Archive for June, 2009
Review: Gunstar Heroes (Sega Vintage Collection)
Posted by: | CommentsTreasure is home to a library of some of the most beloved titles in gaming. When Gunstar Heroes was granted a release on the Xbox Live Arcade via the Sega Vintage Collection label, I shrieked in fangirlish glee. While it should have been released on the Sonic Genesis Collection compilation disc, it wasn’t, and I was severely disappointed. What to do save from playing the original or some shoddy applet online? Straight to the Xbox Live Marketplace I went to download this classic ASAP. All I have to say is one word: co-op.
Editorial: Oh, I Wish…
Posted by: | CommentsGames are always packed with items, superpowers, plot devices, and vehicles that I wish I had. I realize that they’re fictional stories, just like we find in books or movies. It’s so different, though. When I’m reading or vegging out to the television on the couch, I’m actively detached. I’m a spectator. When I’m gaming, however, I’m actively involved. When I play Portal, I’m actually creating portals with a special gun to get myself out of sticky situations–even if it’s just with my mouse.
Review: Guitar Hero Smash Hits
Posted by: | CommentsGuitar Hero has gone a separate route from Rock Band over the years, releasing game after game rather than creating a comprehensive music catalogue of DLC. Because of this, Guitar Hero fans have amassed quite the library of discs containing some of their favorite songs. In an attempt to update and consolidate some of the “greatest hits” previously featured in the games, Activision has released Guitar Hero Smash Hits. Is it worth picking up in order to save yourself the extra trouble of changing out discs when ready to play a different tracklist, or is it more of the same that we’re used to?
Review: Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume
Posted by: | CommentsValkyrie Profile has always been quite the revered RPG franchise. Beginning with the coveted, gorgeous, and brilliant original game, Square Enix has nurtured a legend over the years with subsequent entries to the series. The last addition to a long line of quality games is now Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume. Finally, DS owners have been treated to one of the most engaging franchises that RPGs of gaming have to offer. This is a beautiful, strategic triumph for the Nintendo handheld, and RPG/SRPG fans should have much to enjoy here.
Review: Blue Dragon Plus
Posted by: | CommentsBlue Dragon Plus is a return to form for the admittedly lackluster JRPG originally housed on the Xbox 360. From Mistwalker Studios and famed developer Brownie Brown (Magical Starsign, Heroes of Mana), we’re gifted with a sequel to a story that, while it shouldn’t have received continuation to begin with, is much more engaging than its previous installment. With a focus on strategy conventions rather than tried-and-true turn-based battles coupled with some gorgeous sprites and washes of color, this is the Blue Dragon I would have preferred from the beginning.