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Sean Pettibone

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Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PS Vita)

Cross-over fighting game fans waited more than a decade for the legendary battles between the Capcom and Marvel universes to resume. It was well worth it with the resulting game mixing the classic style of over-the-top combos with updated visuals and even more frenetic matches. Its solid gameplay mechanics, deep moves system and endless character combinations meant there was plenty of substance underneath its flash. While it’s a decent fighter, its also another version of a game that you might have already played. Read on and discover whether the PS Vita port is worth it.
VIVA FIFA VITAFIFA Soccer (PS Vita)
FIFA Soccer’s latest appearance occurs on the PS Vita’s launch lineup and, as usual delivers the consistently excellent simulation of the sport players have come to expect. Featuring dozens of licenses from leagues, players and stadiums, it brings the authenticity and depth to the handheld in fine fashion. A deep set of online modes adds to the replay value and the extensive player customization and career modes add to the stakes. Implementing new touch screen controls allows for a more casual approach, while the depth is still there for hardcore players. This makes for an excellent port of the franchise, that delivers a solid sports title with impressive graphics that shows off the Vita effectively.

Wipeout 2048 (PS Vita)

Sony’s transformative racing franchise returns for the launch of its PS Vita Handheld in typically brilliant style, mixing the beautiful and brutal in an exhilarating packing. Paradoxically, it’s a prequel that takes place in the future, which doesn’t make sense until you start playing it. Fast racing, invigorating power-ups and ingenious play modes overlap one another, with short bursts of play that are well-suited to portable play, either solo or online. Aesthetically brilliant from beginning to end, addictively structured and smooth playing, Wipeout 2048 is definitely a showpiece for the new hardware and must-purchase for owners of the new console.
Ridge Racer (PS Vita)Ridge Racer (PS Vita)

Namco’s Ridge Racer has once again taken its traditional place on the starting line of a console launch alongside Sony’s PS Vita hardware, This edition emphasizes online gameplay with its extensive downloadable content, web-based racing modes and sharing abilities. These features are intuitive, adding more challenging competition to the game. Once you get on the road, it plays very similarly to previous titles, even featuring tracks and cars seen in previous games. Its predictable, but satisfying with excellent production values and visuals. These features create a fairly impressive showcase on the handheld with its traditional gameplay mechanics delivering the solid racing action players have come to expect along with some interesting new features.

Otomedius Excellent screen-shotOtomedius Excellent (Xbox 360)

Despite a few problems with its depth and some distracting choices in its presentation, fans of classic horizontal shooters will find much to enjoy in Komani’s Otomedius Excellent. It features a cast from the popular Japanese anime series in a classic shooter that’s inspired by the classic Gradius series. It would be easy to dismiss the game as a cheesy exercise in anime excess, the gameplay offers a fairly solid and challenging series of battles with the traditional option system enhanced with burst attacks and massive boss battles. The game also allows three players to shoot simultaneously for added fun. Unfortunately, It’s fairly short with only 8 levels, but it's fun while it lasts.

SF v TK screenshotStreet Fighter X Tekken (Playstation 3)

Two long-running fighting game franchises have finally collided. With more than 40 characters in all, there’s a wide rosters of characters to choose from including iconic fighters from both franchises. Its definitely a match of equals in terms of gameplay style and substance, but there are a few unique elements, such as the gem system and cross-arts moves, that give the game a unique feel all its own. Its definitely one of the most-anticipated games of the year, but the question most players have is whether it delivers on its own high-expectations. Will Tekken and Street Fighter really mesh well with each other? Look inside for the answer.
SSX for PS3 ScreenshotSSX (Playstation 3)
 
Its spent a long time in hibernation, but EA’s durable SSX franchise has finally emerged from its long slumber. Players who remember the fast action, massive tricks and intense gameplay of the original series won’t be disappointed, as the new game delivers all of these elements. New to the series are deadly descents that challenge players to survive incredibly difficult courses complete with avalanches and huge, run-killing drops. Add in extensive online play and social elements via the new RiderNet system and SSX brings a fresh approach to the series.

Soul Calibur V (PS3)

Namco’s Soul Calibur V brings a fresh set of characters and fighting styles to the long-running series. Set several years after the last installment, this provides the opportunity to make a few tweaks to the fighting engine as well. It’s a little more challenging than previous games, though not by much. The series’ trademark lush visuals remain impressive and the extensive customization. Multiple modes of play allows for traditional arcade and story modes with extensive online matches complete with leaderboard rankings. It’s a solid fighter but does the soul still burn? Read our review and find out.

Fiction


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Previously: The red polka-dot dress

Earlier: The games we played

First: Ghosts of Winter Moon

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