1040°

Total Biscuit Reveals Shady Shadow of Mordor Review Code Deal

With #GamerGate still seeing quite a lot of attention, you'd have thought that developers would try to keep less-than-perfect practises hidden from the general public. Perhaps - in an ideal world - they'd even try to do things by the book, even if just until the controversy has died down. It hasn't happened though, and YouTuber TotalBiscuit has revealed that he was only offered Shadow of Mordor code in return for a paid branding deal.

Read Full Story >>
gamesreviews.com
Neixus3494d ago

He's just mad he didn't get an early copy

oODEADPOOLOo3494d ago

I think you're just being more cynical than the cynical brit.

Irishguy953493d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

Nothing wrong with being cynical unless you're British - Replied the drunk Irish man.

xHeavYx3493d ago

@Neixus
Read the article at least, it shows that he got an early copy, and that he rejected the early copy deal

Dee_913493d ago

It wouldn't have been a problem if it was optional..
I bet Kotaku and polygon negotiated money instead of taking the "paid brand deal" lol

lonewolfjedi3494d ago

read the article my friend he still got an early copy by other means.

BiggerBoss3493d ago

I hope that this isn't the reason the game is getting high scores. I guess we'll find out upon release

Enemy3493d ago

If you truly believe that, then you've never played a game by Monolith. Every review has been in depth enough to confirm it as a good game. If you're still not convinced then watch the videos.

BiggerBoss3493d ago

@enemy. You're correct in that I've never played a Monolith game. From the vids I've seen this game just looks like Assassins Creed with a LOTR skin. I truly hope it's an amazing game because I'm a HUGE Tolkien fan.

cell9893493d ago

Im a bigger Tolkien fan than you are, thats for sure. This game will be mine

BiggerBoss3493d ago

@cell I think you underestimate my Tolkien fan-ness;)

styferion3493d ago

the deal is for paid branding deal not for paid review score.. still shady though.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3493d ago
endzeitkind3493d ago

exactly. its allways the same with tbiscuit

SkippyPaccino3493d ago

I surprisingly got my copie today and the reviewers are right on the ball. Granted I've only played 2 hours, from what I've played and watched from previews, it's a awesome game. (just a little much at first remembering all the system, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it pretty soon)

abstractel3493d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

It's pretty hookey looking imo for a "new-gen" game. I expect more. Plus every single mechanic in the game except for the nemesis system is ripped off another game (Batman, Assassin's Creed) with less graphical polish.

And the 6GB Vram for Ultra Textures on PCs just seems liek a stupid marketing move to get attention. The texturing in that game isn't even that good (it's been out a few hours anD I both have the game and have seen the videos).

It's enjoyable enough, and I think Gametrailers and others got it right with 8s, but Polygon with 9.5? Get outta here...

SkippyPaccino3492d ago

@Thunderbear

It's a very enjoyable game, but like you I wouldn't call it a 9.5 of higher (those were probably hard-core LOTR fans)

The only frustrating part I'm finding is that I'm doing all the side missions, to get more powerful for the main missions, but I find that being more powerful while doing the side missions would be more fun. I've only played 4 hours and I feel that by the time I get very powerful the game will be over (that's probably why they have a new game plus)

spoonard3493d ago

He DID get an early copy...Guess you couldn't be bothered to read the article.

Angeljuice3493d ago

Slacker gets offered a paid contract to support something on his pointless slacker channel and a game to play before it is released!!

This is terrible treatment /s.

Why is the idiot whinging? It's not like he had any integrity to begin with.

Angeljuice3492d ago

No, maybe he should just keep his head down and hope nobody bursts his little self-righteous bubble forcing him to get a real job.

Just because he does f-all worth doing for a living he seems to think he has some sort of importance or something. Shut up, say nothing and try to keep your little scam going for as long as possible. There are plenty of suckers out there who will line your pockets for the inane "service" you supply, just count your blessings and stop bitching.

You see, no jealousy, I'm giving him solid, worthwhile advice.

KnightRobby3493d ago

The embargo was September 26th. I uploaded footage of the game on September 28th after the embargo, which is usually allowed. WB Games copyright striked my footage that had commentary. I bought the game, I posted the footage after embargo, AND made sure to include commentary and an introduction with my face. It is unacceptable. Content ID's are one thing, but when you copyright strike...that's uncalled for.

ramiuk13493d ago

i just been playing the full game and its identical to batman but in different setting.

the fighting same
the way you move,sneak,videos of you walking slowly upto someone in videos etc.

still seems great and cant wait until my preorder comes friday.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3492d ago
TheJacksonRGN3494d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

This should have been listed as a rumor, I don't see any proof of what the guys is stating. All I see is he said, he said. If he had provided screenshots of the PR actually saying so. Leaked emails then I would believe it.

*Edit* Yeah I fail to see how you disagree with this. This guy makes a claim with no actual proof to back it up, yet people are taking it as fact.

stoney1013493d ago

That's because he has a proven track record of being extremely honest with his followers and has always been against this sort of paid advertising.

thricetold3493d ago

So that exempts him from not having to provide actual proof?

That's called liable if its in written word and slander if he spoke it. Dont take my word for it, look it up. Those are serious charges to face with only "im trustworthy" as a defense.

dreamed3493d ago

I thought he got caught out taking back handers a few years ago???.....dont quote me on this mind,it might have been someone else???...

TheJacksonRGN3493d ago

Well, I've never heard of this guy until today so if I see someone making these kinds of accusations I want proof. If he is that trust worthy then he should post the proof along with the accusations. What is he waiting for?

SilentNegotiator3493d ago

"That's called liable if its in written word and slander if he spoke it"

If that's the case, HE can deal with the consequences. In the meantime, "just in case he's lying" isn't a reason to not allow an article about tweets from one of the most popular youtube game journalists out there.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3493d ago
Idree3493d ago

You honestly don't know who Total Biscuit is?

He is the epitome of honesty in gaming,,,

spacedelete3493d ago

are you sure about that ? i remember him doing a dodgy deal a few years ago. i can't remember what about but the news was everywhere.

Dee_913493d ago

Considering what dastar101 said, he doesn't have a reason to lie afaik.You're not wrong in wanting proof, but I personally take his word for it.You can make a twitter or youtube and ask him to provide proof..

Palitera3494d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

Can someone please explain what means this "paid brand deal" expression?

WeAreLegion3493d ago

We don't know the exact details. We just know it would involve pushing the brand in some fashion. It's not "paid reviews" bad, but it's pretty lame, regardless.

jrshankill3493d ago

Lame?

If a company wants to give me free games for wearing a shirt with their logo slapped on it.. I would do it.

Clogmaster3493d ago

This has to do more with conflict of interest.

It would be harder to give a negative review to the hand that fed you.

Dee_913493d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

@jrshankill
Of course you would and it would be no issue, but you're not a journalist.

Voozi3493d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

Exactly how it sounds. I give you early access to my game to review. That way once the embargo date is lifted, you'll be one of the first to publish the review.

In return, you then need to brand your site/channel with my ads/content, which I'll pay for of course.

Now put two and two together.

Early review access + me paying you for "branded content" = ?????

Depending on how much you're getting paid (varies by publisher) I'm sure your opinion might be swayed a bit because you wouldn't want to write too harsh of a review that'd upset the publisher which in turn would mean no more branded content dollars for future games.

Palitera3493d ago

Thanks to both of you. +helpful

crazychris41243493d ago

Companies pay you to use their products in videos and speak highly of it.

MultiConsoleGamer3493d ago

I can't support anyone who openly wished that a fellow human being get cancer.

WeAreLegion3493d ago

He told Seanza to get cancer and die. Then, he got cancer.

What a strange occurrence.

scark923493d ago (Edited 3493d ago )

Never knew that!
Total Biscuit can be a dick but I do respect him in a way and I do hope he gets better!

thehobbyist3493d ago

Except you leave out the part where he apologizes both privately and publicly. And the apology was accepted and everyone moved on.

Show all comments (93)
260°

10 Open-World Games That Feel Empty After Just A Few Hours

Unfortunately, the open worlds in games like Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, Halo Infinite, and the original Assassin's Creed do more harm than good.

MadLad294d ago

I legitimately loved Halo's switch to open world. They made traversal of the map entertaining, and everything involved just tied into the (what I consider) awesome gunplay.
The entire time I really felt the slow takeover of the map, and all the little steps forward felt satisfying.

I don't know what more people really want there, considering the setting and story. A handful of soldiers hunkered down on enemy territory; slowly trying to win the battle.

giovonni293d ago

I agree I liked the switch to the open world, it was large with beautiful land scapes. However, it did feel a bit empty, and wasn’t as action packed as I would have liked. A lot of the bases felt like fillers instead of something of wonder. Let’s see what 343 under new management does from here cause Halo needs some updating

archibold293d ago (Edited 293d ago )

I'm surprised they scrapped the Slipspace engine. I thought the graphics looked great, the sandbox physics were as good as ever, and the AI worked well. Clearly a lot of work went into it and it appears to have been optimized for the new generation of GPUs. The only issue I had with it was the lack of environments, would have been cool to have different biomes on the ring to explore. A bit more variety in missions would have been nice, maybe some timed events where you have to manuever a banshee through forerunner architecture or some mongoose speedruns would have spiced things up.

CrimsonWing69293d ago

I think R* are the only ones who have made compelling open worlds. I can’t stomach most open world games and how boring they are with busy world. It’s like a flex to make this massive environment, but it’s extremely boring to traverse and play in. GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 blew me away with how incredible their worlds were. Elden Ring was the only other game to give me that sense of awe.

giovonni293d ago

GTA V and unfortunately, Saints Row the original have had some of the most aggressive open world features where the world doesn’t feel so bland. To me what makes GTA V so special is the way the characters react to the world around them vs how the world reacts to them. For example, in GTA when you switch to Franklin and he walked past an attractive female he responded “ damn you fine” or in Saints row you can run up in the pawn shop flash a gun and watch them respond by raising their hands in the air, or they press the silent alarm making you have to run away from the cops. Halo infinite doesn’t have those kind of moments that make you feel apart of the world it just feels like it’s there.

bloop292d ago

Trevor talking to random vegan npc: "You suck c*ck, but you don't eat meat.... It don't make sense to me "

Classic. Such a shame we won't get that humour again now that R* have gone all in on virtue.

Abear21293d ago

AC Odyssey with the next gen patch is pretty incredible, especially if you like a sea shantie. Lol.

Abear21293d ago

I’m back on an open world kick after Horizon. I don’t know what clicked in me but exploring the map and seeing the detail work has me loving open worlds again. Playing AC Odyssey on hard and really enjoying it and the map. Reinstalling RDR2 tonight because damn, that map is just incredible for sightseeing.

Sonic1881293d ago

Halo Infinite felt off. It's like the developers didn't know what they really wanted to do

Demetrius293d ago

Depends on which open world titles u play, most of em are shitty AF, but I honestly admire open world genre, sometimes to just take a break from fighting and missions you explore n see details you haven't noticed before cause you were too busy body at first, then boom finding some dope equipment or things to sale

Show all comments (15)
130°

10 Mediocre Bosses in Great Games

GF365: "Most games are not perfect and that may be because of a character or an enemy. Here are 10 mediocre bosses in great games."

Read Full Story >>
gamefreaks365.com
Chriswheeler22441d ago

The Pursuer from Dark Spuls 2 was great, I think the author just sucks at games.

philm87441d ago

The Godskin Duo is a great fight

80°

Best Games Based on Movies

GF365: "These are the best games based on movies. Every entry on this list will be a great video game adaptation of popular movies."

Read Full Story >>
gamefreaks365.com
HeliosHex469d ago

Best game based on two movies that were never made goes to robocop vs terminator.

Owlbert469d ago

Did you play RoboCop Vs terminator... pretty sure it was on the mega drive) genisis.

HeliosHex469d ago

Yes played it on genesis for the blood. Snes had a version but I think the blood was censored not sure. I just remember genesis being the go to system for games with blood.

Owlbert469d ago

Alien isolation...ftw,it is definitely one of my top games,I played it again a few months ago ✌️