Our latest game reviews - Xbox 360
1 week ago - 
Soulcalibur V - 8.8
Fighting game fans have been served quite well lately with titles like King of Fighters XIII and Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, but those who prefer fighters that take the 3D approach were probably eagerly anticipating the release of this brand new chapter in Namco’s SoulCalibur franchise. Does this fifth installment fight its way to the top or does it take a beating? We gave it a spin to find out… It’s no coincidence that SoulCalibur is one of the most popular fighting...
Soulcalibur V - 8.8Fighting game fans have been served quite well lately with titles like King of Fighters XIII and Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, but those who prefer fighters that take the 3D approach were probably eagerly anticipating the release of this brand new chapter in Namco’s SoulCalibur franchise. Does this fifth installment fight its way to the top or does it take a beating? We gave it a spin to find out… It’s no coincidence that SoulCalibur is one of the most popular fighting...
1 week ago - UFC Undisputed 3 - 8.5
UFC Undisputed 3 is the first in the series to be released following a decision by THQ and Yuke’s to move the fighting game to a lengthier development cycle. In theory, the additional time should have allowed Yuke’s to improve upon the game’s combat engine, game modes, and online features. Unfortunately, only a few improvements have been made since the last time Undisputed hit store shelves. While there’s still a very strong game at the core of UFC Undisputed 3, this...
UFC Undisputed 3 - 8.5UFC Undisputed 3 is the first in the series to be released following a decision by THQ and Yuke’s to move the fighting game to a lengthier development cycle. In theory, the additional time should have allowed Yuke’s to improve upon the game’s combat engine, game modes, and online features. Unfortunately, only a few improvements have been made since the last time Undisputed hit store shelves. While there’s still a very strong game at the core of UFC Undisputed 3, this...
2 weeks ago - (XBLA) The Simpsons Arcade Game - 8.0
Those of you who used to drop quarter after quarter into the coin-ops at the local arcade, freely burning your Saturday afternoon away hanging out with your buddies as you try to gain digital infamy with your name on the leaderboards, will be thrilled to hear that one of the most cherished multiplayer side-scrolling brawlers of all time is about to make its way to your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. That’s right, The Simpsons Arcade Game is seeing a return to the limelight by way of Xbox...
(XBLA) The Simpsons Arcade Game - 8.0Those of you who used to drop quarter after quarter into the coin-ops at the local arcade, freely burning your Saturday afternoon away hanging out with your buddies as you try to gain digital infamy with your name on the leaderboards, will be thrilled to hear that one of the most cherished multiplayer side-scrolling brawlers of all time is about to make its way to your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. That’s right, The Simpsons Arcade Game is seeing a return to the limelight by way of Xbox...
1 month ago - (Kinect) Yoostar on MTV - 5.0
Snooki. The Situation. Snoop Dogg. LMFAO. The Real World. Are any of these names synonymous with video games? MTV seems to think so. Yoostar on MTV is now available for the Xbox 360, exclusively for play with its Kinect motion sensor. It is the second Yoostar title released for Kinect, with Yoostar 2: In the Movies coming out last year. Yoostar is best described as “video karaoke”, with Kinect technology superimposing your body into music videos, television shows, and movies....
(Kinect) Yoostar on MTV - 5.0Snooki. The Situation. Snoop Dogg. LMFAO. The Real World. Are any of these names synonymous with video games? MTV seems to think so. Yoostar on MTV is now available for the Xbox 360, exclusively for play with its Kinect motion sensor. It is the second Yoostar title released for Kinect, with Yoostar 2: In the Movies coming out last year. Yoostar is best described as “video karaoke”, with Kinect technology superimposing your body into music videos, television shows, and movies....
1 month ago - (XBLA) Joe Danger: Special Edition - 9.5
Danger is his...er...last name? That’s right, Joe Danger is on the comeback trail, now fully recovered from his debilitating accident, and looking to regain the fame he once had...again. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because this isn’t Joe’s first comeback. Releasing back in the summer of 2010, Joe Danger took PSN by storm, garnering a tank full of praise from consumers and critics alike (we gave it a 9.1). Now, Joe is back, taking his gravity-defying motorcycle...
(XBLA) Joe Danger: Special Edition - 9.5Danger is his...er...last name? That’s right, Joe Danger is on the comeback trail, now fully recovered from his debilitating accident, and looking to regain the fame he once had...again. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because this isn’t Joe’s first comeback. Releasing back in the summer of 2010, Joe Danger took PSN by storm, garnering a tank full of praise from consumers and critics alike (we gave it a 9.1). Now, Joe is back, taking his gravity-defying motorcycle...
1 month ago - Metal Gear Solid HD Collection - 9.0
The recent surge of compilation packs can be considered an ideal win-win situation as far as I’m concerned. It can be a nostalgic blast to go back and play some of our beloved stories of the past, and it can provide an opportunity for the many who never had the chance to experience some of the great games of yesteryear. Some of these re-releases do a better job than others in terms of content. Some are just the games themselves, while others pack in Making-Of videos, themes, and so...
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection - 9.0The recent surge of compilation packs can be considered an ideal win-win situation as far as I’m concerned. It can be a nostalgic blast to go back and play some of our beloved stories of the past, and it can provide an opportunity for the many who never had the chance to experience some of the great games of yesteryear. Some of these re-releases do a better job than others in terms of content. Some are just the games themselves, while others pack in Making-Of videos, themes, and so...
1 month ago - (Kinect) Disneyland Adventures - 7.5
Disney has been ingrained in humankind’s psyche for a very long time. Kids of all ages have grown up with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang with cartoons, books, toys, and the theme parks. Video games are now enjoying full acceptance as a mainstream form of entertainment, and where there’s mainstream entertainment, there’s Disney. So, with the Kinect being geared towards the family demographic, it is only natural that Microsoft Studios jumps in with Kinect...
(Kinect) Disneyland Adventures - 7.5Disney has been ingrained in humankind’s psyche for a very long time. Kids of all ages have grown up with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang with cartoons, books, toys, and the theme parks. Video games are now enjoying full acceptance as a mainstream form of entertainment, and where there’s mainstream entertainment, there’s Disney. So, with the Kinect being geared towards the family demographic, it is only natural that Microsoft Studios jumps in with Kinect...
2 months ago - The Adventures of Tintin: The Game - 6.9
While the level of quality entertainment provided by Steven Spielberg’s latest animated blockbuster, The Adventures of Tintin and the Secret of the Unicorn, doesn’t need to be established, the inevitable video game adaptation tied in with the release of the film does have a lot to prove. Knowing that these adaptations don’t always rhyme with quality, where does this version of Tintin’s adventures stand in the grand scheme of things? Let’s find out! One thing...
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game - 6.9While the level of quality entertainment provided by Steven Spielberg’s latest animated blockbuster, The Adventures of Tintin and the Secret of the Unicorn, doesn’t need to be established, the inevitable video game adaptation tied in with the release of the film does have a lot to prove. Knowing that these adaptations don’t always rhyme with quality, where does this version of Tintin’s adventures stand in the grand scheme of things? Let’s find out! One thing...
2 months ago - Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - 8.1
Love it or hate it, the Halo franchise is one of the reasons for Microsoft’s success in the console market. Beginning as a Mac title, the first game evolved from an RTS to a third person action title, then after Microsoft bought Bungie, it shifted to the FPS we are all so familiar with and made its way to the original Xbox. While there were several other factors that contributed to the rise of the Xbox, such as Xbox LIVE and franchises like Project Gotham Racing and Knights of the Old...
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - 8.1Love it or hate it, the Halo franchise is one of the reasons for Microsoft’s success in the console market. Beginning as a Mac title, the first game evolved from an RTS to a third person action title, then after Microsoft bought Bungie, it shifted to the FPS we are all so familiar with and made its way to the original Xbox. While there were several other factors that contributed to the rise of the Xbox, such as Xbox LIVE and franchises like Project Gotham Racing and Knights of the Old...
2 months ago - Need For Speed: The Run - 6.5
When one thinks of long-standing franchises, some obvious ones come to mind: Castlevania, Mario Bros., Zelda. Halo is the most recent franchise to enter the Decade club with its anniversary this year. One tends to forget that the Need for Speed series has been around since 1994, when “The Need for Speed” was released for the 3DO. That’s almost 18 years of arcade racing goodness. Publisher Electronic Arts has one of those formulas that has enjoyed sustained success. This...
Need For Speed: The Run - 6.5When one thinks of long-standing franchises, some obvious ones come to mind: Castlevania, Mario Bros., Zelda. Halo is the most recent franchise to enter the Decade club with its anniversary this year. One tends to forget that the Need for Speed series has been around since 1994, when “The Need for Speed” was released for the 3DO. That’s almost 18 years of arcade racing goodness. Publisher Electronic Arts has one of those formulas that has enjoyed sustained success. This...
2 months ago - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 9.7
If there is a single attribute that can be associated with every primary Elder Scrolls title (not including Redguard, Battlespire, or the Travels games), it’s ambitious depth. Beginning with Arena - which introduced us to the world of Nirn, and specifically the land of Tamriel - the franchise grew by leaps and bounds with each subsequent sequel. Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion (and all their expansions), each pushed the boundaries of sheer volume in terms of player activity....
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 9.7If there is a single attribute that can be associated with every primary Elder Scrolls title (not including Redguard, Battlespire, or the Travels games), it’s ambitious depth. Beginning with Arena - which introduced us to the world of Nirn, and specifically the land of Tamriel - the franchise grew by leaps and bounds with each subsequent sequel. Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion (and all their expansions), each pushed the boundaries of sheer volume in terms of player activity....
2 months ago - Lord of the Rings: War in the North - 6.3
Bringing the Lord of the Rings to film, especially with the level of quality that Peter Jackson achieved, was perhaps the one of the best things to happen to the property. While many of us have been fans of the novels for many years, there is a whole generation of young people who may not have given the franchise a second glance had it not been for the films bringing Tolkin’s work into mainstream pop-culture. We’ve seen the property cross every imaginable media line, from...
Lord of the Rings: War in the North - 6.3Bringing the Lord of the Rings to film, especially with the level of quality that Peter Jackson achieved, was perhaps the one of the best things to happen to the property. While many of us have been fans of the novels for many years, there is a whole generation of young people who may not have given the franchise a second glance had it not been for the films bringing Tolkin’s work into mainstream pop-culture. We’ve seen the property cross every imaginable media line, from...
2 months ago - Rayman Origins - 9.5
Ahh, the platformer. During this generation of consoles, the genre has been kept on life support by the likes of Mario and LittleBigPlanet, while Master Chief and Marcus Fenix sprint past them on the financial flow chart with first- and third-person offerings. Shooters are most definitely the flavor of the day, so playing Rayman Origins was a welcomed breath of fresh air, and one that brought me back to the heyday of platform gaming. Developed and published by Ubisoft, Rayman Origins was...
Rayman Origins - 9.5Ahh, the platformer. During this generation of consoles, the genre has been kept on life support by the likes of Mario and LittleBigPlanet, while Master Chief and Marcus Fenix sprint past them on the financial flow chart with first- and third-person offerings. Shooters are most definitely the flavor of the day, so playing Rayman Origins was a welcomed breath of fresh air, and one that brought me back to the heyday of platform gaming. Developed and published by Ubisoft, Rayman Origins was...
2 months ago - (Kinect) Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 - 9.0
Let’s turn back time for a moment and take a look at November 2010. Prior to this point, gaming homes all around the world were full of Nintendo Wiis. Moms and Dads, Granny and Gramps, and kids of all ages were still excitedly plopping down on the ground and turning on Wii-Fit. It was pretty cool! It measured your weight, it told you how (im)balanced you were, your family had a good laugh as the game gave you your “Wii-Fit Age”, and then you were off to the races, wielding...
(Kinect) Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 - 9.0Let’s turn back time for a moment and take a look at November 2010. Prior to this point, gaming homes all around the world were full of Nintendo Wiis. Moms and Dads, Granny and Gramps, and kids of all ages were still excitedly plopping down on the ground and turning on Wii-Fit. It was pretty cool! It measured your weight, it told you how (im)balanced you were, your family had a good laugh as the game gave you your “Wii-Fit Age”, and then you were off to the races, wielding...
2 months ago - (XBLA) Voltron: Defender of the Universe - 6.5
Well, the fans have been asking for it for many years now, and as of last week, it finally came to fruition. A video game adaption of the classic robot-battling, universe-defending franchise, Voltron (no, I don’t count last year’s now-MIA iPhone game). Based on the 1980’s cartoon series, Voltron: Defender of the Universe brings the Lions and the titular hero to XBLA and PSN, covering multiple events in the continuity, from the first discovery of Voltron, to the defense of...
(XBLA) Voltron: Defender of the Universe - 6.5Well, the fans have been asking for it for many years now, and as of last week, it finally came to fruition. A video game adaption of the classic robot-battling, universe-defending franchise, Voltron (no, I don’t count last year’s now-MIA iPhone game). Based on the 1980’s cartoon series, Voltron: Defender of the Universe brings the Lions and the titular hero to XBLA and PSN, covering multiple events in the continuity, from the first discovery of Voltron, to the defense of...
2 months ago - (Kinect) Rabbids Alive & Kicking - 8.0
Those wacky, mailable bunnies have returned to home consoles yet again; this time arriving on the Xbox 360 via Microsoft’s motion sensor, Kinect. Beginning as a supporting player for Rayman (making their first appearance in Rayman: Raving Rabbids, a launch title for the Wii), the Rabbids have become so popular that they spun off entirely from Rayman, running away with their own franchise, and even leading into an upcoming animated television series. Given how essential motion controls...
(Kinect) Rabbids Alive & Kicking - 8.0Those wacky, mailable bunnies have returned to home consoles yet again; this time arriving on the Xbox 360 via Microsoft’s motion sensor, Kinect. Beginning as a supporting player for Rayman (making their first appearance in Rayman: Raving Rabbids, a launch title for the Wii), the Rabbids have become so popular that they spun off entirely from Rayman, running away with their own franchise, and even leading into an upcoming animated television series. Given how essential motion controls...
2 months ago - GoldenEye 007 : Reloaded - 7.6
The movie GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan, was a ho-hum experience, as far as the James Bond franchise is concerned. However, GoldenEye 64, the video game adaption, was certainly not, and for many people it was the game that took the FPS genre to new heights. It’s genre predecessors only controlled well on PC, and lacked a form of solid storytelling. But Rare’s GoldenEye 64 functioned well on consoles and offered a massive single player campaign with a cohesive story, all the...
GoldenEye 007 : Reloaded - 7.6The movie GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan, was a ho-hum experience, as far as the James Bond franchise is concerned. However, GoldenEye 64, the video game adaption, was certainly not, and for many people it was the game that took the FPS genre to new heights. It’s genre predecessors only controlled well on PC, and lacked a form of solid storytelling. But Rare’s GoldenEye 64 functioned well on consoles and offered a massive single player campaign with a cohesive story, all the...
2 months ago - (Kinect) Motion Sports Adrenaline - 3.5
It is rare for one to find a video game that is completely devoid of any redeeming qualities. The majority of games have at least one or two positive things about them. “Graphics and sound are terrible? Bah, at least the gameplay is passable.” “Not fun to play? Well, at least it’s nice to look at!” With some games, you just have to take the good with the bad, or the bad with the ugly. MotionSports Adrenaline from Ubisoft falls into one of the above categories,...
(Kinect) Motion Sports Adrenaline - 3.5It is rare for one to find a video game that is completely devoid of any redeeming qualities. The majority of games have at least one or two positive things about them. “Graphics and sound are terrible? Bah, at least the gameplay is passable.” “Not fun to play? Well, at least it’s nice to look at!” With some games, you just have to take the good with the bad, or the bad with the ugly. MotionSports Adrenaline from Ubisoft falls into one of the above categories,...
2 months ago - Dead Rising 2: Off the Record - 5.0
There are numerous design concepts that can be incorporated into top level video games. These include items such as a compelling, well-crafted story; smooth combat mechanics with tight, precise controls; stunning visuals; intense audio; deep character customization; enemy AI scaling to respond to the skill level of the player and realistic damage detection so that wounded enemies accurately respond when attacked in different body areas; just to name a few. Unfortunately Dead Rising 2: Off the...
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record - 5.0There are numerous design concepts that can be incorporated into top level video games. These include items such as a compelling, well-crafted story; smooth combat mechanics with tight, precise controls; stunning visuals; intense audio; deep character customization; enemy AI scaling to respond to the skill level of the player and realistic damage detection so that wounded enemies accurately respond when attacked in different body areas; just to name a few. Unfortunately Dead Rising 2: Off the...
2 months ago - (Kinect) The Black Eyed Peas Experience - 7.0
The Black Eyed Peas. Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying their popularity, or success. Garnering more than fifty million albums sold and numerous awards and accolades, the pop/hip hip group has accomplished a lot in the sixteen years they have been together. As such, it comes as little surprise to find them headlining their own dance game. Coming from Ubisoft, the publisher who is probably the most deeply involved in the genre, with Just Dance, Just Dance Kids, and...
(Kinect) The Black Eyed Peas Experience - 7.0The Black Eyed Peas. Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying their popularity, or success. Garnering more than fifty million albums sold and numerous awards and accolades, the pop/hip hip group has accomplished a lot in the sixteen years they have been together. As such, it comes as little surprise to find them headlining their own dance game. Coming from Ubisoft, the publisher who is probably the most deeply involved in the genre, with Just Dance, Just Dance Kids, and...
2 months ago - (Kinect) Dance Central 2 - 9.0
This has been a big season for the dance genre. We’ve had everything from ABBA to the Black Eyed Peas, from Just Dance 3 to Just Dance Kids 2, and many more, on all platforms. Naturally, a sequel to Dance Central, arguably the best of Kinect’s launch titles, was expected. Given how well received the first game was, a lot of pressure was doused upon Harmonix’s shoulders. Not only did they need to find ways to improve an already well endowed package, but also exceed the...
(Kinect) Dance Central 2 - 9.0This has been a big season for the dance genre. We’ve had everything from ABBA to the Black Eyed Peas, from Just Dance 3 to Just Dance Kids 2, and many more, on all platforms. Naturally, a sequel to Dance Central, arguably the best of Kinect’s launch titles, was expected. Given how well received the first game was, a lot of pressure was doused upon Harmonix’s shoulders. Not only did they need to find ways to improve an already well endowed package, but also exceed the...
3 months ago - (Kinect) Just Dance Kids 2 - 7.8
Remember Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and all of their iterations and off-shoots in between? Remember being beat over the head with song lists, plastic instruments, and and a constant stream of downloadable content for said games? OK, that’s a bit harsh. I’ll admit, I fell headlong into that genre and it took me a couple of years to get my head out of the sand. With the trend of instrument-based games seemingly over (the sublime Rocksmith notwithstanding), what better to take over the...
(Kinect) Just Dance Kids 2 - 7.8Remember Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and all of their iterations and off-shoots in between? Remember being beat over the head with song lists, plastic instruments, and and a constant stream of downloadable content for said games? OK, that’s a bit harsh. I’ll admit, I fell headlong into that genre and it took me a couple of years to get my head out of the sand. With the trend of instrument-based games seemingly over (the sublime Rocksmith notwithstanding), what better to take over the...
3 months ago - Dark Souls - 9.0
Those of you who started gaming during the PlayStation era (or later) missed out on the heyday of gaming. It was a time of experimentation and creativity. A time when today’s design principles, which we often take for granted, were still being developed and established. It was also a time when games were made to take you to task. A high level of challenge was commonplace in the 8-bit generation (“easy” games were typically kiddie titles). Let me stress this, what I mean by...
Dark Souls - 9.0Those of you who started gaming during the PlayStation era (or later) missed out on the heyday of gaming. It was a time of experimentation and creativity. A time when today’s design principles, which we often take for granted, were still being developed and established. It was also a time when games were made to take you to task. A high level of challenge was commonplace in the 8-bit generation (“easy” games were typically kiddie titles). Let me stress this, what I mean by...
3 months ago - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - 9.0
When it comes to the world’s most successful - and popular - franchises, few video games can match the Call of Duty series. Though Call of Duty has been an annual franchise for the past few years, the Modern Warfare iteration of the game has been released on a two-year cycle since its inception in 2007. Despite the in-house issues that caused much consternation between Activision and developer Infinity Ward, the third, and supposedly final, game in the Modern Warfare trilogy arrived...
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - 9.0When it comes to the world’s most successful - and popular - franchises, few video games can match the Call of Duty series. Though Call of Duty has been an annual franchise for the past few years, the Modern Warfare iteration of the game has been released on a two-year cycle since its inception in 2007. Despite the in-house issues that caused much consternation between Activision and developer Infinity Ward, the third, and supposedly final, game in the Modern Warfare trilogy arrived...
3 months ago - Saints Row: The Third - 8.3
There’s a growing trend in the industry to make video games more serious and realistic. With the computing power that current-generation consoles have, the need to recreate people and places as accurately as possible in a digital world has become not just a priority for developers, but the par for the course. There are easily a dozen open-world games on shelves right now that could make the case for having the most true-to-life world in which gamers can wreak havoc. Saints Row: The...
Saints Row: The Third - 8.3There’s a growing trend in the industry to make video games more serious and realistic. With the computing power that current-generation consoles have, the need to recreate people and places as accurately as possible in a digital world has become not just a priority for developers, but the par for the course. There are easily a dozen open-world games on shelves right now that could make the case for having the most true-to-life world in which gamers can wreak havoc. Saints Row: The...
3 months ago - (Kinect) Kinect Sports Season Two - 8.5
My Kinect hasn’t seen this much usage since....well, since this time last year during the launch. The biggest difference is that last year, while we had many to check out, there was only a couple of games worth the effort. Whereas now, 12 months later, each of the games getting our attention (and sweat) completely deserve it. There are quite a few really fun properties out there now that we just didn’t have with the Kinect launch line-up, such as Once Upon A Monster and PowerUp...
(Kinect) Kinect Sports Season Two - 8.5My Kinect hasn’t seen this much usage since....well, since this time last year during the launch. The biggest difference is that last year, while we had many to check out, there was only a couple of games worth the effort. Whereas now, 12 months later, each of the games getting our attention (and sweat) completely deserve it. There are quite a few really fun properties out there now that we just didn’t have with the Kinect launch line-up, such as Once Upon A Monster and PowerUp...
3 months ago - FIFA 12 - 9.5
EA Sports, is well known and critically loved for their sports games. From Madden to NHL to Fight Night and the recently released NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, EA Sports is probably the biggest dog on the playground. Now, we have the latest entry in their highly lauded FIFA franchise, based upon the most popular sport in the world. Does it live up to the EA Sports pedigree? In a word (okay, well, six words): FIFA 12 is a GREAT game! There I said it! Without a doubt EA Canada really made soccer...
FIFA 12 - 9.5EA Sports, is well known and critically loved for their sports games. From Madden to NHL to Fight Night and the recently released NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, EA Sports is probably the biggest dog on the playground. Now, we have the latest entry in their highly lauded FIFA franchise, based upon the most popular sport in the world. Does it live up to the EA Sports pedigree? In a word (okay, well, six words): FIFA 12 is a GREAT game! There I said it! Without a doubt EA Canada really made soccer...
3 months ago - (Kinect) Just Dance 3 - 7.5
I have to hand it to Ubisoft, they have managed to come rushing out of the hedgemaze, holding the ever elusive diamond in the rough up high for the world to see. For the last few years, I have pretty much given up on the Wii a viable platform for anyone other than Nintendo themselves. Without looking at the reasons why (as that would be another article all in itself), third party software just hasn’t done very well on the Big N’s successful home console. However, there have been a...
(Kinect) Just Dance 3 - 7.5I have to hand it to Ubisoft, they have managed to come rushing out of the hedgemaze, holding the ever elusive diamond in the rough up high for the world to see. For the last few years, I have pretty much given up on the Wii a viable platform for anyone other than Nintendo themselves. Without looking at the reasons why (as that would be another article all in itself), third party software just hasn’t done very well on the Big N’s successful home console. However, there have been a...
3 months ago - Battlefield 3 - 8.2
The Battlefield franchise is one of the most storied series in gaming over the last decade. Beginning in World War II, the class-based shooter has seen multiple incarnations and offshoots throughout the the years. Though Battlefield made its name as a class-based multiplayer affair, recent iterations have seen the franchise include character driven narratives to provide a bit of depth to the experience. In an effort to capture the zeitgeist of modern warfare (no pun intended), Battlefield 3...
Battlefield 3 - 8.2The Battlefield franchise is one of the most storied series in gaming over the last decade. Beginning in World War II, the class-based shooter has seen multiple incarnations and offshoots throughout the the years. Though Battlefield made its name as a class-based multiplayer affair, recent iterations have seen the franchise include character driven narratives to provide a bit of depth to the experience. In an effort to capture the zeitgeist of modern warfare (no pun intended), Battlefield 3...
3 months ago - (Kinect) Micheal Phelps: Push The Limit - 5.4
Michael Phelps is perhaps best known for winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and even better known for the controversy that followed. Being tabloid-worthy drivel, I’ll allow you to search out that particular information as you see fit. We’re here, after all, to talk about games, and Mr. Phelps so happens to have dipped his foot in the pool of the gaming world with the release of Michael Phelps: Push the Limit for Kinect on Xbox 360. Developed by Blitz...
(Kinect) Micheal Phelps: Push The Limit - 5.4Michael Phelps is perhaps best known for winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and even better known for the controversy that followed. Being tabloid-worthy drivel, I’ll allow you to search out that particular information as you see fit. We’re here, after all, to talk about games, and Mr. Phelps so happens to have dipped his foot in the pool of the gaming world with the release of Michael Phelps: Push the Limit for Kinect on Xbox 360. Developed by Blitz...
3 months ago - Batman: Arkham City - 9.9
Psst.....I’m Batman..... No really, RockSteady has provided the cape and cowl, beckoning me to once again return to Arkham, although this time it isn’t the criminally insane inmate facility that is Arkaham Asylum. Nay, this outing has me heading into the mean streets of Gotham itself, into a sub-section of the city that has been cordoned off, dubbed Arkham City. With the Asylum not fit for keeping the local crazies locked down, a plan was set in motion by Dr. Hugo Strange to...
Batman: Arkham City - 9.9Psst.....I’m Batman..... No really, RockSteady has provided the cape and cowl, beckoning me to once again return to Arkham, although this time it isn’t the criminally insane inmate facility that is Arkaham Asylum. Nay, this outing has me heading into the mean streets of Gotham itself, into a sub-section of the city that has been cordoned off, dubbed Arkham City. With the Asylum not fit for keeping the local crazies locked down, a plan was set in motion by Dr. Hugo Strange to...
3 months ago - (Kinect) Powerup Heroes - 8.6
When one thinks of the term “marriage made in heaven”, a few examples come to mind: peanut butter and chocolate, a road trip and the Tragically Hip, Bogart and Bacall, me and Jo Garcia, etc... However, there’s another beautiful friendship that has given hope to all of those motion-peripheral doubters within the gaming community: Ubisoft and the Xbox 360’s Kinect motion sensor. If there is one developer out there who knows exactly how to harness the power of...
(Kinect) Powerup Heroes - 8.6When one thinks of the term “marriage made in heaven”, a few examples come to mind: peanut butter and chocolate, a road trip and the Tragically Hip, Bogart and Bacall, me and Jo Garcia, etc... However, there’s another beautiful friendship that has given hope to all of those motion-peripheral doubters within the gaming community: Ubisoft and the Xbox 360’s Kinect motion sensor. If there is one developer out there who knows exactly how to harness the power of...
3 months ago - Rocksmith - 8.5
Over the last twelve months, the music game genre - which was extremely popular at one point - was affected by a major decline of interest from consumers. One can certainly blame the large numbers of similar games invading store shelves in a very short period of time. However, Ubisoft is sailing against the tide by making the bet that there are still people out there willing buy and play yet another new music title with Rocksmith, a very different music game that is unlike any we have seen...
Rocksmith - 8.5Over the last twelve months, the music game genre - which was extremely popular at one point - was affected by a major decline of interest from consumers. One can certainly blame the large numbers of similar games invading store shelves in a very short period of time. However, Ubisoft is sailing against the tide by making the bet that there are still people out there willing buy and play yet another new music title with Rocksmith, a very different music game that is unlike any we have seen...
3 months ago - Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - 7.5
Flying has always been about freedom, and Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is here to try and bring that sense of freedom to your living room. With games like Call of Duty and Battlefield having new entries in their respective series’, can Ace Combat sway some consumers away from the FPS behemoths and over to a game about flight combat? It sure looks thrilling, but the big question is whether or not Namco’s latest entry in the Ace Combat franchise can soar among all of the holiday AAA...
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - 7.5Flying has always been about freedom, and Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is here to try and bring that sense of freedom to your living room. With games like Call of Duty and Battlefield having new entries in their respective series’, can Ace Combat sway some consumers away from the FPS behemoths and over to a game about flight combat? It sure looks thrilling, but the big question is whether or not Namco’s latest entry in the Ace Combat franchise can soar among all of the holiday AAA...
3 months ago - Forza Motorsport 4 - 9.2
The Forza name has been synonymous with the word "perfection" for a long time as far as racing sim fans are concerned. The Forza Motorsport series has had a lot to compete with considering how it’s the Xbox’s answer to the PlayStation exclusive Gran Turismo series. Luckily, Turn 10 didn’t take any shortcuts in developing their latest hit with Forza 4. This installment boasts upgrades in every department, including visuals, content, and even controls. If you...
Forza Motorsport 4 - 9.2The Forza name has been synonymous with the word "perfection" for a long time as far as racing sim fans are concerned. The Forza Motorsport series has had a lot to compete with considering how it’s the Xbox’s answer to the PlayStation exclusive Gran Turismo series. Luckily, Turn 10 didn’t take any shortcuts in developing their latest hit with Forza 4. This installment boasts upgrades in every department, including visuals, content, and even controls. If you...
3 months ago - Family Feud 2012 - 6.8
Ubisoft is perhaps best known for publishing massive hits such as Assassin’s Creed, the Ghost Recon franchise, Far Cry, and the Splinter Cell series.. Suffice it to say, the hardcore gamers are covered with these releases. Additionally, Ubisoft has taken another direction altogether, with the releases of family-friendly titles such as Rayman, Rabbids, so on and so forth. The latest release is Family Feud 2012, based upon the popular television game show, which popped into my hands just...
Family Feud 2012 - 6.8Ubisoft is perhaps best known for publishing massive hits such as Assassin’s Creed, the Ghost Recon franchise, Far Cry, and the Splinter Cell series.. Suffice it to say, the hardcore gamers are covered with these releases. Additionally, Ubisoft has taken another direction altogether, with the releases of family-friendly titles such as Rayman, Rabbids, so on and so forth. The latest release is Family Feud 2012, based upon the popular television game show, which popped into my hands just...
3 months ago - (XBLA) Crysis - 9.2
It may come as a surprise to you, but I am not a PC gamer. I have never, in all of my gaming years, been a PC gamer, nor do I have any plans to become a PC gamer. I am, however, part of the gaming world as a whole, and as such, when a PC game comes out that blows everyone’s mind, I like to read and hear about it. Such was the case in November of 2007, when Crysis was released. Thus, with a completely virgin perspective and no idea what I was in for, I downloaded the recently-released...
(XBLA) Crysis - 9.2It may come as a surprise to you, but I am not a PC gamer. I have never, in all of my gaming years, been a PC gamer, nor do I have any plans to become a PC gamer. I am, however, part of the gaming world as a whole, and as such, when a PC game comes out that blows everyone’s mind, I like to read and hear about it. Such was the case in November of 2007, when Crysis was released. Thus, with a completely virgin perspective and no idea what I was in for, I downloaded the recently-released...
3 months ago - Spider-Man: Edge of Time - 6.3
I used to be a huge fan of Spider-Man. Growing up in the 90’s, I loved watching the cartoon. Every day I’d come home from school and watch the Marvel hero in action, busting bad guys, always with a funny quip to go along with it. I loved the whole mythology, and how well the stories were spun (pun intended). The toys, the comics, the trading cards, games, I loved it all. And then it happened. Spider-Man became a movie star. By this point, I was older, and the movie didn’t...
Spider-Man: Edge of Time - 6.3I used to be a huge fan of Spider-Man. Growing up in the 90’s, I loved watching the cartoon. Every day I’d come home from school and watch the Marvel hero in action, busting bad guys, always with a funny quip to go along with it. I loved the whole mythology, and how well the stories were spun (pun intended). The toys, the comics, the trading cards, games, I loved it all. And then it happened. Spider-Man became a movie star. By this point, I was older, and the movie didn’t...
3 months ago - F1 2011 - 8.0
To start off, let me just say that I am not the biggest or most hardcore of Formula One racing fans. I know the genre, but I do not follow it religiously. F1 2011 is a sequel to the critically loved F1 2010 by Codemasters. Last year’s title produced both good reviews from critics and, because it also remained true to its roots, it resulted in happy fans as well. This is my first time getting a crack at this racing simulator franchise, and the first thing I found is that the learning...
F1 2011 - 8.0To start off, let me just say that I am not the biggest or most hardcore of Formula One racing fans. I know the genre, but I do not follow it religiously. F1 2011 is a sequel to the critically loved F1 2010 by Codemasters. Last year’s title produced both good reviews from critics and, because it also remained true to its roots, it resulted in happy fans as well. This is my first time getting a crack at this racing simulator franchise, and the first thing I found is that the learning...
3 months ago - Gears of War 3 - 9.7
The Gears of War franchise, developed by Epic Games Studios and published exclusively for the Xbox 360 by Microsoft Studios, has become one of the most valuable properties for the console. The first Gears of War, released in late 2006, has sold over five million copies. Gears of War 2, the well-reviewed yet much-maligned sequel, also found its way into the consoles of five million gamers. If history is any indicator, Gears of War 3 will come close to this mark (if not, surpass it, and soon)....
Gears of War 3 - 9.7The Gears of War franchise, developed by Epic Games Studios and published exclusively for the Xbox 360 by Microsoft Studios, has become one of the most valuable properties for the console. The first Gears of War, released in late 2006, has sold over five million copies. Gears of War 2, the well-reviewed yet much-maligned sequel, also found its way into the consoles of five million gamers. If history is any indicator, Gears of War 3 will come close to this mark (if not, surpass it, and soon)....
4 months ago - Rage - 8.6
It’s been a long time since I’ve played a game developed by id Software. I dabbled a bit in Doom 3, but prior to that, the last game I played by the developer was Doom for my Sega 32X. Since then, both my tastes in shooters, and the genre itself, have changed drastically. When id started showing off Rage, I was immediately interested in the post-apocalyptic wasteland world, but I was curious of what id was going to do to keep Rage as fresh as its contemporaries. Thankfully, my...
Rage - 8.6It’s been a long time since I’ve played a game developed by id Software. I dabbled a bit in Doom 3, but prior to that, the last game I played by the developer was Doom for my Sega 32X. Since then, both my tastes in shooters, and the genre itself, have changed drastically. When id started showing off Rage, I was immediately interested in the post-apocalyptic wasteland world, but I was curious of what id was going to do to keep Rage as fresh as its contemporaries. Thankfully, my...
4 months ago - (XBLA) NBA JAM: On Fire Edition - 8.8
BOOMSHAKALAKA!! NBA Jam is back! Again! Yep, last year’s return of the hit classic arcade baller was just the beginning as NBA Jam: On Fire Edition has crept onto the court, ready to light you on fire once again. The biggest question was if nostalgic gamers have another slam dunk-fest or if this is one of those unnecessary releases set to capitalize on a popular brand. In short, it will depend mostly on whether you already have a copy of last year’s release. The On Fire Edition...
(XBLA) NBA JAM: On Fire Edition - 8.8BOOMSHAKALAKA!! NBA Jam is back! Again! Yep, last year’s return of the hit classic arcade baller was just the beginning as NBA Jam: On Fire Edition has crept onto the court, ready to light you on fire once again. The biggest question was if nostalgic gamers have another slam dunk-fest or if this is one of those unnecessary releases set to capitalize on a popular brand. In short, it will depend mostly on whether you already have a copy of last year’s release. The On Fire Edition...
4 months ago - (XBLA) Dungeon Defenders - 9.0
Hybrid games can be a tricky prospect. Often times, melding two or more genres can result in a final product that doesn’t please any of the respective audiences. On the flip side, combining multiple genres can lead to great success, even creating its own sub-category. Just look at Action-RPGs. Where would the industry be without the likes of Diablo, System Shock, Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls, and Deus Ex? The latest in this trend seems to be with Tower Defense. With Toy Soldiers, Monday...
(XBLA) Dungeon Defenders - 9.0Hybrid games can be a tricky prospect. Often times, melding two or more genres can result in a final product that doesn’t please any of the respective audiences. On the flip side, combining multiple genres can lead to great success, even creating its own sub-category. Just look at Action-RPGs. Where would the industry be without the likes of Diablo, System Shock, Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls, and Deus Ex? The latest in this trend seems to be with Tower Defense. With Toy Soldiers, Monday...
4 months ago - (XBLA) SkyDrift - 8.7
Budapest-based Digital Reality is mostly known for Real Time Strategy games; things like Imperium Galactica or the science fiction take on World War II named War Front: Turning Point. So needless to say, I was a little intrigued when I heard they had two projects in the works, both flight titles, one being Sine Mora, the other being this game, Skydrift... Skydrift isn’t a flight simulator, not even close. It’s a fast paced, high action plane racer. That’s right, and if...
(XBLA) SkyDrift - 8.7Budapest-based Digital Reality is mostly known for Real Time Strategy games; things like Imperium Galactica or the science fiction take on World War II named War Front: Turning Point. So needless to say, I was a little intrigued when I heard they had two projects in the works, both flight titles, one being Sine Mora, the other being this game, Skydrift... Skydrift isn’t a flight simulator, not even close. It’s a fast paced, high action plane racer. That’s right, and if...
4 months ago - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - 8.8
I’ve been following Space marine for some time now. A little over two years in fact; starting when I spotted the first trailer at THQ’s booth during E3 2009. At that point, the game was still in very early development, so Relic had nothing more to show. But, that single CGI trailer was all it took to grab my attention and Captain Titus and crew have managed to hold on to it in an iron grip ever since. Last April I took a run out to San Francisco to see how the game is doing,...
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - 8.8I’ve been following Space marine for some time now. A little over two years in fact; starting when I spotted the first trailer at THQ’s booth during E3 2009. At that point, the game was still in very early development, so Relic had nothing more to show. But, that single CGI trailer was all it took to grab my attention and Captain Titus and crew have managed to hold on to it in an iron grip ever since. Last April I took a run out to San Francisco to see how the game is doing,...
4 months ago - (XBLA) Orcs Must Die! - 8.7
Tower defense games have been around for almost as long as the medium itself. Although, the strategy sub-genre didn’t really begin to pick up mainstream love until the last 10 years or so. We’ve seen pretty much every one of the typical settings, ranging from space to medieval times to even zombies. In order to keep the genre evolving, developers have begun to change things up a bit. Instead of a top-down or isometric view, we are now beginning to control and participate in the...
(XBLA) Orcs Must Die! - 8.7Tower defense games have been around for almost as long as the medium itself. Although, the strategy sub-genre didn’t really begin to pick up mainstream love until the last 10 years or so. We’ve seen pretty much every one of the typical settings, ranging from space to medieval times to even zombies. In order to keep the genre evolving, developers have begun to change things up a bit. Instead of a top-down or isometric view, we are now beginning to control and participate in the...
4 months ago - Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge - 7.6
I’ve got to be honest with you. Before playing this game, my experience with rugby was limited to managing my college’s female club team, and watching Invictus. I was always intrigued by the sport, though rugby is nowhere near as popular in the states as it is overseas. Even though I was surprised when I heard Tru Blu Games was bringing Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge to North America, I was looking forward to giving the game a go. Despite my passing knowledge of how rugby is played,...
Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge - 7.6I’ve got to be honest with you. Before playing this game, my experience with rugby was limited to managing my college’s female club team, and watching Invictus. I was always intrigued by the sport, though rugby is nowhere near as popular in the states as it is overseas. Even though I was surprised when I heard Tru Blu Games was bringing Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge to North America, I was looking forward to giving the game a go. Despite my passing knowledge of how rugby is played,...
4 months ago - (XBLA) Red Bull X-Fighters - 2.8
Allow me to start this review by saying that I love games. I love playing and analyzing them...that much is obvious because that’s why I’m here, writing for GameFocus. From the triple-A, perfect-ten games, to the mid-range, to the worst clunkers, video games are a joy no matter how great or bad they can be. That’s why you’re here, valued reader: because you love to play games, and to read about them. By reviewing and writing about games, I can only hope to impart a...
(XBLA) Red Bull X-Fighters - 2.8Allow me to start this review by saying that I love games. I love playing and analyzing them...that much is obvious because that’s why I’m here, writing for GameFocus. From the triple-A, perfect-ten games, to the mid-range, to the worst clunkers, video games are a joy no matter how great or bad they can be. That’s why you’re here, valued reader: because you love to play games, and to read about them. By reviewing and writing about games, I can only hope to impart a...
4 months ago - (Kinect) Rise of Nightmares - 8.2
The Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 is still a mystery, almost a year into its existence. On one hand, financially, it has been a success for Microsoft, selling over 8 million units in the first sixty days of release. On the other hand, save for a couple of must-have staples (I’m looking at you, Dance Central and Kinect Sports), there really hasn’t been anything released for the sensor that has captured and held the attention of the hardcore Kinect gamer. There isn’t a Kinect...
(Kinect) Rise of Nightmares - 8.2The Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 is still a mystery, almost a year into its existence. On one hand, financially, it has been a success for Microsoft, selling over 8 million units in the first sixty days of release. On the other hand, save for a couple of must-have staples (I’m looking at you, Dance Central and Kinect Sports), there really hasn’t been anything released for the sensor that has captured and held the attention of the hardcore Kinect gamer. There isn’t a Kinect...
4 months ago - Dead Island - 7.6
The zombie craze has pretty much become its own sub-genre these days; which is fine by me as I’ve always been a huge fan. And with each new release, I become more and more in the minority, as the undead continues to wear thin on the gaming public at large. The saturation of the market is beginning to reach WWII/Nazi proportions, so i understand the backlash. I can’t say it has worn thin on me, but it has made me a bit more critical of the genre. Which takes me to the latest of the...
Dead Island - 7.6The zombie craze has pretty much become its own sub-genre these days; which is fine by me as I’ve always been a huge fan. And with each new release, I become more and more in the minority, as the undead continues to wear thin on the gaming public at large. The saturation of the market is beginning to reach WWII/Nazi proportions, so i understand the backlash. I can’t say it has worn thin on me, but it has made me a bit more critical of the genre. Which takes me to the latest of the...
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