All posts tagged 'Game Reviews'

Review: Warriors of the Lost Empire (PSP)

wotle_box.jpgEvery now and then a game comes along that redefines a genre or subgenre; a game that changes your assumptions about what is possible; a game that becomes the standard-bearer against which all newcomers are judged.

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Review – DDR: Hottest Party (Wii)

wiidr.jpgDance Dance Revolution is an easy recommend for kids because it teaches rhythm and exercise. Even the boys should try it – men too – it might even help you survive a heart attack (true story). The Wii version adds arm movements to the mix. CommonSenseMedia.org has my review – showing here – and I gave it 4 of 5 stars and recommend it for anyone over 10 (7 if you don’t mind slightly racy lyrics)

Review – John Woo Presents: Stranglehold (PC, PS3, Xbox360)

stranglehold.jpgBased on John Woo movies and complete with twin firing guns, lots and lots of slo-motion firing, shattering glass, dead bodies, and . . . doves. . . Stranglehold stars the likeness of Chow Yun Fat reprising his film role of the cop from Hard Boiled who’s name is, for some reason, Tequila. CommonSenseMedia.org has my full review. 3 out of 5 stars and recommended for 17+ due to nonstop violence. Keep the kids away, unless you let them watch the movies, then you’re going to do what you’re going to do, huh?

Review – March Madness ’08

marchmadness.jpgJust in time for March – some madness is here! Looks like CommonSense Media just published my March Madness ’08 review for Xbox360/PS3 (and to a smaller extent) PS2. I liked the game fine, even though I’m very burnt out on the hoops and EA Sports is much too slow to upgrade things significantly. Maybe the fact that I don’t have an alma mater is my problem? Anyway, at least the game will help you with your office pools – or help you teach your kids why College X kicks serious . . . basketball.  4-out-of-5. Recommended for 7 and up. Nothing offensive here you wouldn’t see on TV and a lot offensive you’ll see on TV that you won’t see here.

Review – Endless Ocean

In case you haven’t noticed, I like to spice up my BioShock, Rainbowendlesso.jpg Six: Vegas, Rock Band, and other grown-up games with games that can best be described as “cute and quirky.” I admire imaginative gaming – and feel these kinds of casual games are very good for kids. I also believe gaming is all about doing things you can’t normally do (fly a plane, drive a race car, combat terrorism, or save the world from various kinds of aliens – zombies – or alien zombies). (Note to self, try and pitch alien-zombie idea to a game developer.)

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Family Game of 2007

goty113small.gifPicking the best game of any given year is difficult. That’s why you’ll see that most magazines and websites cheat and cram as many categories as they possibly can – so as many games can win as possible. To me the question is simple. I’m not looking for excellence (Mario Galaxy) so much as I’m looking for impact. I’m looking for the game we’ll remember that year for. And that game, for 2007 inarguably is . . .

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txa1265’s Best Games of 2007

pc_puzzlequest_box.jpgOver the past five years I have gone from predominantly a PC FPS fan to a gamer who will try just about everything on the PC, GBA, DS and PSP. Heck, I have even picked up some games for the Wii my kids bought themselves last year! I had a great year of gaming in 2007 with GamerDad, and wanted to share my thoughts on the best experiences of the year!

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You should be playing: Audiosurf

Audiosurf characterThere are plenty of great games out there that don’t get the publicity of a Madden, a Halo, or a Grand Theft Auto, but deserve your attention anyway.  From time to time, I’m going to look at some of these games, typically independently produced and free or cheap to buy.

I’ll kick things off with a wonderful music game for Windows called Audiosurf.  If you enjoy games like Guitar Hero but wish the soundtrack was more exactly suited to your taste, keep reading;  Audiosurf is strictly BYOB – Bring Your Own Beats – and thus is as family-friendly as your music collection.
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Patapon for PSP Review

91.jpgSquare-Square-Square-CIRCLE! Pata-Pata-Pata-PON!  What a bizarre game this is! I’m talking about Patapon, a stylish new rhthym game from the makers of Loco Roco. It’s a PSP game from Sony.  The idea is simple. By tapping out the basic rhythmic patterns (button combinations) you’re ordering these little silhouette creatures (with single eye balls, Viking helmets and spears) to march, attack, etc., on a 2D plain that somehow conveys more of a sense of “wartorn horror and full-scale destruction” than most games that are 3D and realistic!

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First Impressions: Lost Odyssey

Rated: T for Teen
Time Played: about 4 hours out of an estimated 40+ hours to finish

Lost Odyssey is a Japanese RPG game that was released for the Xbox360. It’s published by Mistwalker, who brought us last year’s Blue Dragon. Here’s a few notes from this first part of the game.
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