Battlefield 3 – Back to Karkard expansion was released during the week; giving you 4 of the most popular maps from Battlefield 2 and some new weapons. Having played Battlefield 2 I was expecting great things from this but sadly in true EA style they have managed to stuff up a few too many aspects of the game.

Let’s get the problems out of the way first, there are new glitches in the game including;

• Available kit unlocks disappearing when you join a game. Joined a game last night with Lostagent2 and EnergiserX and we were all hit with this glitch.
• Simultaneous kills are back; having clocked in over 88 hours of online game play I have not had this occur until the release of the expansion.
• Resetting your kit preferences; this had happened a number of times since the game update; your preferences on your kit deploy resetting back to no unlock or just changing the primary weapon to the one before your preferred option.

But the update has given us a few changes that have improved the game including;

• Added round duration and ticket summary at end of round screen
• Grenades now drop to ground if you get killed while attempting to throw it
• Being able to spot explosives i.e.; C4, Anti-Tank Mines, Claymores
• Claymores no longer disappear almost immediately after you die; they now stay in game until replaced by others or blow up.

Now onto the new things; well kind of new things. The Back to Karkard expansion gives you 4 maps from Battlefield 2 remastered with the Frostbite 2 engine including;

• Golf or Oman
• Strike at Karkand
• Sharqi Pennsula
• Wake Island

This is great but my favourite of these maps; Wake Island just isn’t the same. The rush is only half the map and the conquest the American side doesn’t start on the aircraft carrier. It could be the fact that on console the games have half the number of players but the map just doesn’t seem as epic as is used to be.

Also included are 10 additional guns that were also in Battlefield 2; these are unlocked by completing certain opjectives e.g. 10 Revives, Destroy 1 enemy vehicle with Repair Torch, Arm 10 MCOMs.

If you have Battlefield 3 you will have either had the expansion free when you purchased the game or you will have to purchase. As it’s just new maps and guns it’s going to be part of the game and you will need to get this update. But let’s hope they look at fixing a few of the new bugs they have introduced.

Also if you want to join me and my friends, come join the Neo-Terran Front Platoon (NTF) – www.neo-terran-front.com.

Here is the release trailer for the Back to Karkard expansion;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyN_Zjw4l-s

Battlefield 3 was released last week and I’ve been a little busy shooting everyone to get around to making a post. This is the latest release in the series and I think it might be their best yet, taking the best aspects from the last few modern combat games of the series and add it all together, plus some.

A given with any Battlefield games it seems, there is always multiplayer server issues and this is still the case but from their twitter feed, constant server upgrades and the newly created status page (http://www.ea.com/servers/battlefield3) they seem to be right on top of it. The online is like any recent previous version but for the console the addition of server browser which is a standard feature for the PC version. They have added just straight deathmatch in the team and squad versions, this addition to Rush and Conquest game modes means that any first person shooter fan will be able to find something they like. The new unlock system that now unlocks special additions per kit, weapon or vehicle means that you have even greater control over the type of weapon you use and what your kit has. The only thing I’ve found with this that just doesn’t work for me is that there is limits to what your kit can have, e.g. Engineer Kit you can have rockets and repair tool, rockets and mines but you can’t have mines and repair tool. This is the case across all the kits that as open to choose your options there is still some major limits to what your 2 kit options are.

The recent addition to a complete single player campaign mode to Battlefield games has been a nice extra this one gives you a great feel of everything of all the different gameplay you can experience in multiplayer and the story line isn’t that bad either, not as fun and light hearted as the Bad Company’s campaign but still entertaining enough.

A new addition is the 6; 2 person CO-OP missions with set objectives like campaign but designed for the players to work in unison. Once again a diverse selection of game types giving you and a friend a great experience of gameplay and working as a unit. Now I have said you and a friend as some missions require you to work as a single stealth unit and that just can’t be done with just anyone even though the option is there for an open game. These missions have been designed for 2 player but Battlefield has been designed around the 4 man squad and that’s something I would like to see be added to the CO-OP options in the future.

Another addition is the new Battlelog site (http://battlelog.battlefield.com/), the social network for Battlefield 3 this site gives you real-time events for you and your friends check full stats and upcoming unlocks. It also gives you the option to join a Platoon (clan), be sure to join the Neo-Terran Front (NTF). This is really just Facebook for Battlefield 3, so check it out.

They have also taken the dogtags up a notch with the option to customise both the front and back of them, with unlocks through playing the game or special pre-order options. Check out http://actofvalor.com/bf3/ for some more free tags.

Now the big debate between Battlefield and Call of Duty (COD) this is something that has split the first person online shooters for many many years. From this post and pervious posts you can tell I’m a Battlefield fan. I never got into any of the COD’s which has had a similar timeline although longer and more games. But personally I find the Battlefield games to be a more solid build and a better multiplayer to be played with friends, which is something that is important to me. So check it out; here is a gameplay trainer if you are still unsure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zw8SmsovJc

Duke Nukem Forever after 14 years of development has finally been released. The game that was considered folk lore to most in the gaming community, has changed games engine more often than the ones underwear and bankrupted its original developer. And from what I’ve played so far it’s been nothing but a disappointment. The only thing it has going for it, is it’s the sequel to the Duke Nukem 3D game.

So all the bad points; the engine is on the Unreal engine that bought us Unreal Tournament 2004 so its 7 years old and graphics have come a long way since then and when you are “admiring” yourself in the mirror, it doesn’t look much better then then the original.
Having purchased this on the Xbox360 I would like to know if the very poor interaction with the environment and control response is as bad. The interaction with the environment is a little moody, at times it works fine while at other times you have your crosshair in the same place and it won’t allow you to do the required action. This includes shooting. If the crosshair isn’t red for the enemy, it doesn’t matter if you are hitting it or not, you will not do any damage to it. So when the pigcop is jumping at you and normally you would stop that with a point blank shot form the shotgun, more often than not you will somehow miss the thing even with it taking up your entire screen.

Ok let’s end on a high note and say all the good things about Duke Nukem Forever. After 14 years the only thing that’s changed for Duke is he’s older, still the same the macho, misogynistic, wise-cracking character. He’s still spouting some great one liners throughout the entire game and having every girl fall to their knees just to please you.
The actual story is a nice change to the current games in the genre using a more classic first person shooter design; but with a game 14 years old what would you expect?

Can I recommend this game to anyone? Well sadly no; this is a game that anyone who has been a fan of Duke Nukem should play but with the new release price tag it’s just not worth it. So when you see it in the cheap bin at your local game store that’s when you should think about buying it. Till then here’s the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuuyRGB_BA

Ok this is yet another post about Battlefield Bad Company 2 but can you blame me when they keep releasing new features to the game? This time it’s a completely new game play using the games engine to take you back to the Vietnam War.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam is set in the 1960s war between the communist north and the Americans with all new period weapons, maps and vehicles. This expansion was released at the start of December and had just had its first new map release. Now in past posts I’ve complained about system lag and I’m not sure if EA have been updating their servers again or if there isn’t as many playing the expansion or those who are have better net connections but I haven’t had any lagging issues yet while in the Vietnam expansion.

The new maps for this expansion are exactly what you expect; battle damaged, close quarters and a lot of foliage to hide and run into. The look and feel of the maps is exactly how you would expect them to be in any game set in the Vietnam War.

The weapons choices are only ones that were available for the Vietnam War and what you would expect but the new addition that just says cool; the Flamethrower though not as good as you would expect is still fun to let the ignited petrol loose onto anyone in front of you and see them remain on fire after they have been hit with the stream.

In conclusion this is a must to any who have been playing Battlefield Bad Company 2 and has enjoyed the game. Yes there is a price attached to this expansion I think it’s well worth the money. If you want to have a look check out the trailer below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOG4y9L81r0

The latest in the Assassins Creed series Assassins Creed Brotherhood was released just over a week ago. For those who don’t know about them, it can be hard to explain the full game but simply Assassins Creed Brotherhood is set in Rome during the early 1500’s you are an assassin out to fight for what is right and killing many people along the way.

The story which is the biggest part takes the previous titles and takes them to the next level in game play and abilities. Though some of the controls can at times be hard especially with the 3^rd person view and when the game changes the camera angle mid jump. That being said this is defiantly the best so far in the series with the new option of recruiting assassins to help you though the game and the ability to send them on their own missions.

A major new feature is the introduction of a multiplayer mode, where you are an assassin hunting fellow players while being hunter yourself. his I personally think is a little wasted that could have been used to add more into the single player as Assassins Creed has always been about the single player. I have player it and although it isn’t as bad as I expected, I found that at times it can be hard to find enough players or when you have the time for all players to be ready takes longer than the 10 min game session. While in the area it isn’t as slow as you would think but it can be very slow and the controls don’t always work as quickly as you would like.

In summary this is a great game and is definitely the best in the Assassins Creed series but I’m still not yet convinced about the multiplayer. This is a must to anyone who likes something a little different to your standard action games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzNs4-kRLaE

Illy’s second album The Chase dropped today and its yet another reason why Aussie hip hop has exploded this year. With the year almost over you would expect that we would have already heard the best of the year and it’s a tough call, this album has to up there.

This is a very beat heavy album and unlike most other hip hop releases doesn’t feature any guests, but that just means that Illy has to step up and lay down some damn good lyrics. With M-Phazes and J-Skub producing most of the album I found my head bopping the hole way though.

So if you like a damn good beat and don’t mind some hip hop in your life i recommend you give this a listen and see what Aussie hip hop has to offer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wulN61Ugrnk

Halo: Reach was released the other week, I know I’m a little late but even with picking up my pre-ordered Limited edition on release date I didn’t get a chance to play till the weekend. This is the latest release in the Halo Universe from Bungie, set in the build up to the original Halo game, and this is the pinnacle of all that is Halo. Including all the best in the multiplayer from all the previous releases including a new game type you can’t get any better than this from Bungie.

Ok let’s get the only bad thing about this game out of the way, like Halo 3: ODST you don’t get to play as Master Chief Petty Officer John-117. Ok with that out of the way, let’s start with the campaign, not as long as some of the previous games but still very entertaining and the fun of flying in space adds bonus points.

Now for the multiplayer, this has grown with game types over the releases and damn if you can’t find a game type you like there is just no pleasing you, from the free for all to team based mode of slayer, objective, the revamped Firefight or the all new invasion.

List of most of the multiplayer game types:

• Slayer – All in kill everyone who gets in your way
• King of the Hill – Hold the designated section the longest.
• Team Objective – A random collection of objective based game types e.g. Capture the flag variations.
• Big Team Battle – Large teams battling it out in both slayer and Objective based game types
• Headhunter – Players drop skulls upon death, which other players can pick up and deposit at special zones for points.
• Stockpile – Has teams race to collect neutral flags, holding them at capture points every minute for points.
• Generator Defense – Pits three Spartans against three Elites. The Elites’ objective is to destroy three generators, while Spartans defend the installation.
• Invasion – Is a six versus six mode with 3 squads of two on each team. The gametype pits Spartans against Elites
• Invasion Slayer – Where both teams goal is to reach a certain number of kills in the allotted time.
• Firefight – A version of which originally appeared in Halo 3: ODST. In Firefight players take on increasingly difficult waves of foes (AI) in a game of survival.

Well if you haven’t guessed I am a Halo Fan Boy and a really do believe this is the best Halo game from Bungie to date. This is a must to anyone who likes a good first person shooter or has ever enjoyed playing a Halo game before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9ez7iNjoVg

Koolism’s latest album The ‘Umu dropped last Friday and their group’s sound is only getting better. With so much great Aussie Hip Hop being released this year it’s hard to pick out some of the best but I think this album is up there for one of the best releases this year. With musical styles; from hip hop to RnB, with a bit of dancehall and reggae thrown in for good measure this is a must for anyone you likes a little hip hop in their life.

Koolism have been producing for over 17 years - these guys know what they are doing. They may not have the same internationally recognised named like the Hilltop Hood or Bliss n Eso but their underground following from their live shows is massive. This is a great album from start to finish, and I believe is best listened to in that way, even their more political tracks don’t seem to waver from the great sound and feel of the album.

SO if you have never heard these guys before and like a little hip hop in your life give these guys a listen, what I believe to be one of the best Aussie hip hop albums released this year.

Check out their first single from the Album Jam Hot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ThYvlNuLBE

Bliss N Eso’s 4th album Running On Air was released today and it’s another great album from the guys there sound has grown from Flying Colours and its not hard to see why they are one of the big guns of the Aussie Hip Hop.

Bliss N Eso have once again given you bang for your buck with another long album, this time 19 tracks long. But don’t think that mean that the quality of the tracks are less, each track has its own sound and feel. With many different collaborations from both other MC’s and DJ’s the tracks have a very diverse sound from start to finish. My only down point is the “skit” intro and mid way though that I feel is just a waste of time and effort on their part.

Anyone who likes any hip hop out there Aussie or aboard should give this a listen without a second thought, this may be the best Aussie Hip Hop Album of the year, if not then the album that most pushes the boundaries of what is Aussie Hip Hop. Check it out!

If you want a little taste listen to their first single from the album Down by the River

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia5wvXfb-w4

Ok this is my 4^th post on Battlefield Bad Company 2, so you might be getting a little over me have a bitch about the game. Well I’m here again for the same reason. Battlefield Bad Company 2 new game type is Onslaught, its great alternative to normal online play but don’t playing a public game if you want to kill anything.

Onslaught mode is the new game type for Battlefield Bad Company 2 it’s a cross between normal multiplayer and single player. A human squad of 1 to 4 players attempts to assault positions against an army of AI’s units. It’s great it allows for you to play similar to online play in the squad mode but allowing different options of numbers and difficulty. I have so far enjoyed it, myself and EnergiserX played through all the level the first weekend it was released and enjoyed the change in game play and strategy.

Now for the bad part, since that time I’ve played some games with Lostagent2 a few private games without a problem (can’t wait to get all 3 of us going together) but when I’ve joined in some public sessions with Lostagent2, problems exist with not lag like in normal online play but instead the AI’s have an almost god mode enabled, that I’ve unloaded clips into an enemy without causing any damage, walls from buildings destroyed and the AI hiding behind unaffected by the explosion. Although from my experience not all players in a public game are affected by this at the exact same time but it is intermittent and a death does not fix the problem.

So once again I find myself saying EA fix the problem with lag and poor servers with over 5 million copies sold across 3 platforms there should be something being done and quickly!