Tag Archives: video games

[Game Review] Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

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Mario Galaxy 2 US Box artSystem: Wii (Exclusive)
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer

I have been writing reviews on this site for coming up on two years now, and I have never awarded anything a perfect 10. I’ve reviewed books, video games, energy drinks, movies, food, tech, and music — a very wide scope of products — and never experienced one single item that deserved a score of perfection. Never. I don’t know why, but I’ve just never experienced anything that I truly thought existed without some flaw, some merit of quality detraction.

That streak has come to an end, as I have finally experienced something truly perfect. No blemishes, no flaws, nothing to detract from the experience offered. Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Nintendo Wii is truly perfect in everything that it does. Of course I can’t just say that without offering something to back it up, so if you feel you need further convincing, then by all means read onward dear gamer. If, however, I’ve already swayed you, then I suggest buying the game right now if you don’t already have it in your library. This is an interactive experience that shouldn’t be missed.

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[Game Review] Bioshock 2 (Xbox 360)

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System: Xbox 360 (Also on: PS3, PC)
Developer: 2K Marin
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: First-Person Shooter

Bioshock was a wicked game. It had a great story, great visuals, and was an interesting shooter. It earned the awards given to it and became a platinum hit.

Bioshock 2 released last week for 360, PS3 and PC atop a lot of hype from the underground. It would have mulitplayer, a new story, Playing as the Big Daddy sounded hella tight and I was excited to try my sea legs out inside a massive 50’s era diving suit, and all the bells and whistles that would make it a smash sequel were present. Sadly, while it is a good game, 2K Marin fails to deliver the punch that 2K Boston, the team behind the original, did. Continue reading →

[Game Review] Trivial Pursuit (Wii)

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System: Wii (Also on: Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, iPhone)
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Board Game/Trivia

Few games capture the desire for people to show off exactly how intelligent they are like board game staple Trivial Pursuit. The game is both simple and complex all at once, as you circle a spoked wheel game board acquiring pieces that encompass a variety of subjects. With this game, you can truly prove just how many obscure books or 3 AM History Channel specials you’ve watched.

When I stumbled across a version for the Wii, I was incredibly curious and not just because I have a kitten that enjoys swatting any and all game pieces from a board at every crucial moment. But because I have actually had a good experience with board game based video games. Ironically, it’s the exact opposite of film based video games, in that the developers keep the heart of the game true to the base of the board game. Continue reading →

[Game Review] Mass Effect (Xbox 360, PC)

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System: Xbox 360 (Also on: PC)
Developer: BioWare
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: RPG

In light of Bioware’s new title, Mass Effect 2, and the embarking of this noble gamer on a nonstop binge of the aforementioned game in the sake of this website, I’d like to take a step back and go over the first in this new space trilogy.

Mass Effect, spawned by Knights of the Old Republic creators Bioware, is the first in a planned trilogy of space video games. You take the role of one Commander Shepard, by either using the preset John, or devising your own spin on Shepard. You pick from a sort of amped up RPG class list — soldiers, archers, thieves, mages — but with a serious futuristic twist. Continue reading →

[Game Review] The Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox 360)

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System: Xbox 360 (Also available on PS3, Wii)
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: MTV Games
Genre: Rhythm

After all is said and done, The Beatles are ultimately the most influential band in the history of music. Literally every musician is influenced by them in some small way, so it’s only fitting that they receive their own edition of Rock Band. The popular music game franchise that introduced drum and singing elements to the already successful Guitar Hero formula has added a new installment based on the career and music of The Fab Four.

I love Rock Band, and I love The Beatles. Predictably I got ahold of the game as soon as I possibly could. I’ve been basking in Beatles glory for about nine days now and trust me it is amazing. Continue reading →

[’09 Holiday Buyer’s Guide] PlayStation 3

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The PlayStation 3 has seen a resurgence in both sales and interest. Part of this is due to a new PS3 model with an appealing $299 price tag. The other is a catalog of interesting titles for both young and old. As the big three battle for the inside of your wallet, here’s what Sony’s PlayStation 3 has to offer this holiday season. Continue reading →

[’09 Holiday Buyer’s Guide] PSP

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While a distant second place in the handheld war, the PSP has come out fighting with a plethora of enticing new software for the platform. This year also saw the release of the PSP Go, a download-only system with a sleeker physical build. Whether you’re picking something out for an old or young, veteran or inexperienced gamer, the PSP has something for everyone this holiday season. Continue reading →

[Game Review] The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (Wii)

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the-godfather-blackhand-editionSystem: Wii
Developer: EA Redwood Shores Studio
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Adventure

The thought of The Godfather as a video game initially scared the bejeezus out of me. Too often games are based on movies, and they SUCK. I’ve played too many shitty Spider-Man games, along with The Da Vinci Code (which is the WORST game I’ve ever played) and I’ve always felt conned. They got me interested so easily, by basing a game on a character or storyline I could have expectations for. And they always let me down. Not so with The Godfather.

What they do with The Godfather is take the rough outline of the story you’re familiar with,  then change it up to better suit the gaming experience. You get to create your avatar, and develop it into someone the Corleone family can trust and rely on. And it’s quite fun to work your way up the ranks. You start off as some street punk eager to make a name for yourself, and then you end up doing jobs with Sonny, working with Michael, really cementing yourself within the Corleone family. Continue reading →

[Game Review] Borderlands (Xbox 360)

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System: Xbox 360 (Also on: PS3, PC)
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: FPRPG (First-Person Role-Playing Game)

I first heard about borderlands through a mailing list from Gearbox Software, the company behind the game. For months I waited eagerly as more information about this new FPS/RPG surfaced, and about how wicked awesome the designers promised it would be. Now that the game is finally out, I am here to inform you that it is, in fact, wicked awesome. Continue reading →

[Game Review] Brutal Legend (Xbox 360)

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System: Xbox 360 (Also on PS3)
Developer: Double Fine
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Action/Adventure/RTS/Metal

Brutal Legend is the most recent project from comical genius Tim Schafer, the driving force behind critically acclaimed games like Psychonauts and Grim Fandango. Never heard of those games? I wish I couldn’t say this, but I’m not surprised.

For some reason Schafer’s games tend to go unnoticed by the general gaming public despite rave reviews, likely due to a severe lack of marketing push from Publishers. Chances are, though, that you’ve at least heard of Brutal Legend. This game has gotten plenty of attention from general gaming press and public as well as music-centered publications thanks to a stellar heavy metal theme and all-star voice cast. Continue reading →