JR's Video Game Reviews - UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES

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UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3)
Total Game Time: 20-25 hours in total
Dates of Play: 25 July 2016 - 01 August 2016 (PS3)

Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 10/10
Innovation - 9.5/10
Playability - 9.5/10
Music - 10/10

JR's Rating: 🔟9️⃣ (10 out of 10, Masterpiece)

"The Search for the Cintamani Stone & the Lost City of Shangri-La"

POSITIVES ➕ The Lost City of Shambhala ➕ Zoran Lazarević ➕ Chapter 1: A Rock and A Hard Place ➕ Ch 13: Locomotion & Ch 14: Tunnel Vision ➕ Online Multiplayer Mode ➕ Easier Stealth Kills or Assassinations

NEGATIVES

Ambitious and amazing. Uncharted 2 banks on a new adventure with yet the same type of gameplay from its first outing but masterfully improves on both visuals and story. Its awe-inspiring setpieces are the game's true pride asset. Set in the majestic Nepal, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves brings our hero, Nathan Drake, on the search for the Cintamani Stone in the Lost City of Shangri-La (or Shambhala, which ever you prefer) which is deemed to give any one invincible and superhuman power. With Elena, Sully and the new Chloe Frazer, you race yourself against a maniacal Zoran Lazarević who has his own personal agenda of power. Another blockbuster video game by Naughty Dog that gives you a thrilling and gripping story in another challenging journey, this game takes a huge upgrade from its predecessor that makes my 10/10 all the worth. New weapons like the Crossbow, Pistole and the GAU-19 are great additions but the original Dragon Sniper and Desert still remain my favorites. It's stealth assassinations are way too easier and remain the better choice in accomplishing a wave of enemies before the next event takes place. This game is a also masterwork of setpieces that are now iconic in the video game universe, such being its elaborate train sequences both in the introduction wreckage and in the train while in locomotion. The end boss is damn frustrating but unlike the first, you can defeat Zoran on your own terms not having to press a predetermined button sequence (however there is this cheat on beating out the boss, better search it). Other than the single player game, the sequel introduces its first outing of multiplayer mode which is smooth and worth giving a try. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a must play in the PlayStation as it is one of the best that the platform has to offer. Uncharted 3 and 4 review coming soon.

#Uncharted #AmongThieves #UnchartedAmongThieves
#VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: The First Hour

>>> http://firsthour.net/first-hour-review/uncharted-2-among-thieves

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 22 September 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE

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UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3)
Total Game Time: 20-25 hours in total
Dates of Play: 11 January 2013 - 27 January 2013 (PS3)

Story - 9.5/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 8.5/10
Innovation - 10/10
Playability - 9/10
Music - 10/10

JR's Rating: 9️⃣ (9.5 out of 10, Excellent)

"The Search for the Lost Golden City of El Dorado"

POSITIVES ➕ The Statue of El Dorado ➕ The Majestic Fortress, Monastery and Church ➕ Chapter 1: Ambushed ➕ Chapter 17: The Heart of the Vault ➕ The First True "Video Game Blockbuster"

NEGATIVES ➖ Chapter 7: Out of the Frying Pan ➖ Chapter 12: Heading Upriver ➖ Navarro

A true achievement in video game visuals and story-telling, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune upped the ante in what is the modern-day video game. It is the epic introduction in one of today’s most popular and iconic video game series. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune introduces us to Nathan Drake, the supposed ancestor of English explorer Sir Francis Drake, on a quest to search for the golden city of El Dorado. Upon his adventure, he gets accompanied by journalist Elena Fisher and mentor Victor Sullivan (“Sully”) going against another group of treasure hunters set to steal the famed treasure. WOW is all that I can say in such a very polished video game with a well-crafted story complemented by visuals I’ve never seen before. In particular, the Fortress, the Monastery and the Church setting and their interiors are the true treasures of this video game, all detailed and visually pleasing. The first chapter of the game sparked the action-adventure mood you’ll soon experience throughout the game (and its sequels). The battle on the monster-like enemies at “The Heart of the Vault” chapter was scary and challenging, marking the true “Uncharted” experience. We have three game difficulties, making for stronger and more brutal enemies. I hated though the chapters involving the jeep and the ski-boat as they are boring and very much frustrating to finish. Gun controls are impeded by the limited positions and its dynamic environment. The end-boss Navarro is also bland, restricting you on only one standard or uniform method to defeat him. The game, however, presents something new to the average gamer. Many scenes prove to be memorable making you wanting for more from Naughty Dog. In all that is to say, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune initiated the “video game blockbuster”.

#Uncharted #DrakesFortune #UnchartedDrakesFortune
#VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: The Video Game Gallery

>>> http://www.thevideogamegallery.com/gallery/image:2619/uncharted-drakes-fortune-r1-ps3

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 16 September 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - BROTHERS: A TALE OF TWO SONS

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BROTHERS: A TALE OF TWO SONS
(Reviewed on Xbox 360)
Total Game Time: 4-5 hours in total
Dates of Play: 29 December 2013 - 29 December 2013 (Xbox 360)

Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 9.5/10
Innovation - 10/10
Playability - 9.5/10
Music - 10/10

JR's Rating:  (10 out of 10, Masterpiece)

"Dramatic, Artistic and Scenic"

POSITIVES ➕ Emotional Investment on the Brothers ➕ Use of Fictional Arabic Language ➕ The Inclusion of a Suicide Plot ➕ Scenic Flying Scene ➕ The Cute Griffin ➕ The Tragic Death of One Brother

NEGATIVES

The experience was truly memorable and unforgettable. Two brothers on a tedious quest to find a cure for their ill father, Brothers: A Tale of Two Son is one of the most innovative games to have a uniquely driven gameplay controls and a story which you invest your whole emotions with. A first for me to even control two characters at the same time with just the two thumbsticks on my controller. The story, though short, is the games' ultimate strength. We play two brothers, each having their evident differences - the older is strong and can raise his brother up to high points while the younger one is small and can squeeze himself in tight or narrow spaces. You control them at the same time to solve various puzzles which leads you to a scenic route towards the cure for your father. Along the way, you encounter memorable scenes which includes the use of the inventor's plane, the escape of the Griffin, the troll couple you reunite, the icy path and the very sensitive suicide inclusion (which you prevent such from happening). The various scenes you encounter have their backstories which are emotionally and morally driven in an artistic and very theatric way. The language used by the brothers is a bit weird but all appropriate in a story that uses an environment which has a world of its own. The tragic death of one brother is the most heartbreaking and even the most dramatic in this game. Investing precious effort on making both of the brothers alive towards reaching the Tree of Life, you'll have an unexpected ending which you'll definitely carry even after playing the game. The same scene is all the more saddening when you hear the cries of the other brother. Dramatic, artistic and scenic, three words to describe this game. The game is truly a wonder, a game which in itself is already a masterpiece in its genre.

#Brothers #ATaleOfTwoSons #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: Game Idealist

>>> https://gameidealist.com/news/bonus-content-revealed-for-the-physical-release-of-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-on-ps4-and-xbox-one/

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 28 August 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - TEKKEN 6

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TEKKEN 6
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3)
Total Game Time: 8-10 hours in total
Dates of Play: 10 November 2012 - 26 November 2012 (PS3)

Story - 7/10
Gameplay - 8.5/10
Graphics - 9/10
Innovation - 9/10
Playability - 10/10
Music - 9/10

JR's Rating: 8️⃣ (8.5 out of 10, Awesome)

"Further into the Mishima Dynasty"

POSITIVES ➕ Lars & Alisa ➕ Robert "Bob" Richards ➕ Azazel Boss ➕ 41 Playable & Customizable Characters ➕ Easy Platinum Trophy

NEGATIVES ➖ Long Wait for Online Mode ➖ Campaign Story ➖ Frustrating NANCY-MI847J

Tekken has since been an arcade and video game staple. It's sixth outing is probably the best yet out of its many installments through the years. Tekken 6 boasts 41 playable characters with their own unique fighting style each having numerous customizable features. We get introduced to 9 new characters, some notable favorites of mine are Lars Alexandersson and Alisa Bosconovitch, which both star in the game's campaign mode, and Robert "Bob" Richards, an obese man utilizing American martial arts. Tekken 6, along with its usual Arcade, Versus and Survival Mode, introduces us to their start at Online Mode enabling you to fight players online. This Online Mode, however, is a bummer taking long loading times in search of an opponent and sometimes ending in an unsuccessful partnering. While the Online Mode was an experimental and disappointing one, the Campaign Story is its weakest part as it seems irrelevant and bland. The story continues the Mishima family saga from Tekken 5 but its so much confusing. The end boss Azazel definitely looks good though, and a challenging opponent to take on. If you want a more challenging foe, NANCY-MI847J poses a greater threat than the aforementioned due to its high life and strong attack but only appearing in the Arcade Mode of the game. Frustratingly enough, you'll want to beat this one as you only get one shot at defeating it every take on the Arcade Mode. On a positive note, Tekken 6 is a huge advancement from its PS1 and PS2 counterparts. Tekken 6 is one of the best fighting games in the 7th generation of video games featuring an addicting Versus play against another player (local or online) or ghost AI.

#Tekken6 #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: IGN

>>> http://www.ign.com/games/tekken-6/ps3-748466

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 04 August 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - EVERWING

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EVERWING
(Reviewed on iPhone SE & iPad Mini)
Total Game Time: ∞

Story - 4/10
Gameplay - 6/10
Graphics - 7/10
Innovation - 7/10
Playability - 7/10
Music - 7/10

JR's Rating: 8️⃣ (6.0 out of 10, Okay)

"An Addicting Game to Annoy Your Friends..."

POSITIVES ➕ Pink Fluffy Boss ➕ Timed Boss Challenges ➕ Unique Fairy Bonuses ➕ Diverse Dragons

NEGATIVES ➖ Annoying Friend Invites ➖ Frequent Lags ➖ Very Little Objectives

A faster, modern yet truly annoying Space Invaders playable on your Facebook Messenger... Everwing is the newest game that people are hooked up to. In Everwing, you get to play a fairy with two dragon sidekicks defeating every enemy in line that are set to block your path. At the end of several intervals of enemies, you get to defeat different bosses of varying attacks (though as of this moment, there are only 5 bosses in the game so far, my favorite being the Pink Fluffy One). As good as the gameplay mechanic sounds, the game seems to have the only objective of getting the highest score amongst your friends, which is fulfilling in that perspective only. Objectivity-wise, the game only offers different characters and dragons you are to unlock else the game doesn't offer much. The boss challenges are also good but very difficult to achieve if you can't find a friend who is in it to defeat it. One annoying issue I always encountered in this game is whatever platform you play it with, there will always be a time where the game lags thereby sometimes damaging your progress or score in the process. I liked the game upon playing at start but eventually got tired of it as there is nothing new to anticipate it with.

#Everwing #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: EverWing App (Screenshot Thru iPad Mini)

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 22 July 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - ASSASSIN'S CREED REVELATIONS

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ASSASSIN'S CREED REVELATIONS
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360)
Total Game Time: 30-40 hours in total
Dates of Play: 11 March 2013 - 15 April 2013 (PS3) & 17 March 2013 - 08 April 2013 (Xbox360)

Story - 9.5/10
Gameplay - 8/10
Graphics - 9/10
Innovation - 8/10
Playability - 7/10
Music - 8/10

JR's Rating: 8️⃣ (8.4 out of 10, Awesome)

"Revealing the Ancestry of Assassins"

POSITIVES ➕ 16th Century Constantinople ➕ Altair & Ezio ➕ Bomb Crafting ➕ Zipline Assassination

NEGATIVES ➖ Desmond Sequences ➖ Tower Defense Mechanics

This is the first out of the many Assassin's Creed games that I ever played. Assassin's Creed Revelations brings us a not so confusing storyline between three generations of Assassins - Altair, Ezio and Desmond. Ezio (16th Century) is in Constantinople in search of relics that would bring him back to Altair's era (12th Century). Desmond, in sideline however, is in the present day set to reminisce his ancestry. Majority of the game takes you to Ezio Auditore's storyline, where you fight Templars who are controlling various regions of Constantinople where during that time a struggle to inheritance is happening between Prince Ahmet and his brother Selim. In this game, in comparison to its precursors, you get to craft bombs with varying effects and kill enemies through a zipline assassination with your hookblade in addition to your traditional hidden blade. Set in the Renaissance era, Assassin's Creed Revelations presents an astounding Constantinople complete with its real-world landmarks - Hagia Sofia, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Bayezid Mosque and the Hippodrome (to name a few). The story for me seems at some times convoluted especially when Desmond is placed in the picture (his sequences are also a waste of precious time); however, playing alternately between Ezio and Altair was fun and worth investing your time and attention as they are well thought of. The Assassin's Creed version of GTA San Andreas' Gang Territories - the capturing of areas controlled by Templars - is in itself unique and fun but I hated the mechanism of defending your area against the Templars when they recapture it. The story is good, the zipline assassinations are cool, bomb crafting and collecting treasures is worth my time, and the landmarks are beyond astounding but the lackluster Desmond sequences and tower defense mechanism are a bummer and a let down. Assassin's Creed Revelations is an amazing game, to say the least, in presenting its most iconic characters in a story that isn't forced in the beloved series. I find this as a personal favorite among the games in the series.

#AssassinsCreed #Revelations #AssassinsCreedRevelations #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: IGN

>>> http://www.ign.com/games/assassins-creed-revelations/xbox-360-76574

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 30 June 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - ALAN WAKE

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ALAN WAKE
(Reviewed on Xbox 360)
Total Game Time: 20-24 hours in total
Dates of Play: 31 May 2013 - 26 July 2013 (Xbox360)

Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 10/10
Graphics - 10/10
Innovation - 10/10
Playability - 9/10
Music - 10/10

JR's Rating:  (10 out of 10, Masterpiece)

"Insanity In The Darkness..."

POSITIVES ➕ Enemies Covered In Shadows ➕ Light Beats Darkness ➕ Nightmare Mode of Difficulty ➕ Scenic Bright Falls ➕ "The Departure Manuscript"

NEGATIVES

To consider yourself a true Xbox Fan, you would definitely have to play this exclusive. Alan Wake is stretched into three difficulties with five chapters presenting themselves in a TV episode-like manner. You are Alan Wake set to save your wife from the dark presence that literally turns your fiction into reality. After writing an unfinished "The Departure" manuscript, Alan Wake struggles to keep on pace with his written story while fighting enemies covered in shadows. These enemies covered in shadows are to be stripped of its dark presence with light, through flashlights or flares, then killed with a somewhat form of revolver. As hard as how that mechanic may seem, that's what makes this game so unique amongst all its peers - light beats darkness. Alan Wake is a game that I personally love. I tried all three levels of difficulty, with the Nightmare one really posing the most challenge as enemies are 10x harder to avoid and kill and damage is much greater to your character. On another note, I'm amazed by the setting, a scenic and well-crafted Bright Falls (a place you'll want to visit but would cancel on due to its dark history). The introductory ferry scene did get me pumped up when I started the game. When the first Taken (the enemy in this game) presents itself, that's when you get thrilled and anticipate for what's next to come. You get to fight zombie-like individuals that run at you with either a chainsaw or any handtool, poltergeist of random objects and group of ravens. Alan Wake is an Xbox 360 exclusive that PlayStation fans would die for. A game complemented with wonderful music, great design and unique gameplay and story is a masterpiece in its form. I'm hoping for a future sequel for this game but with more driving mechanic and scarier set of enemies which would really run through the nerves. Alan Wake made me insane with the presence of darkness...

#AlanWake #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: IGN

>>> http://www.ign.com/games/alan-wake/xbox-360-743608

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 16 June 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Reviews - THE WALKING DEAD

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THE WALKING DEAD
(Reviewed on PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360)
Total Game Time: 2-3 hours per episode (10-15 hours in total)
Dates of Play: 16 March 2013 - 31 October 2013 (Xbox360) & 28 May 2017 - 29 May 2017 (PS3)

Story - 10/10
Gameplay - 9/10
Graphics - 9/10
Innovation - 10/10
Playability - 9/10
Music - 8/10

JR's Rating: 9️⃣ (9.3 out of 10, Excellent)

"Story-Telling of the Dead In Its Finest"

POSITIVES ➕ Story-Telling Video Game Genre ➕ The Walkers ➕ TV Episode-Like Presentation ➕ Plot Twists ➕ Lee & Clementine

NEGATIVES ➖ Minimal Glitches & Frame Rate Issues

Telltale Games have reinvigorated the story telling form of video genre in what is a contemporary master class in today's video game industry. While the TV series delve right into the characters of the popular The Walking Dead comic series, the video game utilizes the zombie universe established in the series to create a different yet unique set of stories that are truly heartbreaking and memorable. The first season of The Walking Dead (video game) realizes a zombie-infested United States where people struggle to survive, but the living is of more danger than the dead. Lee, the character you control in the game, is a convicted murderer who upon his conviction discovers the world in its demise. He would eventually be protecting a young girl named Clementine left alone by her parents who are having their vacation in Georgia. The story in itself is a masterpiece and truly a tear-jerker from its first to its final episode. You'll learn to love characters that will eventually come along as the game proceeds, the family of Kenny along with Clementine and Lee are those I invested my time and emotion with. There are some satisfying deaths as well especially those who have been a pull to the progress of their group, Lilly, Larry and Ben to name a few. There are some minimal glitches and issues I've encountered along the way but not enough to bring down how good this video game is. Telltale created a new formula where decision-making is an important aspect in progressing towards the story. The story is linear and predictable at times but you'll love and hate some twists that are very much contributory to how damn good this video game really is. The Walking Dead (video game), in its first season, is already beautiful to begin with the story complementing it wonderfully. I give the game a 9/10 for being one of today's best recommended video games in the market.

#TheWalkingDead #VideoGameReviews #JRVideoGameReviews

Image Reference: Amazon.com

>>> https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dead-Xbox-360/dp/B007WQOIGW

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^JR Late Night Posts - JR Late Night Reviews: Video Games

Time Published: 31 May 2017 (9:00 PM)

JR's Video Game Review: Resident Evil 4

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JR's GAME REVIEWS: RESIDENT EVIL 4 (2005) ------------------------------------------------------------- JR's RATING: ★★★★★★★★★★ (9.8 out of 10)

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Review No. 003

RESIDENT EVIL 4 (2005)

Total Number of Sales:	2,050,000 copies sold
Video Game Genre:	Third-Person Survival Horror
Directors / Producers:	Shinji Mikami, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
Publisher / Developer:	Capcom
ESRB Rating:	M - Mature 17+  (for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language)
Platforms:	PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo GameCube, PC, iPhone, iPad
Official Game Website:	http://www.capcom.com/re4/
Protagonists: Antagonists:	Leon Kennedy, Ashley Graham, Luis Sera, Ada Wong Osmund Saddler
Game Summary (IGN):	Six years have passed since Raccoon City was destroyed and the government has dismantled the Umbrella Corporation from the inside-out. But the terror is not over. Now a U.S. Agent, former Raccoon Police Officer Leon Kennedy has been dispatched on a mission to Europe to save the President's daughter from a "crazed organization" that bares a striking behavioral resemblance to creatures found in the Arklay Mountains.
External Links:	>>> Wikipedia: Resident Evil 4 >>> IGN: Resident Evil 4
Notable Feats:	#01 GamePro's Best Video Game of All Time #01 IGN's Top 99 Games of All TIme #02 Edge's Top 100 Games of All Time #20 IGN's Top 100 PlayStation 2 Games of All Time #10 PlayStation Magazine's Greatest PS Title Ever