Some New Demos

Hey, so it has been quite a while since my last blog post. I guess I'll just get right into it:

The first demo I tried out was for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, the upcoming action RPG from developer Big Huge Games (fun fact, this developer is managed by former MLB player Curt Schilling). From the previews, the game appeared refreshing, offering fun and precise hack n' slash gameplay in third person with all of the depth of your average western RPG (eg. Elder Scrolls, Dragon Age). The game also has an impressive loot system, allowing the player to stick his or her items in a trash bin to be sold in bulk to a merchant. However, I do have a few complaints about this one. First, locking on is automatic, and is frustrating at times especially when dealing with multiple enemies. The camera has a rubber band effect, and shifts uneasily around the player, making me feel queasy more than a few times. The controls are also questionable (I'm playing on PS3), giving the player a confusing layout that makes me miss the precise and thoughtful layout of the Souls games. Lastly, my PS3 froze close to the end of the demo, as the demo more than bugged out. However, Kingdoms still does some things well. Combat feels tight and responsive, mixing God of War hacking with RPG statistics. The art style is also cartoony and generally appealing, and a nice refresher from the more realistic and gritty styles plaguing games today. 

The other demo released was for the sci-fi horror shooter, The Darkness II. This demo was far more enjoyable, introducing some of the game's characters and offering the player plenty of action. The demo contained dual weilding sections, and showcased the player's ability to use Jackie's inner demon in melee combat and for health restoration. Overall, The Darkness II's demo was quite enjoyable, and a nice introduction to the upcoming sequel. I especially liked the cell-shaded looking art style; it reminds me most of a more modern and realistic version of Killer 7's (one of my personal favorite games from last generation) visuals.