Portal Ending

Finally, finished portal. An evolutionary puzzle solving game powered by Valve's Source engine. The only non shooting game that I liked, well technically, not shooting bullets. The only device to use in the game is the portal gun. You get to open portals by creating either blue or orange portal (entrance or exit) respectively. The cleverly designed maps full of obstacles, require fast thinkings and some puzzle solving skills (yeah, time to use some brains, at last).

However, the main point today isn't about reviewing the game. The game itself is very short and story is for you to discover. The highlight, is the game's ending. It is known as one of the best ending credits in gaming history. The ending song reveals a bit about the portal history and something related to Half Life 2 universe. I wouldn't be suprised to see the portal gun in Half Life 3. Ha!

Anyways, here's the video clip from youtube. The wordings are a little blur and small. But it doesn't hurt that much. Enjoy. (remember to pause the jukebox first).

This one the sound quality a bit off. But you could see the lyrics better.

Team Fortress 2 Review

I am a stone, I do not move. I put snow in my mouth so he won't see my breath. I take my time, I let him come closer. I have only twenty-five one bullet, I aim at his nuts head; very gently my finger presses on the trigger. I have no fear, I'm a big boy now... (*cough* Enemy at the Gates *cough*).

...*BAM!* I got his head! One more point for my achievements. The Sniper is one of my favourite among the nine classes. In TF2, the war between Reds and Blues, there are 3 groups: Offensive, Defensive and support, with 3 classes in each which made up a total of 9 classes. Below might give you a clearer picture of the classes and categories.

Offensive: Scout, Soldier & Pyro

Defensive: Engineer, Heavy & Demoman

Support: Medic, Sniper & Spy

*Classes images taken from IGN

Each of the classes is unique. They are very balanced in such a way that no single class is superior over another. Scout is the fastest moving unit in the game. Where he is mostly used in maps with points capturing. He can also double jump and even change direction mid air to avoid enemy fire. To compensate for the speed, the scout also has weakest defence a.k.a. die easily if you're not careful.

Pyro taunt with a hadouken fire.

The Soldier otherwise, is an all-rounder type of unit. Armed with RPG (rocket propelled grenade), the powerful rockets could send enemies flying sky high (and soldiers themselves too, could use rocket jump techniques to access to higher, more strategic areas). Pyro is the master of fire. Any enemies (except Heavies with higher HP) caught within the pyro's flame throwing range would most likely be dead. Even if the direct damage didn't hurt them and escaped, the burning effect would get the job done. Unless the enemy gets a medipack, get healed or jumped into water. It is suggested that when the enemies flee with flames on, it is best to finish them with a couple of blasts from pyro's secondary weapon, the shotgun. Pyro is good for detecting spies too, by toasting them. Fresh.

Poor soul got burned yelling for medic before his death.

Me as the Pyro was so happy to have a Heavy BBQ-ed.

The engineers could build ammo and health dispensers to assist allies during the battle. Engineers could also construct sentry and have it upgraded to deal more damage. It is good to catch unwary opponents around the corner, or best used for defending important key areas. Heavy is armed with a massive gattling gun which shoots hundreds of bullets and turn enemies into a beehive (a.k.a. full of holes). Demoman is best used for dealing damage around corners with their grenade launchers. Their secondary weapon, the sticky bomb is good for setting up boobytraps.

Flames of fury from a Pyro.

Medic is vital in the game. His job is to heal the team mates and enable them to fight longer on the battlefield. A team without medics will not get very far to be crushed. The sniper on the other hand, is the expert in long range shooting. Usually one shot kills especially in the head. The problem is that he has to keep the scoped view to charge the power to 100% for maximum damage. This shortcoming opens opportunity for spies to sneak behind and give snipers a good backstab. Spy is the master of disguise, and can disguise as any enemy units. The cloaking ability is nice for tight escape after a sweet backstab or used to sneak pass heavily guarded enemy territory.

Sniper and the rifle.

Scoped view. Need to have the power bar charged 100% for maximum impact.

Whew! So much for the classes! The game is powered by Source engine with a comical twist. It feels like watching a cartoon, and the experience is humorous. It will make you laugh with funny animations or voices. This is "not-that-serious" type of game, which could cater for both hardcore and casual gamers.

Six maps are included in the release. Ranging from capture-the-flag, control points and territorial control. In order to win the game, team work is the fundamental element. Unit strategies must be applied on varying map conditions. Mixture of classes is a very good start. The best part of the game is that, you could taunt your enemies with funny animations. It some sort gives you the satisfaction by owning your opponents.

Taunt from a soldier. You know what it means when it's showed to you.

This game is definitely worth every cent you pay. Priced RM175 in the local retail stores, it is considered cheap as it comes with five games in one package named The Orange Box. The "box" consists of, Half Life 2: Episode 2, Episode 1, Half Life 2, Portal and of course TF2 itself. What's more, a nice Orange Box gaming mouse mat and Team Fortress 2 poster are also included! This game is a lot of fun and addictive. Till then, hope to see you in the game!

Games, Gadget Updates & Heads up

Been a real busy week. I've finished my Bioshock, Stranglehold and even speed build my Gundam (left the IWSP unit, left leg and waist at the time of typing) because of the up coming games galore in early November! To name a few, we have: Gears of War, Crysis, Hellgate: London, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, etc. Every developer and publisher seems to be rushing for this holiday season release.

Plus, I've new weapon in my arsenal. It's the deadly Logitech G9 gaming mouse! Finally, the replacement for the haywire Copperhead is here! Prior to review for this mouse, I'm gonna have it abused in intensive gaming bombardments for a period of 'bout a month. This is to test its sturdiness and built quality.

Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse

Currently, there's a game, well, technically 5 games to keep me occupied. It's one of the most anticipated FPS, Team Fortress 2 coming in Orange Box which includes Half Life 2, Half Life 2: Episode 1, Episode 2 and Portal. For a price tag of RM175, free Orange Box mouse mat and poster. Hell...this is definitely a steal! Quoted the Best deal in gaming industry by IGN!

Orange Box, Orange Box mouse mat, G9 weight system

& partially assembled Gundam holding the G9's cord.

Well, folks. What are you waiting for? Load that TF2 and I'll backstab you in Malaysia or Singapore E-Club servers. Fire! Fire!