Yep, that Skyrim review is still incoming. I spent a chunk of yesterday writing and editing down, but woke up with a HUGE headache that’s lasted the better part of today. I’m feeling a bit better, but I don’t recommend one of these unless I happen to not like you very much and know where you live. Anyway, back in a bit with a few reviews, maybe a few gift suggestions and perhaps some artwork…
Fear not, fans of the franchise who want a more traditional RE game that hearkens back to the classic trilogy you’re so fond of. Granted, you’ll need to have a 3DS in the house, as this is an exclusive for the handheld. But my, doesn’t it look fantastic? Gameplay is slower, more methodical at times and yup, zombies WILL get up in your face if you get caught off-guard. Of course, the gloomy, scary atmosphere and limited ammo (from what I played in the demo version) add to the tension and some of those undead don’t go down without a fight. Anyway, keep your eyeballs peeled for this one, as it’s coming on February 7, 2012 in the US and January 27, 2012 in the UK (lucky!).
Platform: PlayStation 3
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco Bandai
# of Players: 1 – 4
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Score: B+ (80%)
One of the most underutilized features of the PS3 has been the ability to play Blu-Ray and game hybrid discs, which is quite strange in my opinion. Considering how licensed movie games could have a second life if bundled with the films they’re based on at a reasonable price point, it’s a no-brainer to me that MORE game/movie discs haven’t been produced. Tekken Hybrid manages to do a pretty decent job as a package, although a few more bonuses would have been cool to beef up the replay value somewhat. For $40, you’re getting the CG movie Tekken: Blood Vengeance, an HD version of Tekken Tag Tournament and a brief demo of the Japanese arcade version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (all with optional 3DTV support), plus a few interviews with a few folks behind the games and film. While this package is geared more towards hardcore Tekken fans, those new to the long running fighting franchise can pick it up and have a blast, provided they’re not looking for online play or tons of bonus content (other than the newly added Trophies). Continue reading
More of my game collection madness for your viewing pleasure. Actually, of the three galleries posted so far, this set of games was the easiest to photograph as almost all of them are stored right next to my PC in a CD tower and the others are in a nearby bin. Enjoy!
That’s right, folks, I’m FINALLY starting my Skyrim review later today. I have something like 12 pages of notes to work from and yes, the review will be fairly long. As I can’t download the patch, it’ll be a pre-patch review (like all the rest should have been). Warts and all, it’s still the best game Bethesda’s made. Even Famitsu agrees with me (which is super rare for a western-developed game). Back in a bit…
OK, I was going to save posting there until I woke up in a few hours, but I decided to stay up an extra half hour just for you guys. Anyway, I figured that since I went to all that trouble to photograph my MD/Genesis collection, I may as well break out the stepladder and get the Super Famicom stuff down just to get it done. Here you go – enjoy. I’ve a bunch of loose carts as well, but I’ll get to those at some point when I have more time. Before you ask, my large SNES collection got sold off a few years back, save for a handful of extra loose carts and manuals I held on to.
By popular demand (from a few places), here you go, along with Master System games since they’re living on the same shelf as the MD/Genny stuff. For those who’ve seen the older pics elsewhere, yes, the collection used to be larger by about 40 or so games, but here’s where we’re at now minus a few loose carts I have stored in a bin nearby. I’ll try to get to the Super Famicom stuff within the next couple of months, as it’s more of a project getting them from the closet in the other room…
Platform: Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade)
Developer: Starfire Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
# of Players: 1 (1 – 4 online)
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Score: A (90%)
For a first game, Fusion: Genesis is outstanding, but what would you expect from four ex-Rare team members who got together with the express purpose of making great games? Starfire Studios’ beautiful, addictive and deep space combat game combines elements from shooters, MMO’s and RPG’s in a solid blend of twin stick action, loads of loot and a nice range of customizable spacecraft. It’s too bad this is a 360 exclusive, as what’s here would do well as a Games for Windows title or even a cross platform and handheld release. Nevertheless, if you have an Xbox Live account and want something deep and thrilling that won’t be over in a weekend and has replay value to spare, this one’s got your name all over it. Continue reading
Platform: PlayStation 3 (also on Xbox 360)
Developer: From Software
Publisher: Namco Bandai
# of Players: 1 (Online: 1 – 4)
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Score: A (90%)
If Dark Souls doesn’t scare you silly at some point, you’re either fearless, slightly to moderately insane or so jaded that nothing can faze you. Like 2009’s PS3 smash sleeper, Demon Souls, what’s here is a purely terrifying blend of old school difficulty and current gen tech that’s beautiful yet brutal and definitely not for those looking for an easy ride. From Software has created one of the most compelling game experiences to date (and if you’ve been a fan of the developer as long as I have, you could see this coming) that’s an absolute essential for any gamer willing to take the plunge. While the lengthy solo campaign is superb, it’s in the innovative online mode where many will see the game’s full range. That said, the dev team has wisely made sure that folks who can’t play online can still complete the game. It’ll just be a bit harder at times thanks to the punishing difficulty and intentionally vague storytelling that requires a bit of thought (and a lot more exploration and combat) to fully comprehend. Continue reading
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: 1st Playable Productions
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
# of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 & Up)
Score: A- (85%)
The Hidden is a nice little surprise from developer 1st Playable Productions and Majesco Entertainment, offering up some fun ghost tracking and shooting missions while getting you up and about in the process for a bit of exercise. While the game is definitely geared toward younger players, there’s enough to like here that even “core” gamers will want to take this one for a spin. The game’s big draws are its use of augmented reality, first-person shooting sequences and the fact that each person playing the game will have a unique experience thanks to using the 3DS cameras to capture actual locations as backgrounds for the action. While there’s no multiplayer modes to speak of, the game still manages to impress and you can expect a few passers-by to ask what you’re playing as you’re walking about scanning actual locations for ghosts to bust. Continue reading
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