October 2011 Archives

Effectively this game is just like the Sims 3 but with pets.

That's probably how I should leave the review really as there isn't too much more to say!

EA know pets sell and this game is sure to do that by the bucketload in time for Christmas.

And why not? After all it's a quality well made title, it's addictive and it's something the kids and a lot of adults find enjoyable.

Graphically the game hasn't progressed, it's the same. The customizable nature of the game gives it legs and lastability and the general daftness of the whole pets as Sims idea is quirky.

As I said before - kids will love it, not too much new on offer though.

Score 3/5

The strategy when Microsoft launched Kinect was pretty clear, take what the Wii did and better it.

I love the John Madden games. I have done for over 20 years, I don't think I have ever fully understood them though.

These games are quite rightly highly regarded and part of popular culture. They ooze quality and depth and rarely fail to live up to the hype.

Every year it puts gamers in the thick of the NFL featuring all 32 teams, stadiums, and all the top players.

It's a package of dreams for NFL ethusiasts which gets better with the quality of the gameplay.

Introduced in this latest offering is a much improved career mode, improved mechanics including enhanced collisions and improved computer intelligence.

The graphics are astounding, the sound in the game is atmospheric and fitting and the attention to detail will delight fans.

Whether you want to just get straight in and play or really go to town with the nitty gritty of what is a complex game you will not feel cheated. This is a stunning game in all areas, but as with all Madden games you have to have an interest to get the most out if it.

The only criticism that could be angled at EA is that it isn't a revolution of the franchise, it takes significant baby steps forward but doesn't offer too many wild alterations from the last one.

****

With Dance Central absolutely nailing the dance genre in the video game world it's only logical that Nintendo are trying to fight back.

We Dance is a clear example of that mindset with the game combining the dance mat approach with the motion capture element.

It's a bold move and in some ways it works, but in others it doesn't.

We Dance is split up into three difficulty levels: easy, which is just hand movements, medium, which uses just the dance mat, and hard which combines the two.

The problem for me was that fact that using one on it's own was quite easy and non-rewarding but using the two together was incredibly awkward and very hard.

Then again, I am unfit, double-left-footed and possessing all the rythmn and co-ordination of a dead snail.

It requires multi-tasking too, if you believe the wife I was doomed before I pressed the on button.

As I mentioned the game felt awkward and I genuinely am not sure how much of that was me. What I do know is that the game has an impressive 40 tracks spanning 4 decades, it has various game modes and difficulty levels and provides a lot of variety.

Presented in a gloriously colourful 70's style screen the gamer sees his action and the professionals. The moves are all based around signature dances from the video/artist and choreography from professionals.

Pretty tough but one for dance fans first and foremost.

This won't be putting the frighteners on Dance Central this side of Halloween or next but it's a decent attempt at something new for the Wii.

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Representation of the Formula 1 world in gaming has been sketchy at best over the years.

It has ranged from cars that fly round corners on pieces of elastic that never leave the track to the impossibly hard handling where it's nigh on impossible not to fly into tyres.

Graphically the games have progressed as they should have done and in this latest offering from Codemasters the next generation of Formula 1 visuals are showcased beautifully.

Tracks are very impressive and the cars also very pleasing on the eye.

Codemasters have a deal with the Formula 1 brand so the game is packed with al the real drivers, cars, sponsors, tracks etc. In short it is a dream for fans of the sport.

The main question that needed answering with this game though are whether all is well under the gleaming bonnet and official franchise.

The resounding answer is yes, this game is as tight on the track as it should be and the end product is a very pleasing game all-round.

The car handling strikes a happy balance sometimes it extremely difficult to handle on the corners but there is a real ability to attack the corners which can feel very rewarding and adds a sense of real grit to the game.

In fact I genuinely found it to be an exhilarating experience, sometimes F1 games have failed to grip me due to the repetitive nature but with this I didn't find that at all.

Concentration is everything but there is a real sense that you are battling to acheieve something.

The game panders to the whim of everyone, the die-hard simulation fan, the quick fix-racer and the online multiplayer enthusiast.

The online aspect has been dramatically improved to ensure a quality online experience and it won't disappoint.

Career mode is also geared around giving gamers a very in-depth and fun experience. This adds real depth and is packed with features as you attempt to become the next Lewis Hamilton from rookie to superstar.

This game is packed with everything you could wish for to make it an authentic F1 experience and presents it in dynamic fashion with quality at the forefront.

Making F1 so playable in multiplayer mode is a great achievement and quite rightly makes this a special game and a must purchase.

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Image via Wikipedia

EVERYONE'S favourite cursed Spartan warrior has been dusted off, given a HD makeover and, Sony hope, a new lease of life on the PS3.

Developer Ready at Dawn Studios have lovingly upscaled and remastered two of Kratos's PSP outings - The Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta - and made a pretty good job of it, too.

While the basic formula stays the same - a combination of hard-hitting hack 'n slash mechanics with epic storylines inspired by the Greek myths - it does look at home on your widescreen telly as you can tell real effort has gone in to beefing up the visuals.

Is is worth shelling out for? It's a good introductory package for newcomers and no doubt avid fans of the franchise will lap it up. Otherwise, I dare say there a few new titles that are more worthy of your attention.

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