Tekken Hybrid Review

 

Tekken: Hybrid Review Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Genres: Fighting Release Date: N Amer - 11/22/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3 Teens

GameZone Rating 8.0

After dominating Tekken 6 (like a boss), I was kind of eager to see what Namco had next in line for the ongoing fighting series.  Yeah, it relies heavily on the tap-tap combos, I get that.  Some of the characters – looking at you, Paul Phoenix – can’t be taken seriously, but there’s still something ludicrously fun about it.  While next year will obviously bring big things for the series between the release of Street Fighter x Tekken and Tekken Tag Tournament 2, we have Tekken Hybrid, a decently priced sampler platter that gives you plenty to feast on this holiday.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review (Wii)

 

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Wii Review Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Genres: Action-Adventure Release Date: N Amer - 11/20/11 Platforms:Wii Rating Pending

GameZone Rating 9.0

We’ve come a long way with Link – and Nintendo.  Starting out with The Legend of Zelda on the NES, we’ve gotten lost for hours on end with the little warrior, even taking side journeys like the somewhat perplexing (but still good) Zelda II: The Adventures of Link and his awesome cameo in Soul Calibur II.  Every time one of his bigger games come out, there’s always some skeptics that go, “That’s it?”  This was mainly the case with The Wind Waker (another classic) and, to some folks, Twilight Princess on the Wii.  We’re sure that Skyward Sword, now in stores, will probably get the same treatment.  But no matter.  Those who are faithful to the Miyamoto-driven franchise shall be promptly awarded with another enriched journey.

Battlefield 3 Review

 

Battlefield 3 - 360/PS3/PC Review | Preview Publisher: Electronic Arts Genres: Action-Adventure, First-Person Shooter Release Date: N Amer - 10/25/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Mature

GameZone Rating 9.0

One out of the two modern military games is finally upon us. Though the other game has a cult following of millions of fans, there is no denying that the Battlefield series have put online competitive multiplayer on the map. Recently the Battlefield series has taken a break from being numbered and focused more on the single-player elements, but Battlefield 3 not only comes back with full force when it comes to the online experience, it also delivers a fairly enjoyable, albeit cliche-filled and slightly buggy, single-player campaign.
The story puts you in the shoes of Sergeant James Blackburn, a man being interrogated by the CIA for committing certain acts against the country. Through flashblacks, you learn the true story behind what really happened. Expect some twists and turns, but nothing we haven't already seen multiple times in military shooters. In fact, Battlefield 3 uses an all too familiar formula we have already seen in last year's Call of Duty: Black Ops.
I was quite surprised just how much it felt like a Call of Duty game. Prior to playing the single-player campaign, DICE and EA have made multiple claims that it will not go for the shock value or try to be controversial. Playing through the game, there were definitely some controversial parts, some of which included a scene where I was able to willingly shoot police officers down. Controversial? I'd say so. The single-player experience holds your hand throughout the game. It's as linear as you could possibly get, sprinkled in with the occasional quick time event. When you think about the freedom you have with multiplayer, you're almost taken aback as to how limited you feel during each campaign mission. With that said, it does contain some pretty epic levels, including one which puts you in the shoes of a co-pilot of a fighter jet. The level feels like an intense roller coaster ride, as you're locking on to enemy fighters, taking them down, shooting off flares, and performing bombing runs.

FIFA 12 Review

 

FIFA 12 Review Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Electronic Arts Genres: Simulation, Sports Release Date: N Amer - 09/27/11 Platforms:PC, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 Everyone

GameZone Rating 9.0

Imagine the pressure of creating a game based on the world's most popular sport.  Year in and year out, EA Sports has tasked itself with creating the best possible soccer game that will appeal to the hordes of soccer fans around the globe.  Last year, with FIFA 11, they pretty much succeeded.  The challenge this year?  Topping such a successful game and not only repeating the performance, but exceeding it.  Expectations were high, but EA Sports delivery was higher.
That's right, EA Sports has delivered a gem in FIFA 12, highlighted by a series of risky changes.  With a clear goal of improving gameplay, EA focused on defensive changes to the gameplay, most notably a new tactical defending system that emphasizes "containing" and jostling.  Although these changes will feel weird at first, you should soon get used to them.  I, for one, welcomed these changes, which took out a common tactic of holding down the two "pressing" button, which in the past sent two players in to close down the attackers and win the ball.  Was it a smart tactic, gameplay wise?  Yes.  Did it require skill?  Hardly.
Now, that tactic no longer works.  Instead of rushing in to take the ball, you now play a more realistic style of defense.  FIFA 12 now has a new "containing" method in which you track the attacker, remaining a few feet away, and keeping him held back.  When the time is right, you can actively time when to tackle and rush in for the ball, or decide when to hold the player back.  Time your button press badly and the attacker will easily pass you, or you'll commit a foul.

WWE '12 Review

 

WWE 12 Review Publisher: THQ Developer: THQ Genres: Sports Release Date: N Amer - 11/22/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Teens

GameZone Rating 8.0

When WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 launched for the PlayStation 2 back in 2005, it offered a completely different take on the previously arcade-like series of WWE games. The gameplay was slowed down, requiring a more methodical approach and attempting to closely recreate the experiences seen on WWE programming. The game was a success, and it was a great deal of fun, but it paved the way for what would be years of mostly mediocre wrestling games.
Now, the Yuke's-developed WWE '12 has hit the scene, and according to THQ, this is the game that wrestling fans have been waiting for. If I had to be completely honest, I'd say THQ was right. Well, for the most part.
It seems like we've come full circle. After delivering one solid wrestling sim and following it up with a cluttered mess of subpar titles, THQ has finally made the necessary changes to make the WWE series of video games feel fresh once more. WWE '12 isn't just another grappler with recycled mechanics and gameplay--it's a wrestling game that attempts to offer something new for fans of the WWE that are tired of the abysmal SmackDown vs. Raw series.

Review: Saints Row: The Third Delivers the Over-the-Top Experience as Promised

 

Saints Row: The Third - PS3/360PC Review Publisher: THQ Developer: Volition, Inc Genres: Release Date: N Amer - 06/13/11 Platforms: Mature

GameZone Rating 9.5

When a developer has the cojones to parody blockbuster titles like Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3, and Gears of War 3, they better back it up.  THQ promised us bigger, better, and wilder with Saints Row: The Third and, boy, did they deliver.  Never one to hold back, Saints Row: The Third is packed with sex, drugs, and guns--everything we love and everything you need for that true "WTF" experience.  Honestly, you'll have plenty of those in your experience with Saints Row.
As promised, there is never a dull moment in Saints Row: The Third.  You won't find any GTA-style "fetch" missions here.  In fact, you're more likely to find yourself naked and drugged in a BDSM club surrounded by machinegun-wielding hookers.  That's just how Saints Row: The Third is.  It's filled with shockingly outrageous, innappropirate, and over-the-top sequences that somehow come together in some freakeshly obscure way.  And it works.  Each moment in this game is truly a memorable one.
If you're expecting a realistic open-world adventure, you're looking in the wrong place.  Of course, the ability to wield a big purple dildo should be the first hint.  Since it's creation, Saints Row has prided itself on becoming a series that embraces over-the-top absurdity and focuses on spectacle, but that's not to say there's no substance mixed in with the fun.

The King of Fighters XIII Review (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)

 

King of Fighters XIII Review Publisher: Atlus USA Developer: SNK Genres: Fighting Release Date: N Amer - 11/22/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Teens

GameZone Rating 8.0

If it ain’t broke, why fix it?  For years, SNK has been attracting brawlers from all over the world with its King of Fighters series, mixing up folks from past and present games (including Athena and the Ikari Warriors!) into one big smorgasbord of projectiles, throws, and super attacks.  Each tournament has culminated into an epic battle, even though the somewhat-iffy King of Fighters XII left something to be desired.  Probably due to the fact that series mainstay – and sexpot – Mai Shiranui wasn’t included.  But now the ship has righted itself once more, and King of Fighters XIII, releasing through Atlus this time around, is a welcome return to form – and not just for Mai.