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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. |
 FIFA 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)
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 (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. |
 Street
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
(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. |
Recent:
Encounter on Winter Moon
Previously: The red polka-dot dress
Earlier:
The games we played
First:
Ghosts of Winter Moon
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