Bring The Noise Gaming

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Windows Phone Game Review: Demon Defence

Tower defense games are undoubtedly a major staple when it comes to quick, fun-to-play games both on mobile devices as well as on PC. The approach tends to be the same from game to game, with slightly different features and tactics. "Demon Defence" follows this pattern as well.

"Demon Defence" has a storyline that revolves around building monstrous creations to fend off "demons" that are intent on attacking a little girl on a rocking horse. The story, is without a doubt, lacking. The whole concept can be lost as there isn't really too much elaboration on this element of the game. Thankfully, for what Demon Defence lacks in plotline, it makes up for with gameplay.

Basically, the player starts off with one "tower" which is in fact a laser. This laser does light damage while firing at a quickened pace, but its effectiveness truly runs it's course very early on in the game. However, as the game progresses and based on level performance and difficulty, the player has the chance to purchase and upgrade other tower models in the "shop" section of the game. The curency is blue diamonds, and these diamonds are won at the end of each map as well as randomly dropped in levels (though it is completely rare) by killing demons.

Along with this slightly different approach to the typical "tower defense" game, there are obstacles in the maps that allow the player to gain more money as well as "reveal" hidden towers. This process is also quite random. (So don't get your hopes if you are trying to destroy a rock or a tree in order to get that super awesome tower, because it probably won't happen.) Not to mention the clearing of said objects can be quite a stressful ordeal when also trying to manage the demon waves, which in turn get progressively stronger.

On top of all of this, the developers did a very nice job of making sure to add on more content in "episodes," but yet again, the higher up in the levels you go, the difficulty rises exponentially.

All in all, Demon Defence does a great job of carving it's name into the long list of worthy tower defence games. However, if patience or re-thinking tactics isn't your strong suit, this game will most certainly beat you before you have the chance to beat it.

For more information on Demon Defence, or to download the game and play it yourself, please visit:

Windows Phone:

http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/demondefence/aac202ed-8da9-4e5a-b157-c22bd69617e5

Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fireflygame.demondefencegoogle&hl=en

iOS:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/demon-defence/id686408740?mt=8

Be sure to check out my other content!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wBb1EsrvF6mEPTWD1d0qA

Blog: http://btngaminggamereviews.blogspot.com/

Tumblr: http://bringthenoisegaming.tumblr.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @BTN_Gaming

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Android Game App Review: Hay Day

Farming games and simulators are a genre all to themselves. With titles such as Harvest Moon or Wild Season, just to name a couple, it's quite easy to see why farming games can be so addictive. "Hay Day" can add it's name to the list of good farming games and has many features to back it up.

Hay Day is a great little app that can be downloaded for the Android persuasion of mobile phones and tablets, and it is most definitely worth checking out. First of all, it is in fact free, so anyone who wishes to download can do so without that initial investment. Once downloaded, Hay Day will immediately win the player over with it's "happy" theme and colors.

The overall feel of the game is one of absolute enjoyment. It's a very simple concept to grasp hold of right away, and there is even a short tutorial that guides the user through the very first steps and basics of the game. This tutorial's guide is none other than a cute little scarecrow that pops up all over the farm to indicate to the player what needs to be done next. Once the tutorial is over, the player is then presented with a style of free-form play, and that is where the true fun begins.

As with most "building" game apps, there is a timed production and also a premium currency (in this case it's daimonds/white gems). One great feature of the premium currency is the fact that the game itself actually gives many opportunities to the player to acquire the gems rather than having to actually shell out any dough. This can range from "lock boxes" found on the farm map, to side quests, to leveling up, and achievements, plus so much more. This is an incredible feature for those of us out there who are pinching our pennies, but still looking to enjoy a nice relaxing game app.

While the "free" premium currency is a plus, the major portion of enjoyment that comes from this game is the ability to sustain your farm with an extremely large variety of animals and products. From chickens to cows, to bread-making and delivery trips, there is always something to do in order to keep the player coming back for more.

As mentioned above, there is also an achievement system that gives you bonuses in experience and materials as you complete them, and this is yet another great way that the game keeps the player's interest. On top of the achievement system there is also a "Facebook" connection option as well as a worldwide market for materials and crops, so if supplies end up running thin, there are always more options to get what's needed.

Overall, "Hay Day" offers a great a experience and delivers on that experience by keeping the player engaged with so many things to do, but also balancing itself out so that the user doesn't get overwhelmed. Not to mention the "free-form" play model offers that feeling of freedom and "do as you wish" playstyle that so many apps nowadays seem to lack. If you are looking for a great mobile app that is both easy on the pocketbook but overflowing in fun and de-stressing, Hay Day is a must!

For more information on "Hay Day" or to download it for your Android/iOS mobile device, please visit:

http://supercell.com/en/games/hayday/

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Windows Phone Game Review: Dragon Mania Legends

Windows Phone Game Review:

Dragon Mania Legends

If you're in the market for a game app on Windows Phone that is fun, easy to play, and has a great "social media" feature, then "Dragon Mania Legends" might just be what you are looking for.

"Dragon Mania Legends" is a neat little game app that focuses on dragon breeding and dragon raising. It has a very pokemon-esque feel to it, as well as some pretty standard app features (i.e. timed production, "swipe and collect," "pay-to-play" model, etc). However, what really makes Dragon Mania Legends stand on it's own two legs, is the actual breeding system. The player starts off with a fire dragon and there is a tutorial that will guide the user through the breeding process. With so many different combinations for dragon breeding and the fact that the game is regularly updated, it goes without saying that Dragon Mania Legends will definitely require some daily attention.

As mentioned above, this game will require some dedicated/regular attention pretty much everyday if progress is to be made. However, that's not necessarily such a bad thing. The game does a great job balancing itself out between what the player can do now, versus what the player can unlock later. One feature that helps create this balance is the battle system. The user gets a finite amount of battle charges each day, and these charges are recovered over time, but the amount time isn't so great that it discourages gameplay for later on the same day. Another great way that Dragon Mania Legends controls its gameplay is the actual "pay-to-play" model. While the option to buy the "premium currency" (purple crystals) is completely available from the start of the game, it's not completely required. Dragon Mania Legends does a splendid job of giving the player these resources through various ways, such as the questline or achievement system, as well as Facebook involvement.

While Dragon Mania Legends is a surefire way to get attention, and keep attention, there is a bit of a downside to the game: the questline. Being intended for the market as a "game," there needs to be a certain freedom that comes with the title. That being said, the questline in Dragon Mania Legends is quite intricate to the point where, if the player were to follow the quests in order, then there is almost a complete lack of imagination when actually playing. It's almost like being on auto-pilot mode. This detriment, although small or insignificant at first, can cause a loss of interest over time for some users. However, in the same breath, this type of intricate attention to the questline could be perfect for keeping the younger gamers on track so that they don't lose all focus on actually progressing through the game. So, one could call it a double-edged sword.

Overall, Dragon Mania Legends by Gameloft is an absolutely wonderful game app to have on hand for those times when little ones might need something to focus their attention on. With a great "pay-to-play" model and a social media feature, it's also a great option for adults and anywhere in between. Just be wary not to fall into the "braindead" zone when following the questline.

For more information on "Dragon Mania Legends," or to download the app and play it for yourself, please visit:

http://www.gameloft.com/windows-phone-games/dragon-mania-legends-free/

Be sure to check out my other content!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wBb1EsrvF6mEPTWD1d0qA

Blog: http://btngaminggamereviews.blogspot.com/

Tumblr: http://bringthenoisegaming.tumblr.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @BTN_Gaming

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Origin "On the House" Game Announcment: Ultima VIII - Pagan

What's up to all my gamerz and gamerettez out there! Just wanted to let everybody out there know that Origin has updated the "On The House" special, and the new game is "Ultima VIII: Pagan." Make sure you guy stop by the shop and check it out for yourselves. In the meantime, I'll make sure that I do a playthough of this newly featured game. Make sure you check out my YouTube channel as well for all upcoming videos pertaining to "Ultima VIII: Pagan." Also, check back in a few weeks to see a full in-depth review on Origin's new "On The House" special.

(All links referred to in the above section can be located at the bottom of this page.)

Til next guys, have a wonderful day, and above all else: HAPPY HUNTING!

For more information on Origin's "On The House" special, or to download the Origin client, please visit:

https://www.origin.com/en-us/store/buy/ultima-8/pc-download/base-game/gold-edition

Be sure to check out my other content!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wBb1EsrvF6mEPTWD1d0qA

Blog: http://btngaminggamereviews.blogspot.com/

Tumblr: http://bringthenoisegaming.tumblr.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @BTN_Gaming

Android Game App Review: Burger - The Tasty Burger Game

Android Game App Review:

Burger - The Tasty Burger Game

With so many mobile options out there (i.e Android, iOS, Windows, etc) there seems to be this overwhelming demand for apps of all sorts. "Burger - The Tasty Burger Game" is a game app for Android, but the need for it could be a debatable topic.

For starters, it's free. Not many other words beat that little four letter word, so at least "Burger" has that going for itself. It seems to get high ratings, but honestly... why? Sure the game has a great concept to it. It's almost like a a free-form "Tetris" in that the player has to build the right burger combo and the faster it's built the higher the score. That's pretty much all there is to the game...

Undoubtedly, "Burger" has the potential to be greater. Surely there could be a sequel that gives the player some sort of "Shopping" option where they can spend these coins they earn throughout the levels (This would also be a great pay-to-play model for the developers so that they could update the shop/game regularly). Overall, there just seems to be this... absence, like something is missing. There isn't truly enough here for this app to truly be called a "game" as it dubs itself to be. Sure there is a challenging time concept to it, but give the player more to do. More to interact with.

However, to strip it down and accept it for what it is, "Burger" does a very good job at fulfilling those needs when killin' time is necessary, such as waiting room boredom, or perhaps the occasional "waiting on a friend" routine. So it does hold some quality within these bounds.

Overall, "Burger - The Tasty Burger Game" is anything but truly a "game." If you are looking for some game app that will captivate you and dazzle you with options or splendid gameplay, Burger is definitely not the choice you are looking for. However, if you are just searching for something that is slightly better than being bored out of your skull, download "Burger - The Tasty Burger Game" today!

For more information on "Burger - The Tasty Burger Gam" or to download it and try it for yourself, please visit:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magmamobile.game.Burger&hl=en

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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Alpha Test/Prototype Review: Scrap Garden

If one were to look at the history of gaming and understand that there was in fact a beginning, platformers would be the most memorable. Not only did platform games really start to define the video game world, but they have found a way to also revolutionize it and have therefore become a constant staple in the video game world. "Scrap Garden," even in it's Alpha Demo state has also found a way to leave its mark, even though it is so early in production.

For starters, the graphics are so very well put together. It really defines itself in the way the setting looks and conveys a very clean palette to the player. The colors of the landscape are simple and not overpowering, yet they also seem to pop in places. This said, they also enhance a feeling of despair. Immediately, the player understands that there is something amiss in the tired little town where our hero wakes up and its this simple color scheme that guides the player on their journey.

There are a number of features that make this demo actually feel like a completed item. The one feature that stands out first and foremost (especially in an Alpha Demo) is the simple fact that it is compatible with an XBOX 360 controller. The reason why I find this important, is because there are so many games out there, which are completed products, that don't have full-controller support. This is a huge step in the right direction, especially when it comes to playing a 360-degree platformer as it allows pretty much anybody to jump right in and start playing without the confusion of controls.

While the controller adds the true feeling of "gaming" to Scrap Garden, there is also a lot that can be said with the player's ability to actually interact with the environment. There are several different instances in which this is important. Whether it picking up an object to use as a stand to reach a higher level, or using that same object as a hurled weapon, Scrap Garden does a wonderful job of presenting a sort of freedom for the player to achieve the same goal in several different ways.

Environment interaction, although key to any game nowadays, isn't complete without a sort of "mini quest." And yes, Scrap garden delivers on this note as well. The mini quest presented in the gameplay is simple, but quite important. Simply put, the player must gather up little red crystals in order to advance into the next chapter. These crystals can be rounded up in a variety of ways, from simple free-world gathering, to smashing boxes, to even killing enemies, Scrap Garden shows just how important it is to truly explore the surroundings.

Finally, there is the icing on the cake: cinematics. While cut-scenes are inherently taken for granted, it says volumes that the creators are actually taking this into consideration for something as simple as a demo. It gives the player something to latch on to and really rounds out the overall experience by helping the player to understand the story before it's actually been told.

Taking all of the above into consideration, Scrap Garden is most definitely on its way to being a great product once it is fully completed. And as many are anticipating its arrival, Scrap Garden will most certainly deliver on its end when the time comes for a "Full-Game" Release.

For more information on Scrap Garden, or to download the Alpha Demo and play it for yourself, please visit:

http://scrap-garden.com/