The Newest Nintendo – DSi
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Posted on June 10th, 2009 by
Nintendo knows when they have a good thing going. They have dominated the handheld gaming market for many years, often with progressive upgrades rather than trying to build up an entirely new user base with each new handheld machine. This spring, they have released the newest upgrade to the DS line of handhelds, the DSi. By removing the Gameboy Advance slot, they have clearly staked out an attitude of looking towards the future rather than the past. Beyond that significant hardware reduction, there are numerous software improvements that make it a larger leap forward than the leap from Nintendo DS to the DS Lite.
Game Review: Space Camp (Wii)
Posted on June 9th, 2009 by
It’s the beginning of summer, and kids across the country will soon be sent to all manner of summer camps. But the one big summer excursion that many kids dream of attending is Space Camp. However, it’s pretty expensive to go, so only a lucky few kids actually get the chance. But now, aspiring young astronauts can enjoy the fun of Space Camp right in their own living room with the Space Camp video game for Nintendo Wii.
Game Review: Dokapon Journey (DS)
Posted on June 6th, 2009 by
As a big fan of boardgames as well as role-playing games, it was with a bit of excitement that I set out to take a look at the recent Atlus title, Dokapon Journey. My knowledge of Japanese games is limited, so I can’t tell you anything about previous incarnations (if any) of this title. Unfortunately, what I can tell you is that the game was a disappointment. There is the making of a somewhat interesting boardgame in the vein of Talisman, Return of the Heroes, and other sorts of RPG/adventure boardgames, but it fails to provide much in the way of meaningful decisions. The interface, graphics, and even the backstory are all reasonably well done, the gameplay simply results in nothing more than a kind of Candyland with lots of chrome.
Game Review: Populous DS
Posted on June 4th, 2009 by
Some may argue it should only be placed in the “God Game” genre, but I think of Populous as one of the best, very early examples of Real-Time Strategy. Published in 1989, three years before Dune II, four years before Warcraft, and five years before Command and Conquer, Populous had strategic depth but also made players think on their feet to respond to what the computer was doing in real time. I remember fondly my college days where I was raising and lowering the LEGO shaped landscape so that my followers could create large dwellings in order to reproduce and fuel my divine wrath towards the opposing deity and his followers. Amazingly, this icon of my early PC gaming days has returned in the form of a strategy game on the DS. I am admittedly looking at the game through rose colored glasses of nostalgia, but it is one of the top retro games I have played on the DS.
GamerFamily Playlist – May09
Posted on June 1st, 2009 by
Here at the GamerDad family residence (a small house by a big lake) we play games. A lot of games. I pretty much have the opposite problem you do. I never have enough time to really get into a game – gotta move on – and my kids know that dad has A LOT more games downstairs then he lets on. So lets talk about my spoiled family a bit. (Note: there’s a lot about the old Sid and Marty Kroft’s Land of the Lost too.) more…
My Blog, My Way
Posted on May 29th, 2009 by
Just a hodgepodge blog this week, folks. Thought I’d share with you some of my recent gaming endeavors like going to the arcade auction, playing unusual games like My World, My Way, downloading gems such as PictoBits and Bubble Bobble Plus, as well as some other random junk I can think up!
Game Review: Bonsai Barber (Wiiware)
Posted on May 26th, 2009 by
Modern technology is wonderful. If you were to tell me 10 years ago that I’d be able to download software to my console that let me aim my controller at my TV in an effort to give vegetables a superior haircut, I’d have said you were crazy. I’d have been interested, but still thought you were crazy. Here I sit today having downloaded the the unique game, Bonsai Barber, onto my Wii. It is a lighthearted game based around grooming friendly vegetables who visit your barbershop. Using standard barber tools and your Wiimote, players attempt to fix hairstyles to match patrons’ preferences. Do a good job, and they’ll tell their friends, begin to schedule appointments, and even start to send you virtual postcards to let you know they’ve been thinking of you. The game is different and has potential, but is it worth the 1000 point download?
The Games of Touchmaster 2
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 by
Have you ever been to a restaurant or bar and seen a little gaming machine on the corner where people could use the touch screen to play simple games? Chances are that was a Touchmaster arcade machine, and they’re made by Midway. Midway’s made a couple of these Touchmaster collections on the DS, and recently I snagged the sequel for 20 bucks since I like to collect arcade compilations. And as I tend to do with these things, here’s a blog briefly detailing the games included in Touchmaster 2.
Wahoo! It’s Cary’s Klonoa Blog!
Posted on May 16th, 2009 by
In honor of the Klonoa remake being recently released for the Wii, I figured I’d write a blog detailing all the games in the Klonoa series, and my personal experiences with them. Those who’ve known me for a while know I’m a huge fan of the Klonoa games. It’s pretty easy to tell, really. Back when I used to visit more message boards, my on screen ‘name’ was always Klonoa. Even now, my Xbox Live GamerTag name is Klonoa360! The Klonoa series just really match my gaming tastes and personality. So come along and let’s take a tour of the land of dreams!
Game Review: Space Invaders Extreme (Xbox Live)
Posted on May 12th, 2009 by
One of gaming’s most iconic titles, Space Invaders, has gone extreme on Xbox Live Arcade. Released last year on the PSP and DS portable console system, this isn’t your father’s Space Invaders. Featuring new gameplay elements, powers, online and local versus and co-op play, all with trippy visuals and sound, Space Invaders Extreme is a must download for classic game fans.
