Recent reviews by The-Skull-Will-Conquer

"FORGIVE ME FATHER FOR I WILL SIN" and lets carry on by saying that "SHANK" is one of the toughest S.O.B's i have ever seen in gaming,i mean come on to rip a guy clean in half with your shanks is just one hell of a feat of strength (NOT TO MENTION ONE EASY WAY TO GET COVERED IN YOUR ENEMIES INNARDS YUCK)
Now i know this games been out for ages but i have never got round to finishing it until now and i must say it is one game that is no walk in the park,some of the "BOSS" fights border on the "AAARRRGGGHHH GOD DO I HAVE TO TRY AND BEAT THIS (CENSORED FOR THE CHILDREN AND PREGNANT MOTHERS OUT THERE) AGAIN,FOR PETES SAKE (NO IDEA WHO PETE IS EITHER)" but thats the whole point as you get to the "BOSS" and you win a little and you loose a little until you learn their attack pattern and how to deal with them.
The graphics in game look like they have been animated by a top team and it all plays out like a saturday morning cartoon (YEAH-if you like them full of action and eviscerated enemies) and the sound and spoken dialogue in game are all of the highest quality and the gameplay just flows from one act to the next,with you hacking down enemies and then moving onto the next wave.
My only gripe is,is that is all you actually do whilst playing the game-but trust me when i say you will be having to much fun to realise this and it will not enter your mind until you either stop for a break and think about it to much or finish the game and look back over what you have done and then say to yourself "GOD I KILLED A LOT OF FOES IN THIS GAME,BUT WHAT ELSE" (thats how it happened to me anyway).
Now whilst i was playing the one thing that came to mind the most was a modern grind house classic (well it was a classic to me anyway) "MACHETTE",from the action to the sense of humour this game shares a lot in common with this bloody modern day "B" movie,now "SHANK" was released in 2010 and "MACHETTE" was released in 2010 also so which takes influence from which you decide,but i will tell you this watch one and then play the other (or vice versa) and you to will see what i am talking about.
Now this game was a commercial success, selling tens of thousands of copies and remaining in the top 20 Xbox Live Arcade games during September 2010. It was followed by a sequel, Shank 2, released in 2012 for the same gaming platforms as the first game and to be honest you can see why they did the sequel (profit yes i know thats what your thinking-and YES that may be the main reason OK) as the orriginal is just such fun and a total blast to play through (i still need to get to the CO-OP though and play through thet yet).
Will you play this if you havent allready,well if you like an action game that kicks ass and takes no prisoners at all then yes and if not then why not as its one of the best side scrolling beat,chop,kick,main,muttilate,eviscerate and blow the crap out of games that this reveiwer has ever played.

"EXPENDABRO'S..............OH HELL YEAH" and that sums up in one statement how much this game just doesnt take its self to serious (GOD this game is a real BLAST TO PLAY).
The game plays just the same as the main game and thats great as "BRO FORCE" is such a blast to play that i found myself loosing hours on it just trying to unlock that next unlockable character,and i will say this you do unlock a fair whack of the "EXPENDABLES" cast but there is no where near the ammount of characters in this as there was in the main game.
And thats the games only flaw (and its on the short side-but this doesnt matter as the game is totally free to download-until DECEMBER 31st 2014),the games graphics are the same as "BRO FORCE" and so is the sound and music,but thats not a problem as its like they say "IF IT AINT BROKE,WHY THE HELL TRY TO FIX IT BRO".
So lets say will you enjoy this short venture into what the main game has to offer,well answer the next 2 questions -
1 - Do you enjoy the main game and crave for more of the same ??
2 - Do you like an action game that is one hell of a blast to play through ??
If yes to both or even one of the above then what the hell you waitin for BRO,if not then still try this out its free so what the hell do you have to loose,sign up now and join the "EXPENDABROS".

Now i will start of by saying that i am not really into the "INTERACTIVE NOVEL" type games,but this one had me hooked and i will tell you why.
Its like anything else really if you like the subject matter you are going to enjoy whatever it is your doing reading a book,playing a game,listening to music,watching a movie you get the gist.
If you like what it is you doing then it doesnt matter what some one else thinks as you are going to enjoy it regardless as it interests you and at that point thats all that matters.

Vlad The Impaler Gameplay Trailer -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUVUUCEjdVI

With that said this is one story that you will find yourself totally engrossed in if you have any love of the subject matter and whilst you read you will find your character ending up in some really bad and dangerous situations.
Ok lets go for the "JUGULAR" and get down to the "BLOOD" of why this game is one of the best "INTERACTIVE NOVELS" i have played.The graphics are up to the standard of any in this genre of games and the art is dark and forbodding enough to do the subject matter justice (all in game graphics are static though-par for the course with these sort of games).
The sound is great and even though there isnt much different music in game it doesnt need it as the music that is there suits what happens in the text you read and helps to push the atmosphere of the story through to the player.
There is not much spoken dialogue (well just at the start of the game when "VLAD" reads his letter to you as to what he wants you to do).
Now the gameplay (not really gameplay though as you spend most of the time reading) lets you choose where to go and there are enough locations around Istanbul that you wont see and read all that the story has to offer in 2 or 3 sittings and the script does a great job as you go from one dire situation to another,trying to make the right decision as to what to do next (and it isnt allways cut and dry as to what the right thing to do is ??).

The following video shows one of many ways to play through the game (DONT WATCH IF YOU WANT TO DISCOVER HOW THE STORY PLAYS OUT FOR YOURSELF) -

Let's Play Vlad The Impaler - Episode 1 - Long WIN -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VALKFYVxZM

At the start of the game you do get to choose which class to play as be that warrior,mage or spy and this seems to have little bearing on the story which is a real shame and a missed oppurtunity as it would have been great to see how people acted differently towards each class.
Since they have added acheivements to the game this gives you more incentive to play as one of the three classes as you get different acheivements for making it through the game,getting to the end and............................(WELL THATS FOR YOU TO DISCOVER).There are also different weapons for each class and these are awarded depending on the choices and the path you take whilst playing the game (most of them look cool though),and also as the game progresses your character will level up their stats depending on the choices you make and the actions you take,will the townspeople love you or come to fear you only the things you do and the things you dont will decide this outcome.And the game actually does a great job of telling the story better than most and even though i enjoyed the new film (starring Luke Evans) i really dont think it hit the nail in the COFFIN like this game does.

Dracula Untold - Official Trailer (HD) -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2aWqecTTuE

I have really enjoy playing (READING) and wouldent hesitate to reccomend it to anyone who does like this sort of game and also to anyone with an interest in the story subject matter as well,if you really dont like these sort of games then you wont like this one either (even if you are a DRACULA fanatic).
And remember "DRACULA" may be a pain in the neck but this game certainly isnt and for me at least went straight for the "THROAT" and didnt let me go AARRGGHHHHHHHHHH

(I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CLIPS OF VIDEOS PUT UP IN THIS REVIEW AND THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND ARE THEIRS BY COPYRIGHT)

"I KNOW WHAT YOUR THINKIN,ITS TIME FOR LINCOLN" and from that one phrase you know this game isnt going to take its self to seriously,and thank god it doesnt.
Ok so you rev up the game and get to choose from a list of "DEAD" heroes (or villians depending on your outlook on life) and i choose to go with good old "ABRAHAM LINCOLN" why i hear you cry,he has a chainsaw and i pondered on the sort of game i was about to play and thought "EVIL DEAD" here i come so it was just a given that i would choose good old "ABE" as he has his chainsaw as weapon of choice and does a mean spin attack with it (move over "ASH" theres a new zombie slayer in town).
Then i thought who shall i back up old "ABE" with and i decided to go with "QUEEN ELIZABETH THE 1ST" as she has a mean gattling gun and the ability to summon the flag of the "UK" and if you stand near to this it regains your health between fights (OH and the dialogue she comes out with is hilarious to boot).
Down to the blood and guts of the game (so to speak),the graphics really are in this games favour as the comical style of your enemies plays upto the graphics engine perfectly (the cat lady is one of my favorite enemies-I HAVE SOMEONE LIKE THIS LIVING UP THE ROAD FROM ME,GOD SHES A NIGHTMARE).
The sound and music is just right for this sort of game and really suits the action happening on screen and changes to suit the situation your in,the spoken dialogue adds no end to the games appeal and the things that the characters say at times is just pure comedy gold with one liners coming thick and fast during the action (thought that i was in an "ARNIE" movie from the 80s at one point "STICK AROUND" HAHA).
The gameplay just flows and for this sort of game that is important as its a game you will find yourself having quick bursts at (i didnt got so addicted-but thats just me) with your mates (I DONT HAVE ANY WWAAHHHHHHH HAHA-i havent played much co-op yet) and both yourself and they will have one hell of a time trying not only to beat the others score but also to keep each other alive.
I havent played much co-op yet but from the little i have played i like it,its very much the same as the single player just harder and even more frantic as you try to beat your friends hi score,("HEY I HAD THAT ENEMY"--"SO WHAT"--"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SO WHAT YOU MOTHER HUBBARD") and beat it you will but then they'll beat yours and of starts yet another rivalry over yet another game.
I have played through the game in single player mode and loved every moment i have spent in its demented and oft hilarious presence,this game is one that certainly has a whacky sence of humour and one that for me i just couldent stop laughing at (OR stop playing,GOD the sleepless nights).
Will you love this game as i did well answer the following questions -
1 - Do i like a game with a real sence of humour that will at times have me in stitches ?
2 - Do i like shooters that i can team up with my friends on and blast about for a couple of hours ?
3 - Do i think that games take themselves to seriously and i want something just to play and not have to think about ?
4 - And finally do i just want to play a great game full of laughs and more blood and guts than you can shake a stick at ?
If you answered yes to the above then what are you waiting for get moster bashing and if not then still pick up this game as it will be one that will surprise you at just how good it actually is.
And remember when you play "GUNS DONT KILL MONSTERS,THE UN-DEAD HEROES WITH THE CHAINSAWS AND MASSIVE ARSENAL DO".

"My name is..............my name is...........Daniel" and that's the start to this dark and totally engrossing horror game that grab's you by the scruff of the neck and refuse's to let go of you until you have finished it and seen all the horror's that it has to offer.
This is one game i had on my radar for a long time and one i had heard a lot about,either written or from friend's who have played it and the word's "CLASSIC" and "GENRE DEFINING" have been mentioned on more than one occasion.
But i allways take this with a pinch of salt and allways make up my own mind,but trust me when i say that the two phrase's that i just mentioned dont do this game justice as it is both of these and so much more.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent - Trailer - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1nY_5-UrY4

You start to play not knowing much other than your name and that for some reason you are here to do something that will affect not only your life but that of other's as well,and as the game progress'es you will come to learn not only the nature for your being here but that of the scream's that haunt the castle you find yourself stuck in.
And that's all i will say on the story of the game as you should find the secret's this game hold's and the many twist's it take's on your own as nothing is more horrifying or scary as not only hearing but witnessing these thing's for yourself first hand instead of after the fact.
The graphic's may look a little dated but trust me when i say they do their job perfectly when it comes to the scare factor and the things you will see not only make you jump (some jump scares in game) but also repulse you as well.
The sound and music in game is top notch and really help's in setting that "OH MY GOD" type atmosphere that a lot of games like this seem to lack,this is down to the work of the composer Mikko Tarmia without who's music the game would (to be honest) not have the impact it does.
He is currently working on Frictional Game's next project SOMA which i for one am waiting for with eager anticipation!!!!

Amnesia The Dark Descent - Soundtrack - (Mikko Termia) - 04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCusebyq2WU

All the spoken dialogue in game is delivered to perfection as well by the voice cast and some of it just has to be heard to be believed as to how good it actually is (and for a game like this that's all about delivering a powerfull story that's what was needed,not some half baked ham handed attempt-"HAMMER HORROR" movie's anyone).
The gameplay range's from puzzle solving (finding items that are laying around in the castle) which can be quite frustrating as some puzzle's can be quite offbeat to running and hiding from the monstrositie's that pervade in this dark and forboding castle from hade's (a lot has been said lately about game's using this mechanic but here it suits the game and makes it more nerve wracking to play).

Amnesia The Dark Descent: Closet Hiding! - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjx7gTWnzIw

Now i have said this on occasions before but i like it when developers take a leaf out of other medium's and this game was no acception,you can clearly see that a certain "MR LOVECRAFT" has had some bearing on this game as it is yet another story that would not look out of place on his resume and one that was at once a joy to play and also horrific to be a part of at the same time.
So would you like this game and the answer is yes if you are looking for a classic and one of the best game's the horror genre of games has ever had to offer but if you are not one for this type of game and want something a little more action packed instead of full of story and an interesting and horrific tale then i would look elswhere.
And remember "THE DARK ONE'S ARE ALLWAYS WATCHING,ALLWAYS"

(I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CLIPS OF VIDEOS PUT UP IN THIS REVIEW AND THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND ARE THEIRS BY COPYRIGHT)

Now let me get this of my chest first,with the graphical style this game has i should not have been creeped out as much as i have been,but beleive me when i say this game freaked me out on more than one occasion.
And that's the real appeal of this game it creep's you out when you least expect it and it tells one hell of a good story,and my one and only gripe with it is that i have finished it now and i have to wait for the next season to be released.

The Last Door: Official Trailer -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJqFBUZ4gEk

Down to brass tacs ,the graphic's really are one of this game's defining moment's (and even though with the graphical style the developer's have chosen) and present its horror and scare's through pixelated graphic's with the scares come thick and fast,and even if you think it doesnt look that scary a game trust me it "DARN WELL IS" (so live with it),beleive me if when i say if some of the thing's you see were put forward using modern graphic's then the game would be scarier than it is allready (HEART ATTACK TIME ANYONE).
The sound (no dialogue as all the character's word's are up on screen for you to read) in this game really add's to the "CREEP YOU OUT" factor and is (in my opinion) the best thing about the game.
The music flow's along side the story and feel's like it has had some real thought put into it and that the composer of the music really did have a handle on what a dark,mind bending and oft oppresive tale this is.

The Last Door - The Letter (Chapter One) OST -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPkdM6T4uE0

The story is rich with intrigue and mystery and to say to much about it would spoil your enjoyment of what is a well put together and well written experience,lets just say your character receive's an invitation to go see his old friend and of he goes and then you embark on a dark and dangerous journey which will all become clear as you play and delve further into this scary and very unsettling tale.
Now as i played i couldent help but wonder if the developer's have an appriciation for things "LOVECRAFTIAN" (is that a word-WELL IT IS NOW) as i have read all of H.P.LOVECRAFT'S work's and felt that this wouldent have been out of place in an omnibus of his stories and dark tale's,and as you play through this dark tale you will spot many a reference to his work's and also to other great horror author's as well.

http://gtm.you1.cn/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=264080354

And that is a great thing as you never really know what's going on until that little bit of detail that let's you have an insight into its dark tale and it also does so in the same vein as the best that LOVECRAFT has to offer.
I found that once i finished this season that i was like "WHERES SEASON TWO" and i hope that the developer's are hard at work on it as with the ending the game has i was certainly eager to see what would happen next (and what a cliff hanger it leaves you on).
Will you enjoy the dark and twisted journey this game take's you on,well as allway's answer the following three question's and see if this is a journey you want to take -

1 - Are you after a story thats told with a true passion for the genre???

2 - Do you want a game that will (even with its graphical style) scare you at points???

3 - You havent got a fear of bird's have you,NO good thats ok as the damn thing's are everywhere (play and all will become clear)???

If after reading the above point's you still think the game's for you great as it will be one game that will stick with you for some time but if its not for you that's ok but allway's remember that those "BIRD'S" outside your window may be watching you and they may just may speak your name next and if they do there will be no place to hide................................"WHAT'S THAT SCRATCHING AT THE WIND..........................................(and then there was naught but the silence of the grave and its cold embrace)

(I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CLIPS OF VIDEOS PUT UP IN THIS REVIEW AND THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND ARE THEIRS BY COPYRIGHT)

Let me start this review by saying that i am not sure if i should reccomend this game or not,to find out why i feel this way about this game read on.
Let me say that this game is addictive and once you start to play you wont want to put it down and thats the biggest problem this game has,once you start you will carry on and then eventually you will reach the end of the game (solo that is) and go is that it ??
In the play time i have had so far i have finished both the solo game and got a large way through the CO-OP as well,and for the ammount of time i have been playing (and at the price it is at the moment £5.39) i dont feel that the game really offers value for money.
Ok brass tacks time,the graphics are good and do their job well and at times i felt like i was playing "THE BINDING OF ISAAC" as it resembles this game in both graphics and play style,the sound in game does its job well with all the creatures you face making their own beastly noises.
The gameplay itself (like i have allready said) reminds me of playing "ISAAC" in so much as you enter a dungeon then clear it and move on to the next,on the way collecting magic spell books,a pet dog,dynamite and various other helpfull items.But and it is an important "BUT",this game doesnt have the likeability or long term appeal that,that game does.
There are 5 different levels to play through and they all differ in style and mosters (and therefore all need their own way to approach and play them) but once you have done that and collected all the acheivements thats it.
Now there is CO-OP but it doesnt differ much from the main game and will (as you realise what to do) be just as easy to beat,and thats the problem with this game it is just to easy to "BEAT IT".
So now i have written the review i know how i feel,i would have reccomended this game hands down if it had been longer and harder,but whats there just doesnt warrant the price tag and hand on heart i wouldent reccomend it to my friends or anyone else who reads this review at the price it is (when it is in a bundle or has a price drop-AND A LARGE ONE-it will be worth getting).

"READY.................GO" and that is the saying that will be going through your head all the time as you try to best that last time on the course that is completely doing you head in (but in the best and most entertaining way).
The developer's "RAGE-SQUID" have a winner on there hand's here and even though it is in early access the game is so polished that you would be forgiven for thinking that this was an actual full blown release instead of what it is,an amazingly polished early access game (i know that early access gets a bad press but this is one game that should change a few opinions on that).

Action Henk - Early Access Launch Trailer - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WchXGpdDVc4

The graphic's really suit this style of game and the 2 character's that are available at the moment "HENK" and "BETSY" are both well animated and you really do feel like you are playing as an action toy running round an obstacle course in some child's bedroom.
The sound's and music in game are great and even though the main tune play's a lot whilst your racing it never does what a lot of repetitive tune's do,"GET ON YOUR BLOODY NERVES" and actually you will find yourself humming along to the music as you try to best your (or a friends) time for that course.
The gameplay is very simplistic and this works in the game's favour,as making this game complicated would have taken away from all the fun you get from racing round at break neck speed's trying to better your time or get that elusive "GOLD MEDAL" (i have nearly got all the GOLD'S i can get and only 1 eludes me and trust me "OH HELL,MUMMY" that track is so hard as to be near impossible-until you work it out).
You do earn extra outfit's as you play and unlock them (and this can be done by beating other racer's or completing certain other objectives).

http://gtm.you1.cn/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=334312385

(OH and "HENK" does a great impersanation of a certain "MR HOFF" in one of these) but they give your character no benefit's whilst in game (other than to make you look COOL-or SAD depending on your perspective),but this may change as the game near's full release and update's are put out.
If this game carries on in the way it has so far this will be one of the best casual game's to keep your eye on and with further update's come's more character's,outfit's,track's and just all around "GAMING GOODNESS"

Action Henk - Halloween Update - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5knQG2CFFFk

Will you like this game well yes if you enjoy addictive game's that just grab you and refuse to let go if that's not you and you enjoy a more serious exeperience then look elsewhere as this is one game that just cry's out "CASUAL GAME",oh and remember "READY..............................GO".

(I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CLIPS OF VIDEOS PUT UP IN THIS REVIEW AND THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND ARE THEIRS BY COPYRIGHT)

Ok first things first this is painfully short,so short in fact that by the time i had gotten into it and was starting to enjoy it,it was all over.
This sort of game falls into the same catagory as GONE HOME but is no where near as good graphically as that game or no where near as interesting,to anyone who has played GONE HOME you will understand when i say that the game dealt with issues in its story that we dont see (if at all) in this medium and 4 AM also has this same approach in telling an adult and interesting story.
But and its a big "BUT" this is no where near as good as that story and has no where near the length to tell its interesting premise and comes up short,and like i say its all over before its begun.
Now before we go any further i know it hasent come from a big publisher or a huge team of developers,but neither have a lot of other games and they really do put this indie game to shame.
The graphics are ok,the sound is ok,the script is ok well lets just say this the game is "OK" but nothing special (not in this reveiwers eyes anyway) and that is a shame as it really wants to tell you a good story and really has a good story to tell but you can finish the whole experience in less than half an hour ("HALF AN HOUR" i hear you say) and thats another of its miss givings.
I sadly dont reccomend this game to anyone,during a price drop or in a bundle.
I can see what they wanted to do and where they wanted to take me,but it fell short of what i wanted it to be and that is a crying shame.

Now this is what i would call a game aimed at and for adults,and i say that because this story deals with some very heavy and serious issues (suicide,serial killers and all sorts of other things that are really aimed at adults and not for the ears and eyes of the younger generation).
Now i must admit i havent played as much as i would have like'd to yet (due to many other games getting in the way) but this has been one of the best adult experiences i have had with a game in a long time,excellent story (will not say to much as that would only spoil your enjoyment of what is a very well written and played out story)-the graphics really do suit this sort of game-and the soundtrack and spoken dialouge are all top notch.
Now you start the game and you die straight away,this is a problem in most games but not here as its all part and parcel of the storline,you then meet the "QUEEN OF MAGGOTS" and she then preceeds to send you back to the world of the living with a purpose,and says you must stop the 5 parasites before you are allowed past the pearly gates for peace and eternal rest.
So of you go back to the real world and thats when it gets more interesting,i wont say to much as you need to discover this for yourself but believe me thats the best way forward so no spoilers.Just to say that SUSAN then becomes one tough lady to kill,and i do mean TOUGH (some scenes are quite harrowing and i havent forgot some of them yet,thats why i said earlier in the review that this is not a game for children).
I hope that this game does well as to be honest i would like to see more games of this ilk that are actually aimed at adults released on STEAM or in any other medium for that matter,as there arent enough and we as aldults should have this choice as i for one will play many more games of its like if they were just out there.
So in closing if you like a good adult story that deals with grown up and mature issues and are looking for something with a more adult flavour then look no further than the CAT LADY.