Games Review

TrackMania Nations Forever

2008-05-17T04:14:00.001-07:00


PUBLISHER:    Focus Home Interactive
DEVELOPER:    Nadeo
GENRE(S):     Racing, Driving
PLAYERS:      Multi
PLATFORM:     PC
ESRB RATING:  T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2008

Nations Forever, the sequel to TrackMania Nations, offers a new "Forever" version of the Stadium environment, a solid solo mode and 65 brand new, progressively difficult tracks. TrackMania Nations Forever will unite an even larger number of players thanks to its engaging multiplayer modes, innovative online functions and revolutionary interactivity between players.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots

2008-05-17T04:04:00.000-07:00


PUBLISHER:    Konami
DEVELOPER:    Kojima Productions
GENRE(S):     Third-Person Action
PLAYERS:      8
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2008

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots features an aging and exhausted Solid Snake in the middle of a futuristic battlefield. In spite of his failing body, Snake is equipped with a crucial new device tentatively known as "OctoCamo," a high-tech suit that dynamically transforms its texture based on Snake's surroundings. This revolutionary new gameplay mechanic allows him to seamlessly blend into the environment, providing him with the means to stalk his enemies like never before. This latest chapter in Hideo Kojima's legendary tactical espionage actin series marks the return of several characters from previous Metal Gear Solid games including Revolver Ocelot, Meryl Silverburgh, Naomi Hunter and Raiden, and features an unforgettable story that depicts the desperate state of the future as seen through the eyes of an older Solid Snake.

GRID: Race Driver

2008-03-20T00:36:00.000-07:00


DEVELOPER:    Codemasters
PUBLISHER:    Codemasters
GENRE(S):     Racing, Driving
PLAYERS:      12
PLATFORM:     PS 3, Xbox 360, PC, DS
ESRB RATING:  E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2008

GRID is the latest installment in the Race Driver series. The drama, the rivalries, the aggression and the crashes; this is not a game about collecting cars or spending all of your time in the front-end tuning suspension settings or designing liveries. Codemasters wants to make racing exciting again.

Battlefield: Bad Company

2008-03-02T06:27:00.001-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:    Digital Illusions
GENRE(S):     Firts-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:      Multi
PLATFORM:     Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2008

Aside from the usual multiplayer modes, Battlefield: Bad Company will also include a fully fleshed out single-player mode, where you control of a squad of renegade soldiers and infiltrate enemy territory to obtain riches as well as revenge.

The Club

2008-03-02T06:22:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Sega
DEVELOPER:    Bizarre Creations
GENRE(S):     Third-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:      8
PLATFORM:     PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: February 29, 2008

The Club is a new breed of third-person shooter, combining fast-paced run and gun gameplay, destructive environments, lethal weapons and an in-depth story structure. You will fight to survive in a shadowy underground blood-sport controlled by a faceless, obscenely wealthy and influential elite who place their bets on who will survive as the blood-bath ensues before them. Take control of up to eight uniquely trained killers motivated by greed, driven by pure insane bloodlust, and hell bent on earning respect on a global level. As one of eight fighters, blast your way through five single player game modes including: Standard Mode, Time Attack, Survivor, Siege, and Run the Gauntlet. Earn Respect Online. Shoot your way to the top of the leader boards in over nine cut-throat multiplayer modes. Face-off with 15 real-time opponents online or battle with your friends offline in 4-player split-screen action modes. Battle in eight unique real-world locations from around the globe, including war-torn cities, abandoned factories, steel mills and many more. Extreme Gun Battles in Hazardous Environments: A motion blur camera system intensifies the adrenaline rush in both open range and close quarter firefights. Destroy and manipulate objects in the environment to your advantage. A unique score-based accumulation system creates even more competition among players; the faster, more efficient and accurate that you are, the more points you will earn to unlock weapons, characters and maps. There are 17 high-powered assault weapons to choose from and customize, including Automatic Weapons, Sniper Rifles, High Caliber Pistols, Sub Machine Guns, and Mounted Weapons. Each Character has a Story to Tell.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

2008-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Square Enix
DEVELOPER:    Square Enix
GENRE(S):     Action, Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     Sony PSP
ESRB RATING:  T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2008

Square Enix is brings this role-playing game to the PSP the fourth installment in their Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series which includes the movie "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children," the game "Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII" for PS2, and "Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII" for mobile devices.

God of War: Chains of Olympus

2008-03-02T06:03:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Sony Computer Entertainment America
DEVELOPER:    Ready At Dawn Studio
GENRE(S):     Third-Person Action, Adventure
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     Sony PSP
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2008

Unleash the power of the Gods and embark on a merciless quest as Kratos, an ex-Spartan warrior driven to destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with lethal double chainblades, Kratos must carve through mythology's darkest creatures including Medusa, Cyclops, the Hydra and more, while solving intricate puzzles in breathtaking environments. Driven by pure revenge, nothing can stop Kratos from achieving absolution.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

2008-01-26T07:33:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:     Codemasters
DEVELOPER:     Spark Unlimited
GENRE(S):      First-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:       Multi
PLATFORM:      PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
ESRB RATING:   T (Teen)
RELEASED DATE: February 26, 2008

Fall of Liberty is an intense, cinematic, next-generation first-person shooter epic set in an unnerving World War II alternate history. The game takes players to never-before seen World War II battlegrounds – ones born from a changed moment in history that led to a Nazi invasion of 1950s America. Presenting this scenario as a powerful and realistically crafted alternate history, Fall of Liberty deliver an explosive action experience in a world where famous real-world locations and national icons appear frighteningly different under Nazi occupation. Fall of Liberty changes reality by twisting one historical fact: In 1931, Winston Churchill was hit by a taxi on 5th Avenue in New York. In reality, he survived the accident but walked with a cane for the rest of his life. But what might have followed if Winston Churchill had been killed in the accident? Without his voice to lead a country to war, the events of WWII change dramatically; the Normandy invasion never happens, and the UK and all of Europe come under Nazi rule by 1945. Building on the successful conquest of Europe, Nazi intelligence develops superior weapons and vehicles so that on December 7, 1951 they are able to launch an all out surprise attack on America – beginning with a mass invasion of New York. Unprepared, the invasion stuns America and plunges much of the country into fearsome Nazi occupation. In Washington, the swastika flies from The White House, and in a show of force to end rebellion, a nuclear attack on Manhattan is being planned. The odds are overwhelming, the reality of the situation shocking, but for players, it's time to join the resistance and fight a guerrilla war in the newly occupied territories.

Dynasti Warrior 6

2008-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:     KOEI
DEVELOPER:     Omega Force
GENRE(S):      Action
PLAYERS:       2
PLATFORM:      PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:   T (Teen)
RELEASED DATE: February 19, 2008

Set in Ancient China during the 3rd century, Dynasty Warriors 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action experience. Celebrated characters have been completely re-imagined with new weapons and fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and women in Asia. With the game’s new “Renbu” attack system and game controls, players can execute lightning-fast combos and the most dazzling fighting moves with ease. Developed from the ground up exclusively for next-generation platforms, the game's proprietary engine delivers the most chaotic and challenging Tactical Action experience to date. Players can use the landscape to elude the thousands of soldiers swarming the battlefield. But as players move and attack, adaptable enemy A.I. devises offensive and defensive combat tactics, and can retaliate with packs of fierce hunting dogs and patrol boats. All of the explosive action comes to life in high definition, 60 frames per second graphics.

Army of Two

2008-01-26T07:16:00.001-08:00


PUBLISHER:     Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:     EA Montreal
GENRE(S):      Action, First-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:       2
PLATFORM:      Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
ESRB RATING:   M (Mature)
RELEASED DATE: March 4, 2008

Army of Two throws gamers into hot spots ripped from current day headlines where they utilize unique TWO man strategies and tactics while seamlessly transitioning between playing with intelligent Partner AI (PAI) and a live player. When one man is not enough, it takes an army of two to fight through war, political turmoil and a conspiracy so vast it threatens the entire world. This is EA's first original title for the next-gen systems. Army of Two is the first game to put players inside tactical warfare involving Private Military Corporations. EA has built this game with co-operative TWO man gameplay as the centerpiece of the experience. Whether you’re playing with PAI or a friend, it's about the TWO man missions, TWO man strategies and the TWO man advantage that really sets this game apart.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

2008-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:     LucasArt
DEVELOPER:     LucasArt
GENRE(S):      Action
PLAYERS:       1
PLATFORM:      Wii, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, DS
ESRB RATING:   T (Teen)
RELEASED DATE: April 1, 2008

The next Star Wars game from LucasArts employs next-gen technology to bring the Force to life in an explosive new way.

No More Heroes

2008-01-26T06:52:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Ubisoft
DEVELOPER:    Grasshopper Manufacture
GENRE(S):     Action
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     Wii
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: January 22, 2008

No More Heroes tells the story of Travis Touchdown, an anime fan who lives in the fictional town of Santa Destroy, California. After an unexpected turn of events, Travis finds himself at the bottom of an Assassins' organization. Travis will have to prove himself worthy and defeat 10 other bloodthirsty killers – all with deep stories of their own – to make his way to the top of the assassin's league.

FIFA Street 3

2008-01-20T20:38:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:    EA Canada
GENRE(S):     Sports
PLAYERS:      8
PLATFORM:     Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2008

Featuring over 250 of the world’s best players representing 18 of the top international teams, each player has been rendered into a stylized caricature with heroic qualities. Decked out in authentic training kits, every player boasts their own, distinctive style of play with unique abilities to match. Whether you’re after brawn, brains, silky skills or crunching tackles to complete your team, the perfect street player is out there. Choose from Tricksters, Enforcers, Playmakers and Finishers to give you different options on the ball and make your mark on the street. Fill up your all-new Game Breaker to power your ultimate abilities and express yourself like never before. Maneuver your players to leap past defenders, flip off walls, or perform gravity-defying one-timers to score spectacular goals. From the urban playgrounds of South America to the rooftops in Asia to the streets of Europe, your players perform to an eclectic selection of music seamlessly infused into the surroundings, where the game’s environments pulsate, and explode to life with every well-timed tackle, outrageous trick move or unstoppable shot on goal.

Culdcept Saga

2007-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Namco Bandai Games
DEVELOPER:    Omiya Soft
GENRE(S):     Card Battle, Board Games, Role-Playing Games
PLAYERS:      4
PLATFORM:     Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  RP (Rating Pending)
RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2008

Culdcept SAGA follows the journey of a princess and unlikely hero trying to bring peace back to their beleaguered country and free the land from the evil tyranny of their vicious adversaries. Summoning beasts of great power and skill, these adventurers will attempt to control strategic locations on the battlefield until all areas are freed from their enemies' influence. In Culdcept SAGA, individuals known as Cepters move around a game board by the roll of the dice, using magical cards to call upon creatures and cast spells to occupy each area they encounter. Using alluring cards designed by Japan's top illustrators, players can customize different decks to assist in their struggle for territorial dominance. As they maneuver their way around the board and land on occupied properties, opponents can opt to pay a fee for their brief stay or attack the guarding creature to inhabit the zone. Players can fortify their decks and develop strategies in single player mode, then apply those tactics against up to 3 friends on Xbox Live or on a single console. Gamers can further modify the game with their own unique style when they alter their characters' appearances using parts won during matches, providing a distinctive experience for every personality.

Turok

2007-12-11T11:32:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Buena Vista Games
DEVELOPER:    Propaganda Games
GENRE(S):     First-Person Shooter, Action
PLAYERS:      16
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: February 5, 2008

Turok is an epic, story-driven FPS game set on a dark, mysterious planet in the near future. Players take on the role of Joseph Turok, a former Black Ops commando, now part of an elite Special Forces squad on a mission to take down a war criminal on a genetically-altered planet. After the ship is shot down while approaching the planet, Joseph Turok must use his instincts and elite military training to elude an army of well-trained soldiers, and the ravenous, unpredictable creatures that populate the dangerous environment. Joseph Turok’s mission? Survive at all costs.

Grand Theft Auto IV

2007-12-11T10:49:00.001-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Rockstar Games
DEVELOPER:    Rockstar North
GENRE(S):     Action, Adventure, Racing
PLAYERS:      2
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2008

The next-generation console debut of the genre-defining, sometimes controversial, always engaging Grand Theft Auto franchise.

NFL Tour

2007-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:    EA Tiburon
GENRE(S):     Sports, Football, Arcade
PLAYERS:      Multi
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2008

NFL Tour brings the spectacle of a traveling NFL road show alive, with intuitive controls, fast-paced gameplay, and visually stunning graphics - NFL Tour is action-packed. NFL Tour is an NFL licensed video game that offers players a fun and engaging experience with the NFL and its talented players. Gamers embark on a fictional NFL road show. With real NFL players as teammates, players travel across the country to play against each of the NFL teams in newly designed stadiums. As players defeat each of the NFL squads, they come one step closer to winning an NFL contract.

Burnout Paradise

2007-12-08T07:46:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:    Criterion Games
GENRE(S):     Racing, Driving
PLAYERS:      Multi
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  E10+ (Everyone 10 and Above)
RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2008

Burnout Paradise proves that crashing is awesome! Next generation technology has enabled an unprecedented level of crash deformation allowing you to experience the most explosive pile-ups in the series’ history. Now the development team can realize their original vision for the Burnout franchise: an open world environment where you can do anything, anywhere, anytime. Feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you take to the road for the first time in Paradise City, where the action is all around you. Explore the city, discover events, and look for the best opportunities to crash, jump and pull signature takedowns. In Burnout Paradise you're given the keys to the city, but it's up to you to earn the keys to the meanest and most dangerous cars on the street, and earn your Burnout license.

Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventure

2007-12-07T00:59:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Funcom/Eidos Interactive
DEVELOPER:    Funcom
GENRE(S):     Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-
              Playing Games
PLAYERS:      Thousands
PLATFORM:     PC, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2008

In 'Conan' the players encounter a dark, lush, violent and sinful universe, presented in fantastic graphics and stunning 7.1 surround audio. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia. But Conan's rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards the doom of ancient evils. In this twisted fantasy world, dark magic and brutal combat lurks around every corner, and each man and woman must carve their own unique destiny under Conan's reign. In the true vision of Robert E. Howard's dark universe, it's now time for you to become a messenger of death. In addition to incredible graphics and sound, the game will be filled with unique features like the "Real Combat" engine; a revolutionary new multi-point melee system which allows the players to swing their weapons where they direct it, in real-time! This easy to learn and fun melee system lets the players truly feel they are on the battlefield, and goes head-on against the formulaic nature of online RPG combat. In 'Conan' you can also, for the first time in an online RPG, create player-made battle formations where you can command NPC's and other players in combat, making for epic multiplayer battles. The multiplayer game also allow the players to form guilds and lay siege to enemy castles, letting their catapults sing their merry song of death as the enemy is crushed to a pulp.

Gears of War

2007-12-06T08:44:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Microsoft
DEVELOPER:    Epic Games
GENRE(S):     Third-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:      8
PLATFORM:     PC, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2007

Gears of War thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. With Gears of War, Epic returns gamers to the massively scoped worlds, memorable characters, co-operative gameplay, and hyper-realistic combat that gamers have come to expect from the franchise, plus a few new surprises. Gears of War features locations that are unique to the franchise and the genre. Players encounter all of their favorite foes from the Xbox 360 version; however, these intense encounters take place in some new environments and allow players to manipulate the new game modes and technology found only in a Games for Windows title. Boasting three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, game editor, five new campaign chapters, and DirectX 10support, Gears of War, challenges and pushes the limits of the PC gaming experience and provide an unparalleled visual presentation.

Half-Life 2: Episode 2

2007-12-06T08:35:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    Valve Software
DEVELOPER:    Valve Software
GENRE(S):     First-Person Shooter
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ESRB RATING:  M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2007

Half-Life 2: Episode Two is the second in a trilogy of new games created by Valve that extends the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life adventure. As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists. Episode Two extends the award-winning Half-Life gameplay with unique weapons, vehicles, and newly-spawned creatures.

BioShock

2007-12-06T08:26:00.000-08:00


PUBLISHER:    2K Games
DEVELOPER:    2K Boston
GENRE(S):     Role-Playing Game, Action
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     PC, Xbox 360
RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2007

Going beyond "run and gun corridors," "monster-closet AIs" and static worlds, BioShock creates a living, unique and unpredictable FPS experience. After your plane crashes into icy uncharted waters, you discover a rusted bathysphere and descend into Rapture, a city hidden beneath the sea. Constructed as an idealistic society for a hand picked group of scientists, artists and industrialists, the idealism is no more. Now the city is littered with corpses, wildly powerful guardians roam the corridors as little girls loot the dead, and genetically mutated citizens ambush you at every turn. Take control of your world by hacking mechanical devices, commandeering security turrets and crafting unique items critical to your very survival. Upgrade your weapons with ionic gels, explosives and toxins to customize them to the enemy and environment. Genetically modify your body through dozens of Plasmid Stations scattered throughout the city, empowering you with fantastic and often grotesque abilities. Explore a living world powered by Ecological A.I., where the inhabitants have interesting and consequential relationships with one another that impact your gameplay experience. Experience truly next generation graphics that vividly illustrate the forlorn art deco city, highlighted by the most detailed and realistic water effects ever developed in a video game. Make meaningful choices and mature decisions, ultimately culminating in the grand question: do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture...or save them?

Agatha Christie: Evil Under The Sun

2007-12-06T08:18:00.001-08:00


PUBLISHER:    DreamCatcher Interactive/The Adventure Company
DEVELOPER:    AWE Games
GENRE(S):     Adventure
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     PC
ESRB RATING:  T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2007

Famous detective Hercule Poirot is back in typical style, turning up at just the right time to begin an investigation into the murder of a famous actress during what should have been the start of a relaxing holiday. Taking on the role of Hercule Poirot, players can scour a stunning tropical island for clues and delve deeper into the mysterious relationships between over 20 unique characters to search out the killer.

Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None

2007-12-06T08:09:00.001-08:00


PUBLISHER:    DreamCatcher Interactive/The Adventure Company
DEVELOPER:    AWE Games
GENRE(S):     Adventure
PLAYERS:      1
PLATFORM:     PC, Wii
ESRB RATING:  T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: Oct 25, 2005 (PC)/Nov 25, 2007 (Wii)

In the classic story And Then There Were None, 10 people, each with something to hide and something to fear, are invited to a lonely mansion on Shipwreck Island by a host who, surprisingly, fails to appear. On the island, they are cut off from everything but each other and the inescapable shadows of their own past lives. One by one, the guests share the darkest secrets of their wicked pasts. And one by one, they die... Agatha Christie fans, and newcomers to the genre, can look forward to a series of unexpected turns; although the storyline stays true to the original concept, players will encounter new plot twists. The first comes in the form of an 11th character, the player, a boatman who brings the others to the island and then is trapped there himself. To save the lives of the intended victims, the player must unravel the motives behind the murders and uncover the identity of the killer. If successful, he will spare not only the lives of the remaining guests, but also his own. Using the Wiimote controller, gameplay in this traditional PC adventure game can be taken to a new level of interactivity. For instance, players will have the freedom to control their character's actions, such as using a digging motion to unearth clues, or spinning the handle of a safe using the Wiimote; and the introduction of timed puzzles where, for example, players must race up a set of stairs from a boat docked below.

Tekken 6

2007-12-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

PUBLISHER:    Namco Bandai Games
DEVELOPER:    Namco Bandai Games
GENRE(S):     Fighting
PLAYERS:      2
PLATFORM:     PlayStation 3
ESRB RATING:  T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2008

Tekken 6 graces the PS3 packing a next generation punch for the acclaimed fighting franchise. Details to follow.