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Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties
The excellent “Age of Empires III” continues its expansion with this latest pack entitled “The Asian Dynasties.” As you may have already guessed, this pack allows players to lead one of three Asian civilizations (Japan, India or China) to try and take control of the East. As usual, each leader has his own unique strengths and weaknesses, which goes for the armies you will command as well. Also in this edition are 15 new “Asian Wonder” map styles, as well as “remixes” of favorite “Age of Empires” maps. The single player campaign really shines here, which is a good thing, as it was lacking a bit in the “Warchiefs” expansion pack. So, those who would rather play solo will find a lot to enjoy here with plenty of depth in each scenario. The bottom line is if you’re a fan of “Age of Empires III,” then this expansion pack is pretty much a no-brainer. ~Jason Thompson (11/12/07)
Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs
If you enjoyed the excellent “Age of Empires III,” then go ahead and shell out the cash for this expansion pack. More of the same good action and strategy are here, but this time the game is centered around Indian tribes already in the New World when the European explorers came to stake out new territory. That means players get to encounter Native American, Sioux, Iroqouis, and Aztec peoples. A two-chapter campaign mode is included, which explores Nathan and Chayton Black’s experiences in the American Revolution and Indian Wars. It’s a solid portion of the game and players will find plenty of battles to dig through here. All in all, there’s not a whole lot new added to the mix here, but this expansion keeps “Age of Empires III” going strongly without messing it up, and that’s more than you could ask of most expansion packs. ~Jason Thompson (10/26/06)
Age of Pirates: Caribbean Tales
Look, no one’s ever going to do the pirate sim better than Sid Meier. His classic game “Pirates!” (that was refitted and reissued not so long ago) was one of the best games ever to come out on the Commodore 64. “Age of Pirates Caribbean Tales” pretty much regurgitates the Meier formula by having the player pick a country of alliance, raid ports, blow up ships, visit the governor in town, and quest for booty. However, this game isn’t a fraction of the fun of “Pirates!” as it strives to be too much else. The plot is nonexistent, the game interface is a piece of crap, and what the hell is with all the bugs in this final product that causes so much crashing? There’s an online mode, but I didn’t try it due to the bugginess and general ennui the game incites. After reviewing that terrible “Pirates of the Caribbean” game not long ago, I was hoping for something better here. Forget it. As I said, stick with “Pirates!” and you’ll be a much happier person. (Caution: "Age of Pirates" comes equipped with Starforce copy protection, which is malware in disguise that can compromise your computer.) ~Jason Thompson (09/25/06)
Alien Syndrome
Despite a promise of revolution and an attractive price tag, anyone that bought a Nintendo Wii back in November had a sinking feeling that the system was just another Power Glove in disguise. While I’m not exactly prepared to go that far in my assessment of the Wii’s performance, it does look like gamers have had fewer and fewer options since its release at the end of last year. SEGA’s “remake” of the action-RPG “Alien Syndrome” doesn’t help the situation, either. The game looks about a decade old and plays like a crappier version of “Smash TV.” The enemies are generic, the SFX are horrible, and the gameplay is about as redundant as you would expect from a title ported over from the PSP. The story – told through a series of static storyboards as if someone were pitching the idea to a Hollywood executive – revolves around a Ripley-esque heroine who boards an abandoned spaceship to investigate when she’s suddenly pitted against an army of big, bad alien insects. That’s about it in terms of story, but to be honest, I didn’t stick around too long to find out if anything else happens. It’s almost as if SEGA is pulling a prank on the video game public, because I can’t imagine anyone wanting to play this game for more than ten minutes. ~Jason Zingale (08/06/07)
Amped 3
The third installment of Microsoft’s mildly popular extreme sports title carves a new direction in the snow by taking a “Tony Hawk Underground” approach with the story mode. The introduction of your character (wearing a pink bunny suit while gliding down a snow-capped mountain) is more than enough evidence as to what’s in store for you… and then you meet one of your boarding friends named Weiner Man and you know exactly where this game is headed. Featuring plenty of wacky characters and a “Jackass” brand of humor, “Amped 3” is determined to make you laugh while still offering a snowboarder’s paradise filled with swank moves and unbelievable environments. As one of the launch titles for the 360, 2KSport’s snowboarding title isn’t quite groundbreaking in the graphics department, but it looks good enough to rival recent releases on current-gen systems and should be on the must-buy list for any extreme sports enthusiast. ~Jason Zingale (01/08/06)
Battlestations: Midway
WWII buffs will no doubt wet their pants over the real-time strategy-based combat of Eidos’ latest title for the Xbox 360, but anyone not into the slow-going RTS genre will quickly find themselves drifting into a deep sleep. “Battlestations: Midway puts the player in control of his very own aircraft carrier as Henry Walker (no relation to the Texas Ranger), a hackneyed B-movie war film protagonist if there ever was one who’s just been promoted following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, while the game initially offers some unique action combat ranging from warplane dogfights to PT boat excursions, it soon becomes all about maintaining the well-oiled fleet of ships under your command. Furthermore, the combination of slowly paced missions and dreadfully long load times is more than enough to turn the average gamer away, let alone the fact that the game’s unimpressive graphics make it look like the title was originally planned for Xbox 1. Still, if there’s some good to be had out of “Midway,” it’s in the online multiplayer, which should have the Xbox Live airwaves filled with that oh-familiar cry of distress in no time: “God damn it, you sunk my battleship!” ~Jason Zingale (01/05/07)
Bomberman: Act Zero
Unlike its predecessors, “Bomberman: Act Zero” is all about style over substance. And in dropping the cutesy cartoon act for a more mature approach, Konami has in effect bastardized an arcade classic that simply isn’t worth the price tag. Set in the distant future where humans are imprisoned as test subjects and trained to become soldiers (sounds a little like “Soldier,” no?), there isn’t much story to “Bomberman” other than what’s printed on the back of the box. Then again, there isn’t much to the game period. Guided by a computerized voice (sounding not unlike a female Stephen Hawking) from match to match, you have only one goal: destroy your opponent before they destroy you. It’s simple and fun, but not entirely rewarding. The load times are dreadfully long, and while online play proves to be more exciting than going head-to-head against a computer, there are only two game modes available; both of which are relatively the same. And if that isn’t enough, the game is actually retailing for $50 when it could have easily been trimmed down graphically and sold on Xbox Live for a fifth of the price. Shame on you, Konami. ~Jason Zingale (09/04/06)
Burger King Games
It may seem surprising that a trio of games you have to purchase at a fast food burger joint could collectively net an above average rating, but it’s true. In case you didn’t know, Burger King is now offering three games for the Xbox/Xbox 360 entitled “Sneak King,” “Pocketbike Racer,” and “Big Bumpin’.” In the fist, you play as the King himself, completing missions that require you to sneak up on people craving BK food and surprising them with things such as Whoppers, cups o’ BK Joe, Crossain’wiches and the like. It’s a hilarious send up on the whole stealth game genre and watching the King bust a move after a flourish is one of the funniest things you’ll see all year. “Pocketbike Racer” is a cool racing game on those tiny little motorcycles. There are five different courses with different ways to win and different grades of cycles to unlock and race with. The game features Brooke Burke for some reason. Last video game I played featuring her was the crappy “Trivial Pursuit Unhinged.” Luckily this game is much better. Lastly, “Big Bumpin’” features the King and crew on bumper cars battling it out in various games featuring power-ups, traps, and all sorts of other goodies. It’s the least satisfying of the three games, but still quite fun. So there you have it. A purchase of a combo meal and $3.99 will net you one of these titles. While supplies last! ~Jason Thompson (12/10/06)
Capcom Classics Collection
The retro gaming craze has never been bigger. You’d think it was the ‘80s all over again what with all the plug and play TV games and abundance of retro packages being released on the consoles. Following Midway and Atari’s lead, Capcom has jumped on the bandwagon with “Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 1.” If anything is clear from this package, it’s that Capcom created a lot of shooter-type games back in the day. “Legendary Wings,” “Bionic Commando,” “1942,” “Commando,” and “Mercs” are just a few of the old school shoot-em-ups appearing here. However, the best ones are the oddball “Pirate Ship Higemaru,” which was never released in the US and is a highly addictive “Pengo”-style of game, the classic “Ghosts ‘N Goblins”, and the futuristic shooter “Section Z.” There are too many variations on a game here, such as “1942,” “1943,” and “1943 KAI,” and tossing in three “Street Fighter” games seems a bit redundant, considering Capcom just released an anniversary package for that franchise not so long back. But the emulation is flawless here and proof positive that oft-times the old games with the simple premises are still some of the best. ~Jason Thompson (10/06/05)
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
It’s been quite some time since a quality “Castlevania” game has been released. In fact, many would argue that the last great installment of the popular franchise dates as far back as the SNES, so it’s not at all surprising that the Nintendo DS is home to the most recent respectable “Castlevania” title in nearly a decade. After all, the power of Big N’s latest portable system falls somewhere between a glorified SNES and a low-end N64, and with “Portrait of Ruin,” the franchise returns to form as a classic 2D side-scroller. Not exactly a reinvention of the wheel (it’s more like a revisiting of the old one), “Portrait of Ruin” features an all-new story and the ability to switch between two characters – Jonathan Morris, unrightful heir of the legendary Vampire Killer whip, and Charlotte Aulin, a young magician with incredible power – or play as both side-to-side. Regrettably, while the new title does offer a fresh spin on a classic game, it’s not that much different. The story still revolves around Dracula’s castle, and the player is still forced to tear through levels upon levels of mind-numbing mediocrity. If every enemy wasn’t designed exactly the same way, “Portrait of Ruin” would have been a much better game. Most casual gamers won’t care, but those in the hardcore crowd may need more. ~Jason Zingale (12/28/06)
Condemned: Criminal Origins
As one of the much shorter titles that came out of the 360 launch line-up, “Condemned” is not worth more than a rent, but it’s definitely one of the first must-play games of the holidays. One part survival horror and one part “CSI” rip-off, “Condemned” just might be the scariest game I’ve ever played – “Resident Evil” series included. I was barely through the opening half of the first level when I had to get up, turn on the lights, and take a good five-minute break. My heart was beating that fast. And while it’s certainly less nerve-racking to play with the lights on, you simply won’t be experiencing the same game in the dark. And if the combined atmosphere of dark rooms and a shoddy flashlight wasn’t enough, you can expect a lot more heart attacks from fending off waves of crazies with lead pipes, fire axes, and just about anything else you can find while chasing down the murder suspects. ~Jason Zingale (12/02/05)
Conflict: Denied Ops
The guys over at Eidos are clearly fans of co-op gameplay. Mere months after the release of “Kane & Lynch” comes yet another first-person shooter that’s all about teamwork, but unlike the titular duo of that game, “Conflict: Denied Ops” is an absolute bore. You play as Lincoln Graves and Reggie Long, two CIA agents from the Special Activities Division who have been sent on a black ops mission to stop a third-world dictatorship from attaining nuclear weapons. No doubt inspired by the positive reaction to early “Kane & Lynch” trailers, “Conflict: Denied Ops” also features a bickering duo, but this time around, they haven’t cut any corners in stressing just how different these two guys really are. Graves is a white veteran whose weapon of choice is a sniper rifle, while Long is a black rookie who totes around a machine gun. The makings of comedy gold, right? You wish. The dialogue sucks (get ready to roll your eyes), the combat system is shit, and the graphics are seriously lacking that next-gen polish. And just in case that wasn’t problem enough, your partner (who you’ll also control in a single-player campaign) is more trouble than he’s worth. Unless you think chasing down a lost kid in a mall is cause for excitement, you may want to steer clear of “Conflict: Denied Ops.” (02/26/08)
Dance Dance Revolution Supernova
Mommy, make it stop already. Does anyone else besides the Scissor Sisters not feel like dancing? I know I am. Yet here we have another sequel to the long-running “Dance Dance Revolution” franchise. Look out! This time you’ll get to shake it to David Bowie and Kelly Clarkson as well as all that usual J-pop junk that all starts sounding the same after a while – much like bad anime. You can hook up your EyeToy camera if you like, or even take the competition online and make a complete ass of yourself against people who have spent way too much time playing this game. Of course, many of these people are in better shape than I am. They’re not real gamers, mind you. There’s also a new mode that makes the player dance in various joints to truly succeed. It’s a lopsided career/campaign kinda thing that maybe or maybe not gives the whole series another breath of life to keep going. One of these days people will get tired of this and the “Karaoke Revolution” series and get back to some serious gaming. Until then, keep on dancing. ~Jason Thompson (11/07/06)
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? “Dead or Alive Xtreme 2” is bad. So bad, in fact, the game should have been given away as a free download on Xbox Live. Instead, it’s being sold for the full, next-gen price of $59.99 even though absolutely nothing about it is particularly next-gen. Sure, Team Ninja has once again perfected the secret art of jiggle physics, but they’ve failed miserably at introducing even the slightest bit of enjoyment from the title’s weak selection mini-games. New additions like Pool Hopping and Butt Battle are relegated to impossible status, while the original volleyball mini-game disappoints even more the second time around. Many games don’t even explain what exactly it is you need to do, and it doesn’t matter, since the game will have likely ended well before you’re given the chance to figure it out. Oh, and instead of inviting you to try again, the game just exits back out to the main menu where you’ll be forced to sit through lengthy loading times each and every time. There is one saving grace to the “DOAX2”: the casino, which most players will undoubtedly spend a majority of their time in, winning money to spend on new swimsuits, accessories and such. But even that feels anticlimactic, which is a serious crime considering your company. ~Jason Zingale (11/25/06)
Death Jr. & the Science Fair of Doom
Because the series never quite took off on the PSP, or perhaps because Konami just really enjoys making games based on the character, the Death Jr. franchise has jumped to the Nintendo DS for the portable-exclusive title, “Science Fair of Doom.” In the latest adventure of Death’s mischievous son, DJ and goth crush Pandora must play hero yet again when a science fair project-gone-wrong unleashes the demonic Moloch into the world. Unfortunately, the switch in hardware hasn’t changed a single thing about the action-adventure scroller. Death Jr. is still one of the most likeable characters in the industry, but his games continue to feel uninspired. Not exactly what you’d expect from game about a cartoonish demon with a supporting cast of colorful characters, but nonetheless an expected disappointment. ~Jason Zingale (06/05/07)
Dungeon Seige II: Deluxe Edition
The PC video game market is no different from the music or DVD market. Eventually, all that money you originally spent on a game will eventually be reissued in some sort of “deluxe” version, so you can go out and buy it all over again just for some silly extras. Of course, if you didn’t buy the game the first time around, the reissued version can be a joy. At any rate, here’s "Dungeon Siege II” repackaged with the original game, the “Broken World Expansion Pack” and some bonus crap that include six printable portraits of Eva (wow), a foldout map of the land of Aranna (great), a making-of video, a short story called “Bound Together,” and some game wallpaper and concept art. If that’s worth extra money, it’s up to you. Still, you get the RPG “Game of the Year” for 2005 if you don’t have it already. For what it’s worth, the game itself is a pretty good time and right up the alley for those who like to kill baddies in dank dungeons and fantastical worlds. It’s just questionable if the bonuses here are really worth the “deluxe” treatment. ~Jason Thompson (12/03/06)
EA Playground
Taking a cue from the massive success of “Wii Sports” (would it be so popular if it wasn’t free?), gaming juggernaut Electronic Arts has entered into the minigame race with a collection of schoolyard-inspired games designed solely for the 10 and under crowd. Don’t get me wrong. Playing a round of tetherball or dodgeball using the intuitive Wiimote control system is satisfying the first time around, but once you recognize the lack of depth in the experience, you’ll understand why this title isn’t made for just anyone. The five other games – including paper racers (a paper airplane flyer), slot car racing (RC-operated micro machines), wall ball (or handball, as it’s more commonly known), dart shootout and kicks (a sort of soccer-meets-volleyball) – aren’t nearly as exciting, but kids will enjoy the reward of collecting stickers that comes with defeating each opponent. Super stickers, which give in-game bonuses to specific sports, can also be purchased from a pompous little kid known as the Sticker King using marbles you earn by completing dares or finding around the schoolyard, but even if you do collect them all, the single player story will still only take you about three hours to finish. ~Jason Zingale (10/31/07)
Elebits
As the last official launch title for the Nintendo Wii, “Elebits” had gamers positively excited about its quirky potential; especially after walking away with the Best in Show award at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. Regrettably, “Elebits” is a major disappointment. A great idea that doesn’t quite make for a great game, Konami’s first crack at the Big N’s latest console is nothing more than a fancy tech demo for the Wiimote. Disguised as a sort of glorified game of hide-and-seek, “Elebits” tells the story of a young boy who is forced to take matters into his own hands when his city experiences a sudden blackout. Taking control of his scientist parents’ Capture Gun, the nameless boy must go around collecting hundreds of the cute electricity-producing creatures for which the game is titled in order to restore light to his town. Using the Wiimote to push, pull, lift, throw, smash and interact with everything in the environment, you’ll search high and low for these little buggers as they can be found hiding in just about every place imaginable. And unless you thoroughly enjoy pushing the same button for hours on end, “Elebits” becomes incredibly boring within only a matter of minutes. The imagination is certainly there, and I’ve got to hand it to Konami for creating such a unique experience, but there’s simply no challenge to picking up a bunch of objects and zapping alien-like Oompa Loompas over and over and over and over and over again. ~Jason Zingale (12/30/06)
ER: The Game
“ER: The Game” puts you directly in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of a hospital emergency room. After graduating from med school with high marks, you’ve been placed at County General Hospital as a fresh intern, monitored daily by Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) and Dr. Gregory Pratt (Mekhi Phifer). Much in the style of games like “The Sims” and “Theme Hospital,” “ER: The Game” allows the user to create their own unique doctor and control their success in the hospital through various skills and relationships. The problem with “ER: The Game,” is that it isn’t a game at all. Games are meant to be fun, and “ER” certainly isn’t any fun. Most of your time is spent waiting for long load times and walking in the wrong direction. The unpleasant game interface is mostly to blame, because once the programmers have finished including every single detail on the screen with maps, shortcuts, and other gameplay options, there is no where else to actually click. If you’re looking to play a game like the aforementioned titles, go ahead and do just that. Even the latest “Sims” expansion has to be better than this disaster. ~Jason Zingale (06/01/05)
Fable: The Lost Chapters
When “Fable” debuted on the Xbox in 2004, the attractive gameplay mechanics and innovative storyline won the hearts of gamers everywhere, but the short single-player mode was ultimately a major letdown. Still, with the tremendous success of Peter Molyneux’s choose-your-own-adventure RPG came a version for the PC, and with it plenty of brand new content including extra weapons and new quests. “The Lost Chapters” is now available for the original Xbox as well (as part of Microsoft’s Platinum Hits collection), but if you already own the game, there’s no sense in dropping another twenty bucks when you could be saving your money for something much better. If you haven’t had the chance to experience “Fable,” though, this would be money wisely spent, especially considering that owners of the 360 can also play this title thanks to the convenience of backwards compatibility. ~Jason Zingale (11/28/05)
Flight Simulator X
Yes, this latest edition of “Flight Simulator” is jam packed with everything that has made it the top sim of its type through the years with its hardcore fans. Tons of different kinds of planes to fly, with more realism and detail than ever before. Luckily there are in-game tutorials to help the novice along, so one of those bible-sized instructions manuals are a thing of the past. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a flight stick style of controller, you might find the whole thing a bit tedious and aggravating as the keyboard and/or “regular” joystick controls are either too touchy or not responsive enough. But there’s plenty to dig here if you are an old fan of the series. The casual and curious would do better by merely staying away from this behemoth. Did I mention the installation takes forever? Go ahead and feel free to order out pizza and eat the whole thing while the game is installing. More work than fun. ~Jason Thompson (10/26/06)
Flight Simulator X: Acceleration
For those already growing bored with the things to do on “Flight Simulator X,” fear not. Here is the “Acceleration Expansion Pack” designed to give armchair pilots more hours of pleasure shooting around the skies. Twenty new missions are included in this pack, featuring rescue ops and test flying fighter jets. Three new aircraft -- the P51-D Mustang, the EH-101 helicopter, and the F/A-18A Hornet -- are also available to try out. There’s even an online mode that allows players to compete and chat. Too bad then, that you still need a pretty damn good system to run this thing on, not to mention the installation troubles that many users have had when trying to get the game to work. A patch may be in serious order here. But if this series is your thing, give it a shot. ~Jason Thompson (11/12/07)
GUN Showdown
For those of you wondering whether “GUN Showdown” is a new title, or just a direct port of the original game that was released late last year, well, it’s kind of both. Released only for the PSP, the Wild West shoot-‘em-up features the same storyline as the previously released “GUN,” but includes a couple new features that help to make it feel fresh. Perhaps the most important addition to the title is a six-player multiplayer option that includes three modes: deathmatch, capture the flag, and Texas Hold ‘Em. There are also some brand new multiplayer maps available, but most of them are just ripped straight from the single-player campaign. And if none of your friends own the game (because each player will need his own copy of the disc to play), there are handheld-friendly minigames to keep you busy including Bear Hunt, Suppress the Outlaws, and Defend the Fort. It’s not much, but it definitely gives you more bang for your buck. ~Jason Zingale (10/20/06)
Gunstar Super Heroes
As the long-awaited sequel to the classic Sega Genesis title, “Gunstar Super Heroes” is a blast to play, especially for those craving for a dish of old school side-scroller action. First off, the graphics are pretty darn impressive for a Game Boy Advance title, with great detail and bright colors that will look especially gorgeous on Nintendo’s new Micro. Equally remarkable is the title’s gameplay, which incorporates the usual run, jump and shoot elements of the common side-scroller, but in a variety of levels that will keep the player guessing as to what will come next. The game is a bit on the short side (aren’t most Game Boy titles though?) and the average player will soar through this in a little under a weekend, but it still presents enough of a challenge to keep even the hardcore gamer happy. “Guitar Super Heroes” doesn’t have much replay value (aside from changing characters and increasing the difficulty level), but it’s still worth a quick look. ~Jason Zingale (01/18/06)
Hitman: Blood Money
It’s been quite some time now since Eidos’ “Hitman” franchise debuted on the current-gen consoles, and much like the latest “Tomb Raider” adventure, the new installment is a much-appreciated step-up. “Hitman: Blood Money” drops you back into the role of Agent 47, a contract killer for the ICA, but when fellow assassins begin dropping like flies (purportedly at the hands of a much bigger and more powerful agency), Agent 47 travels to America where he plans to make the killing of his career. Featuring stunning visuals and improved controls, “Blood Money” is like “Splinter Cell”-gone-bad, and is easily one of the best titles currently available on the Xbox 360. It’s also not a breeze to complete, either (unlike most games these days), and you’ll really have to devise the best option before making you move. Running and gunning ain’t going to get you anywhere in this game. Trust me. I died… a lot. ~Jason Zingale (06/07/06)
Jaws: Unleashed
Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to swim through the deep blue sea as Jaws? Me neither, but Majesco Entertainment has decided to make a game based on the 1975 Steven Spielberg film anyways. In it, you assume the role of the great white shark, but instead of swimming around and eating people because, well, you’re a shark, the game finds poor old Jaws victim to an underwater oil drilling company whose equipment feedback has caused him to go into a feeding frenzy. Pretty cool, huh? Hardly. The game is fun for all of five minutes, and then you realize that these programming glitches and camera issues aren’t temporary, but rather the catalyst for what is to become a giant headache. Or how about blindly gliding through the water hoping to accidentally arrive at your next objective? Wee! This is fun! Wait, there’s more? I can collect license plates by eating them? Radical! Then again, maybe not. ~Jason Zingale (07/10/06)
Kameo: Elements of Power
Far and wide the worst title to launch alongside the Xbox 360, “Kameo” has little to offer the average gamer. Rather, the game seems fashioned for a much younger (and possibly female) gaming crowd that you would expect to see huddled around a Nintendo handheld playing the latest Pokemon game. Placing you in the role of Kameo, a magical elf whose family has just been kidnapped, most of the game is spent tracking them down – with the help of Elemental Warriors that you can morph into and control. This, of course, means that you spend almost no time at all as the actual elf, but instead work your way through a monotonous supply of puzzles, enemies and final bosses as the Warrior best suited for each individual task. The gameplay manages to be quite enjoyable for the first hour or so, and the beautifully-rendered environments are an amazing accomplishment for game developer Rare, but “Kameo” quickly loses steam only a few levels into the story. Securing new Elemental Warriors helps to keep the game feeling fresh longer than it should, but the title’s relatively short campaign mode and repetitive gameplay is hardly worth the fifty bucks or a slot on your GameFly queue. ~Jason Zingale (12/23/05)
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol
Okay, so you’ve played “Karaoke Revolution” before, but have you ever done so as a contestant for the hit reality series, “American Idol”? Well, now’s your chance. In the latest installment of the PS2 series, you’ll take the stage, gain the popularity of the crowd and impress Simon and Randy (sorry, no Paula) with a selection of 40 hit songs including “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Piano Man,” “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” and yes, even that William Hung smash hit, “She Bangs.” “American Idol” seems like the type of property that is tailor-made for a video game series like “Karaoke Revolution,” but while the soundtrack offers an impress mix of hit songs, it doesn’t hold a flame to the far superior “SingStar.” ~Jason Zingale (01/06/07)
Left Behind: Eternal Forces
Say what you will, but Christian-based video games have never fared too well. It’s more of a niche market compared to any other niche out there you’d care to name. “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” is another such game. Based on the best-selling book (a copy of which is also included with the game), the object here is to convert people over into believers of God so they can all gang up on the Antichrist and get off the godforsaken planet. You’ll be using prayer and worship to kick some ass when not recruiting the faithless. The graphics are pretty terrible and the AI is hardly intuitive enough to get things done. Many times the people you’re trying to command will just mill about in a daze. It doesn’t matter that this game is “from the developer of the first 3D Madden Football game” or that the AP claims “it’s perfect content for a video game.” The end result is just a bland, poorly executed title that should be…wait for it…left behind. Zing! ~Jason Thompson (12/03/06)
Mad Tracks
If you were as disappointed as I was with the party game flop that was “Fuzion Frenzy 2,” then you may be more than pleasantly surprised with “Mad Tracks.” This title successfully combines “Micro Machine”-like races with other mini games, such as darts, foosball and golf in which you participate by driving your vehicle around various playfields. There are the expected power-up items throughout, and at 800 MS points it’s a steal if you like games like “Mario Kart” and its copycats. The racing games are the most enjoyable, but darts is flat out hilarious, as is the game where everyone tries to knock each other off a dining room table. Getting frozen into an ice cube and being shoved off the edge of furniture has never been so much fun. This is a great online multiplayer title, and the single player game is fun as well. Downloadable content featuring more tracks is planned for the future, so this game will be getting more mileage after its initial launch. ~Jason Thompson (06/05/07)
Major League Baseball 2K8
As an American sports fan and avid gamer, you’d think I’d be a little more excited about 2K Sports’ latest next-gen baseball title. After all, it is our national pastime, and with the baseball season lasting two-thirds of the year, you’re pretty much shit out of luck if you’re not a fan. Consider me one of the very few who fall into this category, but even though I’ve had bad experiences in the past, “MLB 2K8” doesn’t quite suck like I expected it to. This year, 2K Sports has really gone the distance by revamping the game engine and piling on an assortment of new features. Some of these features are homeruns (like the return of Inside Edge, which allows the player to purchase scouting reports on opponents), while others are a little more questionable (do we really need the option to play as minor league teams?). Still, even the sheer awesomeness of something like Total Pitch Control – a three-step process that emulates the motion of throwing a baseball – comes with its share of cons. Some critics would like you to believe the game’s biggest issues lie within the choppy frame rate and subpar graphics, but it simply isn’t so. True, you’ll probably have some issues with the clunky outfield controls (which will in turn lead to some blowouts during the beginning of your season), but the player models are crisp and, well, who doesn’t love how their jerseys blow in the wind? Unfortunately, it means exactly jack squat if you’re not a fan of the sport, and even if you are, it’s not like there’s a better option on the market. Until 2K Sports’ exclusivity agreement runs out in 2012, this is the only place you’ll be able to experience real major league baseball. Just be happy they didn’t release a dud. ~Jason Zingale (03/10/08)
Magnetica
Thanks to the massive success of “Brain Age” and the undying popularity of handheld puzzle games like “Tetris” and “Meteos,” the Nintendo DS has fast become the system to have for those looking to give their thumbs, and their minds, a much-needed workout. Following in the tradition of color-coded puzzle titles, “Magnetica” bursts onto the scene with a completely unique experience that relies solely on your skill with a stylus. Based on the popular arcade hit, “Puzzle Loop,” “Magnetica” is quite simple: as a line of marbles roll down a twisted track towards an endpoint, the player must shoot other like-colored marbles in order to make them explode. Connecting three marbles of the same color does the trick, but you’ll have to work quick and sharp. Featuring 99 levels in Challenge Mode, another 60 missions in Quest Mode, and a Wi-Fi-capable Versus Mode where you can play head-to-head with a friend, “Magnetica” is a frantic and exciting game for all fans of the puzzle genre. The main problem with the title, however, is that while fun to play, “Magnetica” feels like it should have been packaged as part of a compilation. The action is fast and furious from the opening minutes, but after just a couple hours of play, it quickly loses its appeal. Stick with “Tetris” for now. There’s a reason the game’s been around for more than twenty years. ~Jason Zingale (06/16/06)
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
I’ve never really been a big fan of Sony’s gaming consoles, and thus have never played a single installment of Hideo Kojima’s legendary “Metal Gear Solid” series. You’re probably thinking, “How does someone who writes about games manage to dodge a decade-long franchise that also just so happens to be one of Sony’s flagship series?” Honestly? A serious lack of time coupled with a long-standing dislike for stealth games. Of course, diehard fans will still be ecstatic to see that a true-to-form version of the popular series has finally been released for the PSP, which had up until now been plagued with lame, Pokémon-styled renditions. In “Portable Ops,” whose story follows the events of “MGS 3: Snake Eater” (thanks internet), players will once again assume the role of Snake, but instead of taking care of business on your own, you’re put in charge of a squad tasked to impede a possible nuclear attack. Sounds a bit like “24,” no? As far as PSP titles go, well, there aren’t many good ones, so it’s nice to Konami jumping in to save the day (or better yet, the year) with a game that many PSP owners will be able to enjoy. It’s not going to help sell more units, but it will offer a much-needed sigh of relief for those sweating the two hundred bones they just spent. ~Jason Zingale (12/18/06)
Midway Arcade Treasures 3
For this third installment of the favorite series, Midway has decided to create a themed package of retro racing arcade classics. It’s just too bad that so many of these aren’t that fun when taken out of their arcade racing consoles and brought home. And besides, what the hell is going to beat “Burnout” these days, anyway? For my money, “Hydro Thunder” is the most enjoyable of the lot here. Old Dreamcast fans will be happy to know that the “San Francisco Rush” games here are clones from that system. However, there’s just too many boring picks all around here. “Badlands” is pretty much just like “Off Road Thunder,” except with weapons, and if that’s not enough, “Super Off Road” is here as well and just like “Off Road Thunder,” except with trucks. “Race Drivin’” was never a good game at all, and is completely klutzy with the PS2 controllers, and for some reason, “S.T.U.N. Runner” runs a lot faster that it ever did in the arcade. At only eight games total, “Midway Arcade Treasures” is rather paltry and a sure signal that the company should just stick to a nice mix ‘n match collection like the previous two packages. ~Jason Thompson (10/06/05)
NBA Live 07
After a disappointing debut on the Xbox 360 last fall, sports gaming giant Electronic Arts promised fans of the “NBA Live” franchise that a much-needed overhaul was on the way. One year later and not much has changed. The new free throw system is absolutely horrendous (and impossible to master), you're restricted to just passing when you’re being double-teamed (even if you really want to draw a foul), pressing simple lay-up or dunk buttons result in ridiculous, over-the-top moves (that typically result in missing easy shots), and players can’t even pass the ball mid-shoot. The player models also don’t move as fluid as they probably should and you’ll never actually know if you’ve successfully rebounded the ball until a) you get scored on, or b) the point-of-view flips to show that the ball is in your possession. The graphics have been greatly improved and several new features have been added – like the addition of Dynasty Mode and All-Star Weekend – but all of the same gameplay issues remain. What you get is a game that looks great, but ultimately still plays like shit – a noticeable trend in basketball titles since the heyday of their creation – and while other EA sports franchises like “Madden,” “FIFA,” “NHL” and “Tiger Woods” continue to improve with each new installment, “NBA Live” only seems to get worse. Oh, except for the sweat. The sweat looks great. ~Jason Zingale (10/16/05)
NFL Head Coach
In a blatant attempt at reenergizing their “Madden” franchise, EA Sports has introduced a brand new series tailor-made for that small niche of fantasy football enthusiasts, but unfortunately, even the most rabid fans are sure to be disappointed. You play as the Assistant Coach of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and now that the season is over, you have first dibs on the coaching job of your choice. The game begins with a quick (and incredibly limited) character creation before launching you in to the real business, including interviewing for new additions to your coaching staff, re-signing players and delegating trades with other teams. Regrettably, “NFL Head Coach” feels more like a desk job than an extracurricular activity, and after sitting through your umpteenth office hour (where you’re supposed to prepare for meetings, draw new game plays, etc.) you’ll just want to fast-forward to the season opener; though even that takes a while to do thanks to the many in-game load screens. Of course, game day is an even more miserable experience. Like “Madden,” you’re in control of calling all the plays, but you don’t even get to take part in the action. Why did they even bother to make this game when “Madden” offers a perfectly suitable simulation experience… with actual gameplay? ~Jason Zingale (07/12/06)
NHL 2K8
I’ll be the first to admit that, with the exception of the absolute basics, I don’t know a damn thing about hockey. Sure, I’ve watched it on TV, seen a game in real life, and even played a variation on the street, but ask me anything about the sport that isn’t about skating, shooting and fighting and, well, you get the picture. It probably doesn’t help that my last video hockey experience was on the SNES, because the changes made to this year’s edition of 2K Sports’ NHL series are certainly worth discussing. And of what I do understand, the changes are for the better – including the addition of ProStick, a new gameplay mechanic that allows players to control their stick using the right analog. Using this new method, players can now handle the puck better, make defensive plays, and even battle for face-offs with the quick flick of the thumb. Of course, while you’re getting used to the freedom of moving the puck, you’ll also have to learn a completely different control scheme. Shooting and passing assignments have moved to the left and right bumper buttons, and though this proves to be difficult at first, it really is for the better, lending faster and smoother gameplay that results in a well-oiled arcade experience. Perhaps that’s why I enjoyed “NHL 2K8” so much, because although the game features all the depth you’d want in a top-of-the-line hockey simulation, it still offers the fast-and-furious arcade experience that anyone can pick up and play. ~Jason Zingale (09/20/07)
Online Chess Kingdom
When it comes to comparing what’s underneath the hoods of Sony’s PSP and Nintendo’s DS, there’s really no contention. Sony has always gone the extra mile in delivering the latest and greatest hardware on the market, while Nintendo is more software-minded. So why is it that the DS has positively crushed the PSP in competition? Quite simply: the games. With the exception of “Lumines” and a few other titles, there’s not a whole lot going for Sony’s portable gaming machine. Sure, it plays movies and music, but its foremost concern should be offering quality games, and while “Online Chess Kingdom” doesn’t exactly deliver in the visuals department, it does offer solid gameplay for gamers on the go. Plus, anyone that’s ever played video game before has probably played a round of chess, so the learning curve is naught. Offering five different sets to choose from, an online mode that allows you to play with friends, and a player ranking system to boast your incredibly skill, Konami’s 3D chess experience is a great budget title perfect for a last-minute stocking stuffer. ~Jason Zingale (12/12/06)
Pac-Man Championship Edition
Yes, this game was ridiculously shrouded and hyped as being “history making” before its official release, fueling speculation that something huge was coming for Xbox gamers everywhere. Hey, even I had my doubts when the big secret was revealed. But I caved, paid my 800 MS Points and have had the best time ever with the Pac-Man series since Ms. Pac-Man came along – and that’s truly saying something for a new Pac-Man game. In this edition, there are six new modes, two timed at five minutes each and the others at 10 minutes. The big catch to all of them is that the mazes are constantly changing as you play the game in real time. Each mode has its own variation, and each is a blast to play. The new graphics are shiny and fun, and the unobtrusive background music adds the right amount of tension. It gets insanely fast and furious, and most of all it is more addictive than it has any right to be. Bottom line: if you’ve had doubts about this title, just drop them and buy this ASAP. This is the true sequel that Mr. and Ms. Pac-Man have needed all these years. ~Jason Thompson (06/05/07)
Peter Jackson's King Kong
Despite its amazing graphics and sometimes enjoyable gameplay, “Peter Jackson’s King Kong” is a serious exercise in patience. While many that pick up this game are probably more excited about controlling Kong than they are Adrian Brody, you’ll spend a good majority playing as the latter character. This entails the following: kill monsters, burn bushes to expose pathways, open doors, rinse and repeat. Occasionally, you’ll be given the task to find the levers needed to open the doors while you listen to Naomi Watts and Jack Black harass you in the background, but this doesn’t make the game any more difficult, or more exciting. When you do get to play as Kong, it’s fun as hell, but far too short to make a real impact on the overall experience. In fact, so little happens as you make your way from point A to B that the player is actually forced to sit in a boat for nearly five minutes while listening to the other characters talk; and this comes at the beginning of the game when you’re still not exactly sure what you’re supposed to be doing. ~Jason Zingale (12/11/05)
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Edition
Gen X pinballers, take note: your favorite machines have just made their home video debut. Before they quit the business in 1999, Williams were the best pinball machine designers period, and this collection of ten machines released between 1970 and 1990 is as bulletproof a collection as you’re likely to find. Nearly every cutting edge game Williams made – Black Knight, Gorgar, Firepower, Pin*Bot, Sorcerer and Taxi, to name a few – is here, and the gameplay is remarkably lifelike. The machines have two main visual modes, one that zooms in on the ball when it is towards the top of the machine and another that emulates the player’s standard view in front of an actual machine. The former view is helpful when trying to increase the score multiplier, but watch out if the ball comes flying down towards the bottom flippers. Sadly, there is no online option, and Jive Time’s frustration factor far outweighs its retro cool factor (we would much rather have seen High Speed here in its place), but for a pinball fan, there is far too much to love here to be disappointed with its minor shortcomings. With any luck, Crave will follow this with a Bally edition, complete with The Addams Family, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Attack from Mars, and Twilight Zone. Just sayin’. (04/28/08)
Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action
Designed for the film buff in all of us, the DVD board game “Scene It” has become increasingly popular during the last few years, spawning several sequels and themed expansion packs that help keep the questions fresh and challenging. Microsoft, knowing a good thing when it sees one, snatched up the rights to the movie trivia game and transported it to the Xbox 360 – complete with a visual makeover and four big button controllers that make the party experience even more fun than before. The game itself is a little different from its TV counterpart. Instead of rolling dice and answering questions based on where you land, a game show host doing a bad Fred Willard impersonation carts you around a studio lot to play different puzzles (21 in all) and rack up points. Every puzzle is different – from answering questions based on movie clips to unscrambling still scenes – and while repetition is inevitable, the game’s pool of nearly 2,000 questions ensures that you can play a few rounds in one night without that ever happening. The $60 price tag may sound a bit high, but considering you’re also getting four controllers in the package makes it a sweet deal. Who said the 360 couldn’t offer fun for the whole family? ~Jason Zingale (11/18/07)
Sid Meier's Railroads!
For those people who enjoy trains but don’t want a headache of a sim that involves worrying about everything else in the world that goes along with running them, then “Sid Meier’s Railroads!” is the game for you. Players get to set up trains and train systems in a variety of scenarios without having to worry too much about the whole economic hoo-ha that lies underneath. Just get your choo-choos going where they need to go, and it’s a pretty smooth ride. The in-game tutorial is nice, to the point, and not hard to understand, which is always a plus when it comes to sims. Players can go the solo route (and can even choose to employ a few computer opponents, or none at all), or take it online and have a go. Though, it seems like any multiplayer would be better suited for a LAN experience (which “Railroads!” also supports) than a full-blown universal competition. But what the hell, it’s all good. It’s kind of like how “Sim Theme Park” was a lot easier to dive into and enjoy than the “Holy shit, I have to do everything?” experience of “Roller Coaster Tycoon.” ~Jason Thompson (11/07/06)
SimCity DS
We’ve all played some variation of “SimCity” before, but the latest addition to the offers two distinct features previously unavailable to fans of the popular series: portability and interactivity. What is essentially a port of the 1999 PC classic “SimCity 3000,” the DS-exclusive title places you once again in the role of the Mayor, tasked with running your very own city (or one of eight default cities) by laying down landscapes, erecting landmarks, and even surviving the odd natural disaster or monster attack. In fact, with the exception that you can now carry your city with you wherever you go, the biggest change to the game is how you deal with such an attack. With the use of the DS microphone and stylus, you’ll blow out fires and fend off Godzilla wannabes not like you’re the Mayor, but rather God himself. It’s truly an overpowering experiencing, but isn’t that what the SimCity games have always been about? ~Jason Zingale (07/08/07)
The Sims 2
The PC-friendly sequel to Will Wright’s mega-hit franchise has been out almost a year now, and, in true Electronic Arts fashion, a console version has just been unleashed. Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything different from the previous versions of the game, apart from a new cooking feature and a misleadingly titled “Story Mode.” It still takes you way too long to pee (I counted almost ten minutes once) and disturbingly quick to get a full night’s rest (I went to bed at 11 p.m. and woke up at 3:00 a.m. totally refreshed – what?). If you’re a diehard fan of the series, then this is a no-brainer, but you’re much better off picking up the more enjoyable PC version and its inevitable onslaught of expansions. ~Jason Zingale (11/05/05)
Smarty Pants
Piggybacking the recent release of “Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action” on the Xbox 360, Electronic Arts’ “Smarty Pants” brings the trivia game experience to the family friendly Wii at a budget price. Including categories like Games, Entertainment, Sports, Fashion, Art, Places & People, Science and Books, the title is like a virtual Trivial Pursuit – minus the impossible questions and cool pie pieces. You can also play on your own in Solo Mode (which is really just a glorified practice session), or with friends and family. The Family Mode isn’t quite as fun, as you’ll simply try to answer a set number of questions in a given time limit, but Friends Mode offers a game show-like experience where you spin a wheel, buzz in to answer questions, and even use collectible cards strategically to make questions harder for opponents or narrow down answers for yourself. With three different game modes to choose from, age-appropriate questions, and over 20,000 questions at your disposal, “Smarty Pants” isn’t just surprisingly fun – it’ll make you smarter and improve your cognitive abilities. True, the questions are repeated far more often than you’d expect from such a large pool, but because they’re asked at such a break-neck pace, you’ll hardly find time to stop and notice. ~Jason Zingale (12/26/07)
Sonic Riders
Ugh. It’s Sonic’s 15th Anniversary this year, so who knows how many more of his games gamers will be slogging through. After the drudgery that was “Shadow the Hedgehog,” you wouldn’t think that boredom could be equaled, and you’d be wrong. Here, Sonic and the entire set of characters from Sonic’s world are all lined up to compete in some giant grand prix. You race on hover boards. You can pull off pointless Tony Hawk style tricks that you get graded on. Oh yeah, and you collect rings. Lots and lots of shiny rings. You’d think Sonic would be well-suited to a racing experience, and you’d be wrong again. The game looks good, and the controls are responsive enough. But in the end it’s the same old Sonic in yet another new wrapper. Definitely one for the kids, and possibly worth one night’s rental for everyone else. There’s far better racing to be had out there. ~Jason Thompson (04/07/06)
Space Giraffe
It’s been a while in the making, but Jeff Minter’s new psychedelic blaster is finally here on Xbox Live Arcade. Minter, if you don’t know, is a hero in video game designer history books, having created such classics as “Attack of the Mutant Camels” and “Gridrunner.” “Space Giraffe” is a bit like “Tempest,” but not really, as the player can collect powerups and jump off the playing field with them, allowing him to blast objects that have crept to the edge of the board. This, of course, is in addition to the classic smart bomb, which blows up everything real good. There are 100 levels, and you’ll get the best wow! factor playing it at night or in a dark room for maximum visual effect. The typical assortment of bizarre Minter-approved animals are in tow, and the techno soundtrack is ginchy-sweet, too. All in all, a fine purchase for 400 MS points, if you’re into Minter or games like “Tempest.” ~Jason Thompson (08/27/07)
Stronghold Legends
Another day, another RTS. PC gamers can’t seem to get enough of these things, so there winds up being a glut of them, much like FPS games flood the console market. Still, “Stronghold Legends” gets the job done. This time around the player gets to choose a character from one of three legends - King Arthur, Siegfried of Germany, or Count Vlad Dracul. Ah, those vampires. The kids really seem to dig them. There are 26 missions and three campaigns in total, and that means plenty of gametime in addition to the multiplayer modes. Suffice it to say that if you’re into these types of games, then “Stronghold Legends” is worthy of your time with nice visuals, a good interface, and an easy-to-follow in-game tutorial to get you up and running. It may all feel vaguely familiar because it is, but there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe and making a game that will shift some units.~Jason Thompson (12/03/06)
Super Dragon Ball Z
One would think that a new game integrating the talent of “Street Fighter II” producer Noritaka Funamizu with the legendary “Dragon Ball Z” franchise would equal unparalleled awesomeness, but alas, that is not the case with the latest PS2 fighter, “Super Dragon Ball Z.” Not unlike the gazillion other “DBZ” titles that have congested the genre over the past five years, “Super DBZ” puts you in the role of any one of 18 playable characters (including minor personalities like Chi-Chi and the never-before-featured Mecha Frieza) on your journey to collect all seven Dragon Balls. Insert joke here. Of course, it doesn’t take very long to do so (about thirty minutes by my count), and though there’s plenty of unlockable content along the way, the single-player campaign quickly becomes monotonous. Multiplayer isn’t much better, and because the control system shadows that of the classic “Street Fighter II” series, it’s almost too easy to perform lightning-quick combos on your opponent; so much so that it’s actually possible to defeat your enemy without them countering even once. Is it really that bad? No, but it’s bad enough, and for now that’s all that matters. ~Jason Zingale (07/28/06)
Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale in Mexico
There are games that set trends ("Grand Theft Auto," "Max Payne"), and then there are ones that copy them. Most of these imitations have failed miserably on the market due to the fact that they don’t embrace these various trends, but take advantage of them. “Total Overdose” is a different kind of game that, for once, proves you can copy from the best, and still feel original. As the renegade twin brother of a recently-injured DEA agent, you’ve been sent into the Mexican underground to bust a notorious drug lord – and you’re doing it in style. Bust out sweet combo moves or let the baddies have it, “Desperado” style, with your twin guitar case machine guns. Hell yeah! ~Jason Zingale (10/09/05)
Transformers
“Transformers: The Game” isn’t one of the worst movie tie-ins ever made, nor is it a bad offering for a usually dull summer season. But the negatives far outweigh the positives in what is essentially a lifeless button masher designed for those who do judge a book by its cover. “Transformers” puts the gamer in control of choosing between protecting the Earth as the Autobots, or destroying it as the evil Decepticons. No matter which side you choose, you can be sure of one thing: you’re gonna look positively awesome while doing it. And shiny. Very, very shiny. Unfortunately, that’s where the fun stops, because while fighting off the hordes of shape-shifting alien robots yields amazing visuals and mild entertainment, that’s all there is to it. Simply drive to whatever location you’re pointed towards on the map, transform into giant robot form, fight off some minions, battle a boss and then repeat. That’s right, you spend half of the time driving around town in vehicle form, and while watching them transform is just as glorious as seeing it up on the big screen, the controls behind the wheel are frustrating as hell. It’s like you’re driving in the rain, where even the slightest turn causes the whole car to go slip-sliding to the other side of the road. It’ll have you pressing the eject button in no time. ~Jason Zingale (07/17/07)
True Swing Golf
When it comes to playing golf, or even watching it on TV, you can bet that you won’t find me standing anywhere near the action, but stick me in front of a golf video game (like “Golden Tee” or “Tiger Woods”) and I’ll be hooked for hours. This philosophy rings only truer with Nintendo’s latest sports title, “True Swing Golf,” a highly addictive golf outing for the DS that gives the player even more control over his swing. Offering two different game modes (single player career and wireless multiplayer match play) and player customizability, the golf title’s biggest asset is its utilization of the system’s touch screen. The days of perfecting power meters are no more; instead, you’ll have to rely on a steady hand and a quick flip of the wrist (while using your stylus) to send your ball up the fairway. You can even slice, hook, and add spin to your ball by hitting it in specific regions - skills you’ll have to practice if you want to compete in the later rounds of the game’s championship mode. This is virtual golf at its best, and I simply can't get enough. ~Jason Zingale (03/07/06)
UEFA Champions League: 2006-2007
What? It’s been more than three months since Electronics Arts last released a soccer game for the Xbox 360? Well then, by all means, bring on the next half-assed title right away. We wouldn’t want to play the same soccer game for too long, even if “FIFA 07” is the closest thing to perfection since the sport entered the next-gen. Instead, let’s trade in this version of the game and use the 10 bucks we get towards the far superior one. Despite the fact that “UEFA Champions League” uses the same exact game engine as its predecessor, the tournament-centric title feels a lot more sluggish and unfinished. Character models aren’t as rich, players jog rather than run, and yes, there’s even a card-based challenge for all you fantasy freaks. Ye gods, what did we soccer fans do to deserve such treatment? Sure, it’s the most popular sport in the world, but that doesn’t mean we need a new version of the damn game every time a different event takes place. What’s next, the “Gold Cup” edition featuring all of our “favorite” M.L.S. and Mexican teams? Let’s hope not. But if U.S. soccer ever does catch on, I wouldn’t put it past them. ~Jason Zingale (04/01/07)