Review – Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Xbox360, PS3)
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Posted on March 7th, 2008 by
CrispyGamer.com had me review the PS3 version of this mind-numbingly challenging and very violent sword fighting game. I reviewed the Xbox 360 version for Common Sense Media last summer (that review gives more parental information so I’ll link it here as well). It’s bloody and violent, it earns its M-rating, but only the most persistent and skilled teens or adults will be able to see all that blood and gore. The game is really, really hard! In addition to the blood there’s a scantily clad secondary character. The decapitations are gone, but the game is still violent. Read the review here.
Review – Mario Strikers Charged (Wii)
Posted on March 5th, 2008 by
CommonSenseMedia.org has my Mario Strikers review and it’s got all the parental information you need in it. Like Mario was going to suddenly get foul-mouthed? My, that would be a surprising turn from Nintendo – wouldn’t it? Anyway, the game is rated 10+ in terms of content and ability (some younger more experienced kids and tweens will have an easier time) and I gave it 4 of 5 stars.
Review: Warriors of the Lost Empire (PSP)
Posted on March 4th, 2008 by
Every 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.
Review – DDR: Hottest Party (Wii)
Posted on March 3rd, 2008 by
Dance 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)
Posted on March 2nd, 2008 by
Based 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
Posted on March 1st, 2008 by
Just 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
Posted on February 28th, 2008 by
In case you haven’t noticed, I like to spice up my BioShock, Rainbow
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.)
Family Game of 2007
Posted on February 26th, 2008 by
Picking 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 . . .
txa1265’s Best Games of 2007
Posted on February 21st, 2008 by
Over 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!
You should be playing: Audiosurf
Posted on February 21st, 2008 by
There 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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