Years ago, top down role-playing games dominated the market and presented some of the most memorable gaming experiences in the industry. Unfortunately, those experiences are a thing of the past. 3D Dot Game Heroes developed by From Software and published by Atlus is an attempt to modernize the genre. Does it succeed? Or remain a thing of the past?
Raven Software comes from a solid pedigree of recently released titles. Their latest outing Singularity looks to bring a unique twist to the first person shooter genre. Does this title manipulate the way we see games, or does it amount to nothing more than a cheap gimmick?
At the beginning of this generation, with the technological advances in physics, many craved an authentic football game focusing on realistic movement and tackles. Backbreaker sets out to meet those expectations, claiming unprecedented realism in regards to physics. Does Backbreaker live up to its lofty expectations or choke under the pressure.
Obsidian Entertainment comes from a solid pedigree, developing titles such as Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2. Their latest title and brand new IP Alpha Protocol looks to bring a refreshing experience to the market. Does this modern spy role-playing game trash the competition, or fall under the weight of its lofty expectations.
The last Prince of Persia game released in 2008, featuring a new cast of characters, a new setting; Hell, it was just a completely different game in general. Despite the huge differences between each series, it was something fresh, even if it had a bunch of poor design decisions. The latest title, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands looks to bring the series back to its successful roots. Does it succeed in bringing the original series to this generation? Or should it remain a thing of the past?
In the past, the Medal of Honor franchise dominated the first person shooter genre, providing an addictive multiplayer with a compelling singleplayer story arc. The latest iteration brings the theater of war to the worn-torn sands of Afghanistan. Is it mission accomplished for this reboot? Or is this invasion to your console ill-advised?
The once bold Japanese role-playing genre is in a terrible decline, with many wondering if this genre’s days are permanently numbered. Tri-Ace has released several titles this generation, with most of them receiving poor or mixed reception. Resonance of Fate attempts to bring an unorthodox approach to the genre. Does it succeed in reviving the genre? Or does the genre continue its downward spiral into oblivion?
Most people will pass Section 8, the game looks dated, the story is cliché, and it has some technical problems. As a network title though, Section 8 offers a good time with lots of value. Section 8 has several interesting gameplay mechanics not typically seen in first person shooters. Waiting for a long respawn counter has been removed, and instead you can drop wherever you want on the battlefield, provided you’re not in range of enemy AA turrets. This is a lot of fun and also lends itself as a pivotal strategic maneuver.
Worms 2: Armageddon has officially released on the PlayStation Network with teams of Worms stuck in the ultimate conflict to see who will survive and ultimately reign supreme. Does Worms 2: Armageddon hit its mark? Or does Team 17’s flagship franchise take a dive? Hit the break for our verdict.
It’s no secret that Japanese role-playing games have taken a severe dive in quality over the last few years. NIER published by Square Enix and developed by Cavia is an attempt to bring classic role-playing games back in the market and with a vengeance. Does NIER succeed? Or fall flat in its attempt to create a classic experience?
From our Activision press release: Santa Monica, CA – February 1, 2011- The first new multiplayer downloadable content (DLC) from the record-setting, best-selling blockbuster title Call of Duty®: Black Ops is now available worldwide on Xbox LIVE®. Released today by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), Treyarch’s Call of Duty: Black Ops – First Strike adds five all new action-packed maps that span the globe. “Berlin Wall,” a new map surrounding the iconic barrier, gives players access to both sides of Cold War Berlin; “Stadium” delivers plenty of fast-paced, close-quarters combat set in the backdrop of a sports complex; “Discovery” is an abandoned German outpost set along the coast of Antarctica; “Kowloon” spans the tiered levels of high-rises and rooftops of Kowloon City, Hong Kong. “First Strike” also features an all new experience for the fan-favorite Zombies mode. The new level, “Ascension” pits players against hoards of vicious, perk-stealing zombie monkeys, flesh-eating Soviet Zombies and more in a trap-filled, Cold War era cosmodrome.
From our Namco press release: SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Feb. 4, 2011) – Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America today announced RIDGE RACER® UNBOUNDED™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC. The newest installment of the smash racing franchise aims to shake up the genre by breaking all the rules and a plenty of cars along the way. Get ready to take the action off the circuits and into the streets for one of the most action-packed and destructive racing games ever seen.