Downloadable titles are indeed a mixed bag. On one hand, you have some truly spectacular offerings that are a great value for the money and exemplary of what the console is capable of. Some, on the other hand, aren’t worth the time they take to download. No matter the case, it’s always impressive to see what improvements are constantly being made. Mobile dev Gameloft has taken advantage of console downloadable constraints to bring the latest installment of their popular smartphone nod to Modern Warfare and the Call of Duty series, Modern Combat: Domination. Complete with Move support, this is an interesting port that brings some intriguing ideas to the table, but ultimately strikes out as just another cookie-cutter “modern” shooter with little to offer.
Archive for January, 2011
Impressions: Modern Combat: Domination
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Impressions: Faery: Legends of Avalon
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When first introduced to the world of downloadable titles, I was happy simply for Pac-Man and ports of classic shooters. Digitally-delivered endeavors are quickly becoming more and more impressive. Not only can you download and begin playing some of the latest and greatest releases in the space of an hour, but their has increased astronomically. Take Faery: Legends of Avalon. It’s a large, imaginative role-playing game chock full of heart, color, and quests to complete for both the XBLA and PSN services. Unfortunately, it also suffers from quite a few issues, marring what could have been a gorgeous, engaging adventure with much in common by way of the genre’s heavy hitters.
Impressions: Kingdom Hearts: Re:coded
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Kingdom Hears continues to capture the imaginations of Square Enix and Disney fans everywhere. Though its lore may be a little convoluted, you certainly can’t argue with the fact that both companies know how to cater to series loyalists. The adventure continues in Kingdom Hearts: Re:coded, another handheld DS entry, this time a remake of a formerly mobile phone (and Japanese)-only installment. It’s obvious that some of the more “hardcore” elements have been stripped away, making this one of the most accessible entries for gamers who may stray away from the RPG genre. And while it isn’t exactly a giant step forward for fans clamoring for more insight on their favorite characters, it’s still an entertaining addition to any Kingdom Hearts fan’s library – even if it is occasionally riddled with issues.
Impressions: Treasure Seekers 2: The Enchanted Canvases
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Seek-and-find adventures and the iPhone are a match made in heaven. They’re easy to pick up and play, appeal to players of all ages, and provide a few hours of accessible entertainment neatly wrapped with a shiny little bow. More often than not these days, these so-called casual affairs come bundled with an engaging plot to keep you scouring the screen for those carefully tucked away items. My latest endeavor, Treasure Seekers 2: The Enchanted Canvases from G5 Entertainment, has quickly captured my heart much in the way a previous review title, Vampire Saga: Pandora’s Box did, and right now, I’m looking forward to seeing more from this developer.
Impressions: New U Fitness First Yoga and Pilates
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I’ve never really dabbled in yoga, at least not when it comes to videogames. For that, I’ve always gravitated toward more intensive workouts, like Dance Dance Revolution, when I’ve been in the mood. Before New U Fitness First: Yoga and Pilates Workout, I hadn’t the first clue about what you actually do with yoga. Sure, I’ve heard about its health and mental benefits and have always wanted to give it a try, although I wasn’t sure if a videogame was the best place to start. But after diving in and giving it a fair shake, I had a decent understanding of the workout and new-found appreciation for just how peaceful and relaxing the art of yoga and Pilates can truly be.