I’ve been a loyal groupie following the Guitar Hero saga since its inception. I had previously researched Guitar Freaks for years prior and I’ve never been able to get enough of rhythm games. I admit, of course, that I approached Guitar Hero 5 with more than a little trepidation. Though I am primarily concerned with new track-lists, it never hurt to update some graphics, gameplay, or presentation here and there. After all, who wants to continually buy the same product over and over for minor tweaks (I’m looking at you, Madden fans)? With the advent of Guitar Hero 5, the latest addition to what will presumably be one of the longest rhythm franchises running, I can say that my apathy with which the announcement of the latest game was met was far from warranted. It may not have completely revolutionized the series, but it sure did a number on my perception of it.
Archive for November, 2009
Review: Lips: Number One Hits
Permalink
When it comes to singing games, I don’t mess around. I go all out, because my pipes beg to be strained. My voice longs to become hoarse and weak, and all for the sake of belting out some of my favorite tunes. And can you blame me? These days you can get virtually any song you want on most of the karaoke alternatives for gaming consoles. Many turn to Rock Band and the latest iterations of Guitar Hero for their singing fix, including myself. Still, I’ve rather enjoyed the simple pleasures I can get from Lips, Microsoft’s exclusive karaoke title. While the original game built a sturdy foundation on which the franchise could grow, I can’t exactly heap praise upon its pseudosequel Lips: Number One Hits. While it manages to hit some glorious high notes, its timbre is still a bit warbly — and that’s something that worries me about the future of the series.
Review: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Permalink
As much as we’d like to, we can’t just sit around and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare every waking moment. Well, maybe you can. But sometimes it’s prudent to broaden your horizons by branching out and checking out other titles that might offer just the same level of excitement, or at least something pretty close to what Infinity Ward’s smash hit provided over these past couple of years. Enter Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. While it differs in many ways from its FPS cousins, brothers, and sisters, it still offers engaging and exhilarating wartime exploits, rewarding the patient and the brave with tight controls, the enforcement of teamwork, and a great squad-based shooter with plenty of potential.
Impressions: Groovin’ Blocks (Mobile)
Permalink
Often, when games are ported to mobile platforms from their big brother console counterparts, much is lost in translation. Fortunately, puzzle games do not often succumb to this loss of graphical finesse, gameplay time, or control polish. In the case of Groovin’ Blocks, I previously reviewed the Nintendo Wii iteration which was an entertaining take on Tetris and similar titles, but with a welcome techno twist. Now the puzzler’s hit the iPod Touch/iPhone, and it couldn’t be any more fabulous.
Impressions: Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet
Permalink
When one thinks of the “casual adventure” genre, one’s mind undoubtedly turns to games with low production values, simple puzzle-solving, and absurdly paper-thin storylines. These days, those are such archaic accusations to make of the average casual adventure title. They’ve come such a long way that it’s difficult to differentiate a “casual” adventure from one that would be accepted within the confines of such inane circles as the “hardcore.” That said, James Patterson’s Womens’ Murder Club: Death in Scarlet is an entertaining and fully-featured adventure title that should attract fans from all walks of life – not just women and not just casual titles. What a silly assumption to make!