'Street Fighter X Tekken'
Capcom
Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
$59.99
ESRB rating: Teen
Review rating: 3.0 stars
When the popularity of fighting games peaked in the 90s, gamers became fans of either "Street Fighter" or "Tekken." Fighting games aren't so popular these days, but Capcom hopes to initiate a pugilistic renaissance with "Street Fighter X Tekken." Sadly, "Tekken" fans will be disappointed because this game is little more than "Street Fighter" featuring "Tekken" characters.
Why is that so bad, you ask? Well, the major difference (besides 2D vs. 3D) between the two series is the control scheme. I appreciate the intuitive controls for "Tekken" that assigns one button for each arm and one for each leg. This makes it easy to tell what moves will be performed and doesn't overwhelm the player with an overly complicated control scheme.
On the other hand ... err ... fist, "Street Fighter" uses three buttons for punches (light, medium, hard) and three for kicks. This control scheme requires memorization of each character's attacks instead of being able to rely on the same button to control the same appendage for every character. I also think the "Street Fighter" controls, which are used in this game, are too reliant on lightening-quick reflexes.
Other than the ability to juggle opponents in the air, the only "Tekken" influence is the tag-team ability that lets players choose two characters and then duke it out against two opponents. It's fun to perform cool combos where one character starts a string of moves while the second one finishes it or where both attack at the same time.
Capcom introduces a new "gem" system where players choose up to three combat-altering gems for each character. In theory, this allows more customization, but smart players will all use the same gems as soon as the most effective combination is discovered for each character. Even worse than the gem system, is the horrible online mode. Most of the audio is silent for every online match, and lag can turn any online fight into a frustrating, slow-motion affair where some button inputs are completely missed.
In the end, "Street Fighter X Tekken" is its own worst enemy.
'Street Fighter X Tekken'Capcom
Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
$59.99
ESRB rating: Teen
Review rating: 3.0 stars
When the popularity of fighting games peaked in the 90s, gamers became fans of either "Street Fighter" or "Tekken." Fighting games aren't so popular these days, but Capcom hopes to initiate a pugilistic renaissance with "Street Fighter X Tekken." Sadly, "Tekken" fans will be disappointed because this game is little more than "Street Fighter" featuring "Tekken" characters.
Why is that so bad, you ask? Well, the major difference (besides 2D vs. 3D) between the two series is the control scheme. I appreciate the intuitive controls for "Tekken" that assigns one button for each arm and one for each leg. This makes it easy to tell what moves will be performed and doesn't overwhelm the player with an overly complicated control scheme.
On the other hand ... err ... fist, "Street Fighter" uses three buttons for punches (light, medium, hard) and three for kicks. This control scheme requires memorization of each character's attacks instead of being able to rely on the same button to control the same appendage for every character. I also think the "Street Fighter" controls, which are used in this game, are too reliant on lightening-quick reflexes.
Other than the ability to juggle opponents in the air, the only "Tekken" influence is the tag-team ability that lets players choose two characters and then duke it out against two opponents. It's fun to perform cool combos where one character starts a string of moves while the second one finishes it or where both attack at the same time.
Capcom introduces a new "gem" system where players choose up to three combat-altering gems for each character. In theory, this allows more customization, but smart players will all use the same gems as soon as the most effective combination is discovered for each character. Even worse than the gem system, is the horrible online mode. Most of the audio is silent for every online match, and lag can turn any online fight into a frustrating, slow-motion affair where some button inputs are completely missed.
In the end, "Street Fighter X Tekken" is its own worst enemy.
'Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City'
Capcom
Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)
$59.99
ESRB rating: Mature
Review rating: 2.0 stars
The "Resident Evil" series is known for instilling fear in players by combining horrific creatures and overwhelming odds with subtle effects and "jump at you from the darkness" shock moments. After playing the squad-based militaristic offshoot called "Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City," my only fear is that Capcom will make a sequel.
As soon as the game begins, it's painfully obvious that this disappointing title is an attempt to lure "CoD" fans to the series. "RE: Operation Raccoon City" forgoes a deep story line and only requires fast-paced survival and destruction in a city overrun with zombies, lickers and other nasty abominations. There are no puzzles, no truly interesting characters and the single-player campaign lasts a whopping 3-4 hours.
The only tension is created by a faulty combat system and the pinpoint accuracy required to pick up items such as grenades and herbs. It doesn't help that the cover system automatically takes over when players get close to walls or crates. Simply assigning this feature to a button would have eliminated the countless times it happens by mistake.
Four characters are available to choose from, but the game play isn't much different no matter whom you choose (except for Vector). Moreover, one would think that a sub-machine gun would feel different from an assault rifle, but all guns (besides pistols) seem to have the same weak impact on enemies.
Playing cooperatively online is slightly less boring because players don't have to micromanage their squad mates. Only the online competitive modes are worthwhile, but it can get chaotic when you have to fight human enemies and hordes of zombies with weapons that feel weaker than BB guns.
Sadly, playing the "CoD" zombie mode is more enjoyable than the entire "Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City" game.
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