Author - Ripper71

Rapoo E6100 Wireless Keyboard Review

2015/02/26

News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

I have occasionally mentioned that I am disabled and as a result have to spend a lot of time in bed so I have a real hard time getting up to play games and write reviews of them once I finish. So anytime I get the opportunity to test some gear that will help me continue gaming and reviewing from bed I jump at the opportunity. One of the most difficult things for me while laid up is typing. Game controls can be manageable especially if a controller is involved but when it comes to typing I am awkward at best. So a special thanks to Rapoo for not just sending me one keyboard to try out but two, one that will help in bed and one that will help when I am traveling, which tends to lay me up too. So I will start with the Rapoo E6100 Wireless Keyboard.

Hands On:
When it comes to wireless keyboards comfort, portability and latency are the key factors to consider and the order of importance is solely dependent on your usage. Writers won’t care about latency but portability and comfort are key. Gamers will care about comfort and to a small degree portability but latency will decide whether or not it sits on a shelf gathering dust or all the letters rub off from constant use.

From the point of view of comfort the E6100 is near perfect in design, extremely lightweight and low profile it can be used for just about any task, whether live blogging during a press conference or writing a story or review in the comfort of a bed or favorite chair. There are no heat issues causing lap burns or the need for space under the keyboard, the thickest section is only slightly larger than the AAA batteries it houses and creates a natural keyboard slant and the keys are the same size as a standard laptop so no worrying about big fingers losing their place too much. The spaces between the keys are a little narrow so that takes a little getting used to but this is to help with portability.

It’s hard to get much more portable and still be a real keyboard with full size keys. The keyboard section is thinner than my iPad 2 without a case and the battery section only tacks on about 1/2 inch. The batteries should last you a couple months so you don’t need to pack tons of batteries and you don’t need any cords. It is less than 11.5″ long which means you are getting a nice size but with absolutely no wasted space. This will slip into any backpack and even some purses. I have had it sitting next to my tablet, decided I wanted to type something on it real quick and instead of dealing with the popup screen I turn on the keyboard, type with one hand while holding it in the other then turned it off and put it back down. Once you pair it with a device through Bluetooth you simply fire it up, type and can shut it right back off and pairing only takes seconds. You cannot get a more compact keyboard without sacrificing key size so it is the most portable you could hope for.

This pretty much leaves latency which for a gamer is make or break and with wireless keyboards can be a pretty decent issue. My last wireless keyboard was designed into an iPad case so the keys were a little small for my giant bear paws and there was a bit of latency. I would use it when I had to because it still beat the screen keyboard on a tablet but I was sloppy as hell on it and couldn’t use it for gaming. So this was an exciting moment of truth to test latency on this one. I was stunned at the lack of lag, whether it was typing or playing a game using it the response seemed as fast as a standard keyboard. I imagine full on Star Craft players with massive keystrokes per second would probably have problems with it but I doubt many folks would be using a wireless keyboard for such purposes, when it comes to casual gaming it will do the job just fine.

Last Call:
The Rapoo E6100 is one of the most compact wireless keyboards on the market that still gives you great performance and a decent key size. For players or writers on the go this is definitely a keyboard you can toss in your bag and use on a moment’s notice or in my case have next to the bed and use when you are too disabled to get out. The lightweight no heat design makes it perfect for use anywhere and especially for the infirmed and weakened.

[easyreview title=”Rapoo E6100 Wireless Keyboard Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Construction Simulator 2015 (PC/Steam)

2015/02/09

Ripper71

News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

When I was just finishing high school, I got a job as a park ranger for a municipal water district. That was one of the best jobs I ever had, I got to work outdoors but I was also trusted with some very heavy machinery. I drove flatbeds, dump trucks, water trucks, and even construction style equipment such as a forklift and an excavator. So
I was more than happy to don a virtual hardhat and travel down memory lane in Construction Simulator 2015.

Description:
In Construction Simulator 2015, you take the controls of 15 realistic construction machines made by LIEBHERR, STILL and MAN with high-quality 3D graphics. Excavate the foundation of a house with realistic machines, pour concrete into the wall panels of a factory with an enormous concrete pump, or test the steadiness of your hands by placing gigantic roof trusses with a mobile crane. Thanks to the realistic controls, you can steer an excavator with two joysticks using SAE controls and feel as if you are working on a real construction site.

Features:
– Over 200 missions ensure hours of enjoyment
– 15 realistic construction machines made by LIEBHERR, MAN and STILL
– Realistic vehicle controls – e.g. SAE controls for excavators supported
– Realistic sound effects recorded from the original machines
– Multiplayer mode
– For beginners and pros: freely switch between arcade and pro controls
– Expansive, freely navigable world with diverse areas and districts
– Numerous dealers and suppliers that you can visit
– Detailed tutorial ensures a smooth start in the game
– Non-linear dynamic mission system provides endless gaming enjoyment
– For DIY fans: the modding of construction sites and vehicles is fully supported
– Experience system with numerous levels that allow you to unlock special missions
= Diverse gamepads, steering wheels, and joysticks are supported (Unfortunately, “Thrustmaster” joysticks and steering wheels are not supported by now)

Hands On:
One of the first things I want to point out is that this game has a multiplayer mode. For many games this would not be a particularly interesting notion but when it comes to sims, particularly building sims, this is very unusual. My first thoughts on this were “sure they have an online mode but it is useless without a community to support it.” This is where I was very pleasantly surprised, every time I have checked the servers there are several games going on at any given time. It is Euro-centric so it’s highest player numbers are in their active timezones but there are plenty of games to join and start building in. I recommend you don’t just try to jump in and start building online, play the offline for quite a while before you even try or you will literally be left in the dust.

When you start you start small, with a flatbed truck and an escalator, any other equipment you need at the beginning you rent. The tasks are pretty straight forward during the beginning which is set up as a tutorial before jumping into contracts and making your own money. This is good because as part of your dialogue you say “Yippee!” about the chance to get to drive a flatbed truck a few blocks (the dialogue doesn’t take itself too seriously) which would make any boss or even player a bit nervous about your character’s abilities and mental state.

Luckily the game can be very forgiving. If you happen to not do a very good job hitting the brakes turning into the construction site and accidentally hit your boss with the flatbed truck the truck stops like it hit a wall instead of mixing some blood into the dirt. If your truck gets into a head-on collision with a car the car is not damaged, you either just stop or I got the flatbed to do flips in the air a couple times. Standard view is third person with graphics and very reminiscent of the Grand Theft Auto series. This works well so that you get the hand of standard movements and vehicle controls quick.

The real challenge comes if you use the keyboard to work the heavy equipment. The escavator for example has controls that make sense for the machine and keyboard layout but have you wishing you had a third hand at times. I kept forgetting to move my hand to a certain section to properly aim the bucket to break the dirt and then scoop and move the arm into a good position for dumping. Luckily the game is forgiving because during the tutorial I dug one ugly trench. The game was more concerned with how much dirt I moved out of the trench location than if my corners would meet work site or military standards which was good because the learning process is slow and a bit painful how it is.

I really try not to make the following recommendation when playing PC games, to me it generally defeats the purpose of not playing on a console but this game really lends itself to a controller. On a controller you can do all the required adjustments on the heavy complicated equipment without moving your hands all around which is pretty necessary with the keyboard. The game is also compatible with other sticks and controllers besides a standard game pad and that would probably also add to authentic feel.

Though the default view is third person you can change it to first person when operating the equipment which I highly recommend, makes it much more immersive. You are going to have lots of hours of playtime with 200 missions, online play and future player/community mods so it’s a good idea to try out the different possible setups as you settle in.

Last Call:
If you are big into sim games Construction Simulator 2015 should definitely be on your playlist. If you find your average day has you locked in a cubicle dreaming about working outdoors behind the wheel of several tons of rolling machinery you need to look no further than this game to get an idea of what you are missing. It is also cool if you just like digging virtual holes and laying virtual pipe.

[easyreview title=”Construction Simulator 2015 Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

PowerSkin Pop’n3 Battery Charger Review

2015/02/09

Ripper71

News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

A lot of people think of CES as lasting through Friday but the reality is many companies are packing up on Thursday and done and gone by Friday afternoon. This means if you have Friday appointments it never hurts to be early, on time might be late for someone trying to catch a flight out. So I try to hit my Friday appointments early which freed up my day to add one on the fly, and it was one I am very happy I made because it introduced me to the PowerSkin Pop’n3 Battery Charger.

Features:
– Extra Power: PoP’n 3 utilizes state-of-the-art, patented dual suction adhering technology to stick right onto the back of smartphones for an easy to hold, seamlessly integrated charging experience. 4000 mAh of power gives your smartphone up to a 150% charge, including the iPhone 6. Just stick it on, plug it in, and keep your life PoP’n.

– Easy On, Easy Off: Attach PoP’n 3 to most smooth surfaced phones and cases with its patented soft rubber suction cups and state-of-the-art circular nano adhesive anchor. This easy, one-hand, flexible approach to power means you can pop it on when you want, and pop it off when you’re done.

– Integrated Design: Built-in cable provides a powerful yet simple solution for your charging needs, easily plugging into any size phone case. Sleek, high-gloss durable finish, and plastic hardshell make this unique product the perfect phone companion.

– Verified Technologies: XPAL Inside™ technologies include: proprietary ultra-efficient battery cell formulation, hardware/software safety protection mechanisms, smart power management system, broad temperature operating range, and flame retardant material/construction.

– Good to Go: We all know the frustrations of charging batteries while on the go, juggling the phone in one hand and the battery in the other…. now there is a better way. This charger is a functional and practical solution for everyone looking to add more battery life to their phone, but not wanting to compromise its streamline look and feel.

Hands On:
This was the first time that PowerSkin showed up on my radar and I am kind of surprised considering how handy their product is pretty darn handy. Their original design involved two pieces which works well and I could see being useful on less suction cup friendly surfaces by having a solid bridge at the bottom between the case and the power pack helping hold it in place on the back of the phone. This is a nice way to go and very portable though maybe a bit less convenient on the go with the bridge in your pocket with the battery.

Their latest innovation with the Pop’N3 is a much more elegant solution with a lightning cable built into the bottom of the charger which plugs tightly into the phone. This makes it so that you don’t have to worry about two pieces (if you did) and still works to hold the charger in place. They have also added a single sticky surface in the center of the phone to keep it in place in case the suction cups weren’t completing the seal. I mention this mainly because some phone cases like a wallet one I recently tested by Speck don’t have the full surface area for the suction cups and started sliding around the back, the disc helped secure it perfectly. It is also a hard shell case, I found the slippage to not be an issue or rubberized cases at all.

The low form allows for you to continue using the phone in any manner you choose while still charging it. With a 4000 mAh of power you can expect around 18 hours of additional talk time or 150% charge which will definitely help get you through the day without taking up much real estate in your pocket or in your hand. You can even just attach it and plug it in as you head out the door and let it keep charging as you use your phone.

Last Call:
The PowerSkin Pop’N3 battery charger has definitely earned a place in my regular phone charging rotation. It gives a great charge with a very convenient built-in cable and attach-and-forget form. I’m glad I made the appointment and got PowerSkin on my radar for my battery charging needs. I especially have my eye on their upcoming product Inked (get it? Octopuses squirt ink) which incorporates custom printing on a battery case which I have a logo or two I can’t wait to test on it…

[easyreview title=”Product Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

MyCharge RazorMax Phone Pack Review

2015/02/09

Ripper71

Mobile News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

MyCharge is one of the most secret and well known booths at CES 2015. They’re well known because they give out free beer and excellent phone battery chargers and secretive because their entire display is behind locked up doors. Last year I showed up on the last day, a last minute stop suggested by their marketing person and it was all taken down. Feeling a little like Indiana Jones showing up right after tomb raiders made off with the treasure, I got a press kit and made plans to see it the next year. One of their better known batteries you might have heard of has earned the nickname “the Swiss Army knife of phone chargers” since it has built-in lightning cable, mini USB cable and a USB plugin for other devices with about 27 hours of talk time added to your device. It even has it’s own wall plug built in so that it great for travel and parties. So I showed up a day early for my appointment this year.

First I had to stop for my beer and a power pack that included a power pack and charging cord in a handy little container shaped like an energy drink that people kept trying to figure out how to drink with their beer. Once they were onboard, the drink in my belly and the power pack having charged my phone (they come ready to charge in the package which if you are buying one in a bind is really handy), I made my way into the closed doors. It was surprisingly spacious and lacked a single booby trap so it was more comforting and not at all tomb-like. They took me through their different selections in their current line then gave me their latest baby, the MyCharge RazorMax.

Features:
– 27 hours of talk time
– Four-light LED battery indicator, shake to check battery level
– Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility
– Rapid-recharge: powerbank charges up to 65% faster than competitors
– Max-power: maximum power transfer from powerbank to device
– Hyper-charge: ultra-fast charging of your devices; 30% faster for iPhone 6
– Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year
– High-density battery: the smallest and lightest powerbank
– Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety
– Pass Through Charging: will charge the powerbank and connected device simultaneously

Hands On:
I first started testing this battery not on a planned routine but rather out of necessity. I had left my phone off the charger overnight and had been listening to music all morning and suddenly got a really long honey-do list. I grabbed my phone, saw it was at 30% and went to my power pack supply. There in it’s wrapper with a “comes pre-charged” sticker was the new RazorMax. It is about the size of a business card holder or older iPod with about the same width. It is extremely small form for a power pack that boasts a 27 hour talk time charge, the only drawback being you need to bring your own cables. Small price to pay for a tiny pack to slip in your pocket on your way out the door.

I managed to make it to my first stop, some car servicing before I found myself in the waiting room texting and riding the internet with the battery plugged in waiting for the screen to go blank. Instead, despite multitasking the phone, the charge was going up quickly. It was no time before my phone was fully charged even with usage and all through the day, a very long one, I would run the battery down a bit then popped the charger on and kept going. When all was said and done I plugged the pack in and not my phone at the end of the day knowing that if I need to charge my phone I can use the same outlet since the power pack has pass through charging.

This battery packs a lot of juice into a little tiny device well worth the trouble of carrying a cord along with you. It will fit into even small pockets while not adding so much weight that it pulls your pants down. It comes with two USB ports so you can still power more than one device at a time. With the fast charging you also don’t have to slow down what you are doing on the devices to give charging a chance, you and someone else can just charge away while living your socially active, game-filled lives.

Last Call:
The MyCharge RazorMax Power Pack gives a great big charge in a little light aluminum brick you can slip in your pocket. It won’t slow you down or run out of juice while you are on the go and once charged it holds the charge so you can count on it on the fly. MyCharge has definitely earned a place of honor among my power pack collection and I can’t wait until next CES, going into the hidden recesses of the MyCharge booth and seeing what power they will bring next. I promise not to bring my whip and fedora.

[easyreview title=”MyCharge RazorMax Power Pack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

Nyko PS4 Modular Charge Kit And Battery Pak Review

2015/02/09

Ripper71

News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, PlayStation 4 News, Reviews

There is nothing more frustrating than running out of power in your wireless controller in mid-match – except maybe all the cables that run from the system to charge things. Luckily, Nyko has come up with something to help with both these issues in the Nyko Battery Pak and the Nyko Modular Charge Kit for the PS4.

PS4 Modular Charge Kit Description:
Easily keep your PlayStation 4 controllers charged and your PlayStation 4 system looking like new. While this item comes with two micro usb cords for the PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controllers, the Modular Charge Kit also includes a hidden cleaning brush in order to easily dust the console and it’s accessories. This kit allows you to keep your console both looking and performing in perfect condition.

Features:
– Cleans and Charges: Allows for easy charging and cleaning of the PS4 controllers and console
– 2 Micro USB cords: Allows for dual charging of two PlayStation4 DualShock4 controllers
– Hidden cleaning brush with detailing edge: allows for easy dusting of console surfaces

Nyko PS4 Power Pak Description:
Add double the battery power to the DualShock®4 with the Power Pak from Nyko Technologies. The Power Pak adds an additional 1000mAh Lithium-Ion battery, doubling the capacity. The design of the Power Pak keeps the ergonomics of the Dual Shock 4 intact, while matching the curves, décor and grip of the controller. All ports, buttons, and features of the controller are unimpeded by the extended battery, allowing for full control of all games. The Power Pak attaches to the Micro USB port on the top of the controller, allowing for easy installation. A USB pass-through port allows for easy recharging of both the Power Pak and the internal Dual Shock battery simultaneously using a standard Micro USB cable. The Power Pak is also fully compatible with Nyko’s Charge Base for PS4.

Features:
– Extended Playing Time: Play up to 2x longer with the Power Pak
– Ergonomic: Lightweight and unobtrusive design allow you to game as normal
– USB: Easily recharge both the Power Pak and controller with any Micro USB cable
– Design: Easily attaches to the Dual Shock 4

Hands On:
This year I got a chance to check out a couple of Nyko’s newest products at CES this year but it was even better getting hands on, especially when I was having a rough time with my back and laid up in bed. Battery life definitely started to come into play when I was laid up and barely able to move. Each night I would charge my controller and the battery, each day I would start playing again wearing the juice down. It did seem like I was getting double battery life and it was really, really handy. It only slightly increased the weight of the controller when attached and the slight increase in profile was welcome in my huge hands. Whenever I go back and forth between systems my fingers tended to slip off the bottom of the PS4 controller and now they have a place to rest.

The PS4 Modular Charge Kit attaches to the side of the PS4 and blends seamlessly into the side of the black versions. Even though it stands out on the white version like I have it does so in a nicely contrasting fashion. The controller battery is also black and makes a nice contrast on the white controller and makes the system match up with it even better.

Once attached it can be separated in half, the upper half a cleaning pad to wipes dust off the system and the lower half to store cables and such in including the two included retractable charging cables. The compartment isn’t large but it can fit a couple of cables and multiple batteries, both rechargable and otherwise. As someone who lives at the edge of the desert I am always looking for something to brush dust off of things with.

Last Call:
The Nyko Modular Charge Kit and Power Pak are a great addition to your PS4 system and not only look nice and clean up your cables but it can also extend your gameplay which is always welcome to marathon gamers.

[easyreview title=”Nyko Modular Charge Kit & Power Pack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”3″ ]

Seidio Obex iPhone 6 Plus Case

2015/02/09

Ripper71

Mobile News, Mobile Review, News, Reviews

If you haven’t heard about Seidio you probably don’t shop around much for smartphone cases and accessories. Most people just go with big companies with the even bigger marketing campaigns. I know a ton of people who just use Otterbox because that is what their friends use. They developed a reputation and they do have a solid product. Quite often people choose a case that doesn’t fit their form function because they think they have to choose between style and durability. These people haven’t tried the Seidio Obex Phone Case.

Features:
Water Protection
– Anti-reflection acrylic glass protects the camera lens without interfering with photo quality
– Waterproof membranes shield the microphones and speakers while maintaining sound quality
– Case meets the IP68* rating, signifying that it is both dust-tight and protected against complete, continuous submersion

Drop Protection
– Exceeds the MIL-STD-810F** standard and can survive drops from up to 6 feet
– Internal structure is designed to protect your Apple iPhone 6 in the event that it is dropped or compressed
– Combination of Polycarbonate (PC) and Thermoplastic Silicone Vulcanizate (TPSiV®) materials provide protection from impact
– Raised edges on case and 4H hardness rated screen protect create a barrier from external elements

Everyday Protection
– Designed so your Apple iPhone 6 remains fully functional for daily use
– Easy, two piece installation eliminates the worry of loose pieces after case assembly
– Soft rubber stoppers keep dust and liquids out of headphone and charging port openings while still allowing easy access in dry conditions
– Case will not interfere with radio signals, Bluetooth, or NFC (Near Field Communication)

Hands On:
Normally for phone case reviews I don’t put in a features section, I just go over the features individually. In this case however the Seido Obex has so many elements that are important that it is easier to just show you what they have then tell you my personal experiences and tests.

A couple of key things to note is that it is pretty much everything proof, it is designed to be waterproof, dust proof, snow proof and impact proof. I’m a klutz who lives part-time in the high desert where there is yearly snow and constant dust. This case seems practically designed for me. If you are outdoorsy at all this is definitely for you or sports enthusiast or maybe just a klutz who might fall into his pool. I have a family member who has gone swimming with their phone tucked into her swimsuit a couple times and this might have saved her some grief.

The Obex has rubber blockers that seal off the ports not being used so that moisture can’t get into the phone proper and there is a membrane that keeps water in but lets sound through. Combine that with a protective face shield that still conducts touch and you can make your text while the weather attacks. When it comes to connectivity through face plates I am particularly picky, I have to have solid connection with the screen while I play games on it and more than a few shields (including the stick-on variety) have failed to pass the muster. I have a very short list of ones that do and thankfully this is on it.

When it comes to drop testing I have said it before and I will say it again: I am a huge klutz and this phone has had its share of bouncing off things including hard floors and decorative rock, even some not very decorative rock as well. Don’t forget stairs, I am a mess of stairs and escalators.

Last Call:
The Seidio Obex is the perfect case for the person who are exposed to the elements or at least expose their phones to them. It may even be more phone protection than the average person needs but then when has that stopped anyone?

[easyreview title=”Seidio Obex Case Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Speck CandyShell CARD (iPhone 6 Plus)

2015/02/05

Ripper71

Geek News, Mobile News, Mobile Review, News, Reviews

One thing about CES, there is a phone case for every style and need. I try to time my phone upgrades to right before the big show so that I can find the cases that will get me through the following year. Things that need to be taken into consideration are the fact that I have no hips. Seriously – medical FACT! So, if a phone is too heavy, my pants will try to fall off. To make matters worse, I am a klutz and there is a decent chance that at any time I take out my phone it will fall to the ground, especially if I am near stairs or an escalator. I also am rough on my wallets and have been known to break them. Yes, I can break a leather wallet, it is a talent I discovered when I was fairly young (ed. note: Call Guinness!). I mention all this because any phone case I select must be able to put up with ME. One of my newest in my rotation is the Speck CandyShell CARD.

Hands On:
The biggest feature of the Speck CandyShell CARD is the wallet “nest” built into the shell of the impact resistant case. The wallet nest is designed for three credit cards and a little cash and, thanks to a rubber lining, keeps the cards safe and in place during regular use as well as dropping. There is a small section for your finger to push the cards and cash out the slot which makes it easy to grab on an otherwise slide resistant surface.

This was a key worry for me because the design of most pockets develop a looseness overtime and tend to send your money and cards falling at even the slightest of drops. I have dropped it by accident a few times – a couple times on purpose to make sure everything stayed put and still functioned and had zero problems. The fact that it only holds three cards could be a deterrent to some but I found I still carry a wallet and just put my three most used cards: driver’s license, debit and local casino card in the card holder and my main wallet doesn’t come out of my pocket for days.

The shell design in itself lends to impact resistance though it tend to increase the profile of the phone. It definitely does in this case but the accommodation of the wallet helps make the space seem less of an issue. Like with many hard shell cases there are two layers one designed for impact and a second designed for shock absorption. The CandyShell is particularly well designed this way with the rubber absorption layer coming through at the corners to reduce show and prevent too much scratching on the shell. It meets or exceeds military standards which are actually surprisingly low unless you go by a military grading system rather than just a standard. Like I said before though I have dropped this several times onto hard and unforgiving surfaces and it has held up excellently.

Shell scratching is definitely a concern, I found it holds up from nasty scratches during falls but if you keep your keys in the same pocket you are liable to get some decent scrapes which show up pretty clearly on the black shell. Smudging is also a problem but using something as easy as your shirt can take care of those.

Last Call:
Speck has made a very nice case with solid construction with a great card wallet feature that makes the hard shell a feature rather than a possible deterrent. I would recommend it to anyone who is klutzy and lives most of their life using just a couple of cards.

[easyreview title=”Speck CandyShell CARD Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

Mechs And Mercs: Black Talons (PC/Steam)

2015/01/27

Ripper71

News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

Mechs And Mercs: Black Talons is one of the latest entries into the real-time strategy gaming fray and it stars.. well mechs and mercs! Not much left to say about it – time to give it a play.

Storyline:
A devastating war has torn the galaxy apart. Dozens of planets and star systems have declared independence or forged new alliances, while governments fall and warlords rise to power. Chaos and corruption are everywhere and so to maintain order and negotiate peace between the ruling factions, private mercenary armies are called to action.

You are commander of the Black Talons company, currently stationed in the Oberon system. After an eventful campaign, the military Tzanar Union has overrun the planet of Genai and blocked all departure from the system: leaving you and the Black Talons stranded. The only means of escape is to help the Genai forces repel the invading army and recapture the planet.

Features:
– Extensive campaign mode where the actions of the player have a direct impact on the local system’s balance of power
– Persistent and fully customizable squads
– Various unit classes with specialized roles and their own distinctive set of weapons, abilities and skill trees
– 5 worlds with differing environments and weather conditions
– Powerful mechs can enter the battlefield and turn the tide of combat
– Customize and upgrade your base with weapons and infrastructure that will boost squad numbers, teleport soldiers or even bombard the battlefield
– Faction relations influence a player’s progress throughout the game: either by giving access to unique units or interfering with missions

Hands On:
You are the leader of the military Tzanar Union and you realize that you have trapped the Black Talons on a planet. Even if you are Ming The Merciless you will be thinking “hmm, these guys have been a huge pain and if we fight them it is gonna suck, maybe we can make a hole for them to get out through or better hire them… they’re mercenaries right? We’ve lost enough to these buggers.” I mean I’m just spitballing here but if they are such badasses why not let them be someone else’s thorn in the side? Maybe it’s political, I play video games because I’m not a politician.

Speaking of politics if you are worried this game might get too political when it comes to the campaign mode’s balance of power system think of it more like if you wipe out this planet’s government then it might be rough on their economy, that sort of thing. You aren’t here to tax the people of create tariffs.

Now that those parts of the story and strategy have been addressed then we can get down to what the game is, a real time battle military strategy game. You command forces and have to deal with high ground, defensive positions, weakened positions and strategic deployment. The fun meat and potatoes of a solid real time strategy. You will find yourself trying to figure out what units are best for pushing through a heavily defended choke point, what defensive positions are best for ambushes, what areas need to be secured and maintained and many more challenges you would expect in a good real time strategy.

It doesn’t wait either, right off the bat you find yourself pinned down with limited resources and limited save options. This is a rather brutal factor of the game, where you can mistime an assault across a bridge (negative cover points) on an entrenched position right as reinforcements arrive and lose a whole squad or more. You will have casualties, unlike many recent games this one can be really brutal even on easy mode and doesn’t forgive “stupid” but if you play smart you can get through it but don’t hope for untarnished. If you get too badly damaged you might have to start a level over losing quite a bit of progress. It is important to know that if you hold resources and a landing pad you can call in for replacements to your squads and even in some cases bring in a few replacement squads as a whole. Don’t bank on this though because as the storyline says you are cutoff so you just have whoever happened to be planetside.

Learn the strengths of your units, it can make a HUGE difference between you completing a mission of tanking badly. The engineers are a prime example, they are a small unit without much firepower but they are essential to completing some missions, they can build turrets to lay down suppressing fire and most of all they can build bunkers that will keep the fight going long after most armchair Custers have perished.

Eventually you get to customize loadouts and even better you get mechs and mech customization. Let’s face it, mercs are fun to play but mechss are better. When you get a well armed customized mech in the field there is just so few wonderful video game experiences to compare to it.

The field the environments really are very different, it starts off with the standard barrels and shipping crates you are used to in these types of games but cruising your mercs and mechs through jungles and across islands is refreshing and very well rendered. It is nice to see a warzone without the dank for at least part of the game.

Last Call:
Mechs And Mercs: Black Talons is an excellent real time strategy game with some hard challenges that seem less common in these kinds of games lately. You have to play smart and outwit a solid AI in a variety of scenarios. If you like games where you just charge in blasting this may not be the game for you, if you like to use your wits as well as brawn you’ll love this game.

[easyreview title=”Mechs And Mercs: Black Talons Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Review (PC)

2015/01/04

Ripper71

News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

When a cinematic trailer from Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes first appeared on the scene, there was a lot of talk about whether or not the cinematica represented the actual game visuals. Were they the real deal or just beautiful cutscenes in a larger scope of lower-res gameplay? When the game finally hit the street, word came back quick but it wasn’t about the graphics, but about the playtime. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is, at most, a three hour game. So, is the game just a tutorial for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain or is it part of the overall “Metal Gear Solid Experience” as it is being promoted?

Official Features

THE POWER OF FOX ENGINE – Ground Zeroes showcases Kojima Productions’ stunning FOX Engine, a true next-generation game engine which revolutionizes the Metal Gear Solid experience.
INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WORLD DESIGN – The first Metal Gear Solid title to offer open world gameplay. Ground Zeroes offers total freedom of play: how missions are undertaken is entirely down to the user.
UNRESTRICTED STEALTH – Imagine classic Metal Gear gameplay but with no restrictions or boundaries. Players use intelligence and cerebral strategy to sneak their way through entire missions, or go in all guns blazing. Each will have different effects on game consequences and advancement.
MULTIPLE MISSIONS AND TASKS –Ground Zeroes boasts a central story mode and Side-Ops missions ranging from tactical action, aerial assaults and “covert” missions that will be sure to surprise.
REDESIGNED INTERFACE – Ground Zeroes users will benefit from a clean in-game HUD that shows the minimal amount of on-screen data to give a more intense gaming experience.

Hands On:
First off, the graphics are incredible. There may be some debate on whether the visuals look better on the Xbox One or PS4 platforms, but there is no doubt that the 4K graphics on the PC are top-notch – that is, if your system can handle them. If you have a really nice PC gaming rig and haven’t had anything to show off on it, you need not look any further than this game. Minimum system requirements are a Quad Core (i5-4460 or better) with DirectX 11 graphics card so make sure you have at least that. My gaming laptop has the recommended core level but has around the minimum for grpahics card and just didn’t want to play nice with it. I wound up having to use my desktop PC. Kojima Productions has made a visually gorgeous game and I have no doubt that one of the reasons for the prequel is to make sure that folks have a chance to get the right hardware in their boxes before The Phantom Pain is brought out.

Big fans of the Metal Gear Solid franchise will notice that the features and gameplay of this title seem a lot like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, which has a huge following. This is intentional and probably another reason for the release of this prequel so that players can get used to playing the game in this style – with an open environment and a lot of individual choice on how the mission succeeds. You can go stealth and try not to kill anyone or you can go through with guns blazing. Each path has its own consequences and AI reactions and this is where re-playability really comes in. Going by the gaming moniker “Ripper” for so long, you can guess I like the sneak up, stabby stabby, sneak away approach – but there is something for saying “I had a crappy day and now I’m gonna punish them loudly” and using the biggest weapons you can find.

The game has its own opinions on how a mission should go, you may have a lot of fun in a certain style of play and get a “D” grade at the end. Personally, I find it more fun to see how bad a grade I can get and still pass the mission than how good of a grade because I have a pretty good idea what a good mark entails and playing “Bastard style” and finishing can be trickier. Whichever you prefer, even if the game doesn’t like how you complete a mission, Steam might just have an achievement for your creativity meaning more replay.

I seem to bring up re-playability a lot and there is a reason for that, not just because it helps sharpen your skills and get you used to the game. At its fastest, the game can be completed in under 45 minutes while taking your time to stop and smell the roses earns you about 3 hours of playtime. There are more missions besides the initial one and some systems have bonuses but, when it comes down to it, this is a pretty short game. At $20 for a Metal Gear Solid title with state of the art graphics this isn’t too bad as long as the game has re-playability with thankfully it does.

Last Call:
When it comes down to it Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is its own game – but just barely. If taken as a warm-up tutorial for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain as well as a system test for the amazing graphics to come, then it is even better. Personally, I think it could have been the section before the credits much like Dragon Age: Inquisition had, a nice intro into the main action. It definitely left me wanting more of the “Metal Gear Solid V Experience” which is a very good thing since more is right down the calendar.

[easyreview title=”Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

The Evil Within Review (PS4)

2014/12/16

Ripper71

News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 4 Review, Reviews

I just can’t get enough of survival horror games. From the old school Alone in the Dark games to Resident Evil, they are the closest thing to entering into a horror movie – even more so than haunted attractions. At haunts, there are all the elements of a horror movie except for a true sense of impending danger. In survival horror games, there is the very real chance of your character meeting a grisly fate. This fact was really brought home when I went to review one of the latest of the genre, The Evil Within, and I invited my mother-in-law to watch me play. THAT is truly a whole new experience in gaming!

Story:
While investigating the scene of a gruesome mass murder, Detective Sebastian Castellanos and his partners encounter a mysterious and powerful force. After seeing the slaughter of fellow officers, Sebastian is ambushed and knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in a deranged world where hideous creatures wander among the dead. Facing unimaginable terror, and fighting for survival, Sebastian embarks on a frightening journey to unravel what’s behind this evil force.

Hands On:
Developed by Shinji Mikami of Resident Evil fame the game fittingly starts off with a very Resident Evil feel to the character dialogue and interaction. It soon takes on its own atmosphere and overall tone as you run away from enemies a lot to start with and eventually, through conservation and guile, figure out ways to defeat them while staying in one piece. The staying in one piece part can really be a challenge when everything from chainsaws to firearms are being used against you by the evil within (see what I did there?). The first time my character got shot I actually said out loud “Hey, that was a gunshot, this just went to a new level”.

On the subject of out loud, I had my mother-in-law join me during gameplay and got to be reminded a bit of what it was like back when I was still new to the genre and jumpy as hell. It started with the first enemy who started after me. “Kill him!” she shouted and I said “With what?”. She replied with, “Your gun!” and so I emptied my three bullets into it and we watched as it kept coming and cut me into pieces and she screamed. “Then what do you do?” she asked and I answered with one word, “Run”. So, I ran and hid and dodged, distracted the whole time by her yelling “Watch out!” and “Faster, here he comes!” or “Go straight!”, “Go that way!” When we would survive she would cheer and high five me, when we would die she would yell, laugh and slap my leg. It made me remember the wonder I had felt when I first started playing the genre in dark room with a little monitor in front of me. Sure, the graphics have come a long way as well as the realism to the gore but the core fear of controlling a character through darkened corridors with little more than a lantern and a handful of bullets was so beautifully refined that it became a play date, I don’t play the game without her being there for each step into the unknown.

The boss battles are a lot more difficult than the other monsters, causing a little slow down in the action as you have to figure out just how to defeat them. My mother-in-law got a bit bored at these moments losing patience because of the lessening pace in the action, it is hard to watch somebody try and fail so many times on the same monster, and she took this time to do some laundry and came back to watch the video clip of how it was taken down and to go onto the next point in the action. Boss battle are meant to be a challenge and require a bit of puzzling but this experience helped me realize how much they also desensitize you to the horror and can even disconnect you from the experience. They are now an expected part of the genre and would probably be missed if they weren’t included but I also just wonder what it would be like to play one again where the monsters slowly became harder without bosses, just ramping up the difficulty while lessening your resources.

The Evil Within eventually gives you some decent tools to apply your mayhem with, you go from a few bullets and eventually wind up with a crossbow named Agony that has a beautiful variety of bolts that can make killing evil an art form. A particular favorite was shooting a zombie with a motion sensitive bolt in the head, watching it turn to look at me setting off the charge and having it explode in all directions into unrecognizable pieces leaving nothing where it had stood. Lighting one of fire and having it run off and bump into another setting it on fire as well had my mom-in-law howling with laughter. The bigger toys definitely made bigger noise but there is always something to be said for throwing a bottle and having a zed walk into a claymore chasing it. Boom. Splat! Giggle.

The Evil Within looks so amazing on the next gen PS4 and the sounds really work well to pull you in. There are moments of silence in the game which are nice, you listen for the little subtle noises to warn you of what may be waiting for you. You could hear a pin drop in the room as the two of us listen and stare at the screen for some hint of what we were in for next.

Last Call:
The Evil Within was a nice mix of old school low ammo survival horror and bring the pain weapons that has great atmosphere and creepy beasties. If you like survival horror or have never tried it I highly recommend this title, Shinji Makami hasn’t lost his touch. Play it in a dark room with the lights out or do yourself a favor and get someone who jumps at things that go bump in the night and sit them down next to you and watch as they crawl over the back of the chair as you play.

[easyreview title=”The Evil Within Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]