Sonic the Fighters (Sonic Championship)

Sonic the Fighters(sonic Championship in the North American arcade release) was an arcade fighting game that saw very limited release in America. SEGA of America thought that the games portrayal of the characters was too violent(although Sonic Battle was released a few years alter on the Gameboy Advance). A Saturn port was planned, but canceled. the game finally saw a home console release via Sonic Gems Collection on the Gamecube, alongside some other lesser known Sonic titles. The game runs on the same engine as Fighting Vipers, and as such, plays almost exactly the same. In fact, the game came into being because Masahiro Sugiyama put Sonic and Tails in a beta version of Fighting Vipers. Yu Suzuki thought it was interesting, and so proposed the idea to Yuji Naka, who loved it.

The story is somewhat simple, and honestly, a bit laughable. Dr.Robotnic (misspelled Dr.Robotonic in this game) has launched the Death Egg II. Tails creates a rocket ship to counter this, but there is a problem - only one person can fit inside. As such, the characters hold a fighting tournament, and the winner gets to take out Metal Sonic and Dr.Robotnic. I told you it was ridiculous.

Visually, the game has definitely not aged well, but it certainly looks good for its time. Characetrs are very polygonal, and a bit rough. The game does have nice looking stages and the cartoonish effects fit the game to a tee. Fists grow when swung, heads flatten when bashed, and characters "bleed" rings when damaged, just like Sonic does in his main games. This comes complete with the ring sound effect, and I couldn't help but smile when I first saw it.

StF has a very catchy sound track. Each stages music fits almost perfectly, and a few of them may get stuck in your head. the sound track is completely original, however, and none of the songs from other sonic games appear. As cool as it would be to have a smash Bros. like sound track, compiled from the series history, I have to say it was a bold move to create entirely new songs for the game.

The character roster is far from disappointing. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy (Rosy the Rascal) all made the cut, of course. Some of the more obscure characters such a Espio the Chameleon and Fang the Sniper made it in as well, and this is the only game that the characters Bean the Dynamite and Bark the Polar Bear has ever appeared in. There was originally a third original character slated to appear named Honey the Cat, but she was scrapped, though her character model still exists in the game's coding. Metal Sonic and Dr.Robotnic also make appearances as the game's boss characters. There are not playable, however. while it would have been neat to see some other obscure characters like Vector, it's easy to understand that due to limited technology, they had to be quite selective.

The controls are simple, and easy to understand. There is a punch button, a kick button, a guard button, and a guard break button. The joystick in combination with the attack buttons create combos and specials. The guard and guard break buttons should be self explanatory. You only have five shields, so if all five are broken, you can no longer block. Some characters use weapons, such as Bean's bombs, Amy's hammer and even Espio's tongue! If you are fighting one of these characters, a certain button combo will allow you to steal their weapon, and use it against them momentarily. On the Gamecube version, a skill list is available. I am unsure if this was available in arcades, but I highly doubt it.

Sonic the Fighters, or Sonic Championship if you prefer, is a simple yet fun fighter. It can provide hours of fun if you have people to play with, but playing alone it has limited appeal. The only way to own this game outside of owning an arcade cabinet is to buy Sonic Gems Collection. If you like Sonic, fighting games, or both of those things, you should at least try it. It is interesting to note that many of Sonic's attacks from Super Smash Bros. Brawl came from this game. It has aged rather poorly, so if you need everything to be new and shiny and perfect, then you should just stay away. It has developed a cult fanbase, and many have clamored for a sequel. It appears that isn't going to happen, but ti would be a welcome addition if it ever decides to show up.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

I'm sure many of you reading this look back on the Donkey Kong Country series' glory days on the SNES. It's sad to say, I never actually played a Donkey Kong Country game until the recent Wii entry. That being said, keep in mind that this is being reviewed by someone who has absolutely no emotional or sentimental attachment to the series at all. Despite this, Donkey Kong Country Returns still manages to instill a sense of nostalgia in me.


DK's banana horde has once again been stolen, this time by a gang of evil Tikis who are using a hypnotic rhythm to enslave the jungle inhabitants. The Kongs appear to be immune to this enchanting tune, and as such, Donkey and Diddy set off to get back what is rightfully theirs, and save the jungle.



Many games these days are being called out as being too easy, or pushovers. I'm happy to report than DKCR will make you break things. Yes, I said I'm happy to report that. I don't know when I've played such a challenging game! DKCR will push your platforming prowess to the limit, and then keep pushing it some more. Every level is masterfully crafted, and almost perfectly paced.

There are two control types in DKCR; using the Wii remote held on its side like an NES controller, or holding it upright using the Nunchuk. Personally, I prefer the former as it feels more natural. The controls are extremely tight and responsive, which is a must in any platformer.


Gameplay is pure 2D platforming goodness, while the 3D environments are bright, crisp and highly detailed. You progress by completing levels which all take place in worlds. After beating a number of levels, you may challenge that world's boss, and progress to the next world. Any level already completed can be played again anytime via the world map. This map, reminiscent of the world map from the first Crash Bandicoot is where you can access levels, check your progress in each level, and visit Cranky's hut to buy useful items. Each level has puzzle pieces to collect, unlocking artwork for your viewing pleasure, and the classic KONG letters. Collecting all KONG letters in every level of any single world unlocks a special level that is sure to try your patience. Collecting these, and beating these levels is entirely optional, but there is a great sense of accomplishment when you choose to do this.

Borrowed from other Nintendo games such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the superguide feature. After losing eight lives in a level, you can call on super Kong to show you how to play the level. If you allow super kong to complete the level for you, you may progress in the game, but you will retain no collectibles from the level, and it will not be counted as completed. Unlike the games this feature comes from however, it is actually useful for showing you how to get through some of the tougher parts.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is an amazing platforming experience that should definitely not be missed, especially if you enjoy a challenge. I'm sure it will get compared to New super mario Bros. Wii, as they are both platformers with the intention of bringing back memories while creating new ones. I have to say that DKCR blows NSMBW out of the water in every possible way, and is a superior platformer. Mario has been dethroned this generation, perhaps for the first time in the history of platforming.

Left 4 dead 2

What's more fun that loading a zombie with a buckshot? Loading a zombie with a buckshot while your friends cover you assault rifles, and bludgeon what you miss with a cricket bat!

When valve made Left 4 Dead, their intention was to make a true co op experience. You need your team mates to survive. When you pick up a med kit, you do so knowing you may very well have to use it on one of your partners rather than yourself. The game became very popular both on Xbox and PC, and fans wanted more. Apparently, they didn't want it so soon, though, because many boycotted this sequel.

Left 4 Dead 2 stars an entirely new cast of characters, and includes many updates such as melee weapons and new enemy types. Still, it is the same Left 4 Dead as before. If you loved the first one, you'll love this as well. The new enemy types include the spitter, who will vomit acid in your path and the charger, who will rush you and then proceed to beat you into the ground until you are rescued. Melee weapons range from a frying pan to a chainsaw, and are really satisfying to use.

Left 4 Dead has a governing AI called "The Director". this AI randomly spawns enemies in different areas and in different amounts. It "directs" the action. If things are quiet for too long, chances are, The director has placed a Witch in your path, or is about to bombard you with a wave or zombies. In one campaign called "Hard Rain", the AI can even control the weather, causing a raging thunderstorm at any given moment, blurring your vision an forcing you to seek shelter as the landscape floods. The Director also rewards team work. by sharing pills and healing your team mates, you may be rewarded with more health packs later. Playing selfishly will lead to less items and med kits later, and may lead to hard times.

The voice actors are very convincing, and though some argue the cast is less memorable that the first, I argue the opposite. As before, music and sounds are what warn you of what's ahead. When you hear the witch's crying along with her signature theme, you will instinctively turn your flash light off. When a crescendo event theme begins to play, you will instantly get pumped and huddle with your team mates in preparation for the horde. Other than these even themes, music is pretty much nonexistent.

The graphics are not a huge upgrade from the first L4D, though some environments are much brighter. They are by no means bad or lackluster, they just aren't as good as most games these days. This is a sacrifice that had to be made, however. When you see hundreds of zombies swarming you with little to no lag or slowdown, you will understand.

The game runs on Valve's Source engine, and most of the weapon models are straight from Counter Strike. If you have played any valve game recently, such as Portal or Half Life 2, then you should know what to basically expect in terms of how the game feels.

As stated, this is meant to be a co op experience. you can easily play alone with a computer controlling your partners, but the bots are programmed to do 3 things: follow, heal and kill. I highly recommend playing with other human players.

This game is about $20 new for Xbox 360 owners, or if you're a PC gamer you have truly lucked out as this wonderful game is only $5 on steam.

This is what a zombie game should feel like. You aren't Leon S. Kennedy. You aren't a government agent. you are an average Joe Schmo, and chances are, you're probably going to die. Plus, if you really feel like a challenge, you can turn on realism mode. In this mode, which can be played on any difficulty, head shots are crucial and team work is an absolute must.

The game is still being supported with DLC, and even the first L4D as well. If you own an Xbox 360, or you have Steam, you simply must own L4D or L4D2.

Excite Bike: World Rally

To many of us, Excitebike is an NES classic. This classic has been given a face lift and released and WiiWare and released for 1000 wii points. If you are unsure rather or not you wish to purchase this title, I can only say that if you don't know or care for the original, you will probably not think much of World Rally. However, if you are nostalgic at all for the original, then it is definitely worth the $10.

The controls are laid out exactly like the original. Up and down changes lanes, 1 is gas instead of A, and 2 is boost instead of B. Pressing left causes a wheelie (this may also be assigned to a tilt motion), and left and right change your angle when airborne.

The graphics are nothing spectacular, but it is 3D, and very colorful. It is the perfect example of howto give an NES game a makeover, in my opinion.

 

Then

Now

Your goal in the single player mode is not to come in first, but just as in the original, get the time indicated. In the multiplayer, however your goal is indeed to beat the other racers. Speaking of multiplayer, the majority of bike colors must be unlocked by competing over Nintendo Wifi. The problem with this is the fact that many players will throw a hiss fit 10 seconds from the finish line and disconnect, a la Mario Kart.

One of the coolest things about the NES Excitebike was the ability to create your own tracks. This feature has returned, and this time you can share your creations over Nintendo Wifi!

The music mostly consists of redone versions of the original Excitebike tunes. The track music is new, however, since the original had none. Sound effects such as engine revving, and the overheat warning are ripped directly from Excitetruck.

Excitebike: World Rally is essentially download nostalgia. I suggest those of you who care not for retro gaming simply ignore this one. However, if you played the original as a child, or wish to introduce retro gaming to a child/brother/etc that thinks the NES is a dinosaur, give it a shot.

Metroid Other M

Metroid has come a long way in recent years. Though it has always been somewhat of a third wheel when it comes to Nintendo games, the Prime series brought in many new fans, and though it was quite different from the 2D counterparts, it still managed to bring that sense of isolation and loneliness we've come to expect from the series into a new realm. With the Prime trilogy completed, many gamers wondered what was next for the series. They didn't have to wonder for long.


At E3 2009, Reggie Fils-Aime unveiled Other M with a teaser trailer, and fans couldn't wait. Now that its finally here, the game has met with much criticism, and has received a very mixed response. Here is what I think.


Other M is an attempt to “return Metroid to its roots”. It utterly fails in this department, as it is nothing like any other Metroid I've played. You still have your exploration, and your item collection, but Metroid is far from the only game that has this. You can't slap energy tanks and missile packs in a game and say “There, now it's just like Metroid!”


The game tries to combine 2D and 3D elements, but ends up just being 3D in the end. This isn't really a problem, but considering they were attempting to return the series to it's roots and all, shouldn't they want it to feel 2D?


Then there is the combat. I'm torn on this one, myself. Although it is cool to see Samus dodge a charging beast, and then shove her arm canon down its throat, combat just feels too tacked on. The game has an auto aim system that is extremely flawed, and it is almost impossible to pick one enemy over another when in 3rd person. By aiming the controller at the screen, you switch into an first person view, letting you aim with the wii remote to pick certain enemies, and lock onto them. This is also the only way to fire missiles. While in first person view, you cannot move, and this can sometimes be extremely frustrating.

Which brings me to controls. The game is controlled using a single wii remote held on it's side like an NES controller. This would have been an excellent choice had they actually made the game as if it were 2D like they were supposed to. This game, as much as it doesn't want to be, is a 3D game. 3D games need analog control! As I mentioned, you can enter first person by aiming at the screen, and this is just a frustrating way to handle that.


The game also likes to throw in segments where you are forced in a first person view and must play a game of Where's waldo to find God knows what, because they never tell you what it is you're supposed to be looking for. This wouldn't have been so terrible if they weren't so vague 90% of the time, and if it weren't so game breaking. You could be thrown into one of these segments after a lot of combat, or immediately after an action packed cut scene, and it just doesn't work well.


Speaking of things that don't work, lets talk story. Samus has just woken up some unspecified time after defeating Mother Brain in Metroid III(Super Metroid). During her time in this facility, she had a dream or flashback, depicting the end of that battle, and how the baby metroid sacrificed it's life for her. After going through some training to make sure she was healthy enough to be let go, Samus hops into her ship and goes on her way. While traveling through space, she receives a distress signal from a vessel called the 'Bottle Ship”. Because of it's annoying high pitch, she names this signal “Baby's Cry” and zips down to help. After entering the vessel, she runs into her old father figure/love interest/who gives a crap what he is, Adam, as well as his crew. Now, Samus Aran is a pretty amazing person. She is strong, has a suit made by an ancient warrior race, and is allegedly one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy. You actually start this game with EVERY ability in the game. This is true for most game sin the series, and every time, she loses them due to some sort of explosion or similar effect. Apparently, they were getting sick of that idea, and instead, she now simply refuses to use them until Adam authorizes them. This is stupid and goes completely against her established character. While somewhat understandable in some cases, I refuse to accept that while traveling through a high temperature, magma filled room, and effectively dying of heat stroke, Samus would not activate her varia suit defenses because she was not told to do so. As for the crew that was with Adam, we never really learn much about any of them, because most of them are there to serve no purpose aside from dying. Of course, no one cares that they are dead, because no one cares about them as characters. Except for Anthony Higgs. He deserves his own series.


The game isn't all bad though. The graphics are pretty, and it is in fact, one of the best looking wii games. Unfortunately, this has no bearing on the game play. The music is kind of nice, but there are hardly any of the classic Metroid songs or jingles, which is a real drag. Even the classic item noise is absent. In fact, the most recognizable song I heard was a remix of the Ridley battle song, and that was a little late to the party. It still brought back memories, though.

The voice actors are pretty flat and horrid, and the absence of an original Japanese voice option is disappointing. While this doesn't quite feel like a Metroid game, and certainly is not the Metroid you know and love, it is still a pretty enjoyable experience in the wii's library. I'm not sure why its still fun despite all of these complaints, but it is. Let's hope Samus has a better outing next time, but in the mean time, Other M is still worth a buy even given all it's problems.


I think Other M is destined to be the equivalent of Starfox Adventures. It would've been that much more passable had it not had the name “Metroid” on it. But it did. And those are some big shoes to fill.

Pokemon Heartgold and Soulsilver

Pokemon has got to be one of Nintendo's most valuable franchises. They have proven time and time again that no matter how much we boo and hoo each time they create a new entry with 100 some odd new Pokemon, no matter how much we vow tor rage quit because they are making our hard work obsolete, no matter how much we said "that is IT!" we always end up buying the new game anyway, and playing it to death. Not only that, they have now proven twice, once with FireRed and LeafGreen, and now with HeartGold and SoulSilver that they can make us buy a game we already bought a few ears ago by making it shinier and including a new peripheral. I'm not sure rather to rejoice or complain about that, to be honest.

HeartGold and SoulSilver are DS remakes of the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color Pokemon gold and Silver games. The graphics have been totally redone, and it has been made compatible with the 4th generation games as well. Of course, all the Pokemon introduced since then have also been included. These are honestly the best graphics in a hand held Pokemon game to date. It uses the isometric viewpoint on generation 4, but there are a couple or rendered cut scenes that are pretty cool as well. The in battle graphics are the same as usual. Flat sprites with a short animation when they first enter the battle.

The story is the same as the original Gold and Silver. You are a trainer. You want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is your real test. To train them is your cause. You will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Teach Pokemon to understand the power that's inside. In the world of Pokemon, trainers battle their trained Pokemon for supremacy, and by defeating gym Leaders in officially sanctioned battles, trainers earn a badge. Badges serve as status symbols, and without all 8, trainers are not allowed to battle the elite 4 to claim the title of Champion. This is the main plot, but there is more however. Team Rocket is up to no good again, but they are just as dumb as always, equipping their recruits with such useful creatures as Zubats and Raticates.

Though the majority of the original remains intact, a few things have been added or changed, but they are small things. Some of them are cool, like using the newer generation's PC systems. The first Pokemon in your party now follows you ala Pikachu in Pokemon Yellow, and I think it is pretty neat.

When Nintendo remade the first generation for the Gameboy Advance, they included a small infrared wireless adapter, allowing players to battle and trade without a link cable. This remake, they included a new device called the Pokewalker. The Pokewalker is a small, pokeball shaped pedometer like device. using an infrared signal, you can transfer a Pokemon from your game onto it. as you walk, the you collect watts, which can be spent on various things within the device, which can then be transferred to the game with the Pokemon. The Pokemon also gains a bit of experience this way.

Although I feel Pokemon has been going down hill for some time, HeartGold and SoulSilver are nostalgic romps for those of us that grew up in the series' golden age (pun unintended). In fact, the only thing more nostalgic that playing these remakes is playing the originals. Even if you've been out of touch with Pokemon for a while, if you played Gold and Silver, you should give the remakes a go.

Darksiders

Darksiders would be considered by some to be very unoriginal. it borrows elements from multiple other game series and combines them. I have had people tell me they think that makes for a bad game, but i vastly disagree with that. Okami, for example, is one of the best games of both last generation and this generation, and it is a top seller. But what is Okami but a Zelda clone? But I digress.

Darksiders, like most games, has better CG graphics than in game graphics. The in game graphics are still great, though. We've explored a post apocalyptic Earth in many games, but never have you done it while the human race is extinct. Correct me if I'm wrong, there. If you've seen the movie "I am Legend", that should give you an idea of the world you will be exploring. Traffic has forever ceased, and where there once was industry, now nature is beginning to take over. Demons have inherited the earth, and there is something waiting to kill you around every corner. The textures are well done, and character models look pretty good, but are, in my opinion better done than the environments, and it makes them look like they don't quite belong. Enemies are also animated fairly well, but a lot of the enemies are copies. The graphics get the job done, but they could definitely be a little better. Also, if you are playing the 360 version, there is a screen tearing glitch that pops up now and then, but there will be a patch for that soon.

You are War, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the book of Revelation. The seven seals have been broken prematurely, and War is blamed. In attempt to prove his innocence, and restore balance to the three kingdoms(Heaven, Hell and Earth), war must kill the 4 "chosen" to bring their hearts to Samael, a powerful demon who has been outcast. In return, Samael offers to open the doors to a tower in which Straga, the leader of the chosen dwells. along the way, War will encounter old allies, and new enemies. I really don't want to ruin the story, and though it may not interest everyone, I loved it.


Of course, the left stick moves War around. A/X is jump, as usual. X/square is used to attack with your sword, and y/triangle with your secondary weapon. Items may also be assigned to the directional pads, or the right trigger/R2 button. Pressing down on the right stick zooms in and gives you an aiming reticule for using items such as the boomerang, throwing picked up items or for better aim if you are using your secondary pistol weapon. The controls are a combination of God of War and Zelda, and it works quite well.


ou already know, I'm sure, that this game borrows from many other genre's, so I will lis what features it borrows from what games.

From Zelda

-Overworld with dungeons

-item collection and assignment

-lock on system similar to Z targeting

-upgrade system(4 pieces = more health/magic)

-dungeon puzzles

-A horse that has a system much like Epona's carrots

From God of War

-fluid combo based combat

-finishing moves

-an overdrive type ability

Devil May Cry

-killing enemies reqards you with souls to buy and upgrade new attacks.

Metroid

-Health system using multiple guages and "tanks"

Portal

-you basically get a portal gun near the end

All of these features come together a lot more nicely than you might think.


The music, while nothing really memorable, is very epic and really sets the backdrop for the apocalypse. As for voice acting, it's all quite well done. i don't think I heard a bad voice actor in the game.


One of my favorite games so far in 2010. I think you should definitely buy it, or at least rent it if you are skeptical. true, it borrows from other series, and true it doesn't pull off these features QUITE as well as those series, but it's still a fun,fresh adventure game. It's definitely a nice change of pace with all the shooters coming out lately. If you are worried about the religious undertones, and being offended by them, I am a Christian, and I was not offended by a single thing in this game, despite it's story being based on a "what if?" scenario based on Biblical events.

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman: Arkham Asylum has received very high reviews on gaming web sites and in magazines, and has sold considerably well. It is a good game, but in my opinion does not deserve all the credit it is given. It is certainly better than most Batman games, but it's still just a decent beat em up adventure game in the end.

The graphics are very well done. Even the enemies are intricately detailed. Batman's cape looks amazing blowing about as you walk, and Arkham Island looks just as twisted as it should. The graphics, as good as they are, would have been even better if they were tailored to each console.


Da na na na na na na na CLOWN PUNCH!


Batman has captured the Joker and is on his way to Arkham Asylum with the criminal in tow...but something isn't quote right. Joker gave up the fight easier than ever before, as if he just surrendered to Batman. After a lengthy escort sequence involving Batman, some Arkham staff and the Joker in a strait jacket(which included some pretty funny dialogue, by the way.) Joker breaks free of his confines, and releases all of the other's locked up in the looney bin. It's now up to Batman to find out what the Joker is REALLY up to, and return the criminals to where they belong. It may some a little bland, but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The story finds a way to include many of Batman's enemies including Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Harley Quin and more.

Arkham Asylum takes a que from Resident Evil 4 and 5. Simply moving the stick causes you to walk along at a steady pace. Holding the A(X) will cause you to run. there is no jump button, as Batman will jump automatically when you reach an edge, like Link does in Zelda. However, if you hold a after jumping, you can spread your cape and glideThe X(square) button is used for your main melee attack, while Y(triangle) is counter. The B button(O) is a stun attack used to help control enemies in large number, or to temporarily lower and armed enemy's defenses. The Right Bumper(R1) is always mapped to the bat claw once you get it. An aiming reticle appears on surfaces you can use it on, and it's just 1 button click away from firing. The left Bumber(L1) enters detective mode(like Metroid Prime's Scan Visor) so that you can find hidden paths easier, though a trained eye can find them regardless. it is also used to scan certain things. Right Trigger(R2) is crouch. By crouched, you are more quiet when sneaking. Sneak up behind an enemy and press the counter button for a silent kill. The Left Trigger(L2) is automapped to the baterang when tapped. holding it while pull out your equipped item(selected with the D-pad) and, right trigger(R2) uses that item. The controls are pretty tight, and responsive.

Da na na na na na na na GLIDE KICK!


Batman borrows from quite a few genres, and keeps things interesting by mixing these playing styles. The game is, at it's heart, a beat em up adventure. However, you will be solving Metroid esque puzzles, taking out armed enemies Sam Fisher style and collecting items like you would in Zelda. The stealth kill missions have got to be my favorite. They are tense, strategic and exciting. When you are forced to do hand to hand combat, it flows very fluidly. You can change which enemy you're wailing on with the flick of a joystick, and getting your combo higher means mroe tactics at your disposal, such as throwing and instant kill moves. If you are beating up one enemy, or standing still, and another enemy assaults you, blue action icons with show above his head. a quick tap of the counter button, and Batman makes them squeel like a piggie! If you're in a thinking move, almost every room and area in the game has a riddle, set up by who else but the Riddler. The Riddler has also hidden trophies throughout Arkham Island, and there are even inmate interviews to find, which can be very interesting. Solving riddles gives you experience just like killing enemies does. after gaining enough experience, you will be able to select an upgrade of your choice from a list. Choices include health boosts, more combat options, and special stealth kill and upgrades for your equipment. While satisfying, the gameplay DOES borrow a lot, and has very little of it's own creation to offer.

                                             Da na na na na na na na STEALTH KILL!

The voice acting is well done, and character's sound just right. Joker sounds crazy, Harley Quinn has that annoying accent and Batman sounds like the chizzled manly man he is. The music fits, and is quite good. There isn't a lot of variation however. There's a "Run, they saw you" song a "I'm beating you up" song" and an "I'm sneaking around" song. You get the general idea. Also, the games script is, in my opinion, awesome.

Batman: Arham Asylum is a good game that is quite fun for a playthrough, however it doesn't have much lasting value. also, I have spoken to bigger Batman fans who hate this game. I don't know why, because I'm not a Bat Junkie. ask one of them. the game has it's downfalls, like borrowing a little too much from other games and some things that should be a little...more. For example, why doesn't my explosive spray kill enemies? it only knocks them down! IT EXPLODES, PEOPLE! when combined with a breakable wall, the debris can kill them, but the explosions alone can't. also, Baterangs. baterangs only knock enemies out temporarily. It is an edged weapon spinning at high speeds at his head. It should kill him. Picky things aside, the game is worth a play through, just don't pay full price for it. here's hoping for a Baman Pidaman game that is awesome!

                                                  Da na na na na na na na BEST FRIENDS!

(Originally written on 2-15-2010)

Pikmin

I first got Pikmin in 2002 for Christmas. I asked for it simply because I had called my friend on the phone, and he was playing it and said it was good, so I really had no idea at all what I was getting into when I asked. It turned out to be one of the best "Heck, why not" decisions ever.

Pikmin was inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto's own garden. He was watching some ants work together to carry food back to their den. Pikmin, in a sense, are like ants, but are also part plant. They are odd bu lovable creatures that aren't even the size of a quarter. Olimar, the game's protagonist, first encounters them when he crash lands on a mysterious planet. This planet(Earth) contains oxygen, which is poisonous to Olimar's people. He quickly learns that these creatures will help and obey him, and devises a plan t sue them to gather the missing pieces of his ship,the S.S. Dolphin. Olimar's life support will fail in 30 days, however, so he must hurry.

The game play as technically that of an RTS but Pikmin, in my opinion at least, strikes a balance between RTS and adventure. The goal is not to build a better army than some other army, or to try to make your base better than someone else's. Your goal is to explore, return pieces of Olimar's ship, and survive. Pikmin can be controlled with the C stick, and thrown with A, so you may direct the Pikmin, which follow behind Olimar to perform the task you wish. There is no convoluted menu system in giving a command. simple move your Pikmin towards the object you wish it to interact with, and it will begin to perform the task.

After killing enemies, you may collect their remains to generate more Pikmin. the more Pikmin you have in stock, the better, although no more than 100 can be out at once. Each color Pikmin have special attributes which you must learn to utilize correctly. Red Pikmin are the best fighters, and are also impervious to fire. Yellow Pikmin can pick up bomb rocks, and can be thrown the farthest. Blue Pikmin are the weakest Pikmin, but they are fast and can breathe in water. as you collect more parts, more areas are available for you to explore.

Of course, all exploration must be done in the daytime. When the day is over(15 minutes), Olimar must retreat to the planet's atmosphere with his Pikmin to avoid the dangerous night life. some people don't like this sense of being rushed, but I think it gives the game a unique urgency.

Pikmin was not an instant hit, but sold well enough that Nintendo produced a sequel, and Olimar is now in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. they're allegedly working on a 3rd title as well, and this version of Pikmin has also been ported to the Wii. It is one of Nintendo's newer, less popular franchises, but as the Pikmin themselves prove, just because it's a small package doesn't mean that it isn't something amazing.

Luigi's Mansion

Luigi's Mansion was a launch title for the Nintendo Gamecube. Though not a traditional Mario game, Luigi's Mansion is still a great, is not eccentric, entry in the series that has pretty much defined Luigi as a character.

When the Gamecube launched, Luigi's Mansion was 1 of 11 games available, and at the time, was the only first party Nintendo game available on the new system. Though the system was not without Mario at launch, this entry would prove the black sheep of the series, and may even be considered a spin off.

The game opens with Luigi walking through the woods on his way to the mansion he has just won(in a contest he didn't even enter) where Mario is supposed to meet him there for a house warming party. Upon reaching the mansion, he finds it isn't quite as it was shown. It is dark and foreboding and...screw it, it's just creepy. Upon entering the spooky mansion, Luigi soon learns through meeting a scientist named Professor E. Gadd that ghosts now inhabited the mansion, havign escaped from their confines he had once put them in his younger days. He also informs Luigi that his brother has been captured by the ghosts, and it is up to Luigi to save him.

Arming Luigi with the Poltergust 3000, a high powered vacuum cleaner capable of sucking up ghosts(When there's somethin' strange...in the neighborhood...who ya gonna call?...LUIGI?!), and a parody of the Gameboy Color named the Gameboy horror, which provides Luigi with useful information and acts as a communication device. the Professor sends Luigi on a quest to clean up the mansion of it's problem ghosts and save his brother. Capturing ghosts is rather simple. Luigi has a flashlight, which, when shined on a ghost will cause it to become temporarily stunned. In this split moment, Luigi must begin to suck the ghost into the vacuum cleaner, using the control stick to pull against the ghost in the opposite direction it is trying to fly. Once its health is depleted, it will be sucked inside. These small fry ghosts aren't the manor's only problem, however. Portrait ghosts are the lingering spirits of the family that once inhabited the mansion. There do not spook quite so easily, and you will have to work a little harder to figure them out. Find our a particular ghost likes to eat? Take away his food to anger him! Is someone enjoying a nice hot shower? How would you feel if someone iced the water!? At a certain point in the game, Luigi accidentally releases trapped boos into the mansion, which will inhabit rooms you've already figured out. Boos are unaffected by the pull of your vacuum, and can also go through walls, making them a real pain to capture, but the end result is worth it. The game has a pretty simple flow to it. You simply figure out a rooms puzzle/challenge to get the key to another room, rinse and repeat. sound like it gets old after a while It does, but the game has enough charm to keep you interested. throughout the mansion, Luigi will find money which he must collect. When you are hit, you lose some money with your health. The more money you have at the end of the game, the higher your rank!

Luigi's Mansion is a very aesthetically pleasing game, especially for the time it was released. Graphics are crisp, and shadow effects are pretty amazing. The mansion is filled to the brim with little details, from the texture of the carpet, to the particles of dust that float in the light. On top of this, almost everything you see can be interacted with in some way or another. The little things matter, and Luigi's Mansion is proof of this. There are a couple downside, however. the game has quite a few notable glitches, including a couple that can cause you to have to restart the game. The good news if this ever happens to you is that the game is so short, it can be easily beaten in 1-3 sittings.

Luigi's mansion is a wonderful little game. It is not perfect, and has definite flaws, but it's undeniable charm transcends it's problems. It is a wonderful entry into the Mario series, albeit a strange one. It should be fairly cheap now, and if you have a Gamecube, I highly recommend you give it a go. It is the game has defined Luigi as a character. Ever since it's release, he has been portrayed as introverted, and shy, but brave. The mansion is his home stage in super Smash Bros. Brawl, and appears as an area/court in many of the Mario spin off titles. Rather we ever get a direct sequel or not, Luigi's Mansion's influence is here to stay. Have a happy Halloween!

(Originally written on 10-09-2010)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask review (N64)

I woke up this morning, tired, sluggish, worn out from last night's work. I stretched my sore, stiffened limbs and sat up in my bed, placing my feet on the cold floor. There was a strange air about today, but I couldn't quite place what it was. Until I stepped outside, of course. The moon was hovering just above me, and to top it all off, it had a face. An angry, menacing, villainous face. I overheard some people talking around town here and there. Word is, the moon is going to crash into us in three days. Termina will be destroyed. My home, my family, my friends...me....it will all be nothing in just 72 hours.

 

                                          "I will consume...consume everything..." - THE MOON

The above paragraph is about what I think I would feel if I had been living in the world of Termina during the events of Majora's Mask. It has been called the darkest game in the series. It is strange, and very obscure compared to the rest of the series. I even know people who describe it as creepy. This may not sound like such a positive thing, but it's just one of the reasons why I love it.

I've already described one key element of the story in my opening, the moon. Link was traveling through the woods on his way to visit an old friend, when he is suddenly jumped by a skull kid wearing a strange mask.The skull kid is accompanied by two fairies named Tatl and Tael, as well. after finding Link's ocarina in his pocket, and playing around with it, Link comes to his senses. Upon realizing this, the skull kid makes a quick escape by hopping onto Epona, escaping Link on his own steed. After chasing him down, Link is cursed, and turned into a Deku shrub. Tatl, abandoned by her friends, decides to accompany him. After travesing an underground labyrinth Link finds himself in a strange room full of gears, and meets the Happy Mask Salesman, who informs him that the skull kid is wearing a cursed mask that was stolen from him. If it cannot be returned within 72 hours, the world of Termina will be destroyed. Finally finding the skull kid, Link manages to retrieve his ocarina, but not the mask. He remembers learning The Song of Time from Zelda in Hyrule. By playing this, Link returns to day 1, and goes to the salesman. The salesman teaches Link The Song of Healing, returning him to his normal form. However, he becomes angered that Link has not retrieved the mask(how come the time change didn't affect his memory?). Link is sent out again to return the cursed mask to it's rightful owner.

                  You've met with a sad fate, haven't you?" - THE HAPPY MASK SALESMAN
uite a dark tale for a Zelda game. This time, it isn't a princess that is in danger, and the land isn't going to be receiving an evil new ruler. This time, the danger is much more lethal. The world will end, and everyone withing it will surely die. that is unless Link, a small boy, can save it.

This game makes great use of the N64 expansion pack. The draw distance in greatly improved from the last entry, and character models are more detailed. You'll also notice a few small differences in lighting effects, texture quality, and even more fluid character movements. Sound quality is also improved, albeit a minor difference.

The game takes place in the land of Termina, a parallel universe of Hyrule. in fact, many characters return. Koume and Kotake were bosses in the last entry, and surrogate mother's to Gannon. In Majora's Mask they return as peaceful old witches that help Link on his journey.
The quest is standard Zelda fare. You complete dungeons, ebat bosses, and then move on. however, MM is chock full of all sorts of side quests. As Link progresses in his quest, he gains more masks. In the world of Termina, masks are very special. They can hold magic power, people's essences and even a part of their souls.

There are many masks to acquire throughout the game, and most are gotten through side quests. Some are necessary, and some are only necessary for other side quests. So, if you've already trumped the final boss, what would possibly make you want to keep playing the file? Getting all the masks, of course! MM is one of the only games that I have ever actually been compelled to complete 100%, as I almost felt it was an obligation. In getting a mask, you usually perform a deed that helps someone else in some way or another. I felt that if I did not have all the masks, all was not well in Termina.

Majora's Mask is a very emotional game. You began to care for the world of Termina and it's inhabitants. To think that if Link were to fail his quest, everything would be annihilated is tragic.

Majora's Mask has many themes. Throughout the game, Link helps numerous people in various ways. A promise is fulfilled. A man is saved by a curse brought upon him by his own foolishness. These are only two examples of the outcome of some of the events in MM. Selflessness. Sacrifice. Love. Hope. Honesty. Salvation. These are the themes of Majora's Mask. Link, a small boy from a totally different world, risked his very life to save a land he did not know. He got his ocarina back, and was made human again. at this point, he could have stabbed the salesman, went back to Hyrule and just forgot about the whole thing. Instead, he went out of his way to help the people of Termina.

The quote I used in my byline is from a character named Igos Du Ikana, the former king of the Ikana kingdom. It's rare that you see such true words in a game. There is much debate over rather games should be considered art. The simple answer is that some are and some are not. In order for something to be art, it must move you, or stir your emotions in some way. Majora's Mask moved me in a way no game has since.

                                                    +Great use of the expansion pack
                                                    +Awesome story
                                                    +Lots of philosophical undertones
                                                    +Same excellent controls as Ocarina of Time
                                                    +Amazing sound track
                                                    +Tons of side quests to keep you busy

                                                    -Not enough people truly appreciate it