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Showing posts with the label review round up

Review Round-Up: Lollipop Chainsaw

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Suda 51 returns with another unique experience. Lollipop Chainsaw has you play Juliet Starling, a zombie hunter, who has to slice and dice her way through hordes of zombies and put a stop to this outbreak. Does Lollipop manage to come out on top, let's see what the critics have to say: MetaCritic:   69/100 Destructoid:   9.0/10 As a piece of entertainment, Lollipop Chainsaw is something truly memorable -- shameless, camp, idiotic, and so very enchanting. As a game, it is a celebration of the arcade era, an era when games felt free to be outrageous without worrying about being taken seriously or making even the vaguest lick of sense. As something to review, it is not deserving of the dread I wrote about at the beginning of the article. As it turns out, trying to describe Lollipop Chainsaw is half the fun. Talking about it is a joy. Playing it, even more so. It's one of the straight-up dumbest games you will ever encounter, but at the end of the day, it proves one th...

Review Round-Up: Diablo III

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It's time to end the fight against evil. A few demonic lords remain and its up to you to put a stop to them and their invasion.  Words cannot express how brilliant Diablo III is, lets take a look at what the critics had to say: MetaCritic:   88/100 IGN:   9.5/10 Twelve years. Twelve long years of waiting and fans are finally playing Diablo III, and, if my recent marathon sessions are any indication, they will be for the foreseeable future. So many systems from previous Diablo titles have been improved, making for an approachable, rewarding and deeply satisfying treasure hunting game. It's addictive on a level few games can match, so much so that it's easy to largely overlook its flaws. Sure, if you want you could really nitpick Diablo III’s design, but ultimately any minor grievances seem so trivial when compared to the enjoyment I had and will continue to have with Diablo III for years to come. GameInformer:   9.0/10 Diablo III is a great game, and e...

Review Rond-Up: Mario Tennis Open

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Hankering for a game of tennis but don't want just a regular game. Well how about taking Mario and his friends for a spin. Lets see what the critics had to say about Mario Tennis Open for the 3DS. MetaCritic:   70/100 GameTrailers:   8.1/10 Mario Tennis Open’s single player mode is fun for a few hours, but it will ultimately leave you wanting more. Thankfully, the multiplayer mode with its online functionality will keep you coming back well after you’ve plowed through the main course. Mushroom Kingdom tennis vets will miss the career mode, but anyone just looking for a solid competitive game that’s best enjoyed in short bursts will be well taken care of. GameInformer:   8.0/10 For the first time in series history, Mario Tennis Open offers full online multiplayer – both singles and (impressively) doubles. It also has local wireless multiplayer. Based on my experience, both modes work smoothly. This isn’t the tennis revolution that some might have hoped for, bu...

Review Round-Up: Max Payne 3

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If you're craving a bullet dodging, pain killer good time then you should be happy with the return of Max Payne. Is Max playing with a full clip or is he running on empty. Lets take a look at what the critics have to say: MetaCritic:   87/100 GamesRadar:   10/10 Max Payne 3 marks an exceptional comeback for the series. The plot wraps the neo-noir storytelling around a bright and exotic locale while peppering the action with enough backstory to stave off boredom. While prior games were certainly dark tales, the stories of addiction, double and triple crosses, as well as some grim surprises ripped straight from urban legends. It maintains the mechanics that made the prior games great while modernizing them to excellent effect. Between the arcade mode and multiplayer, there’s enough substantive content to keep you hooked for some time. While there are some mechanically wonky moments, they’re too miniscule to tank a stellar sequel that was worth the wait. Between its pa...

Review Round-Up: Awesomenauts

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In a fighter for territorial supremacy, Awesomenauts combines action-packed gameplay and classic platforming elements into one awesome package. Lets take a look at what the critics have to say: MetaCritic:   77/100 Destructoid:   9.5/10 The six heroes offer something for everyone, and some people will probably dislike a few heroes that others will love. With more heroes to follow as future content, some may worry that Awesomenauts may suffer the same fate as Dungeon Defenders did on XBLA. However, any new hero content will fall well under the size restrictions imposed by Microsoft, so there is no reason to hold off and wait for a potential PC version down the line unless you don't own either console. Perhaps the game would also benefit from a different mode down the line, such as a Domination/Dominion variant, but what is there in terms of content right now is well worth the price of admission alone. Awesomenauts is one of the first great party games of the year,...

Review Round-Up: Starhawk

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Starhawk is a 3rd Person shooter that incorporates mechanics from the adventure and RTS genres. Factions build and battle over a resource known as Rift energy and you're right in the middle of it. Lets take a look at what the critics had to say. MetaCritic:   78/100 IGN:   9.0/10 Like its protagonist, Starhawk is a half-breed, something out of the ordinary and against tradition. It picks up the narrative slack on the battlefield, where a simple strategy system is an inspiring spin on the third-person shooter. This hybrid form of thinking and shooting has a layered depth that comes completely to life in multiplayer, where building a fortress to protect a flag is as fun as flying headlong into the enemy’s HQ. Combining these gameplay elements seems so obvious that, in hindsight, it’s a wonder it’s taken this long to take off. The defining factors of Starhawk will, in all likelihood, garner a strong community to support it for years. Deservedly so: This is multipla...

Review Round-Up: MineCraft

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MineCraft is a game that took PCs by storm. IT didn't need the high end graphics as most game, just the gameplay was enough to establish a fan-base. It is now on the Xbox 360 and it looks like the fan-base followed, lets see what the critics have to say about Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition. MetaCritic:   82/100 OXM UK:   10/10 4J has turned in an accomplished port, boasting crisp, high-resolution visuals and a reorganised inventory. We noticed the odd minor bug, like items that refuse to craft, but it's nothing you should lose sleep over. It's pushing it to say that this is the definitive version - thanks to Microsoft's certification procedures, the PC game will probably benefit from more frequent updates, and how Mojang intends to handle user mods like custom textures remains to be seen. In terms of console sims, though, nothing touches it. Minecraft's world is one that everybody should experience. GameInformer:   8.75/10 ...Minecraft more than delivers...

Review Round-Up: FEZ

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The unique world that we traverse in Fez lends itself to a unique take on the platforming genre. There is much to discover as Gomez solves puzzles and explores this 3D world using a 2D perspective. Let's take a look at what the critics have to say: MetaCritic:   90/100 OXM UK:   10/10 There's absolutely no doubt that Fez is essential. As a fan of games in general, you should consider it required reading - it's one of the smartest, most charming games you'll ever play, let alone just this year or this console generation. Somehow Polytron has constructed something that tweaks our nostalgia for the 16-bit era and yet presents fresh, imaginative challenges. It's mentally taxing, but big and open enough that it's rarely frustrating. It's extremely accessible but sophisticated where it matters, so it never feels patronising. These are all extremely long winded ways of saying it's very good and you should buy it immediately. IGN:   9.5/10 The s...

Review Round-Up: Prototype 2

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We head back into NYZ with the infected. This time around you're not Mercer but Heller; out for revenge, destroying everything and anyone in his path. Let's take a look at what the critics have to say about our return to the big city: MetaCritic:   75/100 GameInformer:   8.5/10 Prototype 2 has officially redeemed this franchise. The mechanics feel the way you wished they would have in the first installment, and it’s a rush to abuse your incredible powers any way you see fit. If you’ve stayed away from the first game because of the lackluster word of mouth, don’t hesitate to jump right into the sequel. A slick video catches you up on everything right out of the gate so there’s no excuse to miss this taste of ultimate viral power. Destructoid:   8.0/10 Prototype 2 is far more polished, varied, and ultimately superior to its predecessor. It falters due to us having already seen a lot of what it can do in the last game, and the sheer consistency of the chaos me...

Review Round-Up: Trials Evolution

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We all remember the joy and frustration that came with Trial HD. Now we get to relive these ups and downs with Trials Evolution. The only difference, there is a lot more than just that this time around. Let's see what the critics have to say: MetaCritic:   91/100 Destructoid:   9.0/10 Trials Evolution feels fresh and makes its predecessor look dated while simultaneously keeping the core gameplay the same. This type of skill-heavy experience will infuriate some people who struggle to pick up on its subtleties, but the end result of clearing a particularly challenging track is remarkably satisfying. Multiplayer is a fine addition, as is the new focus on providing genuinely creative, diverse level designs. Evolution is a must-buy for fans of Trials and it also serves as a terrific starting point for new players. It can, at times, be maddening beyond belief, but the payoff is so worth it. GameInformer:   9.0/10 Playing against friends or Xbox Live strangers ...

Review Round-Up: Xenoblade Chronicles

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A game known to have elevated the RPG genre to new highs has finally made its way to the Wii. Xenoblade Chronicles offers you the best elements of the RPG genre at its finest and the critics would have to agree. Here's their take on Xenoblade. MetaCritic:   92/100 IGN:   9.0/10 Xenoblade Chronicles is the best Japanese RPG of this generation. The fact that it looks like it's from the last generation is its only drawback, but its technical limitations are offset by imaginative artistic direction, innovative and compelling combat, and thoughtful design. It's a throwback to the glory days of the genre, proof that there are always new ways to tell a story. If you've ever felt neglected by the lack of in-depth gaming epics on the Wii, you owe it to yourself to buy this. Destructoid:   8.0/10 I am incredibly grateful to Xenoblade Chronicles, for it has rekindled my love for console JRPGs, a love that had been systematically throttled by the likes of Square Enix a...

Review Round-Up: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

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The second game of an EPIC RPG saga makes it way to the XBOX 360. The Witcher 2 elevates itself about your conventional RPG and offers a brilliant story and other elements. Lets take a look at what the critics had to say about The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. MetaCritic:   89/100 GameInformer:   9.5/10 There are very few differences between playing this on 360 or a high-end PC. The graphical gap is noticeable but trivial, load times are short and infrequent on both, and the game plays equally well on mouse/keyboard and gamepad. Several complaints I had about the original – horrid inventory management, punishing early difficulty, targeting problems – have been patched away since launch, and those improvements are incorporated here (thus the slightly higher score). The few flaws I take issue with should in no way discourage anyone from playing this fantastic, unique RPG. So long as they’re over 18, anyway, because this is the most deserving M rating I’ve ever personal...

Review Round-Up: Skullgirls

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Hand-drawn sprites, a fast 2-D fighter, unique characters and crisp controls combine to create Skullgirls. As a game that takes cues from other games how does it compare. Here's what the critics had to say.

Review Round-Up: Silent Hill: Downpour

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Silent Hill returns in its latest installment as a psychological horror experience to akin to predecessor in the series. Is it what fans have been waiting for or does the game fail to impress. Here's what critics had to say about the Silent Hill: Downpour.

Review Round-Up: Silent Hill HD Collection

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IGN:   9.0/10 OXM:   7.0/10 GameInformer:   8.0/10 Destructoid:   3.0/10 MetaCritic:   70/100 GameTrailers:   6.0/10

Review Round-Up: Devil May Cry HD Collection

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With a new Devil May Cry in the works from Ninja Theory Capcom is giving fans of the old Dante another chance to relive his cocky attitude and everything that made Dante who he is. Dante has become an icon among gamers and the HD remake is for them. So, lets take a look at what the critics had to say. IGN:   7.5/10 GameInformer:   8.0/10 Destructoid:   9.0/10 GameSpot:   7.5/10 MetaCritic:   79/100 OXM:   7.5/10

Review Round-Up: Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

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CyberConnect2 has taken it a step farther with Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations offering a lot more in terms of playable/support characters and a few new tweaks. Here's what the critics had to say- MetaCritic:   78/100 IGN:   8.5/10 OXM:   6.5/10 GameSpot:   7.0/10 It was surprising to see that several sites haven't posted a Review for Naruto Shippuden: UNSG.

Review Round-Up: Tiger Wood PGA 13

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Tiger Woods PGA Tour returns with the latest installment to the franchise bring with in new mechanics that allows for a more realistic swing. Does this new installment land a hole-in-one, here's what critics had to say about Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13: MetaCritic: &nbsp 77/100 Destructoid: &nbsp 8.0/10 GameInformer: &nbsp 8.0/10 IGN: &nbsp 6.5/10 GameSpot: &nbsp 7.0/10 GameTrailers: &nbsp 8.5/10

Review Round-Up: Armored Core V

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Armored Core V is the latest installation in the Armored Core series. It comes packing a few tweaks and more customizations than you can fit in a single clip. Does the improvements allow Armored Core V to flourish or does it die in a hail of gunfire. MetaCritic:   69/100 Destructoid:   3.5/10 GameInformer:   6.5/10 IGN:   7.5/10 GameSpot:   6.0/10 GamesRadar:   7.0/10 OXM:   6/10

Review Round-Up: Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

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Resident Evil is a long running franchise and has the reputation of being one of the best in the genre. Operation Raccoon City does it alittle differently by offering a co-operative experience with four players. How was this new spin on an old franchise received, see what the critics had to say below. As always each respective score leads to the full review. MetaCritic:   53/100 Destructoid:   7.5/10 GameInformer:   6.0/10 IGN:   4.0/10 GameTrailers:   6.5/10 OXM:   5/10 GameSpot:   4.5/10