this review is fairly spot on. it wasn't as boring and mindless as some of the reviews say. the storyline is similar to the movie gladiator in that its somewhat of a revenge/homecoming story. the visuals are lush and quite spectacular in some places. there were only two scenes that I remember clear fmv being used... the rest was in game.
the execution driven kills weren't tedious and dud not feel like QTE. they are totally optional but satisfying because they grant you the power of charms (xp, focus, health etc.) which you really need in order to make it through some combat experiences.
Because of "realism" of course the attack mechanisms can get repetitive. how many types of punches can you throw in real life? jab, straight, cross, uppercut and roundhouse. imagine wielding a shield and sword and how many effective attacks you actually have. outside of swimming with armor, there aren't too many supernatural or augmented aspects to gameplay.
Sword, shield, plays, stationary crossbow and catapult... at least so far are what you have access to.
I just finished the landing campaign, achieved my centurion and an heading battle at York
the landing level was the first level that really went deep in terms of battle scale, phalanx types techniques and visuals. its a moody dark scene throughout. the contrast between water and fire as is the reflect off of sand and wood is pleasant and realistic.
theres no judder, tearing or dropped frames noticeable in play and the main character beautifully rendered and visible at all times. I still need ginger ale to play this sadly... maybe I'm getting too old for videogames. I can't do marathon sessions anymore.
