Reviews
Art Style: Digidrive
Art Style: Digidrive
0
Review
Published on November 20, 2009 2:09 PM - 5 minute read
The latest addition to the WiiWare and DSiWare series is just as crazy as ever.

I love the Art Style series; from Orbient to Precipice, the entire series has been absolutely phenomenal. I find myself booting up the games quite often for quick play sessions in my spare time, so of course, with the release of Digidrive, as you would expect I was quite excited. Not only was it a new Art Style game, but an Art Style game that was a bit Generations game that I had enjoyed very much.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
0
Review
Published on November 19, 2009 11:51 AM - 6 minute read
One of the most realistic military experiences this generation.

One of the most popular genres this generation is the first person shooter. While most modern FPS titles look realistic or claim to be realistic, they all usually have some unrealistic mechanics, such as automatic health regeneration. Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is unlike your typical FPS title; it provides one of the best realistic military experiences, though a couple of frustrating issues keep it from being great.

Rabbids Go Home
Rabbids Go Home
0
Review
Published on November 19, 2009 1:53 AM - 6 minute read
A fantastic beginning to the Rabbids life outside of minigame collections.

Up until recently, the Rabbids have been curiously eccentric characters that spawned out of the Rayman universe. Their trademark goofy looks, silly behavior, and recognizable scream has made them somewhat of an icon to gamers, even if many have never picked up the mini-game collections they have starred in. Well, for anyone looking to take part in the Rabbids experience themselves but are averse to shallow mini-game experiences, Rabbids Go Home is the answer to your prayers. Although the game’s basis is simple, Rabbids Go Home provides a crazy romp through unique levels with the insane little creatures. You’re guaranteed to be laughing from beginning to end no matter how much you try to avoid it.

Undead Knights
Undead Knights
0
Review
Published on November 17, 2009 10:44 PM - 6 minute read
Command the undead in this Pikmin-esque action title.

These days, zombie games seem to be a dime a dozen. They've been comrades and enemies, units in tower defense, and even the player's character itself. Disregarding the apparent glut of titles, Tecmo has created yet another starring the undead. Undead Knights puts players in control of the creator of the zombie horde. In order to complete the missions in each level, players must convert enemies into zombie soldiers in order to do their bidding.

NBA Unrivaled
NBA Unrivaled
0
Review
Published on November 16, 2009 11:52 PM - 4 minute read
Don't be fooled, this is not NBA Jam.

Growing up, basketball was easily my favorite sport. I played it recreationally with friends, in a league, and on my school's team. Hell, I loved the sport so much I even obsessively played Basketball video games. Of course, being that I couldn't really dunk the ball or do anything particularly flashy, I found myself enjoying NBA Jam far more than any other title available at the time. Crazy dunks and fast-paced gameplay defined the series.

Crystal Defenders
Crystal Defenders
0
Review
Published on November 15, 2009 9:12 PM - 4 minute read
An enjoyable Final Fantasy Tactics themed tower defense game.

Crystal Defenders is a tower defense game that started life on the iPhone and eventually made its way to WiiWare (as Crystal Defenders R1 and R2), Playstation Network (for both PS3 and PSP), and Xbox Live Arcade. The game uses assets and the soundtrack from Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift. While the game is Final Fantasy themed, the end result is a standard tower defense game with one or two unique attributes.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
7
Review
Published on November 14, 2009 6:02 PM - 7 minute read
The plumber brothers are back for another round in 2D.

Check out our special Audio Review of the game!

Since New Super Mario Bros. released on the DS in 2006, it has managed to sell an unprecedented number of copies - around 19 million. Given the clear popularity of the title and its mass appeal, Nintendo has created a sequel to the title. Rather than keep the course, New Super Mario Bros. Wii shakes up the formula creating a familiar but unique experience. Players will have a variety of new items to experience as well as some new enemies and worlds. Most importantly, players can now enjoy the game with up-to-three friends, an addition that significantly alters the mechanics and play styles of the game.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol
0
Review
Published on November 13, 2009 4:00 PM - 5 minute read
A sweet homage to a classic novel which is sadly held down by its length and lack of substance.

Just in time for the holidays, Disney has released a motion picture that brings Charles Dickens' classic to life like never before. As with most major movie releases, the movie has spawned a game based on the screenplay.

Jewel Master Egypt
Jewel Master Egypt
0
Review
Published on November 12, 2009 4:16 PM - 5 minute read
A classic puzzle game with a great twist.

Puzzle games are a dime a dozen nowadays. Familiar concepts are being constantly rehashed with a new ridiculous title or veiled behind a fresh coat of paint. They're everywhere we look; whether it's on our computers, phones, or game systems. After playing so many similar titles, it’s honestly become boring to play the same game in a slightly different way. At first, this seemed to be the case with Jewel Master Egypt; just another puzzle game that I had played before – good, but nothing special. But after a few hours of gameplay I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were small additions to break up the monotony as well as a deeper gameplay element which added more depth and strategy to the title than expected.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias
LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias
0
Review
Published on November 11, 2009 7:00 PM - 5 minute read
An excellent sequel to one of the best WiiWare launch titles.

When WiiWare initially launched, the platform/adventure title, LostWinds drew a lot of attention due to its high production value and excellent gameplay. The sequel, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias retains the pedigree of its predecessor and adds many more unique elements, which ultimately create a gaming experience that is much more satisfying than the original. LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is not only a fantastic sequel, but also one of the best games currently available on Wii.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Zombies Ate My Neighbors
0
Review
Published on November 11, 2009 1:30 PM - 3 minute read
A cult classic is reborn on Virtual Console.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a unique game that has developed a strong cult following ever since its original 1993 release. The game is a top down run-and-gun game with many similar themes found in horror movies from the 1950's and more modern ones such as Friday the 13th. This game was one of my favorite games in the '90s and it still passes the test of time in 2009.

Excitebike World Rally
Excitebike World Rally
1
Review
Published on November 10, 2009 11:19 PM - 5 minute read
An excellent modern update of a beloved NES classic.

The original Excitebike is one of the most beloved NES games of all time and also happens to also be one of my most cherished retro titles. When I heard that Nintendo and Monster Games were collaborating to update the title, I was very excited. Once it became available yesterday, I didn’t hesitate for a second to download it. Rather than taking the easy route of just adding 3D graphics, slapping on some minor features and calling it a day, World Rally is a full-fledged modern update that could easily be called a sequel thanks to its many new features. Thankfully, the game is still as fun as the classic and the various additions prove to be fantastic.

Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble
0
Review
Published on November 10, 2009 6:07 PM - 6 minute read
So, you're telling me that the whole point of the game is to wander around and pick fights with people, THEN beat the crap out of them!? Sign me up!

Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble is the latest title from Atlus, a title they have done quite a bit of promotion for leading up to its official release. As a matter of fact, the Badass Rumble subtitle was a direct result of fan input. Since then, Atlus has continued to push the game with a variety of humorous productions centering on what a Bancho is, how to be one, and memoirs of one. Given all the hype, you should be wondering what it's all about.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
3
Review
Published on November 10, 2009 4:22 AM - 6 minute read
The sequel picks up where the original left off, but does it carry all of the characteristics that made the original so great?

This generation has been dominated by first person shooters, the latest of which is Activision and Infinity Ward's, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The game keeps to the formula established by the preceding title, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The storyline picks up where the last one left off, however, this time players assume the role of Sergeant Gary "Roach" Sanderson, a member of Task Force 141. The task force is sponsored by the global community and carries a simple mission: Stop Vladimir Makarov, the leader of an Ultranationalist Russian organization.

Comet Crash
Comet Crash
0
Review
Published on November 10, 2009 12:51 AM - 6 minute read
This game features great gameplay and unique features, but isn't completely fulfilling.

Comet Crash is a tower defense title for PSN that released earlier this year courtesy of Pelfast. The title features classic tower defense gameplay combined with some RTS elements in an outer space setting. Fans of the genre will surely appreciate the game's unique approach.

Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga
0
Review
Published on November 9, 2009 2:30 AM - 5 minute read
This "action-RPG" includes more running and standing around than action.

Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga is the third iteration of the Valhalla Knights series, which up until now, have lived solely on the PSP. Each entry in the series is a part of the action-RPG genre featuring a mission-based structure. Eldar Saga falls in line with its predecessor but now features a seamless battle system that occurs in realtime.

Lego Rock Band
Lego Rock Band
0
Review
Published on November 7, 2009 5:51 PM - 5 minute read
With a family-friendly presentation and construction, players looking to enjoy a proper Rock Band game with their kids now have the perfect offering.

Rock Band is a young franchise, but has already been through many iterations. Given the widespread appeal of the game, many different track arrangements have been released to satisfy all musical preferences. Though all of these arrangements exist, the challenge level of the games have never reduced to appeal to a younger crowd. As such, Harmonix and Traveller's Tales have teamed up to create Lego Rock Band. The game still features an equivalent challenge level for adults while including easier modes and settings for kids.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
0
Review
Published on November 6, 2009 4:18 PM - 5 minute read
The latest handheld title in the Grand Theft Auto series has made its way to the PSP. But, was the transition from the DS to the PSP handled well?

Earlier this year, Rockstar finally made a commitment to Nintendo's handheld system with the portable title, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. During my tenure at Nintendo World Report, I had the pleasure of reviewing the game, and I walked away quite impressed. With the PSP release now upon us, I had the opportunity to dive back into Liberty City for a second round with the game.

Tekken 6
Tekken 6
1
Review
Published on November 5, 2009 5:20 PM - 5 minute read
The latest in the Tekken series suffers from a poor online mode, but offers a great roster and an interesting new mode.

I'll be the first to admit, Tekken has never really been my thing. Don't get me wrong, I love fighting games and tend to play them in excess whenever I get my hands on a new one. However, there has always been something about Tekken that just didn't click with me. For full disclosure, Tekken 6 hasn't changed my opinion of the series and it feels very much like more of the same.

Ju-On: The Grudge
Ju-On: The Grudge
0
Review
Published on November 4, 2009 4:52 PM - 7 minute read
Most people will be more scared of the graphics and controls than the actual gameplay.

Ju-On: The Grudge is a haunted house simulator, a new sub-genre of survival horror invented by the game. The title is an extension of the famous Ju-On horror films first produced in Japan in 2003. The basic concept was to create an eerie world where players would fear what awaited them around each corner, and while the finished product features some definite issues, the game fulfills its goal - given the right type of gamer is playing.

Fairytale Fights
Fairytale Fights
0
Review
Published on November 3, 2009 5:54 PM - 6 minute read
A disappointing title that could have been far more than a generic hack-and-slash.

At first glance, Fairytale Fights appears to have all the elements needed to be an extremely unique and entertaining experience. There's brightly-colored cutesy characters with a lust for blood and carnage, what appears to be a ridiculous storyline filled with deliciously twisted versions of my favorite fairy tales, and protagonists which mercilessly hack away at innocent creatures within a world where only insanity prevails. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, all I could find was a generic hack and slash with a bland storyline and a misleading coat of paint.

Jam Sessions 2
Jam Sessions 2
0
Review
Published on November 3, 2009 2:37 PM - 5 minute read
The sequel brings the series into true video game territory while retaining it's musical tool roots.

Jam Sessions released on the DS roughly two years ago as a musical tool instead of an actual video game. As a guitarist, I had a natural interest in the title, and from pre-release information, it seemed like a competent product had been created. After some time with the game, it was obvious that the simulator had some interesting potential, but didn't amount to much more than a fun toy to play around with from time-to-time. Of course, when I saw that Ubisoft had made a sequel, I was interested to see what they could have possibly done to enhance the game further. After a short play session, it was clear that Plato vastly improved the two main modes found in the original game.

DJ Hero
DJ Hero
0
Review
Published on November 2, 2009 1:33 PM - 6 minute read
Does the new turntable controller and musical direction hold up?

Since the initial Guitar Hero title back on the PlayStation 2, peripheral-based rhythm titles have become some of the best selling games in the industry. While the games started on the guitar, they have more recently branched out to both Drums and vocals, but never further than the standard band setup. The music has also mostly been rock-centric - until now that is. DJ Hero introduces both a new controller and a totally new soundtrack with music tailored to the controller and the experience.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
1
Review
Published on October 31, 2009 5:57 PM - 7 minute read
Bowser and the Bros. unintentionally team up for one of the best iterations in the Mario RPG series.

Mario & Luigi Bowser's Inside Story is the latest Mario RPG title, and as someone who has spent hours with each previous game, I was skeptical that this title could deliver a standout experience from what had already been offered. While I knew I was in for a humorous romp through Bowser's innards, the depth and variation in gameplay that was offered blew me away. Mario & Luigi Bowser's Inside Story has quickly become one of my favorite Mario RPG titles to date.

Half-Minute Hero
Half-Minute Hero
0
Review
Published on October 30, 2009 1:03 AM - 7 minute read
Trust me, 30 seconds is all you need... to fall in love with this game.

Half-Minute Hero is one of the more abstract and crazier titles to come out of Japan as of late. The game features numerous types of gameplay, but all are based around a single underlying concept: time. Within each of the game's four modes, players are given a total of 30 seconds to complete the objective at hand. Accompanying the unique gameplay is an equally original presentation comprised of highly pixelated sprites and 8-bit backdrops. The title as a whole is simply unlike anything before it.