How many passable movie tie-in video games have been released, exactly? If I had to wager, I’d say about five total. Five, in all of the history of gaming. With these impossible odds, still I endlessly trudge through the impossibly sadistic world of movie-inspired games. Most recently, I’ve played through Shorts, a DS tie-in from a movie I had not heard of prior to obtaining this game, so a little research was required. Shorts is actually a collection of (you guessed it) short films compiled into one feature-length movie suitable for all-ages, from the creator of Spy Kids, no less. Each yarn is spun around the fact that a mysterious rainbow-colored rock has appeared in one of your average Stepford-esque neighborhoods. Its MO? To grant any wish your heart desires. The film features a rather motley crew whose experiences with the stone intertwine to create a cohesive narrative. Upon further investigation, the film did poorly in theaters and ratings, so right off the bat I was wary of what this strange little game could offer.
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Impressions: Shorts
On September 18, 2009
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Review: SpongeBob vs. The Big One: Beach Party Cook-Off
On September 11, 2009
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The DS is one of the biggest platforms to feature SpongeBob titles, and most that I have played through have been quite enjoyable. While most of them tend to shy away from the people, places, and occurrences that really go on in Bikini Bottom, developers have finally hit the nail on the head when it comes to a great game for the sprightly yellow sponge – a Cooking Mama-inspired collection of food prep minigames that work great on Nintendo’s fabulous little cash cow. As a fan of titles such as Diner Dash, Order Up!, and Cooking Mama, I have to say I enjoyed this entry into the SpongeBob series even more than the SpongeBob-themed Drawn to Life, which was quite the enjoyable romp. With that said, SpongeBob vs. The Big One: Beach Party Cook-Off is an interesting mix of depth management and vibrant cartoony mischief to keep both the younger set and the layman gamer entertained.
Review: Rockin' Pretty
My 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.
Impressions: Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled
On August 5, 2009
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RPGs are tricky subject matter. If you can’t get together an intriguing cast of characters, solid gameplay that rewards your grinding, and a great storyline that should keep you playing, then they become throwaways that are little more than copies of games that came before them (and usually did better jobs). In the case of Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled, the game seems to fail at all it accomplishes. What looks as if it should be a venerable attempt at reviving the traditional RPG in the style of Chrono Trigger is really a dull, lifeless exercise in drudgery that belongs in the bargain bin. Don’t let the artwork or the price tag fool you – this game does nothing of what it seems to promise!
Impressions: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
On July 15, 2009
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RPGs are tricky subject matter. If you can’t get together an intriguing cast of characters, solid gameplay that rewards your grinding, and a great storyline that should keep you playing, then they become throwaways that are little more than copies of games that came before them (and usually did better jobs). Having been a big fan of the MegaTen games for years now, I can usually count on the franchise to deliver on all counts, even when it seems that the rest of the RPG world is going down the tubes (I’m looking at you, Black Sigil!). The release of Devil Survivor, the latest entry into the series fails to disappoint as well, receiving my own personal honor of being one of the most entertaining handheld adventures I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. These days, when it’s increasingly difficult to find a game to stick with, that’s saying a lot.