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.

All Zombies Must Die! Review

 

All Zombies Must Die! Review Publisher: Square Enix U.S.A., Inc Developer: Doublesix Genres: Shooter Release Date: Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade - 12/28/11 Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Teens

GameZone Rating 7.0

 

Another year, another game that gives you the opportunity to kill the undead.  Many publishers have tried their hand at a twin stick shooter that lets you take on zombie hordes, including Sony (Dead Nation), Konami (Zombie Apocalypse) and, of course, Valve (Left 4 Dead).  Now entering the fray is Square Enix, whose All Zombies Must Die!, developed by Doublesix, takes a more comical approach.  It features four vitally unique characters that must stand together to take on the sudden zombie apocalypse.  It’s fun, but there are some shortcomings you must expect.