Hitman: Absolution (8.8/10)

To read the official full length review follow the link here: Hitman: Absolution.

The truth is that I’m not a huge fan of games like Hitman: Absolution. I’ve been preaching patience this entire review, but it’s not something I personally excel at. Ironically, I think that’s why I liked Absolution so much. You have such fluid control of 47 that if you get spotted, you can enjoy the action and shooting without feeling terribly guilty. In that sense, it reminds me a lot of the Metal Gear Solid games. When you do it right-when it all comes together and the hit comes off without a hitch, there are few games that live up to the same sense of success and accomplishment. Absolution is a fantastic addition to a series the defined a genre last generation, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with for our favorite bald assassin moving forward.

If you want to read more of my specific thoughts about the game, follow the link to read the full length review at Game Over Online.

Cheers,
Si

Score = 8.8 / 10
 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (9.0/10)

To read the official full length review follow the link here: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

When we look back over the illustrious history of video games, I often wonder where the Call of Duty franchise will fall in the grand scheme of things. From a sales perspective, the franchise is an unstoppable force. Apparently, Black Ops 2 grossed over five hundred million in the first twenty four hours alone, and has made well over a billion to date. The phrase "often imitated, but never duplicated" springs to mind as well considering the slew of copy-cats that we all keep thinking might offer some kind of competition, but in the end serve to emphasize just how dominant and well crafted Call of Duty is. The latest installment is Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, the sequel to the insanely popular original that released in 2010. And with a well crafted story, addictive multiplayer, and the return of the fan-favorite Zombie mode, Black Ops 2 may be the best the series has offered since the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

If you want to read more of my specific thoughts about the game, follow the link to read the full length review at Game Over Online!

Cheers,
Si

Score = 9.0 / 10

Halo 4 (9.4/10)

To read the official full length review follow the link here: Halo 4.

To tell the truth, there is not a lot to complain about with Halo 4. This series set the industry standard in a lot of ways, and the start of this new trilogy didn't disappoint... something I find reasonably impressive considering how high the expectations were. I found the campaign engaging and the narrative the most enjoyable in the series to date. The multiplayer is addictive as ever, and we all know there are a lot more maps are on the way. I really like the new Spartan Ops mode which is a great way to play with a core group, but is just as enjoyable solo. 343 Industries should be commended for showing us what true fans can do if given the opportunity. They made one of the best games of the year. It's good to be back in Chief's boots. Sure, the other Spartan's are bad ass, but there is only one Master Chief.

If you want to read more of my specific thoughts about the game, follow the link to read the full length review at DragonBlogger!

Cheers
Si

Score = 9.4 / 10

Worms Revolution (6.0/10)

To read the official full length review follow the link here: Worms Revolution. 

In the end, Worms Revolution is cute and fun if you're not taking it too seriously. If you do, it will drive you nuts. This is definitely a game that will appeal more to a certain "type of gamer." Puzzle fans will appreciate the inherent creativity in the design. It's also a nostalgic trip for those who grew up with the franchise, but most will find frustrations quickly thanks to control issues. The controls are finicky at best, and delayed reactions and other issues lead to a lot of "Are you freakin' kidding me???" moments. You really do need to exercise patience. Trying to rush through a level only results in starting fresh when you accidentally overshoot with a jet-pack and land in the water for the umpteenth time. Trust me, you'll end up banging your head against the wall. The sad truth is I wanted to like Worms Revolution more than I did. Still, it's nice to bring back the ridiculous carnage the worms always represented and it remains a fun way to waste time, especially if you have some equally inept friends at your side (and some beers). 

If you want to read more of my specific thoughts about the game, follow the link to read the full length review at Push Square!  

Cheers, 
Simon 

Score = 6.0 / 10

LEGO: Lord of the Rings (8.7/10)

To read the official full length review follow the link here: LEGO: Lord of the Rings.

The LEGO games have managed to successfully blend some of my favorite franchises with that irresistible LEGO charm. I love these games-I own them all and have 100%-ed more than half of them. So Traveler's Tales finally answered my prayers and made a new homage game with one of my absolute favorites: Lord of the Rings. It was sorely overdue! LEGO: Lord of the Rings combines two of my favorite things: I find the LEGO games consistently fun and entertaining, and I'm a pretty big Lord of the Rings nerd! And I'm pleased to say that they may have crafted their best work to date!

If you want to read more of my specific thoughts about the game, follow the link to read the full length review at Game Over Online! 

Cheers,
Si

Score = 8.7 / 10