Episode 3

After two weeks, here is Episode 3. With Thanksgiving and two of us being sick last week, we're happy to finally get it out.

(Link in Title, Listen Online Coming Soon)

Episode 2

Hey everyone, Episode 2 ready for download! Sorry about the length, we were pressed for time and we were missing a host, but we got a lot done review wise. Anyway, enjoy!

Download Here

Listen Online:

Mount Dora Video Game Club Podcast- Episode 2 from MDVGC on Vimeo.

Gears Of War 2 Written Review

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Gears of War 2 takes you deeper into the Locust universe with bigger battles, bigger guns, and bigger enemies.

General Effect- 85
The menu system has been greatly improved since the first. It is easy to set up and find matches in any game type. Load times are quick for campaign, but multiplayer takes a long time if you search for anything but Player's Choice. The story has been greatly improved since the first one, but still contains cliché lines and unimpressive objectives.

Graphics- 93
The graphics are at an even higher level than the first and improve on some of the issues the first had. Although, often times the game starts as the graphics are still loading and it makes it look very bad and disorienting.

Gameplay- 73
The cover system is back and even buggier than ever. You will attempt to go into cover at one side and go on the other. Also, it is impossible for people to round corners while ducking. The controls, though, are exactly the same as Gears 1.

Sound- 88

I've always liked the series' sound effects, and this one's no different. Although, it has the exact same track as the first, it still feels as ominous as ever.

Replay Value- 85

Once you beat the game, you unlock Insane Mode, which will keep players occupied for a while. But that's not the only reason, the campaign has very little cutscenes that don't let the player move around during them (which is a deterrent for some) this allows many more playthoughs than some games such as Halo or Mass Effect.

Difficulty- Normal

Having only played on Hardcore, I cannot speak for Insane, but from my experience the game is not very difficult and can be beaten within only a few sessions, if you have a good partner. 

Overall- 83

The game is fun, but it has little lasting value. I was bored of using the same tactics to beat the same enemies over and over again, even in multiplayer, everyone sticks to their same tactics no matter what map it is.

Episode 1 Listen Online

Now Embedded. We'll do this from now on and include the download link in the post. We're in the process of getting on YouTube (stupid partner profile), but for now we're only on Vimeo.


Mount Dora Video Game Club Podcast- Episode 1 from Luke Ford on Vimeo.

Wrath Of The Lich King Written Review

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Publisher: Activision Blizzard

Lich King is an expansion on Blizzard's growing universe.

General Effect- 90

WoW took great care in making there menu system easy, even giving users the ability to have more than one open at once. The game has a lot of backstory that give it the depth and themes it has today.

Graphics- 75 

For the size of the game the graphics are appropriate, although for a computer game they are very primitive. Even in the loading screens you can see what the were trying to do with the art and how they did not achieve that goal.

Gameplay- 95

The controls are very strait-foreword and can be adjusted or checked at anytime in-game. The game's built in menus and the available add-ons make the game even better, although the game can get mouse heavy if you forget the hot keys.

Sound- 80

The opening theme is perfect for the game's setting, but the sound effects are boring, repetitive, and childish at best. Even considering the scope of the game, would it have been so hard to add a voice every once in a while?

Replay Value- 100

Given the things to do and the endless combination of new characters to create, it is hard to argue that this category should get a perfect score.

Difficulty- Hard

The expansion is designed to challenge players to get to level 80, not give it to them.

Overall- 85

A great addition, but pointless to those who do not play often, or are below level 55. If you fall into these categories, you should be fine with the current version. 

Fallout 3 Written Review

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher: Bethesda SoftWorks

Fallout 3 is the most recent installment of the series. Even prior to its release it was receiving many awards.

General Effect- 90

The menus and load times are annoying and inconsistent, but you hardly notice compared to how good the game is. The storyline touches on several profound points and works around the fact that you developed your character not them.

Graphics- 70

The artwork and character models are great, except the animations are so horribly bad sometimes you have to just laugh. At points the game is glitchy with graphics, but is rare and shouldn't affect gameplay. Also, the textures can be lack-luster at times.

Gameplay- 85

The V.A.T.S. system is the only reason the game got such a good score in this category. It is probably the coolest and well integrated battle systems of all time. The ability to switch to it at will is very helpful, although, it is not overused because of the action points system. Without V.A.T.S., though, combat is very difficult and is extremely hard to aim with because of the lack of auto aim and high sensitivity.

Sound- 90

The music in Fallout is powerful, dark, and mysterious. This is contrasted by the bright sounds of the radio station you find scattered across the wasteland, witch also has a great soundtrack of hits form the 50's and other great American classics. Although, when you open containers in the game the effects range from grotesque to unnecessary (I assume its a callback to previous games, but it can get distracting). The voice acting, though, is amazing, they have professionals do it instead of the office crew reading lines like kindergartners.  

Replay value- 95

The game has so much to do you amy not even get a chance to complete it all the way. Although, if you choose to replay it, it will open so many new opportunities if you choose to be the opposite Karma. For example, if you played a good character you could play an evil one the next time and vice versa, theoretically adding hours of gameplay to an already massive game.

Difficulty- Hard

Even on normal, I had trouble progressing through certain points. This is one of the more difficult games I have played, but it's what makes the game worth playing. If it was easy, I think, you would not have much fun because the weapons would feel unrealistic.

Overall- 93

The game was extremely fun and I would recommend it to anyone. Although, it is a bit intense and thought provoking and may be to hardcore for casual gamers.

Episode 1

Our First Episode. In this episode we discuss Fallout 3 and Wrath of the Lich King. 

(Click Title To Download)