Strategy on Der Riesse (CoD:WaW)

This strategy is very different form what I’ve done in the past on Der Riesse. Instead of camping in one area, like the Alamo (the catwalk in C), this tactic involves movement. I’m publishing this now because I want to try it with 3 or 4 players. ElMico and I have gotten into the high twenties doing this (and then we do something stupid). I believe I can get into the thirties with more people. Here is a map that shows the concept. (Click it to enlarge) Before you begin this method, it is suggested that you have the Pack-A-Punch machine active and have one upgraded weapon. I also suggest bouncing-betties, monkey bombs, Joggernog, and Speed Cola. (The numbers represent the locations on the map.)

1. Begin the round by standing in Teleporter C. In preparation, put at least two betties in Sophia’s Tunnel (the tunnel just to the North of the teleporter). Defend yourself from inside the teleporter until you feel uncomfortable – I wait until I get hit once – then activate the teleporter and get out of there!
2. You will arrive at the Mainframe with a few seconds to reload and recover. The bonus will appear in courtyard. A pre-determined person will run there to collect the perk. Careful, it could be a dog.
3. The rest of the party heads toward the Thompson side. You will need to protect the person getting the bonus, so shoot down the hallway toward the Speed Cola machine. When the party is reunited, run into the Thompson room (Auto Garage) and up the stairs.
4. Making a stand at the bridge is optional. ElMico likes to shoot down the stairs. I run over to the edge and shoot incoming zombies until I need to reload. Drop down to the courtyard (by the electric switch) when you are ready – as always, it is better to move quickly than wait for trouble.
5. In the courtyard you can make a short stand. In the higher levels you may want to activate the electric fence. Don’t dawdle here – always drift toward Transporter C. Be careful, this is the first time you can be surprised by zombies behind you (usually one or two). If you are at the end of the round, this is where you will like to make a crawler.If not – head for Transporter C (1) and repeat.

Other points:

• Placing betties at C is to protect you from zombies coming from Sophia’s Tunnel. They can surprise you! If we are ahead of the zombie horde while returning to C, I like to place another bettie. More people means more betties.
• In Teleporter C there is a dead spot to the right (facing out) – you cannot activate the teleporter here. Find it before you begin this tactic; it caught me once. Stay in the middle or to the left.
• We also like to pre-determine the person to buy the teleporter (1500), mostly based on who has the cash. But if you feel threatened or the designated porter calls "I’m down!" – make the jump.
• At (3) (Thompson room) you can activate another electric fence. ElMico and I have never needed to do this, but know it is there.
• For Dog Rounds, we like to go down Sophia’s Tunnel. You can also hide in the Alamo. With four people, split up and go to both.
• The highest risk is getting the bonus. If you don’t need it, be safe and skip it: after teleporting, run right to Thompson room.
• If you are down in the teleporter, you will be sent to the Mainframe when activated. Revive your down comrade there.
• Your mentality should be to not take risks. If you see a Max Ammo (very tempting), toss a monkey bomb before you go and get it.
• Stay together (especially the teleport) and communicate!
• There is no need to open the door on the Trench gun side of the Mainframe or the stairway up to the Juggernog. In fact that could be bad.
• A variant on this method is to go to the Trench gun side instead of the Thompson side. I personally have not done this. Usually after round three we get the Thompson rather than the shot gun because it is more versatile.
• It is possible to use this method while solo. But you will teleport a lot more often.

Give this strategy a try and let me know your highest level.

Fable: Fun, Furious, and Full-Sized

I finished Fable 2 (last month) on Xbox 360. It was a great game! I like linear stories that take place in a non-linear world. You can do whatever you want, or you can follow the path (a gold path in this case) and focus on the main quest. I did just that.

The surprising thing was the diversity and quantity of NPCs with whom to interact. Yes, I heard repeating comments, but it was still a huge variety. Very impressive. It was not repetitive at all – every quest, territory, and character was different (unlike Assassin’s Creed).

I built a female character and in the end chose to keep my dog. According to "Achievements," I only finished 42% of the game. But I don't want to re-do the entire game just to make a different choice in the end. Ugh!

I am anticipating Fable 3 coming out at the end of 2010.

New PS3 Ads - selling what?

I just don't get it. Help me out here. Below is a picture of a gamer giving blood (life?) to Rommel (The Dessert Fox). He is considered a good Nazi, but come-on! What is the message here? I think this is a picture of a gamer giving his heart (again, life?) to Joan of Arc. Did they just want to pick a girl warrior?

It is fun to look at the other images around the main characters. See the mouse in the corner.

Please, give my your impressions.

Nariko? Is that you?

One of my most favorite games is Heavenly Sword. Sadly, there are no plans for a sequel. But Ninja Theory, the developer of HS, is working on a new multi-platform title called Enslaved.

In the new game, you play a character called Monkey. Traveling with you is a NPC named Trip - shown above.

I think there is a striking similarity to Nariko, the main character in Heavenly Sword.

I'll be watching for this title.

Van Halen is coming over to play

Interactive Documentary

The opening scene of Rockband: The Beatles is amazing; it is a foreshadow of what is to come.

Unlike Guitar Hero band-specific-releases, this disk is all Beatles. It follows the history of the Beatles in various stages and settings. In some ways, it is a history lesson told in animation and picture montages between stages. But it is more for those how already know the story. For example, as you enter the Abbey Road chapter, there is an image of Candlestick Park and a ticket stub, but you are not told this was their last live concert ever. The songs in rest of the story start with the band members in the studio, so it is only implied.

It is a beautiful game. Especially as you move into the psychedelic era. Game play is standard Rockband with a few minor “Beatles-mania” additions. The sound quality is awesome – I wonder if it uses the digitally re-mastered albums that released on the same day.

I started playing on drums (Easy) with El Mico on lead guitar (Expert) – both of us are Beatles fans. One funny thing happened near the end of our session that evening: the red pad on the drum kit quit working. This has happened before – it is a pain to re-solder the connection. But I did not want to stop to do that exercise again, so I played a couple songs pressing the CIRCLE button on the keypad with my finger and drumming with the stick in my other hand. It worked out just fine – though awkward. I have not finished the story mode yet. I have unlocked some challenges and extras (like the Christmas album from 1960). The Beatles are very accessible to many generations – I will launch this game the next time company comes over. I am really enjoying this “interactive documentary” of one of the best bands ever. (Click the links in the story; it is worth your time.)

...His Money Are Soon Parted

September has been a good month for new games and I have been taking advantage of the opportunities given to me by Best Buy.

I bought Guitar Hero 5 on September 1st (release day). I had Best Buy Reward Zone certificates that were about to expire; I had to use them. I was able to walk out of the store with GH5 for $30.

I REALLY like party play. I don't really like the song selection: to diverse. But I will load in about 1/3 of the GH:WT songs when I get a chance. I'm working my way through the career mode now.

Best Buy is having a excellent sale this week. Buy one PS3 game, get a second for half price. I believe it covers every game <$60 except for pre-orders.

So I pick up another rhythm game, Rockband The Beatles, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. Again I had some Reward Zone certificates; I got both for $70. That's 1/2 price. I read a review about RB:tB that sold me.

The demo for B:AA was a lot of fun. The extras (Joker) and slightly better graphics over the Xbox made selecting the PS3 version easier. I plan on playing the Beatles this Saturday and keeping my wallet in my pocket.