Magazine Double Page Spread: Black Ops II Game Review

During this assignment we had to, firstly look at game reviews in magazines, writen reviews on websites and also reviws on YouTube. Once we had collected these reviews we had to screen Screen Grab, annotate them then put them onto Blogger. After collecting reviews we then had to write an evaluation on them which included what the writer talks about and how each source was different. After our evaluation we had a chance to play games in class to figure out what game we wanted to write our own review about. We then had to write a game report that informs you of what conventions are found within a game. I chose to base the report around Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 because I know what the game is about and it was easier to base it around a game that I have played before. Just before we had to write our review we had to create a mind map that helped us plan out what information was going to be put into our review and how it was going to be layed out. Finally our review had to be a double page magazine spread designed to attract a certain target audience. The game I chose to write my review on was Call of Duty: Black Ops II. The reason I chose this game is because I have played it before as well as it being an easy game to write about as the target audience is very clear. In my reviwe I write about the Improvements, storyline, comparisons to the first Black Ops game and also put my own opinion of the game at the end. The program I chose to design my review on was Adobe Indesign. I chose this because it was the easiest program to design a magazine spread on.                    

Game Report

Game Report: Computer Game Components

Within in this assignment we have to write a report solely based on the different video game components, these include, the visual style, gameplay, audience and the game genre. We are able to talk about a game of our choice but it has to cover all four components. The game I have chosen is Call of Duty: Modern warfare 3, I chose this game to include in my report because I have played it myself and also because it is part of a series so there is more to write about.The Xbox game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is part of a series of games. The first of the Modern Warfare series, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a spin off from the previous Call of Duty games. From the very first game we know of a war between Russia and the U.S Marine Corps, this storyline carries on throughout the series involving the same characters. Like most shooting games, Modern Warfare 3 includes characters from the previous two in the series. Throughout the game, the character being played changes depending on the level you are on, however the character mostly being controlled is Yuri. The game itself is played in first and third person. The reason for the player being in first person is so they can feel as if they are in the game. Being in the first person lets them be the hero. However being in third person differs because it lets the player feel as if he is in control of the character, either way the player is going to feel like he is the hero and that he can be part of the game.

In the game, each level you complete, achievements are unlocked. In every game you play there will be achievements and trophies that are able to be collected for every level you do. Games often give you the option to select the difficulty of the level at which you want to play. The difficulty options on Call of Duty: Modern warfare 3 isn’t ‘easy, medium and hard, they are called veteran (easy), Regular (medium) and hardened (hard). When playing shooting games, there is an option that lets you change the layout of the controls to what you feel most confortable with. The controls for MW3 are fairly simple. The buttons you’ll mainly use include the X button to jump, Y button to change weapons, RL to shoot, RB to throw grenades and RS to use the knife. The music used in games is varied depending on the genre. Shooting games usually have rock music in the background, this is used to get the player read to fight, and also because it suits the type of game it is.

MW3’s audience is aimed towards a male audience, the reason for this is because being a soldier is more of a male role, and not so many girls get involved with shooting. However although the age of the game Is 18 and over because of the violence and language, it appeals more to a younger audience, this is because younger boys tend to play consoles more than older men. The audience of a game depends on the genre, like the music. However playing MW3 could be more for a hardcore gamer, only as the game it’s self last for around 8 hours, it would take nearly a whole day to complete it.

The genre is one of the main components of a game, Modern Warfare is action as well as a bit of thriller because of certain parts that are slightly creepy. Depending on the genre, the look and graphics in the game are different, if it is a Disney/ kids game then it is going to have a more lighter less intense feel to it. However games such as Black Ops: Zombies is darker and has a dangerous feel to the game.

Game review mind map

This is a mind map that shows all the different components that I am going to include within my game review. On the mind map I have put three different sections, the introduction, the main and the conclusion. The introduction is going to involve a quick, short summary of what the game is about, also comparing the improvements and weaknesses to the previous game. In the main part of the review the most important part would be the storyline and achievements. However it would also be good to write about the target audience, graphics and characters in the game. The final section is the conclusion. This sums up what I have previously wrote about, an overview of the game and what happens at the begging and end of the game.

Game Review Evaluation

Game Review Evaluation

Our first task was to collect a selection of reviews from different sources. These had to include 2 print adverts, websites, Forums/blogs and YouTube videos. Although it would be better if we collected one of each, we were unable to get onto gaming websites as they had been blocked on the college macs. Instead we had to revert to only annotating two print adverts, a video from YouTube and if we could, find a review from a website, I found a review on IMDB which I screen grabbed and put onto Blogger explaining what the review told us about the game.

When looking at the different types of sources reviews were written in, we found that they all gave a brief summary of what the game is about. This is important to include in a review because although the reader may be interested in games, they may be unsure of what the game is about if they have not played it before, the reader may be reading the reviews to help them decide if they want to buy the game or not. Another element that reviews include is comparisons. When the writer is talking about a certain aspect of the game such as the graphics, they will say if it has improved from the previous games, if there have been any. They will sometimes compare them to other games that are within the same genre. This could help the reader get a better idea of what playing the game could be like. Reviews will often have a rating that shows how good the writer believes the game is. A rating to the game is important to show their opinion.

Depending on the type of review an audience is reading it may differ because they may not use the same elements or the same layout of other reviews. For instance a print review from a magazine has a different layout to a review from a website. Magazine reviews are written in columns, this makes it easier for the reader to find what they are looking for. A website on the other hand may just be written in one big paragraph, however some website reviews are separated into paragraphs to make it easier to read. Print adverts also include a lot of images. Using Images are helpful to the audience, if they want to know what the game looks like or to get a better look at the graphics.

The two print reviews I analysed are written in the third person. This is useful to the reader because it gives more details about the game and doesn’t necessarily give the writers own opinion. Print reviews written in first person lets the reader make their own choice if they want to buy or try playing the game. The YouTube and website review I found were also in third person. However even though they are in third person, these reviews may be biased. This might change the readers mind about buying the game.

At the begging of all four reviews, the writer talks about the rest of the games series. It compares them and we are told of its improvements and weaknesses. Some reviews try to make their reviews unbiased by trying to add in an equal argument, however they tend to give their own opinion of what the game is like and what they think of it. Within the middle of the reviews they tend to talk about the graphics, achievements, storylines, characters and any new options available. At the end of the review the writer normally talks about the opening and ending of the game. What you then find is they give a final overview of the game. This puts everything together that they have previously spoken about but also gives a rating of the game overall.

The audience that would normally read reviews are normally older gamers who will understand the terms and language used by the person whom is writing/ giving the review. Although the game being reviewed may have a certain age rating, young people who play them are less likely to read reviews. Children and teenager are more likely to listen to what their friends think of the game, they will follow an opinion that someone their own age thinks of the game. Older people who have a career that has something to do with gaming, use reviews as a guide to what they are playing, or if they sell games, this can help because they know what they are selling if they haven’t played it. A more male audience would read a review. Although gaming is for mix genders, certain games and game magazines are just mainly based towards men. Xbox and PlayStation games/reviews are more aimed at men, however Wii and Nintendo are considered to be more feminine consoles. To keep a reader interested in the review they are reader, images and bright colours are used. This helps the review stand out but to also attract the audience. 

Game Idea

My game idea – ‘Steer’

My game idea is going to be a racing car game. It is only going to be available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation2/3 consoles. Within the game there are four playing options, Multiplayer  Campaign, online and Arcade mode. When playing the campaign there is a very basic story-line  It is part of a world tour and throughout the game you unlock levels and within these levels you have to complete races to gain new maps, Characters and cars. However, you can design your own car and player by collecting money from every race you complete. Multiplayer differs from campaign. It allows two people to race against each other or be on the same team, racing international players/teams. As you play multiplayer you earn points that, once you have collected a certain amount, unlocks achievements. The online option gives the player an opportunity to connect with other players around the world that also own the racing game on a PlayStation/ Xbox console.

Arcade mode on the game includes, training, small circuit racing and challenges. When training the player will chose a map where they complete a certain amount of laps and then try and beat their previous score/speed. The target audience for my game idea is going to be more of a young male audience ranging between the ages of 16 – 24. The reason for this type of audience is because male genders have more of an interest in cars and racing. Even though there are many racing car games such as, Need for speed, F1 Grand Prix, Ford Street racing, Forza Motorsport etc. this game is going to have better graphics but is going to include F1 racers alongside F1 cars.

The print advert for my racing game ‘Steer’ is going to show an image of Lewis Hamilton, Paul Di Resta and Michael Schumacher racing. The background is going to be black, this makes the pictures of the cars stand out letting the audience know it is a racing game. The reason for picking Lewis Hamilton, Paul Di Resta and Michael Schumacher as the main racers on the advert is because they are three of the most well known F1 racers in the world. The icons on the advert show the target audience, makers of the game and the consoles it is available on. The advert also includes reviews from Xbox magazine saying ‘The new game of 2013’ and also a review from Top Gear magazine that says ‘Makes you feel in control’. These advertise the game by showing good points about it. An audience is more likely to buy the game if the reviews have been good and are more likely to believe magazines that are popular within the gaming business. I chose Xbox magazine because it is the most well-known game consoles in the world. I also chose to have a review from Top Gear magazine because they are a magazine television program purely based around different vehicle’s and have the same audience as my game. The reason I chose the name ‘Steer’ for my game is because that is how you drive a car, you have to steer it. Not only is that but because ‘Steer’ clearly shows it is a racing game. This will attract the right audience. The title of the game is in orange because it stands out against the black background and also orange is used more on racing games. The slogan, ‘Do you feel the need? The need for speed?’ is based around the quote from the 1989 film Top Gun. The reason I used this is because Top Gun is about pilots and my film is about racing. They both relate in a way that both vehicles are used for speed. The slogan also represents the audience being in control of the steering wheel and they are able to control the speed of the car. They are in complete control.

IMDB game review

This is a game review for the Spiderman 3 game. The source is from the website IMDB. The layout of the review is very simple. It is but into 6 paragraphs. the first paragraph gives a brief story of the game. The writer goes on to compare the graphics of the game with previous Spiderman games but also compares to another game. In the third paragraph the writer gives his own opinion of the game stating that 'the downfalls overpower the pros." In paragraph three the missions are explained. Paragraph four shows the improvements that the game has gained since the previous Spiderman games. The writer goes onto explain in the final paragraph how the characters have also become a negative on the game. This review is more negative towards the game but detailed. The writer explains why the game is not as good as expected but we are also given a few good points about the game.

Black Ops 2 Review - IGN Reviews

This is a Review for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The narrator of the video takes the first part of the video to show a clip from the game but also introduces the game. The narrator gives his own opinion on what he thinks of the game, he describes the game as "a new beginning for the franchise". He splits the game into three different sections so it is easier for the audience watching to understand, but also so he can explain the  game a lot more. He starts with Campaign explaining what you have to do, the storyline, graphics and the similarities to the previous Black Ops game. He then goes on to explain the multiplayer option, within this section he tells us how you can choose which type of game you want to play that suits your playing ability. He also compares it to the first Black Ops. The final section he talks about is Zombie. He explains the different options within this such as as adventure mode. It also shows the improvements from Black Ops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AxQn88fOFI

Game Idea - 'Steer' 1 Advert

This is my first print advert for my game idea 'Steer'. it includes the slogan, reviews, and the name of the game. It also shows what consoles the game is available on.

Gaming Idea - 'Steer' 2 Advert

This is my second print advert idea for my game 'Steer'. I have included the consoles it is available on, the age rating and the name of the game, also ratings from gaming magazines and the game slogan.

Game Idea - 'Steer' final Advert

This is my print advert for my game idea. It shows what consoles it is available on, the age rating, who the game is sponsored by and also includes reviews by game magazines and a slogan.

Game Console - PlayStation

PlayStation

There are a wide series of PlayStation consoles. The first ever was released in December 1994. PlayStation have sold 102.49 console units have been sold all together since its first release.

The PSone is the first console to be made to carry on the PlayStation series. It was released in 2000. It was made as a smaller version of the PlayStation video game console.

Also in 2000 the PlayStation 2 was released. It has sold over 150 million units making it the most successful game console in the world. However on 4^th January 2013 it was announced that the PlayStation 2 had stopped being produced.

As the PlayStation 2 was so popular, PlayStation thought of an idea to create a slimmer version of the PS2. This meant it took up less space and had a better look. It was released in 2004 being much lighter than the original PS2.

On November 11^th 2006 the PlayStation 3 was released. It is the first out of the series to be able to use Blu-ray discs and be able to use wireless controls. Just like the PS2 a slimmer version was created. It was released in 2009. It uses less power, is lighter and small than the original PS3.

In 2012 the last PlayStation console had been released. The Super Slim console is a slimmer version of the PS3 slim. It is a lot slimmer than the first slim but has also been redesigned.

Since the PlayStations first release in 1994, there have been portable handheld consoles created. The first ever PSP (PlayStation Portable) was released in 2004. It was created as smaller handheld version of the PlayStation 3. People were able to carry them around and play it wherever they liked. The games that were played in the PSP were small discs that were able to fit into a small slot in the back.

There have been other models of the PSP such as the PSP Slim Life and PSP 3000.

The newest PSP model is the PSP Go. It was released in October 2009 and has been compatible with Nintendo Ds handheld consoles. 

Game Console - Xbox

Xbox

The Xbox was created by Microsoft and first released on 15^th November 2001. On the first day of its release over 24 million consoles were sold worldwide.16 million in the US, 6 million in Europe and 2 million in Japan.

As the years went on more and more consoles were sold and in the year 2005 Microsoft came up with the idea of letting people connect online. This didn’t just mean playing online but also talking to each other.

The Xbox 360 is the successor to the Xbox. Released in 2005 already 75.9 million consoles have been sold worldwide. Throughout the years of the Xbox 360 being available, it has developed fast improvements since the very first Xbox was released.

There are many accessories that can be brought for the console, such as, wireless and wired controls, head sets, dance mats and webcam. There are many others that are made to suit the console.

The Kinect was created to fit in every Xbox 360 console. It allows the audience to play certain games that do not require a controller. Much like a Wii control it has a sensor on the front to show the motion of the people playing the game. The Kinect has a camera built in; this allows it to take pictures of the people playing. This will only work on certain games and will only work if the audience agrees to use it. Kinect was released on November 4^th 2010 and is competitive to all other Xbox consoles.

Within Xbox live, there is a marketplace in which Xbox shows different things to do online rather than just connect to other people that have Xbox. It allows you to search the internet, letting you listen to music, watch videos, buy games and also includes a feature that lets you connect Smartphones and Tablets.

Even though the Xbox is probably the most purchased console, it does have negative points. There have been many complaints about technical difficulties with the console that purchasers have complained about. The main problem is being the ‘Red Ring of Death’, this when there is a red circle where the on button on the console is (normally green). This normally occurs if the console has overheated or been left on over a certain amount of time.

Black Ops 2: Surprise Trailer

The Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 "Surprise" trailer, uses celebrity endorsement as one of its main techniques, involving celebrities it is more likely to attract a wider audience. With the first image it shows the slog of the game, which is 'There's a soldier in all of us', this gives the audience a feeling that when they play the game, they are like a soldier. It makes the audience feel involved in the game. Special features in the trailer are explosions, things falling from the sky and the electronics. Special effects are used in this advert to make it more of a film trailer so it is more realistic to the audience. In the second image it shows the 'Call Of Duty: Black Ops II'  image and name, but it also has the release date, and sponsors of the game. In the final image it shows where you can pre-order the game before it comes out in shops and also what special offers you can get with the game if you pre-order it.

Print Adverts

Halo 4 -
This magazine advert mainly uses special effects as one of it's selling techniques. The blue, black and white colours together gives off an alienated vibe. The light shining on the character on the front lets the audience know that, that is who they are going to be playing on the game. The advert does not show much of what is in the game because it is part of a sequel so people would know what it is about if they have played the other games.
The name of the game on the print advert is big and stands out because people will know what it's called. In the bottom left hand corner the brand of the game.

Batman: Arkham City - 
This front cover of the official Xbox gaming magazine, is advertising the new Batman game. On front of the magazine the first thing the audience will notice is the image of Batman, this is to show what game it is advertising and draws the audience in to read more. There is also a celebrity endorsement because Batman is normally associated with Christian Bale.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 
The print advert for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is in an official Xbox magazine. The main technique is special effects on the image. The character it shows is animated but is made to look like a real person. The characters facial expression is shows that he is angry and it lets the audience know that it is a fighting game.
In the bottom right hand corner it shows the age boundaries for playing the game. In the bottom left hand corner it shows the brand of the game.