emerging_lurker
Reviews
Al-Qadim: The Genie's Curse (DOS)
A decent game with two near-fatal flaws
The Good
Al Qadim is good in quite a few ways. The graphics were excellent for its time. The thing that stands out for me is the sword slash graphic. I also thought the story was excellent. It fit the AD&D mythos quite well. I also liked the abundance of side quests. I felt the action intensive feel of the game made it stand out. However, don't expect Diablo.
The Bad
There are two major flaws in the game. One is the fact that you can't upgrade your sword or your armor. One of the main reasons RPG's are fun is because you can customize your character. This is not an issue in this game, thus destroying pretty much all replay value the game could have had. The other major flaw is that in towns, it is hard to figure out where everything is. All the buildings look exactly the same, so it's very hard to navigate. This made the quests rather hard when they involved going from house to house. Also, this game is too short. It can be finished very quickly
The Bottom Line
A fun action RPG, but lacking depth due to the inability to customize your character.
By emerging_lurker on September 23, 2001
Unreal Tournament (Windows)
I sincerely believe this game is better than Quake 3, I'm not lying, and to the best of my knowledge, I'm not stupid.
The Good
Where to start?
-The AI is terrific. I felt like I was playing a human player. Also, the AI is extremely adjustable - there is an enemy for a player of any skill. I mean, if you pump up the AI enough, you can REALLY get your ass kicked. The AI is great, surprisingly considering I expected this to be mostly multiplayer. Great for practice!
-Modes galore! No matter your preference, there is a mode for it.
-Brilliant graphics if you have a good enough PC and 3D card. I mean, the graphics can blow your mind if you can pump them up. I mean, just check out the screenshots and drool. OK, so Quake III's engine is better. These graphics, however will suffice.
-Excellent multiplayer, which of course is the reason for the existence of this game :) I, personally, cannot comment on ping because I have a cable modem. However, the game's multiplayer is so sweet it's Unreal(horrible pun, I know). Constant fun, this plays wonderful. I mean, it really is awesome online.
-Cool taunts.
-Awesome weapons. Especially the redeemer. Of course, I'm biased towards big booms.
-Cool music. I mean, the stuff that really pumps you up to fight. Some of the best I've heard ever.
-Pretty damned good level design. I mean, it really kicks Q3's ass here. Q3 really pales in comparison.
The Bad
Well, it runs perfectly on my personal computer(but then again, I do have a 1Ghz Athlon), but I can't deathmatch my brother on his 200 mhz with 64 megs of ram - it runs too slowly on his machine, so I kick his ass and he gets pissed.
The Bottom Line
Better than Q3. Much better. I mean, really whups Quake 3's ass. Almost a flawless game.
By emerging_lurker on September 30, 2000
Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time (Windows 3.x)
I like it. Of course, I'm a huge Monty Python fan.
The Good
MONTY PYTHON SKITS! Also, the games, despite being repetitive, are fun. Just a well-put together package. And now that you can get it for 19.99 with Holy Grail(a much better game), which is an excellent deal.
The Bad
The games are repetitive. Also, I didn't like the maze portions. Also, Holy Grail is better.
The Bottom Line
Well, buy it for the Python skits. If you're not a Python fan, STAY AWAY.
By emerging_lurker on August 28, 2000
Streets of SimCity (Windows)
CRAAAAAAAAAAAAP
The Good
Hmmmmmmmm...............well, the way it crashes your computer is fun in a masochistic way.
The Bad
I pull this game out of the box of Sim classics I just spent my hard-earned money on. I remember it getting bad reviews, so it sat as far away from my computer as possible. But, finally, I convinced myself to play it. And what I saw was a crime against humanity. The graphics, for the time were so-so, but even on my 1000 megahertz Athlon, I still get slowdown. Plus, the game plays horribly too! The engine has more bugs then a porch light. I've heard better music in PC speaker games. The controls are so sensitive, a simple tap of the left arrow sends the car carreening off the road I have a suggestion - the makers should be taken outside and shot.
The Bottom Line
Wow! You love bad gameplay? Buy this game! Oh, you don't? THEN STAY AWAY, FOR GOD'S SAKE!
By emerging_lurker on August 25, 2000
Clyde's Revenge (DOS)
By emerging_lurker on June 18, 2000
John Romero's Daikatana (Windows)
It's not that bad!
The Good
1. Bang for your buck. For $30, we're looking at 16 GIGANTIC levels in four worlds with different styles for each group.
- The Discus of Dadelous. It is the coolest weapon since the BFG.
3.Level design. The design is quite good. The way the levels are laid out is excellent.
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Multiplayer. The multiplayer levels are some of the best I've ever seen. There unbelievably tight.
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Sidekicks. I liked them.
This is an addendum to address something I found a personal attack that made me sick.
<<The bovine, mothlike fanboys forcing themselves to love Daikatana are entertaining...in a sad, pathetic sort of way.>>
First thing, I am not forcing myself to like Daikatana. I am never affected by hype. My personal opinions are created solely from the game. Secondly, if you find me entertaining, good for you! Just don't share it with everyone, or you come off like a jerk. And also, I have an opinion. Last time I checked, an opinion can't turn you into a moth or a cow. Now, I have a sense of humor, and believe me, this isn't humor.
The Bad
1. The Swamp. So bad it is scary. The epitome of bad level design. They probably hired a second grader for this level.
2.Ultimate Gas Hands-'Nuff Said
The Bottom Line
OK, so it's not the second coming, but it's not as bad as some make it out to be.
By emerging_lurker on June 18, 2000
Dune 2000 (Windows)
An unfairly trashed game
The Good
First, I've always liked the Command and Conquer system. Despite its faults, I have consistently enjoyed the games, and this is no exception.
I loved the original game, and after hearing what I did, I prepared to be dissappointed. I was surprised by how much I liked the game.
Now, the graphics. The graphics are pretty damned good, especially the worms.
The briefings are well acted for a computer game.
My favorite part is the length. This a long game, with many different choices. This also increases replay.
The Bad
Well, the pathfinding is bad, but that's it.
The Bottom Line
A criminally trashed game.
By emerging_lurker on May 22, 2000