Oh yea this whole game sucks.

Movie Adaption Games Must Be Stopped…No Matter the Cost…

Seriously, I give up on buying movie adaption games for PSP. It’s like they don’t even try. EVERY SINGLE MOVIE ADAPTION GAME FOR THE PSP SUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCKKKKKKSSSSS!!! Harry Potter, Wolverine, Transformers etc. I happen to know for a fact that the PS3 has great movie adaption games. Why can’t the PSP? Why?

Ok let me get to the graphics and sound….Graphics=suck. Sound=sucks. Fun=sucks. I’m sorry to be so drab but this was too much for me. It’s like asking for a motorcycle for Christmas and getting a BMX bike instead. I’m sick of this crap. This game gets a third of a quarter of a third of a star out of five for me. DON’T BOTHER!!! The only good thing about this game is when you beat it you get some old Transformers episodes to watch from the G1 era. That’s all folks.

I can’t even find any cheats or codes for this piece of crap.

Our favorite wizards are back for their sixth year at Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry. In this installment Professor Dumbledoor needs Harry to learn more about Lord Voldemorts (a.k.a. Tom Riddle) past in order to find out where he hid his soul, which has been split into seven pieces called Horcruxe’s. Harry must travel through Hogwarts and many other destinations dueling it out with students and Death Eaters alike while continuing his education at school and various other academic obligations. As always there is new characters to add to the mix such as Professor Slughorn, who is Harry’s potions teacher and source of information about Lord Voldemorts past.

But I Am the Chosen One…

Patience is a virtue in this chapter of the Harry Potter saga because there is a lot of running around to be done. For instance, you are assigned missions throughout the game given to you by teachers, students, and various other people. As you run throughout the castle you are given clues by students and teachers of where you should be headed. The only problem is that once you’ve made it to the person or place you were told to go, a bunch of other tasks are added to the list. It gets a bit predictable once you go through it enough times. There are also little mini games throughout the game you can play for fun, and to earn items to trade for other items and so forth.

Quiddich is here…and it sucks. I was so exited to play Quiddich when I first started playing this game, but boy was I disapointed. It’s just an aerial view of the Quiddich stadium, and the players look like little Matchbox cars floating aimlessly into one another. I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on the first time I played it because I was in shock of how bad it looked. Get the ball, dodge your opponent, get to the goal, and throw the ball in. Repeat until you win and voila, you’ve just won Quiddich. They could have made this part of the game on the old Super Nintendo. I’m talkin 16 bit graphics man, and controlling your player is a royal pain in the arse.

Speaking of Controls and Graphics…

I’ve haven’t been looking forward to doing this review because I’m a Harry Potter fan, and this game just gives it a bad name. The graphics just don’t look good. Harry’s head is too big and everything just looks too cartoony. I haven’t really come to expect much from the Harry Potter Game series because I’ve played all the other games and they weren’t that great. Basically what I’m trying to say is that this games suckyness comes as no big surprise. The graphics look like crap and the controls are a mess. You can only cast spells on books, plants, spider webs and stupid little things which is just plain lame. Even the Order of the Pheonix’s spell casting style and options were better.

The only good things about this game is the dueling sequences and the music, and I guess the mini games too. Obviously the music was straight out of the movie so they couldn’t have messed that up too much. The dueling is (just a little) fun because you get to shoot someone with your wand, but even this blows because you just stand there while you shoot and block…shoot and block…shoot and block. The spells take an hour to get to your opponent and they go down way too easy. The mini games are a mix between bowling and pool, mixed with a little pin ball. Some of the games are reminiscent of the old “remember the card and find the ones that match” games which I always had fun with, but all in all I would have to say to skip out on this one unless your a straight up die hard fan. I give it a 2 out of 5 stars.

No cheats yet.

Trailer

A fighting style game with all your favorite Mavel heros, Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects allows to kick the crap outta your least favorite characters with your favorite ones. Use your characters special abilities to conquer and defeat those who stand in your way(but use it sparingly because it has to recharge after a certain amount of usage.) A 3D fighting arena with Marvel Super Heros is baaaaaad news.

What the…

Start your game with only two available characters? What the hell is this crap? Johnny Ohm and The Thing are the only two characters you are allowed to use until you unlock all the others. Let me just tell you how grueling it is just to unlock other players. You have to beat a campaign mode of ten challengers in a best out of 3 round match just to unlock 1 or 2 new characters. This can take a long time so knowing me, I just looked up to see if there were any cheats to make this less of a pain in the butt. Well the answer is a big fat NO! You have to play the campaign (and beat it with every player) until you win. That’s it in a nutshell.

On the bright side, after defeating each character you get to select a card that gives you a limited amount of extra energy, or lets your powers recharge faster, or extra strength etc. There is also online game play for the competitive type. It can be fun but it gets awfully repetitive after you have been playing for a while.

Hows It Look and Sound?

The graphics are “eh” and the music is “eh..er.” The gameplay and controls are a hastle sometimes and only allow two control setup options (I hate games that do that.) I can’t really say too many things about this game. To make a fighting game with Marvel characters sounds awsome but it doesn’t deliver like you might hope (or at least like I would’ve hoped.) I’m gonna give this game a 2 1/2 outta 5 star rating. It’s just not that fun.

For some tips and tricks go to http://cheats.ign.com/ob2/068/681/681937.html

Peter Parker a.k.a. Spiderman is tossed into another villainous situation where friends become mortal enemies, and college professors turn into…well Doc Ock in a game adaption of the ever popular movie Spiderman 2. Play throughout warehouses and museums fighting thugs and rescuing civilians until finally meeting some expected and unexpected bosses. The game follows most of the movies story, but for extra fun (I guess) they decided to throw in a couple of added bonuses such as Shocker and a couple others I won’t mention for those who haven’t played it yet.

Do What Ever a Spider Can Do…With Limits

This isn’t exactly a free roaming game, but it is, but it ain’t, but still it is kinda. Those of you who have played The Spectacular SpiderMan for the PS2 shouldn’t be expecting the same thing with the movie adaption games. I thought I was in for another go at New York City when and where I wanted, but this game is based more on missions and such. There are a few levels where you get to swing around, but it’s during a mission and you don’t get to explore much (unless you sneak away somehow.)

If you have seen the movie, then you pretty much know what to expect for the storyline. They did add a few things to spice it up, but nothing too amazing. Actually the added things can be a bit annoying. For the most part you can assume that your playing a souped up version of the actual movie.

And?…

The graphics are what you would expect in gameplay, but the cut scenes look great. The music is just average with the heavy metal guitars at boss fights (you know what I’m talking about.) They tried to get the animation to fit the movies sequences to a tee in some scenes, and they did a pretty good job. As far as game play and controls are concerned, you have no worries there. The only thing that is a little bothersome is when you climb a wall and the camera goes crazy and you can’t figure out which direction you going. Also when your swinging webstyle it can be a little confusing at first.

All in all I’d say it’s a pretty good game. If your a fan of the series you might as well grab this one to add to your collection. Don’t let the box and the commercials fool you though, this might not be what your expecting in a SpiderMan game but it’ll probably do the trick for ya. 3 1/2 stars outta 5 for me.

Trailer

Join Ratchet and Clank on a hand held adventure through the universe. Access Ratchets arsenol of weapons to blow up your targets to bits with the biggest and most rediculous weapons available. Isn’t that what the games all about anyway, blowin stuff up? I mean come on, how does he even carry all those weapons at once huh? Can somebody explain that to me? Please?

Size Don’t Matter, It’s How You Use It….Your Guns That Is

Just like your favorite R&C games for the PS2, this one is all fun all the time. The game pretty much takes place in outer space as you travel from planet to planet killing robots with huge guns…thats pretty much it…but how fun does that sound? As you progress through the game you collect bolts from all the enemies you kill until you can purchase the latest and most expensive blaster available. Some of these guns are so destructive that you can actually send your enemies into a black hole (you gotta play the game to know what I mean.)

Not all the levels require Ratchet to jump around and smack robots with a giant hammer, some levels use Clank as the hero. In certain levels Clank turns into a giant with Ratchet as the passenger. Also there is an arena where you can collect some bolts to make more purchases. Fly around, walk around, even swim your way through the mud in an adventure that is sure to run your PSP battery to no bars.

Graphics, Sound, and Fun

As you may or may not know, I’m a huge fan of fun (that’s sarcasm for those who can’t understand it.) Insomniac knows what the general gamer enjoys and gives you lots of it. The graphics are no less than its PS2 cousins, and the music is on point as well. I’m gonna go ahead and recommend this one to ANYBODY in the world because it’s that good. In fact, I’m gonna go ahead and recommend all the R&C games for every console to everyone in the world. If you don’t like this game or any other R&C games, come see me and we’ll fix ya right up with a nice lobotomy. Need I say more?

For Cheats and Walkthroughs http://cheats.ign.com/ob2/068/824/824315.html

Trailer

Parkour is the art of fluid motion through an urban evironment (so they say) and you are a tracier…one who practices Parkour. Ahh yes that sounds fun doesn’t it? Well if your interested in jumping off of building onto another, or running against walls and jumping off and all that good stuff then this games for you. If only I had an athletic bone in my body…………..oh well I’ll just stick to video games.

Just Do It:

Select a character and get started on your training as some guy named Sebastien guides you through the steps of Parkour. Learn how to run up walls and jump off while hitting the right button combo upon landing. Actually running up walls is the least of what you’ll get yourself into in this Mirrors Edge wannabe. The only difference between this game and Mirrors Edge is the 3rd person view that you have throughout the game aside from the graphics and fun. After you finish training you are ready to get to the real action. Go through levels with your skills and unlock newer levels.

This game is pretty basic in that you defeat a level and move on to the next, but at your own discresion. The moves arent always easy to pull off because there’s so many button combos you have to remember, but once you have them down and become a real live tracier you’ll start having the limited amount of fun that this game offers. It’s like acrobats, but in the city.  As in most games like these you can unlock videos and clothes and such but nothing really special.

Whats the Deal?

Well here’s the deal…I can’t really say that this is a great game because it’s not. I mean, it’s ok but nothing great. The graphics are mediocre and the music is repaticious (meaning all you hear is the tamborine and the urban drum sound throughout the whole game.) The controls are iffy and sometimes pulling off moves is a little tough. If you’ve mastered them then there isn’t much of a problem, but it could take a while.

My honest opinion is if you want a game that claims to be a free roaming game, then get Spiderman or something. I’ve often sat there and wondered why I was playing it, but at times I was happy that I was. It’s just fun to run and jump around and do all the tricks for a while, but then it gets tiresome. I’ll put this game in the rainy day section.

Cheats and Walkthroughs are not yet available for this game.

Trailer

Enter the wizarding world as Harry Potter himself in a gassed up version of the movie. With Ron and Hermione by your side throughout the entire game, you must complete certain tasks and learn new magic until the final battle with Vuldi himself. To the movie fans, this is good news because this game is very identical to the movie.

The Tri-Wizard Tournament:

Just like the movie, Harry gets chosen to participate in three dangerous tasks known as the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Travel the exterior of Hogwarts and beyond as you work your way up to the final fight with Lord Voldemort. You can also play mini games to earn magic beans which help to increase your abilities. Unlock the three tournaments as you play through the levels and Professor Moodys challenges.

The three tournament tasks are way fun. In the first one you have to ride your broom in an effort to escape a fire breathing dragon. The second task is an underwater mission in which some of your friends must be rescued from sea creatures. The final task is the maze, but if you have seen the movie then you already know all of this. Finally you get to kick The Dark Lords behind in the graveyard.

I thought this game would be boring, but it proved to be very entertaining and I couldn’t put it down. The first few levels follow no real order so you can play those levels in any way you want, and go back when you want. You have to collect magic shields to progress and some of them are hidden. You must solve little puzzles in order to find some of them which has always been a favorite of mine, but for the most part they are easy to find. The mini games are the type where you must flip a picture and match it with another and so forth so if you don’t feel like playing the real game, you have these to play. A plus to this game is that you get to equip yourself with spells inbetween levels, so if you know what your up against you can plan ahead.

Graphics, Gameplay, Sound, and Fun:

The graphics and sound are ok, but it would have been better if the real actors would do the voices. The response time for spells and the attacks is off by a fraction of a second so you kinda have to think ahead. If you get the controls down and your comfortable with casting spells then your going to have a good time playing this game. The only problem I really had was the response time. If this game had spot on controls, it would be a lot better but all in all it’s still a great game.

I recommend this game to fans and non fans alike. The developers could have really messed this game up if they didn’t try, but it turned out to be a great game. If you missed out on this one and you like the series, go out and pick up a used copy. You won’t regret it.

For the walkthrough go Here

Size Matters

Everything in this game is BIG. From the boards to the enemy bosses to the challenges (while engulfed in gore,) your fighting to survive on a mission from the gods to do their bidding. A slave to his masters, Kratos or The Ghost of Sparta must free Helios the sun god from the evil clutches of Morpheus whos obviously not a very nice person. Ride the Sun Chariots of Helios and earn your way through massive beautiful levels as you travel through citys and mountains until finally reaching the dreaded Hades. Earn new spells and gain new attacks with your good ol’ Blades of Chaos or punch through your enemies face when you finally gain access to The Guantlet of Zeus. Many surprise twists and familiar faces await your approval in this story of good gods gone bad vs. the rebel slave.

Graphics and Gameplay:

I was impressed with the amount of story they had in this game. The graphics look just as good if not better than the PS2, and they fit lots of cut scenes in there. The controls are on point and combos are easy to execute and believe me you’ll need it. The only problem I had was how much the game slows down during big fight scenes with a lot of enemies. It can be really frustrating when your surrounded and the games going in slow motion. Other than the slow motion moments I have no complaints and couldn’t put this game down.

Challenges and Extras:

There are four different levels of difficulty: Mortal, Hero, Spartan, and God which is borderline impossible. Play through the different levels of difficulty to unlock certain extras. The extras are o.k. but nothing great. You can earn new outfits to play through the first three difficulties with, but you can’t use anything on God Mode. Let me just say, if you are planning on playing God Mode be ready to pad your walls with pillow or something soft. You wouldn’t wanna break your PSP would you?

Unlock the Challenge of Hades which is a five level bloodbath pretty much. Its challenges consist of one room to dodge duck and weave between the bad guys using only spells, or not getting hit once, or killing everything without running out of time… you get the idea.

You can also unlock all the games movies and image galleries. All in all I’d say this game is worth a buy. If your not satisfied with the normal difficulties or the extras then you could always play it on God Mode. You’ll get your moneys worth because you’ll be playing it until your in your 70′s… because it’s not possible to beat… unless your… a god.

For tips and walkthroughs click http://guides.ign.com/guides/886122/

Trailer