The first Epic: Dawn of Destiny
343316
I was totally unfamiliar with this author prior to reading this book. However upon completion I would heartily recommend it. I found the character development to be quite good. Lee Stephen writes an excellent story. The slang that he creates, and the story that he weaves around his characters is engrossing! Even to the point where I at times felt the terror the characters must have been experiencing.

As at least one previous reviewer pointed out foul language is not necessary for good literature. I find Mr. Stevens restraint refreshing, and much to my preference. I much prefer to see the character and the situation painted with descriptions, not pasted with profanity. Being masterful means being apart from the crowd not mucking around in it.

Thank you Lee for an excellent book, I will read more of your work.
2683679
The developers of this game figured they had a combination that couldn't miss:  A game in the wildly popular First Person Shooter genre, with a tie-in to one of the best-selling series currently on the SciFi / Fantasy  racks.  Instead of strengthening each other, the collision of these two  design philosophies produces something that isn't entirely satisfying to  either fan demographic.  While there are plenty of good points to this  game, that constant core conflict is all too apparent.
I'm not normally a  FPS player, but I used to think I was a decent one.  After playing the  first bit of this game, I had a rather rude awakening:  this game is  *hard*.  Especially for reflexes used to Civ and Icewind Dale!  Being stuck  on the shores of the Manetherendrelle (the very first level), torn apart by  a combination of missile and melee attacks coming from the dark, dark  shadows, was not precisely my idea of a grand time.  This is the first game  where I've had to reach for the cheat codes on the very first level.
Fortunately, the pangs of conscience were quickly forgotten in my  appreciation for the graphics.  This is one of the most beautiful games I  have ever played.  WoT sets a new standard for FPS games; future entries  will be expected to have equally high-calibre artists on the staff instead  of simply coders with some latent skill.  Unfortunately, you still have to  deal with your opponents.  That's a nuisance, and kind of pointless, what  with god-mode on and all.
The puzzles are interesting, if a bit more  basic than old-school adventure gamers are used to.
As a fan of the WoT  series of books, the plotline was a treat.  It's simple enough, and made  clear enough by the various cutscenes, that non-readers should be able to  catch on very quickly too.  I'm don't think Jordan wrote it himself, and  I'm sure it's not part of the "canonical" plotline, but it  admirably serves its purpose as a framework for the game.
I didn't play  the multiplayer version, as I saw little point in matching my skill against  people who could actually *beat* this game.  The demonstration in the  tutorial looked like fun, though, and I understand that those who do play  multiplayer think it's great.
If you're an FPS god *and* a WoT fan, this  game is a must-have... give it a whirl and  you won't be disappointed.
1052798
Amazing campaign - great visuals and interesting and compelling story, makes you actually want to watch all cinematics.  A lot more complicated with the skill trees than you expect, lots of customization. Bonus caves for special skills are really awesome and for once I have been inclined to explore the entire game not just blow through main quests 10/10

I am about 8 hours in and still loving it.  The progression is perfect, I just learned some new skills (got combat knife, and the explosive arrow) and normally Im used to having the entire tool-kit available after a few hours in.  I am still mowing through the content but there is so much to do with side quests and all the hidden caches/coins etc!!! And I still have a few caves that I had to skip because I didn't have the right tools to get past the door earlier in the campaign.  These are intended to be returned to later, hopefully i don't miss any! I didn't use it much initially but the map is very useful and well done.  Also later in the game the quick-movement/teleportation via the campfires becomes much more appreciated!!! Beat a challenge cave then just port out back to where you were without the tedious climb out.

I thought it would get old but in all honesty I think one of the greatest parts of this game is just the movement.  I really enjoy just climbing up things, using the hooks, zip-lines, etc.  It's great physics and simple unadulterated fun! I really hope the designers of this game stick together for another, this is one of the best if not the best title on xbox one.  #1 without doubt in its category but it even gives longstanding champions like destiny a run for its money.  I purchased halo 5, the new COD, and fallout 4 with this game and I have been stuck with Lara almost the entire time. (will focus on fallout 4 after completion)

Anyways, very great game and I recommend it to anyone who loves captivating dungeon crawling solo campaign type games.
3324808
You've probably already read the gaming reviews on this, so you know the stats: new Hero system, new items, new classes, no monthly fee, etc.

One of the most important new additions to the game series is the Hero system, where you can customize and have much greater control over your Heroes (upgraded henchmen). I tend to solo a lot, since I rarely have blocks of time or have the patience to deal with other players, so this lets me get an often more competent (you customize their skills) team together. The beauty of this latest Chapter is that it enhances all previous Chapters (Prophecies and Factions): you can use your Heroes in the prior Chapters. This backwards compatibility was quite the bonus to my prior investment, and rewarding loyal players is EXACTLY the right thing to do.

Every Chapter, ArenaNet has upgraded the graphics engine, and Nightfall continues that trend. I know, I know, gameplay > graphics, but this scores on both counts. Graphically, it has spoiled me for many other games, and the art direction and creativity is nothing short of astounding.

As for cons, it isn't quite as casual gamer-friendly as some of the other titles out there, such as City of Heroes. You do need to learn about how skills work, and sometimes you get item drops (there is loot!) that you don't know what to do with. However, if you know how to read, you can just look it up on the 'net.

I've found this latest release to actually be their best one yet, and I'm still debating whether to recommend new players pick up Chapter One (Prophecies) for the storyline or this one for sheer features and streamlined gameply and story. They've truly learned from the previous two Chapters and incorporated the lessons into Nightfall.
3135476
Played destiny on PS3 for a year and knew the consoles life span was short finally got PS4 and it was worth the transition! I am amazed at the level of detail from 740 to 1080, it's almost like a whole new game, almost. I absolutely recommend a LAN connection...do not play destiny via wifi you will see more baboons and weasels then you can possibly imagine! I finally moved my PS4 next to my router and plugged it in and haven't seen any crazy bungie animals since! Taken King so worth it! PS4 worth it! Bring on the Iron Lords
1470194
You can tell this is the first big console game from Ready at Dawn. The story was pretty good and the graphics look great. The weak point of this game is definitely the gameplay. Some of the mechanics just don't feel polished and overall they are all really simple.
3179467
I've actually played this a lot less than I had intended, but I blame Destiny for this. Still solid games and a lot of fun. I liked the option with the select button in CE to switch between the old graphics and the new ones in real time. Pretty slick. The downside to this game... 69+GB install. So if you have a smaller hard drive on your Xbox One it's a significant part of your drive space for the install.
4620592
It's really sad that this game was at a disadvantage as soon as it was released due to it being long overdue from Bungie.  However, it is probably one of Bungie's best games.  It had one of the most engrossing storylines of their games probably with only Myth and some of the Marathon series being in the same area as it.  The fighting was great in this game, the weapons were interesting and varied.  It was so sad though it had no multiplayer in the end but overall it is a single player game that I have gone back to time and time again.
2097949
For the opening book in a series (as I understand it), "Warrior Brothers", is essentially the story of the Brothers finding each other and first adventures.

What happens when galactic cultures introduce?  Is the great Spirit that guides our Native world the same that directs other native worlds?  Can personal courage and a man with primitive weapons play on the same stage with interstellar fleets and ancient science...and make a difference?  Moral complexity intrudes, trust and faith are tested, much happens and "Warrior Brothers" is an epic well begun.

I enjoyed this very much, and am looking forward to the sequel.  Thank you, Mr Bainbridge. Thank you very much, indeed.
441922
Does anyone know how THIS book compares to [...] Are they identical? How severe were the edits by Epic on the reprint? Is the coloring very different? Thanks for any guidance you can give me!
3403161
I pre-ordered this from my local video game store back in March 3rd, and now I decided to give it a review after several months of enjoying it.

Campaign [9.5/10]

The Plot takes place 20 years before Halo: Combat Evolved. The game starts with Alpha Base under attack by Covenant Forces, and from there, the story just keeps getting better. The Campaign is challenging, but it's worth it. Even if this Halo game's not by the epic Bungie Studios, it's still epic overall. Campaign has some units not im multiplayer, like the Rhino, and on tougher difficulties, enemies are usually stronger, along with the addition of more enemy units.

Skirmish/Multiplayer [10/10]

Skirmish is where you play on multiplayer maps against AI enemys.
Multiplayer is where you play against other people via System Link or Xbox LIVE on multiplayer maps.
Both of them are awesome.

In multiplayer/Skirmish, you build an army to destroy other armies, AI or other people. It's excellent because of the unique abilities and some AI in there hidden.

Now for the Limited Edition stuff:

Flaming Warthog & Unique Honor Guard Wraith [8/10]

These unique skins make the warthog and wraith look cooler, but they don't do anything besides give the warthogs a cool skin.

Halo 3 Mythic Map Pack [10/10]

I got Halo 3 Legendary Edition last christmas, and the Mythic Map pack adds more awesome sauce to Halo 3.

Sandbox is a super customizable map that is recommended for any game type.

Assembly is a covenant like map that is recommended for team slayer and king of the hill.

Orbital is a space station map that is recommended for infection and team slayer.

Other Limited Edition stuff [9/10]

There are other limited edition stuff, like a book, collectors leader cards, and a cool patch. These are all collectible and really cool to collect and have. The book shows how the crew of Spirit of Fire  crew got together. The leader cards tell you all the multiplayer leaders bio's, info, and special stuff. The patch is not a magnet, and is really cool for halo fans.

Overall score: [9.6/10]
2059850
Stephen's Epic of 'The Dawn of Destiny' was written very well, but the al consuming fervor of 'Outlaw Trigger' will "blow you away"! Lee Stephen opens a new demeanor to his amazing writing talent in this Epic sequel. Had it not been so much time since I read 'The Dawn of Destiny', I would have been captivated from the first page.  I feel this is a series one must have the next book readily available.

The all encompassing subject matter of this story stirs intense, various emotions. There is camaraderie, humor, endearment, mystery, violence, horror, agony, self-destruction. The reactions to grief many of us can relate to or have witnessed. Keep a box of kleenix near by! This is an epic tale of how good vs evil is possible within each of us given the right circumstances.

The reader will feel he/she is a part of the group and in the scenes. The Book Cover and Title are done very well. There is some slight profanity and "bad" words but the intensity of the writing causes one to (sadly) overlook any negative aspect.

*This book was sent to me in exchange for an HONEST review, of which I have given.
2440032
The update loading screen is epic! Best $20 I have ever spent. Can't play the game though!

Longtime bungie fan finds some time in a busy life to play the next gen shooter. Jokes on me because you can not play without the game updating which is a 6 hour process despite my very fast internet. Wait, you can't play offline at all?

Last bungie game I will ever buy. I would give zero stars if i could. I'd rather fire up Dr. Jekyle and Mr. Hide. At least I am allowed to play that game.
2074942
Very good, but I think I would have liked to start with the worldwide influence the game has and the origins...from the beginning :) Other than it was perfect
4852592
A New Dawn by Ann Barlow is the first book in her Guardian Chronicles series. It is a story of an epic event that threatens the world as we know it. It is a story of good vs evil.

Sahara is the heroine in this story. Since she was a child, Sahara has seen much death to those close to her. She feels jinxed, but all this changes when she begins to feel something change within herself. She is linked to Romero, a Guardian, who is a protector and not human, but he is good. It is Romero, who has been captured by the evil Barak, who links mentally with Sahara to teach her how to use her new powers.

The dark and evil Barak is the one who must be stopped, as he currently is taking over the world, residing within the body of the President of the United States. There is a lot of violence in this book, but not over the top. The last 1/4 of the book was exciting, as the plan to free Romero goes full force, with the threat of losing to the dark and destroying humanity.

I thought the concept of the story was interesting. I liked Sahara as the heroine, and Romero was good too. But I felt that the one thing that kept me from making this a 4 star, was that the beginning was somewhat of a slow start, and that Barlow used too many secondary characters, many with their own chapters, thereby causing some confusion, especially early on. But Ann Barlow did a good job with her overall writing leading to the climatic ending.

Barb
756618
I have to admit......I was hyped up for Destiny to come out from some friends of mine - citing it was epic in every way, so with so many votes of confidence, I went in and picked it up at release - expecting an epic experience.  It sort of served it up - only sort of.

The graphics are stellar in this game.  It really shows off what next-gen systems can do (I am playing this on the PS4).  There is a lot of good atmosphere and detail within the game.  It makes you want to go and fly the spaceships, even though you can't - they are there just for show.  It shows a great amount of scale too - like you are really on another world - even though it's Earth - it's totally different.

The controls are really well-done - you have good control over your character, no matter whether you are walking, running, or riding.  You can do the combat nice and tight, and are able to swap out weapons with little to no problem.

The main problem I have with this game is really not much STORY to speak of.  The single-player aspect of this game leaves a lot of people really wanting - wanting more story!  Apparently, Bungie decided that this was not a game worthy of a great single-player experience, as this game is really more for online multiplayer, and not much else.  If you are not a huge fan of PvP, do NOT buy this game.  You also have to be online all of the time to play this game, since people are in the worlds from all over.  If you do not have internet - or a stable connection - best spend your money elsewhere.

I was looking for a great FPS game where I could explore exotic locations, immerse myself in a great story, and have a lot of fun wandering about the open world, but all it is........is pretty much a grinding, levelling, shoot-em-up multiplayer arena that has aliens in it.

Oh yeah.......that is the other huge gripe - the pockets of enemies you run into spawn in the EXACT SAME LOCATIONS with the EXACT SAME AMOUNTS AND TYPES OF ENEMIES!  You go wipe out 3 soldier aliens around a rocky corridor, go away, come back, and it's the very same ones you wiped out - NO VARIETY OF ANY TYPE!  Really?  Was it really that hard to put some of that randomness you put in for the rewards into the enemy spawn points?

It just did not thrill me as much as I was led to believe.  Just not worth the price for me.
2955886
A few tidbits annoying however, I was spoiled when the first GOW I owned was GOW3. I own
all of GOW.  After playing a few other games, I realized the makers of GOW really got it right !
I play everyday and really get into it.