Beijing 2008 Olympics
So what’s it got to offer? There are various modes in which you can contest in; the obvious is the Olympic games mode. This will see you taking charge of your chosen country in various sporting events. A chunky bit of gaming to get stuck into, and will test even a competent gamer. There’s some skill involved in the way you approach each event and I’d say about 40% of the events require a good old bit of button bashing; can’t beat it! There’s also a mode in which you can just pick your favourite events and compete in sort of a mini Olympics.
The multiplayer side of this game really is what it’s all about for me; it sits in great company with some friends and a few cold beers. You can have up to four people competing in events which you can customize to suit the ones you want to play. Play as many or as little as you like. It does have a lot to offer as a party game as there is usually a high level pride at steak when playing amongst friends!
As with many a game being released on the next gen consoles, the online multiplayer option is always as asset for when you fancy some multiplayer action but no one is about. The online side is fine, a few little tweaks here and there need to be sorted out but on a whole it’s quite playable. It’s a little annoying at times when people leave a game because they are loosing, leaving you to play against the computer. The game supports up to 8 players online and you can take up to 4 people from your user into a game which is a nice touch.
Being a sport based game, it’s never going to stun you visually nor is it intended to do. It’s not trying to be something that it is not, that’s probably why it works so well, keeping it simple it sometimes what’s needed! Take it for what it is and you will not have any gripes. It looks neat and tidy and the crowd around the stadiums bring the atmosphere of the Olympics to you. The athletes look life like and the use of the technology has not been wasted in that sense.
If you loved any of the track and field games or the Athens game from a few years ago then I’d suggest giving this game a go. However, if you want to keep your controller in good working order and avoid personal injury to your palms then I would avoid buying this game. It will only end up causing you pain and injury. Yes the game is true to it’s genre and has made a good stab at the whole virtual reality feeling or the sporting genre. You’ll sweat, hurt and ache after a few events. Will I still be playing this game this time next year; probably not but it’s definitely worth picking up cheap or renting for a week or so.
7/10 |
