Reviews
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
1
Review
Published on December 16, 2009 2:39 AM - 8 minute read
While better than Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks still feels lacking.

Since the moment I switched on my very first Zelda game, it has been my favorite series – one that I doubt could ever be dethroned. I have watched the series grow and progress since I was a child, and have been proud to see what has become of my beloved series. That was, however, until I got a hold of Phantom Hourglass. Honestly, I despised every aspect of it; it felt like a watered-down excuse for a Zelda title.

Xbox 360 Energizer Power & Play Charging System
Xbox 360 Energizer Power & Play Charging System
0
Review
Published on December 15, 2009 3:27 AM - 2 minute read
For convenience, this peripheral is great, however, its value is questionable.

Owners of the Play & Charge Kit have undoubtedly been annoyed at some point since they must charge their Xbox 360 controllers while the systemis turned on. I myself have dealt with the frustration, and as a result wound up purchasing a USB extender in order to comfortably charge the controller while playing the system. However, this method is far from being the optimal solution, as it tethers players to the system and leaves an unappealing cord draped across the room.

PlayStation 3 Energizer Power & Play Charging System
PlayStation 3 Energizer Power & Play Charging System
0
Review
Published on December 15, 2009 3:25 AM - 2 minute read
For convenience, this peripheral is great, however, its value is questionable.

PlayStation 3 owners have undoubtedly been annoyed at some point that they are unable to charge their controllers while not playing the system. I myself have dealt with the frustration, and as a result wound up purchasing a USB extender in order to comfortably charge the controller while playing the system. However this is far from the optimal solution since it tethers players to the system and leaves an unappealing cord draped across the room.

Energizer Flat Panel 4x Induction Charging System
Energizer Flat Panel 4x Induction Charging System
0
Review
Published on December 15, 2009 3:15 AM - 4 minute read
A solid peripheral that offers great form, function, and value.

The Energizer Flat Panel 4x Induction Charging System is an interesting little device that gives players the ability to charge up their Wii Remotes without even plugging in a wire, or switching out batteries. Induction charging, for those unfamiliar, is a form of wireless energy transfer that works with electromagnets.

Qix++
Qix++
0
Review
Published on December 12, 2009 3:48 AM - 3 minute read
The groundwork is laid for an excellent modern day upgrade, but the content is a bit too thin to make it anything special.

Qix (pronounced 'kicks') is a classic title that first made its appearance many years ago in arcades across the world. The addicting gameplay eventually allowed the title to make its way to a variety of other systems, while encouraging a number of sequels and imitators. Given the title's past popularity, Square Enix and Taito have decided to update the title for Xbox Live Arcade.

Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins
2
Review
Published on December 11, 2009 2:57 AM - 7 minute read
Bioware reminds us what the bar is with their latest RPG.

Over the years, I’ve played my fair share of RPG’s. From the turned-based action of Final Fantasy, to the real time mechanics of Oblivion and Fallout 3, this genre has always kept me coming back for more with its epic story lines and ever-changing game play. Bioware games are no exception either, with Knights of the Old Replublic and Mass Effect being among my favorite games of all time. That being said, I had high hopes that their newest title, Dragon Age: Origins, would give me the same great experience I’ve come to expect from the studio. And that happens to be exactly what I got, with “same” being the keyword here.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Reflex Edition
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Reflex Edition
0
Review
Published on December 10, 2009 3:06 AM - 4 minute read
The Wii version of the Infinity Ward classic offers up a solid experience that doesn't deviate far from its source material.

When Modern Warfare originally released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, it made quite a splash in the gaming world. With its solid single player mode and new setting, along with the RPG-like multiplayer mode, players turned out in droves to check out Infinity Ward's latest creation. Unfortunately for Wii owners, the game did not release on the popular white box. Given the HD visuals and the specially formulated controls for a standard gamepad, it was obvious Activision didn't feel the game had potential for success on the Wii. However, since then, Activision has seen great success with its follow-up title World at War, and as such to coincide with the release of Modern Warfare 2, Activision has seen fit to port the original title to the Wii.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
0
Review
Published on December 9, 2009 2:35 AM - 7 minute read
Mediocre gameplay riddled with glitches is all players can expect from the newest Jak and Daxter title.

I suppose it's just a result of my generation, but platformers have always been my favorite genre. I started out with them, and grew up with them, until they were outcasted in this current generation. One in particular that held a special place in my heart was the original Jak and Daxter for the PS2. It had everything I loved about platformers: humorous characters, a ridiculous storyline, a bright colorful environment, plenty of things to kill, and something that I could collect. After the first, the series was taken in an entirely different direction, adding missions and guns to the formula, while removing the melee action and heavy collection elements.

Foto Frenzy
Foto Frenzy
0
Review
Published on December 8, 2009 1:00 AM - 4 minute read
A game that feels like busy work.

When looking at Storm City Entertainment's recent catalog of DS titles, it’s apparent that they are primarily puzzle titles. Foto Frenzy is their latest entry into this genre and similar to their previous efforts such as Hands On! Tangrams and Jewel Master Egypt, Foto Frenzy is based on a somewhat traditional puzzle. Unfortunately, Foto Frenzy isn't a very good game, nor is it very fun.

Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage
0
Review
Published on December 7, 2009 8:56 PM - 4 minute read
Is the second run down the mountain better, worse, or more of the same?

Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip hit the scene last year on all major consoles. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game sported a more serious look and feel, and were devoid of the unique motion controls found in the cartoonier and lighterhearted Wii version. It didn't take long to see that the Wii version, though seemingly inferior, was far more enjoyable and unique. As such, with this year's iteration of the game, Ubisoft has opted to omit the other versions of the title, and focus solely on the Wii.

Call of Duty: Classic
Call of Duty: Classic
0
Review
Published on December 6, 2009 3:20 AM - 4 minute read
The console re-release of the original Call of Duty serves as an opportunity for mega fans to check out the origins of their favorite series.

I remember the release of the original Call of Duty well. It was my first year of college, and at the time, the PC first person shooter scene had gone a bit quiet. The game made quite a splash on my dorm room floor as it was unlike any other shooter available. Though Battlefield 1942 was available and still widely played, Call of Duty offered up a more refined World War II shooter experience.

Gyromancer
Gyromancer
0
Review
Published on December 5, 2009 3:55 AM - 4 minute read
The match-3 RPG hybrid makes for an enjoyable experience, but one that may be played out for many.

As of late, match-3 games seem to be as popular as any other major video game genre. Just recently, Chessa reviewed Jewel Master Egypt, a match-3 game with a twist. Gyromancer also puts a twist on the basic puzzle concept and firmly merges it with the main staples of an RPG.

Diner Dash
Diner Dash
0
Review
Published on December 4, 2009 3:10 AM - 4 minute read
Flo's transition into 3D makes for an unwelcome change to the series.

Diner Dash is a title that first caught people's attention in 2003 when it appeared on the PC. Since then, Flo and her infamous diner have been brought to consoles, handhelds, and even phones. The most recent addition to the series transitions Flo from 2D to 3D, giving players full control of her motions. If there is one lesson to be learned from my play time with the title, it's that overcomplicating a simple formula only leads to disaster.

Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II
0
Review
Published on December 3, 2009 2:28 AM - 7 minute read
A vast improvement over the already fantastic original title.

While I've made this particularly clear in the past, I'll say it again now: I love Assassin's Creed. I purchased the first title for the 360 on somewhat of a whim, not expecting much, and completely fell in love with the game's mechanics and the beautiful environments. Of course, the game did suffer from some repetition problems, but given what I enjoyed about the game, it never bothered me to any great degree. As a matter of fact, I nearly completed 100% of the game, aside from finding all of the flags.

Creature Defense
Creature Defense
0
Review
Published on December 2, 2009 3:17 AM - 3 minute read
Hudson's take on the tower defense genre is a solid effort.

It seems that tower defense games are entirely too prevalent these days. With Crystal Defenders having released recently, as well as South Park, it seems the genre is unavoidable. Creature Defenders for the PSP is the latest game in this now popular genre. Like any other tower defense game, players must stop an invading army by deploying towers. Failure to defeat enemy creatures causes the player’s base to lose health, which will be a variable amount depending on the attacking creature.

Madden NFL Arcade
Madden NFL Arcade
0
Review
Published on December 1, 2009 3:31 AM - 5 minute read
Football reduced to its simplest form, with an arcade twist.

Back when I was just a boy, Madden '94 was a cornerstone of my existence; alongside Ken Griffey Jr.'s Major League Baseball, of course. Back in those days, the Madden series was significantly less complex. The play selection was no deeper than any edition of NFL Blitz, and the controls were simple enough to work on the SNES controller. Though it wasn't particularly labeled as an arcade title, it featured enough similarities that I always considered it as such.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
1
Review
Published on November 30, 2009 2:40 AM - 10 minute read
There's depth, challenge, variety, humor, puzzles, and plenty of sidequests. What else does a gamer need?

As someone who acquired a PS2 during the middle of its lifespan, I was able to experience a wide variety of its offerings. Of the 120-something titles I own for the system, the Ratchet & Clank series has always stuck out in my mind as one of the best series on the system. It combined elements of strategy, satisfying combat, great platforming, and thoughtful puzzle solving into a world full of unique characters chock full of humor. Since the very first title, the two main characters have been on a whirlwind adventure; first together, then alone, only to finally wind up split apart, taking players through two very different and unique storylines.

Bit.Trip Void
Bit.Trip Void
0
Review
Published on November 29, 2009 3:02 AM - 5 minute read
You won’t want to escape this void.

Bit.Trip Void is the third game in the Bit.Trip series. Like the first two games, Bit.Trip Void contains three levels that last around fifteen minutes, presentation that mixes both retro and modern elements, as well as fantastic gameplay that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. Aside from the staples of the first two titles, Void includes a few new elements that make it a worthy and excellent addition to the series.

We Cheer 2
We Cheer 2
0
Review
Published on November 28, 2009 12:53 AM - 6 minute read
If Nintendo and iNiS made Elite Beat Agents for Wii, it would end up something like this.

These days, music rhythm games require a somewhat expensive peripheral or in some cases multiple peripherals in order to fully enjoy the game. We Cheer 2 isn't one of those rhythm games, instead the game takes advantage of the Wii Remote's motion sensors in order to perform specific movements the game requires. The end result is a very enjoyable rhythm game that stands out from many of the other rhythm games currently on the market.

Hands On! Tangrams
Hands On! Tangrams
0
Review
Published on November 26, 2009 4:30 PM - 3 minute read
Storm City Entertainment resurrects an ancient Chinese puzzle game for the DS.

Storm City Entertainment's latest title falls into a familiar category - DS Puzzle Game. Unlike their last title, Jewel Master Egypt, this game is based on Tangrams, a Chinese puzzle game thousands of years old. As a matter of fact, the title is not just based on Tangrams, it is Tangrams.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast
Dragon Ball: Raging Blast
0
Review
Published on November 26, 2009 1:09 AM - 5 minute read
It's not a "raging blast" at all. Trust me.

Dragon Ball based video games have become excessively abundant in recent years. It seems multiple times throughout any given year a variety of games based on the popular IP are released, each of differing quality and gameplay type. Dragon Ball: Raging Blast is the latest game attached to the property, and it covers the entire lifespan of the anime with the intention of capturing the essence of the series. In theory, and on paper, the concept makes total sense. Unfortunately, in practice the concept falls apart.

Academy of Champions
Academy of Champions
0
Review
Published on November 25, 2009 12:05 AM - 5 minute read
Does Ubisoft's arcade-style Soccer title match up to the many great Wii soccer games?

Soccer video games aren't exactly the most abundant titles on the Wii, but those that have been released have been quite good. The latest in the FIFA series offers a solid experience, Pro Evolution Soccer revolutionized soccer video game controls, and Mario Strikers Charged brought arcade-style soccer to a new level. Unlike each of these titles, Academy of Champions, the latest Wii soccer title, is devoid of any unique attributes, bringing nothing new to the table. It features simplified controls and arcade-style gameplay, however it is much less crazy than Mario Strikers Charged. Nothing else distinguishes the game aside from its Hogwarts-like setting.

Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light
0
Review
Published on November 23, 2009 10:08 PM - 5 minute read
An interesting combat and crafting system can't save this bland and generic RPG.

Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light was originally released as a retail game in 2006 and recently came to PSN in order to celebrate the PSPgo launch. Blade Dancer is an RPG that follows the typical clichéd conventions of the genre. The only aspect that differentiates it from others is unique combat and crafting systems. Unfortunately even these unique features can't save this poor RPG.

Nostalgia
Nostalgia
0
Review
Published on November 21, 2009 8:11 PM - 8 minute read
Monotonous battling brings down this title filled with gorgeous locales and interesting characters.

During the era of 8-bit games, RPGs were a revolution, offering a unique and lengthy gameplay experience that mixed combat, exploration, and strategy. Things not offered in typical titles of the time that required no more than hand-eye coordination to achieve victory. As time has progressed, RPGs have strayed away from the simpler, classic formula, adding new elements to the gameplay and breaking the mold for the genre altogether. However the recently released title Nostalgia lives up to its name, providing an old-school play experience with a number of the amenities that come with modern games.

Wii Fit Plus
Wii Fit Plus
2
Review
Published on November 20, 2009 9:07 PM - 6 minute read
This sequel improves upon the downfalls of its predecessor but has some of its own too.

Wii Fit began a video game revolution when the fitness title hit the market a little over 18 months ago. Since then, fitness and physical wellbeing titles are releasing on a regular basis. While Wii Fit attempted to bring a healthier lifestyle to homes everywhere, there were some definite flaws in its formula; mainly the chopped-up workout sessions that forced players to select each exercise individually. With Wii Fit Plus, Nintendo has remedied this issue and added even more to help make the workout experience more personalized and easier for those seeking a healthier life.