Jason Becker @Jason_Becker
Reviews
Dungeon Siege (Windows)
3D Diablo with multiple characters
The Good
The best parts of this game are from a technical standpoint. The first is the graphics. They are some of the best around, and include a variety of enviornments to explore. The second is interface which is very easy to understand and use. It gives you the information you need without being obtrusive. The panels are collapsible so you can have more of the screen visible if you choose. Then theres the camera system. It's simply the best implementaion for a 3D isometric game, period. Every developer making a similar game should just copy Dungeon Siege's and be done with it. Also the seamless loading of levels is very nice. There are no loading screens at all between areas. Just smooth transition from outside, to inside, to underground. Very well done and again something other developers could learn from.
The Bad
The downside is the general gameplay and character development. Its a straight up hack'n slash game which for some people can be fun, but others will find it getting repetitive after awhile. There are only 4 basic classes and a few skills that improve with use. Although you can control up to 8 characters as opposed to 1 in Diablo 2 the skill system isn't as good IMO. The mule is a nice idea but I never really used it much. Games that let you gather up lots of "stuff" get old to me after awhile and I just end up leaving most of it on the ground.
The Bottom Line
Like most others have said this game is basically a 3D Diablo clone allowing up to 8 charaters in your party at once. Don't expect a deep story or lots of NPC interaction. Just lots of hack'n slash gaming with a very nice 3D engine.
By Jason Becker on May 13, 2002
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast (Windows)
Starts slow but picks up after first few levels.
The Good
The best part of the game is definitely the light saber and the force powers. They are implemented much better than in the first game. By the last part you will pretty much forget about all the guns and just have fun finding new ways to take out the enemy. My favorite was the force jumping high and then force pulling the troopers up in the air. The game does a great job of making you feel like a Jedi Knight. The movement and third person camera is allot like Heretic 2 and makes controlling your character when using the light saber very easy.
The Bad
The two problems I had with the game was some of the level design(mainly the first few), and some of the puzzles. Without the force powers and light saber the game plays like a standard shooter in the first part with some average at best levels that you can wander around for awhile. I don't mind non-linear design but when your planted in a big level with no idea where to go and are forced to just guess where the panel or key you need is. It can get annoying at times. There were a few puzzles that were very annoying. In particular one with a moving pipe that can be almost impossible to figure out unless your in the right place at the right time.
The Bottom Line
Overall a very good shooter set in the Star Wars universe that enhances the standard gameplay with a very good implementation of the light saber and force powers. Some poor level design and annoying puzzles, but still a definite buy for any SW or FPS shooter fan.
By Jason Becker on May 13, 2002