Why Haven't You Played This Yet? #2

Super Meat Boy by Team Meat
XBLA/PC
$10  $15 now (price raised)

Many might immediately be turned off at the fact that I've just pointed out the price has been raised on this game a whole $5.  I normally don't like supporting arcade games priced over $10 but Super Meat Boy is the exception.  Before I continue let me state that Super Meat Boy is for hardcore old school gamers.  Seriously those who get frustrated or felt that Trials HD was too hard need not apply because Super Meat Boy is incredibly difficult.  You guide your character (Super Meat Boy) through close to 350 levels (no exaggeration) as he tries to save his girlfriend Bandage Girl from the evil Dr. Fetus.  You must jump, dodge, and glide your way through obstacles and enemies as the game quickly ramps up the difficulty.  Along the way you're treated to hilarious cutscenes that pay homage to classic games from the 8-bit era (see how many you can spot) and insane boss battles that test your platforming finesse.  In general your platforming (along with your patience) will be tested and make no mistake about it, you will consistently die.  But give it up to Team Meat because they've even gloried your constant dying by way of a replay.  While there are 350 levels, around 100 or so are actually just insanely harder versions of current levels.  Each of the 6 worlds (not including 'teh internets') has light world versions and dark world versions (the latter being the insanely difficult counterparts).  The dark worlds usually completely change most of the layout so don't feel like you're being cheated.  Throw in the promise of dlc (one world which was already released), over 10 unlockable characters each with different strengths and weaknesses, an awesome soundtrack, and a type of satisfaction that can only come from hardcore games similar to this and you've got yourself one of the best arcade games on xbla (can't really vouch for wiiware). 

If you're not convinced yet, watch this.

Bottom Line: BUY IT NOW!
*Note: This game wasn't released on PSN because they didn't believe the game would sell.  Sorry Playstation. 
*This game was recently canceled for WiiWare (12/24) 

NBA Jam (Xbox 360)

The name NBA Jam should instantly be recognizeable for anyone who grew up in the 90s, ever went to an arcade, or knew someone who loved basketball back when.  For those that don't know, NBA Jam was a game released in '93 in arcades and was later ported to multiple home consoles.  Each team played with 2 players chosen from their respective teams roster (usually consisting of around 4 total).  NBA Jam brought over-the-top craziness to basketball with high-flying dunks, insane blocks, a funny cartoony look, and an overly eccentric announcer.  Gamers poured quarters into the arcade classic and still today NBA Jam is one of the most highly regarded multiplayer arcade games.  Flash forward 17 years and NBA Jam is being remade (for the second time) for current consoles.  Most had hoped for a downloadable title similar to other retro revivals like Mega Man 9 or Bionic Commando and a similar price tag (Under $15) but unsurprisingly EA Sports decided to go with a full retail release.  At $50 is this nostalgic trip worth it, or would you be better off investing in a SNES to get the classic title?

NBA Jam was originally produced by Midway (Mortal Kombat) but when that company went under, EA snatched up the property and started work on a remake.  EA wisely brought back many staples from the original title including a similar but updated look of the players along with almost unchanged gameplay.  The controls were wisely kept simple using only 4 buttons and a control stick or d-pad (unless you prefer using the right stick instead of the face buttons).  I was also very excited to learn that the original announcer reprises his role with all new dialogue and remade classic lines.  Another pretty surreal quirk from the original game brought over was the ability to play as special characters.  Whereas the classic title allowed you to play as Bill Clinton, mascots, and Mortal Kombat characters, the remake lets you play as..Bill Clinton, mascots, and the Beastie Boys?  Well, its still pretty cool being able to dunk on Obama with Sarah Palin after Bush stole a pass from Hillary. *Seriously..you can do that!  While these similarities may seem great to fans of the original, it may be too similar to the classic and if that really is the case, does it warrant a purchase? 

I have to be honest in that I was expecting a little bit more from this game.  All of the classics elements from the original that I knew and loved are all present, but I don't know if that is enough anymore.  Along with the classic campaign (use one team to play against every other team and then defeat legends) is fun, it grows stale quickly.  Added was a remix tour where different modes come up like "Domination", "21", and "1 on 1" but it didn't really seem all that fun for me (especially the abysmal 21!).  The AI returns with it's cheating ways and rubberband logic making many games that were blowouts, come down to the final few buckets.  The real joy and still greatest thing about NBA Jam however is the awesome multiplayer.  I played single-player and it was pretty boring, but once I had a partner to play with and against, hours went by like nothing.  But for a game that doesn't really have much meat, I think little things could have been added to further enhance gamers enjoyment.  For example, with the Kinect, Playstation camera, and even ease of online use, would it really have been that hard to imput some type of create-a-character mode?  Players could load up 3 or 4 headshots and then just choose from some preset of body features.  This is just one sample of a feature that could have easily been implemented and helped to justify a full retail purchase but there are countless more such as roster management or online leagues.

Pathetic

May not have enough features worth the $50
Grows stale after awhile
Abysmal single-player
Computer's stupid rubber-band logic

Very Nice!

Multiplayer is a blast
Graphics are surprisingly nice
Many elements of the classic NBA Jam brought back
Simple and responsive controls
Online play thankfully added

FINAL GRADE: B

NBA Jam is tons of fun, given the right circumstances.  Fans of the original should definitely check it out.  While the single-player is lacking, this is honestly a multiplayer title and when played with a couple friends you'll definitely have a ball.

Would Your Girlfriend Like It?

(From April)

I enjoy playing this game a lot.  The controls are easy and I was able to keep up with my boyfriend! :) I'm not really a sports gamer chick but surprisingly I was able to play it for hours without it losing it's fun factor.  The bobble heads *Note she's referring to the unlockable big-head mode* are cool and I like that you could choose other characters besides basketball players.  The commentary is great!  He could say something as simple as, "Knock knock. Who's there?  BOOMSHACKALAKA!" lol and I giggle everytime.  Overall, I say BUY! BUY, BUY, BUY! :) It's worth your money.  I'm not even a sports type of chick and I love this game.

Verdict: Umm..Buy Buy Buy apparently.

Why Haven't You Played This Yet? #1

Game Dev Story by Kairosoft
Iphone/Ipod
$2.99

Game Dev Story is a business simulator not unlike Lemonade Tycoon (or so I've heard.)  Your goal is to build your own Video Game Company from the ground up.  You design video games for different platforms, all while hiring different employees to work on design, sound, graphics, and overall fun factor.  You figure out which genres pair well together and decide who you're marketing towards, hoping for a great review score from the video game magazines.  Annually they honor games with awards and often times your games get nominated.  Can you build your company up and create your very own video game console? 
This game is one of the most addictive games I've ever played on any system be it handheld or not.  Every person I've recommended this game to has instantly been hooked spending hours playing as if it were mere minutes.  It's hard to describe what exactly makes the game so addicting however.  Maybe it's the excitement of seeing how well your game sells or maybe it's the hope of getting the game of the year honors.  Something about this game makes it almost instantly enjoyable and I found myself spending hours working on my next game.  One negative note: Once you beat the game and get to be a top publisher, the game almost becomes too easy and starts to lose it's appeal. 

Bottom Line: Worth the Money
*There's a lite version so there's no excuse not to try the game.

Megamind

The first names that come up when you see these CG movies being released are Dreamworks and Pixar.  I've always felt that with Dreamworks, you get more quantity as opposed to Pixar's quality.  That's not to say that Dreamworks hasn't released great films, but for every Shrek or Kung Fu Panda, we're given a Bee Movie or Shark Tale.  Dreamworks has recently been churning out some hits (How To Train Your Dragon, Madagascar 2, Monsters Vs Aliens) so expectations were high for their newest film Megamind.  Throw in the voicework of Will Ferrell and you're guaranteed a hit.  Right?

The movie casts Will Ferrell as Megamind, an evil alien with incredible intellect.  Brad Pitt voices the Superman-esque hero of Metro City cleverly named Metro Man!  Since birth Megamind and Metro Man have been rivals with the cocky Metro Man displaying his super powers to everyones approval.  Megamind unfortunately lacks these powers and seems to be bad at his attempts to one-up Metro Man.  As his efforts get shot down time after time, Megamind decides that since he's good at being bad, he may as well excel at it and become the best at it as he can.  With the aid of his sidekick Minion, (David Cross) Megamind is constantly attempting to take over Metro City (or Metrosity).  Most of his plans involve kidnapping the journalist Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey) as her dumbfounded cameraman Hal (Jonah Hill) stands around helplessly.  Sadly, Megamind has apparently become predictable in his crimes and unfortunately, this movie follows suit.  Many plot "twists" are reminiscent of past comedies and some of the jokes fall short of their marks.  The chemistry between Megamind and Minion is enjoyable however, as is the banter between Megamind and Roxanne.  I found myself laughing many times at just hearing the conversations and enjoying the detail in facial animations that Dreamworks has done.  Speaking of detail, Dreamworks deserves a pat on the back for 3D effects which were subtle, but strong enough to be evident.  The effects didn't wow me as much as Pixar's Up did, but they were enjoyable.

With a movie like Megamind, you don't really wanna give away much of the plot so unfortunately I'm not gonna delve deeper into the story.  I will, however, inform you that the story is an enjoyable one.  As predictable as some parts of the movie were, it didn't change a lot of the clever bits the movie threw at us.  I may just be biased towards Will Ferrell, but I enjoyed this film.  Although I enjoyed quite a few of Dreamworks films, I have to consider myself a Pixar fan.  My biggest problem with Dreamworks, is that their movies have no staying power with me.  Many key moments, funny bits, and great scenes don't stick with me past the following hour after I've seen Dreamworks films.  Let's try it shall we?  What's the plot of Shrek 2?  Something about a couple ogres on a honeymoon or something and some jerk wants to break them up.  They also got Antonio Banderas as a cat.  Honestly, if you remembered most of that movie, kudos to you.  I had to Wiki it because I couldn't tell one Shrek apart from the others.  Toy Story 2, on the other hand, has Woody being kidnapped for being a collectors item and shows the gang attempt to save him.  Along the way they stop by a toy store where Zurg reveals he's Buzz' father, Woody tries to save his new pals Jesse and Bullseye and spoiler removed.  Sorry to get sidetracked, but with Megamind, the same can be said as with other Dreamworks films.  I enjoyed it when I was watching it, but not even 24 hours later, I can't really remember key lines or even anything that sticks out to me in the long run.

Pathetic

Not as funny as expected; many jokes fall flat
Some parts are predictable
3D effects may not do enough to warrant the extra $

Very Nice!

Enjoyable characters and story
Effects are nice
Will Ferrell is great
When the movie hits its marks, you'll definitely laugh
Has something for the whole family

Final Grade: B-

While not the funniest film I've seen in awhile, the movie was enjoyable.  I wouldn't recommend more then one showing though and the 3D, while great, is passable especially considering the jump in ticket price.  

*New Segment of my reviews being introduced is..

Would Your Girlfriend Like It?
(From April)

I thought the movie was cute!  I really liked the part where SPOILER REMOVED and at the end when SPOILER REMOVED!  Wait, I can't say that?  Hmph I suck at writing reviews.  The ending was cute though.  Honestly, I'd wait until it came out on blu-ray.  I just think it'd be more of a rental then something to go watch at a movie theatre. 

Verdict: Rental



Kinect (Xbox 360)

The Kinect Sensor is easily going to be one of the most sought after items this holiday season.  Touted as the future of gaming controls the device implements a three camera system which helps detect not only motion, but also distance.  Is it worth the $150 price tag or just going to be another fad (*Virtual Boy)?

I've been eagerly awaiting the Kinect since it was announced awhile back as Project Natal.  This wasn't the first time that I was excited for motion gaming and I was hoping that Microsoft would introduce something innovative and exciting and the concepts they were pitching definitely fit the bill.  My main concern was that for all the hype they were giving, would it live up?  I've invested in motion gaming before (besides the wii) and due to lack of interest and support, my money wasn't well spent.

Anyone remember the EyeToy for PS2?


Early previews of Kinect were pretty harsh showing buggy tech demos and laggy responsiveness.  Many gamers were completely trashing the Kinect before they even had the opportunity to try it out for themselves and stated that it would fail (idiots).  Thankfully, the Kinect is quickly selling out and early indications show a very happy fanbase is growing.  I had the great fortune of being blessed with one (thanks to my girlfriend and her friend Jessica) and quickly ordered 2 games (amazon had a buy 1 get 1 half off sale) so I was excited to test it out.  For those that don't know, the Kinect easily connects (no pun intended) to the older 360s.  A lot of people had concerns because the new slim 360s were saying that they were "Kinect Ready" giving lots of gamers ideas that they would have to invest in an additional piece of equipment to play their Kinects.

I'm going to be dividing this review into 3 smaller reviews so as to be fair to the system as a whole so be prepared for some reading.

Kinect Sports

Kinect Sports is the Kinect's equivalent to Wii Sports when that first debuted.  Soccer, Volleyball, Ping-Pong, Bowling, Boxing, and Olympic style sports are available as well as many minigames.  Like Wii Sports, some of the games control excellently and are very fun (I liked volleyball and Ping Pong) while others are kind of meh at best (Soccer).  This is one of those types of games that you'd pull out to show off the Kinect and everyone can try it without the need to feel embarassed since the motions shouldn't be too awkward.  I didn't really have too many problems with the controls and most of the games felt very responsive.  Boxing and Bowling were slightly awkward and I felt some lack of control but overall the experience is what you'd expect from an early title with newer technology. 

Final Grade: C+

Sports is a great way to show off what the Kinect can do, but at $50 dollars it's kind of pricey.  A lot of the games are fun and very responsive with two gamers playing at once.  Fun title to bring out during family parties but for most, the experience may be short lived.

Dance Central

From the creators of Guitar Hero and Rock Band comes the newest music based title.  Dance Central has over 30 tracks that players dance to and mimic the onscreen movements.  Where Kinect Sports isn't embarassing, Dance Central more then makes up for it.  The track list is surprisingly varied with artists like Soulja Boy, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Salt 'N Pepa and with the promise of future DLC, Dance Central could have songs for everyone to dance to.  This game isn't for the shy types out there or for those who easily get embarassed because to be perfectly honest, 90% of the people who play this game will look foolish.  The thing is, you can't be shy and you just have to let yourself go. 

The fun comes out as you attempt these moves foreign to your body and you see your score go up (pretty easily on the easy difficulty).  The game tracks your movements and rates you accordingly to how well you mimic the onscreen prompt.  A spotlight on your character will go from red, green and white depending on how well you do and a little boombox reflects your star rating from 1-5. 

I only have a couple complaints with this game and one of which is that the game only supports 1 player at a time.  Hopefully (most likely not) they may implement something to allow 2 players at once.  Then again, it seems unlikely considering some of the moves asked of the player require flailing of the arms and the results can be pretty painful when two people play at once.  My second complaint is that there isn't enough modes in the game.  With only freeplay and dance battle it seems like there could have been a story mode easily implemented.  Throw in the fact that there are only around 35 songs and you have a game that may seem too short for some.  However, dance moves change depending on difficulty so things don't seem too stale and trust me when I say that a lot of these moves are challenging. 

Final Grade: A-

Dance Central is tons of fun.  Anyone in the family can play it and as long as you don't mind looking foolish, you'll enjoy it too. 

The Kinect as a whole is a very fun piece of equipment.  Currently they have a library of about 15 games (around 3 of which are truly worth it) and the Kinect comes packaged with the game Kinect Adventures which is a series of minigames showing off the potential of the unit.  As a standalone title, Kinect Adventures would have been graded a D+ but because it was free and included with my Kinect, it is worth a C-.  Space is probably the biggest issue people may have with Kinect but if you have a decent sized living room then it shouldn't be that big of a problem.  Lighting also never seemed to be an issue as me and my brother played at night and it was able to pick up our movements pretty easily (my brother even played in all black clothing).  The Kinect also picks up sound pretty clearly but I have yet to truly test out all it can do with voice controls. 

Pathetic

Small library of games and very few warrant a $50 purchase
Some titles appear slightly unresponsive
$150 seems a little overpriced ($99 would have been more reasonable I feel)
Sonic Free Riders.  STAY AWAY.

Very Nice!

Tons of fun
Anyone and everyone can enjoy
Support seems strong meaning higher quality titles in the future
You can work up a sweat as you're enjoying playing
Dance Central is a blast

Final Grade: B

I am honestly enjoying the Kinect.  The controls are pretty good depending on the games and everyone who has tried it seems to enjoy themselves.  Not too many A grade titles yet but 2011 looks really good for support.  Microsoft was looking for a way to market towards family-oriented gaming and not only did they achieve that goal, they also made a very fun piece of equipment.  While it may not be for everyone, no one can deny how much fun it is.