Archive for August, 2009
Preview: Final Fantasy: Dissidia
Posted by: | CommentsFinal Fantasy is always changing. Though it goes through many different phases (some I didn’t enjoy), my loyalty to the series is unwavering. The franchise has branched out into many different genres over the years, covering RPGs, MMOs, card battlers, tower defense, virtual pet titles, and even cooperative multiplayer. A fighter featuring a full cast of beloved characters found throughout the now fourteen Final Fantasy standalone titles only seemed natural at this point in time. Ehrgeiz just wasn’t enough, and it featured more than Final Fantasy characters, having only the populars show up as cameos. The fans wanted something more, and Square Enix has answered the call with the upcoming purely Final Fantasy fighter, Final Fantasy: Dissidia. I dove into the demo available via PSN and lived to tell the tale.
Review: Turtles in Time: Re-Shelled
Posted by: | CommentsIf you grew up with an SNES, you likely remember the stellar beat-em-up Turtles in Time. Featuring all four of our beloved turtles Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Leonardo along with some engaging multiplayer action and storyling following Shredder who’s made off with the Statue of Liberty, it’s a staple in many gamers’ repertoires as a superb timesuck. If you didn’t enjoy it on the SNES you probably tossed quarter after quarter into the machine at your local arcade while rotating out partners to finally finish the game. Now Ubisoft has taken it upon themselves to reissue this classic in 3D with updated graphics, sound, and gameplay. Unfortunately, I can’t exactly say you’d be better off playing this version. See why in this review of Turtles in Time: Re-Shelled.
Review: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Posted by: | CommentsYo, Joe! After what was ultimately a disjointed and subpar movie, it was clear that a subpar and disjointed game had to follow. I am usually quite lenient when it comes to movie tie-in video games, as the past few I have tried out weren’t too terrible of experiences, and I will be the first to admit that a good movie video game comes as a complete shock to me. Sadly, when I popped in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, I shook my head, though I knew I shouldn’t have been disappointed. That’s just the way life is. It’s rather unfortunate that I can’t recommend a game that encourages becoming a Real American Hero, but it’s also the truth.
Review: Rockin' Pretty
Posted by: | CommentsMy insatiable lust for all things even remotely related to rhythm games will forever haunt me, as I drop the Benjamins on titles that will satisfy my hunger for becoming a rock star, if even for a few fleeting moments. Aksys Games’ Rockin’ Pretty caught my eye the instant I noted an ad on the official Aksys website. Though I was sure at first it would be just another pitiable attempt at catering to “girl gamers,” I knew deep down that I would end up sampling it at one point or another simply because it offered the ability to play four different instruments in a rock band on Nintendo’s diminutive handheld. Reluctantly I took Rockin’ Pretty for a spin in all its sequined, shoujo glory, and came out quite entertained with the end result of a hard day’s night spent hunched over my DS, stylus firmly clenched in hand. It’s not perfect, and it’s far too cute for its own good, but it serves its purpose as a childish rhythm game that serves up plenty of challenge.
Review: Trials HD
Posted by: | CommentsI admit that before the release of Trials HD on the Xbox Live Arcade, I was a Trials newbie. I was blissfully ignorant of all the joyous hours of gaming it has brought many of you; readers, peers as gamers, and everyone who has ever attempted a high score within the game. Though my backlog is ever-growing, I knew I had to get in on the big secret as to what makes this game such an exercise in frustration, addiction, and complete satisfaction when you land the perfect time. I’m sure it goes without saying that I soon discovered what makes this game tick, and I wasn’t let down in the least.
