The Rufus Reviews Top Games Of The Year

Source: IGN.com

With 2013 coming to a close I thought it would be timely to have a look back at some of the best games of the year.  This isn't a countdown and I am completely unable to choose any of the following as a game of the year.  This is simply a rundown of what I considered to be the highlights.

So without further ado...

SPELUNKY HD

Okay, I realise that this was around on Xbox live for a good year or so plus I am still a huge fan of the original freeware version but 2013 was the year this randomly generated, super tough but hugely re-playable platformer hit the PC and PS3.  Yes, I bought it on both! Why not check out my review.

BIOSHOCK INFINITE

The world created for this metaphysical shooter is just amazing.  Getting into the flying city of Columbia is as breathtaking as the place itself.  Of course this beautiful city soon shows itself to be a place of extreme intolerance and violence.  Okay, I do no this game is a first person shooter but I still feel the level of violence could have been peeled back a little since once it gets ramped up towards the end it becomes more of a chore and has an adverse affect on the game.  It's still worth seeing it through for the insanity of the finale (even if one of the big reveals is pretty much given away in advance).  Oh, and if you find the guitar definitely play it.

TOMB RAIDER

Hmm, reboot.  Reboots can be a big concern at times.  The Tomb Raider series had gotten a little stale so the idea of taking a young, inexperienced Lara Croft and putting her in a fight or die situation was certainly intriguing.  Thankfully the new Tomb Raider delivered, with spectacular scenery, frantic action, lots of hidden treasure, thrilling set pieces and a crazy mystical plot to move things along.  There is a bit too much reliance on quick time events (where failure leads to some of the most gruesome death animations I have seen in recent times) and the "inexperienced" Ms Croft seems to quickly get over her aversion to shooting arrows and firing bullets through peoples heads, but overall this is a great gaming experience.

SAINTS ROW IV

There are really two main franchises that have become synonymous with sandbox games and while on the surface they seem rather similar their latest installments really do show just how different they are.  First up (because I played it first) is Saints Row IV.   Considering just how crazy the third installment of this series was it was always going to be difficult to top it.  Fortunately the developers delivered giving us a plot where the leader of The Saints managed to become president (during a sequence with the best use of Aerosmith's "Don't Want To Miss A Thing" ever) and an alien invasion.  Throw in a bunch of super powers, all conveniently explained by the plot, regular parodies of other games and Keith F*cking David and you have a big pile of fun!

GTA V

The second big sandbox title is of course GTA V and boy did Rockstar step up to the plate.  With three main characters to explore the massive map with and missions where switching between them allows you to mix up the gameplay to help keep things varied and fresh.  You are still stuck driving cars over long differences, something I found detracted from GTA IV, however the driving is more enjoyable this time round.  Add in crazy side missions and random encounters to become involved with and you end up with an epic tale of three horrible human beings that you just can't help but like.

RAYMAN LEGENDS

Rayman Origins was a fantastic platformer, however it's difficulty curve pretty quickly turned into a sheer vertical precipice.  The sequel very sensibly keeps the colourful fun characters, great music and fast paced gameplay of its predecessor but adjusts the difficulty for a more gentle experience.  Cleverly the challenge is still there as to unlock all the games secrets you need to find some fiendishly hidden secret areas and complete bonus levels that ramp up the challenge significantly.  Oh and the musical challenge levels are sheer brilliance.  Near perfect platform shenanigans, don;t trust me check out this review I found lying around... somewhere...

THE WALKING DEAD: ALL THAT REMAINS

There is a definite prerequisite before playing the final game on my list.  The first series of the Walking Dead game showed how episodic gaming should be done and provided a grueling adventure game experience set in the Walking Dead world.  Simply put you must play the first season, and the mini-episode DLC "400 Days" before launching into the latest installment.  The first episode of the second season is now available and carries on the story based on decisions from the first season.  There isn't much in the way of plot in this initial episode but it clearly shows the intent to ensure the thrilling, and often gruesome, world is experienced to the full.  This is the most fun you can have in a depressing bleak world of death.

Progress Report - Saints Row 4

This is a continuation of my first impressions of Saints Row 4 article.

Well I am still pushing through the Matrix-esque world of the Saints and still enjoying the game.  I am making very slow progress through the story though due to the optional side missions.  The repetition of these tasks can get a little on the wearing side, however the rewards and bonuses for completing them definitely helps you push through and as they usually feature side tasks it also helps your overall completion percentage significantly.

Speaking of optional missions, as you rescue your homies from the clutches of the tyrannical alien overlord Zinyak you get the option of completing "loyalty missions".  These are usually pretty generous with cash and xp but the main gain is the supporting character also gains superpowers for when you call on them to help you out in the simulated city.  Incidentally, it's the Shaundi loyalty mission that earned SR4 it's refused classification in Australia, and yes I have completed it.

Essentially the section that Australian adults are too sensitive to experience without immediately craving the hardest drugs they can find sees the main character head out with two versions of Shaundi (I can't explain that without spoilers) to track down some "alien narcotics" that boost superpowers.  Remember these powers only exist within the computer simulation where the majority of the game is set ands by this stage your character's powers are well and truly established.  We are entertained to a couple of scenes showing the drugs being taken but when the "boost" kicks in it gives the support characters powers but doesn't actually impact those that the main player character already has... it's implied that it does, but again, there is no actual increase in the powers of the main character!

Don't worry if you are concerned about the horrible personal temptation the above mission may bring into your life.  Thanks the the Australian Classification Board this OPTIONAL mission has been removed from the Australian version of the game.  True you still have to wait a couple of weeks to buy your bubble wrapped version, but at least you will be kept safe.  Incidentally, that anal probe weapon will be available in with local copies depending on the DLC you purchase.

Anyway, back to the game.  The missions are suitably insane and the current batch of story related content is focused on getting the rest of the Saints out of their own simulated realities and into your home base to help you out.  Deep Silver certainly hasn't skimped on content since everything you do seems to unlock multiple missions, both story related and optional.

The superpowers are fun and I am finding I only used a weapon or jump in a vehicle when it is necessary.  After a few upgrades the problem of travelling across the map turns into a joy as you sprint, climb and glide at incredible speed.  The only things that slow you down are the many collectables and nodes (required to upgrade powers) scattered everywhere.  There are heaps of other activities to complete, but I'll let you discover them for yourselves.  Using powers in combat is tricky enough that pulling off a spectacular move is always satisfying without being overly frustrating.  You'll definitely find some powers that you'll hardly use, but I recommend sticking with telekinesis even though it seems a bit underwhelming when you first get access to it.

This is a game that overcomes its flaws by just making it worth your while to push through the low points and is just plain stupid fun the rest of the time.  I'm still laughing at a lot of the gags, even some that I have seen a few times now.  The option to "romance" your crew presents some absolute laugh out loud moments and some strangely touching ones too, with the exception of Keith David.  Why won't you let me love you Keith David?

The scary thing is I still feel that there is more I need to see before I can put the lid on any sort of review of the game.  I am however still very happy to recommend it based on what I have seen so far.

Saints Row 4 - First Impressions

So, I have had a chance to dive back into the world of The Saints and, well, it's good.

It starts out similar to number 3 with a mission where the main character is completely concealed, giving you a taste of over the top silliness before getting into the game proper.  This opening mission also lets you know that, well, other games are not safe.  Call of Duty players may recognise more than a few similarities.  It culminates in a gloriously epic scene which sets up how the leader of The Saints got popular enough to become president and has the best use of an Aerosmith song, ever!

This leads through to the character customisation.  You have almost total control over the look of you character however your wardrobe is limited to suitable presidential garb.  You lose hours in this part alone, but I wanted to get playing so I forced myself to decide in about 20 minutes.

It doesn't take long for the action to start, and damn it is good.  You'll be taking out aliens and using the incredible White House defence system to shoot down spacecraft in no time.

After that, you finally get to the meat of the game.  Game and movie references abound.  So far I have seen nods to Pleasantville, They Live, The Matrix, Mass Effect and Prototype!  I know there are more to come thanks to teasers from the trailers.  Seriously, the whole virtual Steelport angle really has opened up the potential of an already crazy franchise and the developers have not wasted the opportunity.

As with most sandbox games with large areas to cover getting from point A to B can be a bit tedious.  The superpower aspect of the game helps, plus you can create vehicles on the spot, but it does break the flow of the game.  As I upgrade my character I am sure that the speed of travel will increase and this should be less of an issue.

The music is great and works in well with the game.  As you are in a virtual environment you can keep the radio going even when you are walking/running/taking down aliens.  Gotta say, doing battle with Safety Dance blaring out put a big grin on my face.  There are also segments where particular songs start playing and the characters comment or have interactions directly based on the tune that is playing causing more big grin playtime.

No alien narcotics yet, but THAT controversial weapon is available.  The game has not forced me to use it and, just like the giant purple dildo of SR3, it is going to stay unused by my character.  I just don't find it in anyway appealing.  *GASP* I think I just made an adult decision!  I'm really hanging out for the Dubstep Gun though, that looks kick arse!

So far I am happy to give Saints Row 4 a big thumbs up.  There is plenty to do and management of missions is smoothly integrated.  There are a ton of optional activities on hand to help you upgrade faster and you are only forced to do each activity once when you are introduced to it. 

I'm looking forward to visiting virtual Steelport again, and I will keep you updated on developments.

Breaking News - Australian Blogger Buys Uncut Saint Row 4

I can already hear the cries of outrage and the stirring of the angry mob over that fact that I have just purchased and am downloading the international version of Saints Row 4 from the US Playstation Store.

I am risking all that I am to see just what effect this game will have on me.  I am risking becoming a junkie because fictional alien narcotics give cartoonish characters super powers.  I am risking becoming a menace to society as I have the option to use an equally cartoonish alien weapon that can perform a virtual anal probe on a collection of polygons representing virtual people within a matrix style simulation of a fictional city!

Rest assured reader, I will carefully document what horrific changes occur within my very soul so you can feel safe and reassured when the special Australian release version of the game reaches our shores.  You will know just how much the Australian Classification Board is protecting you and your sensitive, fragile adult mind from the horrors of over the top, completely unbelievable video games.

Yes dear reader, I make this ultimate sacrifice for you...

It has nothing to do with allowing me to play a game that is getting excellent reviews, as the developer's wanted us to experience it, almost a month prior to the censored Australian release and costing almost half the price of what it will be once it reaches our shores.  Honestly, I don't know how you could even suspect that?

Once I get the opportunity to sit down for a solid play session I will certainly pass on my first impressions, always assuming I'm not trying to score alien narcotics in some dark alley while lying in wait to stick objects up the anal cavities of passers-by.

Wish me luck guys.

Oh and watch this trailer.  It is hilarious and Australia gets, well, a special mention.

Saints Row 4 Goes For The Hat Trick

Saints Row IV Australian Release Date Pushed Back - Kotaku Australia

Wow, just wow.  Just when you thought this debacle couldn't go even further down the tubes the release date for our sanitised for adults version of SR4 has been pushed back to a month later than the rest of the world.

So to summarise...  We are getting a censored version, the Aussie version will not be compatible to play online with any copy from other regions and now it will take an extra month for this game to officially see our shores.  It's just like the pre R18+ days.  Australia Tax on locally released copies will still apply of course.

SR4 is getting some good reviews out there with no mention of all the horrible narcotics and sexual assault that we Aussies must be protected from, also remembering the questionable weapon will most likely be re-instated in future downloadable content anyway!  Either the rest of the world has a thicker skin or, more likely, this terrible civilisation destroying content is such a minor feature of the game that it would barely register as a concern to most reasonable adults... as in "what a reasonable adult would consider acceptable" which is the crux of the R18+ rating!

Since the modified version has already been submitted and approved by the Australian Classification Board I honestly think that the delay is a deliberate ploy by the developers to try to kick up some extra stink on Australian shores.  Unfortunately with an election looming this will not even register on any politicians issue list.

At the end of the day the only way we can object to the our nannified "adult" rating is by ensuring any purchase of this game is made off-shore which means the local retailers will have take the brunt of any consumer action.  Buying locally means supporting an ineffective ratings system.  As an adult you should have choices.  If you find any aspect of any item too objectionable then it is your choice not to support a product, or express your concern to the distributors and publishers.  There are no floodgates to be opened by allowing a cartoonish game like SR4 through uncut as the real objectionable content is not made by any game developer intending to distribute their games via normal retail channels.

At the end of the day as an adult the choice is yours to make, and the government should not be taking making that choice for you.

Thinking Of Pre-ordering Saints Row 4? Check This Out...

Very Special Edition Of Saints Row IV Costs $US1,000,000 - Kotaku Australia

Okay, I know I have written a fair bit about Saints Row 4 and it's rather controversial release in Australia over the past couple of weeks, so I guess the time is right to have a look at one of the crazier aspects of it.

That's right, as noted above, there is a pre-order edition of SR4 that will set you back a cool $1,000,000.  Why would anyone ever consider this you ask, well look at what is included in "The Super Dangerous Wad Wad Edition"...

• A full sized replica of the Dubstep gun
• A full day of spy training
• A trip to space with Virgin Galactic
• One year's membership in the E25 Super Car Club, and a Lamborghini Gallardo to make it worthwhile
• Plastic surgery of the purchaser's choice
• A shopping spree with a personal shopper to create the ultimate Planet Saints wardrobe
• 7 nights for two at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington
• A hostage rescue experience
• A brand new Toyota Prius
• 7 nights for two in the Top Royal Suite at the Burj-al-arab, flights included
• Oh, and a copy of the Commander in Chief special edition of Saints Row 4

The fine print is that at the time of writing this is a special deal for UK purchasers of the game and their is a condition that states "Koch Media especially reserve the right to remove or amend contents of the Super Dangerous Wad Wad Edition."

So, any takers out there?

And The Saints Row IV Debacle Gets Even More Ridiculous...

Australia's Edited Saints Row IV Is Incompatible With Other Versions Of The Game - Kotaku Australia

As reported by our good friends at Kotaku Australia it has now been revealed that our custom censored version of SR4 is modified in such a way that it will not be compatible with the unmodified versions available for the rest of the world.  That means if you you want to play multiplayer with anyone outside of Australia (or indeed anyone in Australia who imported a copy) then too bad.

Yep, not only are we back in a situation where the rest of the gaming world is looking at us with everything from sympathy to outright contempt, we're also effectively getting quarantined!

Whether you have any interest in this game or not, it's hard to ignore just how appallingly gamers are still considered in Australia, even with a token R18+ rating to allow for "greater flexibility".  Between publishers squeezing us for every extra dollar and our own government refusing to believe that there is an ever growing contingent of adult, and eligible to vote, gamers is it any wonder that I (and many others) have nearly 0% incentive or desire to support local retailers.

Adult gamers are responsible gamers.  Gamer parents have much greater capability and knowledge when it comes to ensuring their children access appropriate content.  Over zealous censorship of games intended for adults is pointless, stupid and just plain offensive.

Guess it's time to dig out that list of MPs and put the lobbying shoes back on.

Saints Row 4 Censored For Australia... May Be Uncensored By Proxy

Saints Row IV To Probe DLC Loophole - Kotaku Australia

Deep Silver Games have happily announced that Saints Row IV has finally earned the tick of approval for release in Australia.  True they had to remove a couple of missions but hey, why bother about heavy handed censorship when we have a broken R18+ rating for games.

If you head to your local games retailer then you can go with the peace of mind that the Australian Classification Board has protected your fragile adult mind from fictional alien drugs that grant superpowers since that is just one step away from believing real life illicit drugs will reward you in some undefined way.  You also won't have to worry about being exposed to a ridiculously cartoonish "Rectifier Probe" which, if it's anything like the giant purple dildo bat in Saints Row 3, you can completely ignore and never actually use.  Aren't you so glad that as an adult you have such reasonable government regulation to protect you from such evil?

If you agree then you'd better not get the Season Pass or buy any DLC because Deep Silver has not so subtly hinted that the above content may well feature heavily in expansions and bonuses available at launch as well as further down the track.  This simple fact shows just how broken our system is.  I was deeply involved with the decade long fight to get us an R18+ rating and must admit that I hope Deep Silver get away with the DLC workaround.  Well it worked for GTA IV which had a game update that restored all content originally removed for Australian release.

Even with the restoration of content post release I urge anyone who wants to get their hands on SR4 to investigate alternative options for purchasing it.  If the censored version sells well in Australia then it will send a message that we are prepared to accept censorship on entertainment specifically intended for adults.

Nolan North Gets Meta In Saints Row 4

Saints Row IV Stars Nolan North as Himself - The Escapist

Okay for those who don't know who Nolan North is, basically if you have played any major game titles in recent years you have heard this guy.  From the Uncharted series to Assassin's Creed and (rather infamously) a number of characters in Mafia 2 - seriously, there are sections in that game with this guy is carrying out three part conversations with himself.

It typical Saints Row style you won't just be choosing him as one of the voice options, no.  Instead of Mr North just reading out the dialogue you will instead be playing the main character AS Nolan North.  Number 3 in the series had a separate zombie option, so I guess this is kind of a natural progression.

You know it is good to see one of the more prolific actors in video games getting some extra recognition and should I pick up the latest installment of Saints Row I think I'll have a seperate save for the Nolan North run through.

Saints Row 4 Refused Classification in Australia

Breaking: Saints Row IV Has Been Refused Classification - Kotaku Australia

This... I... what? I don't even...

Okay, some background.  For almost 11 years Australian gamers fought for a change in the classification system to allow 18+ games (the equivalent to 17+ on the ESRB system) to be released in Australia.  Prior to the eventual introduction of the R18+ rating games where either refused classification (could not be sold), edited for release in Australia (to much outrage), or most commonly shoe-horned into the in-appropriate MA15+ category.

Essentially there was no category for video games intended for adults, and the long painful process and the screams of protesting conservatives yelling "think of the children" wrapped up to cheers of campaigning responsible adults, who wanted nothing more than a clear designation to help less informed parents know what was and wasn't appropriate for little Johnny, when it was announced that Aussie would finally an R18+ classification starting 1 January 2013.  I know exactly how it felt since I had been one of those campaigners right from the start.

So, upon seeing the above headline I immediately investigated further, wondering what exactly it took to push Saints Row 4 beyond the category of R18+.  It has been refused due to "interactive, visual depictions of implied sexual violence which are not justified by context".  Okay, sounds nasty, however exactly how visual can implied content be?  Considering Saints Row 3, which I just happen to have recently started replaying, had a scene early on where a guy could be seen pushing a woman's head down towards his crotch.  Number 3 also has a lovely mission called "The Ho Boat" where you get to stop a container boat full of women being sent off into sex slavery by shooting anything in your path, including any of the ladies who get caught up in the crossfire.  At the end, well you can put them to work as prostitutes for your character's benefit.  These are scenarios that I find distasteful, yet I know there is much worse sitting in my local video store.... Human Centipede anyone?

Now the above examples are probably the most extreme available in Saints Row 3 and I feel certainly can be described using the classification board's nice and provocative, yet very broad, statement about number 4.  The point of this is that Saints Row 3 was released in Australia, completely uncut, under the MA15+ banner.

This decision appears that, in essence, the rather flexible rules for the old MA15+ have been tweaked, tightened up a bit and applied wholesale to the new R18+ guidelines.  We were promised that wouldn't be the case however, to date, the only games to get the fabled new rating are the ones that would have been MA15+ under the old system anyway.

Now, if this implied content is really that bad, if it is a scenario that can easily be seen to exceed any interpretation of the R18+ classification then I am happy to abide by that decision and have some of my faith restored in the classification board.  I still however find it incredibly unlikely that a game designed by adults, for adults, in such a well established game franchise with experienced, commercial game developers at the helm would include anything that would push those bounds.

Adult entertainment (and I don't mean porn, that is a whole different discussion) needs to have the scope to push reactions, push buttons and be set up so that adults experiencing it can make there own decisions on the content, regardless of the medium.  To sum up I will make the point that I made in numerous submissions to local members, state MPs, Attorney Generals and even the Prime Minister...

R18+ for any content needs to be same for ALL content, be it games, film, television or print.  Only then can we have a true adult rating that meets the criteria for all Australian adults.