The Official Game Reviews thread...

[Diabolique]

Many of you probably search the web to read reviews about a game prior to purchasing it. Most of the time this is so you can get an idea of what type of game it really is or if it is truely worth the purchase or just a rental.

Now I'm willing to bet that some of you will find some reviews oppose your personal opinion of a game after actually playing it yourself. It happens. Reviews are based off of opinions so it is bound to happen.

Say you play a game that most other sites and magazines have labeled as "poor" or "below average" yet you find the game to be rather enjoyable and far better than you thought. Or maybe you find only a very few reviews about a game that should get more exposure.

Feel free to add your own reviews to this thread, which I'll make sticky.

[soloist]

Tis a shame I do not still
own some of the olde-
r reviews I typed
up so many y-
ears ago (la-
ughs)! Go-
od idea,
Ingri-
d!!

Let me begin with these:

Mini-Review for Jaws: Unleashed (PS2)

While I have not completed the entire game, I can say based on reaching the open water section that this game may keep potential investors away thanks to its troubling controls. The visuals are not that great and even prove to be glitchy quite often. I personally tried to enjoy this game, but sadly, could not. That is not to say that Jaws: Unleashed cannot be enjoyed, but if you can overcome all of the issues posted above, then you just may enjoy the GTA-like freedom once Jaws breaks free from captivity and reaches the "open water" section.

Jaws: Unleashed is made by the same people who brought you Echo (PS2) Appaloosa, but this game would have benefitted more from another month or two in developement in my opinion.

Note: The X-box version is more problematic than the PS2 version!

My opinion: Rent.. but then again, at 20 dollars, you cannot go wrong (rather, too wrong).

............................................................................................


Mini-Review for Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure (GBA)

Dragon Ball fans will eat this game up and with good reason since it shares the elements that made the show enjoyable by presenting an accurate retelling of Goku's story from the Dragon Ball series (not DBZ) via side-scrolling action sequences presented in 4 ways.

-2D side-scrolling/platforming action quests (Contra, Sonic etc... more fighteing though)
-2D shooter (think R-Type, Gradius etc)
-2D battle sequences (think Street Fighter II)
-Mini games such as catching Korin or breaking boulders before time runs out)

There are many unlockables to obtain and bonus characters to discover for the 2D battle mode even! The battle sections allow gamers to perform air combos in the manner in which is used in the DBZ universe along with energy beams (Kamehameha). To keep things simple, each mode is enjoyable to play... especially for fans of the series.

And enjoyable adventure this is and worth the money in my opinion. Non-DBZ gamers may not like it much...

My opinion: Worth investing in, but fans recommended!

[Diabolique]

Sir Soloist - I made the text for the review Cyan to make it stand out more.

[soloist]

Thank you, Ingrid! I
think I messed it
up trying to a-
dd bold prin-
t, but I wi-
ll attem-
pt to fi-
x it!!



(working on it...)

(done now)

[soloist]

Robot Alchemic Drive (R.A.D) for PS2

After playing R.A.D for a few minutes, I wonder why there was not a sequel of this game or even another attempt to duplicate this style of gameplay... because it could sell!!! The idea of the gamer controlling a human who controls a huge mech and the strategy of positioning the human so that they can give the appropriate orders to the mech while keeping away from the harm which the mech-battles can bring is simply brilliant! This game does show its age from a technical standpoint (draw distance, pop-up, low res textures... etc), but it plays very well considering the theme (huge robots battling... so they obviously move slow) with dynamic camera angles to emphasize the scope between the size of these robots and the damage being done (though it does not work all of the time). The controls will probably keep novice gamers away because Street Fighter motions are needed to get some of the more advanced moves to work (think dragon punch or fireball motions). It may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed playing it again.

My opinion: Collectors or hardcore gamers welcome ONLY...

For those who have not noticed, R.A.D was made by ENIX.

........................................................................................................


Indigo Prophecy (PS2)

Let me just say that I was engrossed in the story of this game and while I have not played it long, I did enjoy the way the gamer is thrown into the story starting out in a bathroom and learning a murder took place and that you are responsible. There are several ways of leaving the restroom, but suddenly, a second screen appears and a cop enters the restaurant (the same restaurant which houses a bathroom which you are still in). How you solve this riddle determines what happens next with quite a few solutions and outcomes available. I managed to clean the restroom, hide the knife and leave the restaurant before the cop even entered! Just as I got in a taxi and drove off, the cop entered the bathroom and found out about the body. While I do not know how the rest of this game is, from what little I have played of it, I am enthralled and cannot wait to learn of what happens next!

My opinion: Worth a look for patient gamers (alot of problem solving here)

[soloist]

Mini Review for Shonen Jump's Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (PS2)

After playing this game for about 3o minutes, this game is definitely on par with the anime series in terms of the presentation and style with comedic battle sequences thrown applenty and a striking similarity with Dragonball Z: Budokai 3 (PS2). This should not be surprising since this is another Bandai game but with the merger of Bandai and Namco, it is a Bandai/Namco title and features simple controls (2 attacking buttons, one for projectile and one for striking attacks) but less than simple gameplay to learn. Reversals for many of the moves add to the depth, but mostly because of the timing needed to input commands (X, O, square or triangle) at the right moments.

There are many items to power up characters during battles and even support characters who appear for a single attack, but can be attacked also. With multi-tiered stages and multiple planes per stage (like Guily Gear Isuka), battles seem much more interesting than a 2D fighter yet less free-form than a true 3D fighter (such as Power Stone). There seems to be only 12 fighters and I am not certain at this moment whether or not more can be unlocked. Various modes of play are present as well as a shop where various items can be purchased (again, similar to DBZ:B 3). In short, this game seems to be one of the better (if not the best) Naruto game currently available...

While not the deepest fighter (not even close), Naruto: Ulitmate Ninja does offer plenty for the fans of its anime series and clever gameplay with items littering the destructable portions of each stage and offers a simple Janken (rock, paper, scissor) style battle system.

My opinion: For Naruto fans (fighting-game fans should not expect much)

[soloist]

Mini-review for Flipnic (PS2)

I was surprised to see how well this game plays out! And to think that this Capcom title was not properly advertised and released without much mentioning is beyond belief! Think of it as a pinball game (yes, I am THIS excited about a pinball game) with a taste of a theme-park roller coaster ride and numerous bonuses scattered about. Flipnic was released late last year if memory serves me well (around the fall season of 05), and though I was keeping an eye out for it, I forgot of Flipnic after the 360 was launched (laughs). Now after finding it, I cannot believe that I missed out on this experience.

Ok, getting into the game, each level is comprised surreal 3D environments interconnected with various other sections... so each stage has other stages in them. As stated on the box, these environments feature "outrageous gameplay variations that must be seen to be believed."

There are also two-player games such as a skeet-ball-esque challenge and a few others for competitive fun.

With over 70 areas to play in and more than 100 challenges, Flipnic will keep gamers occupied for quite some time. And to think that I am not even a pinball fanatic, yet this game grips me!

My opinion: This game deserves a look from pinball fans and those who can appreciate original titles.

[soloist]

Mini-review on Prey (X-box 360):

After being subjected to a purgatorial fate in the developement cycle for about 10 years (from my understanding), Prey has FINALLY been released! Was it worth the wait? In some ways, yes... while in other ways, no. The single-player mode (story mode) features sections that are somewhat of a breeze to advance through so far. I unlocked 5 acheivements in the first 30 minutes of the game, and I was taking my time.

The sections are short (at least those that I have played thus far). Another issue is that the A.I is not that smart and will charge or stand still at times firing at the player... almost waiting to be shot at. From a technological and visual stand-point, this game does astound with amazing looking (organic and mechanic) locations (visual) and portals opening up suddenly (technological). The anti-gravitational sections where the player walks on ceilings and can easily get players disorienated, but after playing Prey for a while, you become accustomed to it.

From a multi-player perspective, this game is fun and offers something different to the FPS market. The weaponry being one aspect with organic fire-arms and the ability to tap into the Spirit Walk mode helps to throw another refreshing idea into the genre. It lets the player leave his body and move about with a weapon called the Spirit Bow. This feature is used in the single-player mode as well. If the players physical body is attacked, they immediately transport back to their body while taking damage. Being able to walk on ceilings and battle inverted is a different take on online FPS gaming as well.

Overall, Prey is an enjoyable experience, though with a more lengthy solo experience, this game would have been highly recommended. As is though, it best suits those seeking a change in FPS online gaming scene.

My advice: Wait to rent... unless you plan on playing it mainly for the multi-player experience. While the story portion of the game is interesting, it very well may end before you know it. Prey is worth experiencing though...

[KenseidenXL]

My mini-review of Time Splitters: Future Perfect

I got this game for $20 at Target. I think I know why it was so cheap. The graphics are quite good, especially for a single-disc GCN game, the gameplay leaves me cold. My problem has to do with the controller set up. It simply doesn't have the user-friendliness of Resident Evil 4.
Plot wise, the game has some appeal and the lead character looks a bit like The Rock.

I am simply not impressed, thusfar.

[soloist]

The Timesplitters series always impressed me by way of
technical achievements since it was and still is the o-
nly game featuring frantic gameplay (not sure if
it is 60 FPS... but it sure seems that way) yet a-
llowed more than 8 characters onscreen sim-
ultaneously without any slowdown whats-
oever! The quirky characters were alwa-
ys interesting and the multi-player co-
mponent of the game is just as frant-
ic (still without slowdown). This v-
ersion sported huge environmen-
ts and even more characters a-
long with more gameplay m-
odes such as the monkey a-
ssist (this mode allows m-
onkeys to assist the pla-
yer on the losing or w-
inning side dependi-
ng on how the pla-
yer customized t-
he game). The
co-op mode i-
s fun as we-
ll, but the
assault g-
ame is s-
imply
a bla-
ste t-
o pl-
ay!

[soloist]

Mini-review for Road Rash: Jailbreak (GBA)

The Road Rash series known as Jailbreak is not one people leave with a great lasting and positive effect. This title on the PS2 was not one of the best in the series (though it had a great soundtrack), and the GBA version translates just as uninspiring in many ways. A shame really, because there are some things this game does right. For instance, the visuals are better than the Genesis versions and there are much more items littering each course. There are 9 courses (many must be unlocked), each varying in look (mostly) and with their own themes and 5 gameplay modes:

Wild Race (standard story mode)
Cop Patrol (play as the cop and arrest Rashers)
Time Attack (race against time... and traffic, no Rashers)
Survival (racing through all of the tracks... no story)
Multiplayer (race against other gamers via link)

In racing through the Wild Race and Cop Patrol modes, other 2 chracters can be unlocked with the 3 startout playable characters... each riding their own style of motorcycle.

The problems with this game? Well, there is no music playing while racing which seems odd... especially since the less technically appealing Genesis versions had music. Another problem is that the kick is just another "impacting" move as opposed to a pushing one. So it is no longer possible to kick an opponents bike toward a vehicle or off course. This changes the gameplay considerably (in my opinion). When attacking, 3 successive and continuous attacks instantly causes the player or opponent to fall, however, it is only when their energy bar is empty when they (or you) are out of the race.

One gameplay issue I thought was amusing is that when a cop is chasing the player, by simply hitting the brakes... the cop will continue to ride and will stop some ways ahead, waiting for the player to catch up. This action should result in being busted... but it does not.

What I do like of this game is that there are plenty of gameplay modes to entertain the player and the welcome powerups. While I normally would not want to see such items in a Road Rash game, this game was created to make them essential... and they are. Power ups come in the form of Invisibility, oil trails, napalm (instantly crash), and a hamburger (regain health). Weapons are considered power ups and are found in the same manner as the previously mentioned ones - via crates in the road which must be rammed. Everyone has a bat (standard weapon), but the only other weapon I have seen was a cattle-prod (or tazer).

All in all, this game is a mixed bag. If you can get past the fact that it does not play like the Genesis versions, then you may be able to appreciate the gameplay changes. I for one could not... and so I am less pleased with Road Rash: Jailbreak. The saving grace for me is that I picked it up for about $3... so it was worth the amount spend. If you can get it for less than $20, it may be worth investing in if you have spare change to blow.

My opinion: RR:JB is not a game I would rush out to get and should not be considered a replacement for the old Road Rash games. Invest at your own risk...

[soloist]

True Crime: New York City (PS2)

And it is a shame this game has been classified as a second rate GTA title, because it is a much deeper game than people who favor GTA may think. Luxoflux, the team responsible for Vigilante 8 series (think a challenger to Twisted Metal) on the PSone have utilized their programming talents to make True Crime: NYC a beautiful looking game with impressive lighting and visual effects (for a PS2 game) and it looks even better on the X-box!

Slowdown occurs during intense sequences, but is not too distracting. If anything, many complain of the complex control scheme since the main character (Marcus) has plenty of moves to perform and various fighting styles (both in and out of vehicles) to master and toggle through after earning them.

Similar to GTA, there are plenty of side-quests to participate in, but this game attempts to separate itself from GTA with the legal/illegal moral debate leaning on one's shoulders even more since you are a cop and depending on the type of cop you choose to be (clean/good or rogue/bad). Taking out enemies utilizing a degree of restraint (like injuring a criminal instead of killing him/her) gives the player good cop points while ruthlessly disposing of enemies and taking bribes gets the player bad cop points.

Side quests include:

-fight club style missions
-Underground circuit racing
-Taxi cab quests

In keeping crime elements in each city controlled, that particular borough turns colors (from red to eventual green) and actually looks cleaner. In crime infested locations, garbage and newpapers taper with the wind and citizens complain of the condition.

There is so much to do in this game, and MANY of the buildings can be entered (unlike the GTA series) which I thought was amazing considering the size and scope of the game! Each of these buildings are littered with furniture and patrons scattered about. Night clubs include dancing women and waitresses walking about, Inns feature people entering, exiting and trying to book rooms, and restaurants house customers dining and enjoying the atmosphere. Each person in the game can be frisked, but if players are feeling wicked, they can plant illegal items on these people for force an arrest. Vendors can even be extorted and bribed also!

To keep this mini-review blunt, True Crime: NYC is much more than a GTA rip-off, however, those determined to be GTA fanatics will not have a need to play this, but in avoiding this game, you avoid an alternative and in some ways, a better product than what you have become familiar with. No, this game is not meant to replicate GTA... just utilize similar aspects and take the genre to another level. This is my opinion though, but I will say that it is worth looking into for those who are into the "sand-box" styled games giving players freedom to do as they choose. Just know that in this game, there are crimes always being committed, and with you being a cop, you have the choice of handling them your own way... or not handling them at all. The choice is yours...

My opinion: With this game now selling for only $20 dollars (new) and less than $15 used, you cannot go wrong with this game. Be warned that cussing is plentiful here and even more-so in the unlockable Redman game (which is kind of like the Snoop Dog side game in the first True Crime, but MUCH MORE action orienated)!

Bonuses I like about TC:NYC:

-gaining bonus attacks via Dojos
-learning new driving skills at the police accademy
-eating from food vendor to gain health
-being about to catch a bus, train or cab to destinations (for a fee)
-visuals and lighting
-the bosses or major crime leaders
-the fighting action

[KenseidenXL]

Mini-Review of Resident Evil 4 (GCN)

Capcom, 2004. Rated 'M' (violence, gore, language)


Normally, I avoid gory games, but I finally picked up a copy of this one back in April. I'm hooked.

This game has some of the best graphics I have ever seen and relatively simple gameplay.

Unlike previous games in the series, this one is mostly a shoot-'em-up.

You are Leon Scott Kennedy (from RE2). It is 6 years after the events of RE/RE2/RE0 and you're working for White House security. The President's daughter has been kidnapped and you're job is to rescue her.

You start out with a pistol, but you can find/buy other, more powerful weapons along the way. Unlike previous RE games, this one has no automatic targetting. You are strictly on your own for aiming as Hit Ratio is one of the stats the game keeps track of, along with elapsed time and total kills. As with previous RE games, though, are puzzles to solve and keys to find.

All in all, it is one of the best games I have ever played, and certainly one of the best the GCN has to offer.

[soloist]

I agree on this being the best of the series,
though Resident Evil 3 on the PSone
and the remake of the original
Resident Evil on the GC w-
ere powerful titles in
my opinion for t-
heir time. M-
ay get the
PS2 col-
lecto-
rs:

(edition...)

[soloist]

King of Fighters 2006 (PS2) - the second 3D version of this Neo Geo classic which features 38 characters and mini-games similar to Street Fighters bonus stages. Fast action too! Voice acting is available in both English and Japanese. It reminds me alot of Street Fighter EX gameplay-wise... but with a more refined control system and combo set-up. More on this later...

Dragon Quest's Hero's: Rocket Slime (DS) - surprisingly deep and not as childish or "kiddie" as one may think initially after viewing the game's introduction and its visuals. Let this this facade fool you, because this game is a deep one inspite of what it appears to be. Reminiscent of Zelda in alot of ways (the original) as far as finding items which opens up new area. I have yet to see what the stylus is used for (if it is used at all... but I do not mind). So far so good...

Flatout 2 (PS2) - this game astounded me... especially when compared to the original Flatout title. This time around, environments are much more destructable with debris that liter the courses and remain there after each lap! The action is frantic... but sensible (without slowdown), though the controls can be challenging since sliding vehicles happens to be the norm (mostly when travelling at a high speed and getting bumped off course). Inspite of this, FO2 features diverse gameplay modes such as the mini-games from the previous version and has been inspired by the Burnout series in terms of speed (more realistic though). I am fond of this game so far...