The Return to Rapture: Bioshock 2

Who knew that my first post of 2010 would be in February? Who knew that it would be about Bioshock 2, and not my much-anticipated Mass Effect 2? Life is full of them darn surprises I guess. Below is a review I wrote for Gamespot.com and I thought 'Hey, it's mine, so I might as well put it on my blog'. So here it is. My lengthy review of Bioshock 2. Hey that rhymes!

Gamespot Review:

Sequels, sequels, sequels. 2010 is proving to be the year for sequels. I like sequels, but only if they're done well. Like Mass Effect 2. ME2 was a fantastic sequel. However, unlike Mass Effect 2, I was not in the midnight line at my local Game Stop for the February 9th release of Bioshock 2. As much as I supremely enjoyed the first game, it wasn't one of those titles that I needed to have in my paws before the rest of the world, and it certainly wasn't my goal to beat it the same night and be the first one with a review on the web. For those of you whose goal that was, I'm truly sorry, and I know you are too. MOUNTAIN DEW FTW!!!

As you may have guessed, I ended up picking up a copy. Using a Best Buy gift card, I bit the bullet and bought the game. I will admit, I was wary at first. I had complete confidence that Bioshock 2 would be just as fun and just as an immersive experience as it's predecessor, though I wasn't going to approach it as a blind fan-boy telling myself that 2K could do nothing wrong. The lukewarm reviews from the critics also added to my cautious expectations. This game is a perfect example of not always being able to trust the critics. If you're one of those people who will only buy a game with good reviews, consider this a GOOD review. Remember, critics get PAID to say negative things. No one wants to listen to a review if there is nothing that gets ripped into. It's like watching a gladiator fight where the participants are playing Rock-Paper-Scissor's. Know what I mean? Just me....? Okay then...

Granted, I have not finished the game yet, but I don't think I need to in order to write a helpful review. I've thoroughly enjoyed what I have played (about 10 hours) and I hear (from the critics I don't trust) that it gets better toward the end. Well, I don't think I'm that close to the end and I'm still having a wonderful time with it. While the story is a subtle element that can be easily lost (as opposed to a BioWare RPG where you can't avoid it) if you pay close attention it isn't hard to get an idea of what is going in the world of rapture. The controls are improved but not unfamiliar, so the player doesn't feel lost. The ability to have both a plasmid AND a weapon equipped is genius, and makes the fighting a whole lot more satisfying. Also, as fun as the hacking one is the first Bioshock, Bioshock 2 makes it quicker and more practical so it doesn't interrupt gameplay and won't cause cursing and hair-loss.

After reading several reviews, the main problem that 'they' have with Bioshock 2 is it's lack of originality, or lack of changes from the first one. Half of me is tempted to ask them where they got whatever it is they were smoking, but the other half of me resists the temptation, as I might contract whatever 2-hating disease they have contracted. Simply put, if you really enjoyed the first one, you will really enjoy the second one. Not much has changed, BECAUSE IT DIDN'T NEED TO! Almost all of the complaints people have about the first game have been taken care of in the second game making gameplay smoother and more streamlined. The game takes place in the same setting, with many of the same characters, so HOW DIFFERENT DO YOU WANT IT TO BE? It's a sequel that feels like just that. A sequel. Do I think there needs to be a Bioshock 3? Probably not. But I've been wrong before.

Now, to be fair, I did have a small amount of complaints. I just didn't want to list those off first because that puts everything that follows in a negative light. At least, that's my opinion. One of the most tedious thing about Bioshock 2 is using the adopted little Sisters to gather Adam from corpses. I've only recently figured out a somewhat decent strategy that won't get me killed every time I'm buzzin' for an ADAM fix. It's this tedious process that makes it very tempting to Harvest the little brats. I did once though, and felt awful. After repenting, I focused and really used my brain (a difficult effort at best) to figure out a good strategy that would make doing the right thing not so hard. I found one that works pretty well.

Other than a few technical issues, and one really annoying bug that got me stuck in a room for a near 45 minutes (I really don't wanna talk about it....) Bioshock 2 deserves a lot better than most critics give it credit for. Can't say the same about Dante's Inferno though....

The Rearview Mirror: 2009 and all it's contributions

A friend of mine posted his top 10 favorite albums of 2009, and I WAS going to do something similar (I swear) but he beat me too it. It's a good list. You can read it here. However, in the interest of all things media related, I thought I would take it a step further and cover video games and movies as well. I think I may have done something like this at the end of last year, but I am too lazy to go check. Also, in the interest of brevity, I will narrow it down to top five. Again, this all heavily opinionated, and if you don't agree, you're just wrong. Get over it.

First, we will start off with the top five best Video Games released this year.

5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

-Admittedly, I have not played this game, nor do I own it. So why did it make number 5? Because no one will shut up about it, AND I just wanted to be the first to create a list in which COD:MW2 scored lower than Super Mario Bros. Wii.

4. Fallout 3: Point Lookout

-Okay, so this is not technical a full game, but it certainly is some kick-ass DLC. With Fallout 3 easily being the best game of 2008, this expansion brings the intensity to a whole new level and is essential for any fan of Fallout 3.

3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

-Challenging, innovative, and a blast to play, this next installment in the platforming world of Super Mario Bros. is a great treat for both new gamers and seasoned veterans alike. Play solo, or with up to four people if you really want to have some fun.

2. Dragon Age: Origins

-Bioware has done it again. And by done it again, I mean graced the shelves with yet another deeply involved RPG. The game has everything you'd expect from a BioWare game. Good story, good setting, and fun engaging gameplay. If you haven't tried it yet, pick up a copy. I doubt you will be disappointed.

1. Borderlands

-My personal favorite game of the year. Borderlands is probably the best game that a lot of people didn't play. It perfectly combines RPG and FPS elements to create an experience unlike any other. BUT it's main strength is in the online co-op play. Get a couple of your friends together and play through the main quest as if you were doing it by yourself. With advanced difficulty and more loot, Borderlands is definitely better with a group.

Moving on to the top Movies of 2009. Take a look.

5. Where the Wild things Are

-A heartwarming story of a young boy and the monsters in his imagination. Good soundtrack, great production and a well- loved story make for a good movie, but not good enough for me to go out and recommend to people. In a few short months, this movie will probably be forgotten about completely.

4. New Moon

-As a closet Twilight fan, this movie had to make it somewhere on the list. It wasn't the best movie (lengthy, cheesy, poor acting) but for some reason, it resonated with me and therefore earned a spot on the list.

3. Up

-Just when you think Pixar has run out of original ideas, they release UP. Another totally original totally creative instant classic on par with the likes of Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Wall-E. Go see it for yourself.

2. Avatar

-To think, at the beginning of the year, people were more excited about Watchmen then they were about Avatar. Now where are you Watchmen? That's right. No one cares about you anymore. Sure your effects may have been cool and your naked blue man shocking, but the blue men in this movie makes your movie look like crappy claymation. Avatar is a visual masterpiece and nothing like it has been done before. However, where it excels in graphics, it lacks in story and plot. While not bad, the plot is canned and predictable.

1. Star Trek

-Move over Avatar. My favorite movie of the year goes to this masterpiece. Star Trek. Sporting a phenomenal cast, a zealous director, and awesome visuals, Star Trek did not disappoint on any level. Even the Trekkers were impressed at how much justice this movie did to the critically acclaimed franchise. Whether you are a long time fan, or a newbie to the universe, The Star Trek movie is an awesome film for both.

HONORABLE 2009 MOVIE MENTIONS:

-Coraline

I definitely like Coraline better than Where the Wild Things are and New Moon combined, but I don't feel like deleting and re-writing stuff. Last but not least, Music. What a good year for music.

5. Fever Ray - Fever Ray

For fans of The Knife, or the dark electronica genre, then you will enjoy Fever Ray. I found this gem later in the year, but I still like it enough for it to make the list at the last minute. Favorite Tracks: Dry and Dusty, Seven, and I'm not done.

4. Moby - Wait for Me

I hate that I'm a Moby fan. If you ever listen to his political rants, you get the idea that not only is he an idiot, but an annoying idiot whose complaints only hold validity with people who wear bamboo shoes and faint at the sight of a hamburger. BUT, to his credit, he does make some pretty kick-ass music and his latest album Wait for Me is one of his best showcases of musical genius. Don't speak Moby. Just make more music. Favorite Tracks: All of them

3. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I hate being cliché, but this album is so good. It's one I've found myself listening to over and over again, and just enjoying it more each time. It's creative and spontaneous and just a good listen overall. Favorite Tracks: My Girls, Summertime Clothes

2. Arms and Sleepers - Matador

Another late discovery brought to my attention by a very dear friend, Arms and Sleepers has taken this year's spotlight for new artist that I've added to my library. It's melodic ambience, and epic guitar sounds make it one of those not-quite- instrumental, not-quite-vocal masterpieces. Combining sounds like Radiohead, Sigur Rós, and Moby, Arms and sleepers is in my opinion, a great candidate for second place. Favorite Track(s): Helvetica

1. Lights - The Listening

This album is by far my favorite of 2009. I have known about lights for quite sometime, but her debut LP shot her up to being one of my all time favorite artists. She's electro-pop, but done in such a way that makes all other music in the genre sound liked canned beats. She uses the synthesizer and computer in a way that I have not heard before, and she carries herself like an indie artist, and not a pop-star. Give it a listen. I think you'll be surprised.

Favorite Tracks: Savior, Drive My Soul, The Last Thing On Your Mind, Face Up, Up Up and Away.

HONORABLE 2009 MUSIC MENTIONS:

Muse - The Resistance

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Company of Thieves - Ordinary Riches

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Looking back on this list, I'm not sure I did this right. I might like Muse's 'The Resistance' a little more than I like Fever Ray, and might like Moby a little more than Animal Collective, but Alas, what's done it done. All of the artists I mentioned have great music to offer, and truly, every album deserves it's own full length blog entry. Good job everyone. Fuzzy navals are on me.

Yes, its been a good year friends. I already know some items I'm looking forward to for next year *cough* Mass Effect 2 *cough*

Stay safe at your parties, don't drive drunk, and most importantly, don't make any resolutions because you'll forget it by March. Happy New Year everyone!

Shoot 'em up: Borderlands

It certainly has been a while since I've posted about a video game. I believe my last one was regarding LEGO Star Wars. As fun as that game is, c'mon. It's LEGO Star Wars. We can do better than that here.

Over the long weekend, I went to one of my favorite places. A place where I am accepted, and my tendencies to freak out over nerd things is completely normal and in fact, encouraged. It is a haven for all those who would rather sit and stare at a television than go to work, school, or even socialize with friends. I am of course speaking of the local Game Stop. Perhaps that build up was a bit much. Anyway, I'm at Game Stop, and I found a used copy of the Halo 3 collector's edition. It was the same price as the normal Halo 3 used copy. I lucked out big time. Anyway, I go up to pay for it, and I am informed that if I were to buy two used games, then I would get the third one free. Well, I couldn't pass this up, so I began to scan the shelves for two more games that looked remotely entertaining. I picked up a copy of Fable 2 (collector's edition as well....far out!) and this game called Borderlands, which I had heard many good things about.

I'm guessing the reason I had heard so many good things about it is because...well...it's awesome. It is a very well made RPS (Role Playing Shooter) with many selling points that will keep you wanting more. The first thing people will notice is the extremely artistic styling of the graphics. It's right in the middle of real-looking, and cel-shaded. It reminds me of that one movie with Keanu Reeves and Robert Downey Jr. and confound it all, I can't remember the name right now. If I think of it later, I will put a in a hyperlink.

Another thing that is really cool about this game is the simplicity of the story. While there is a main plot, the amount of side-missions is very high and it gives you a lot to do. The only thing more numerous than the side-quests is the amount of weaponry available to you. Seriously. There are a TON of different guns in this game. It's tempting to get attached to some weapons that you really like, but eventually you have to let it go. Don't worry. The only reason you would let it go is because you found a weapon that was even better, perhaps one whose bullets can set people on fire or maybe blow them up into tiny tiny pieces.

The other selling points are the RPG elements. I already mentioned the quests and missions that are recorded in your 'journal' but you also gain XP by killing enemies and you level up. Like all good RPGs, leveling up gives you the opportunity to kind of customize and tweak your character however you would like. This is done by adding skill points to different categories. If I would rather be a better doctor than shooter, I can add points one of the medic skills. However, I prefer to add all my points to the skills in the 'bad ass' category. No, it's not a real category, but it should be.

I could go on and on about how it reminds of other great games like Fallout 3 and Bioshock, but I won't go into that. I will give it a 9 out of 10 and recommend to almost anyone because it is just a lot of fun to play and very well made, and any gamer can appreciate that.

LEGO Star Wars: Blow you to pieces

I haven't posted about a video game in a long time. Probably because I haven't been an avid gamer until a few months ago playing games like Fallout 3, Halo Wars, Star Wars the Force Unleashed, and one of my all time favorites, LEGO Star Wars. That's right. LEGO Star Wars.

This game has been out for a good while, but I hadn't picked it up until a couple of weeks ago when my friend and I were looking for a good co-op game to play. I had seen LEGO Indianna Jones being played once, and I figured that the gameplay would be similar, minus being chased by giant boulders and adding a more PEW PEW PEW. I will go on record right now and say that LEGO StarWars (and judging by the game play, all the games in the LEGO series) is the best co-op game I have ever played. Seriously. It's a game that is fun and it draws you in, yet not in the cinematic over-theatrical games like those in the HALO series (even though I love games with huge long dramatic cut-scenes). LEGO Star Wars is very clever and tasteful and it's flaws are outnumbered greatly by it's selling points.

First of all, the game has tons to do. You don't just play through the stages and then throw it in the pile of junk to take to Disc Replay (you know, like all your games from the Crash Bandicoot series). No no no. There are multiple different things to accomplish in each level that you most likely won't get the first, second, or even third time through. You can achieve 'True Jedi' for each stage (which is obtained by getting a score of at least 100,000), you can find minikits (10 are well-hidden in each level), find the Red brick (which unlocks bonus features) and more! Everything in this game is fun, so even if you're stuck and can't figure out where to go, exploring the area to find out where to go is fun, as opposed to frustrating. So if you're looking for a game that is fun and engaging, yet not overly serious and dramatic, pick up a copy of LEGO Star Wars. Even better yet, play it with a friend because whether you have second player or not, there will be a second character that follows you around regardless.

Here is a Trailer from before its release. The narrator sounds like he's going to announce the new episode of That 70's show, but it's a good trailer.

A Letter to the Developer: Updates and sweet releases from Bioware

Dear Bioware,

First, I would like to let you know that you never cease to amaze me. Why it doesn't seem that long ago that I picked up a copy of Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic and fell in love with you and your style of game development. Then not long after, my brother got a copy of Jade Empire and he too, became a loyal fan. You've blessed us with so many great and wonderful things, and yet, you're not through.

It wasn't long ago that I first saw your E3 trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic and then your other E3 trailer for the latest developments for Mass Effect 2. I must say, well done my friend, well done. As usual, I was blown away at the quality of the graphics, intrigued at the complexity of the plot lines, and bedazzled at the promise of the gameplay. Bioware, if you were a person, and a female person, I would ask you to marry me. But since you're not a person, and a corporation of many many men, I most likely won't.

A few issues though. Why are you only releasing the Old Republic only on PC? Don't you realize half (or even more) of your followers are young adults who have realized that PCs are pieces of garbage and have made the conversion to Mac?

Also, as a personal preference, I would have much rather seen another RPG as opposed to an MMORPG.

Good work on Mass Effect 2. It looks like it's going to be one hell of a sequel.

And Mass Effect 2

A sad Day: Independent Legend of Zelda film

Sometimes, I wish all my favorite video games were made into feature length movies. So far, the ones that have are just...not good. Tomb Raider, Resident Evil....I'm sure they are tons more, but I just don't feel like looking them up right now.

The game I have been waiting the longest to see adapted for the big screen is one of my all time favorite video games 'The Legend of Zelda.' Seriously, if done right, this would make a very good watch. They key phrase there being 'if done right.' Well ladies and gentleman, I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news. The good news is that there has been a feature length Zelda film made! The bad news? It sucks. 

BMB Finishes is an independent film company that decided it would be a great idea to take one of my favorite franchise's and shit all over it. I had been following this project online for quite some time, and the first trailer made me curious (but for some reason, there was looming doubt that this film would be worth watching). So today, I went back to the official site of the unofficial movie and much to my surprise (horror) they had a brand new trailer! After watching and cleaning up the pieces of my shattered hopes, I decided that Blame it on the Media needed to blame someone, and who am I blaming? All of you people who voluntarily wasted their time to produce a shitty movie that is a disgrace to every Zelda-lover out there. 

As you can see, it is...not all that promising. In fact, I think I would rather watch every Bernie Mac film back-to-back than even pretend I saw this.

RTS, MMO, RPG, WTF: Halo Wars

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I'm still here, I just haven't posted in a while.

So without further ado, here's the hot topic!

Halo. It is easily on of the most popular and most easily recognizable titles in the gaming world today. If you've heard of video games, you've heard of Halo and if you're like me, you've been to the 20 people LAN parties with greasy food, foul language, and hot geeky man-on man action (and by action, I mean standing up and screaming something to the effect of 'BOOM HEADSHOT'). Or maybe you don't know what that's like and God bless you for it.

Most people know the Halo series as a FPS (first person shooter, for those of you who would rather do something productive with your lives) but a few days ago (March 3rd) a game came out that re-defined the Halo series. It's called Halo Wars, and it is a RTS (Real-time strategy) game that looks very well done. If I had all the money in the world, I would run out and buy it right now then let you know how I like it, but instead, I've provided a trailer that will make you wish you had an xbox 360, as well as 60 bucks to go out and blow on it.

You're welcome.

Coming Soon: Mass Effect 2

If you've played games like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, or Mass Effect, than you already know that Bioware is (of course, in my opinion) one of the best game developers out there right now. Bethesda Softworks is a close second, gracing our gaming world with The Elder Scroll series (Morrowind and Oblivion) and most recently my current favorite Fallout 3.  Anyway, the game Mass Effect easily took the cake (and muffins too) for game of the year 2007. It is a beautifully designed game complete with a GREAT story, solid characters, and a fun real-time fighting style. But I think what makes a game like this really great is (drum roll....) all of the work and creativity that went into creating the mass effect universe.

One of the things that makes me a total dork is I like living in worlds that other people create. Mass Effect is a game (well, soon to be series) that takes every little detail and expands on it in the codex. The codex is basically a journal of sorts that lets the player in on the details and all the nerd-age that went into developing such a vast and complex universe. For example, if you wanted to know how your weapons work, it's in the codex. If you want to know more about an alien species, it's the codex. If you want to know about planets, systems of government, currency, weapons, technology, it's ALL in the codex.

You'd think this entry was about the codex. I'm just saying, this is a very well developed game, and if you decide to buy a copy (Currently for 360 or PC) you will NOT be disappointed. 

All this to say that Bioware has announced the release of the sequel (called Mass Effect 2....yay!) and the unique thing about this sequel is it will (this is still rumor, but a pretty confident one) take your save file from the first game and pick up where you left off in the second one. Mass Effect is one of those 'choose your own path' sort of games and the decisions you make in the first game (who lives, who dies, that sort of thing) is said to directly effect the story in the second game. Pretty neat-o huh? I think so. If you just buy the second game without playing the first, you will be brought up to speed on the events in the first game. This is really lame, and most of you should probably just buy the first game and play it and see what the hype is all about.

Here's a teaser, just to wet your pallet.

Game-gasm: Star Wars Battlefront 3

In case none of you already knew, today is Nerd day. Actually, every day is nerd day here at BIOTM. B.I.O.T.M. Bio-Tem. BOM. Bomma your Momma.

Moving right along, I was given a tip yesterday from a very good friend of mine who is knowledgeable in the field of movies, technology, and general media. He told me about this new leaked demo of Star Wars Battlefront 3. Now I myself have not played any of the Star Wars Battlefront series, but after watching this leak (if it turns out to be real) makes me very excited for it's release.

The current status of the Game is unknown. There is a lot going on as far as the development is concerned, and no one can seem to get a straight answer from the creators as to how far they are into the project, completion dates, publisher, etc. The only conclusions we can draw come from this video that was leaked into the treacherous and hostile network of rumors and misnomers know as the interweb by a laid-off employee. The video is low-quality (because it is a video of a video) but still gives us a look at the potential for Battlefront 3.

After watching, I hope you too will be as excited for the release of this epic looking game as I am. Make sure you watch at least the first minute, because there is a sequence in which the player if flying a ship from the surface of a planet and lands in a star destroyer in one seamless motion with no loading. It's all in real time. Pretty impressive.

Star Wars: Battlefront 3 'Leaked Off-Screen' gameplay

Also, there is rumor that a dark-side Obi-Wan will be making an appearance as well.

Special Treat: One Man Zelda song!

Someone with a lot of time on their hands has filmed himself playing several different instruments and put them together in order to make up the theme song from The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker. While it probably took him all week to make, the end result is actually quite impressive and makes me wish that I would use all the time on my hands for something productive like this instead of spending all my time at work.

Ugh. My life sucks.

Thank you Geekologie writer, and I promise this is that last time I'm stealing from your blog.

I missed the first two apocalypses...: Fallout 3

I am lacking on Video Game postage lately. That's because I lack the funds to run out and buy every cool video game that comes out. Some of you (well, not my regular readers) can run out to the store and just buy whatever you feel like because Mom and Dad both went to college and got high paying jobs and can do things like run out and buy you an Avalanche. 

There I go again. Anyway, I picked up a copy of Fallout 3 for my 360. Bethesda Softworks (Morrowind, Oblivion) is the developer behind this much-acclaimed FPS/RPG (that's nerd-talk for 'first-person shooter' and 'role playing game' respectively). I have heard countless good things about it, so I decided to bite the bullet and give it a shot. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where people are struggling against life in the harsh wasteland-like remains of the planet earth.  There are towns that are thrown together out of junk and cities that look like one huge shanty. The player starts off as a child and much like Oblivion, you go through the trivial task of creating your character (I never understood this, maybe it's because the nerds that play these games all night are the same people that wish they could've chosen what they look like...) and deciding whether or not his forehead angles forward or backward and whether or not his chin could club you to death or open a tin can. 

The gameplay itself is also fun. You go through the game making decisions that effect your karma (good or bad choices) and all actions have consequences. The first time I played it through, I just killed all the ugly and annoying people. Now, I'm trying to be a good guy.  If you've ever played Morrowind or Oblivion you will feel right at home. In fact, you'll feel in a much nicer home than you're own, because gameplay has been cleaned up to a near-perfect. Yes, it is that good of a game.

You know what Grinds my Gears? Not having enough time to devote to video games.

As most of you who care probably already know, Gears of War 2 is set to be released exclusively on the X-BOX 360 tomorrow, and looking at the reviews and screen shots, I must say it looks pretty sick. I myself haven't played all the way through the first one, although I have played co-op through a few levels and had quite a good experience. It's a very unique way of playing a shooter, not to mention the adrenaline rush of ripping into flesh with the chainsaw mounted at the tip of your weapon. OH BOY!!! The Gameplay. The Graphics. The Story. All of those elements are at their peak in Gears of War and judging by what people are saying about the sequel, this one will be no different.

In a nutshell, this is what the critics over Gametrailers.com had to say, "It's not absolutely perfect, it's fairly similar to the first game, and it can be boiled down to a simple war game about killing aliens. But Gears of War 2 delivers on all its promises and accomplishes almost everything a big sequel should--keeping its distinct identity while buffing up in every possible category. Unless you're already a confirmed hater or have absolutely no interest in ripping locust apart with some of gaming's most badass weaponry, don't think twice."

I am not a confirmed hater (well, at least not towards this game) and I certainly have an interest in ripping locust apart (whatever the hell that means) with badass weaponry. Where does one enlist?

Force Unleashed: It hangs in the balance

I know this game is already considered old news by most die-hard Star Wars fans, but I thought it was worth writing about. I picked up my copy for the x-box 360 the day of it's released and went home and played it that night after work. Even after all the hype, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but here is what I found after about two hours of playing.

Upon starting the game, you realize that graphics are pretty stunning. That's apparent when you start to move around the brilliant (yet often small) 3d environments. Colors are bright and vibrant, shading and shadows are almost dead on, and of course, lighting. The physics engine was also impressive, as you got to watch Wookies, stormtroopers, and other enemies get hurdled in different directions. One of my favorite things to do was smash a window and watch all the helpless soldiers get dragged out into an unforgiving void. All of these elements were above average, and lived up to the hype.

Gameplay is fun, yet gets pretty repetitive pretty fast. While throwing around enemies, frying them with lightning, and beating them to an alien pulp with a lightsaber is fun, it doesn't offer a variety of different things to do. There is hardly any dialogue between characters (except for cut scenes that help progress the story) and as far as puzzle solving goes, there is none. The only puzzle for me was "How the hell am I supposed to get past all those guys WITH GUNS when i'm stuck with this glow-stick?" I think a third installment of Knights of the Old Republic would've been a better choice.

Overall, beating the crap out of the bad guys using nothing but the force is a good way to unwind from a long day at the office, but isn't for those looking to get into a real in-depth RPG or Puzzle game. Those of you who were expecting those sort of elements will be disappointed in this game. If you take it for what it is, it's fun. 7.5 out of ten.