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 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. |
All
original content c. 2008 the-laser.com, inc.
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> News & Information April
22, 2008
Review Index