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.

Infinity Blade II Review (iOS)

 

Infinity Blade II Review | Preview Publisher: Chair Entertainment Developer: Chair Entertainment Genres: Action, Role-playing Release Date: Digital Download - 12/01/11 Platforms:iPhone Mature

GameZone Rating 9.5

When the original Infinity Blade debuted on iOS devices last year, it really pushed forward the mobile gaming market.  The way it produced unmatchable visuals for the iPad and iPhone platforms was really a thing of beauty.  Even though the gameplay wasn’t anywhere near what, say, Dark Souls had to offer, it provided enough hack-and-slash fun to make the game a best seller.  Still, there were some quirks we had to get over, like the lack of variety in enemies and such.  However, Chair Entertainment has appeared to address them all with Infinity Blade II, a much mightier game than the original.
The premise is about the same as the first, but we’re not complaining.  You take on the role of  Siris, a knight seeking to vengeance his father’s death by bringing down a mighty oppressor by the name of the God King.  Like any good journey, though, there are huge assortments of enemies you’ll have to overcome, and even when you reach the final battle, he’s so overpowered that you may not be able to take him.  But there’s the glory of reincarnation and the ability to come back, build yourself up with better skills and weapons, and eventually get to the point that the King will fall to your metal boots.  Maybe.

Dance Central 2 Review

 

Dance Central 2 Review Publisher: Microsoft Corporation Developer: Harmonix Genres: Music Release Date: N Amer - 10/25/11 Platforms:Xbox 360 Teens

GameZone Rating 9.5

Dance Central is arguably the Kinect's best game. Not only did the game actually work at reading your movements successfully, it also dethroned Rock Band as the ultimate party game. Harmonix' answer to the best dancing game is the sequel to the best dancing game. Dance Central 2 takes pretty much everything that made the first game great and adds some much needed improvements that truly take it to the next level.
DC2 is still that dancing game you know and love. You will still be following on-screen dancers that are much better than you, while trying to anticipate upcoming moves from the scrolling flash cards on the side. You still have a great selection of music that includes hits that you hear on the radio, as well as some throwbacks that are still enjoyable to shake your booty to. Some of the tracks include Bruno Mars' 'Grenade', Sean Kingston's 'Fire Burning', and Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance' and 'Born This Way', but Sir Mix-A-Lot's 'Baby Got Back' is a definite crowd pleaser. The total of 44 tracks can be found on the disc, with DLC undoubtedly available, as well.

Sonic CD Review

 

Sonic CD Review Publisher: SEGA Developer: SEGA Genres: Platformer Release Date: Xbox Live Arcade - 12/14/11 Platforms:Xbox 360 Everyone 10 and older

GameZone Rating 9.0

If there’s one company that has fan service nailed down tight, it’s Sega.  Seriously, every time some hardcore fan base has demanded a game for release on the digital front, it’s come through in spades.  Guardian Heroes?  Released with an HD makeover and online play.  Daytona USA?  Packing Xbox Live support and complete with a weird (yet hilarious) Karaoke Mode.  Crazy Taxi?  Well, it didn’t quite have the amazing soundtrack it once did, but it’s still reckless fun.  And now it’s come through again, just in time for the holidays, with Sonic CD.
First announced back at PAX, it was a shock to see Sonic CD come back in the limelight, after the initial game had a mediocre run on the Sega CD platform, followed by a flawed, glitchy release on PC.  But after running along that bumpy road, we’re happy to report that the Hedgehog has made a smooth transition on Xbox Live (PSN next week), with all of the original game’s goodness intact – and a few bonuses for good measure.
Sonic CD does stray a little bit off course from previous Sonic games.  All the running and enemy bopping is still intact, and you’ll set out to collect as many rings as possible for those cherished one-ups.  But some mastermind at Sega (probably Yuji Naka) added the element of time travel, where Sonic runs through specific gates and runs like hell, transporting himself to the past or the future.  Most of the level build itself remains the same, but everything else – décor, music, enemies – has drastically changed.  It’s a neat effect that will have you running through different gates each time through, just to see how everything turns out.
This game is also quite tougher than previous Sonics.  That’s not to say it’s impossible, but you’ll be surprised how often you hit spiked walls and lose all your precious rings, or accidentally fall into a bottomless pit of death.  With much more intricate level designs, there’s plenty to find in each stage, but eventually you’ll need to figure out the best way through, such as on a huge pinball grid that reminds us so much of the forgotten Sonic Spinball.  Just stick with it, though, and you’ll be promptly rewarded with a rich experience as only the Hedgehog can deliver.

Trine 2 Review (Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network)

 

Trine 2 - 360/PS3/PC Review Publisher: Atlus USA Developer: Frozenbyte Genres: Platformer, Puzzle Release Date: N Amer - 12/06/11 Platforms:PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Everyone 10 and older

GameZone Rating 9.0

When Trine released for PC and PlayStation Network, it introduced an interesting new take on the old Lost Vikings concept that worked back on the SNES.  You’ve got three different characters, each with their own specific abilities and talents, who need to work together to solve puzzles and venture onward to the next waiting level.  However, the major difference between these games lie in the presentation.  Trine presented an elegant design, both in its backdrops and character animations, which would set the standard for downloadable games at the time.  Could Atlus and Frozenbyte strike again with Trine 2?  You bet your sweet character switch it can.

Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath HD Review

 

Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath (PSN) Review | Preview Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Just Add Water Genres: Action-Adventure, Shooter Release Date: N Amer - 12/27/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3 Teens

GameZone Rating 9.0

In today’s video game industry, it’s not a strange coincidence that some truly great games are overlooked by more popular commercial favorites.  Case in point – Rayman Origins, a charming game in its own right, sold 50,000 units, where other games like Dead Island and Modern Warfare 3 easily cleared over a million.  That’s just a recent example.  Some true gems have been buried because of their lack of an ad campaign or publisher hype.  There’s no bigger example of this than Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath.

NFL Blitz Review (Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network)

 

NFL Blitz Review Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Electronic Arts Genres: Action, Sports Release Date: Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade - 01/04/12 Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Everyone 10 and older

GameZone Rating 9.0

Football games are way too damn serious these days.  Sure, they’re entertaining, but some players may not be prepared for the onslaught of statistics and simulation rules that both Madden NFL 12 and NCAA Football 12 bring.  So it’s nice to see EA Sports lighten up a bit and bring back a gridiron game that refuses to take itself seriously – NFL Blitz.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Midway originally released Blitz in the arcades back in the 90’s, including such over-the-top antics as players catching on fire and ridiculous hits that would send a normal person to the hospital.  As it did with NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, EA Sports retains most of the energy that made the original game click, while adding some new features that are sure to spark an interest in the football community, even though we’re in the playoffs.