Games I have been Playing.

The last few weeks have been pretty busy. With work, family and the plethora of games coming out, I have not had time to do much else. I'm not complaining, I have really been enjoying most of it, and the overtime helps me buy more games. I figured I would give my impressions of the games I have played lately.

First off is Halo 3 from Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios. Great game, and a lot of fun online. This game kept me busy for a long time. The only thing lacking in Halo 3 is the single player mission was a little lacking in new gameplay, but it is still pretty good.

Next up is Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat from Infinity Ward and published by Activision. So far this is my favorite game of the year. I'm not the type of person who will play a game for multiple hours on end. CoD4 breaks that personally trait into a million pieces. The single player campaign has a great story, fantastic graphics and free ice cream. (okay, i lied about the ice cream, but a list of three always sounds better.) The missions play like Call of Duty 2, but improved upon. I really like the leveling system, it rewards those who play well and complete challenges but doesn't punish those who are new. I'll be playing this game for months or years to come.

I bought Kane and Lynch: Dead Men for the 360 which is developed by IO Studios and published by Eidos (The makers of the Hitman series). This game plays like an action, bank heist movie. I really enjoy the story and although the game mechanics need slight tweaking, it still works well. The biggest problem that I have with this game is it lacks graphically and the multiplayer experience is non-existent for myself (I can never join a match!). Online co-op isn't an option either, but I don't think this is the type of game that would be loads of fun in that area. I'm really looking forward to playing this with a buddy and having a few good laughs.

I mentioned that I had rented Ratchet and Clank Future last week as the inaugural game for the PS3. That game is crack on a disk (alteredweapon.com does not condone smoking crack on a disk or any other apparatus) I was a little sad when I returned it, but will be asking for it for Christmas from the wife (I Love You). Published by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by Insomniac Games, this game will not disappoint. I really enjoyed everything about this game and wish there were more hours in the day to enjoy it.

My PS3 came with Motorstorm, developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. I've only played this game for about an hour, but really like racing in a multiple class, multiple path track. Good pack in game. I don't like the lack of split screen multi-player, that should have been in this game.

I rented Assassin's Creed for the PS3 this week, Developed by Eidos and published by Ubisoft. I'm not sure what I think. I really love the graphics and being able to climb buildings. The story is a bit confusing, but good. I guess I'm not a huge fan of riding a horse or walking for miles in a game traveling to my destination, that just bores me. I also have a problem with stealth killing not being a huge factor in a game where you are an assassin. Eidos should have asked for help from Ubisoft Montreal, developers of the Splinter Cell series, to get the stealth gameplay right.I will be getting this for Christmas also and will return it today and wait until then. I also might rent it for the 360 to make a comparison.

I've played a few demos, and just rented Mass Effect. Rock Band is on my list of wants, but price and lack of friends available to play with are holding me back. I've had so much fun with the games that I've played so far that I'm worried about next year. Hopefully neither console disappoints.

Happy Thanksgiving!