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In Memory
Sean Pettibone

Welcome to The Laser

News & Information July 4, 2009

Harry Potter flies to stores
NBA 2K10 Anniversary LE
Skate 2 grabs money cup
Anime fans get Naruto preview
Call of Juarez sequel arrives
Sony expands accessory licenses
Red Faction Guerrilla expands
New Vandal Hearts info revealed
Infernal heats up Xbox 360
Suzuki appointed SCEA pres.
Demo at bat for The Bigs 2
GamersGate opens to indies
Hedgehog hurries to DS systems
Men of War invades North America
Hearts of Iron Beta After Action Report
Dawn of Discovery arrives on NDS
Stores greet Rise of Flight for PC
Wii Star Wars Lightsabers revealed


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Featured Reviews

Virtua Tennis 2009 (Playstation 3)

Sega's long-running Virtua Tennis series returns on PS3 with another enjoyable installment that offers the usual solid gameplay mechanics, excellent ball physics, intuitive controls plus an array of challenging mini-games. Players can choose to play as one of dozens of real-life tennis superstars including Nadal, Venus Williams and Roger Federer, each of which mirrors their actual counterparts in terms of style and ability. You can go with quick arcade-style matches and or build up your ranking in World Tour mode. This isn't the most innovative sports title on the market, but Virtua Tennis 2009 delivers an entertaining and exciting sports experience.
Prototype (Playstation 3)

Prototype casts players as a rogue super hero trapped within New York City . The player has to fight his way through military forces and evil mutants to discover his true identity. Prototype gives players incredible powers that allow him to battle, destroy and even consume enemies. As the game unfolds, additional abilities are given which make the character even more powerful, giving Prototype a fairly good sense of progression. The question is whether this is enough to make for a challenging and entertaining gaming experience or if the game’s technical achievements are undermined by poor play mechanics. Look inside and discover the answers.
Fuel (Playstation 3)

Codemasters' latest racing title Fuel is an ambitious game that offers a huge racing environment, 75 unique vehicles to unlock, realistic weather effects, and non-linear off-road courses. Its racing engine offers standard point-to-point, checkpoint and battle races. Fuel's structure is open-ended to a point, since you have to unlock most areas before you can race and explore them. This approach is frustrating because there's a promise of unlimited freedom, but you need to work to achieve it. Fuel's visuals are also erratic, some areas look beautiful, while others are dull, giving the game an inconsistent feel. Despite some promising features, Fuel doesn't live up to its potential, and ends up falling short of the mark.
Infamous (Playstation 3)

Sucker Punch has delivered several knock-out blows for Sony over the years, most notably with its Sly Cooper series. The developers have taken a radically different direction this time around with Infamous. Giving players electricity charged super-powers, such as the ability to throw objects, scale high buildings and throw bolts of electricity out of his body to destroy or kill enemies. An open-ended world allows for plenty of exploration, with varied missions and objectives. Infamous is a highly-polished and involving game that gives you superhero abilities and lets you decide to use them for good or evil. It's a highly-polished, deep title that provides a deep and satisfying experience that most players will definitely enjoy.
Punch-Out!! (Wii) 

This reboot of Nintendo's long-dormant, but much-loved Punch-Out!! franchise stays very true to its original form. Players will face an array of classic boxers including the famous Glass Joe and King Hippo along with a smattering of new characters. The game plays and feels very much as it did in the classic years, and many of the strategies and moves you remember work here as well. There are a few new twists, such as a cool split-screen multiplayer mode, but this version of Punch-Out!! stays very true to its inspiration. While younger players should enjoy the series, it seems targeted mostly to gamers who loved the original, making it a truly classic experience that shouldn't be missed by players who grew up on this series.
Raiden Fighters Aces (Xbox 360)

This collection of vertically scrolling shooters includes three Raiden Fighters titles from the 90's on a single disc. Each comes in the traditional 2D mode with allusions to the classic Raiden series, though with some impressive enhancements and changes. The most significant of these is the inclusion of drone fighters, which aid you as you battle foes. Each game offers intense shooting action, though not of the overkill variety seen in many recent releases. Raiden Fighters Aces' extra features include different screen modes, high score rankings and achievements to name a few. While it's old-school trappings might seem dated visually, the gameplay itself has held up well and all three games remain challenging and enjoyable.
King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match (PS2)

SNK's legendary fighting franchise has delivered solid action to players for nearly 15 years now, and the latest installment, while seeming to be a look back is actually a nice compendium of the series' 2D era. King of Fighters 98 Ultimate Match on the PS2 is a rebooted version of the classic KOF 98 game with improved graphics, music and additional characters. It includes more than 60 characters in all with more than a dozen new to the series. Aside from this, the game offers some cool extra modes including challenge and endurance sections. While its clearly aimed at the hardcore KOF player, this solid release should satisfy those looking for classic 2D fighting.
ExciteBots (Wii)

Taking a unique spin on an already successful formula, ExciteBots for the Wii is a frenetic arcade-style racer that adds numerous tricks, stunts and mini-games to the already solid mechanics that made ExciteTruck so entertaining. This time around, instead of trucks, you control bots that take various forms. While the basic design is similar, these new vehicles implement stunt abilities that allow you to perform some pretty cool tricks. Shaking and spinning your wii-mote around adds some immersion to the races. There are also many mini-games, such as rolling over bowling pins, kicking soccer balls and even playing poker. ExciteBots' multiplayer modes have been enhanced with support for Wi-fi play and split-screen action. While it seems a bit gimmicky at first, ExciteBots adds enough new elements to the formula to make for a worthwhile sequel.
Samurai Shodown Anthlogy (Wii)

Offering six classic SNK fighting titles on a single value priced disc, Samurai Shodown Anthology delivers solid arcade fighting action to your living room. Each of these titles has a unique battle system and switching between the game offers players the chance to watch the series evolve. Its unique and uncompromising gameplay mechanics give the Samurai Shodown titles a different feel than other fighting games and the unique cast of characters is memorable in terms of design and attack strategy. There are several other SNK compilations on Wii, and this solid release is a solid purchase if you want to enhance or add to your existing collection.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (Wii) 

Despite arriving several months after versions for the other consoles, the Wii version of PES 2009 is still worth picking up for soccer fans thanks to its unique controls and interface. Refining last year's installment, this year finds several new modes in play. While you can still use the wii-mote to point at players and perform passes, older players will be happy to learn that the game now institutes a more traditional control system with the wii classic controller. Another new mode allows for a hybrid of both styles, which gives the game added flexibility. Aside from this, the game offers the UEFA cup license, additional modes of play such as training and cup modes, and the traditional PES play. This makes for an excellent soccer title that Wii owners will probably enjoy.
SBK Superbike World Championship (Playstation 3)

Players can race sophisticated competition motorcycles across exotic tracks in SBK: Superbike World Championship, the latest racing title from Conspiracy. The PS3 edition offers a fine selection of game modes that allow for either arcade-style quick action or deeper simulation modes where you can adjust many aspects of your bike through a season's worth of races. Once you get on the track, SBK offers a challenging experience that requires you to time your corners, anticipate rivals and watch your bike's position. A dozen real tracks, authentic riders and decent visuals make for an exhilarating and polished racer that delivers exciting racing action.
Resident Evil 5 (Playstation 3)

Capcom's long-running survival horror franchise gets another solid installment with the release of Resident Evil 5. Featuring stunning, photo-realistic graphics, impressively smooth gameplay as well as online modes and co-op missions, it offers a challenging, immersive experience. This edition stars Chris Redfield and his new partner Shiva Alomar. This introduces a new dynamic into the game where you work together as you battle the zombie hordes in Africa. RE5's visual flair is incredible and its cinematic approach is smooth and polished. It's gameplay is also faster than previous titles, with a faster pace and more gunplay owing more to RE 4 than earlier installments. It represents another solid installment in the series, offering a pleasing mix of old and new elements that bring the series to the HD era without losing its essential appeal.
LocoRoco 2 (PSP)

Taking players back to the surreal, humorous planet of the round singing protagonists, LocoRoco 2 for PSP is another appealing adventure that brings action, strategy and puzzle elements together in an accessible package. It's simple play controls are perfectly suited to the PSP, with a few simple commands allowing you to tilt, roll and jump around the levels easily. New features such as mini-games, co-operative online play along with additional enemies, clever level design and additional abilities add to the fun. However, the sequel is faithful to its inspiration with brightly-colored graphics and 2D gameplay mechanics that give LocoRoco 2 a breezy feel that makes for instantly accessible fun.
Street Fighter IV (Playstation 3)

Capcom's legendary Street Fighter franchise has become somewhat of a niche experience over the past few years. With the release of Street Fighter IV it has largely returned to its roots. Gone are the many elaborate stacks of special moves and combos, esoteric techniques and other hardcore trappings that intimidated newcomers. Instead, a streamlined fighting system allows for plenty of depth while simplifying the command structure. This makes SFIV a much more accessible and fun title gamers of all abilities should enjoy. It's very similar to the classic installments in that the action takes place in 2D, but the game concedes to modern visuals with robust 3D backgrounds and impressive between-fight animations. It creates an impressive synthesis of old and new that make for a title that will please both casual and hardcore Street Fighter fans with an impressive list of modes, features and extras thrown in.
Killzone 2 (Playstation 3)

Killzone 2 has to rank as one of the most-anticipated Playstation 3 titles to date. As one of the longest in development titles on the platform, gamers have high expectations. The end result is a polished, beautifully designed shooter with amazing visuals and impressive, intense gameplay. It's single-player experience is brilliant and creates an impressive sense of scale and drama while an impressive selection of multiplayer modes add depth, replay value to the experience. It definitely delivers a solid FPS title, but the question is how well does it rank against other titles in the genre. Look inside as we explore this brutal combat experience to find out the answer.
The Laser's Wii Bargain Bin (Part One)

Finding a decent title amongst the flood of cheap Wii games can be a daunting task, but we at the Laser are slogging through to find the gems hidden in the shovelware and point out the bombs you need to avoid. For our first installment, we take a look at several different titles including NitroBike, Ocean Commander and The Monkey King plus, we warn you about Championship Foosball, which is one Wii title you’ll probably not want to play regardless of how cheap you find it on the shelves.
Castlevania Judgment (Wii)

While it seems like an odd change of pace for the series, Castlevania Judgment on the Wii offers a fairly decent fighting game, though it's not up to the level of other titles. The game allows you to play one of many legendary Castlevania characters as you battle an array of bad guys in somewhat interesting 3D levels. There are numerous power-ups to collect and other items as well which makes things somewhat more interesting. Awkward camera angles and one-button combos make the gameplay unbalanced and frustrating at times, but those who persevere will find some enjoyment here. It's not as bad as it could have been, but Castlevania Judgment isn't particularly memorable either.
Ultimate Shooting Collection (Wii)
 
Combining three classic vertically scrolling shooters in a single package, Ultimate Shooting Collection from UFO Games on the Wii offers gamers a solid dose of high-intensity bullet shredding action. Each title delivers a unique spin on the genre, with elaborate power-ups, multiple shooting planes and excellent play mechanics that are challenging and highly entertaining. Visually, the games run the gamut from high-tech sophistication to light-hearted humor. The games share certain play mechanics and styles, making for a cohesive collection that brings solidly entertaining arcade shooting to the Wii in a diverse and affordable package.
Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) 

This isn't the deepest game on Wii, but it's classic gameplay mechanics, simple graphics an intense pacing make for an invigorating change of pace from the usual fare. The complete, nonlinear original is included, but Geometry Wars Galaxies goes a step further with an extended mission mode where you can use a drone with special abilities, unlock additional levels and earn some fairly impressive high scores. It's pick up and play approach makes it simple to learn, but the high level of difficulty make it anything but condescending to casual players. Wii owners will discover that Geometry Wars remains an challenging game and with an incredibly high replay value.
Blast Works (Wii) 

Blast Works is a fairly interesting side-scrolling shooter that has some interesting play mechanics and a winning, cute design. It allows you to collect enemies and add to your firepower, which gives it a completely unique feel. Based on this alone, the title would be worth buying, but its extensive level editing feature adds plenty of replay value by allowing players to design, play and share their own levels. This title represents is an impressive example of a smartly implemented approach to user-generated content that makes this largely unheralded Wii release worth picking up for gamers who want to do more than just play the game.
Metal Slug 7 (Nintendo DS)

For the latest release in the long-running arcade shooter series, SNK has chosen the unlikely platform of the Nintendo DS for the release of Metal Slug 7. While it stays true to the original formula in most regards, there are a few changes such as a new coin collecting mechanic, a new training mode and a cool mapping system. For the most part, it's the Slug you've come to know and love, with the classic play-mechanics, unique hand-drawn art-style and challenging levels that have become the series trademark. While the game takes place on a smaller screen, Metal Slug 7 delivers the arcade-quality action players have come to expect from the series.
FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play (Wii)

EA Sports' Wii version of FIFA Soccer 09 All-Play offers a surprisingly deep and enjoyable soccer experience. With multiple play control options, the game allows players of different abilities to play together and helps to level the playing field. The game offers a decent standard game of football, and a cool "Footii" arcade-style mode that's loads of fun to play. FIFA 09 also offers a deep selection of extra modes such as online play, manager mode and numerous mini-games that give FIFA Soccer 09 All Play plenty of longevity. It may be as polished and sleek as its high-def rivals, but its unique play controls and wii-exclusive modes help make this a compelling experience for soccer fans of all stripes.
Castle of Shikigami III (Wii)

Adding a few twists to the classic vertically scrolling shooter genre, Castle of Shikigami III brings solid, arcade-style shooting action to the Wii. With ten unique characters, there's plenty of variety in attack styles, along with challenging gameplay modes. Players can choose to battle the foes alone or in co-operative mode, and play in boss attack and dramatic battle modes as well. The game's unique Tension Bonus system which allows you to build up extra shooting power and score multipliers adds a strategic element to the gameplay. Shikigami's fluid controls allow for screen-filling bullet battles and epic boss battles to create a solidly entertaining title that should please fans of the genre.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Playstation 3)

Rockstar's latest underground street racing title, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, brings some fairly interesting technical achievements to the table while delivering the fast-paced action players have come to expect from the series. Taking place in an expansive and surprisingly realistic recreation of Los Angeles, the game allows players to progress up the ranks of street racing underground, create an impressive garage of customized vehicles and take on the police in dramatic chases. Midnight Club isn't the most original game on the market, but it delivers a slick experience with offers exciting, challenging racing action highlighted by a surprisingly deep story mode and excellent production values.
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection (Wii)

Wii owners looking for authentic and dynamic classic arcade action will find plenty to like in Crave's Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection. With authentic emulations of ten classic machines, there's plenty of variety to be seen. The game's physics are superb with impressive tables featuring several modes of play. An extended tutorial shows you the ins and outs of each board and each machine offers a unique challenge. Pinball Hall of Fame's controls take good advantage of the Wii's unique controls, using the nunchuck and wiimote as flippers while shaking the wiimote shakes the table around. This is an excellent collection with high replay value that should appeal to gamers looking for some quick action.
SNK Arcade Classics (Wii)

Featuring 16 classic titles, SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 delivers a solid selection of the company's legendary games for the Wii There's a varied genres covered ranging from action titles like Sengoku and King of the Monsters and Last Resort and of course several fighting titles like World Heroes, Fatal Fury and the original Art of Fighting. Each title is faithfully reproduced here, looking and playing identically to their arcade counterparts. Numerous extras such as unlockable artwork, moves lists and movies are unlockable as well. Using either the standard Wiimote or the classic controller, the games play identically to their originals. SNK delivers a great value for Wii owners, who will find plenty of hardcore classic gaming in this package.
King of Fighters Collection (Wii)

SNK's latest compilation includes five complete titles from their legendary King of Fighters series. Each of these is a solid title that delivers plenty of depth thanks to their extensive character rosters, deep moves lists and solid play mechanics. The selections are some pretty good years ranging from '94 to '98 giving gamers the chance to see how the series evolved through some of its best installments. The Wii edition features excellent emulation with fast loading times, support for both the standard wiimote and classic controller plus numerous extras. Overall, it's a solidly entertaining and value-packed collection that fans of SNK's legendary fighting franchise will enjoy.
Soldner-X (Playstation Network)

Shooters in the classic style of Thunder Force and Darius don't come along often these days, which makes their comeback with online consoles a great phenomenon for fans of this style. The emergence of Soldner X: Himmelssturmer on Playstation Network is a welcome surprise. It's solid level design and intuitve power-up system make it an impressive addition to the genre. Featuring high-def graphics and classic gameplay mechanics, this is an addictive title that delivers intense action, challenging tactical battles plus an impressive soundtrack, beautifully rendered HD backgrounds and visuals that makes for a highly polished title that delivers a solid shooting experience that fans of the genre will love.
Namco Museum Remix (Wii) 

Namco's compilations usually offer a rock-solid selection of classic titles and the Wii edition of its Museum series is no exception. Namco Museum Remix includes 9 classic titles including Dig Dug, Galaxian and Pac Mania, there's plenty of variety in these emulated classics. However, the center of Museum Remix are several newly developed 3D versions of Rally-X, Galaga, Pac N Roll, Motos, and Gator Panic. Reconfigured to take full advantage of the wii-mote's special abilities, the game's take the classic mechanics and put them in new contexts, making for accessible fun that should appeal to retro gamers and new casual players alike making this an excellent value for the money.
Prince of Persia (Playstation 3) 

Taking players to a mystical land full of magic and puzzles, Ubisoft's enchanting Prince of Persia gives the series a fresh start with a new prince, his new companion and a dynamic illustrated visual style that makes for a beautiful, engrossing experience. This new prince has a number of new abilities, such as climbing on ceilings along with more familiar moves such as running on walls, making huge jumps and more. He also has a new friend named Elika who's with him every step of the way to aid him on his journey. A non-linear structure, an engrossing narrative and beautifully designed puzzles make for a magnificent title that transports players into another world.
Tomb Raider Underworld (Playstation 3)

Lara Croft returns in fine form with the excellent Tomb Raider Underworld on the PS3. Her latest adventure offers the challenging puzzles, acrobatic moves and action sequences the Tomb Raider series has become known for. Huge, beautifully rendered environments take you to some of the world's most exotic locations, as you explore ruins and deep caverns that unlock a series of mysteries. Excellent pacing offers a good balance between puzzles and action make for a solid installment in the series. Some minor camera issues and occasionally touchy controls make for some frustrating sequences, though not enough to detract from its otherwise high quality. Join us and discover what makes Tomb Raider Underworld such an engaging experience.
Call of Duty: World at War (Playstation 3)

Taking the series back to it's WWII roots, Call of Duty: World at War is an immersive, exciting and visceral first-person shooter that delivers a cinematic and intense shooting experience. It's single-player mode doesn't stray too far from what players have come to expect, with slick visuals, good character design and acting plus intense action. It unfolds at a steady pace and takes you through a variety of locations including Japanese islands, bombed out Europe and other smoldering areas. The single player mode is intense, but World at War's brilliant multiplayer mode offers leveling up, perks and other incentives to help you keep playing. Overall, this is a highly polished and intense shooter that delivers an exciting and intense FPS experience.
Mirror's Edge (Playstation 3)

EA and DICE have taken a huge risk with the release of Mirror's Edge, an unconventional title that takes gamers to incredible heights in a high-tension game where speed, dexterity and danger follow your every step. Playing as a runner named Faith, you need to jump, leap and climb over the rooftops and chasms of a futuristic metropolis while avoiding the ever-present police who are constantly on the lookout for you. An intuitive control scheme allows you to plenty of dexterity and freedom to complete your missions, and the game's structure offers a mix of linear and open-ended quests. Mirror's Edge is a solidly entertaining game that offers challenge, depth and sophisticated puzzles in a sleek package.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (Playstation 3)

Featuring some fairly significant additions, such as the UEFA license and a new mode that lets you create and use your own player, Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is an excellent sports title that offers plenty of depth, excellent controls along with better opponent AI. PES 2009's comprehensive selection of modes offers superb variety for players of all stripes, whether you're looking for a quick match between rivals or a deeper simulation mode where you can do all-in on the details. It's a fairly excellent soccer game and delivers some intense gameplay and deep strategy as well. While PES 2009 isn't as flashy as FIFA, it retains the solid play-mechanics that have made the series so popular.
Need for Speed: Undercover (Playstation 3)

EA's Need For Speed series is back on the chase with NFS: Underground for the PS3. It returns to the familiar formula of high-speed police chases through an expansive urban environment as players try and evade capture from the local cops. The new 'heroic driving' system allows you to pull off cool moves such as drifting and spins easily. Underground's open-ended urban locations include some impressively rendered locations, extreme lighting effects like glare and reflections plus realistic car models. An impressive online mode adds cops and robbers modes, and is also loads of fun. Look inside and discover why Need for Speed: Underground marks a pleasing comeback for the franchise.
LittleBigPlanet (Playstation 3) 

LittleBigPlanet is a revolutionary title from Media Molecule and Sony for the PS3 that seems to be a standard platform title on the surface, but gives players unprecedented freedom to create, share and play unique platform levels. Its an incredibly well-designed title that creates a unique experience that makes it one most charming and fun games to come out in a very long time.. However, LittleBigPlanet's real revolution lies in the fact that it gives players the ability to create completely unique levels, using an incredibly flexible and powerful interface that's surprisingly intuitive. Once players have created their own levels, they can share and download other players' levels, which gives LBP an unprecedented focus on the users' creativity. Look inside and discover why this is an almost irresistible experience that breaks new ground for console gaming.
Far Cry 2 (Playstation 3)

Ubisoft's ambitious Far Cry 2 takes you deep into war torn African jungles as you struggle against mysterious forces who are profiting from an endless civil war. It takes many of the conventions of FPS titles and turns them on their head. Instead of mindlessly shooting anyone in your way, you instead need to communicate and make friends as you play. The deep storyline unfolds gradually and gives you a stake in the outcome. This emotional attachment means you'll be forced to make sometimes unpleasant choices in order to survive. Visually, the game offers a splendid rendering of the continent, with brilliant environmental effects such as dust and dirt permeating everything. It makes for a solid, and surprisingly deep FPS experience that takes the series in a completely new, and yet more satisfying direction.
MotoGP 08 (Playstation 3)

Capcom's MotoGP 08 brings the excitement of professional open-wheel motorcycle racing to the PS3 in fine form. Featuring 18 licensed tracks including Laguna Seca and LeMans, players will find plenty of realistic challenges in the game's authentically rendered courses. There's also a large contingent of actual motorcycle riders, many modes of play including single races, career and online components. Players can also customize their bikes in MotoGP's garage mode to create their own unique ride. It's definitely geared towards the hardcore player, and its difficulty level is very high, which requires a great deal of skill, practice and persistence on your part. Look inside and discover that while MotoGP 08 offers a challenging experience that's worth the effort.
Resistance 2 (Playstation 3)

Following up the underrated Resistance: Fall of Man, Insomniac Games and SCEA have released the much-anticipated Resistance 2 for the PS3, which expands the horizons, scale and intensity exponentially. The first thing players will notice is the increased sense of scale in the game's expansive levels, which cover more varied ground this time. Battling through a war-torn America ravaged by a brutal alien invasion, players will find themselves going up against much tougher foes, who have undergone quite a transformation in their aggression, intelligence and danger. The bosses are also quite intimidating, with their massive size and scale making for some terrifying foes. Resistance 2's deeper backstory and improved visuals add cinematic flair. It's a massive leap forward for the series, which makes for one the best FPS titles on the console to date.
Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade (Xbox 360)

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade for Xbox 360 offers an impressive selection of titles like Pac Man, Rally-X and Galaxian with more than 30 offered in all. VA also includes lesser-known games like Grodba and Metrocross. The three updated Arrangement versions of Dig Dug, Pac Man and Galaga are loads of fun as well. Add in the superb Xbox Live remakes Pac Man Championship Edition and Galaga Legions, and you have a release that offers superb value. Virtual Arcade doesn't offer many frills or extras, but the game delivers and abundance of fantastic content in a convenient package.
MotorStorm: Pacific Rift (Playstation 3)

Sony's MotorStorm franchise returns in fine form with the arrival of Pacific Rift on PS3. It delivers a more expansive and deeper racing experience with more varied racing environments and elaborate track layouts. There's also expanded online play and a new vehicle class, Monster trucks. The sense of chaos remains and helps Pacific Rift builds on the successful formula of the first game. Most of the play action is similar, with a similar boost system used to propel players forward, while avoiding obstacles. New elements this time include volcanic lava rivers and deep mud pits that you must avoid or face instant death. The game's structure has been expanded with a new style-based ranking system that takes into account how you perform. This is a solid sequel that delivers the intense, action-packed racing fans have come to expect from the series.
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (DS)

Adding another chapter to the long-running gothic platforming franchise, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is another solidly entertaining installment on the DS. It's deep, balanced gameplay should satisfy gamers with its mix of classic action and role-playing elements. Ecclesia's big change this time around is the addition of a glyph system. This allows for magic spells, special attacks and other enhancements when combined. Additionally, this installment adds multiplayer, wi-fi modes that allow players to compete head-to-head. It's classic form mixed with innovative aspects makes this an interesting title and one fans of the series will probably love.
FIFA 09 (Playstation 3)

Instead of resting on previous accomplishments, EA's FIFA 09 offers significant improvements in many areas. These combine to create a surprisingly deep and authentic title. FIFA 09 expands last year's Be A Pro mode to cover multiple seasons and allows multiplayer pro mode online matches. You can also download player forms from top leagues that mimic each athlete's performance in real time during the season. From a gameplay standpoint, the game's controls have been improved which makes each match flow much better. The tweaks make for a more intuitive title that allows you to pass and shoot with increased accuracy. FIFA 09's impressive array of new features makes it the most authentic and playable FIFA soccer title this generation, making it a solid purchase for sports gamers.
Pure (Playstation 3)

This is an excellent off-road racing ATV title that allows players to perform some truly impressive tricks, make massive jumps and burn up its tracks with a truly awe-inspiring sense of speed and momentum. The game offers a good selection of play modes, extensive customization and upgrade options in its single and multiplayer modes. Pure's course design is superb and brings a sense of extreme danger to each race with multiple paths, massive jumps and tight corners making each race a battle. Its outstanding visuals move at a consistent frame rate, along with its intuitive controls and challenging AI, make Pure an exciting title that delivers quite a visceral racing experience that's highly recommended.
Wipeout HD (Playstation 3)

Sony's seminal futuristic racing series has arrived on PS3 with the long-awaited Wipeout HD, a superb revamp of two previous PSP titles presented in full high-definition. Featuring eight tracks, classic vehicles and multiple racing styles, this edition of the franchise includes both single-player and online modes. In terms of design, Wipeout HD features breathtaking courses, slick menus and gorgeous vehicles rendered beautifully while moving at a blistering 60 FPS throughout. Even though it's a downloadable title, Wipeout HD delivers the production values, intense gameplay and polish usually reserved for full-release titles. It points to the future in more ways than one.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Playstation 3)

Taking players on a journey to the dark side, The Force Unleashed allows players to control Darth Vader's secret apprentice as he tries to wipe out the remaining Jedi Knights throughout the galaxy. You can use your special force powers including the ability to manipulate objects, including throwing enemies around almost at will. The Force Unleashed's level designs are quite impressive with expansive environments, beautifully rendered worlds and fantastic animation, with superb production values throughout. This surprisingly entertaining and polished title lives up to the Star Wars legacy, making for an intriguing new chapter for fans of this legendary franchise to experience.

Reviews Index

Ico (Playstation 2)
Shadow of the Colossus (Playstation 2)
Singstar: ABBA
(Playstation 3)
Buzz! Quiz TV (Playstation 3)
Metal Gear Solid 4
(Playstation 3)
Grid (Playstation 3)
Soul Calibur IV (Playstation 3)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
(Wii)
SNK Arcade Classics (PS2 & PSP)

Space Ace
(Blu-Ray/PS3)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Playstation 3)

MLB 08 - The Show (Playstation 3)
Pinball Hall of Fame: Williams Collection
(PSP)
Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (PSP)
TimeShift (Playstation 3)
Wipeout Pulse (PSP)
Devil May Cry 4 (Playstation 3)
Burnout Paradise (Playstation 3)
FIFA Street 3
(Playstation 3)
Buzz:  Hollywood Quiz & Singstar 90's (PS2) 
Deca Sports (Nintendo Wii) 
America's Army: True Soldiers
(Xbox 360)
Nights - Journey of Dreams (Wii)
MX vs. ATV Untamed (Playstation 3)
Atari Classics Evolved
(PSP)
Unreal Tournament III
(Playstation 3)

Time Crisis 4 (Playstation 3)
Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Playstation 3)
Assassin's Creed (Playstation 3)
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC)
Half Life 2: Episode 2 (PC)
Lair (PS3)
Carnival Games (Wii)
Moto GP 07 (Xbox 360)

Raiden III (Playstation 2)
Furu Furu Park (Wii)
Baja: Edge of Control
(Xbox 360)
 Fracture (Playstation 3)
R-Type Command
(PSP)
Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)
NASCAR 09 (Playstation 3)
1942: Joint Strike
(PSN & XBL)
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
(Playstation 3)

Space Invaders Extreme (PSP)
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
(Playstation 3)
Sega Superstars Tennis
(Playstation 3)

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PS2)
God of War: Chains of Olympus
(PSP)
Patapon (PSP)
Need for Speed: ProStreet
(Playstation 3)
The Simpsons Game  (Playstation 3)
Ratchet & Clank Future (Playstation 3)
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Xbox 360)
Stranglehold (Playstation 3)
Cooking Mama 2 (DS)
Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Playstation 3)
Drawn to Life (DS)
SOCOM: Tactical Strike (PSP)
Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles
(PSP)
FIFA Soccer 08 (Playstation 3)
Sega Rally Revo (Playstation 3)
The Eye of Judgment (Playstation 3)
Stuntman: Ignition
(PS3)
Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360)
Halo 3
(Xbox 360)
Chotetsu Brikin’ger (Neo Geo CD)
Flipper Critters (Nintendo DS)


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