For fans of puzzlers and casual games, the original Puzzle Quest was a godsend. Combining the convenience of take-along gaming, Bejeweled-like imagery, and an intriguing medieval tale, it provided hours of satisfying role-playing goodness. Even the most discerning fans of the genre were pleased by its slick presentation, innovative controls, and challenging difficulty curve. After a successful run on the major consoles and corresponding handhelds, the series has nowhere to go but up, both literally and figuratively. Puzzle Quest Galactrix marks the franchise’s foray into outer space; forsaking the medieval storylines in favor of something a bit more futuristic. This change in landscape and tone has brought about a few changes, and not for the better.
All posts by
Review: Puzzle Quest Galactrix
Permalink
Review: Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Permalink
Many of us have fond memories of the Sega Genesis. It was the home to many a beloved franchise over the years like Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star, and a host of others. With that said, this compilation is quite possibly one of the greatest gaming throwbacks currently available. Combining over 40 different familiar Sega titles with new save mechanics and a slew of extra content, this is the definitive Sega sampler to pick up, especially if you missed out on these games the first time around.
Review: Lips
Sometimes, pumping a rowdy teenager full of lead via Xbox Live just doesn’t fit the mood of a party. What do you do if you’re looking to host a birthday bash or casual get-together full of the sad, lonely souls who haven’t yet been introduced to the ways of the mighty gamer? You shove a wireless mic in their hands and tell them to sing. Sing like they’ve never sung before. And maybe, just maybe, all of the hopes and dreams encased in their bodies will turn Microsoft’s karaoke title Lips into an enjoyable venture.
Review: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
Permalink
To many, Grand Theft Auto IV was game-of-the-year material. It provided a gritty, open world to explore as well as memorable characters, missions, and even a wide variety of music to enjoy. Plenty of hookers to pick up, beers to drink, people to murder, and cars to jack – for every individual it offended, it picked up another fan. And for good reason – it was a magnificent entry into the Grand Theft Auto series. It’s not surprising that when the game came to an end, many were distraught. That’s why another jaunt into Liberty City was warranted – there were too many loose threads and too many characters that needed their own back story. Fast forward to 2009 – GTAIV’s very first installment of DLC has finally been delivered: The Lost and Damned.
Review: R-Type Dimensions
Permalink
R-Type has been heralded as a classic shooter. Simple and straight-to-the-point, it’s a quintessential favorite of both old and new gamers. R-Type Dimensions, available via Xbox Live Arcade, takes the original formula and gives it a striking new update. Is it faithful to the original or does it tarnish the good name of the series?
For a game that’s always been known for its frustrating difficulty, R-Type Dimensions is a blast to play. Offering both R-Type and R-Type II to wade through, this is a lovingly crafted rehash of the original games. Every facet of the game has been seamlessly integrated into both a 2D and 3D spectacle to behold. You can even view the differences at any time by pressing the Y button. Other than this unique addition, these R-Type reworkings are the exact same ones you may remember from back in the heyday of the arcades.