Video Game Reviews
by Jesse Kennedy
Issue 220 / April 2007 More from this Issue
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Metal Gear Solid; Portable Ops
Konami
Kojima Productions
PSP
12-06
Stealth/Action
There's a fair amount of gamers out there who will tell you that Metal Gear Solid (MGS) III was the greatest video game ever. Of course this is a matter of opinion, but one thing is certain, after III's follow up with MGS: Snake Eater this franchise firmly established itself as the best stealth game series available. Since then others have come and established themselves as legitimate players in the genre, such as the Hitman series, but with MGS IV getting ready to release this year on the PS3 the franchise has been getting a ton of attention. Now, with a portable version on the PSP Konami is riding the hype wave all the way to the bank.
If you've played any of the MGS games then you probably already know if you like this game or not but for those yet to dabble in the world of sneaking games I'll try to give you an idea of what to expect with Portable Ops. Although this is a military game, this isn't a game where you can shoot everything that moves and expect to win. First of all, Konami makes shooting very difficult to do well. Secondly, as a break in form, Portable Ops lets you capture and convert enemy soldiers to serve on your side of the battle. So it's in your best interest to not to kill, but rather to knock your enemies out and drag them back to your truck (your home base in each mission).
Visually Portable Ops looks very much like Snake Eater. The environments aren't as large but the enemy AI is very similar. The same system of a timed countdown is used after being discovered by the enemy. You basically run and hide for a minute unless you can just knock out the guard who has spotted you. Once the timer counts down the other guards will stop looking for you and return to their normal patrol routes. Although sneaking games are not my favorite, Portable Ops is a well developed and very enjoyable entry in one of the most respected game franchises available today.
4.5 out of 5 kung foo chops
Okami
Clover Studios
Capcom
PS2
09-06
Adventure
It seems as though many video game developers today have forgotten that there's only one rule when making a new game. The game should be fun to play. These days many game developers look at games that have been successful and rip them off. However, sometimes the gaming world is rescued by an act of bravery by a studio willing to take a risk. Clover has taken such a risk, and has rewarded us with Okami, an original and addicting adventure game for the still kicking PS2.
This is not to say that Okami is perfect. The beginning of the game has players sitting through about ten minutes of back story with an annoying voice over. The game itself has a certain fool-proof factor (apparently this game was made for kids) so there's really never a question of what to do, or where to go next. These few issues aside Okami stacks up huge in the fun factor category. A primary part of the game is the learning of 'brush stroke techniques' that allow you to repair the environment, and paint sword strokes on your enemies. It's a fun and clever way to break up the battles, and makes the environment more interactive.
Konami
Kojima Productions
PSP
12-06
Stealth/Action
There's a fair amount of gamers out there who will tell you that Metal Gear Solid (MGS) III was the greatest video game ever. Of course this is a matter of opinion, but one thing is certain, after III's follow up with MGS: Snake Eater this franchise firmly established itself as the best stealth game series available. Since then others have come and established themselves as legitimate players in the genre, such as the Hitman series, but with MGS IV getting ready to release this year on the PS3 the franchise has been getting a ton of attention. Now, with a portable version on the PSP Konami is riding the hype wave all the way to the bank.
If you've played any of the MGS games then you probably already know if you like this game or not but for those yet to dabble in the world of sneaking games I'll try to give you an idea of what to expect with Portable Ops. Although this is a military game, this isn't a game where you can shoot everything that moves and expect to win. First of all, Konami makes shooting very difficult to do well. Secondly, as a break in form, Portable Ops lets you capture and convert enemy soldiers to serve on your side of the battle. So it's in your best interest to not to kill, but rather to knock your enemies out and drag them back to your truck (your home base in each mission).
Visually Portable Ops looks very much like Snake Eater. The environments aren't as large but the enemy AI is very similar. The same system of a timed countdown is used after being discovered by the enemy. You basically run and hide for a minute unless you can just knock out the guard who has spotted you. Once the timer counts down the other guards will stop looking for you and return to their normal patrol routes. Although sneaking games are not my favorite, Portable Ops is a well developed and very enjoyable entry in one of the most respected game franchises available today.
4.5 out of 5 kung foo chops
Okami
Clover Studios
Capcom
PS2
09-06
Adventure
It seems as though many video game developers today have forgotten that there's only one rule when making a new game. The game should be fun to play. These days many game developers look at games that have been successful and rip them off. However, sometimes the gaming world is rescued by an act of bravery by a studio willing to take a risk. Clover has taken such a risk, and has rewarded us with Okami, an original and addicting adventure game for the still kicking PS2.
This is not to say that Okami is perfect. The beginning of the game has players sitting through about ten minutes of back story with an annoying voice over. The game itself has a certain fool-proof factor (apparently this game was made for kids) so there's really never a question of what to do, or where to go next. These few issues aside Okami stacks up huge in the fun factor category. A primary part of the game is the learning of 'brush stroke techniques' that allow you to repair the environment, and paint sword strokes on your enemies. It's a fun and clever way to break up the battles, and makes the environment more interactive.
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