MAG Review

By Simon Parkin Published 29 January, 2010

Size matters.

Version tested: PlayStation 3

In videogames, bigger has always equalled better. Marketing men spray ever-greater numbers at us like schoolboys competing to see who can pee furthest up a wall. 'Wonder at how many colours a Mega Drive can display!' they say. 'Marvel at how many minutes of cut-scene you can store on a PlayStation disc!' 'Quiver at the number of polygons that now comprise Lara Croft's cleavage!'

The inference is that quality always stays abreast of ambition; that the bigger, faster and more numerous the virtual things we have to play with, the happier we will be. As a result, it's numbers which fuel the fires of the console hardware cycles. And it's numbers which justify gaming's interminable sequels - explaining in neat accountant's rows why it is that we need another Gran Turismo, even when in the hands, the difference can be imperceptible.

More recently, however, there's been a move away from obsessing about figures. Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Natal are arguably technological sidesteps, focusing not on multiplying the underlying numbers but on changing the way we interact with them. And as gaming hardware has begun to languish, so developers have been forced to focus their ambitions elsewhere.

Why the shift? It's financial, for sure. As the boundaries of what's possible in a videogame have widened, so the costs of meeting this potential have become unaffordable. But also, there's the realisation that bigger doesn't always equal better; that, while the promise of battles featuring 256 players make for fantastic headlines and excitable playground whispers, today's players are more concerned with quality than bulk. Gamers, perhaps more than anyone, know that size matters only superficially. It's what you do with it that counts.

It's a distinction that Zipper Interactive, developer of the world's largest-scale first-person shooter, has clearly kept in mind. While most press attention has been focused on MAG's unprecedented scope, in play it fast becomes clear that the game's value is not in merely delivering a giant war-game that maintains a solid 30 frames per second, but in what the developer did next.

'MAG' Screenshot 1

Die, and there's a "bleedout" grace period before you respawn, during which you can be saved.

Not that you'll perceive the cleverness at first, however. As you enter your first 256-player battle, a tiny camouflaged cog in the fearsome machinery of war, there appears to be little rhyme or reason to the battlefield. Bodies scarper over hills, through bushes and in and out of buildings with no apparent tactical cohesion.

Dive into the throng and, to begin with, you too will act like a headless chicken, applying your default Modern Warfare lone wolf tactics to the sprawling battlefield and floundering in a wash of bullets, blood and confusion. Stand atop a hill looking down on the action and you'll observe little more than a sea of insects in a scramble for territory, one that's mostly devoid of logic or strategy.

This initial feeling is exacerbated by the fact that, played as a straight shooter, MAG is undeniably disappointing. Combat feels light and skittish in the hands, while weapons lack the kickback and weightiness of the genre's current leaders. In order to make a game of such technical ambition run smoothly and without lag, texture and detail have been reined in. The drab, muted environments, dull lighting and poor particle effects do little to make MAG's locations inviting, enjoyable places with which to familiarise oneself.

Spawns work on set timers, so when you die you'll need to wait for the next wave of reinsertions, meaning there's more downtime after death than in most shooters. Your soldier's health doesn't auto-replenish, a perfectly valid design choice, but a nod to realism that feels at odds with the game's otherwise breezy style.

Friendly fire in a game of such dense population is initially a frustration, particularly as it can be difficult to separate friend from foe in the throng of battle. And without a kill cam, the irritation of being sniped from an unknown source will antagonise those who have been used to facing their killers in Modern Warfare 2 these past few months.

These shortcomings never fully disappear but you do soon acclimatise to the game's pace and approach and, once you stop focusing on the minutiae of the gunplay, a bigger, more impressive picture emerges. Zipper has borrowed the principles of Modern Warfare's superlative MMO-style meta-game so that every kill earns your character experience. At each level-up you earn skill points which can be spent on improving your abilities and hardware.

The character progression is well pitched and, once you're roped in, it's almost impossible to break loose. Unlike in Infinity Ward's games, graft in MAG offers more discernible rewards than merely bigger guns. Rather it is what's used to break the game community into a hierarchy, with those who have reached a high enough level able to assume leadership roles within a simple yet effective command structure.

It's here that MAG's brilliance is revealed. Each game is broken down into several smaller matches, all of which run concurrently on different, interlinked areas of the game map. Players are assigned to eight-man squads, four of which comprise a platoon of 32 players. Four platoons then make up each side of 128 players. If you've reached a high enough level you can apply to become a squadron leader and, if appointed the role for a match, you are free to designate objectives through a simple point-and-click interface.

'MAG' Screenshot 3

Without any aim assist, targeting is strict.

Why should you want to follow 14-year-old Chad from Nebraska's orders? Because doing so will earn you bonus FRAGO (fragmentary orders) experience points, which are necessary to progress your own soldier's career. Obey orders and you'll level up faster. Moreover, squad and platoon leaders have special skills, such as health buffs, that will be active providing you keep close to them.

Want to play lone wolf? Fine. But the road to victory will be that much longer, and there's always the chance that your commanding office will get sick of your dissenting ass and boot you out the squad.

It's a brilliant piece of system design, as rewards for compliance are built into the game structure, removing any sense of bossiness from the squadron leader role yet adequately rewarding sides which work together. Additionally, while there's always one central objective, there are multiple ways to achieve it - giving those players who want to lead the chance to feel like their choices affect the outcome of a battle.

As leader it's your choice whether to remove enemy air support so you can unlock a new spawn point deeper into the map, or focus on removing roadblocks to let vehicles through. And that choice can mean the difference between victory and defeat in the greater war.

Outside of combat, the game enjoys functional presentation that does little to celebrate or promote its underlying inventiveness. The interface for unlocking new skills is clunky and awkward to navigate, while menus are ugly and derivative.

When you first start the game you must decide, Steel Battalion-style, which of the game's three rival factions you're going to conscript with: the smart, black ops-style Raven, the ragtag terrorist-chic SVER or the orthodox US military Valor. The choice of faction is mostly a cosmetic one, without much difference in skills or tactical ability between the three. Even so, the option to customise your character's outfit based on their current level as in an RPG is as compelling in this context as it's ever been.

MAG, a purely multiplayer game, is designed to grow and settle with time. As such, the texture and tone of the experience will change over the coming weeks and months. In this first week ahead of release, everyone is learning, working their way up through the lower levels. There are relatively few people who have unlocked, for example, both the injector gun and the resuscitate skill to be able to use it on teammates. But in a week or two, as the community's skill base has broadened, so the tactical scope of entire armies will have deepened.

'MAG' Screenshot 4

You can't access the 256-player component till you hit level 8, an imposition that frustrates more than delights.

As with Planetside, to the casual onlooker MAG will look like a dumb free-for-all - a disappointment heightened by the mediocre FPS aspects to the experience. But invest time and the game opens up. It provides a unique and compelling vision for how multiplayer games of this size can use smart, informed system design to funnel and focus their players into easygoing yet rewarding strategy.

Despite the game's successes, there are times where the approach fails. In the Sabotage game mode especially, tussling to capture and defend one or two locations creates awkward, tiresome bottlenecks. But in general, MAG breaks impressive new ground and Zipper's ambitions have been met.

Its downfall is perhaps in failing to clothe its ingenuity in ways that will secure it the size of community it deserves, and in failing to match up to the heavyweights of the genre in terms of its basic gunplay. These drawbacks seem likely to reduce the game's population to a core of devotees, a future at odds with its everyman name.

The irony then, is that the game which can accommodate the greatest numbers of players in the history of the medium will be best enjoyed by a dedicated few. For those players, at least, numbers really aren't everything

7 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Simon.

About Simon Parkin

Simon Parkin is an author and journalist on video games. A regular contributor to Eurogamer since 2005, his work has also appeared in Edge, The Telegraph, Gamasutra and Boing Boing.

Read more articles from Simon by visiting the Simon Parkin archive page.

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Comments (162) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Benno #1 2 years ago

    I will probably pick this up in a couple of months time when all the COD/Halo kids have left it due to it requiring a bit of thought and strategy. Hopefully it will be left with a hardcore following (like SOCOM) where people play it properly.

  • JohnnyWashnGo #2 2 years ago

    Hmmmm...

  • onezeonx #3 2 years ago

    Been playing this since last night and its great imo!

    Sick of MW2 "action" and running round and in MAG you can decide how to play
    Sit back sniping or run in gunning.....both really fun

    Oh and im in the UK and played a 128 player match with mostly yanks....with NO LAG!

    Dont expect it to beat MW2/BF ofcourse but its another chioce...and plays well

    Most peoples comments in here will be from not playing the game!
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 10:41

  • Darren #4 2 years ago

    This game looks really polished graphically from what I've seen of it... shame it's just another yawnsome online shooter really.

  • darren1976 #5 2 years ago

    Want to give this a try. Is there a demo available? Tried BF BC2 demo yesterday on 360 and didn't like it much, but still want a more strategic online fps as alternative to codmw2. Guess I'll have to wait for the next Ghost Recon!

  • Monkey_Puncher #6 2 years ago

    Moobs and Guns

  • stevetuck #7 2 years ago

    A stratagy FPS on a console was always going to fail... should of had a PC release and maybe pumped some cash into it being played at events

  • Mkwone #8 2 years ago

    This is going to get messy.

  • TopKatt #9 2 years ago

    Strange one this, I hpoe it does well but am not planning on picking it up myself. I do enjoy the odd bit of multiplayer but still prefer a good single player game to be honest. Oh well, kudos on trying something different anyway.

  • StrayBezza #10 2 years ago

    Its actually really good this. Its different to MW2, in the least that you can normally last more than 3 seconds without dying! If people take to it and play it properly it will be brilliant and have long term appeal. Graphically, for its scope and size it looks good too. Definately worth picking up, unless reviews for Battlefield 2 are amazing I will stick with this I think (demo didnt exactly wow me). I'd pitch MAG, at the moment at an 8. In time, as long as the game is well supported etc that score may improve for me.

  • insincere_dave #11 2 years ago

    Two - Five - Six - SEVEN

  • darren1976 #12 2 years ago

    What are you talking about Mogs? There are several good games now that justify a PS3! Behave yourself and stop trying to upset PS3 only owners ;)

  • Doctor_What #13 2 years ago

    My housemate is one of the dedicated SOCOM players so I'm pretty certain that he's going to adore this when the userbase settles down a bit. Not my cup of tea, but I think it's going to be fantastic for a certain breed of gamer. Good on Sony for giving this a bash.

    SOCOM has steadily improved in every aspect since release (framerate, menu design, graphics, textures, feel of the weapons, audio... the lot!) so I would be very surprised if the same didn't happen here. I look forward to what MAG becomes in the future.

  • space_ace #14 2 years ago

    In videogames marketing, bigger has always equalled better.

    fixed

  • El-Dev #15 2 years ago

    I'd agree with the bottleneck criticism, getting round these can be tricky but when you're given constant instructions it is very good. Then again that's only if you've got a good team leader. If people like online FPS they'll most probably like this.

  • knightmt #16 2 years ago

    It will be very interesting to see how many people are still playing this in six months.
    If it gains a following and can maintane the large numbers of grunts that beta has been showing it might just save the chaos that it courts.
    The big problem with fps is that AI is very complicated to create and people whilst being predictable are pretty addaptive. There is nothing really to compare MAG to.

  • stevetuck #17 2 years ago

    If people take to it and play it properly it will be brilliant and have long term appeal

    I can see it now!

    Me: Right we need to take this bunker and hold it till captured
    Random Yank: eermmmm Death...match?
    Me: No take and hold
    Random Yank: deathmatch got ya!

  • marcgiu #18 2 years ago

    7/10 - goes in the same bargain bin as Killzone 2 and Haze

  • bodypopper #19 2 years ago

    Battlefield: Bad Coimpany 2 it is then...

  • Mkwone #20 2 years ago

    @marcgiu Apart from Killzone got 9/10 and Haze got 4/10

    I'm still going to buy it

    the message i got from the review was that this is a good game if you want to put time into it, otherwise stick with CoD style instant multiplayer fixes.

  • Fab4 #21 2 years ago

    I'll be picking it up tomorrow..anything that steers away from the shit that CoD has become will do me fine. Yes, I said CoD is shit...neg away :p

  • mingster #22 2 years ago

    Seems about right.. i had exactly the same experience from the beta.
    well done on a timely review though.

  • marcgiu #23 2 years ago

    Mkwone - Killzone 2 got a VERY generous 9 mate

  • ParanoidZombie #24 2 years ago

    folowing orders gives you xp? What if those orders are completely stupid? I wish there was a game that gives you xp for refusing to obey, I would buy it.

  • knightmt #25 2 years ago

    The users are loving this on MetaCritic, but there are only 200 of them so far, lets see if it falls as low as MW2 after 800 reviews.

  • BritishBlue1 #26 2 years ago

    I'm on the fence with this one, I played the closed Beta and I'm not entirely sure of it's lasting appeal. I'd rent it first before rushing out to splurge some cash. To be honest the only way I can see this having any type of legs is if they go nuts with the DLC, free and paid, with a a fair amount of post-release commitment from Zipper this could turn into something of an FPS gem for PSN. Or it could just crash n burn...depends how it's supported by fans and developers alike.

    7 out of 10 seems a fair score to me personally.
    Edited by 2 at 29/01/10 @ 11:27

  • betahoven #27 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:36:16 17-12-2011

  • 52pickup #28 2 years ago

    A fair review, and i think a 7/10 means they had a bloody good try. 7 is a good score.

  • BritishBlue1 #29 2 years ago

    @marcgiu

    Yeah and Halo 3 got a very (very) generous 10 out of 10 when it wasn't a patch on the first one, or the second one for that matter...mind you, I think I was the only person who enjoyed playing as the arbiter in Halo 2...

    Anyway, enough of the fanboy talk.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 11:35

  • mikeck #30 2 years ago

    I was on the closed beta and wasn't that keen, but have had a full copy since Tuesday and am loving this game. It offers so much more than MP in a game like MW2 (which I do really enjoy, before anybody alledges otherwise). This game will not suit all tastes, but it's certainly a lot of fun.

    I have to take umbrage with this quote from the review though As with Planetside, to the casual onlooker MAG will look like a dumb free-for-all Um...surely that's what games like MW2 are though...dumb free for all...MAG caters for much more tactical thinking, the whole element of having player officers etc supports the structure of the game...if you're going to play as a lone wolf, you won't get much out of this game.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 11:38

  • creepylizard #31 2 years ago

    "O-U-C-H

    Was considering buying a PS3 for this, but what's the point now?! It remains just a George Foreman grill. Last reason to buy a PS3 - gone

    RIP Sony. "
    Either a very transparent attempt at trolling or, more worryingly, a blinkered, retarded refusal to acknowledge Last guardian, heavy rain, god of war 3, uncharted 2 et al...
    And I don't even have a PS3..

  • M_of_the_sys #32 2 years ago

    Hmmm. There are bottlenecks but like the reviewer said himself, there's different ways to approach each objective. If you know the maps, the bottlenecks aren't a problem.
    Fair play though. 7/10 is a good score for a game that's not going to appeal to everyone.

  • DrDamn #33 2 years ago

    I was leaning more towards BFBC2 due to the vehicular madness. Those that have just looked at the score and made a judgement that MAG is not all that should actually read the text of the review though. There is a lot of very good points made about things which it does well.

  • Chazmeister #34 2 years ago

    I remember playing on Tribes servers that had 256 players, although it could get a bit laggy during the bigger battles, but then that was back in the days of 56k dialup, so hardly surprising. I had some fantastic games on the 128 player servers mind you. Two teams of 64 all rushing towards each other and engaging in a furious pitched battle down in some valley, they were good times and to my mind the original Tribes has never been beaten for FPS MP gaming fun.

    If that sort of thing was possible back in the days of 56k dialup I don't see why the same can't be done today. I don't understand this insistance that devs have in making multiplayer small scale affairs of 8 v 8 etc. It would appear that even this game compartmentalises its 256 players off into smaller battles. I say give the people what they want, give us great big epic chaotic battles and to hell with all this small squad sized gameplay.

  • El-Dev #35 2 years ago

    "Why does every sonybot list response consist of at least 50% unreleased titles?"

    Why is every Sony related comments thread full of comments from 360 only owners?

  • creepylizard #36 2 years ago

    @frod
    I don't know whether that was directed at me or not but the only PS3 game I've played is MGS 4 and I didn't like that much.
    I was merely trying to suggest that proclaiming Sony to be dead is a slightly ludicrous statement. I personally like my 360 and have no intention of buying anything else so...

  • marcgiu #37 2 years ago

    frod - Its true mate , its will LBP 2 next and GT6 (Due 2020)

  • muscleblade #38 2 years ago

    "This game looks really polished graphically"

    Typical Darren comment. No offense.

  • NGCes26294BIV #39 2 years ago

    Left 4 Dead showed that it's difficult enough to get four people to follow one game plan. How on earth are 128 people going to manage it on a service where hardly anyone uses voice chat?

    Good luck to them though - the FPS genre needs more innovation.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 12:10

  • M_of_the_sys #40 2 years ago

    @NGCes26294BIV

    I don't know how but they have. I don't know what you mean by 'hardly anyone'. The majority of the squads I have joined have had mics. Have you played the game and found the opposite to be true or are you just spouting crap that you've heard other people say?
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 11:55

  • creepylizard #41 2 years ago

    @frod
    i don't really get the false data comment but after looking at the thread is does seem like seem people have a bit of a bee in their bonnet about something...ah, well

  • Petulant_Radish #42 2 years ago

    Why are all fanboys cunts?

  • cianchristopher #43 2 years ago

    Oh well, there's always God of War III. I'm unsure about Heavy Rain, but God of War III will see the PS3 getting some love in March (fingers crossed)...

    It is, taken as a whole, a fairly disappointing console though - a few classics notwithstanding (Demon's Souls, Uncharted 2, MGS4, LittleBigPlanet) - especially compared to the PS1/PS2...

  • MightyMouse #44 2 years ago

    The best times I've had in fps games have all been when playing as a team for bigger objectives than killing x number of people. This game sounds pretty much perfect.

  • hardtech #45 2 years ago

    I played this during the beta and that let me make up my mind. While the review does make a good point in regards to pick up teams, if you get into a good squad with a reliable group of players and the game really comes into its own.

  • butler` #46 2 years ago

    *waiting on bad company 2*

  • Drpwnage #47 2 years ago

    I am really intrigued by MAG, but with a packed gaming schedule it can wait until Spring. I hope the co-ordinated team play aspect blossoms as that a huge distinction vs MW2 and potentially offers a much more engaging and satisfying experience than the simple run and gun of MW2.

  • karooo #48 2 years ago

    brilliant review, I am playing it right now and there are guys who just go free for all, yup its a learning phase and people will improve as time goes on but MAG is one hell of an fps sure its not fine tweaked as other shooters out there but tha'ts because of the huge scale.

    I would give this gave 8.5 out of 10 but a 7 from EG is as good as 8.5 :p

  • login_name #49 2 years ago

    the game which can accommodate the greatest numbers of players in the history of the medium

    Not entirely true, I seem to remember playing Tribes 2 with 256 players before.

  • NGCes26294BIV #50 2 years ago

    @M_of_the_sys

    Did you really feel the need to edit your post in order to be more offensive? I got your point the first time, thanks.

    And no, I'm quite content knowing that because you get a mic with every xbox, and you don't with a ps3, there are plenty of online playstation users that don't have them. It's been widely reported amongst the PS3 community that voice chat (or lack thereof) is often a problem for them, and is something they'd like Sony to rectify.

    Now, if you'd like to reply without being a twat, please, go ahead.

    P.s. What part of my post offended you exactly? You seem very tetchy considering I didn't actually bash the game or the console?
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 12:09

  • karooo #51 2 years ago

    "Oh well, there's always God of War III. I'm unsure about Heavy Rain, but God of War III will see the PS3 getting some love in March (fingers crossed)...
    It is, taken as a whole, a fairly disappointing console though - a few classics notwithstanding (Demon's Souls, Uncharted 2, MGS4, LittleBigPlanet) - especially compared to the PS1/PS2..."

    care to explain whats on the 360 that makes it so much better?

    Heavy rain, GOW3 , yakuza3, Gran turismo 5, the last guardian, Agent etc + all the multiplats are enough to make this year a best year.

    I am sick of all you stealth trolling 360 fanboys.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 12:12

  • El-Dev #52 2 years ago

    "I am sick of all you stealth trolling 360 fanboys. "

    He doesn't stealth troll.

  • NGCes26294BIV #53 2 years ago

    @karoo.

    He didn't even mention the 360? He compared it to previous playstation consoles...

    Wow... considering you hate fanboys so much, you seem very one sided yourself.

  • cianchristopher #54 2 years ago

    Nice one karooo, just do the usual trick of listing a bunch of upcoming PS3 exclusives (that no one knows will be good or not, or - in the case of Last Guardian - no one knows if it'll be out this year or not) as proof that the PS3 is "winning" the "fight"...

    Edit: I said there are some great games on the PS3, but, taken-as-a-whole, it's hard to deny that it's been disappointing up to now...
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 12:16

  • Monkey_Puncher #55 2 years ago

    Good to see another year of the PS3 get off to such a good start!

    /trolling

  • BritishBlue1 #56 2 years ago

    "I am sick of all you stealth trolling 360 fanboys."

    To be fair, mate, I have noticed CianChristopher laying into the 360 as well criticising the PS3. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a fanboy, perhaps he prefers the 360 but I prefer the PS3 myself (the style, reliability, hardware features and exclusives), everyone's entitled to their opinion and so is he.

  • cianchristopher #57 2 years ago

    I've given the 360 (and the PC) its fair dues time and again...

    It's good to criticise - it keeps us all honest... ;-)

  • karooo #58 2 years ago

    @NGCes26294BIV

    "He didn't even mention the 360? He compared it to previous playstation consoles... "

    Now why would you need to do that? PS3 is just 3 years old and it had the best year in 2009...

    anyways i dunno wanna argue whatever.

    @cian chill mate :)
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 12:20

  • marcgiu #59 2 years ago

    chill Karoo

  • cianchristopher #60 2 years ago

    Cool, let's all chill for a while...

  • Rirekon #61 2 years ago

    "The choice of faction is mostly a cosmetic one"
    Not true. Their weapons and related maps are different too. Each of the factions, based on the maps they use for defense and those they'll be facing in attack, has a subtly different play style.

    Was that single press event the only exposure you guys have had to actually playing MAG by any chance? I urge EG to treat MAG much the same way they do an MMO, please spend a couple of weeks playing it and then come back and review it again

  • BOFH_UK #62 2 years ago

    I know this shows me as the old git I am but... is anyone else bored of FPS games as they currently are? MAG is a great example of this, they've managed to get 256 players in one game which is a great technical achievment and then done nothing really new or interesting with it. The leadership roles are a step in the right direction but surely they could have done something more?

    Just to throw an example out: an army of 128 players gets split into squads, there's a tactical plan for the level which can be modified by a player in the role of commander. Each squad goes after its own mission objectives in a sorta traditional way but then the game can change on the fly, squads meeting up to apply extra firepower to counter an enemy, unexpected flanking moves, special character classes that let you improvise within your own squad on the fly and really use the surroundings and other vehicles etc to come up with cool ways to achieve your objectives.

    Okay, it's not the best example, but hopefully you get what I mean. At this point it seems like the FPS template is set in stone and I just wish someone would take a major chance and develop something that really took a chance when they've got a tech like MAG's to play with.

  • M_of_the_sys #63 2 years ago

    @NGCes26294BIV

    Sorry. I re-read my first post and it looked like I was saying less people have a mic so editted it. In the process of editting it I came across quite aggressive. My apologies. It's the Scottish side of me.

    In terms of the 360 vs PS3 mic population. You're right. Word around the water cooler was that hardly anyone had a mic for the PS3. I don't think that's so much the case now but people are still bringing it up. When playing MW2, so many people had a mic. So many 'annoying' people.
    For your peace of mind, a considerable amount of people in MAG have a mic. Especially the Americans. I'm not saying your right or wrong. There might be a lot of games where people don't use/have mics.

  • Furfoot #64 2 years ago

    damn now this raisin has flopped there's no reason to buy a pancake

  • Rirekon #65 2 years ago

    @BOFH_UK;
    What you've suggested is pretty much the way games in MAG work - if that's what you're after then I strongly suggest giving MAG a try :)

  • NGCes26294BIV #66 2 years ago

    "Now why would you need to do that? PS3 is just 3 years old and it had the best year in 2009..."

    He doesn't NEED to do it. It's an observation. It's what we do in forums - make observations. Share opinions.

    - "I like the Xbox". There, that's an opinion.
    - "I think the 360 has a better catalogue of games than the original Xbox". There, that's an observation.
    - "I think PC gaming sucks big fat donkey balls". There, that's flaming :)


  • NGCes26294BIV #67 2 years ago

    @M_of_the_sys

    No worries - I overreacted too. Apologies.

    I think MAG will probably attract people with mics, or even encourage people to get them. It seems like it would almost be a necessity. Good to hear a large proportion playing atm have them though.

  • NGCes26294BIV #68 2 years ago

    Shouldn't you be working Rirekon? ;)

  • Diomedes #69 2 years ago

    I have read the article and it doesnt sound like a 7/10 but more like a 9/10.Whats this ,eurogamer old and stupid policy of downplaying PS3 exclusives?

  • DrDamn #70 2 years ago

    @BOFH_UK
    Yeah like what Rirekon said - what you are suggesting is what MAG actually does.

  • TonyHarrison #71 2 years ago

    I agree completely with the opening paragraphs, when you read comments from some gamers on the internet, they come across as being like Tim Allen in Home Improvement, with the 'MORE POWER UGG UGG UGG' nonsense...

    Bigger, faster, stronger and more powerful does not always equal better, and a lot of people could do with learning that lesson.

    As such, a mediocre FPS is still a mediocre FPS no matter how many players it has, or how good the graphics are (judging from the BETA, the graphics here really aren't anything to shout about)...

  • M_of_the_sys #72 2 years ago

    "I think MAG will probably attract people with mics, or even encourage people to get them. It seems like it would almost be a necessity."

    I think so. I bought the headset for the MAG beta. Could just be that most of the people interested in this game are the people that played stuff like SOCOM and already have a headset.

  • Big-Swiss #73 2 years ago

    seems to be better than most people here expected
    7/10 means translated, that it is good enough fun to enjoy it while playing!

  • chrisola #74 2 years ago

    As mentioned in previous comments, this game needs to be re-reviewed in a couple of weeks time, to get a true reflection of how good or bad it is.

    It'll develop over time.

    The BETA was ok i thought, will probably rent this and see if i get hooked..but there are too many games coming out now.

  • Jimboo1 #75 2 years ago

    Got this game yesterday and started playing it after the wife had gone to bed and it's really grabbed me. I've had a PS3 since launch and have played pretty much everything it has to offer and It's already my favourite game on the system, I just need to convince my mates of it's merits and 7/10 isn't really helping matters.

  • des #76 2 years ago

    Another shitty FPS,what a surprise...blah

  • PlugMonkey #77 2 years ago

    "Left 4 Dead showed that it's difficult enough to get four people to follow one game plan. How on earch are 128 people going to manage it on a service where hardly anyone uses voice chat? "

    But it's not 128 people following one gameplan, it's 8 people following one gameplan. You don't even need to know what the other 120 people are up to.

    And although I haven't played it yet, I would imagine a platoon of 8 will naturally split into two squads of 4, just because it works and that's what always used to happen when I played a lot of CounterStrike (which incidentally also took place on a service where virtually nobody had a headset).

    I'm intrigued. If it promotes the sort of team work you see on the higher skill levels of L4D (which I also play on PC, and 90% of people don't have headsets) then it could be ace.

    "I have read the article and it doesnt sound like a 7/10 but more like a 9/10.Whats this ,eurogamer old and stupid policy of downplaying PS3 exclusives?"

    I thought it sounded like a 9/10 idea with 7/10 execution.

    Which to me is preferable to a 7/10 idea with 9/10 execution, if you see what I mean.

  • superdelphinus #78 2 years ago

    seems like a lot of the end of this review is speculative. a lot of "will" where there should probably be "could"

  • Progguitarist #79 2 years ago

    I played the beta for 10 mins and thought it was horrible. I didnt go for objective and kept waiting for my care packages. I mean where are the care packages? Not one predator missile in the game!

    ;)

  • Ryltar #80 2 years ago

    @frod
    I can't believe I have fallen for your bait! but here goes anyway: I currently own a 360(love it) and yesterday I finally decided to take the plunge and buy a PS3. The following is a list of games I plan on getting: Uncharted 1/2, MGS4, Little Big Planet, Wipeout HD/Fury, Yakuza 3, Resistance 1/2, Killzone 2, Flower, 3D Dot Game Heroes. And now, possibly MAG as well!
    These are just some exclusives I can think of off the top of my head!
    And yes, in the coming months I will be getting GoW 3, GT5, Heavy Rain, and hopefully Last Guardian (if it does indeed get released this year)

    I can't understand how anyone can claim the console doesn't have an impressive catalogue of exclusives. Whether or not these games appeal to *you*, well that is a different issue altogether. Everyone has their own taste. Me? The above games are more than enough to warrant a PS3 purchase!

    /flame on.


  • Monkey_Puncher #81 2 years ago

    Enough with the lists already!

    PS3 is lovely, 360 is lovely, Wii is....for spastics :p

  • EvilBob_leeds #82 2 years ago

    I agree with chrisola and others, as someone who is on the sidelines over this... I would like to see a review in a months time to see how well the community is gelling together.

    I'd also say that while the graphics are not amazing, they're not bad, and they are rock solid. Recoil is a bit crap though.

    Now for some OT troll poking. Yeah, I know, sorry.

    ""This game looks really polished graphically"

    Typical Darren comment. No offense. "

    Typical muscleblade response. Baseless, pointless, with no frame of reference. Have you played it? No. Do you even own a PS3 to play it on? No. Well what would you know of the graphics and how accurate Darren's statement is? And of what interest is a thread concerned with a PS3 exclusive review to you in any case? Fuck off and play somewhere else, eh.

    And having run the original mass effect on a 5 year old PC with a crappy X1650 graphics card, I can state categorically that you don't need anything vaguely near a high powered PC to outpace a 360 playing ME.

    And frod is a cock.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 13:22

  • cianchristopher #83 2 years ago

    @Ryltar:

    Do yourself a favour, and drop Resistance 1&2 from that list. Get Demon's Souls and Killzone 2 instead...

  • EvilBob_leeds #84 2 years ago

    @Ryltar

    Resistance 2 isn't that bad, but Resistance 1 hasn't aged well. I'd add Valkyrie Chonicles, Disgaea and Rachet and Clank onto the list too.

  • jefranklin18 #85 2 years ago

    Pretty honest review, and as for the overall score I was expecting (from the text) an 8. I played it a bit during the beta and at the Eurogamer/Iggin event last week. I think what will make or break this is the quality of whomever takes the team leader roles. I look forward to playing this over the next few months to watch it progress.

  • muscleblade #86 2 years ago

    @Anthony_Daniels

    You are weak. Of course Halo reach will be crap in you opinion. Your opinions tell me you should never consider playing a game that gets great reviews cause you dont like good games. ME2 looks and plays better on the 360 than most PS3 games so if its infinetly better on the PC that doesnt help your case. You are funny though. You havent and will never play any of the ME2 versions anyway. Your loss.
    IGN:
    "Both versions are largely identical, though you will get a few more options for customizing hot keys and skill usage on the PC. Which works better for you will be a matter of personal preference."

    You know better than the people that has actually played the game on both sytems. Make sense.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 13:51

  • Ryltar #87 2 years ago

    @cianchristopher and EvilBob_leeds

    Thanks chaps, il certainly check these out also!

    Also, silly question maybe (haven't been keeping up to date), but is a there a demo for MAG? or was it only a closed BETA?

  • flaming-carrot #88 2 years ago

    I guess you're not going to be invited to the next 256 event then Eurogamer, after hitting the MAG Metacritic average with your '7' :p

    On the great PS3 games topic, I would have to agree with Valkyria Chronicles. It is probably my favourite PS3 exclusive game.

  • Progguitarist #89 2 years ago

    "What'll determine the quality of your online experience is the people you are playing with...". How is this any different for ANY online shooter? Get stuck in a shit team and its frustration city.

  • FogHeart #90 2 years ago

    Experience points in online shooters....so get in early, play long and hard, or join late, find yourself surrounded by players better equipped than you, die a lot, give up.

    (shakes fist at MAG)

  • MightyMouse #91 2 years ago

    @Fogheart

    Yeah that's the only thing that I'm worried about since this will wait until after ME2 for me. However I would say that it's the same with most shooters online, starting CoD4 on PC a year after release was a painful experience that put me off the game.

  • Power_n_Glory #92 2 years ago

    Just bought a copy off the back of word of mouth. My brother got copy yesterday and said it's got real potential. The scores haven't been great but so far from what people have said on the forums, the feedback has been positive.

    Seems more like a squad based shooter where you have to work as a team and play tactically. Should attract the right sort of players ie, those who don't like the lone wolf run and gun, no tactics style of shooter (MW2).

    The review from Eurogmaer seemed positive but I was surprised they gave it a 7. It doesn't really matter about the score. The community is what will make or break this game and as long as it doesn't attract too casual gamers who are quite happy to run around like headless chickens, it could be great game.

  • M_of_the_sys #93 2 years ago

    @MightMouse & FogHeart

    I think you'll find that MAG is the opposite of this as your main EXP is gained from completing objectives like blowing up a bunker or defending a certain point. You also get more exp from healing people. Killing seems to earn you less exp.

  • Ged42 #94 2 years ago

    The problem with reviewing online games like MAG is that the 'user experience may vary.'

    I've been playing the copy I got at the MAG 256 event and I 've been finding it either really good with some really epic battles being fought. Or it's shit with clueless commanders and teammates allowing the enemy to crush you in an instant.

    Though I've been finding it's gotten better over the last few days with people finding their roles within the squad. I've been quite enjoying being field support, dashing from cover to cover trying to heal or repair.

    It'd be interesting to see a second review in 6 months, taking into account patches, DLC and just players being better at the game.

  • speed182 #95 2 years ago

    Suck ma balls.

  • Geordiemp #96 2 years ago

    Just dont drop the soap infront of the muscle man

  • ronuds #97 2 years ago

    What's with all of the "they should have waited a month" business? Games aren't reviewed based on how well the community gets along - they're judged on their technical merits. And EG believes that based on that criteria the game deserves a 7.

    It's not much of a surprise - it's pretty much the same score the game's been getting across the intertubes.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 15:13

  • blackbriar101 #98 2 years ago

    Tony Blair is a '7 ' out of 10,M.A.G. is easily an 8.5.

  • Korpers #99 2 years ago

    @ Petulant_Radish

    On their faces; below the nose, above the chin.

  • Negotiator #100 2 years ago

    Another Sony exclusive pile of crap, this can't be done on xbox blah, blah, blah.

  • jambo74 #101 2 years ago

    As expected. Those that rubbished my claims before read and weep.

  • andromeda #102 2 years ago

    the MAG logo is awful.
    No wonder it got a 7.


  • jambo74 #103 2 years ago

    @ comment No: 3 onezeonx

    A demo was released that I played.

  • DrDamn #104 2 years ago

    @ronuds
    Sure - but it is about how the game plays and not the community. When a review appears you expect the reviewer to have experienced the majority of what the game has to offer - if it is SP then they should have completed the game for example. In a MP game like this with unlockable kit and skills you expect that to have been fully experienced too.

    From the review "here are relatively few people who have unlocked, for example, both the injector gun, and the resuscitate skill to be able to use it on teammates. But in a week or two, as the community's skill base has broadened, so the tactical scope of entire armies will have deepened."

    When the focus of the game is very much on the tactical elements then doesn't it make sense to assess it properly on how that works out longer term?

  • jambo74 #105 2 years ago

    Thanks for the minus DrDamn
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 15:31

  • jambo74 #106 2 years ago

    BC2 demo was way better than the MAG demo. Even then the BC2 demo ws not as good as I thought it would be.

  • PlugMonkey #107 2 years ago

    "When the focus of the game is very much on the tactical elements then doesn't it make sense to assess it properly on how that works out longer term?"

    With it being so community based, they should approach it like any other MMO. Sure, they should come back to it in a few months to see how it's panning out, but they still need to give me an idea whether it's something I want to fork out for as an early adopter.

  • blackbriar101 #108 2 years ago

    @DrDamn
    Yes well said,7 is satisfying but i believe with time the game will be fully appreciated.In saying that Battlefield 2 is coming and Mw2 map packs could revive my personal boredom with the game.

  • jambo74 #109 2 years ago

    Monkey_Puncher
    29/01/10 @ 13:15
    ignore poster | #92 +1 You buried this comment Comment below viewing threshold Show
    Enough with the lists already!

    PS3 is lovely, 360 is lovely, Wii is....for spastics :p

    Lets just hope you never end up in the unfortunate position to become a spastic. Totally inappropriate comment you posted, you should be ashamed.

  • Gazza_UK #110 2 years ago

    I wonder if EG should make you post at least 50-odd comments on the furoms before being allowed to post on reviews. They would never do it, but imagine the actual discussions we could have on them without having to get distracted by "people" that have only just signed up to troll. What a wonderfull world that would be.

  • DrDamn #111 2 years ago

    @jambo
    I didn't give you a minus. Deliberate trolls spouting rubbish will get a minus from me, but everyone else is able to express an opinion - even if I don't agree with it.

  • carlitoswagon #112 2 years ago

    No mention of how vehicles handle or the variety available.

    Almost reads like a poor mans BF:BC. Not seeing the point when BF:BC2 demo looking very solid already.

  • M_of_the_sys #113 2 years ago

    @notmyrealname

    Yes because obviously EG sold out when they scored that crap game they call Uncharted 2.

  • Zappa #114 2 years ago

    They put down the graphics yet the maps are like 5x bigger with 256 players yet MAG still looks great better than MW2.

    Gunplay is bad? haha laughable try BC2 now that is bad.

    Im amazed they have no direct feed pics to show just how dull and worse MW2 textures and shadows are!

  • jag10 #115 2 years ago

    ‘you too will act like a headless chicken’


    ‘Friendly fire in a game of such dense population is initially a frustration, particularly as it can be difficult to separate friend from foe in the throng of battle‘.

    clearly a noob reviewing this to be honest, also make an 8 player sqaud with friends and you don't need to take orders from a 14 year old.



    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 16:50

  • CptSupermarket #116 2 years ago

    Think it's worth at least an 8 tbh. Seriously doubt the reviewer spent more than a few hours with it and he probably went Raven and got his arse kicked all over the place by SVER. :)

  • miiiguel #117 2 years ago

    Sounds quite interesting, the game. This snapshot of its "community" (this comments thread) might scare a lot of ppl. This is no friendly crowd, that's for sure.

  • Collymilad #118 2 years ago

    "@muscleblade

    Oh you really are quite a ghastly little man and also a foolhardy one if you think the bug riddled 360 version running at 720p looks the same as PC version with a half decent graphics card....Oh just go away you silly little man and play Halo wars"

    Oh my god, do people who game on a PC ever shut up about it's hardware? No one gives a crap. Everyone who owns a console is happy to play on them because the games still look gorgeous, no not as good as a PC but what exactly does that matter? Get over it.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 17:30

  • Verminox #119 2 years ago

    @KingAntoine - Yes, any ps3 review,news, interview is followed by a torrent of 360 fanboys in the comments section

  • sfp_noodle #120 2 years ago

    dead space got a 7/10 and it was loved pretty much worldwide. mgs4 got an 8/10 here and once again, loved worldwide and sold 5M copies. why does everyone obsess over review scores? its one website, and one bloody persons opinion. hell this website gave prince of persia 6/10 and thts one of my favourite games this generation. some ppl relly need to grow up
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 18:07

  • BartonFink #121 2 years ago

    Man some of the tards from both sides here are quite frightening.

    It's a flippin game and judging from some of the positive comments from some of the guys in the MAG beta quite a good one at that.
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 18:01

  • MeBrains #122 2 years ago

    held off commenting myself until after having read the article. I think the end should have read like:
    The innovation the game deploys would grant it a number higher than it is rewarded. despite its difficult to follow intent, which makes it a no-go for non-persistent FPS lovers, MAG offers such a well thought out and aptly implemented new approach to squad-based FPS's, that it deserves being nominated as the first in its own new and promising genre: the MMOFPS. Bring on the sequel, while I enjoy the one available.

    < strikethrough >9/10< / strikethrough> 8/10
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 19:23

  • AOFanboi #123 2 years ago

    Some people are lacking in the math skills department: Remember there are numbers lower than 7, it is not the lowest number, in fact on a scale going to 10 it is quite high.

  • Dizzy #124 2 years ago

    /walks into this thread

    Woah!

    /walks out

  • Chazmeister #125 2 years ago

    Yeah 7 certainly isn't a bad score. Folks are comparing this to MW2 and the iminent BFBC2, but you have to remember that they both also have a single player campaign to play, whereas this is purely an online game.

    As for those saying they should review it later as an MMO in a month or whatever, EG have to review and score it as it stands now, the same as if you bought the game today and the experience you could expect right out of the box. Not when you've possibly reached level 10 in a months time or whatever and have more gadgets, or from the point of view from 6 months down the line when things may have improved a lot. Besides which, in 6 months time there might be better shinier games out than this that deserve you attention more.

  • dllord #126 2 years ago

    All i can say is eurogamer gave Dead Space a 7/10 aswell!

  • o_ci2007 #127 2 years ago

    Massive Angry Gangbang.

    http://www.reviewwithextremeprejudice.co...

  • MrsPacMan #128 2 years ago

    I'll enjoy playing Mass Effect 2 tomorrow all the more knowing this. Lol, PS3 owners.

  • Verminox #129 2 years ago

    ^Its cunts like you that bring this website down.

  • MrsPacMan #130 2 years ago

    Cheers Verminox, don't tell anyone tho. I'm secretly working from the inside.

    I own a dusty PS3

  • doom1969 #131 2 years ago

    So another great white hope turns out to be a big fat flop, how the mighty sony have fallen and continue to fall by flogging this dead horse of a console, if they had spent more time making it easier for 3rd party developers to make a decent game rather than spending miilions and wasting development time trying to make it secure (very nearly redundant anyway) they might not still be chasing microsofts trail, the best thing they,ve done is make it smaller but to be honest, they could make it pocket sized and it still wouldn't be worth wasting money on. Sony should count themselves lucky that they pulled enough favours to guarantee that blu-ray was going to be the format for HD otherwise people would not be buying these crapboxes. 2 good exclusive games since release is unacceptable. My PS3 is destined to be nothing more than a movie player.

    128 mugs running around with no headsets in a game that demand teamwork and tight tactics, no thanks, i just remembered i have to chew my own face off
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/10 @ 22:19

  • MrsPacMan #132 2 years ago

    @doom1969

    '128 mugs running around with no headsets in a game that demand teamwork and tight tactics, no thanks, i just remembered i have to chew my own face off '

    lol, good call

  • ronuds #133 2 years ago

    @ DrDamn

    That's all well and good, but is unlocking a different kit going to make the game suddenly a 9 out of 10? No, just like how when you level up in MW2 the game doesn't suddenly become more awesome.

    On technical merits, they didn't seem to think the game was as good as its peers. No kit is going to change that.

  • SavageEvil #134 2 years ago

    Oh man I couldn't help but laugh, Massive Angry Gangbang. Too funny. Anyway, this is completely out of left field but how can anyone really give an honest review of this game and you haven't had the game long enough to spend quality time with it. It boggles the mind, it's RPG like with FPS tactical elements galore. Basically full scale SOCOM with only humans. I like the idea of taking out POI and using strategy, anyone ever try that in MW2? Practical impossibility, but this game here seems right along the lines of BF:BC2, just on a much larger scale. So many things might not pan out great, but this is just their first shot at it, they can only get better at it. All the screaming and hollering back and forth over a game that possibly no one has any significant time playing is foolhardy, give it a while for everyone to warm up to the squad based skirmishes and tactical warfare then come back and give your welcomed 2 cents. This game probably needs about a week or more of play time to get into a groove, depends on your speed. Either way, I'll be picking this thing up tonight. Carry on lads.

  • BartonFink #135 2 years ago

    Err there's been a site MAG beta clan (including staff) running for quite a while now. I think you will find they have had quite a bit of time with the game Savage.

  • TopKatt #136 2 years ago

    @mrspacman

    I don't own a 360 and yet I'm thoroughly enjoying playing Mass Effect2. What's your point?

  • coolbritannia #137 2 years ago

    Game sounded ace, but looked like a Live arcade title (Battlefield '43, I'm looking at you). Shame.

  • man.the.king #138 2 years ago

    @miiiguel

    "This is no friendly crowd, that's for sure. "

    In that case it might interest you to know that apparently (from user profiles), most of the folks commenting on here (including you) are 360-only owners.
    Edited by 1 at 30/01/10 @ 00:41

  • opeth13 #139 2 years ago

    Bought this last night as well. I don't get these reviews, it's like all the reviewers met up before hand and decided to write the same thing. If I read "ragtag" one more time I'm going to punch someone in the face. The game rocks, plain and simple. My first thoughts were "wow, the graphics are really lacklustre" when I did the first training mission, but once I was in the map I was pleasantly surprised by how much attention to detail there was. Every nook and cranny feels like it's been made with careful thought and tlc. The gameplay mechanics are extremely solid and getting a kill feels extremely satisfying. No doubt I will also pick up BFBC2 because it's a such an audiovisual treat, but MAG is also extremely satisfying to play. One night under my belt, and there were numerous memorable occasions.

  • CrunchinJelly #140 2 years ago

    Judging by the number of ads on this site, I was expecting a least an 8.

    I wonder if anyone will even remember this game in 6 months time.

  • MizzouGaming #141 2 years ago

    Did someone say bomba?

  • Chufty #142 2 years ago

    That was a shit review. I can't believe the reviewer described the lack of a killcam, health regeneration and his own inability not to shoot his teammates, as shortcomings.

    Play some real first person shooters, Parkin. MAG is pretty awesome fun even to a hardened PC shooter fan like me, and your reasons for disliking it are quite subjective.

    Disappointed with EG.

  • Ducklord #143 2 years ago

    Oh dear, this comments section is looking more and more like a thread from IGN...

  • SeesThroughAll #144 2 years ago

    You can't access the 256-player component till you hit level 8, an imposition that frustrates more than delights.

    7/10

    I haven't even read the review carefully, but knowing that the developers would break the game like that (by restricting the most appealing aspect to most players) I'd say that 7 is justified, if not perhaps even generous.

    Seriously, how could anyone be that hyped but such a formulaic proposition?

  • Progguitarist #145 2 years ago

    Its restricted for a good reason. Jumping into a 26 player game instantly with about 20+ objectives would make for a very poor user experience. The other modes allow you to find your feet, get some decent gear and learn how to co ordinate with other players. It takes about 1-2 hours to get to level 8 and its not like Sabotage and Acquisition arent fun either.

  • Power_n_Glory #146 2 years ago

    Exactly. Most console FPS fans can't even work together on simple 10 v 10 games like Gears of War or 8 v 8 on MW2.

    The game has a learning curve and you have to take orders, think about your team mates, revive, heal, repair and just work as a unit. This sort of style of play doesn't come second nature to MW2 type players. You can't just run around like Rambo and expect to get a flying chopper to help rack up your kill streaks.

  • morriss #147 2 years ago

    More average first party Sony stuff, Uncharted 2 was obviously just a blip. So glad I sold my PS3.

  • flaming-carrot #148 2 years ago

    Having played this for 4 hours last night (first time playing since the Beta and 256 event) I managed to get to level 12 and unlock lots of extras, and the Domination mode. Zipper were spot on leaving Domination unaccessible until you have some experience, as it is absolute mayhem! - Great fun though ;)

    I think the Eurogamer score is too low (would give the game an 8 myself), but what's in a number? I can see myself having a lot of fun playing this, and MW2 has definately gone back on the shelf for the time being. Will probably be replaced by BC2 as my MP game of choice come March, but MAG should have a great future, especially with the possibility of extra DLC in the future......nice work Zipper.
    Edited by 1 at 31/01/10 @ 17:20

  • Progguitarist #149 2 years ago

    Fuck off Morris

  • seanthejackal #150 2 years ago

    SEVEN!!! Fuck you eurogamer if this was on 360 it would be a 10 easy.

  • muscleblade #151 2 years ago

    @EvilBob_leeds

    I was talking about ME2 not the original. Regarding the original ME you are absolutely right. That game had huge issues on the 360. You can say the same for console versions of Dragon Age (didnt buy that). Regarding ME2 the case is very different. The console version is actually better or at least on par depending on preferences.

    @AD
    Please write a little Norvegian. English is my third language.

  • spiny #152 2 years ago

    So, I've got MW2 (on PC and PS3) and MAG & with no axe to grind either way I can say MAG > MW2.

    It's got far more depth & has far different design goals, so I don't think a straight comparision is the right approach. I happen to prefer the increased strategy & tactics that the game demands over the frag fest ruck that is a typical MW2 game.

    Either way, 7 is too harsh. I'd personally score both games as an 8.5, but for different reasons.

  • brazzauk #153 2 years ago

    Played for a few hours so far and like it, not amazing but very very good. Liking the leveling up and so far the maps are cool much better than the poxy little CoD maps. I can see myself sticking a good few hours into this one.

    IW should be ashamed that they cant get 12 players on a game of CoD without lag and piss poor hit detection whereas this run 64, 128 and 256 with no issues.

    Not sure its will get enough of the graphics whores off of CoD to sustain it over a longer period. I agree with most of the reviews the game gets better as you play! So with this and my second play through of ME2 underway, lots of gaming ahead.

    Edited by 1 at 30/01/10 @ 19:12

  • ISmoke #154 2 years ago

    I only played the beta for about 2 hours. I could of told you it was shit ages ago.

  • Hindle #155 2 years ago

    If you dont like a rival console why comment on a thread that involves it. The Ps3 has had some of the best games of this generation as exclusives id hardly call that a dissapointment

  • 3william56 #156 2 years ago

    morriss and the rest of the 360 knobs - we're very glad you sold/don't have/don't want a PS3 - means we don't have to listen to your pathetic pubescent rap boy wannabe smack talk calling every pixel teh ghey every ten seconds.

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for p*ssing off and not coming back.
    (To the rest of the 360 owners - my sympathies).

  • headrush #157 2 years ago

    All these marketing dollars for this? Epic Fail.

  • o_ci2007 #158 2 years ago

    MAG has come and gone, Sony give me GT5 now. I mean NOW. Enough delays. Another delay and I will trade in my PS3 for a Wii or even a DS.

  • EvilBob_leeds #159 2 years ago

    Apologies all for more OT bullshit.

    @muscleblade

    No actually. You're just pulling together misquotes and inaccuarcies to try to bolster your argument. For instance your quote from IGN;

    "Both versions are largely identical, though you will get"

    You've quoted completely out of context. The full quote is concerned specifically with the control method and runs

    "On PC, the heads-up display is a bit different, custom built to work with a keyboard and mouse. Both versions are largely identical, though you will get a few more options for..."

    Also in the IGN article is where it speaks about a PC set up to really show the game off. Unfortunately, IGN clearly have no idea what a good PC is - the system they quote (Alienware Intel Core 2 Quad 2.00 GHz prcoessor, dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M cards, and 6 GB of memory) is a pretty fancy laptop, but a pretty crap desktop - 260M cards are equivalent to Nvidias 98xx cards, not the newer 2xx series. Presuming you where upgrading a slow PC with a servicable motherboard, you could get a desktop capable of producing a better looking ME2 than the xbox could for around £200 - £250.

    All in all, unless you've got a shit PC, in no way could the 360 version be considered on a par with the PC, except in terms of the control method. And if you've got that much of a hardon for gamepads, just hook one up to the PC and use that.

  • IMD1_Pk #160 2 years ago

    The graphics are great in my opinion. I just didn't like the sound effects and simple lighting model. Though when it comes to multiplayer modes of games reviews usually can't indicate how good the game is. They have very basic criteria that they follow that is only really relevant to singleplayer games. The gameplay is what is important and if you are a fan of the old BF games then you will love MAG for sure. That's all I have to say. If you haven't played those games don't come in with your expectations high because you could be disappointed a lot like many others who will pick up this game expecting that they can handle the type of game that MAG is. I'm starting to see a rise in the number of people without mics though.....those first few days were actually great despite what the reviews say. Almost everyone was serious about the game and had a mic with them to play.

  • Hamtaro #161 2 years ago

    This game sounds like the tits.

  • DrDamn #162 2 years ago

    Having had and played the game now I can't help feeling the reviewer missed the point in a few of the criticisms. Overall I think it's a good review, highlighting the majority of what the game gets right and pointing out some of the flaws. However there were specific criticisms made of the spawn mechanic, health regen, friendly fire and lack of killcam. These criticisms are fine as personal preferences, but here they are game design choices with encouragement of teamwork and communication in mind.

    Spawn Mechanic. You don't have to wait a set time to respawn - you have to wait for the next respawn time, and this is linked across teams. This means that you usually spawn with team mates around you. So you can go back into battle as part of a team.

    Health Regen. You have to think team again, this isn't a game you play lone-wolf by yourself. Roles are important and having a balanced number of medics is part of that.

    Friendly fire makes you think before you fire and attack more tactically. You can't all charge in and spray. Team work again.

    Killcams. They work in some games but they are not a universal correct way to do things. In MW if you get sniped then you watch the killcam and then go off to hunt the sniper - that works. It's completely impractical in this sort of game though. You should be telling the snipers on your team where you are being sniped from and have them take revenge. Or tell your Squad leader and they can send someone there who is equiped to deal with hidden snipers (using acoustic locators and motion sensors - which incidentally help your team mates as well as you).

    The criticisms are very much from a selfish perspective. Why should *I* have to wait to get back into the action? Why do *I* need someone else to heal me? Why should *I* worry about who I shoot? Why can't *I* go off and hunt for snipers? Simply because you are part of a team and other people are relying on you.

    These design decisions are not "shortcomings". The fact that the game encourages team play to this extent is one of it's big positives and what makes the game what it is.