The Charge:
The Versus series returns in an all-new brawl!
Opening Statement:
Never let it be said that gaming dreams don’t come true. Despite riding high on a wave of pure hype, I would have never guessed that Tatsunoku vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, the legendary developer’s return to their arcade smash-hit Versus franchise would ever see the light of day on western shores. (more…)
The Charge
Assemble your team.
Opening Statement
The first Mass Effect blasted onto the Xbox scene and revolutionized many elements of the action/RPG experience, from its brilliantly-realized new IP, the revolutionary dialogue wheel and the pants-drenchingly fantastic graphics. Bioware’s anticipated follow-up is here and it is so, so much better.
The Charge:
The Horseman Cometh.
Opening Statement:
At the risk of sounding terribly cliché, I’ve been patiently awaiting Darksiders since it was announced to little fanfare and the earliest concept art found its way onto my internets. That patience vanished into the ether once it was announced that major video game publisher THQ had picked up Darksiders, and pumped enough cash into wee little developer Vigil Games to allow them to expand beyond a four man operation into a full fledged development team. Whenever the topic came op on Pixel Verdict asking us what new franchises or games am was I most looking forward to in 2010, my answer was always the same; Darksiders. It’s been a long few years, and I’ve converted a small cadre of gamers along the way from indifferent onlookers, to genuine followers of its development. Now finally, the wait is over, and Darksiders has ridden onto the battlefield. Is this a well deserved victory for the dreamers at Vigil Games? Or is this an apocalypse for gamers that has long been foretold?
The Charge:
The Battle For Our World Begins!
Opening Statement:
Capcom’s Rocket-man adventure has finally hit the skies. Developer Airtight Games, formerly the Microsoft studio that brought us Crimson Skies (and I’ll forgive them for Shadowrun) has once again taken to the air to provide us with some old school dogfighting mixed with new school action-adventure. Is Dark Void a flight worth taking?
Facts of the Case:
It’s the late 1930’s, and the world is on the brink of war with “the facists”. Ex-military man and crack pilot Will Grey has been tasked with carting a mysterious package along a dangerous route, along for the ride is ex-flame and still military woman Ava. Somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle things go pear-shaped, and Will finds himself in The Void, a sort of alternate dimension, where UFO’s soar the skies and a race of evil beings known as The Watchers work towards again breaching the borders of the Void and toppling humanity. In their way stand The Survivors, wayward travelers who have somehow found themselves trapped in the void as well. With an experimental rocket-pack created by none other than legendary Soviet inventor Nikola Tesla, Will takes to the air, and takes the war to the The Watchers.
The Charge:
Fight Together! Survive Together!
Opening Statement:
The first Army of Two was an effective 3rd person shooter that borrowed liberally from other, better games and made a decent first impression before quickly fading to bargain bins. The requisite sequel is now upon us, and our titular army of two has some new tricks up their sleeves. Does Army of Two: The 40th Day rise above the machismo and fist-bumping to provide a world-cass shooter?
Facts of the Case:
Elliot Salem and Tyson Rios have long parted ways with former employers at SSC. As the owners and sole operatives of TransWorld Operatives, they answer to no one save their sassy handler, Alice Murray. The dynamic duo has just finished up a routine job in Shanghai when all hell breaks loose. An armed force has launched an all out assault on the city, and carnage is everywhere. Our brothers in arms find themselves racing through Shanghai as it crumbles all around them. Co-op tactics and visceral action are the order of the day as Salem and Rios struggle to find Alice in the chaos, and attempt to discover the truth behind the 40th Day Initiative.
Note: The following review is based on an imported copy of the Japanese release. Bayonetta is scheduled for release in North America on January 5th, 2010.
Opening Statement:
I’ll admit, for the last year or so, I haven’t been the most eager to play Sega’s upcoming Bayonetta, a prophesized action epic from Platinum Games (the crazed geniuses behind last year’s Mad World for the Wii) and director Hideki Kamiya (the future legend behind Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe and Okami; pay your respects at the altar). As I just typed the evidence of its pedigree, I realize that my bull headed and blind prejudice has denied me any sense of excitement for what has turned out to be a concentrated burst of gaming dynamite. With Bayonetta, Kamiya and Platinum Games have served up a witch’s brew of devilish fun. (more…)
The Charge:
The Truth is Written in Blood
Opening Statement:
When the first Assassin’s Creed hit consoles in the fall of 2007, the highly divisive gameplay caused a split amongst critic and gamer alike. The game was heralded by some for its unique take on storyline, control, and depth, while others saw it as an exercise in repetition. There was certainly no doubting the technical brilliance from either camp, and for me personally, it was my game of the year in a year that also brought us Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Mass Effect, Halo 3, Bioshock, and Call of Duty 4, lofty praise indeed. The Sequel is now upon us, with a new era, new central character, and several changes in gameplay. Is it a better game? Will it please those who may have been disappointed or dismissive of the first game? Read on…
The Charge:
For the first time, Become a master assassin on the PSP System.
Opening Statement:
Hot on the heels of Assassin’s Creed II comes the first iteration of the series for Sony’s powerhouse portable. Does Assassin’s Creed make the leap of faith into the palm of your hand? Or is this one portable knock off worth killing?
You are currently browsing the archives for the Reviews category.
