PC Gaming Equipment Review: XBOX 360 Controller

PC Gaming Equipment Review:

XBOX 360 Controller

     In this "BTN Gaming Review" we are going to shed some light on the wireless XBOX 360 Controll hookup for the PC. Now while this review will be pretty straightforward, there are some pros and cons that I would like to talk about when it comes to this product and its operation on the PC.

    While some things are obvious about the XBOX 360 Controller, there are some very real points of value to choosing this type of gamepad for those computer games that just simply require a gamepad to use. The first and foremost valuable reason that a 360 Controller can be so useful is: Steam. The reason why Steam ranks as number one on the list for the fact that any game in the Steam library that supports gamepads, automatically supports the XBOX 360 Controller. Even those games that say "Partial Gamepad Support" mean that they only support the XBOX 360 Controller. This is extremely helpful because within the realm of Steam games there are several that simply just require the use of this option.

    The second main reason why an XBOX 360 Controller is a great choice for PC gaming is the simple fact that since it is made my Microsoft, it will automatically be compatible with the operating system without little or no configuration/calibration. There might be some drivers that need to be downloaded, but once those drivers are installed (and this usually happens automatically when plugging in an XBOX 360 Controller to the usb port) you are on your way and ready to duke it out with your weapon of choice. It's actually as simple as that.

    The only major drawback to using an XBOX 360 Controller is that although it is convenient, it can be hard to discern what games would be best played with it vs. using the keyboard. Now while this might seem menial and insignificant, it is worth pointing out. Sometimes the convenience of using a controller can overshadow the utility and advanced, more precise usage of the keyboard and mouse. This problem of course is easily corrected by simply experimenting with both options on the games in question and making the decision from there.

    Again, this review is really quite straightforward, and some things might be obvious to most, but for those of you out there who are looking for a great, convenient option for PC gaming, I hope I was able to shed some light on this otherwise Dark Horse.

For driver information or to purchase an XBOX 360 controller for yourself, please visit the links below:
https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/xbox-360-controller-for-windows  (Drivers)
https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/xbox-360-controller-for-windows  (Store)

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Multi-Platform Game Review: Call of Duty - Black Ops

Multi-Platform Game Review: 

Call of Duty Black Ops

     The Call of Duty series is no stranger to revolutionizing gameplay, especially when it comes to multiplayer. With that said, it should come as no surprise that "Call of Duty: Black Ops" furthered the Call of Duty legacy, and in a big way.

     First on the agenda is the single-player campaign. The reason why this is such a big deal is because it sets the scene for the player; the understanding that the main character of the story is in fact "Black Ops" during the Vietnam War. So what does it mean to be "Black Ops" exactly? Well to give a rather brief definition: "covert military or political operations that may employ measure not generally authorized." (Google Definition) Basically the long and short of "Black Operations" is the simple fact that the enacting government will deny any and all involvement, no matter the outcome. This is a HUGE factor when it comes to the storyline of Call of Duty: Black Ops. Why? Because throughout the entire story our main character, Alex Mason, is undergoing extreme measure to pick his brain of what happened during his time in the Black Operations. From mission in Cuba, to covert sabotage of Russian bases, and discovery of biochemical weapons, Mason is forced to relive the cruel and harsh realities of his employ. Without spoiling too much more of the story, it should be suffice to say that campaign does a great job when it comes to painting the Vietnam war for the Hell that it was.

     If single-player campaigns aren't exactly your thing, there are a couple more options that might suit you. Okay, let's face it, most people buy the Call of Duty brand name for the multiplayer aspects. So first up, we have the "Nazi Zombies" game-mode. This particular game-mode can be played solo or with friends (up to a maximum of 4) and it's essentially a "survival" mode that dishes out plenty of baddies that increase in difficulty as the waves tick higher. There are plenty of weapon upgrades strewn about the premises as well as sections that require a certain amount of points to be unlocked. Points can be accumulated by either building up fortifications or slaughtering the zombie hordes by any means necessary. There are also some neat little upgrades/drops that appear at random after slaying the undead that will favor the forces of good in various ways.

      So the single player campaign paints the picture, and "Nazi Zombies" offers a great way to just mindlessly blow away the "not-quite-dead" bodies of Nazis, however, where Call of Duty: Black Ops really shines (as every Call of Duty game does) is in the true multiplayer aspect. With game-modes ranging from the nitty gritty Deathmatch style, to objective-based, team-focused play, there is no doubt that Black Ops has something for everybody. Not only are there plenty of game-modes to choose from, but the highlight of the multiplayer experience is absolutely, positively, the "black market" style of the unlock/level system. Unlike it's predecessors, "Black Ops" allows the player to rack up a type of currency, be it through grinding or contracts, that in turn offers the freedom of being able to buy any weapon/class/upgrade/etc. at any point in time. There are even "Classified" weapons that require the player to achieve a certain goal before becoming available to purchase. With all of that to take in, it become abundantly clear why "Call of Duty: Black Ops" was as successful after it's launch, and still is to this very day.

     "Call of Duty: Black Ops" is a title that is most definitely worth picking up or downloading, or what have you. If you are a fan of the series, or even just looking for a unique take on multiplayer competitive gaming, "Black Ops" absolutely lives up to it's reputation and is worth the 20 dollar bill that it demands on store shelves.

For more information on "Call of Duty: Black Ops" or to purchase the game for yourself, please visit:

https://www.callofduty.com/blackops/home



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Multi-Platform Game Review: Borderlands

Multi-Platform Game Review: Borderlands

     So... what happens when you take the "hair-on-fire, guns-blazing" gamestyle of Doom, mix it with "treasure chest" concept of dungeon crawlers, add just a sprinkle of Mad Max "gone wrong," and wrap it up with a simple (yet effective) customization/leveling system, courtesy of the RPG genre? The facemelting "First Person Roleplaying Shooter" known simply as Borderlands is born.

     Borderlands was an absolutely ground-breaking game when it made it's first appearance in the world of video games, and in all honesty, it still is. Let's face it... with it's high-octane gameplay style that pits the player in the middle of an apocalyptic, cannibal-ridden paradise; the world of Pandora delivers much, much more than anyone could have anticipated. At first glance, it looks pretty much like any other FPS out there (minus the graphics, but we'll get there soon enough). There's the seemingly mundane "run and gun" playstyle with the casual "smash and open" mechanic of various containers that are strewn about the terrain. However, once one is simply able to get past the cover and first few pages of our proverbial book, Borderlands becomes so much more.

     The world of Borderlands is so immersive, in every way, that it becomes almost a chore to try and become disenchanted with it. Sure... the very beginning of the game can be somewhat draggy and like any "RPG" (I use this term quite loosely) it's bound to have it's lulls. That is just to be expected. Borderlands compensates for these very minute "flaws" by offering a treasure system that titillates the player to drive deeper and deeper into the darkest and farthest reaches of Pandora. Item drops and troves of weapons with seemingly limitless abilities are not the only thing that is sure to retain the attention of the gamer, but also the long list of baddies that are just waiting for their, and I quote, "Pound of Flesh." From cannibals, to enormous bug-like creatures, to some seriously messed up "dogs," (and the list goes on) there is always a fresh challenger, or challengers, ready to sink their teeth (or weapon of choice) right into you.

     Tons of weapons? Check. Bodies upon bodies to slaughter? Double-check. So what else can Borderlands offer? How about a leveling system that is unique on it's own, but also implemented to enhance the FPS aspect of the game. Each of the four playable character-classes come equipped with a set of skill trees that compliment various playstyles. These skill trees include abilities like damage amplification, treasure-finding, defense amplification, and so much more. The player is able to unlock these abilities upon leveling up; each level granting a skill point. Needless to say, this is a fresh take on the FPS genre as it gives the player a sense of freedom and customization that makes that particular character powerful, but in their very own way. Like the leveling up system adds a sort of "flare" to combat mechanics, the exploration aspect of Borderlands is kicked up a notch as well. The player is able to traverse forwards, backwards, and side-to-side through all of the areas previously traversed. This means that the player can go find that "newly" found secret location or find a potentially mortal enemy and slaughter them for that "phat lewt" that they have been craving.

    With gameplay covered, it's time to focus on the other aspects of the game that make this an absolute must-have for any gamer. First, there's the graphics. The cell-shading concept adapted by Borderlands adds a whole new look and feel to the FPS genre. It enhances the overall environment and not to mention, it is quite easy to identify interactive objects versus environmental effects. That said, there should be some caution taken when playing Borderlands for copious amounts of time, as the visual effects of cell-shading can make one feel "dizzy" or "woozy" at times. So just use some caution when it comes to this. It does happen!

     Graphics are a key component to a game for various reasons, but now it's time to discuss the absolute biggest factor (in my own opinion) when it comes to ANY video game. That's replay value; and Borderlands passes that test with flying colors. Not only are there four playable characters, but there is also so much DLC for this game that it will become harder and harder to simply become "bored" with the game.

     Overall, Borderlands is a title that delivers it all from gameplay, to graphics, to replay value and so much more. It's almost certain to keep you entertained for hours, days, weeks, and months without even batting an eye.

For more information on Borderlands, please visit:

http://borderlandsthegame.com/index.php/agegate?ref=%2F%2F

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XBOX 360 Game Review: Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation

XBOX 360 Game Review:

Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation

     For over a decade the "Ace Combat" series has been one of the heavy contenders for flight simulator supremacy. From the early days of true arcade gaming to modern day, the "Ace Combat" series has drawn gamers in like moths to flame, and "Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation" is among one of the greatest titles.

     So what exactly is it that separates Ace Combat 6 from the rest of the Ace Combat titles? Well for starters it is the first of only two tiles (out of 18 possible) that were actually released for XBOX 360. That is a statement in and of itself simply because the Ace Combat series has been somewhat of a "Sony Playstation" staple. This was huge in the fact that it broadened the customer base, and gamers such as myself who have played other titles, were not exactly disappointed.

     The gameplay of Ace Combat 6 is exactly as one would expect: the high flying aerial maneuvers and intense dogfights edged out by the very real risk of stalling or crashing is what etched Ace Combat's name in stone.  While still holding true to this fun factor/realism hybrid of gaming, the plot of Ace Combat 6 only heightened the experience. The dialogue of all characters involved meshed with the story-packed cinematics bring the struggle between two warring factions to life. Throw in a target-rich environment and it's any high-paced action shooter's dream.

     While the gameplay holds a lot of the gold to AC6's success, it should also be noted that AC6 has a wonderfully designed "unlockables" section. It basically requires the player to retry all of the missions on different difficulties, or try different paths, or even scout out the area for a codename designated enemy to shoot down. There is absolutely no possible way to get bored with this game's single player mode.

     On the flipside, however, it is the multiplayer mode of Ace Combat 6 that is far less than impressive. With only a handful of missions to fly, plus limitations on said missions, the thrilling idea of PvP dogfighting all but crashes and burns. The multiplayer phase of AC6 was clearly not a fully developed idea, and then if this wasn't enough, all it really takes to own the field is the choice of any Su plane and the deathmatch is locked down. However, what if everybody is choosing the "Su-33 Flanker D"  or the "Su-47 Berkut?" Then all of a sudden the player will find themselves in an endless loop of unimaginative fights that don't really lead anywhere.

     All in all, Ace Combat 6 holds true to its predecessors by delivering that "edge of your seat" combat style mixed with some threatening flight realities, such as stalling or crashing. However, if the consideration for buying this game is real, please make sure to buy it for the right reasons. The single player mode of Ace Combat 6 is absolutely phenomenal and the replay value is undoubtedly limitless; just make sure you stay completely away from the multiplayer mode, which is nothing but disappointment.

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