INSANE!!! Optimus Prime in Titanfall DLC!!!

Zach Goodier

Check this out!!! You'll be able to play as Optimus Prime in the new DLC for Titanfall!!! Rest assured, I'll be the first one in line to get this (after I get around to buying the game itself).  If you're wondering what the release date is, you'll have your answer if you look at today's date (i.e. never).  

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS!

-Zach

Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt (Borderlands 2 DLC)

By: Robert Murphy

Hello everyone, I know it is long overdue but oh well here it is, the review for the latest DLC to come to “Borderlands 2”, “Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt”. That’s right we are delving deeper into Pandora and this time we’re heading to a more jungle like area with an Indiana Jones type of feel to it, ancient natives and all. But I don’t think Indie had to face the creatures you are about to face or had the kick ass weaponry you vault hunters are packing out there. After you download the DLC, players are given the option to go to a new area known as Aegrus where our resident cyborg gentlemen huntsman is looking to take up a bit of sporting good fun by hunting the areas exotic creatures. Not at all surprisingly though, things do not go according to plan and this “nice” get away turns ugly or uglier I should say, when  the evil doctor Nakayama, who's trying to create a clone of Borderlands 2 villain Handsome Jack aboard his massive downed ship starts to intervene. And so almost immediately we are taken away from the mustachioed antics of Sir Hammerlock and are sent after the mad doctor because who else is going to save Pandora…..again and even Sir Hammerlock himself says the same once you are taken away from the hunt.  

Vault hunters facing down a Witch Doctor

Dashed expectations are the words that come to mind when you play “Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt”, if you are like me and you were looking forward to Sir Hammerlock getting his own unique tale of monster hunting exploits, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Despite the fact that the DLC is named after him Sir Hammerlock is barely seen or mentioned throughout the entire span of the story, you spend the first one or two missions with him and that’s it. Most of the story consists of players chasing after Dr. Nakayama and destroying his twisted Handsome Jack perversions and the local tribesman which can prove to be difficult. A new enemy that players will be facing is known as the Witch Doctor and he comes in many forms like slagged and electrified but in any form he proves to be a pain in the ass for the simple fact that they are able to heal other savages and blast away Vault Hunter shields with a single shot. Also they can turn into an elemental force of bats, tornadoes and other pain in the ass effects that will have you in last chance mode in a matter of seconds which frankly annoyed me to no end on many occasions.

Dr. Nakayama

The downloadable campaign takes place across three chapters, with a few side quests tossed in to pad things out but they are nothing new that we haven’t already seen. The DLC is fairly short, and where Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage was bolstered by some great voice overs and funny characters that distracted you from the tedious missions, “Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt” doesn't have the charisma of Mr. Torgue or Tina gave you in the last DLC to liven up what are ultimately a few switch-flipping and fetch quests. For those of you who may of noticed the DLC also doesn’t raise the level cap at all and there in laid my reason for waiting to play this DLC, because of my level 50 character I chose to wait until the level cap was raised. For those of you who waited like me, there is some good news as recently the game has had its level cap increased to 61 through a DLC offered through the game, adding some purpose to playing this the DLC.

Claptrap gets some worshipers this time around

In closing, “Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt” is anything but what the title suggest, players unfortunately barely see our mustached cyborg and are instead made to ignore the enjoyable setting they are placed in. The new area is well put together and I would of loved hunting with Hammerlock across it but instead I had to face down the wanna-be Handsome Jack, Doctor Nakayama, and where Handsome Jack was a cool, swarmy and cocky bastard with a robot army to back it up, Dr. Nakayama has a second rate army and immediately regrets ever challenging you. All in all, there isn’t much that saves the DLC, not even “Borderlands” legendary humor, making for an unfortunately disappointing add on.

Good:

-The new area is well designed and nice to enjoy if you take the time to look around

-One or two chuckles to be had but not many

-Hey it’s still Borderlands and that’s good for something

Bad:

-Witch Doctors are very annoying enemies

-Dr. Nakayama is a second rate, Handsome Jack wanna-be that really worsens the DLC

-Sir Hammerlock’s barely involved in his own DLC

Scully Rating: 6.0 out of 10

  

Assassin’s Creed 3: Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal

By: Robert Murphy

Time once again everyone to take a look into the what-if world where the father of our country, George Washington is an evil dictator obsessed with power in the second episode of the “Assassin’s Creed 3’s”  DLC, “Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal”. Unlike the first episode of the DLC, “The Betrayal” takes players out of the frontier and puts them back into the hustle and bustle of early colonial life in Boston, not necessarily by your choice but that’s a minor bump in the road.

So close and yet so far, Connor and Washington face to face

Back in Boston and under lock and key we are introduce to the main man himself, George Washington and his partners Ben Franklin and Putnam who are on their way to solidifying control over America and taking it all for themselves. Players will see this new Washington in great form as the man who helped to found our nation shows of his skills but this time for his own personal gain in true evil genius fashion. And as Washington continues to ravage the land and showing true cruelty, Connor is left to suffer more heartache through the “The Betrayals” story and is introduced to new characters in the story along the way. Players will definitely start to see the story move in a faster pace this time around as well, missions and story are more to the point and you won’t spend your time wondering around doing meaningless missions and sitting through lengthy dialogue.

Your Eagle power in action

Connor also gains a new ability with this new DLC and oh boy is it a lot of fun to use, this new power allows Connor to take on the form of an eagle and fly around towns and buildings as well as working as a form of fast travel to use to get from city to city. Unlike your handy invisibility cloak that you gained in the first DLC, the eagle form takes up much less health and comes quite handy when taking on missions and generally one upping every enemy you face. Speaking of which your invisibility power makes for an excellent combination with your new found flying ability as there are many different ways in which you can combine the two making for some amazing assassinations and doing a pretty good job of making you feel like a badass. And how could you not when you are walking around in your Native American headdress and war paint, you feel ready to take on anything that gets thrown at you. However this does come off as a little weird as you are strutting around town with an animal pelt over your head, it makes you wonder why the hell Washington and his men can’t find and stop you I mean you’re kind of a sore thumb.

 Looks like Benjamin Franklin’s pissed that nobody invited him to the party

In conclusion, “The Betrayal” definitely helps players feel more grounded and interested in the story as the first episode had you on loose footing with its large amounts of dialogue and slow pacing that went along with it. However there is more work to be done on the story because it is far from perfect, players still find themselves on a few boring side missions but they now feel less monotonous. The characters that we are used to being great and inspiring men have been designed in a way that there complete change of personalities feels believable and it’s almost sad to see these once great men go so wrong. The story ends on a great cliff hanger although I won’t spoil anything I will just say that we are hopefully in for an amazing final episode to “The Tyranny of King Washington”

Good:

-New Eagle power is amazing and fun to use in combination with your previous abilities

-Pacing is much faster and more conclusive

-Washington and his men are well done in regards to their fall into terrene

Bad:

-Still some monotonous missions

-Walking around town in your headdress, while awesome, makes you question why the people aren’t freaking out around you

-Stories still not on completely solid ground but has definitely improved since the first DLC

Scully Rating: 7.5 out of 10  

Dragonborn (Skyrim DLC)

Well it looks like we just can’t get enough of “Skyrim” because players are going back for more in the new DLC “Dragonborn,” but this time around players will be leaving the shores of “Skyrim” and heading off to a new land waiting to be explored. The story starts as players set out with their favorite dragonborn character, minding your own business, when a group of strange cult members appears before you and attacks you in the name of the original dragonborn. Yes, that’s right, the original dragonborn is coming back to the land of the living and he doesn’t like the idea of anyone else proclaiming the name of dragonborn and that means you. After players encounter with the cultists, you are left with a letter telling players they came from the land of ”Solstheim” where the new story takes place; and boy, are players in for a treat. The new area of “Solstheim” gives players a feeling that they had when they first set out across ”Skyrim,” slaying dragons and exploring new locations, the massive island comes with ever changing scenery and getting around will zap quite a bit of your time. The expansion's size aside, don't expect the gameplay to feel too different from what's already been seen; but hey, why would you want it to? The main quest involved dungeon-diving almost immediately after rolling onto the shores of “Slostheim,” and not exploring the frontier, but luckily the beauty of “Skyrim” is there are no set paths and players can set out and explore if they wish. And fortunately, there are a plenty of side quests that will take you all over the island, and these are so easily stumbled upon, much like the regular game world. Perhaps one of the most appealing new attributes to the latest DLC is the ability to fly dragons, yes you heard me, players can now take to the skies and control the power of dragons; and boy is it a lot more fun than riding on horseback. Alongside this, players are introduced to a new shout, Dragon Aspect, which gives you the power of a dragon and looks pretty cool once you switch it on too, with this shout enemies and bosses alike will be child’s play against you.

“Dragonborn” brings with it a main quest that is quite lengthy, lasting roughly five hours depending on your pace and if one complaint could be made it would be the twenty dollar price tag that may have you feeling a little ripped off. But the size of the landscape, the amount of new weapons and shouts to score, and the fact that it’s almost impossible to not happen upon a laundry list of optional side quests makes “Dragonborn” a meaty and very worthwhile expansion to the main game. Essentially, the DLC brings with it the enjoyment of “Skyrim”, and the new loot and abilities will absolutely overpower your characters for the return trip back to the mainland. However, if you feel as though you’ve seen everything that “Skyrim” had to offer, then it’s time to download this “Dragonborn” and let your friends know that any plans you have with them are off.

(Game Reviewed on Xbox 360)

Good:

-New shouts, loot, plenty of side quests and a highly enjoyable main quest

-Flying dragons, how cool is that, I mean that’s just awesome

-Whole new area to explore

Bad:

-Twenty dollar price tag

Scully Rating: 9.0 out of 10 

Mister Torque’s Campaign of Carnage (Borderlands 2 DLC)

Well it looks like we can’t be taken too far away from Pandora, as “Borderlands 2” is back once again with more loot, guns and mayhem in store with the latest DLC for players: “Mr. Torque’s Campaign of Carnage”. Once players have downloaded the game and loaded up their favorite badass vault hunter, you will have the option to go to a new destination: “Badass Crater of Badassitude,” and no I’m not kidding that is the actual name of the destination. You are greeted with an echo recording from Tannis, our favorite know-it-all, who tells you that there is a new vault that has appeared and will only open once the ultimate coward’s blood is spilled on the battlefield. Her informative echo is interrupted however by the brick shit house CEO of Torque Corporation, this muscled up meat head couldn’t be happier about this new vault and sets up a tournament for anyone who thinks they are man enough to open the vault and claim the mantle of the number one badass. Players won’t be able to contain their amusement as this Hulk Hogan style goof ball spouts out cheesy one liners and sets the vault hunter on a journey of carnage and massive explosions! As well as Mr. Torque, players are introduced to a whole new cast of characters and bosses to face down as well as some welcomed familiar faces such as Mad Moxxi, and the ever combustible Tiny Tina. The DLC also comes with new side missions for players to enjoy along with the new storyline and while players are out amongst the constant carnage feature in the DLC, there is also a new set of collectables. Torque Tokens are dropped by enemies now which can be used at Torque vending machines to spend on new super explosive weapons which will help keep the level 50 vault hunters happy since there is no level cap increase still…..grrr.

It's hard to argue with “Mr. Torque’s Campaign of Carnage,” for the DLC’s $10 price tag, players get a 6-8 hour main campaign, at least another three hours in side missions, and lots of new loot to be had. And what makes the add on even better is the pop culture-laden quests, memorable boss encounters, and well-laid-out environments all wrapped up in the humor filled experience that comes with “Borderlands 2’s” reputation. The level cap is still an issue that hopefully will be fixed with the next DLC that “Borderland 2” has in store for us but Mr. Torque and the new hilarious cast of characters will keep your rage at bay along with an incredible new campaign and plenty of new goodies to be had.

Good:

-Enjoyable and hilarious new characters

-New collectables and loot

-All for the low $10 price

Bad:

-No level cap increase

(Reviewed on Xbox360)

Scully Rating: 8.5 out of 10 

Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate Booty (Borderlands 2 DLC)

Prepare to set sail across the seven sands and get ready for adventure, battles and of course lots of treasure in “Borderlands 2” first DLC “Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate Booty” (giggety). This first of hopefully many DLC to come to the incredible sequel to “Borderlands” takes you to the draught ridden town of Oasis and sets players out on an adventure to discover a long lost treasure trove of guns hidden amongst the sands. Players are introduced to a whole new cast of interesting characters, several new areas to explore as well as a new vehicle the Sandskiff, a floating boat type vehicle that will aid players in exploring their new surroundings. The most notable of characters players will meet is Captain Scarlett leader of the cut throat band of pirates who needs your help in finding the lost treasure that you’re now setting out after. But don’t worry she totally won’t betray you…..totally, she is super nice and you have no reason to be suspicious of her intentions, really you can completely trust her not to stab you right in the back when all is said and done. Players will face loads of new pirate enemies on their search for treasure as well as some dangerous creatures here and there and as always baring witness to “Borderlands” legendary brand of dark humor. 

“Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate Booty” is an enjoyable DLC to continue the fun and incredible gameplay of “Borderlands 2”, with new loot, a new location and new baddies to contend with players will have their hands full once again with action. The story is intriguing if not a little unoriginal for those players who have seen “Disney’s” movie “Treasure Planet” you’ll quickly see a lot of similarities with the space pirate angle and searching for a hidden treasure. Also for those players who have made it to level 50 the new action offers a problem with the level cap not being increased you’ll find yourself fighting level 51 and 52 enemies and getting your butt kicked but this won’t provide too much issue for people who haven’t made it that far into the game. Those problems aside this first DLC to come to “Borderlands 2” still makes for solid hours of additional gameplay with more funny dialogue and the new main quest as well as entertaining side quests.

Good:

-New loot, quests and characters

-“Borderlands” loveable brand of humor

-New area to explore

Bad:

-No level cap increase

-Unoriginal plot

(Game Reviewed on Xbox 360) 

Scully Rating: 7.0 out of 10