The DS is arguably the best haven for RPGs. It’s impossible to name on one hand the amount of fantastic RPGexperiences that have come in such a small package. Recently I had the pleasure of playing Lock’s Quest, THQ’S latest entry into the DS library. Players follow young “Archineer” (those skilled with building) Lock into the midst of a war being waged between the diabolical Lord Agony and his droves of Clockwork soldiers. On what seems to be just another normal day, Lock is requested by his grandfather to begin building a wall by the sea. However, amidst his building, he is approached by a man who announces the arrival of several Clockwork soldiers intent on destroying the village and whatever gets in their way. With this, Lock is caught up in an intricate web of villainy and tyranny, and the player is dragged in as well.
Archive for December, 2009
Review: All Star Cheer Squad
I think it’s safe to say by now that cheerleading sims are not my cup of tea. In fact, the majority of gamers wouldn’t give All Star Cheer Squad a second glance as they breeze through the Wii section at their favorite store. However, for its intended audience (namely little girls or even some adults who have always wanted to be cheerleaders) it’s actually quite the solid title.
Review: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
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The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay was one of the greatest games available on the original Xbox. It still holds up fantastically today, both in game conventions and graphics. Starbreeze has revived the Riddick franchise with the release of Assault on Dark Athena, the next chapter in the story. However, with so many expectations to live up to as the sequel to a game so well-received by fans of the movies and franchise, how does it stack up? Unfortunately, not so well. It comes off as only a poor tribute to the original game, falling short in multiple areas. This is quite disappointing, as the original was such a treat!
Review: Tornado
The DS is home to a wealth of immersive and creative titles, though many of us may not realize it. Unfortunately, a glut of these games are hindered by their poor stylus-centric control schemes and thus miss the mark when they could have delivered much more. In the case of interesting little platformer Tornado, forced excessive use of the stylus ruins the entire outing. Where solid gameplay designs and interesting execution flourish, touch mechanics are too much of a chore to allow you to enjoy the game.
Preview: Dante’s Inferno “Gates of Hell” Demo
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I’d like to cordially invite you into Hell. Yes, the fiery pit of despair that it’s said you’ll be banished to if you commit enough sins in your meager mortal lifetime. Throw away your inhibitions and ready yourself to witness copious amounts of filth, despair, desolation, and self-loathing. Really, you’ll be glad you did. There’s nothing to fear, especially if you’re on a mission to reclaim your lover’s soul from the likes of Lucifer while wielding the scythe of Death himself. So walk with me through the nine vicious circles of hell. Fear nothing, as you have now become death. You have become he who walks amongst the shadows. You are Dante. And your game is set to rival one of gaming’s heavy-hitters if it plays its cards right.