Currently Playing

Currently Playing
Madballs in...Babo:Invasion
PC/Mac/Xbox 360


I have been playing this game pretty regularly, after picking it up on sale, lured by the claims of strong multiplayer.  I have played through the first half of the campaign (it is divided into two factions) and found it to be passable, but nothing to write home about.  The AI is pretty boring, although the variety of weapons and character classes mean you can approach it however you want.

The multiplayer is a lot better, but still hampered by some major problems.  The first is the lack of support.  It is almost impossible to find, I kid you not, more than 12 people online at any one time.  If that server is in Europe, your ping will probably be too high to play, and you are out of luck.

The co-op, which was another selling point for me, is equally disappointing.  The only mode is to play through the ENTIRE CAMPAIGN in one sitting, ALWAYS STARTING FROM THE BEGINNING.  Why? This makes no sense, since the first two or three levels hardly have enemies.  It really is no fun rolling through a level with your friends without anyone to kill.  The only level I really want co-op for is the last one, but I don't want to have to spend a few hours clearing the game to play it.

Other issues include terrible design and balance choices.  For example, the speedy characters have so little health that they take one or two hits from ANY weapon.  The heavy characters can take damage all day, but struggle to roll up even the tiniest hill.  Also, the special abilities are not balanced at all.  They range from instant one hit kill to completely worthless.

Having said all that, the game does have some major redeeming qualities.  The persistent unlocking/level up system is nicely done.  It is shared across multiplayer and single player, so really you should spend some time unlocking in single player before jumping online, or you can just jump online at any time and play around.  Also, some of the unlocks appear for using specific abilities, some for using a specific character, some just for playing the game.   This system works well, the only problem is that you do need to spend time unlocking things before having a chance at playing online.  This is a small problem, as you can unlock most of what you need in about an hour.

My only hope is that I can continue playing this online, since I am enjoying the multiplayer.  I forgot to mention that the 4 player co-op survival is really fun, at least the two games I have played.  Maybe I can convince my brother to download the 360 version, as I am almost positive it supports cross platform multiplayer.

If you play this game, let me know your Steam ID or whatever other name you are registered under, I want to play with you.

CoD: MW2 Spec Ops

While visiting home, my brother and I jumped on some Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Spec Ops missions.  He has already cleared the game and is several prestiges deep, with a KDR over 2, but was finding the Veteran Co-ops pretty tough, especially with computer AI.  In addition, some missions simply require two players.

Particularly fun was the AC-130 escort mission.  He was on the ground while I circled overhead in the AC-130, raining death and destruction on the hostiles.  His job was to stay safe and make it to the end within the time limit.  Additionally, his laser sight made it much easier for me to locate enemies.  Man, that level is fun.

The Chopper Gunner escort was less fun.  For one, you aren't using kill streak chopper gunner with the thermal, you are using the side mounted Vulcan Chaingun.  The enemies are very hard to see, and the Chopper circles low, meaning a lot of times you just can't see the guys you are shooting.  This level took a lot of practice, but still had some awesome moments.

Finally, we played the Acceptable Losses mission in the blizzard, where you have to blow up three aircraft.  This one was less fun, as it is impossible to see enemies in the snow on the split screen.

Finally, we played the storm the estate mission, with the Juggernaughts and Ghillie Snipers.  We ended up dying on the last Juggernaught, but decided to call it a day.

The AC-130 and Chopper Gunner were both amazing co-op experiences.  My only issue is that you can't complete these without a second player, which is tough if you don't have many friends who also play.