I’ve been a loyal groupie following the Guitar Hero saga since its inception. I had previously researched Guitar Freaks for years prior and I’ve never been able to get enough of rhythm games. I admit, of course, that I approached Guitar Hero 5 with more than a little trepidation. Though I am primarily concerned with new track-lists, it never hurt to update some graphics, gameplay, or presentation here and there. After all, who wants to continually buy the same product over and over for minor tweaks (I’m looking at you, Madden fans)? With the advent of Guitar Hero 5, the latest addition to what will presumably be one of the longest rhythm franchises running, I can say that my apathy with which the announcement of the latest game was met was far from warranted. It may not have completely revolutionized the series, but it sure did a number on my perception of it.
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Review: Lips: Number One Hits
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When it comes to singing games, I don’t mess around. I go all out, because my pipes beg to be strained. My voice longs to become hoarse and weak, and all for the sake of belting out some of my favorite tunes. And can you blame me? These days you can get virtually any song you want on most of the karaoke alternatives for gaming consoles. Many turn to Rock Band and the latest iterations of Guitar Hero for their singing fix, including myself. Still, I’ve rather enjoyed the simple pleasures I can get from Lips, Microsoft’s exclusive karaoke title. While the original game built a sturdy foundation on which the franchise could grow, I can’t exactly heap praise upon its pseudosequel Lips: Number One Hits. While it manages to hit some glorious high notes, its timbre is still a bit warbly — and that’s something that worries me about the future of the series.
Review: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
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As much as we’d like to, we can’t just sit around and play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare every waking moment. Well, maybe you can. But sometimes it’s prudent to broaden your horizons by branching out and checking out other titles that might offer just the same level of excitement, or at least something pretty close to what Infinity Ward’s smash hit provided over these past couple of years. Enter Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. While it differs in many ways from its FPS cousins, brothers, and sisters, it still offers engaging and exhilarating wartime exploits, rewarding the patient and the brave with tight controls, the enforcement of teamwork, and a great squad-based shooter with plenty of potential.
Review: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
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Comic book heroes, RPG-lite mechanics, and a whole lot of silliness go a long way when it comes to gaming. Even if you’re not on the up-and-up with Tony Stark’s background or Deadpool’s merc-with-a-mouth ‘tude, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 can still quench your thirst for a powerful, entertaining adventure that grips you with all its might and seldom lets go. It resonates with the dulcet tones of the original game, providing that feel-good jolt that you sometimes need in this day and age, what with all the underwhelming games being released for no good reason (Ju-On, anyone?). While it may not have technically improved over its predecessor in too many discernible ways, it’s just plain fun.
Review: Borderlands
Combining RPG elements with frenetic FPS action is usually a game development path that can’t go wrong. In the case of Gearbox’s brand new darling <b>Borderlands</b>, they most certainly hit one out of the park. Splicing together some of the things we love about both genres — as well as explosive multiplayer adventure — was one of the best moves they could have ever made. And it’s become one of the most infamous time sucks of all time. Where to get more loot? How can I level up faster? And why isn’t everyone playing <b>Borderlands</b> on my friends list?