For a long time, there has been criticism in the media about the level of violence in games today, and how this only breeds violence and aggression in real-life. I must wholeheartedly disagree. Whilst there may be isolated acts of aggression which could be attributed to playing certain games, I like to think that gamers have developed an ability to realise the difference between violence, and epic gameplay. Many scientists have said that it is man’s ability to adapt to new situations that allows him to grow and prosper. And the more time you spend in such an environment, the more quickly you adapt. If this is indeed the case, then gamers are surely pioneering the next stage of evolution, an ability to live in an aggressive and violent world, and still come out smiling (just not in a sick or twisted way).

Now from the title, it is obvious that Talesworth Arena: Death Watch is not a game for people of a nervous disposition, and could be a prime example of the sort of game the media criticises for breeding the violence we see in society today. The main aim of the game is to use various violent attacks to beat increasingly harder enemies, with untold riches for the winner, and death the only prize for the loser. But despite this, despite the fact that I am playing in a world where violence is so obviously the only method of communication, I have no desire to go and groin kick some random stranger or hit them with my sword. I can realise that such violence is best kept inside the game, and that any aggression I have can be vented in the game itself.

(Editors note: Nemesis’ well thought out, perfectly reasonable points with regards to video game violence are not at all representative of the majority here at CG. For the most part we are all terrible, terrible people.)

And what a game it is. Talesworth Arena: Death Watch can only be described as a strategy based fantasy game, and then some. Where in many other games button bashing is the only reasonable course of action, in TA strategy is much more important, your compass in an otherwise unassailable world. The enemy will most surely have a strategy, and so it is your job to discover it, and then find a way to beat it. And because of the choice of three characters, a strategy that works perfectly for one character will work atrociously for another. As a Psionic, your main aim is attack prevention; as a Juggernaut you will be taking massive damage; and as an Engineer, well, I’ll let you discover that for yourself.

However, fighting does not a perfect game make. A good game has to have some kind of plot, something that will make you want to continue playing to the end. And TA does not disappoint. At many stages in the game, you will come across other characters that require your assistance, puzzles that need solving or dogs that need saving. And the choices you make in these will affect the rest of the game. You will have to manage your money to buy new attacks. Or should you buy that new cloak. Which one you choose decides your fate for the rest of the game. And you’d better choose well, because as you progress up the levels, the enemies will get harder and the bosses will get stronger and more devious. And none is more devious than Krax, the big bad boss at the end. Choose well, and he will be easy. Choose wrong, and he will huff and puff and blow you down. Permanently.

OK, I’ve done the fancy narrative with all the long words and sophisticated metaphors; now comes the opinion. Overall, Talesworth Arena: Death Watch is a good game. The ever-changing plotline will keep you hooked for ages, and the gameplay and graphics are good enough to make you come back for more. Some players may find the repetitiveness of the matches somewhat, well repetitive, and the need to constantly be thinking four moves ahead may get some people down, but stick it out, and I guarantee you, you won’t be disappointed.
Dedication – I have decided to dedicate this review to all the guys at COCAK. Though you may no longer be with us, your memory shall live on, and we shall always remember you in our hearts.