October 2009 Archives

THE Wii is becoming an altogether more complex beast than many people thought it would be.

This latest fitness title from Ubisoft is not only a perfect example of the diversity of the Wii, but is also a top-class product with a real purpose.

IGNITION Entertainment has once again wheeled out classic fighting title King Of Fighters.

The crowning jewel in the SNK stable is back with the usual three-on-three team system, with fights of up to five rounds and 20 characters to choose from.

The gameplay engine and graphics have been given a complete overhaul as the game tries to compete in the new market it finds itself in. Gamers demand excellence now and whilst this is a decent game which will thrill hardcore fans, there is definitely something missing for me.

SCOOBY-Doo has been pulling masks off bad guys, eating behemoth sandwiches and running on the spot for what seems like an eternity.

He has made it onto games consoles, TV screens, cinema screens, toys and much more - a huge franchise that shows no sign of dying.

BEAUTIFULLY timed to tie-in with the release of Toy Story 3D at the cinema, this is a collection of mini-games with a carnival-style theme.

You can't go wrong with the likes of Woody and Buzz in a game, but Disney Interactive has ensured this is a catchy little title packed full of fun and challenges for the whole family.

IT'S fair to say that the gaming world has been eagerly awaiting the return of everyone's favourite plumber and his blue hedgehog pal.

Mario vs. Sonic: The Olympics was a huge smash hit on the Wii and was always going to see at least one sequel.

This follow up is the perfect opportunity for Sega to release a game to trounce the rest of the market and delight family gamers throughout the world.

HALO needs no introduction. So far the three instalments have thrilled millions and changed the face of first-person shooters.

This isn't Halo 4, sadly, it's essentially a prequel to Halo 3.

WHATEVER the perceived faults with Sony's PSP, or the PS3 for that matter, you have to admit they are both serious pieces of technology.

Sometimes you can forget this, but plonk in Gran Turismo and you'll realise the handheld is an absolute beast.

ELECTRONIC Arts have done something very clever with the FIFA series in the last two years.

The company's flagship cash cow in recent years has only had to turn up with a few Galacticos on the front cover, chuck in some slick gameplay, a good soundtrack and it topped the shelves with very little effort.

Batman has cast a cape of dominance over the gaming world in recent weeks and quite rightly sits at the top of the pile as arguably the game of the year.

Ever played one of these Katamari games before?

Can I pretend you have? That way I don't have to try and explain the madness of it all.

(Editor - Steve your job is to tell people what the games are about)

Hmmm, right. Well here we are back in the colourful, crazy universe of Katamari and once again you have to roll your Katamari (a ball thing) around the various landscapes sucking up cows, cars, buildings, trees, saucepans people etc into an even bigger ball to - well I'm not sure why you do it but you have to.

There is a bonkers storyline behind it all with the even more bonkers king from the other games falling into a deep coma and all the stars being sucked from the sky.

(Editor - Ok, I take your point, cut the explanation. Is it any good?)

Actually yes, it's brilliant, as were the predecessors. It is so insanely unique and playable that you have to love it, even if it is madder than a biscuit tin full of wasps.

Graphically it is stunning; the visuals are gloriously quirky and colourful as you lay siege to the wacky ­environments with your big colourful Katamari ball.

Structure does come into the game though with a time limit in which you must get your Katamari to a certain size.

Totally and utterly bonkers and the only criticism is that it seems very samey to the others.