Review: Tales of Phantasia - GBA
The classic port is still a so-so go
I enjoyed my time with ToP even thought it's not without flaws. Luckily the good aspects of the game outshine the bad ones. The great presentation and open endedness of the adventure make this title worth a look for any RPG fan.
Review: Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones - PS2, Xbox
Does the final edition redeem the series?
Prince of Persia is a highly entertaining trilogy and ends on a great note with The Two Thrones. You can tell Ubisoft wanted a fusion between Sands of Time and Warriors Within and this is exactly what they got. The boss battles are innovative and the new addition of Speed Kills keeps the platforming action continuous. Kudos Ubisoft, you have done well.
Review: Dragon Quest VIII - PS2
The heralded series returns in full force
Dragon Quest VIII boasts great battles, excellent visual style, and a freshness the series has been longing for. The game is long and takes quite a bit of effort to complete. While this is great news for the hardcore, the casual RPG fans might get sick before they leave the first continent.
Review: Sonic Rush - DS
Great Sonic fun arrives on two screens
Sonic Rush lives up to the Sonic history and some have labeled the best 2-D Sonic ever. While this is debatable, the bottom line is that Sonic Rush is an amazing Sonic title that old school gamers and new school gamers should not miss out on.
Review: Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team - DS
More of the same...again...for the fifth time
Imagine an actual online battle arena much like the one found in game. You can fight whoever you come across all wirelessly online. Again, the series as done the right thing by moving to the DS, it's just a matter of taking advantage of it.
Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga I & II - PS2
A great answer for the lack of good 2005 RPGs
DS is thoroughly enjoyable and anyone who is looking to get that RPG fix that has been missing this year should definitely not pass on this.
Review: Fatal Frame III - PS2
Third time's a charm?
FFIII definitely has its negatives but easily makes up for it with the story and artistic visuals. Even though the game progresses a bit slower than I would like, the pacing seems to be decent enough not to frustrate.
Review: Samurai Western - PS2
Nice idea, anyway
SW seemed to be a great combination of two different cultures and worlds, but it turns out the actual combination is bland gameplay with a horrid camera. Combine disappointing visuals and SW is a title that doesn't feel complete; you're left wondering only what could have been.
Review: Blitz: The League - PS2, Xbox
Does the first non-NFL professional football entry make the cut?
The game is stunning when it comes to gameplay. Players are smooth and have a glossy shine. The framerate holds up well too. If there's one thing Blitz does great is how it presents the action to you. They do a good job of zooming in and giving you great angles of big hits and spectacular plays. It's a nice change of pace from the regular simulation view.
Review: The Sims 2 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Another great round of virtual life
This Sims is a great sequel to follow up the first console version as it's packed with more items, better visuals, and with the return of the infamous blurry shower. Welcome to a true virtual life.
Review: Gunstar Super Heroes - GBA
Some of the best fun you can have on your GBA
What could be the best GBA game of the year will undoubtedly go unnoticed by the public. For those who are lucky enough to know about the game or read this review, go get this little gem right now.
Review: The Sims 2 - DS
A touchin' and a Simmin'
I personally believe the open-ended style of the original The Sims worked better, but that doesn't mean I didn't have a blast playing with the new one. It's still as addictive and I'm sure anyone who is a fan of the series will still have just as much fun as I did.
Review: DDR: Mario Mix - Gamecube
Silly veteran, "Mix" is for kids!
DDR MM doesn't provide much of a DDR challenge, but it still provides a bit of fun for the right mood and audience. Even as much as I disliked the game, this is still a gem for younger kids who are looking to get into DDR.
Review: SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs - PS2
Yes, that's how to correctly spell SEALs
Even if you don't plan on going online, the single player is good enough to warrant a purchase if you are into military-type games or action games. Either way, SOCOM 3 is a well-rounded game both online and off.
Review: Lunar: Dragon Song - DS
Odd design choices hamper the fun
The series is usually able to keep things respectably simple and yet still entertain us with its inspiring characters and epic story of saving the world. While Dragon Song does both of these, it's the awkward mechanics of the gameplay that will hinder your experience.
Review: Trauma Center: Under the Knife - DS
Be the surgeon
Trauma Center is definitely a video game experience like none other and can actually entertain those who aren't even interested in the medical field. It takes superb hand-eye coordination and self control to reach the end. Some of the surgeries can become extremely tough and take maybe up to 10 tries or more to beat them.
Review: Mega Man Zero 4 - GBA
Does the lastest Mega Man improve the series?
It's obvious Capcom is trying to add a little more substance to the Mega Man series by adding in chip sets, weather effects and a deeper story, but it's still not quite enough to make up for its shortcomings.
Review: FIFA 2006 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
EA does the FIFA license true justice
Now whether FIFA has caught Konami's Winning Eleven series is another debate. Winning Eleven still boasts some gameplay and control features that top FIFA's, but if you're looking for licenses and more of an atmospheric game, FIFA is your choice.
Review: Tecmo Classic Arcade - Xbox
A couple fun ones, a few more not so much
There are a few games in the collection that is worth having for when you're bored with your buddies, but beyond that, there's no real reason to owning this.
Review: NBA Live 2006 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Next verse - same as the first
EA has probably produced the best Live installment in the series, but that doesn't mean they've made the best basketball game or even touched the potential the series has. There are still some major kinks that could be addressed.
Review: Tiger Woods 2006 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Tiger delivers what is expected
We all know that games need to evolve. They need to improve and change. Tiger delivers what is expected, but it's usually the unexpected that impresses.
Review: Trace Memory - NDS
Tap and click adventure arrives on the DS
Trace Memory is made for everyone but not everyone will like it. Even with all the backtracking involved, the game will take most around 5-6 hours to beat, or in other words, it's short and simple.
Review: NHL 2006 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Does the game do better than its real-life counterpart this year?
The industry already has arcade hockey games and EA has always done a great job of balancing arcade play with simulation play. Hopefully this year's installment is an omen for a good NHL comeback.
Review: Sigma Star Saga - GBA
Nothing like a space shooter/RPG to shake things up
The fresh concept will dazzle you for a couple hours, but then faulty game balance is what keeps this game from excelling. I would definitely keep my eye on this franchise however. For one it's the only one of it's kind, and sequels are made to improve.
Review: Arc the Lad: End of Darkness - PS2
Mark the fad, it's the end of fun
If there's one factor that saves this game, it is the multiplayer. And although the online play doesn't live up to what it should, it's still an enjoyment to get a group of people together working as a team.
Review: Madden NFL 2006 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Not quite the big step like 2005, but still a good game of football
There's a reason why only a select few are able to play in the NFL and make difficult reads and such. We gamers want to enjoy that thrill, just not with the frustration that can go along with it. The learning curve is higher this year, but once you get use to everything and become comfortable, the game really shines.
Review: Flipnic - PS2
You won't flip over this awkward pinball title
The game definitely has unique and stunning visuals, but it only lasts half the time. Even with an MSRP of $19.99, it's still hard to find value.
Review: NCAA Football 2006 - PS2, Xbox
Still improving, still the best college pigskin title...and the only one.
This is the best installment in the series so far, and it's very pleasing to see that Tiburon and EA are not going to get lazy with their sports games seeing how there is no more competition when it comes to football simulators.
Review: Battlefield 2 - PC
Battlefield 2 truly takes the series to the next level
I lost my vision past 10 feet in front of me because of the dust and smoke from the artillery firing. As the smoke cleared I found my entire squad alive and intact. We had taken the base. This is when I knew, Battlefield 2 delivers.
Review: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones - GBA
Deep, colorful and vast, Stones enhances the series like it should
The game does everything you would want from a video game: it has depth, strategic thinking, the story immerses you into the world and the characters are unique and just as deep as the gameplay.
Review: Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 - PS2
Not exactly what Outbreak fans were hoping for
RE is not a run-and-shoot game. If this were the case, I can understand chat not being needed. Hopefully Capcom is saving the game's big leap with a real sequel and not another expansion pack.
Review: Obscure - PS2, Xbox
Does the budget survival horror come close to its AAA peers?
The biggest problem with the game is that it does not immerse you into the world. You'll end up hating the characters and possibly dying on purpose just so their annoying stereotypical personalities will cease to exist. The story is lame and cliched, so there's no urge in wanting to progress there. The gameplay is not addicting either. Normally for $50 this would be a no brainer, but having the retail price at $20 will turn some heads, as it should. It's a decent bargain for a night of gaming with a friend.
Review: Lego Star Wars - PS2, Xbox
The blockiest Star Wars adventure yet
It is a short ride but entertaining the whole way through. Every Star Wars fan will love this game, and if you're looking for a quick, fun arcade adventure, then I highly suggest checking this one out.
Review: Rise of the Kasai - PS2
In the shadow of Sony's God of War, Kasai still offers tons of fun
Rise of the Kasai is fun and I was really surprised at the critical bashing. The game definitely doesn't have an amazing butt-load of new features, but I think the co-op is enough to hold me over. The series is definitely moving forward from The Mark of Kri and I can't wait to see what Bottlerocket Entertainment can do with the next installment, if we're so lucky.
Hands on: Geist, Killer 7, Pennant Chase Baseball, Nintendogs
We take a trip to the travelling N-Van from Nintendo and check out the upcoming titles
It was a great lineup displayed, and I have to admit that Killer 7 really caught my eye and is the one title that stands out from the others.
Review: Project: Snowblind - PS2, Xbox
A great shooter to start off the year
Later levels proved to be more strategic and a lot more fun. No longer could I run around into open areas without gunfire raining down on me. It was great because I thought this game was going to be an unchallenging run-n-gun type of shooter. It turned out to be a mix of shooting, vehicle driving, interaction with the environment and other such variations done with FPSs.
Review: Tekken 5 - PS2
Tekken returns with its most complete and exhaustive effort.
Simply put, I got hooked for about eight straight hours. The game is deep, plain and simple. You can add as many cool features and unlockables as you want, but if the fighting isn't fun, the game fails. Luckily, this game doesn't. What I loved about Tekken 5 is that it seemed to me to be a mesh of Soul Calibur and Virtua Fighter.
Review: MVP Baseball 2005 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
Does EA's final MLB game for awhile hit or miss?
It's easily the best baseball game when it comes to franchise mode and gameplay. This is the last MVP game for awhile and with the $30 price tag, it's something you shouldn't miss out on.
Review: Gran Turismo 4 - PS2
The premier racing title has finally arrived, shining and glorious.
Simulation games strive for realism. Whether it is flying a plane, commanding a special task force, leading the final drive in the Super Bowl, or driving cars, we as an audience hunger for the best possible realism. Speaking of realism in driving, a certain game has been released that covets said realism: Gran Turismo 4. Yes, it's the fourth installment of the series, and yes, it's better than any of its predecessors.
Review: Constantine - PS2, Xbox
The best Constantine video game, guaranteed!
I'm just going to come straight out and say that Constantine is one of the worst games I have ever played. Yes, that's a bold statement, but nonetheless true.
Review: NBA Street V3 - PS2, Xbox, Gamecube
The best slamma-jamma around.
V3 is without a doubt the best arcade hoops game out there. If you're not into the simulation games and love high-flying action, get this game without hesitation.
Review: Star Fox: Assault - Gamecube
Fox, we're going down.
Also gone is the variety of the environments you play through. Non-city levels all look the same, and the city levels look like each other as well. It's the little things like these that make the game lose that Star Fox feeling.
Review: Shadow of Rome - PS2
This newcomer franchise is worth a look.
I wanted to absolutely love this game, but I just couldn't get over the clunkiness of certain parts. I would just get frustrated, angry, or both. There's still a lot of entertainment value in the game, though.
Review: Suikoden IV - PS2
I'm sure if you are a hardcore fan of the Suikoden series you will enjoy this game, but you will be disappointed as well. If you are a casual RPG player or just getting into the genre, you're better off starting off with another game.
Review: Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction - PS2, Xbox
Blow the living crap out of it...again and again.
You won't really care about your characters or what's going on story-wise in this game. You'll basically be playing to blow the crap out of things (though all you ladies out there with crushes on Harrison Ford will want to check the unlockables!). That said, Mercenaries is definitely a rental, and if it sticks you should buy it.
