Kurt Murphy @Hearse

Omikron: The Nomad Soul (Windows)

Best game I've ever played

The Good
The Nomad Soul is, and I'm not going to hesitate saying it; the best all round game I've had the privilege to play; from the story-line to the beautiful design and complex gameplay, there is just no flaws in this game. Quantic Dream have spent a lot of time designing the virtual world that is 'Omikron' which spans over four vast cities. The plot is very in depth and I also really like the whole demon thing. It was done really well.

The moment Omikron loads a portal opens and we are introduced to police officer named Kayl through some sort of portal he tells you his world is in danger and you need to transfer your soul into his body in order to help him out; once you have possessed Kayl's body you will need to find out more about him and what was it he was so afraid of, you will need to go to considerable lengths accessing classified case files as to what happened to Kayl and his deceased partner Den, the story unfolds and you begin to learn that the Police force as well as the government itself is run by a secret society of Demons disguised in human form brainwashing to people of Omikron and offering their souls to Astaroth thus making him stronger to a point where he will have total control over Omikron you will be faced by these entities throughout the game and also the Omikron Police via FPS or Tekken style fighting, otherwise the rest of the game is pure adventure which a few puzzles chucked in for good measure.

In the game you can possess a number other bodies doing whats called a 'Soul Transfer' this is a cool feature but only can be used on select inhabitants, i used Kayl as far in the game as I could, but sadly it was inevitable that he dies.

There is also some very interesting shops/bars you can walk into in Omikron, like strip joints/sex shops etc also good if you have the nude patch running might i add. There is also some illegal concerts held at random bars in the cities of Omikron in which 'The Dreamers' preform a number of live shows featuring David Bowie on vocals I think that was a very original idea even though I'm not a big fan of David Bowie as such but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Its just sheer brilliance in so many aspects, when you are hooked on this game reality seems to fade I was at my PC for days until i finished it, I was very sad when it ended. Part two better be released or I am going to be sending a lot of hate mail.

The Bad
Its very easy to get lost in Omikron this is not a bad thing however. It just shows that the game is that big. The controls take a bit of time to learn, but you will get the hang of it in not so long. The Nomad Soul also has certain 'savepoints' in which you must possess a number of Magic Rings in order to save your game, this makes things a little bit more challenging but only the slightest; rings can be found all over the place so they are quite abundant.

The Bottom Line
Plot, Gameplay, Graphics, and FREEDOM = Omikron. Quantic Dream have stated they will release a sequel (Omikron: KARMA previously known as EXODUS) but there is a lot of uncertainty right now as to where this is going there has not been much news about it to date. Whoever f**ks this up is going to get my upmost abhorrence. Just like Bioforge 2, and Privateer 3 and Full Throttle 2... why do they even bother if they are not going to give us the final product. Leaving us on the edge. That is just heresy in my belief.

I also played QD's latest release FAHRENHIET/INDIGO PROHECY that was good for what it is but it was too cinematic, please Quantic Dream if you do release 'Omikron: Karma' do not deprive it of gameplay like that.

By Kurt Murphy on January 7, 2006

Return Fire (Windows)

Seek and Destroy!

The Good
Return Fire is the best capture the flag game and also probably the most best two player game I have ever played. Return Fire gives you four vehicles to destroy your opponent a Helicopter, Tank, ASV, and a frail jeep (the only vehicle which can obtain the enemies flag). There is two ways to win this game either capture the enemies flag and bring it back to base or destroy all your opponents vehicles, I find the easiest way is to capture the flag. Return Fire is full of action and can really get your adrenaline going especially if its a close match with your opponent where a slight mistake can lose you the game.

The Bad
Playing this game by yourself is boring as hell. And I wish you could design your own maps.

The Bottom Line
If you actually have friends pull out return fire when there's nothing to do it can prove hours of enjoyment, especially while drinking... the fun is endless...

By Kurt Murphy on February 27, 2005