Whereas the original game was able to cultivate premeditated scares by sending players down a fairly narrow path, American Nightmare’s desert setting delivers a wide-open expanse. As such, many of the unnerving set pieces of Alan Wake have been replaced with visceral action sequences. Proof of this alteration can not only be found in the protagonist’s decidedly gung-ho demeanor, but also in the game’s more dominating arsenal- which now includes items such as carbine rifles, sub-machine guns, and combat shotguns. Likewise, the regeneration speed of flashlight batteries as well as the quantity of ammo has been increased, consequently swapping controller-clinching tension with Taken-terminating jubilation.

Wisely, Alan Wake’s myriad of collectable thermoses, alarm clocks, and game boxes are been pared down. Now, manuscript pages have a dual purpose- providing players with a bit of backstory, as well as serving as the currency used to unlock new weaponry. Firearms collected during the game’s core campaign can also be used in American Nightmare’s Fight Until Dawn mode. Drawing inspiration from Resident Evil’s Mercenaries component, this diversion pits players against waves of increasingly powerful crowds of opponents, as gamers try to maximize their score. Although the unlockable maps and leaderboard support are capable of maintaining a gamer’s interest, the lack of any online multiplayer is a slight setback.

Regretfully, the title’s voice-overs and in-game cinematic sequences are wildly uneven. As solid as the game’s faux-Rod Sterling narrator, full-motion video segments, and Old Gods of Asgard radio bits are, they are undermined by lackluster performances by Nightmare’s NPC. Adding insult to injury are the jerky mannerisms displayed by characters during dialog sequences, which diminish the title’s otherwise capable sense of immersion. Licensed music makes a reappearance in this game, with British neo-psychedelia outfit Kasabian offering a number to complement a key sequence.

Eager to trump Greek and Roman mythologies, the game’s plotline is pure lunatic hyperbole, crafting a tale spanning 12,000 years and filled with a pantheon of demigods. Following a betrayal by his fellow deities, lead character- Asura, is cast into exile and subsequently endures the death of his wife and kidnapping of his daughter. When millenniums of ire reach a boiling point, our antihero becomes hell-bent on vengeance, lending the title a stirring impetus for six hours of merciless ass-kicking.

As such, the clashes in Asura’s Wrath feel underwhelming and don’t deliver the sensation of mastery which accompanies most similarly-themed titles. Action games routinely endow players with a growing collection of attacks to choose from, yet Asura’s arsenal is constantly mandated. As such, there’s little sense of exploration or expression, once players have mastered the timing of a recovery maneuver or juggle launch.

Conversely, gamers impervious to sustained cinematic sequences will likely be captivated by Asura’s Wrath episodic delivery, which tenders up eighteen separate twenty-minute episodes. Launched with a preview of each installment’s forthcoming engagements, each chapter exhibits prodigious pacing while gradually moving the overarching storyline along. During key events, direct control is always presented to player, allowing the fulfillment of delivering an extravagant finishing move. Consistently, the title’s representation of scale is outstanding. As demonstrated in the recent demo, Asura overpowers a gargantuan enemy by punching the tip of his finger, sending a shockwave of energy that decimates the foe’s entire body. Delightfully, hyper-exaggerated feats like this are the rule rather than the exception.

Asura’s Wrath greatest virtue is that it demonstrates the untapped potential for the medium. While gamers have struggled against bulky, near-insurmountable rivals, these opponents haven’t outsized solar system or carried blades large enough to pierce through a planet.  A sophisticated sense of scale might seem like a gimmick, yet developer CyberConnect2 (the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series, Solatorobo) rarely misses an opportunity to manipulate perspective into an awe-inspiring moment. Despite a constrained amount of interactivity and a relatively fleeting play-through period, it’s hard to be too angry with Asura’s Wrath.

360
Binary Domain
Black Knight Sword (XBLA)
Country Dance: All Stars Kinect
Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
Nexuiz (XBLA)
SSX

PS3
Binary Domain
Black Knight Sword (PSN)
Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2
Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
SSX

Wii
PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond

3DS
Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure

DS
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2

PSP
No retail releases, digital titles posted 2/28

Vita
No retail releases

PC
7554
Deep Black: Reloaded
The Lord of the Rings Online: Mithril Edition

DesertEagle’s Pick: Sure, Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 has an allegorical storyline centering around battling portable systems and it’s also pretty jiggleriffic. However, it’s a niche title that probably  won’t tickle the fancy of most gamers. For those that don’t appreciate tentacle jokes, there’s always the ability to pull a flying squirrel in SSX.

]]> http://www.tech-gaming.com/?feed=rss2&p=4518 32 http://www.tech-gaming.com/?p=4518 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tech-gaming/KTMh/~3/X8C6j-16Hf8/ http://www.tech-gaming.com/?p=4509#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:31 +0000 SeanNOLA http://www.tech-gaming.com/?p=4509

Michael Jackson: The Experience HD is essentially a port of the iPad game of the same name. Players can choose from a play-list of 15  Michael Jackson chart-toppers to jam out to, each with 3 difficulty settings. Unlike the original iPad version, there are no in-app purchases, so all content is either available from the get-go, or can be unlocked by playing through the stages and levelling up. The frustrating part is that everything, other than the stages themselves, is an unlockable. Outfits? Unlockable. Normal difficulty? Unlockable. The ability to score “Perfect” on a dance move?! Un.lock.able. The end result is that you’ll spend the first hour or so unlocking the basic tools that make the game feel complete.

If you strip away all of the Michael Jacksonism from the title and take a hard look at the basic gameplay, what you are left with is a surprisingly compelling and challenging rhythm game. Michael dances in the center of the screen, and gesture prompts create a circular HUD around him. Rather than tapping or pulling a specific area or button like Elite Beat Agents, players can make the gestures at any point on the screen, regardless of where the prompts originate. Each gesture corresponds to a dance move, but users only take direct control of Michael during specific points in each song. During these “freestyle” moments, you have the opportunity to bust out signature moves from memory in order to earn bonus points and unlock stage-specific special effects. The rest of the time is spent following along with the canned animation. The plus side is that the dance always looks smooth unless you are freestyling, but it also means that there is very little feedback as to how well you are doing. There is also no failure, so there is very little incentive to shape up once you’ve dropped a few steps.

While both titles were well-received by critics and consumers, neither game seemed to connect with players as well as 2004’s Lumines. As Q’s inaugural title, the game was a perfect showpiece for the newly released PSP, flaunting the portable’s vibrant widescreen display and ability to output distortion-free music. Equally instrumental in the achievement success, were the game’s mechanics- which like Tetris, concealed a surprising amount of depth amongst the guileless tumbling blocks. Hoping to replicate the launch day coup of its predecessor, recent release Lumines: Electronic Symphony might just be the luminary of the Vita’s launch library, offering a dazzling diversion capable of stimulating multiple senses.

Graciously, Q Entertainment changed little of the Lumines’ core gameplay. Square blocks still cascade down from the top of screen, challenging players to slide and spin these shapes so that four (or more) same-colored squares converge.  Meanwhile, a metronome-like ‘timeline’ sweeps past the playfield, eliminating matched blocks to the cadence of the music. To keep these conventions from becoming stale, Lumines employs skins- 43 different visual themes which alter the fundamental elements of each stage. Veterans will know these changes transcend mere aesthetic appeal. A simple transformation of green and grey squares into pastel colored circles can muddle perception, obliging a player to adapt to each new motif.

One component which has been thoughtfully altered is the game’s avatar system. No longer just vacant visual personas, icons now provide special abilities, such as temporarily stopping the timeline or changing the color of blocks. While routine play fills up your avatar’s gauge, so does tapping on the rear touch panel, encouraging games to drum their fingers to the beat of each song. There’s even a sound effect which accompanies every tap, pulling players deeper into Electronic Symphony’s engrossing elements. Whereas mounds of mismatched blocks once foreshadowed an imminent finale, this game’s new shuffle block can offer a serendipitous reprieve by scrambling the color of on-screen squares.

Although competitive-minded players have the option to clash in a local match, Electronic Symphony lacks any online duals, which would have bolstered the title’s longevity. As a compromise, the game’s on-line stat tracking is both nicely integrated and sufficiently robust, goading players with both global leaderboards as well as their friend’s accomplishments. The game’s most enigmatic online feature is its World Block mode, which tasks Lumines’ collective audience with clearing more than two million blocks on a single day. Conceivably, players will be rewarded for this milestone, but at the time of this writing, no incentive has been revealed.

Remove the polygon-pushing playfields and supplementary touch control options and there’s no reason why Lumines: Electronic Symphony couldn’t have been successfully implemented on the PSP.  Yet, as a Vita launch title, the game’s celebratory vibe seems fitting, ushering in an air of jubilant optimism for the fledgling hardware. Players with the slightest interest in rhythmic puzzlers shouldn’t skip a beat and pick up the title as their earliest opportunity.

Despite the efforts of a comprehensive tutorial and an optional, simplified control scheme known as “Stylish Mode”, BlazBlue’s erudite nuances are bound to be overlooked by casual fans. Although the title’s four-button combat might feel vaguely familiar, and rudimentary combos can be pecked out, the title’s multitude of sub-systems make Blaz one of the most technical fighters on the market. However, for determined players, the title possesses near-limitless depth. From mastering the game’s air juggling system to minding the defensive blocking gauge (known as the Guard Libra), there’s a near-overwhelming number of simultaneous mechanics in each match. Thankfully, there’s a moment when resolute players become cognizant of BlazBlue’s inner workings, justifying the time invested in each match.

Fortunately, a number of agreeable small improvements did work their way into the Vita iteration. Booting up the title’s presents players with the game’s invigorating new intro, crafted by Production I.G (Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade), which is accompanied by an infectious song courtesy of J-pop vocalist Faylan. With the inclusion of characters previously only available as DLC (Platinum, Makoto, Valkenhayn) as well as a new combatant named Relius Clover, BlazBlue’s nineteen-strong roster is as diverse as it is unusual. In addition to the supplemental storyline for each of the four new fighters, the title offers also offer summary for Calamity Trigger’s plotline. With a Rashômon-esque angle, Continuum Shift Extend’s central story is presented from the perspective of each character. As such, the title’s narrative is far better than the typical fighting game impetus, inspiring players to see another piece of the plot with each tournament win in Story Mode.

Amazingly, Continuum Shift Extend retains all the visual sumptuousness and animation fluidity of its console, brethren and looking even more stunning on the Vita’s OLED screen. For gamers hoping to immerse themselves in Blaz’s jubilant, hard-rocking soundtrack, a pair of headphones are a necessity, as the portable’s speakers produce a rather anemic output. Agreeably, gamers can switch between the game’s Japanese and English voice-overs, with both deliveries offering their own distinct, yet competent deliveries.

Although connectivity with the PS3 version of Continuum Shift was an expected feature, it’s nowhere to be found in the Vita release; hopefully cross-platform play will be patched in at a later date. Despite that omission, the title’s online is impressive, with options for two-on-two and three-on-three team battles (and even handicapped matches) as well as customary one-on-one skirmishes. Thankfully, the title’s netcode is reliably steady, exhibiting scant lag across an afternoon of heated matches.

With the inclusion of supplemental characters, an array of engaging game modes, and faultless online component, BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend is the definitive edition of the title. Although launch titles can lose their luster after a few week, there’s enough depth in Blaz to keep the ‘wheel of fate turning’ well past the next wave of game hits store shelves, as long at your left thumb holds up.

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Expectedly, many of the usual conventions are comfortably in place; players unite a team of unlikely, divergent heroes to save a world from imminent peril. Yet, what elevates Tales of the Abyss above similar efforts is the title’s capable articulation of the character arc. When gamers are first introduced to the game’s protagonist, Luke Fon Fabre, he’s a spoiled aristocrat, sheltered from the world after a kidnapping which took place seven years earlier. Initially, the character’s dialog is irritatingly impetuous and self-centered. However, following a number of crucial realizations and incidents, players behold Fon Fabre’s poignant redemption- resulting in one of the genre’s more satisfying personal progressions. For players who overlooked the PS2 iteration of the game, Tales of the Abyss’ plotline has a few foreseeable wrinkles, but most the title’s twists are expressed cautiously.

Following the action-oriented, real-time combat which has become commonplace in the Tales series, battles are another one of the title’s most satisfying elements. Gamers take control of a single party member, leaving the game’s A.I. responsible for the remaining trio of heroes. While preliminary encounters can be concluded with a bit of button-mashing, Tales of the Abyss steadily adds nuance to combat, upholding a player’s interest. Initially, each character’s normal attacks are augmented by up to eight different Fonic Artes- special abilities which draw from a limited pool of Technical Points (or TP). Later, party members can combine these sturdier strikes. With one character crafting an elemental strike, another can step into the casting field, producing an exponentially more powerful assault.

Additionally, a right tap on the directional pad is able to boost characters into Overlimit- a condition which not only offers a temporary offensive and defensive stat boost, but also allows access to a powerful field of fire blast known as a Mystic Arte. Despite the vast array of options at the player’s disposal, combat rarely becomes overwhelming thanks to the savvy CPU team. Able to perceptively aid endangered players, follow orders, and offer a helping hand against formidable foes, your party members are consistently cooperative, supporting the title’s theme of solidarity. Should you wish to make any micro-adjustments in the midst of battle, Tales of the Abyss is happy to accommodate any weapon or armor adjustments.

Despite several virtuous features, Tales of the Abyss also a number of quizzical components bound to disappoint players. Periodically, gamers are prompt to press the selection button to watch a ‘skit’- an auxiliary conversation between characters. Whereas the original Japanese version of Tales voiced these interludes, the localized 3DS iteration is noticeably mute and unlike the text of the main game, follows its own fixed pace. As such, these sequences feel woefully underwhelming, obliging players to skip these supplemental story pieces, which could have added to the title’s feel. While the game’s art style, character design, and animation are commendable the transition to a stereoscopic screen wasn’t without consequence. While Tales of the Abyss accurately recreates the visuals of its PS2 predecessor when the 3D is turned off, engaging the depth slider can upset the perspective of characters and backgrounds. One noticeable example: dialog balloon are rendered in the extreme forefront, creating an odd gap between a character and their conversation. Save for Mieu’s shrill catch-phrases, the game’s voice acting is a solid effort, but given the amount of speech in the game, sounds a bit too compressed.

360
Alan Wake’s American Nightmare (XBLA, $15)
Asura’s Wrath
Heavy Fire: Afghanistan
NeverDead: Expansion Pack Volume 1 (DLC)
Outdoors Unlimited
Syndicate

PS3
Asura’s Wrath
Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers (PS2 Classic)
NeverDead: Expansion Pack Volume 1 (DLC)
Outdoors Unlimited
Syndicate

Wii
Outdoors Unlimited

3DS
Fractured Soul: Deep Void
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D

PSP
New Releases announced 2/21

Vita
Augmented Reality Suite: Fireworks, Cliff Diving, and Table Soccer (PSN)
Army Corps of Hell
Dynasty Warriors Next
Escape Plan (PSN)
Hustle Kings (PSN)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
Plants vs. Zombies (PSN)
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen
Super Stardust Delta (PSN)
Super Stardust Delta: Blast Pack (PSN, DLC)
Touch My Katamari

PC
Out There Somewhere
Syndicate

DesertEagle’s Pick: For the handful of Musou-maniacs like myself, the thought of Dynasty Warriors on the go is certainly appealing, especially if it can produce more on-screen enemies than the anemic 3DS version. For those less enamored by another interpretation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Alan Wake’s American Nightmare looks like it might satisfy my craving for nail-gun carnage.

BlueSwim’s Pick: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has a very distinct honor; it’s the only game I love so much that I have vowed never to replay it. With a story that gets better and more compelling as it advances and memorable, dramatic boss battles, I firmly believe that Snake Eater is an “essential read” for anyone who calls themselves gamers. If you’ve never experienced Kojima’s classic and the 3DS just so happens to be your platform of choice, pick up Snake Eater 3D without a moment’s hesitation.

Samurage’s Pick: Katamari makes me wish I had a Vita! But since I don’t, I’ve got my eye on Somewhere Out There. A Google search of this title will at first get you to the song from An American Tail, but if you specify that it’s a PC game, you’ll find a video with some interesting looking game play.  It looks like it could be really cool, or really frustrating. Either way, I’m eager. (Editor’s note: Samurage will be celebrating her birthday this week; it would be nice to read some kind words)

Discarding series tradition, Tekken 3D forgoes the obligatory story mode. While some players might be disappointed by the lack of any post- King of Iron Fist tournament cinematics, the title’s undiluted succession of ten opponents in Quick Battle is ideal for portable owners seeking a commute-sized challenge. Additionally, the elimination of a treacherous, juggle-happy final boss should reduce the chances for an embarrassing rage-quit tantrum on public transportation. Special Survivor allows players to select the number of opponents they must vanquish using a single health bar, giving bonus vitality based on the performance of each match.

To maintain the game’s rock-solid framerate in online and local multiplayer, Tekken 3D is forced to eliminate three-dimensional output. Essentially, the trade-off is prudent, as it allows for the type of fluidity favored by fighting game enthusiasts. Local matches proved to the lag free, but online competitions were a different story, with specific games sullied by chronic slowdown. Without the assistance of any kind meter to gauge connection quality, it’s difficult to pinpoint to the source of the problem.  Those considering the purchase of Tekken 3D Prime Edition primarily for online play may want to hold tight, as see if the situation improves.

Tekken’s 3D’s other drawback doesn’t stem from software, but rather the limitations of Nintendo’s hardware. Executing dialogs with the portable’s direction pad can be tricky. While the circle pad is a bit more precise, the longer throw of the analog controller reduces the speed of issuing commands. To compensate for this setback, players are given four assignable hotkeys which are mapped to the touchscreen. Those worried about exploitation during competitive matches can rest easy- veteran Tekken devotees will be able to devastate players who depend on a quartet of commands.

Best known for Project Draco, the Kinect-enabled, decidedly Panzer Dragoon-esque title headed to Xbox 360s later this year, developer Grounding Inc. hasn’t had a chance to cultivate much of a following in the U.S. Following the release of Sakura Samurai, that seems likely to change. Blending solid play mechanics, inspired visuals, and a modest $6.99 USD price, the game is more than just pleasing and thoroughly polished- it’s also an elevated benchmark for future eShop action titles.

Sakura Samurai’s impetus is unabashedly skeletal, tasking players with liberating the land’s beloved guardian, Princess Cherry Blossom, from a malevolent enemy. While clichéd, the title’s cast combines cartoonish whimsy with a dash of Japanese tradition, delivering a collection of spirited personalities. Fans of Ukiyo-e will certainly appreciate the game’s introduction, which articulates an old kappa transforming a virtuous traveller into the title’s titular hero, all set against a sumptuous three-dimensional backdrop.

The game’s thirty stages are arranged via a Super Mario Bros. 3-like network, with new pathways opening once stages are overcome. Beyond the levels which pit the protagonist against venues filled with escalating quantities of swordsmen, there’s also a trio of boss encounters, as well as tranquil towns, which allows players to save, refill their heath and purchase provisions. To keep these municipalities from becoming too monotonous, there’s the sporadic NPC eager to test your skills, rewarding successful players with skill-enhancing perk. Villages also function as outposts for optimization, allowing gamers to augment their sword at the resident blacksmith’s shop.

Within Sakura Samurai’s core levels, players find themselves habitually surrounded by foes. Pleasingly, the game tenders up an agreeable amount of enemies – each with different weapons and tactics. Evading the hyperactive, hack and slash mentality of many blade-based titles, Art of the Sword truly lives up to its moniker, requiring players to carefully monitor their opponents. Once an adversary is about to strike, players sidestep out of harms ways, then meticulously strike with lethal precision. Cleverly, a few elements prohibit the title from becoming a tedious ‘Simon-says’ time-waster. First, combat is complemented by a bit of resource management, requiring players to be mindful of their health and the sharpness of their blade, as well as when to unleash opponent quelling measures like shuriken and distracting frogs. More importantly, enemies are endowed with a bit of cunning, and are able to feign inattentive players. Arguably, the title’s most compelling mechanic is precision points- a system that rewards players with dividends for fastidious evasion.

Elegantly, Sakura Samurai avoid garish 3d effects, instead offering a gentle sense of perspective across each battlefield. However, that doesn’t mean the title isn’t visually impressive. From well-drawn and animated character models, the exquisite flutter of falling cherry blossoms, and the sporadic eye-catcher like the pattern of rain cascading down a castle wall, the game is graphically gratifying. Likewise, the game’s soundtrack incorporates signature Japanese instruments such as the taiko drum and shakuhachi, which complement the action flawlessly.

Although Art of the Sword can be vanquished by resolute gamers in about five hours, the title does offer a nice set of superfluities. A hard mode reduces the player’s health and raises the formidability of foes, for those looking for a supreme challenge. Players can also unlock Thug Challenges which defies the defeat of 30, 50, or 100 foes as quickly as possible. Lastly, the Rock Garden uses the 3DS pedometer to permeate a landscape full of barren tree with hundreds of cherry blossom petals.

The most puzzling part of Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword is why Nintendo hasn’t pushed the title more. With vibrant visuals, a satisfying score and an immersive adaptation of sword fighting, the game is recommended to all 3DS owners. After years of stepping into the geta of frantic bladesmen, it’s refreshing to experience a title that channels the methodical tempo of battle, while remaining insistently enjoyable.

The first episode introduces viewers to Sawako Kuronuma, a perpetually courteous and thoughtful teen who has the misfortune of having a haircut that similar to the main character from the film Ringu. Nicknamed “Sadako” by her classmates, a belief that she can see ghosts and can craft curses instigates isolation. Once she crosses paths with the ever-amiable and well-liked Shota Kazehawa, not only do we see the foundations of a poignant bond being established, but we also witness the budding relationship act as a catalyst for the two characters.

As a textbook case of complementarity, we gradually see changes in both teens.  Sawako begins to shirk her social awkwardness, garnered a new circle of friends, and gaining self-esteem, Meanwhile,  Shota,  accustomed to the superficial affections of his female classmates is initially shown as being oblivious. Steadily, as he confirms Sawako’s admiration, Shota becomes more conscientious, recognizing his own weaknesses. To underline these transformations studio Production I.G. (Eden of the East, xxxHOLiC, Blood+) often interweaves Kimi ni todoke’s dialog with unbelievably exquisite interpretations of nature.

These interspliced scenes also communicate the series’ worldview. With characters so untiringly polite, thoughtful and selfless, Kimi ni todoke can seem inoffensively idealistic. While some viewers won’t mind the series uninhibited optimism, some might take issue with the series’ pacing. Director Hiro Kaburaki embeds every frame with relevance and offers an ample amount of foreshadowing, complexity (including the appearance of an obligatory villain), and analysis. Yet, for those accustomed to the pace of throwaway romantic fluff, Kimi ni todoke can move at a decidedly torpid tempo.  

As is customary for NIS America, the twelve episodes are housed in two slim cases. Whereas previous editions revealed slight bubbling on the surface of each cover, the vexing blemishes seem to have been eliminated. Accompanying the two DVDs are a set of Blu-ray discs, which offer an expectedly pristine viewing experience. The ancillary hardcover book, entitled, “My Memories” offers a pleasing collection of character bios, scenery stills, as well as brief episode recaps peppered with bits of dialog.

The first volume of Kimi ni todoke: From Me to You has more tender, subtle, and honest moments than Hollywood has likely churned out in the last half-decade. As other shōjo have shown, allocating more than four and a half hours to observe the quiet tempest of emotions which accompany a young romance can be advantageous. Fortunately, Kimi ni todoke rarely squanders its time, using each moment to explore the interplay between a cast of likable and intriguing characters. As such, the series would be an ideal token of admiration to the anime aficionado in your life.

With fifty-five different events spread across ten categories, the cartridge easily matches the variety of sports found in the Wii iteration of the title. Yet consistently, recreations are scaled back from the console version. Whereas Beach Volleyball previously offered a moderately convincing interpretation of the pastime, the 3DS version removes player positioning. In execution- receiving, tossing, spiking, and blocking are all handled with the “A” and “B” button, reducing the sport to WarioWare-esque simplicity. As such, this impairs any sense of simulation; matches feels less like volleyball than a procession of four or five quick time events.  Likewise, the game’s rendition of Weightlifting is a simple as yelling into the 3DS’ microphone when an oscillating marker hits the middle of a power gauge. With no control over the duration of each activity, recreations are also curiously brief; team Badminton matches compete for three points, while cycling heats completed in a matter of seconds.

Fortunately, not all of Mario & Sonic’s events are as reductive, with a handful inspiring multiple tries from gamers. Double Trap, for instance, uses the portable’s gyroscopic function, tasking players with shooting down two arcing clay disks. By twisting and tilting the 3DS, players move an on-screen cursor; although it spoils the system’s 3D-effect, the mini-game can be distracting exercise once players immersive themselves in the control scheme. Recalling the cadenced stylus swipes of Elite Beat Agents, Rhythmic Ribbon is another enjoyable recreation, with players tapping, sliding, and drawing circles to simulate the flourishes of an energetic gymnastic routine. Football boils soccer down to scoring on a throw in, which players pulling back on the circle pad to choose their trajectory. A well timed release can propel the ball past a defender or two, resulting in a satisfying crowd cheer.  Not only is the game challenging, but the perspective from the playing field exhibits the power of the 3DS.

An inconsistency in the complexity of events is also echoed in the variety of input schemes used in the game. From alternating finger taps in 100 Meter Freestyle Swimming, simultaneous direction pad and button presses in Judo, accelerometer input in Horizontal Bar and microphone blowing in Sailing, nearly every conceivable control permutation is used in Mario & Sonic. To exacerbate the complication, even similar events have different input methods: individual archery uses the stylus to direct each shot, while the team variant requires players to aim by moving the system around. Whereas the Wii iterations of Mario & Sonic have consistently allowed for both Wiimote and Nunchuck control as well as play with a solitary Wiimote, this version imposes its input methods on players. Ideally, players would have been offered selectable control options for each mini-game. What’s more, the roster of available participants for each event is limited. Instead of choosing an avatar from Nintendo and SEGA’s broad membership, players choose from one of four preset character for most sports. While the move from disk to cartridge means memory is at a premium, it’s disappointing to not be able to take control of your favorite character.

Inexplicably, Dream Events- the series hyperbolic and most gratifying recreations have gone missing, along with the Wii version’s lively London Party mode. In their absence, players have access to both local and download play with up to four competitors as well as Story Mode. The later offers an impetus for players to try every event, as they try to stop Bowser and Dr. Eggman from sabotaging the Olympic Games with impenetrable fog. Although the campaign’s dialog is a bit contrived, the visuals are pleasing and the character models in the cutscenes are eye-grabbing. Although Mario & Sonic’s gameplay can be humdrum at times, the game is quite a performer with solid framerates, short load times, and vibrant visuals.

For the right audience, the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games could be a crowd-pleaser capable of cultivating heated matches.  Unfortunately, the abridged events and absence of key play modes undermine the 3DS iteration, leaving behind a robust collection of mini-games which would be out of place on any smartphone. Woefully, players may walk away from the title feeling that Nintendo and SEGA’s famous mascots have delivered a performance that scarcely deserves a perfunctory bronze medal.

A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Whereas evading enemies with a trigger pull could be a bit unwieldy in the first game, here a tap of the right stick initiates an impenetrable tuck and roll. Considering that games as diverse as God of War 3 to the Ninja Gaiden series use a similar technique, it’s pleasing to see the studio adopt this increasingly prevalent mechanic, as it allows Shank’s eponymous hero to dodge intuitively. Similarly, Klei also ditched the clumsy design decision which mapped the melee command to the same button used to snatch items. To help offset the frustrations associated with restrained ballistic targeting, Shank 2 allows firing in all directions. Periodically an exclamation point appears over a foe’s head, permitting nimble fingered gamers to execute an instant finisher. Collectively, these elements help cultivate a natural rhythm, encouraging players to shirk and slice at a palpable pace.

Much of the charm of the original Shank stemmed from the game’s source material- Klei was unquestionably inspired by Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado and Machete. While there are still traces of the dusty tequila-drenched towns and Santana-inspired guitar wails, the sequel was crafted from a broader, richer palette. With locations ranging from jungles, docks, and an ancient temple, Shank 2 offers a greater amount of visual diversity. Likewise, the game’s selection of music is much wider, with songs recalling everything from Requiem for a Dream’s Lux Aeterna to the taut orchestral fanfares which have propelled the majority of action films for the last quarter century. While Shank can still move a bit  mechanically at times, most of the animations which made larger enemies look like marionettes have been revamped to look more lifelike.

Although co-op play through the game’s campaign was been confiscated, it’s been replaced by an online Survival Mode. Accommodating up to two online participants, three different maps require players to suppress waves of enemies. While some foes are content on hurting heroes, others are tasked with attached timed explosives to piles of resources. While Survival Mode probably won’t hold most gamers attention for too long, the side-game is strengthened by characters with differing stat bonus, loadouts, and item discounts, allowing for some interesting strategic choices.

What are the game’s weaknesses? Shank communicated a portion of its plotline through unobtrusive picture-in-picture cinematics which played as gamers sliced through swaths of foes. For the sequel, supplemental story elements have been relegated to text-based collectable items scattered throughout the game’s stages, which seems like a step backwards.

Shank 2’s other narrative shortcoming emanates its skeletal story. Although the first game offered a straightforward revenge impetus, the motivation which drives players through each stage of the sequel isn’t as clear or compelling. To compensate for this deficiency, the developers have given Shank more instruments of destruction. From handheld weapons like shovels and cleavers (as well as boat engines, kitchen sinks, and fish) to environmental switches which can trigger a grisly calamity, the game’s delivers a bigger toolset for its bloodbath. Yet, as gratifying as tossing attackers into giant meat grinders is, it doesn’t feel as rewarding without a rousing premise.

Would I enjoy this game? Despite the feverish on-screen action, Shank 2’s journey demands a mastery of each control element. As such, enjoyment and completion of the game requires a bit of diligence, as players glean the methods of subduing each foe.  So while button mashers are likely to encounter aggravation, those with determination to conquer the title’s challenges will be rewarded. Considering that Shank 2 is launching at a price that’s $5 cheaper that its ancestor, fans of blood-drenched brawlers won’t want to miss this satisfying and sinewy sequel.

360
Grand Slam Tennis 2
UFC Undisputed 3
Warp (XBLA, $10)

PS3
Grand Slam Tennis 2
Twisted Metal
UFC Undisputed 3
Warp (PSN, $10)

Wii
Rhythm Heaven Fever

3DS
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Tales of the Abyss
Tekken 3D Prime Edition

DS
Chess for Kids

PSP
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom

Vita
Asphalt: Injection
BEN 10 Galactic Racing
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift EXTEND
Dungeon Hunter Alliance
F1 2011
FIFA Soccer
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Lumines Electronic Symphony
Michael Jackson: The Experience
ModNation Racers: Road Trip
Rayman Origins
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
WipEout 2048

PC
Crusader Kings II
Jagged Alliance: Back in Action
Telepath RPG: Servants of God

DesertEagle’s Pick: Sure, I’ve dropped my share of blocks and birdies over the years, but that won’t stop me from recommending Lumines Electronic Symphony and Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational to Vita owners. The first has one of the best electronica soundtracks in gaming history while the later has always pulled me in with it’s light role-playing elements and breezy mechanics which are perfect for portable play.

SeanNOLA’s Pick: I was going to abstain from picking Uncharted: Golden Abyss on account of the fact that I have no Vita on which to play it (yet), but my next best choice would be Twisted Metal, and after spending a few hours with the “beta,” I can safely say I won’t be spending Earth dollars on that. So, this week I’ll download Uncharted and wait patiently for its native system to arrive at my doorstep.