The Blurring Line Between Gaming and Cinema

by Michael Moreno

Something I have noticed more and more in next-gen titles is the tendency for game developers to create games with a cinematic feel to them.  It used to be that the most cinematic portion of any given game came during whatever cut-scenes it might have had.   Now it seems that it is just as important in modern video games to make the player feel as if they are watching a movie as much as they are playing a game.

Video Game Review: BioShock

 

Title: BioShock

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Rating: Mature

Platform: Xbox 360 (also available for Playstation 3 and Windows PC)

Publisher: 2K Games

Developer: 2K Boston/2K Australia

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Take a deep breath and get ready to dive down to the bottom of the ocean in 2K’s First-Person Shooter, BioShock. Set at the turn of the decade in 1960 you assume the role of Jack, sole survivor of a plane crash in the middle of the ocean. Upon resurfacing, you find yourself near a building surrounded by miles of endless water. With nowhere else to turn, you enter the mysterious structure, finding a bathysphere that transports you to an underwater city known as Rapture. Within you find a world in ruin; a fallen utopia where you will have to fight for survival against its crazed denizens while attempting to discover the truth behind its downfall.  …Read More…

Video Game Review: Final Fantasy IV

Title: Final Fantasy IV

Genre: Role-Playing Game

Rating: Everyone

Platform: Nintendo DS

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer(s): Square Enix & Matrix Software

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Square Enix continues its trend of re-releasing classic games from their RPG library with Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS. The original is still revered today by fans and critics alike as one of the best installments of the series, which leaves little room to go wrong with a direct port. Still, Square Enix went the extra mile, delivering a full remake of the genre defining adventure complete with advanced graphics, improved gameplay, and several other additions.  …Read More…

Video Game Review: Gears of War 2

Title: Gears of War 2
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Rating: Mature
Platform: Xbox 360
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Epic Games
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Six months have passed since the Lightmass Bomb was detonated in the underground caverns beneath Sera, seemingly ending the long fought war against the Locust. However, the threat is not over, and the Locust have begun to retaliate in force, sinking entire human cities. It is now up to Marcus Fenix, Dominic Santiago, and the rest of Delta Squad to bring the fight against the Locust to their front door.  …Read More…