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Sean Pettibone

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> News & Information April 22, 2008

Blox for free
Korn under Haze
Izuna 2 trailer launched
Persona 3 ships for PS2
Sony's summer Home

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Reviews


Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Nintendo Wii)

There have been a few soccer titles released for the Wii to date, but none of them have really tried to take full advantage of the console's unique interface design until now with Konami's excellent Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 delivering a specially tailored control system that showcases the wii-motes flexibility and intuitiveness. While this takes some getting used to, its innovative design helps to separate this version from the many other editions on the market. There's an excellent selection of single, multi and online game modes, several licensed teams and players. The visuals are somewhat average with graphics that aren't anything to write home about, but the positives outweigh the negatives and PES 2008's innovative gameplay makes this an excellent soccer game for Wii owners.

Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds (Playstation 3)

This release brings the popular casual sports title to the PS3 in fine form with several exciting changes that make for an even more playable and entertaining game. The most important of these is the new Advanced Shot system which makes it easier to aim and shoot with a greater degree of accuracy. There are also several new modes, with the online component adding a significant new depth to the game. In addition, the game's visuals have been upgraded and Out of Bounds looks fantastic in HD. Overall, this is another excellent installment in the long running series that offers a superb balance between accessible play and challenging strategy.

Sega Superstars Tennis (Playstation 3)

With an interesting cast of characters including Sonic, Ulala and Dr. Robotnik, Sega Superstars Tennis isn't your average sports simulation. Eschewing realism for humorous game inspired environments and arcade physics, this enjoyable action-sports title allows novice and advanced players to enjoy a round without getting into to much technique. Several bonus mini-games bring even more flavor to the action and an online mode adds to the fun. It's not the deepest title ever made, which will probably end up leaving players wanting more, and not in a good way.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PS2)

Featuring improved visuals, better lighting and several new multiplayer modes, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters on the PS2 is a solidly entertaining conversion that significantly enhances the PSP edition. There's a familiar look and feel to the action with similar play controls, visuals and level designs to its console editions. As you'd expect, there are tons of cool weapons and gadgets, engaging mini-games and challenging boss battles along your journey. This gives Size Matters an excellent balance between action and strategy which makes this 'remastered' version a solid purchase for fans of the series.

Space Ace (Blu-Ray/PS3)

Bringing the classic Laserdisc arcade title to high-definition screens for the first time, Digital Leisure's latest edition of Space Ace is the definitive version of this nostalgic title. With an outstanding digital transfer, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of Don Bluth and co.'s animation which has never looked better. The game itself seems to be more cohesive this time around with better reaction time and a less bumpy feel, which reflects the advancements between the two titles. It's more complex command structure and better timing make this a much smoother game, though there's still some trial and error involved. Space Ace is an entertaining blast from the past that should appeal to players with fond memories of the original title.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Playstation 3)

This is a solid and deep outing for Konami's successful franchise. The game feels very much like previous installments with a similar set of controls and techniques that allows veterans to jump right in. There are some minor gameplay tweaks that help the overall feel of things, but the changes aren't too significant.. An extensive selection of modes including cup, tournament and online modes adds some depth to the experience, but PES 2008's signature mode is the Master League, where you can control every aspect of your team from trades to training over multiple seasons. While it's not flawless, PES 2008 offers an authentic and deep soccer title that should please fans of the series.

MLB 08 - The Show (Playstation 3)

This release adds several impressive new features to the franchise including the ability to play your own music, edit roster lineups and most importantly, a better Show mode that allows you to build a created player's career up from the minors to the big leagues. The game's controls and play-action are excellent and it's easy to learn the ins and outs. Its AI is smarter this time around and the slick production values featuring realistic player animations and stadium renders are impressive. The graphics makes you feel like you're watching a real game, while the play-by-play commentary adds to the overall flavor. These elements combine to make MLB 08 a solid baseball title that delivers a realistic baseball experience.

God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP) 

Kratos returns on the PSP with God of War: Chains of Olympus, a prequel to the successful games in the franchise. It doesn't stray too far from the expected formula and offers some intense battles, cool weapons and massive boss battles players have come to expect. It also looks beautiful with outstanding production values making this the most technically accomplished PSP games to date. Unfortunately, Kratos' latest quest isn't as deep as the console games, and it's a bit easier than you'd expect but it is still one of the best action titles for the handheld.

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection (PS2 & PSP)

This compilation will transport players back to the golden age of flippers and bumpers, Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection is a solid offering that delivers an authentic experience. Featuring realistic recreations of several classic machines, the game’s physics and actions are superb with multiple tables featuring several modes of play. An extended tutorial shows you the ins and outs of each board and each machine can be seen as a game in itself. Both the PS2 and PSP editions share a similar approach and interface, and the differences are minor. Pinball offers an engaging exciting experience with very high replay value.

Patapon (PSP) 

This is a deceptively challenging title that brings unique gameplay mechanics and charming visuals to the PSP. The game places you in control of tiny Patapon warriors as they roam around a stylish 2D world and attack rival armies, collect bonus items and do other wild things. The game's play mechanics have you beating a drum in rhythm to command them to move around or attack, which gives Patapon its unique feel. Players should have loads of fun using the characters, selecting the armies to use and generally trying to match the beat to the action. Read on and discover what makes this unique title so engaging and immersive.

Buzz: The Hollywood Quiz & Singstar 90's (PS2) 

Mainstream titles like Singstar and Buzz usually get a bad rap from hardcore gamers, who think their accessible gameplay and party feel make them inferior to the more complicated intense games on the market. However, both of these series prove, with their latest iterations that they're appeal to the casual gamer is due to the sheer fun and entertainment value they provide. Of course, these games offer some interesting ideas here and they but they stay very true to the expected formula that have made them so successful. Join us as we examine these 'casual' titles and discover why they're so much fun.

Turok (Playstation 3)

This is a somewhat disappointing reboot for the long-running dinosaur hunting franchise that doesn't quite live up to the standards set by previous titles. While the game offers a competent game engine, solid play mechanics and some decent action sequences where you battle the dinosaurs, its overall design lacks imagination and its predictable gameplay makes the experience far less interesting than you'd expect. Poor design choices, such as long gaps between checkpoints and annoying enemy AI make this more frustrating than challenging. Read our review and discover why Turok tries but doesn't quite reach the heights to which it aspires.

FIFA Street 3 (Playstation 3)

EA's long-running street sports franchise gets a much-needed overhaul with the release of FIFA Street 3 on the Playstation 3. The game's action-packed play emphasizes speed and skill thanks to its new Gamebreaker mode, which enables players to perform some pretty spectacular moves for a brief period. FIFA Street's standard play has also been improved with better-feeling controls and a faster overall pace. Superb production values with cartoonishly animated players make this a more accessible and visually dynamic title. With its arcade-style gameplay, multiple online modes and excellent looks, this solid title delivers intense urban soccer action.

Burnout Paradise (Playstation 3)


Expanding the scope of the hit action-driving franchise, Burnout Paradise for the Playstation 3 allows players to drive through a massive open-ended city as they work their way to the top of the rankings. You'll be able to unlock dozens of vehicles, perform massive stunts and discover more than 100 different events. The graphics engine is truly impressive, offering an unrelenting sense of speed and an incredible amount of detail with massive environments. The game's impressive car renders and startlingly realistic damage models are an impressive technical achievement. Even with the HD gloss, the intense battle racing remains as viscerally exciting as ever, making this another superb installment in the Burnout series.

Devil May Cry 4 (Playstation 3)

Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 brings this successful gothic-action franchise to the Playstation 3 for the first time and the results are largely impressive. Instead of focusing on the legendary demon hunter Dante, DMC 4 gives players the chance to control a younger warrior named Nero who brings some unique play mechanics to the series, which allows for some interesting new techniques. The game's visuals and cut-scenes are quite impressive, adding quite a bit of atmosphere to the proceedings. There are some interesting plot twists and surprises to keep players on their toes, but Devil May Cry 4 doesn't stray too far from its traditional formula. This makes for a satisfying experience that delivers the intense gameplay players have come to expect from the series.

Wipeout Pulse (PSP)

Wipeout Pulse takes Sony's long-running futuristic anti-gravity racing series to the next level on PSP. Featuring several new multiplayer and solo game modes, such as elimination races wrapped inside a new grid structure that provides more depth and challenge. An array of impressive play enhancements, such as Mag-Strips allow for huge drops and curves that makes each race even more exciting. Extensive customization, online play and downloadable content make this installment a superb racing title. Wipeout Pulse's slick design and enhanced graphics engine make for a sharp looking title, along with the trademark techno soundtrack create a coherent experience that's among the most polished and exciting on the handheld to date.

TimeShift (Playstation 3)

This is a fairly engaging shooter that allows players to manipulate time as they battle through an oppressively bleak alternative reality. The game allows you to freeze, slow-down or reverse time at the flick of a button. While the level design and maps are fairly straightforward, the game's mechanics keep things interesting. There are some interesting puzzles as well that give TimeShift a layer of strategic play that gives it a unique feel all its own. These time-bending abilities are also applied to TimeShift's multiplayer online modes, creating some intense battles. Above-average visuals and intuitive controls add to the fun, making TimeShift an solidly entertaining title.

Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (PSP)


Taking players on another wild ride with the police, Pursuit Force 2: Extreme Justice for the PSP is an exciting and challenging action title that mixes arcade style racing and combat. Like the first game, Extreme Justice allows you to battle a series of gangs as they rampage through your city while jumping between cars and attacking them head-on. This time around, there are new vehicles such as helicopters and more elaborate on-foot missions to keep things fresh. Improved visuals and controls make this installment even better. While it's not the deepest game, Extreme Justice is an enjoyable title that delivers fast, frenetic gameplay.

America's Army: True Soldiers (Xbox 360)

Developed by Ubisoft and High Voltage Software in co-operation with the US Army, America's Army: True Soldiers for the Xbox 360 delivers an engaging combat experience that brings players to the front lines of combat. The game allows players to learn the real tactics and strategies used by the Army in a series of training missions then applies them to realistic combat situations. All the weapons are authentic ammunitions used by real soldiers, which gives the game a realism other titles can't match. America's Army: True Soldiers also lets players compete in several exciting online multiplayer modes with challenging maps and solid gameplay. The visuals are decent, but there are some choppy moments which detracts from its aesthetics, but this is still a solidly enjoyable game that brings the intensity and adrenaline experienced by real soldiers to life vividly.

Nights - Journey of Dreams (Wii)

Taking another travel through their nocturnal wonderland, Sega has finally released the long-awaited sequel to their legendary title with Nights - Journey of Dreams on the Wii. It's faithful to the original game while adding some new gameplay and multiplayer elements. The game feels very much like the original in many aspects and uses the Wii's unique controller to allow several different types of control schemes, some of which work better than others. However, the gameplay remains as enjoyable, and now included multiplayer and online elements. Nights - Journey of Dreams is a successful new version of the game that should please fans who loved the original Saturn game.

MX vs. ATV Untamed (Playstation 3)

THQ goes off road with their latest extreme racer, MX vs. ATV Untamed for the PS3. The game allows players to race a variety of vehicles ranging from mini-cross bikes and ATVs plus buggies and trucks. The tracks include everything from indoor cross circuits to massive outdoor waypoint events that offer open-ended racing courses. Untamed offers a great deal of variety in its races, and players can compete in a variety of modes including the X-Cross where they compete in all the game's racing modes. In addition, Untamed delivers some impressive online modes with some cool mini-games for multiplayer fun. The controls are fairly decent and show-off Untamed's arcade physics models, making this an instantly accessible racing title.

Review Index

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)
 Rock Band (Playstation 3)
Supreme Comma
nder: Forged Alliance (PC)
Half Life 2: Episode 2 (PC)
Need for Speed: ProStreet
(Playstation 3)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Playstation 3)
Skate (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)

Lair (PS3)
Carnival Games (Wii)
Moto GP 07 (Xbox 360)

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