[Game Review] Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (Wii)

System: Wii (Also on: PS3, PSP, PS2, XBox 360, Nintendo DS, iPhone, Wireless)
Developer: Yuke’s Media Creations
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Wrestling

Each year the WWE releases a new, retooled version of their franchise video game, Smackdown vs. Raw. The 2010 edition boasts a few new gameplay additions, and the THQ-published game proves that by improving steadily a good game can become a great game within only a handful of years.

The one major addition that takes this game from standard entertainment to something truly special is the new Story Designer mode. The one thing professional wrestling has that more mainstream sports lack is the fan’s ability to “fantasy book.” Fantasy booking is taking these characters and charting their path and careers to suit your own personal taste. With the new Story Designer mode, you can take your favorite personalities and really make your own show. You can do everything from craft a backstage promo on Raw to build your own personal Road to Wrestlemania. Continue reading

[Game Review] Trivial Pursuit (Wii)

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] Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)

System: Wii (Exclusive)
Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: First Person Adventure

I’m going to go ahead and say it. Metroid Prime Trilogy is fantastic. Amazing. Outstanding. Three of the highest rated adventure games of the past decade totaling at least 80 hours of gameplay jam packed onto a single disc, stuffed inside of a gorgeous collector’s tin packaging, loaded up with Medals and unlockables, and put on store shelves for $50.

If you own a Wii, there is no reason you shouldn’t have this game in your collection. Period.

I really don’t think I need to say anything else, but for those of you who need a tad bit more convincing, feel free to read on. You’re just wasting time you could be spending driving to the nearest video game store, though. Continue reading

[Game Review] Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)

System: Nintendo Wii (Exclusive)
Developer: Climax Studios
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Horror/Adventure

In Shattered Memories players take control of Harry Mason shortly after he wrecks his car in a small, snow covered town named Silent Hill. After he regains consciousness and discovers that his young daughter Cheryl is no longer with him, he grabs his flashlight and heads out onto the icy streets in an attempt to track her down.

This is where the game starts, and from here things get extremely interesting in terms of story. Full of twists and turns, the ever evolving story proved to be much more interesting that the initial premise may lead you to believe. From start to finish you will likely be enthralled with trying to piece the mystery together and figure out what is going on before the game tells you, something I don’t often do with games. Continue reading

The Top Ten Video Games of the Decade (2000 – 2009)

It’s the end of the first decade of the New Millennium already. We’ve survived the Y2K bug, four years of George W. Bush, a terrorist attack on America, four more years of George W. Bush, Global Warming, the passing of icons such as Michael Jackson and Billy Mays, and what do we have to show for it?

Games. We’ve seen countless titles released for several systems. We’ve witnessed a generation’s death which birthed a fresh generation that then perished to make room for yet another generation. And we’ve played through all of this until our thumbs began to bleed. But what were the highlights of this decade? What were the best games from 2000 – 20009?

That’s something that we’ll never be able to agree on. In this post we have listed the Top Ten Video Games of the past decade as it pertains to six different members of the Everyview staff. You’ll love some picks and hate some others, so feel free to compliment us or call us idiots in the comments section. Also, feel free to leave your picks for the top ten games this decade. Continue reading

Third Party Woes on Wii – Who’s to Blame?

Recently the president of EA said finding success on the Wii was “confounding”. I found this statement rather confounding myself due to various reasons. This seems to be a common thing with third parties on Wii. Many publishers are hesitant to put forth big budget content since it’s failed them in the past. That’s a self-fulfilling prophecy if I ever heard one.

Firstly, third parties have no one to blame but themselves. Answered that question quickly, didn’t I? They were the ones who created the current market on Wii by filling it with garbage. What games that aren’t garbage they produce get limited marketing and next to no commercials. Again, compare the marketing of the “biggest” Wii third party game, The Conduit, with the marketing of Rogue Warrior, a B-level action game for the HD consoles. Rogue Warrior has received much more of a push. What games deserve to sell on Wii? Little King’s Story? Muramasa? Dead Space: Extraction? Maybe. But which ones received proper advertising? Oh, yes. None of them. So none of them “deserved” to sell. Quality can only do you so much in the games business.

Read the rest of this fantastic entry on SuperPhillip Central.

[Game Review] The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)

System: Nintendo DS (Exclusive)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Adventure

It’s always a phenomenal event when a new Zelda game hits store shelves. The legendary series has been going strong for over 20 years without a single bad entry (except Zelda II. And those awful CDi games don’t count either). Some of the games are better than others, sure, but every notch into the convoluted Zelda time line represents a timeless classic and a memorable adventure. Now that Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS, the latest entry into the renowned series, is finally here, it’s time once again to venture through the land of Hyrule on an epic quest to save Princess Zelda. Continue reading

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

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

[’09 Holiday Buyer’s Guide] Nintendo DS

With the recent introduction of the DSi, many people are going to be wishing to find their first (or second… or third) Nintendo handheld underneath the tree this year. Many people are going to be completely new to the world of dual screen gaming. Many are finding a renewed interest in the platform. And many people are hardcore veterans who’ve had a DS in their pocket since the days of the phat.

Whichever demographic is on your wish list, we’ve got you covered with our holiday buyer’s guide. We cover everything from games to gear in this quick yet efficient list. Continue reading

[’09 Holiday Buyer’s Guide] Nintendo Wii

Nintendo is sitting pretty as this generation’s industry leader, and the recent fifty dollar price cut is only helping bring even more gamers into the wonderful world of Wii. So whether you are picking the system up for a loved one or are a seasoned Wiiner chiseling a yearly list to Santa, we’ve got more than a few things to look for this holiday shopping season. Continue reading