Bill Sobey - Game Face

Crysis 2 makes successful transition to consoles

2011-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Title: Crysis 2
Formats: Xbox 360 (Version tested), PlayStation 3, PC
Developer: Crytek Frankfurt/ Crytek UK
Publisher: EA
Release: Out now
Like most other people in the world who don’t have access to supercomputers, I couldn’t run the first Crysis when it came out on the PC in 2007.
Fortunately, Crytek opted to release the sequel on consoles as well as PC so I could finally see what all the fuss was about.
And while it took me an hour or two to get my bearings as the main protagonist in the nanosuit, I’m having an absolute blast with all the tactical possibilities the game offers in combat.
Fighting through a war torn New York city in 2023 is an incredible experience with the CryEngine 3 graphics engine pushing some fantastic visuals. If you’ve got a 3D television, this game easily outshines Avatar, allowing you to direct the camera as one of the world’s great cities crumbles all around you.

Despite the incredible technology driving the game, it is the nanosuit that very much steals the show. Most battles saw me go through a similar procedure, but possibilities cater for every taste.
I would hide in the shadows and hit up on the d-pad to call up the tactical view and assess the battleground. The suit can see and tag enemies through wall, making them appear on your mini-map.

My preference was usually to fight my way to a good sniping position, so I’d pop on the invisibility and take out a few enemies guarding the ideal place to work from. Once I’ve cleared as many foes as possible from my sniping position, I’d hit the overshield button and wade in with brutal force.
Sometimes I’d have to change tact on the fly and this led to some of the most thrilling moments in the game.

The only letdown was the occasionally flaky AI. I can see why the enemies would be slightly dumbed down – Crysis 2 is all about making you feel like a super soldier. But when your opponents are their own worst enemies, it can undermine the whole thing a little.
Fortunately the atmosphere, gunplay and level design more than make up for any shortcomings in the AI and the excellent online multiplayer pushes Crysis 2 well into the top tier of this year’s first-person shooters.
Crysis 2 fully deserves its triple-A status and the possibilities for the future are certainly exciting if Crytek can find time to make more games in the series.
Game score: 9/10

Nintendo 3DS launch review special

2011-03-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Console: Nintendo 3DS
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Release: Out now
Price: £230 (RRP)

The Nintendo 3DS is finally here and I’ve been counting down the days since my first encounter with the wonder machine at Nintendo World in Tokyo in January (see here).
The two months between now and then have done nothing dampen the amazement I felt when I first powered on my new console this week and saw the 3D effect once again.
The finished version of the 3DS – as you would expect from Nintendo – is a study little device with excellent production values. This thing will happily sit at the bottom of your racksack and take just about anything you can throw at it.
As well as the outstanding 3D screen, the analogue control stick really excels, offering far more precision than we’ve seen in previous portable devices.
The mini-games that Nintendo have built in – Face Raiders, Streetpass Mii Plaza, AR Games and the 3D camera – are outstanding even if you can’t afford to buy any of the launch titles.
My only complaint is the battery life which tends to die out after three to four hours’ use. It then takes roughly the same amount of time to charge.
Overall, there can be doubt that the 3DS is another design triumph for Nintendo and will gain just as many admirers as the record-breaking Wii.
I’ve now had the chance to sample the majority of the launch titles:

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Title: Pilotwings Resort
Developers: Monster Games, Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: out now

Pilotwings Resort impressed me greatly during my brief playthrough at Nintendo World in January.
The 3D graphics were the best I saw at the Tokyo show and had a highly beneficial impact on the gameplay with distances being far easier to judge in 3D space.
The planes, jet packs, handglider and skydiving elements are all very well judged and are a real pleasure to play with the outstanding analogue stick on the 3DS.
My big question mark over the game centred on the potential longevity of the challenges on offer. And this aspect remains the only real sticking point.
The main mission mode won’t keep you going for that long although it is not as slight as some people would lead you to believe.
You can expect to get somewhere between four and five hours out of it depending on how much you dip in and out of Free Flight mode. The latter gives you a couple of minutes to search the whole of Wuhu Island to find various items and fly through rings performing tricks.

Your reward for collecting over a hundred rings, trophies and bubbles are 3D dioramas – it sounds naff but these things are pretty spectacular showcases for the 3DS – they really pop out of the screen and are well worth collecting. You can expect to waste many more hours tracking them all down.
This is perhaps the one launch title that has that touch of Nintendo magic and, even if it’s not perfect, you should pick it up and enjoy it for what it is.
Game score: 4/5

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Title: PES 2011 3D
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release: Out now

This is the big one as far as I’m concerned. Pro Evolution Soccer is my single most played game every year – I rack up over 100 hours on Master League mode when each new edition comes out.
For many years I’ve hoped for an outstanding portable edition to come out on a handheld device. I’ve played the PSP versions and even the two iPhone editions.
I’m pleased to report that the 3DS rendition of PES 11 is the best yet – and it’s not because it is in 3D.
The 3DS analogue stick is simply the best control device for playing the game outside an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. And although the game is a little way short of its big-brother console versions in terms of graphics, it is very much their equal in gameplay terms.

The 3D effect is also extremely useful and will encourage you to abandon the traditional side-on view in favour of a behind-the-goal angle that allows you to see more of the pitch. From there, the sense of depth is fantastic and you will find yourself playing with a greater range of passing than any previous PES.
The game is well stocked with modes too. Master League is always good long term, but you’ve also got Champions League and Europa League as well as the usual plethora of international cups and leagues Konami throws in.

Another nice touch is the inclusion of Streetpass. Here you can pit your Master League team against other players’ sides when you walk past them in the streets. Sadly, there is no online component but that at least gives Konami something to build on for next season.
PES 11 3D is the only football game available at launch for the 3DS but, fortunately, it happens to be the only one you’ll ever need.
Game score: 5/5

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Super Street Fighter IV 3D
Developer: Dimps, Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release: Out now

Street Fighter IV always seemed like a game that required the very best gaming set-up possible – that’s why I bought a really expensive arcade fight stick to go with my console version when the game came out.
But since then we’ve had a shockingly good release on the iPhone that shattered my preconceptions about what is possible on a handheld machine.
The 3DS version takes everything a good step or two further and adds a valuable new dimension with the 3D effects. The controls are also spot on as Nintendo’s new machine has just the right amount of buttons and good analogue and digital pads that allow you to do all the technical moves.
And even if you struggle to get your hands around 3DS, Capcom have sensibly allowed you map some moves to the touchscreen for easy access – this version is about fun rather than the otherworldly skill required on the full console editions.

That’s not to say Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is lacking in features or seriousness. All the fighters are here, all the modes are present and correct and Capcom have even thrown in a fully functional online multiplayer mode for good measure. Streetpass also makes an appearance allowing you to select five unlocked fighter trophies to battle against passers-by.
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is the best launch game on 3DS – Capcom have produced a fully-featured version of their very best title that has been adapted superbly for the host console.
If you get one game with your 3DS, make it this one.
Game score: 5/5

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Title: Nintendogs + Cats
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: Out now

Nintendo have retained much of the winning formula from the previous DS releases with some notable improvements brought about by the new hardware.
The 3DS version introduces cats for the first time to go alongside the 27 breeds of dog, most of which are unlocked as you progress through the game.
The graphics, both in 2D and 3D, are a marked step up from the previous versions and there are more ways to interact with your virtual pets than ever before.

The inner camera comes into effect with the pets recognising you and reacting to your motions – licking the screen if you move closer or moving its head side to side as you do.
Nintendogs + Cats also utilises the consoles Streetpass function to share data with other 3DS players if your machine passes within range adding an excellent social aspect to the game.
Although Nintendo haven’t reinvented the wheel here, the execution is close to flawless and as satisfying as ever.
Game Score: 4/5

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Title: Super Monkey Ball 3D
Developer: Dimps
Publisher: SEGA
Release: Out now

Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Super Monkey Ball series helped launch Nintendo’s Gamecube in style in 2000 and the 3DS version plays just as well 11 years later.
The 3D is used to excellent effect with distances and spaces even easier to judge and the analogue stick superbly translates every small movement of your thumb as you control your monkey in a ball around each maze level.

You can choose to control the game by tilting the 3DS but this renders the 3D graphics useless as you frequent tip the device outside the optimal viewing angle. However, it should be noted that the responsiveness of this control method is very good and is perfectly playable if you turn the 3D slider all the way down.
Sadly, Super Monkey Ball 3D lets itself down with a severe lack of content. You can complete this game in one, admittedly slightly long, sitting. The 70-plus levels last less than a minute each and the racing and fight modes are merely diversions from the main campaign.
It would have been nice if this game included some sort of online leaderboard or reward system to boost your desire to replay each level.
Game score: 3/5

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Title: Asphalt 3D
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release: Out now
Gameloft have produced some the very best games available on the iPhone in recent years, pushing the format to its limits in just about every major genre.
The Asphalt series has been a front runner in the iOS racing scene since the beginning and hopes were high for the 3DS version.
Asphalt 3D is an excellent example of what can be achieved using 3D in the racing genre on Nintendo’s new machine although future versions (or updates) could do with some improvement in the frame-rate as the action can judder when a large number of vehicles are on screen at once.

That minor quibble aside, the game has a well thought-out career mode which will keep players motivated for a considerable time and the Streetpass functionality is also well implemented. If you pass within range of another player on your travels, the game will exchange time trial data and ghost runs for you to compete against.
Asphalt 3D has been savagely under-rated up to now but it is every bit a contender for the 3DS racing crown along with Ridge Racer.
Game score: 4/5

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Title: Splinter Cell 3D
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release: Out now
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory was one of my favourite games of the Xbox era so I was very excited when I heard Ubisoft were remaking it in 3D for the 3DS.
I’m pleased to report that the game lives up to my memories of it while enhancing the atmosphere with the added visual dimension. Even the CG intros have been given the stereoscopic treatment and all the in-game audio has survived the transition.
The controls have been slightly compromised and take a little getting used to. The absence of a second analogue stick is a problem and Ubisoft have opted to map camera movement to the four face buttons on the right of the device.
It works reasonably well with the touch screen coming into play for extra functions and weapon selection.
Splinter Cell 3D is well worth a look if you’re a fan of the series, the 3DS version is an intriguing remix of the best game in the series.
Game score: 4/5

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Title: Rayman 3D
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher:Ubisoft
Release: Out now
Ubisoft have copped quite a bit of flak for re-releasing an 11-and-a-half year old game for Nintendo’s brand new 3DS console.
Perhaps people are forgetting that Nintendo themselves are preparing to do much the same for a 12-year-old Zelda game pretty soon.

And if Ocarina of Time is rightly considered a gaming classic then so should Rayman 2, lovingly recreated here in glorious 3D. The limbless hero’s world has never looked better although the man himself does suffer from a bit of a double image when viewed up close in 3D. Fortunately this graphical problem does not affect the vast majority of the action which is just as good as ever.
Indeed, platforming is considerably easier when you have the extra ability to judge depth in 3D space.
If you happened to miss Rayman 2 when it was originally released on Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Dreamcast and PC, it is well worth a look now on 3DS.
Game score: 3/5

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Title:Rabbids 3D
Developer:Ubisoft Casablanca
Publisher:Ubisoft
Release: Out now
It shouldn’t work but it does – Rabbids 3D is a 2D platformer using 3D graphics.
Much like parallax scrolling gave console platformers in the mid-90s a great sense of depth, so does the 3D effects seen in Rabbids 3D today.
It is probably fair to say the gameplay is not quite so spectacular with the 60 levels on offer showing little that hasn’t been done better elsewhere over the years.

Rabbids 3D is not a bad game by any means and it could be recommended to younger players as the animations and rewards system will keep them engaged for considerable time.
However, those hoping for a contender to Mario’s throne might be slightly disappointed.
Game score: 2.5/5

Homefront hits highs and lows

2011-03-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Title: Homefront

Formats: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (version tested), PC

Developer: Kaos Studios, Digital Extremes (PC)

Publisher: THQ

Release: Out now

Sometimes I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when playing Homefront.

It’s clear that Kaos Studios were trying to hit a few nerves, but it seems they just hit the wrong ones more often than not.

When the game casually asks you to ‘press x to jump into mass grave’, it was meant to create a feeling of desperation, fear and tension. Sadly, the game’s handling of this moment was so ludicrous that it just made me laugh.

It’s shame because when it does inspire the right emotion, Homefront feels great. The plot isn’t going to win too many fans in Korean. Apparently they go a little power mad over the next ten to 15 years and end up invading the US, committing various atrocities on the way.

The game has all the hallmarks of writer John Milius – who also wrote Apocalypse Now and Red Dawn. In his vision of the future, you lead the resistance, tipping the odds back in America’s favour whilst killing a lot of invaders along the way.

Fortunately the combat has plenty going for it despite a shaky start and one or two rough edges. The guns have a nice feel and the emphasis on conserving ammunition is a nice touch that gives you an in-game consequence to the wider plotline.

Kaos Studios have borrowed well from Half Life 2 throughout with plenty of NPC chatter and engaging set-pieces. It is just a shame that things come to end all too soon. The single-player campaign will take most players less than six hours to complete.

There are other problems such as enemy spawn points being a little too obvious and in plain view while the heads-up display has text which is far too small even on a high definition television.

The multiplayer portion of this title has also seen a few teething problems with servers going down for ‘routine maintenance’ on launch week and one or two balance issues have come to light.

Hopefully, Homefront will receive the support it deserves in the months ahead because there is a very likable game under broken rubble seen around its edges.

I feel pretty certain in predicting that if they decide to do a sequel, it will be no laughing matter.

Game score: 7/10

MotoGP fully rewards determined riders

2011-03-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Game title: MotoGP 10/11

Formats: Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation 3

Developer: Monumental Games

Publisher: Capcom

Release: Out now

It’s been a long time since I felt this rubbish playing a videogame.

MotoGP 10/11 makes very few concessions to those who are not completely familiar with top-class motorcycling. This is a simulation rather than an arcade racer – I think it was the Capcom label on the front of the box had me fooled.

That said, Monumental Games’ latest effort rewards those who are willing to persevere and master one of the most advanced bike handling models ever created. It just requires a slightly different mindset for those, like myself, coming straight from four-wheeled sims like Gran Turismo 5 or Forza 3.

Braking early is a must, even on the lower difficulty settings, and getting your bike in position well ahead of each corner is also crucial because split-second final adjustments at the apex of a bend rarely work out well.

Once you’ve figured out how to get the thing going in a straight line the sense of speed is incredible and the AI riders – which range from incompetent to world class – really do a good job of creating a compelling race.

There are decent options for those wishing to compete online or offline. The Championship mode will be many people’s first choice, here you get a good representation of a typical MotoGP season with a choice of real-life riders to pick from.

Career mode is pretty interesting, giving you the chance to build a racer’s career as well as manage your team. Fortunately it is not quite as daunting as it sounds and the most important work still takes place on the track.

Challenge mode replaces the previous year’s arcade mode where you race to checkpoints under a time limit and time trials give you the chance to compare your best laps against the rest of the world.

Online racing modes over Xbox Live or PlayStation Network also appear to do work well with no apparent issues finding others to ride against or any lag once the races get started.

MotoGP fans will undoubtedly get an awful lot of this title while the rest of us just have to work a little harder to see the best of it initially. It’s definitely worth sticking with it, however. MotoGP 10/11 sets a new standard for motorcycling sims.

Game score: 8/10

Bulletstorm - an early game of the year contender

2011-03-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Title: Bulletstorm

Formats: Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation 3, PC

Developer: Epic Games/People Can Fly

Publisher: EA

Release: Out now

It was the pre-launch demo that got me completely hooked on Bulletstorm. I spent countless hours on that thing, doing the same level over and over again.

Each time, I started out thinking ‘this was going to be the one’. This time I was going to perfect every skillshot, I was going to be swift, I was going to maximise every opportunity with clinical efficiency. This is what Bulletstorm’s brilliant scoring system does to you.

The game is a brazen first-person shooter at its core with over-the-top violence and plenty of foul-mouthed abuse flying about. It is everything Duke Nukem wanted to grow into.

But despite first appearances, this is certainly far from brainless, puerile fun. Beneath the surface lies one of the most intelligent game designs seen in many years. Even the story in the main campaign is wonderfully self aware, taking the mickey out of itself in a way that many other its po-faced rivals should learn from.

The aforementioned scoring system rewards players who can progress through the levels with a flourish, utilising all the tools at their disposal and by making use of every piece of the environment. There hundreds of ‘skillshots’ to discover and using the same one again in a single level means less points each time you do it.

Your score then acts as a currency, allowing you to upgrade your weapons and buy ammunition at pre-defined points around the level. Turns out, you have to earn the right to use those slow-mo guided sniper bullets.

The scoring system also comes into play in Echoes mode where small segments of the single-player campaign are served up in bite-sized chunks with each one having a leaderboard – this is where most of my hours have been spent, endlessly trying to achieve that perfect run and reach the top of the world rankings.

The online portion of the game is also well handled. There is no competitive multiplayer, just a four-player co-op mode called Anarchy that works much like Horde Mode in Epic Games’ fantastic Gears of War series.

It might not be the most generous package the gaming world has ever seen but sometimes less is more. Bulletstorm is a superb concept polished to a near-perfect shine. Don't judge this game by its cover, it’s one of the brightest shooters ever made.

Game Score: 10/10

De Blob 2 is an opportunity missed

2011-02-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Game title: De Blob 2

Format: Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation 3, Wii, DS, 3DS.

Developer: Blue Tongue Entertainment

Publisher: THQ

Release: Out now

After De Blob’s success on the Nintendo Wii it was no surprise that the sequel found its way onto a host of other platforms.

However, Blue Tongue Entertainment might find that owners of Xbox 360 and PS3 need a bit more to grab their attention than their traditionally younger Wii counterparts.

De Blob 2 on the 360 is very much a high-definition remix of the original formula rather than a purpose-built game that plays to the more powerful machines’ strengths.

It completely ignores the possibilities offered by Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network with no leaderboards or online play offered at all. This is a real missed opportunity for a score-based game that does include split-screen co-op.

My only significant fault with the very enjoyable original also remains – completing a level just takes far too long. Although you can save and quit at checkpoints now, it can be a little disorientating to pick up a half-finished stage later on.

It is the type of game that would have benefitted from shorter, 20-30 minute levels with a greater sense of progression in between them. It can feel like a slog through a shopping list of objectives as it is.

When you are investing the best part of an hour on a level, you'll want to get that gold star rating and that means ticking off most side missions. Surely there must be a more compelling formula out there – the core gameplay mechanic is excellent and it deserved better.

At its heart, De Blob 2 is an excellent puzzle/platformer filled with fun and personality but it is let down by a lack of ambition on the HD consoles and a poor level/goal structure. This is still well worth a weekend rental or a purchase when the price comes down a touch.

Game score: 6/10

Killzone 3 sets a new bar for PS3 shooters

2011-02-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Title: Killzone 3

Format: PlayStation 3

Developer: Guerrilla Games

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Release: Out now

Few games have divided opinion like the Killzone series, particularly the second one. And regardless of where your opinion lies, Killzone 3 is unlikely to shift it from one side to another.

One thing is undisputed, however. Killzone 3 is a stunning piece of software engineering that pushes the PlayStation 3 further than anyone thought was possible. A further miracle was performed by Guerrilla Games when they got the game to run in stereoscopic 3D (if you’ve got the necessary TV and glasses).

Not much has changed in terms of the combat. Although, the battleground benefits from a greater emphasis on more open environments rather than the confined alleyways and corridors frequently seen in Killzone 2.

There’s nothing wrong with the gameplay in any respect, in my opinion. I played Killzone 2 through to its conclusion twice and spent a considerable amount of time with the excellent online multiplayer – I expect to do the same again with Killzone 3.

It does what it does extremely well, it takes many of the AI cues from Halo with dynamic battles that ebb and flow differently on every playthrough. The weapons have a terrifically visceral feel with bullets that punch through targets while grenades through up debris and generally cause havoc.

The plot is complete nonsense although the performance of Ray Winston in the role of lead villain is...interesting. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t expect to be impressed by the story in a first-person shooter too often – it’s not the point.

Online multiplayer has been gently refined and rebalanced; Guerrilla Games have taken some of the feedback from the recent beta onboard. I’m still dumbfounded by the fact that no-one has copied Killzone’s formula of changing up the gametype every few minutes in a single round. You could say Halo Reach’s Invasion mode is about the closest anyone has come to ripping it off.

So with Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet 2 and now Killzone 3 out and about, the PlayStation 3 has well and truly come of age. It now has yet another triple-A first-person shooter in its ranks, Killzone 3 belongs on the front shelf of every PS3 owners’ collection.

Game score: 9/10

Super Stick Golf is highly addictive

2011-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

Title: Super Stick Golf

Format: iPhone

Developer: Noodlecake Games

Price: £1.19 (at time of print)

We all know the iPhone is becoming increasingly capable of competing technically with the stand-alone consoles but great games don’t always need to push the boundaries.

Super Stick Golf does very little that we haven’t seen before. The graphics are minimalist, but admittedly pin sharp on the iPhone 4’s retina display and the gameplay relies on a charge bar mechanic first seen in golf games in the 1980s.

However, the course design and leaderboard implementation really set this game apart while the selection of powered-up ball (unlocked as you progress through the game) offer the chance to replay each course in multiple ways.

There are sticky balls that can attach and be played off walls and ice balls that turn water traps into solid ground. It really does give you the ability to tame some super-tough course designs.

In the end it becomes a balance between technique, strategy and, dare I say it, luck. But whatever your thoughts on the latter, Super Stick Golf is immensely satisfying and maddeningly addictive.

Game Score: 5/5

Dead Space 2's quality is no surprise

2011-02-03T02:08:00.000-08:00

Title: Dead Space 2

Formats: Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation 3, PC.

Developer: Visceral Games

Publisher: EA

Release: Out now

The original Dead Space came out of nowhere to shock and scare gamers across the globe with its superbly judged survival horror action and outstanding production values.

And now the pressure is on with a massive amount of hype and a big budget to justify for this sequel. But I’m pleased to report that Dead Space 2 is a superior game in every respect with Visceral Games going for a sensible refinement rather than an overambitious reinvention.

Events follow on almost immediately from where the first game left off, the mental scars from that saga coming into play early on with some heart-pounding hallucinations and brutal flashbacks. Although I think it is fair to say that newcomers to the series will not feel ‘left out’ by references to the first game. There is also a brief recap at the outset.

It is immediately apparent that far more resources have gone into creating the gameworld in Dead Space 2 with the amount of detail in the environments, the ambient effects and the setpieces being significantly more impressive.

The gameplay has benefitted from one or two intelligent tweaks. Being able to reload on the run is a nice addition while not having to go into the inventory to replenish your kinesis module is also helpful.

My only criticism would be the tendency of the game to swarm you with enemies, allowing you less time to enjoy the game’s stand-out mechanic – the strategic dismemberment. Although, before anyone starts, I’m sure if I tried sucking less, it might help!

The online portion of the game works better than I thought with players taking roles on the side of the ‘heroes’ or the necromorphs. Personally, I’m not sure this game needed a multiplayer mode and I don’t think it will be a threat to the Halos or Call of Duties in the long term.

Overall this is an excellent follow-up to the original Dead Space, leaving the likes of Resident Evil 5 completely in the survival horror shadows.

Game score: 9/10

LittleBigPlanet 2 warrants affection

2011-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Title: LittleBigPlanet 2

Format: PlayStation 3

Developer: Media Molecule

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Release: Out now

LittleBigPlanet is one of those gaming curiosities with an unfortunate position on my gaming shelves. Much like the similarly excellent Street Fighter IV, it is probably the best game I’m NOT playing.

It’s not that I don’t like either of these games, it has always simply been that I rarely find myself yearning to put the disc in the drive at the expense of my current game of choice.

Halo Reach is practically glued into my Xbox 360 and Gran Turismo 5 is more or less welded into my PS3, there is a rotation of games that come and go but those two are my fall-back titles. LittleBigPlanet 2 fully deserves to rival GT5 for my PlayStation affections and I genuinely hope I find the time to play it regularly.

Just like the original, LBP2 is a game that is ‘never done’. Even after you’ve completed the single-player campaign, there are thousands of new levels being generated every day by a thriving community surrounding the game.

These are frequently staggering efforts that are testament to both people’s creativity and LBP2’s incredible toolset. The main selling point here is the same as the previous game – in LittleBigPlanet you play, create and share.

The play part sees you platforming your way through an excellent set of levels created and designed by Media Molecule. They use the same tools given to the player in the ‘create’ part of this package and it serves as a terrific demonstration of what can be achieved if you find yourself with enough time to produce your own levels.

Fortunately the ‘share’ part means you can just enjoy the fruits of others’ labours rather than build your own. The tools at creators’ disposal are better and more powerful than in the original LBP and you see a far greater variety of designs and even completely new gaming genres this time out. It really is incredible.

Sadly some of the old problems persist. The much-criticised jumping for your main character is still not quite right. It is still a bit floaty although the ability to adjust yourself in midair more easily does mean less frustrating deaths.

In short, there really is very little to complain about here. It is another incredibly piece of software from Sony, a company who regularly produce and support innovative, creative new ideas (that don’t involve shooting someone for a change!).

I really hope LittleBigPlanet 2 does well and it finds a way past the dreaded Gran Turismo 5 in my PS3 disc drive – it certainly deserves nothing less than some time and affection.

Game score: 9/10

Game Face gets hands on the 3DS at Nintendo World

2011-01-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba – on the outskirts of Tokyo, Japan

Date: Sunday, January 9, 2011

It was supposed to be our honeymoon but, fortunately for me, Mrs Gameface understands I also have love for all things Nintendo.

And just a few days ago we became two of the first people on the planet to try out Nintendo’s latest wonder console – the 3DS, the glasses-free 3D successor to the DS.

Impressive crowds came and went throughout the four days of the Nintendo World show, queue times to play ten-minute demos of the machine’s early titles ranged from 20 minutes to nearly two hours.

Boards around the giant Makuhari Messe conference hall listed the waiting times for each game while glass-panel walls contained machines running rolling demos that could be seen without too much delay.

We settled on three games to try – Pro Evolution Soccer 2011, Pilotwings Resort and Kid Icarus.

My first impressions of the machine itself were favourable. It has all the usual Nintendo hallmarks – outstanding build quality, it is just the right weight and all the buttons and pads are responsive.

In fact, the new analogue stick on the left of the device (used for movement) is a bit of a revelation. Sony’s PSP made do with a vaguely similar ‘nub’ but this is far more in line with what we’re used to on a full-sized console offering superb fidelity in every demo I played.

So, on to the most important bit – the 3D. It is supremely impressive, borderline miraculous I’d say.

The effect is superior to what you see in the cinema with a more solid look and less ghosting during fast movement. It tends to go back into the screen more than in front although it can do both to an extent.

Gaming in 3D is very much a subjective thing, some people don’t see the value in it while others, like myself, view it as another important step in the way we interact with games. I found it gave me a kind of big-screen experience even though the 3DS is a portable device.

It is difficult to articulate, but it is almost as if the volume of your play area is larger in 3D. Instead of the screen being 4 inches by 3 (for example), it is more like 4 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches. You just feel as if this machine is generating more than you are used to seeing. It seems in some way grander.

The only negative is the narrow viewing angle. You need to hold the device pretty steady to maintain the effect and each game seems to require a slight re-tuning of the 3D slider situated on the right of the machine. This allows you to determine the strength of the 3D effect or even turn it off.

Switching to 2D did allow me to get a better idea of the quality of the two screens. Sadly, they not going to rival the iPhone 4’s retina displays but they are more than a match for Apple’s 3GS or just about any other top-line mobile phone.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011

In this demo at least, Konami smartly adjusted the in-game camera angle to take advantage of the 3D effect.

You see the match from a third-person perspective sat just behind and above the player you control. The 3D depth gives you a great sense of distance between you and your team-mates while seeing the ball leave your player’s foot and arc into the top corner is more satisfying than ever.

Graphically, this version of the game sits somewhere between the PS2 version and the Xbox 360/PS3. All the animations appear intact and markedly better than the PSP version.

The controls work perfectly, with the 3DS’ analogue stick proving itself admirably. If the complete version of this game comes with all the features present on the console PES, it could turn out to be the definitive edition of the franchise.

Pilotwings Resort

Much excitement surrounds the return of Pilotwings and the 3DS is looking like it will do a superb job of meeting those expectations.

This title exhibited the most impressive and significant use of 3D in any of the games on display. The sense of depth was a real benefit when landing planes or judging the distance to air-based objects such as rings that need to be flown through.

The presentation is classic Nintendo with bags of personality and plenty of nuance to the controls – again the new analogue stick rises to the task superbly.

The big question will be how game is structured to keep you coming back for more – will there be online leaderboards? Will there be enough new vehicles or tasks to keep it varied? And are there any other locations other than Wuhu Island (the one seen in Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort).

Kid Icarus

This was the only demo I tried that required me to sit at a station with the device supported on a small stand.

It turned out to be a necessity because of this game’s control system. Left, right, up and down movements were mapped onto the analogue stick with the touch screen used to look around. The right bumper was the primary fire button.

Although some people have complained about hand cramps in this position, I can’t say I suffered the same problem. Perhaps this was because I was so immersed in the on-screen action.

Kid Icarus was the best-looking game on display, proving the 3DS is a very capable little device. Colours and textures were rich with certain parts of the demo approached Xbox 360 levels of detail.

The gameplay varied between an air-based Rez

Gran Turismo 5 picks up the pace

2011-01-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

Title: Gran Turismo 5

Format: PlayStation 3

Developer: Polyphony Digital

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Release: Out now

[Please note this review has been updated, taking into account the numerous updates Gran Turismo 5 has received since its release]

It’s been a long time coming – the best part of six years to be precise – but Gran Turismo is here at last.

However, the most disappointing thing was that despite this incredibly protracted development period, the game simply wasn’t finished when it hit the shelves at the end of 2010.

Thankfully GT5’s perfectionist designer Kazunori Yamauchi was fully aware of the problems and his team have admirably lived up to many of the pre-launch promises that the initial release failed to meet.

As it stands, Gran Turismo is simply a pleasure to play. There is unparalleled depth in its simulation of driving, it becomes particularly apparent when you are chasing your in-game licenses. Every millimetre you can shave off a corner counts, every piece of good technique earns reward and each car has a unique feel and personality of its own.

This time there’s plenty to do as well as just work your way through the Easy, Amateur, Expert and Extreme career series. This version takes the social aspect of gaming seriously, allowing you to race online and compare detailed career notes with your friends.

There are also seasonal events that update every couple of weeks, giving you fresh challenges and races to overcome.

Outside the main career, a less demanding arcade mode is complimented by a track designing section and Gran Turismo TV – a service constantly updated with well-produced documentaries and full-length programmes aimed at racing aficionados.

It really is an incredibly ambitious piece of software that fully warrants its status within gaming. It is a shame that it won’t get all the credit it deserves after a rather shaky start on release. The game that exists today is an essential purchase for every PlayStation 3 owner.

Game score: 9/10

Assassin's Creed is great indeed

2011-01-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Title: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood

Formats: Xbox 360 (version reviewed), PlayStation 3, PC

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher: Ubisoft

Release: Out now

With Brotherhood’s release coming so soon after the outstanding Assassin’s Creed 2, it was understandable that gamers feared this sequel would fail to live up to the series’ standards.

However, within a few hours that pessimism dissipates as a succession of excellent refinements and additional gameplay mechanics become apparent.

This is no cheap update or repackaging of the previous game – Brotherhood is the real deal and a worthy successor in every way.

Brotherhood really is one of those games you could spend a whole year playing, there is just so much to do. I’ve spent a considerable time working through the main storyline but the side quests are just as enjoyable this time with far greater variety and polish throughout.

The ability to gather and maintain a team of assassins is a sublime addition which has been well implemented. It could have been a disaster or a waste of time but it actually gives you options, both for your own ambushes and for earning more money on missions overseas.

That currency can then be reinvested in the city. You buy properties and businesses which in turn generate more money for you to spend on your own equipment and capabilities.

The core gameplay is still just as satisfying with only a few minor adjustments. Creed’s blend of platforming, exploration, stealth and combat has always been the main strength of the series and this game is no different.

The very first Assassin’s Creed gave you few incentives or goals to chase but that has changed empatically by this, the third game in the series.

Assassin’s Creed can now rightfully be regarded as one of gaming’s triple-A franchises. Just how Ubisoft continue to refine the series is anyone’s guess but they certainly deserve the benefit of any doubt.

Game score: 9/10

The Need for Speed has never been greater

2010-11-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

Title: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Format: Xbox 360 (version reviewed), PS3, PC. Also on: Wii, iOS

Developer: Criterion Games

Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release: Out now

Was there a need for another Need for Speed? Absolutely, after last year’s excellent NFS: Shift, plenty of gamers were eagerly anticipating the next title in EA’s long-running series.

However, Hot Pursuit takes the franchise through another 180-turn, going back to its arcade racer roots after Shift’s more simulation-orientated approach last time out.

The results are predictably spectacular with Burnout developer Criterion Games taking charge of this update – the action never misses a beat, with controls and handling that actively encourage you to powerslide through every corner in exhilarating fashion.

But where Criterion really excels itself is in Hot Pursuit is where online feature set. As soon as you start the game, Autolog boots up – this is Hot Pursuit’s answer to Facebook, allowing you keep track of what your friends are doing within the game as well as post pictures, make comments and challenge them to beat your best performances.

At the start of every session, it’ll immediately check which of your times or scores have been toppled – the game even recommends which challenges need your attention to help restore your place at the top of the speedwall which is a league table with all your friends listed in order of performance.
It’s far more compelling than it sounds – nothing is more galling than when your mate surpasses that ‘unbeatable’ run you did the previous night. You’ll beat the controller against your sofa before vowing to get your revenge.

Of course, these challenges would only be worthwhile if the game itself was fun. The structure of the game is fundamentally split in two between police and racer missions – sometimes you’re the cat, other times the mouse in high-speed chases across sections Seacrest County’s 100 miles of open road.

You also get a fair sprinkling of normal point-to-point races and time trials – the latter arguably being the least enjoyable of the game’s offerings.

The competitive online modes are also superb, there’s nothing better than trying to out-run human-controller police in your overpowered sports car, breaking every law in existence on the way to the finish line.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is the ultimate escapist videogame – you drive cars you could never afford, break the law in ways you never would and take corners with speed, elegance and grace beyond your wildest dreams.

All of this activity is focused by Autolog, turning your friends into bitter rivals at every turn and that’s what keeps you coming back for more.

Game Score: 9/10

Rock Band 3 could be a life-changer

2010-11-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Title: Rock Band 3
Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 (version tested)
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release: Out now

For just about as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to learn how to the play the piano.

I’d always hoped some videogame would come along and make the painstaking process fun and it finally looks as though that day might have arrived – thanks to Rock Band 3.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still got some way to go before I can even attempt to play a basic tune on the keyboard, but Harmonix has made the dream possible with this ground-breaking update to the series.

The previous Rock Bands – and Guitar Hero games – brought the plastic guitar, drums and microphone into the mainstream consciousness, making it socially acceptable to prance around your living room rocking out to your favourite songs.

That in itself was an incredible achievement but Rock Band 3 is so much more ambitious, mainly thanks to Pro Mode. The aim here is ultimately to faithfully recreate the actual components of real-life songs.

So when you play expert mode pro keys on the keyboard peripheral, you’ll actually be playing keystrokes that would play the real tune on a piano. Harmonix really took this idea and ran with it – you can do the same thing on this year’s expanded drum kit and the new fully-functioning, game-enabled Fender Mustang pro guitar.

It goes without saying that getting the most out of this game will cost a fair bit, you’d need the best part of £300-400 to get the game and all the instruments.
But if you do, you’ll get the chance to truly learn how to play with proper lessons for each instrument part of the in-game package along with 83 songs to work through.

This is a potentially life-changing videogame and it has been put together with incredible skill by Harmonix. The release of Rock Band 3 is a truly defining moment for the whole medium.

Game Score: 10/10

Galaxy on Fire 2 - the best game yet on iPhone

2010-11-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Galaxy on Fire 2
Format: iPhone
Developer: Fishlabs
Release: Out now
Price: £3.99 (at time of writing)

It’s amazing how you end up thinking twice at that price tag for an iPhone game.

The princely sum of £3.99 – a price you’d pay for any old rubbish if it came in a 360 or PS3 box – turns into a major stumbling block when browsing the super-cheap, super-competitive App Store.

But within ten minutes of starting your epic journey in Galaxy on Fire 2, you’d consider five times the amount to be money well spent.

If you’re an iPhone 4 or iPad user, the game features eye-popping, high-definition visuals that wouldn’t look out of place on the aforementioned home consoles or a fully-rigged PC.

The real star, however, is the gameplay. Older players who fondly remember Elite will feel right at home as they buy and sell goods across the galaxy, making money to upgrade their spaceship.

There is a good ten hours’ worth of missions to play through with a fully voice-acted story. Fishlabs have also integrated Game Center so you’ll have the opportunity to earn achievements and compare your progress with other players via the online leaderboards.

The production values throughout are excellent, putting many big-budget console games to shame – and this is a massive leap ahead of the original Galaxy on Fire (a game now available for free on the App Store, should you wish to get a feel for what’s on offer here).

This, for my money, is probably the best iPhone game of 2010 so far – simply superb.

Game Score: 5/5

PlayStation Move a promising device

2010-10-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

PlayStation Move
Sony PlayStation 3
Price: from £34.99

Sony’s answer to Nintendo’s phenomenally successful Wii has finally arrived.

The PlayStation Move is here and it promises to be another game-changer for the industry. The device takes the motion controller to the next level by harnessing the same technology found in the Wii and adding some Sony magic.

By combining the data received from the controller’s accelerometers and the PlayStaion Eye, the PS3 is able to locate the player within 3D space – something the Wii cannot do. Nintendo’s machine knows which way up the controller is and it knows how fast it is being moved in a particular direction, but that's about it.

In real terms, the big improvement for PlayStation Move is that its games know when you move towards or away from the screen, whether you are stood one yard to the left or right. It always has that point of reference by tracking the glowing ball on the end of the Move controller.

The actual controller itself is similar to the Wii with a prominent button for your thumb on the front and a trigger on the back. It also has the traditional four PS controller buttons situated around the main Move button – another smart design decision from Sony was to make the back trigger analogue so it knows much it is being squeezed, much like a brake or accelerator pedal in a car.

The device feels comfortable in your hand, the only criticism being the position of the start and select buttons which require you to rotate the Move to access them. However, this does mean you do not accidently activate them during play.

All of the Move’s main innovations work just as well in practice as the theory suggests – it now falls on the games development community to take advantage of the technology.

Here I take a look at some early releases:

Title: Sports Champions
Developer: San Diego Studio, Zindagi Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

You can see where Sony was going with this one.

This is the Move’s attempt at recreating the impact Wii Sports made when it launched Nintendo’s platform.

Sports Champions is a success in most regards and ably demonstrates the strengths of the new hardware.

Table Tennis, in particular, is supreme and works fantastically well as the on-screen bat mimics your movements with uncanny accuracy.

Archery is almost as much fun – reaching over your shoulder to pick an arrow, grasping it with the trigger then letting go once you’ve aimed. It just works.

Bocce is a little different, a little like bowls where you have to throw several balls at a smaller jack-like ball in an attempt to be the closest. Again, the technology impresses with the subtlety of the controls.

However, Volleyball and Gladiator Duel fall a bit flat while Disc Golf perhaps suffers by exposing the player’s own deficiencies a touch too readily.

Overall, it’s a worthy package that really comes to life in multiplayer.

Game Score: 4/5

Title: Start the Party
Developer: Super Massive
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Start the Party is a collection of mini-games very much in the mould of the old PlayStation Eye games back in the PS2 era.

All the games have a certain polish to them but it is pretty essential that you’re playing this one with other people otherwise your attention will quickly wilt.

Once again, the PlayStation Move’s technical proficiency really shines through. Every move is mirrored on-screen with one-to-one accuracy across all nine games.

The key to enjoying this title is to play it in short bursts, with people.

Game Score: 3/5

Title: Time Crisis: Razing Storm

Developer: Namco Bandai Games

Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

The Time Crisis series has always been a mainstay of any successful arcade but its rather shallow gameplay mechanic has struggled to translate into a compelling experience at home.

This release attempts to combat the longevity issues by including three separate games within this single compilation. For the price of admission you get Time Crisis 4, Time Crisis: Razing Storm and the slightly wacky Deadstorm Pirates.

All three are the same shooting gallery, light gun-style games and follow the same formula – although it’s probably best to ignore Razing Storm’s attempt at offering the player an attempt to break free from the rails like a standard first-person shooter.

You can play with the standard controller, a GunCon light gun or the PlayStation Move which shows its versatility again, rising well to the challenge with good accuracy and responsiveness.

Time Crisis: Razing Storm is a fairly substantial package with plenty of game modes to keep you occupied. It does feel slightly dated – Time Crisis 4 came out in the arcades in 2006 – but fans of light gun games will appreciate Namco’s unique expertise in this genre.

Game score: 3/5

Title: Kung Fu Rider
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Sadly, there’s always one stinker in every launch line-up and Kung Fu Rider is the one for PlayStation Move.

The premise is ridiculous – you’re on the run from the mafia but you’re only means of escape is an office chair ridden down a series of steep hills.

The controls show the same sense of logic with the motions for acceleration, jumping and ducking all getting tangled up – the action you intend frequently gives way to one of the rather more counter-productive possibilities.

Unless you’ve got more money than sense or you are a relentless trophy chaser, this one should be avoided.

Game score: 1/5

Game Dev Story is fantastic hidden gem

2010-10-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Title: Game Dev Story
Format: iPhone
Developer: Kairosoft
Release: Out now
Price: £2.39 (at time of writing)

I do get a fair bit of stick for featuring so many iPhone titles on here, but I think creations like Game Dev Story completely vindicate my decision.

The thing I love about iPhone gaming – apart from the low price – is that I know that in a few days’ time I’ll be playing a great game that I have no idea is coming today.
Game Dev is another gem that has pretty much come out of nowhere. You play the CEO of a videogames studio and make decisions about how your company should grow and develop.

If you’ve played FarmVille, Finger God or any other simulation/resource management game, you’ll get the idea fairly quickly.

You start off by hiring staff and then deciding what projects to embark on. You can pick what type of game to make and on what system. The game parodies real-life consoles and companies with good humour throughout – the ‘Intendro Whoops’ is a particularly lucrative platform to make games for it seems.

The graphics have just as much personality as the in-game writing – just don’t expect any fancy 3D effects, this is very much in the cutesy 8bit style with short, amusing animations.

Game Dev Story will bring a smile to your face and take hours from your day job without warning – a great riposte to those who say there is no charm in the games industry anymore.

Game Score: 5/5

FIFA 11 sells me a dummy

2010-10-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Title: FIFA 11
Format: Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation 3, PC – other formats: iOS, PSP, Wii, DS.
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports
Release: Out now

Why don’t I get it? Am I the only person who just can’t grow to love FIFA?

What’s more frustrating is that I actually really enjoyed the recent World Cup 2010 version of the game that accompanied last summer’s finals in South Africa.

But while that game was a nice evolution of FIFA 10’s excellent blend, this latest version appears to break one or two of the key components to the most important part – the fun factor.

I’m no mug when it comes to football games and I’m not naive when it comes to the sport itself – I played at a decent level and I’m a sports writer by trade, but I can’t help but think the quest for realism has led to a less-enjoyable videogame.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still a great game here to be played here – maybe that’s the frustration, it’s so close to perfection that every flaw stands out like a vuvuzela at the Proms.

The animation is superb, the best there is, and the game does a superb job of creating an atmosphere. The crowd chant the right songs, the commentary is lively and engaging and when the ball hits the net, it makes that leather on net sound that’s so satisfying – it’s awesome.

The bit I can’t get past this season is the passing system. Every short pass is torturously slow – even with a powered up charge bar. I’m sorry but Steven Gerrard ‘fizzes’ his passes across the deck, he doesn’t roll them to his team-mate like he’s playing in a lawn bowls tournament.

Why is it so hard to score one-on-ones or take a decent corner? And, while I’m moaning, I don’t need a ten-second animation every time someone makes a sub, just got on with it. Even saving your game is a convoluted four-step process.

If none of this is an issue for you, then you’ll have a terrific time with this. I can fully understand why the critics love it and why it is outselling PES these days, even if I don’t agree completely.

EA Sports’ combined efforts with FIFA 10, World Cup 2010 and FIFA 11 means I’ll definitely be paying close attention to FIFA 12 and any other version they can cook up between now and then.

Game Score: 8/10

PES inching closer to greatness again

2010-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Title: PES 11
Format: Xbox 360 (version tested), PS3 – also available on PS2, PSP, Wii, iOS, PC
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release: Out now

Here we go again.

The yearly struggle between PES and FIFA starts now, the latter has arguably won the last two seasons, but the games have been closer than many people would dare admit.

PES has come under a lot of criticism in recent season for failing to move things on from former glories on older consoles. Meanwhile, FIFA is evolving rapidly into a world beater.

So what this year? Judging by many reviews already out there, PES has already been written off.

It seems I’m as lone voice in support of a radically improved effort this season. And as I say ‘improved’ I’m drawn to remember over 100 hours of happy memories on last season’s version compared to a relatively short-lived fling with FIFA 10.

This year, Konami have done wonders with one aspect in particular – the ball.

Where as FIFA’s ball is more like a Jubulani floater, PES goes for a super-realistic, quick, reactive, unpredictable sphere of fun.

It really becomes apparent with crossing and long passes. The speed and bounce are spot on in relation to the players’ abilities, and when you factor in the game’s 360 degree passing system, which directs the ball where you aim it, you’ve got yourself a unique match every time you play.

There are still faults. Through-balls sometimes work when the shouldn’t as defenders fail to lock on to the trajectory of the ball ludicrously. And when playing with a human team-mate, the cursor likes to switch at really inopportune moments, leaving you to head your own crosses and finish your mate’s last-ditch clearance with no warning.

The Master League element is where PES has always shone brightest and it continues to top the table with its superior implementation compared to FIFA’s Manager Mode – this despite some rather questionable changes to the team tactics interface.

PES is still a bit hit and miss online too. Why Konami don’t invest in a good network engineer is anyone’s guess, this should be the online game par excellence but it is frequently let down by lag issues and disconnects. Online Master League has some great ideas with its constantly fluctuating transfer market, depending on the players in demand, but until it gets the basics right, it becomes rather mute.

I’m sure there will be plenty of time for me to ‘run off’ these niggles in the 100-plus hours I’ll no doubt plough into PES again this season.

And that longevity makes it very hard to criticise too heavily – if I’m getting so much time and enjoyment out of it, how can I complain?

Once again, PES is more than the sum of its parts. But likewise, we’re all left dreaming of what might of have been, hoping they’ll finally nail it properly next year.

Game Score: 8.5/10

Kingdom Hearts enjoys a return to form

2010-09-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Title: Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
Format: PlayStation Portable
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release: Out now

Back in the PlayStation 2 era a rather curious franchise spawned, seemingly out of nothing.

Far East met West, the universally popular Disney put some of their best-loved characters on a collision course with Squaresoft – the makers of the world’s favourite role playing game, Final Fantasy.

The result of this unlikely collaboration was Kingdom Hearts, an action adventure RPG that delighted many more than it disappointed despite its simplistic combat system and rather convoluted story.

Those who remember that particular 2002 release with any fondness will immediately be drawn to Birth by Sleep – this is the prequel to that original game.

The good news is that it does many things better than just about any Kingdom Hearts game since. The combat system is noticeable more involved and the upgrade mechanic also features some smart design choices.

Sadly, the boss battles do turn these positives on their head to an extent while the load times also make this game hard work throughout. The voice acting is also barely passable.

Despite these flaws, there is plenty to admire here, particularly if you’ve followed the series all the way through. And anyone fearing they might be short-changed by a shorter game on the PSP can rest easy, there is plenty of game on that UMD.

Game Score: 4/5

Modern Combat 2 is a technical marvel

2010-09-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Title: Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus

Format: iPhone

Developer: Gameloft

Release: Out now

Price: £3.99 (correct at time of writing)

Just when you get a grip on what the iPhone can do, along comes something like Modern Combat 2 to blow those perceptions out of the water.

This is Gameloft’s attempt to do Call of Duty on the iPhone and it is astounding how close they come with this sequel.

And if you’ve got an iPhone 4 you get upgraded visuals via the device’s amazing Retina display. It also takes advantage of the built-in gyroscope to assist with fine aiming.

The most impressive part is the online multiplayer that mimics so many of Modern Warfare’s strongest aspects such as the scoring system and the run-and-gun gameplay (although there might even be the odd camper in there too).

The single-player campaign is also impressive with some nice set pieces and good gun play. There’s also plenty of content to keep you going – this would have been a fully fledged, full-priced console release at the end of the PlayStation 2 era – or even early in the current generation of hardware.

Until NOVA 2 comes out later this year, this is the most technically impressive gaming experience in the iOS platform.
Game Score: 5/5

Halo Reach - an under-rated masterpiece

2010-09-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Title: Halo Reach
Format: Xbox 360
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Bungie Studios
Release: Out now

Halo Reach is nearly impossible to review – I’ve watched many try.

The thing that has irritated me most so far is the fact that Halo Reach is seemingly being punished for the achievements of past games in the series despite the eventual, almost begrudging, high review scores.

Every Halo before this has shown something revolutionary. The original rewrote the book of conventions for the first-person shooters, the second launched online multiplayer on consoles and Halo 3 brought us the ability to edit and craft our own levels with unprecedented freedom.

There is no such magical bullet point on the back of the box for Halo Reach.

The crowning achievement for Reach, however, is that it brings all of these accomplishments together – including the excellent Firefight mode from Halo ODST – and melds them into a perfect form.

The near-flawless Halo gameplay has been refined and tuned magnificently and the addition of armour abilities offers the player so many new possibilities.

The outstanding artificial intelligence in the Halo series has always ensured that the game responds dynamically each time you play it, but in Reach the enemies have to contend with players who deploy jet packs, invisibility, armour lock and bubble shielding as well as sprint capabilities. The game doesn’t just cope; it fights back and often wins with wit and guile.

Halo Reach's ability to fairly (that's important) overpower and outsmart you is particularly evident in Fightfight mode where you must battle against waves of computer-controlled enemies in a reasonably confined space. The focus of this mode is to survive as long as you can while killing as many enemies as possible with points awarded for style, speed and grace.

Another aspect that stands out is the ability to customise Firefight to suit your own preferences – if you want to be invincible and just fight against one type of enemy you can – just about anything is possible through a series of well-constructed menus and options.

Multiplayer is also back and better than ever. The armour abilities are a real game-changer compared to previous Halos, but Bungie have achieved a near-perfect balance to ensure none is stronger than the other – the same can also be said of the weapons which place an emphasis on skill and decision making like no other game in the genre.

Forge mode has been upgraded significantly too. It’s easier than ever to customise and create your own version of every multiplayer level. And just like in Firefight, every option and preference can be tweaked and tuned allowing users to really generate some unique content for other players.

What has really impressed me so far, however, is the way Bungie has driven the whole experience – they have really thought hard about how they can motivate players to continue investing time in their game even when the initial novelty has worn off.

Every minute you spend in the game, every kill, every positive action you make, earns you credits. These credits go towards achieving a rank and can then be used to customise your in-game character across all the various modes of the game. It shouldn’t be that compelling but it really has hooked me in.

The same can certainly be said of the daily and weekly challenges. These appear both in the game and on Bungie’s website at around 10-11am UK time, and literally goad you into playing the game. Four daily challenges, with a 24-hour countdown, appear each day – kill 100 enemies in Firefight, it might say; complete a certain level on the hardest difficulty without dying, another might say – they are always just the right side of achievable.

Halo Reach is as good as any videogame has the right to be. I’ve been playing it for well over 50 hours and my enthusiasm for it has not diminished in the slightest – none of the other Halo games quite had that appeal, when they were done, they were done aide from the odd multiplayer surge.
Reach might be a perfectly engineered version of what we’ve all seen before, but it achieves something truly unique in the details. Halo Reach, just like those that have gone before it, is revolutionary.

Game Score: 10/10

Dark Nebula continues to impress on iPhone

2010-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Title: Dark Nebula: Episode Two
Format: iPhone
Developer: 1337 Game Design
Release: Out now
Price: £1.19 (correct at time of writing)

So what do industry-leading game designers do in their spare time? They design more games of course, for iPhone.

Dark Nebula is the brain child of Anders Hejdenberg, the lead designer on a number of top games over the years, including Battlefield 2: Modern Combat.

For his iPhone debut he put together the fantastically polished Dark Nebula: Episode One, a ball and maze game along the lines of Sega’s outstanding Super Monkey Ball (or Marble Madness, if you’re a bit older).

Episode Two certainly had a lot to live up to but it manages to surpass its predecessor in ever way. The fundamentals are just the same – you control a silver ball by tilting your iPhone or iTouch through treacherous levels. It works superbly with pitch-perfect accuracy and responsiveness.

This sequel is just as polished and refined as the original with every level a veritable textbook of smart level design. Hejdenberg has added a few nice touches to the established formula, there is now a combat system of sorts and some elaborate enemies to fight.

There is also double the content of Episode One and connectivity to Facebook and a limited online leaderboard to compare your scores with others across the globe.

For the small price of admission, I really can’t recommend this highly enough.

Game Score: 5/5

Crackdown 2 is a missed opportunity

2010-08-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Title: Crackdown 2
Format: Xbox 360
Developer: Ruffian Games
Publisher: Microsoft Games Studios
Release: Out now

A great little phrase came up in a gaming podcast that I regularly listen to – “it’s more fun that it is good”.

This seemingly ludicrous expression brilliantly sums up how I feel about Crackdown 2. It is an absolute blast to play, but the game infuriates in just about every way possible.

Crackdown 2 endured a fairly contentious development cycle. The excellent original was put together by Real Time Worlds, but the relatively short time that game spent in development meant a lot of great ideas were not fully fleshed out.

Microsoft commissioned this sequel to Ruffian Games, a new company comprising a substantial chunk of the team who jumped ship from RTW after making the first game.

In the lead-up to release, Ruffian were making a lot of positive noises – they knew the strengths and weaknesses of the original and were determined to give players variety and polish to go with the unbridled fun Crackdown was already famous for.

The pre-release demo was also promising; the missions seemed to be a bit different with multiple objectives and an interesting day/night cycle. It looked like we’d be doing more than just beating up 21 gang lords after overrunning their base as we did in the original.

Sadly, Crackdown 2 is just as repetitious. Indeed, after locating and activating 27 ‘absorption units’ inside your enemies’ lair, you might be losing the will to live yourself.

But if the tasks and objectives are once again pretty mundane, the way you get there is never less than a riotous ride. Crackdown 2 is a fun playground, and the amount of new toys at your disposal opens up some truly ridiculous possibilities.

The old RPG-style levelling up system is just as satisfying this time around and chasing after those agility orbs scattered all across the city is just as compelling as it ever was – especially when you get three mates alongside you over Xbox Live.

That ‘same again’ feeling is a bit indicative of the entire Crackdown 2 experience unfortunately. It does remind you just how fun the original was, I certainly underestimated that aspect when I first put Crackdown 2 into my disc drive.

Most people I know are going to wait for this one to drop in price a touch before taking the plunge – that seems like a good call. This feels a bit like a missed opportunity.

Game Score: 6/10

Red Dead a contender for game of the year

2010-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Red Dead Redemption
Format: Xbox 360 (version tested), PS3
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Release: Out now

It’s amazing how often the brilliance of GTA: IV is disregarded just two years after its release.

I constantly hear people reflect back with a discontented sigh, seemingly forgetting it was actually one of the greatest games of all time. Really, it was - go back and play it!

So with Rockstar's pedigree, it stands to reason that Red Dead Redemption quickly reminds you of what their games are all about – and this is definitely more than GTA on horses.

All the usual hallmarks are there, however. The superb pacing, the outstanding voice acting, the genre-leading emergent gameplay that constantly surprises and delights.

What Rockstar has done here is take things a step further again. Their ability to create a living, breathing world has never been in doubt but in RDR you can practically smell the Old West coming off your screen.

Sometimes you’ll just take a moment to soak in a beautiful sunset or watch in wonder at the wildlife roaming the vast land in front of you.

That’s not to say you’re ever struggling for things to do. Many of the best gameplay moments emerge from the main storyline and I have no wish to spoil it here, but suffice to say, you always have plenty of options, things to find...animals to hunt...people to hunt...

But what Rockstar constantly achieve – and what seemingly is constantly forgotten – is that ambiance, a world where you enjoy spending time.

Yes, the gun play is still a little way short of the perfection seen elsewhere in the game’s mechanics, and, yes, and the whole thing does take a little while to get going. But when the place you’re playing in is this much of a pleasure, it really fades into the background.

And thanks to Rockstar's strategy for downloadable content, this is a game that will keep on giving.

Red Dead Redemption is another triumph for Rockstar and a dead cert as many players’ game of the year.

Game Score: 9/10

Osmos shows creative spark

2010-08-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Title: Osmos
Format: iPhone (version tested), iPad, PC
Developer: Hemisphere Games
Publisher: Hemisphere Games
Release: Out now
Price: From £1.79

Hemisphere Games’ brilliant puzzler has already forged an impressive reputation on the PC and then the iPad before it arrived on Apple’s smartphone – and I’m happy report that the iPhone version lives up to the star billing.

Osmos is a supremely simple but superbly executed game – the premise is straightforward: Be the biggest. You achieve this by absorbing smaller organisms scattered across the level while watching out for larger masses that can just as easily do the same to you.

The game uses a subtle physics engine, you can propel yourself in any direction by shooting a small segment of your own mass in any direction – you will then move the opposite way. The locomotion comes at a cost as every thrust reduces your mass and therefore your potential to absorb other entities.

The game adds variety by creating other organisms with varying characteristics – some have their gravitational pull, others are consciously trying to do the same as you and become the biggest.

The controls have been well adapted for the iPhone and maintain a similar feel to what went before on the iPad. Touching the screen prompts your single-celled organism (Mote) to fire in that direction and if progress is every too slow or fast you merely swipe your finger left or right to control the speed of time.

Using two fingers also gives you the ability to zoom in and out. It all works superbly alongside visuals and audio cues that give the player plenty of feedback and satisfaction.

Osmos perfectly encapsulates what iPhone gaming is becoming – this is a smart and inventive title that utilises the platform’s unique capabilities while not feeling obliged to use them all. And at just £1.79 this is surely a must-buy.

Game score: 5/5

DLC review: Alan Wake – The Signal

2010-08-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Title: Alan Wake: The Signal (downloadable content)
Format: Xbox 360
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release: Out Now
Price: full game required plus 560 Microsoft Points (£4.76)

The game that was too scary to play alone in the dark has returned.

Alan Wake may not have been to everyone’s taste when it first spooked its way into our 360s in May but those who savoured the excellent episodic plot and intuitive combat are sure to find plenty of value in The Signal – the game’s first new slice of downloadable content.

I was pleasantly surprised by Alan Wake earlier this summer, particularly by the combat which is usually an aspect I struggle with in survival horror games. The strongest aspect of Wake, however, was the game’s story which took a blend of Twin Peaks and Stephen King to make it a most unsettling but thrilling experience.

The Signal carries on that story from the end of the full game – so you’d best finish that before jumping onboard for this continuation of the adventure – and bears all the hallmarks of the previous episodes.

However, those hoping for answers to certain details previously left untold may come away slightly disappointed. The game’s main character Alan Wake may start to lose the plot in this slice of the story but the game’s developers Remedy appear determined to keep as much as they can under their hats during the hour and a half it takes to finish The Signal.

More will undoubtedly be revealed during the next episode, titled The Writer, which will appear later in the year for the same 560 Microsoft Points.

For now, The Signal represents a worthy purchase to those who have invested themselves in the story of Alan Wake. It might pose more questions than it answers for those heavily invested in the plot but the experience remains as tense and enjoyable as ever.

Game score: 8/10

Impressive Tiger 11 could still be better

2010-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Title: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
Format: Xbox 360 (version tested), PS3, Nintendo Wii
Developer: EA Tiburon
Publisher: EA
Release: Out now

The Tiger Woods golf games have very much mirrored their main inspiration over the years.

EA Sports' multi-million dollar franchise has enjoyed an almost-untouchable position at the top of the genre.

The series first took a grip on me personally around the turn of the millennium, and although I’ve missed the odd instalment over the intervening decade, I’ve long admired the consistent excellence that each title has brought on a yearly basis.

This year’s game – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 – brings an extra layer of scrutiny after the golfer’s much-publicised issues surrounding his private life. But as expected, EA Sports have adopted a very straight-laced approach to this year’s update.

The big ‘back of the box’ bullet point for Tiger 11 is the timely inclusion of the Ryder Cup ahead this year’s real-life event at Celtic Manor, Wales in October. However, certain aspects of this feature are somewhat oddly implemented – you can for instance have the Americans playing for Europe and vice versa.

Part of the problem is that the game simply does not feature enough individual golfers to make up the numbers properly.

The other major addition to this year’s title is True Aim. This mode encourages the player to think more like a real golfer. There is no magic camera view with onscreen markers for where your shot should land. All you get are just some yardage markers with elevation indicated just like the pros normally get from their caddies.

This setup contrasts rather nicely with the game’s main modes where you are confronted with a multitude of power gauges, ball spin indicators and other seemingly superfluous dials and indicators.

Underneath all the glossy presentation there is still a great golf game which plays as well as it ever has – the putting in particular has really improved over the years. Some old niggles still persist, however.

There are still too many dodgy animations and the graphics engine makes one or two of the courses look as if they are made out of clay and plastic. So much like Tiger Woods himself, there is still a world-class talent in operation, but the franchise could perhaps do with some time off to reflect before coming back at its very best.

Game score: 8/10

PREVIEW: Halo Reach is nearly here

2010-07-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Title: Halo Reach
Format: Xbox 360
Developer: Bungie Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release: September 14

There’s not long to go now and already the anticipation is reaching fever pitch.

This will be Bungie’s final Halo title before handing the reigns over to Microsoft and it seems they are hellbent on going out with a bang.

We already know that many of the series-defining features from the last instalment – Halo 3 – are set to return, fully updated and revamped.

As well the always-excellent campaign and multiplayer modes, the brilliant Firefight and Forge aspects from Halo ODST and Halo 3 are also set to return.

I'm in the blue firing the new grenade launcher during the recent multiplayer beta. This picture - and all the others in this article - were taken using the game's excellent Theatre Mode

Firefight pits you and up to three buddies against waves of computer-driven opponents in a chase for highscores. Bungie have improved the formula with the ability to recruit team-mates via its genre-defining Matchmaking system and by giving players the ability to customise the experience to almost limitless degrees.

An updated new version of Forge – the map editing mode from Halo 3 – will also be part of the package. A massive Forge World emcompassing familiar locations from previous games has been created for would-be builders to create exciting new play spaces and modifed game types.

Those that played the multiplayer beta earlier in the year have already tested one game-changing new feature for the series – armor abilities. The beta featured four variations – Amor lock, sprint, invisibility and jet packs.

Every tactic has a counter-measure. Here the red in the jet pack tries to get a jump on the blue by hovering above. However, the Needler in the hands of the blue is the perfect anti-air weapon in this scenario

No single ability proved stronger than the other and simply added some intriguing new tactics to the long-established formula. Since the beta, Bungie have let slip that we can expect more than those four in the final game.

Two more are currently known – there will be a health-regenerating bubble shield and a hologram ability that allows you create a fake double of yourself to fool opponents. These potentially game-breaking additions will have to be implemented with exceptional care to maintain the game's current balance but Bungie has proved itself as a master of this particular discipline.

Overall, things are shaping up superbly with plenty of the final product still to be revealed. There is, for instance, another completely new game mode rumoured to be in the works so there is plenty to get excited about before Reach hits the shelves in September.

Godfinger needs touching up

2010-07-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Title: Godfinger
Format: iPhone
Developer: Wonderland Software
Publisher: ngmoco
Release: Out now
Price: Free

Every now and then, I’ll turn to Mrs Game Face and say: “I’ve got a game you’re going to love”.

Hardly the stuff of great romance is it? But it is a good place to start talking about Godfinger on the iPhone.

The best way to describe it – if we’re being lazy – is like a cross between Facebook’s Farmville, Nintendo’s Animal Crossing and old PC favourite Black & White.

You start off with an empty planet that you must populate with followers. You do this by completing tasks set by the game – these also serve as tutorials during the opening few hours’ play.

You build a farm that generates money, you spend that money on a bigger farm to earn even more money and then buy a treasure cave and then a tavern to keep the followers happy and rested and so on.

All of this earns you experience points which unlock more items to buy.

What’s more, you can visit friends’ planets and enchant their followers for a mutually beneficial reward. It’s a neat touch that really works well on the iPhone which is, of course, permanently online. And just like Animal Crossing, everything carries on even when the app is closed using the internal clock.

The problems start with the game’s progression model. Pretty soon things will start to get a little samey and you’ll be grinding through the levels to get to that next big purchase.

You can speed up this process by spending real-life money on in-game currency – this is how publisher ngmoco hopes to make money out of this free game (along with in-game advertising).

The other rather more pressing complaint concerns the amount of game crashes you’ll be forced to reckon with. Despite numerous attempts to fix these problems via updates, the issues persist for now.

Mrs Game Face and I have been racing to get to game's top rank at level 50 but, if we're both honest, this kind of competition is undoubtedly the main motivator for playing the game past the opening ten levels or so.

Godfinger is certainly an excellent freebie with some nice design ideas but one or two glaring problems are letting it down for the moment.

Game score: 4/5

Chaos Rings thrives on iPhone

2010-07-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Title: Chaos Rings
Format: iPhone
Developer: Media.Vision
Publisher: Square Enix
Price: £5.99
Release: Out now

The iPhone is fast becoming a phenomenal gaming device and titles like this only strengthen its position further.

Chaos Rings is a role playing game from the people that brought us the Final Fantasy series. As you would expect, it therefore carries many of those games’ guiding principles – such as an epic storyline and turn-based battles.

And rather more impressively, this relatively low-budget affair features all the usual production values you would come to expect from a Square Enix normally costing six or seven times the price. The visuals and audio aspects are particularly impressive and really show what the device is capable of producing in the right hands.

Although the price of £6 puts it in the ‘premium’ category for the App Store, there can be little doubt that this game represents superb value for money and comes highly recommended.

Game Score: 5/5

Galaxy 2 is Nintendo's crowning glory

2010-06-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Title: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Format: Wii
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: Out now

Let’s just get it out of the way now – this is the best game I’ve seen in nearly 30 years of playing videogames.

I don’t say that lightly by any means, but there quite simply has never been a piece of software so remorselessly entertaining, so inventive, creative and fun.

Every time I switch it on, I know I‘m going to see something new – but it is the quality of the ideas and what Nintendo does with them that make you wonder how anyone could be brilliant enough to even invent something like this.

It’s not just quality either, it’s also quantity. This is a big game that will keep you occupied for the best part of 30-40 hours. This makes the constant deluge of fresh level designs and reinventions even more staggering – Nintendo’s in-house designers come up with something brilliant, use it once or maybe twice, then go off on another astounding tangent.

To reveal too many details or give too many examples would probably spoil that wonderful moment at the start of each level when you suddenly realise ‘the gimmick’ this time.

However, I don’t feel I’m spoiling anything by saying that Mario's companion Yoshi is back and he is better than ever – the way you direct his tongue in 3D space is perfectly implemented here. Both Mario and Yoshi also have a full suite of game-changing power-ups that have been utilised to the full with each level design.

Technically, the game is also a bit of a masterclass in developing for the Wii. It’s bold, clean, clear and smooth – everything you could wish for in the Wii’s sub-HD world. The game’s soundtrack is also fantastic, becoming more and more orchestral with every bit of progress you make.

And that last aspect sums up the experience; this is a game that it is a reward within itself. There are no need for ‘achievements’ or online stats for bragging rights – just walking around every virtual corner is a big enough prize when you know your mind is about to be blown yet again.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the perfect explanation for why I play videogames. It has a sense of wonder, creativity, artistry and flair that no other game has ever achieved – it is an experience not to be missed.

Game Score: 10/10

Better than the real World Cup

2010-06-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Title: World Cup 2010 South Africa
Format: PS3, 360 (version reviewed), Wii, PSP, iPhone.
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports
Release: Out now

EA Sports cemented their position as creators of the best football game on the market with FIFA 10.

Although I still consider myself a Pro Evolution Soccer man at heart, my head says FIFA is now a better game – and this World Cup edition moves the bar even higher.

As a football simulator it really is hard to fault this, EA Canada have refined FIFA 10’s few rough edges to leave a silky smooth representation of the beautiful game.

The story/scenario mode is particularly interesting and is being updated throughout the World Cup. The player can select from a list of real-life scenarios from famous games past and present – your job is essentially to rewrite history in your favour.

The big problem with this title – just like every other World Cup game – is what happens after the World Cup has been and gone. Are you really still going to be playing this when the new Premier League season starts in August? Probably not.

There are of course only international teams to choose from and although a lot of variety and online features have been packed in, nobody in their right mind could argue this is anything other than a stopgap before FIFA 11 comes out (probably in October).

Therefore, it might have been a nice touch if EA put this game on sale at a reduced price. If punters could pick this up for between £25-30 there would be no arguments, a real no-brainer purchase.

Unfortunately this is not the case and surely a sizable chunk the potential audience will miss out on what is a fantastic game of football.

There are plenty of superb design choices on show here (apart from the increasingly banal FIFA menu systems) but the execution is ultimately limited by the concept.

Game score: 8/10

Brilliant Blur deserves your attention

2010-06-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Game: Blur
Format: PS3, Xbox 360 (version tested)
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Activision
Release: Out now

A fellow gaming journo recently referred to Blur as “tragically overlooked”. But to be honest, even that is understating it.

Most evenings when I log into the game’s online mode, I’ll see little over a thousand people in the lobbies looking for a game – a criminally low figure when compared to the 660,000 that still play the three-year-old Halo 3 every night.

Comparisons against Activision stable-mate Modern Warfare 2 don’t even bear thinking about – especially when you consider Blur is every bit as good in its own way.

The single-player mode is certainly a superior experience. The marketing campaign around the game tried to tee Blur up as a grown-up version of Mario Kart. It’s a comparison that holds up as well as any.

This is real cars on real-life tracks, showcasing all the craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from Bizarre Creations who have done sterling work on the Project Gotham Racing games over the years. Up to 20 cars crash and bash their way around semi-realistic representations of Tokyo, Barcelona, LA and even Brighton.

The twist comes with the implementation of a power-up system ripped straight out of Nintendo’s flagship racer. The main difference here is that you get to choose which one you drive towards instead of the CPU deciding for you.

This is opens up an intriguing tactical element to the races – do you opt for offensive, defensive or speed-related power-ups? You can carry up to three at a time and use them in any order you please.

Your computer-controlled rivals have the same privileges and they have been excellently programmed to provide just the right sort of challenge – races are tough but fair and always a lot of fun.

However, the true brilliance of Blur is the incentive system used to keep you playing. In races, you aim for a top-three place – you’ll get three reward lights for third, four for second and five for first. Then there’s two additional lights to go for, one based on in-race points gained for taking out opponents and driving skilfully, the other for driving through a series of gates placed on the track.

There are also destruction events where you must take out as many opponents as possible within a set time limit and also checkpoint races which are a bit like time trials.

Getting all the lights for a given event becomes a personal crusade with every near-miss prompting ‘just one more go’. These reward lights then accrue to open up more races and challenging events.

The online portion of the game is just as compelling. Good performances mean more points and points lead to you levelling up – this in turn unlocks perks and new cars, reminiscent of the system found in Modern Warfare 2.

These features are backed up with good social network integration – you can interact with Facebook and Twitter to challenge your friends. The real shame, however, is that very few of your friends will probably ever play Blur.

I really hope this changes in the long run and once the game inevitably falls in price it might stand a chance. There is no excuse not to try it – there are free demos on both the Playstation Network Store and Xbox Live Marketplace.

Blur is definitely a game that deserves your attention. It’s the most compelling arcade racer to come out on any system since Mario Kart and Burnout and is certainly head and shoulders above fellow recent arrival Split:Second.

Game score: 9/10

Perfect Dark perfect at last

2010-05-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Title: Perfect Dark (Xbox Live Arcade)
Format: Xbox 360
Developer: Rare (original game), 4J Studios (remastering)
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Release: March 17

Nearly ten years on, and we can finally play this seminal game properly.

The original release on the Nintendo 64 in 2000 came a little too late for its host console. With Sega’s 128-bit Dreamcast already pointing to brighter, sharper-looking future and the PlayStation 2 looming large on the horizon, the writing was already on the wall. This – even with the help of the Nintendo Expansion Pack – was probably a bridge too far for the once mighty machine.

A sublime game lurked beneath the surface with gameplay innovations still rarely bettered ten years and two console generations down the line. However, a recent play-test on my trusty old N64 seemed even worse than my rose-tinted eyeballs remembered. Blurry visuals and an appalling frame rate just about made it unplayable by modern standards.

Fortunately those are the two areas where 4J Studios have spent the most time rebuilding for this Xbox Live Arcade re-release. It would have been easy to rip the data straight from the original cartridge and run it through an emulator on Xbox 360 but they’ve painstakingly remastered the game with outstanding attention to detail.

Perfect Dark now runs like a dream in high definition, at a super- smooth 60 frames per second. The original assets (that were compressed onto a 32megabyte cartridge) have been restored from the dusty hard drives still lurking around Rare’s Twycross HQ in Leicestershire, converted into modern formats for 360 and pieced back together and enhanced where needed. This is the same game but just with its clothes taken to the drycleaners.

The co-operative modes and multiplayer elements have been given the full Xbox Live treatment. And after several hours playing through the single-player campaign with a friend over Live, I can confirm it works a treat.

Of course, there are one or two instances where the game shows its age. The most obvious concerns the level designs which, unlike their modern counterparts, refuse to signpost or guide you through in any way. There will be times when you’ll be walking around in circles wondering what on earth you have to do to meet the current objective – gamers were a different breed back in 2000.

The controls have been well mapped to the Xbox 360 controller and with the 'spartan' control scheme Halo 3 players are also well catered for.

However, the amazingly tricky fine aiming is just as twitchy with a modern controller - you had to earn your headshots back in the day.

Overall it's a great package that has been expertly and lovingly

brought up to modern standards. This game still has plenty to give.

Counter-operative mode where your friend plays the role of the guards and enemies out to stop you in single-player missions is still a genius touch that should be have been built upon by more games in the intervening decade.

And when you see the price point of 800 Microsoft points (£6.80), this has got to be the biggest no-brainer purchase in Xbox Live Arcade history.

Game score: 5/5

WarioWare makes DIY look easy

2010-05-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Game: WarioWare: DIY

Format: Nintendo DS

Developer: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo

Release: Out now

This craze to make your own games is a rather curious one.

Arguably, it was Xbox 360 shooter Halo 3 that started it all on consoles with its ‘Forge mode’ that enabled players to modify the game’s pre-existing levels.

Little Big Planet on the PlayStation 3 took it all a step further by allowing users to create two-dimensional environments and complex designs from scratch.

Now Nintendo have finally got in on the act with WarioWare: DIY on the Nintendo DS – and wouldn’t you know it, they’ve probably gone and done the best job yet.

The big problem was always the time investment required to make anything remotely interesting. While for others, the amount of skill and imagination needed was also too demanding.

However, the games you create in WarioWare are only designed to last just a few seconds and this goes a long way towards restraining any over-ambition. That said, any thoughts that this game is therefore limited or lacking should be put to rest right away. You have the tools to create just about anything.

That magical Nintendo touch comes into play with the superb and highly entertaining tutorials that walk you through all the game’s features and options. You’ll be creating pretty sophisticated, quirky little mini-games in no time and laughing while you’re doing it (See tutorial video below).

The potential for this game to be used as some sort of educational tool is enormous – it really gets you thinking creatively, logically and even artistically.

But if you’re too lazy for all that, there are plenty of mini-games pre-packaged within the game for your amusement. And if you are near a WIFI internet spot, you can go online and chose from hundreds of designs that other players around the world have put together.

This really is the Nintendo DS at its best. WarioWare has taken a complex, ambitious game idea and made it simple to create, share and play with like-minded people all over the globe.

Game score: 5/5

Battlefield Bad Company 2 winning the war

2010-05-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Title: Battlefield Bad Company 2
Formats: Xbox 360 (version tested), PS3, PC
Developer: EA Digital Illusions CE
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release: Out now

EVERY now and then, a game will come along and defy your expectations – Battlefield Bad Company 2 is one of those games.

In many respects it goes toe-to-toe with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 – it’s a first-person shooter set in the modern warring environment for starters.

The multiplayer – in which the Battlefield series has always enjoyed a strong heritage – is also comparable to Infinity Ward’s recent effort.

So the obvious question – which is best? I’m going to go out on a limb and say, although it’s close, I prefer Bad Company 2.

The single-player campaign, in particular, is significantly better. Bad Company 2 is a riot from start to finish and really scores points over its rival with the destructible environments.

The wondrously eye-catching levels could still do with being a little more open, but there is still plenty of scope for creating your own paths through certain sections if you have the right arsenal.

If there’s a wall in the way, you can bet your rocket launcher will make a whole in it – if not, taking out that red gas cylinder over there just might.

All the weapons and explosives have a great weight and feeling to them, the feedback to your actions as a player is immense with the control pad responding with a hefty judder at all he right times. It will all bring back fond memories to anyone who ever played Criterion’s Black towards the end of the PS2/Xbox generation.

The excellent voice acting to the nutty storyline is also an unexpected bonus. The enemies you face are also a fairly entertaining bunch, their artificial intelligence responds commendably to the crumbling walls and ever-changing lines of sight during combat.

Most players, however, will end up in the multiplayer arena and Bad Company 2 does not disappoint. It takes a little getting used to, you’ll have to coordinate more efficiently with your squad-mates than you’re probably used to doing in Halo or Modern Warfare.

Again the destructibility is a compelling element while the vehicles are all tremendously well integrated and have always given Battlefield its unique flavour.

More and more people are telling me that they have been converted to Bad Company 2 and I can see why. This is a super-slick, high-quality shooter that plays as good as it looks.

Game score: 9/10

God of War 3 something to shout about

2010-05-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

Title: God of War 3
Format: PlayStation 3
Developer: In-house – Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release: Out now

God of War – surely the most immature ‘mature’ game ever made.

Blood, violence and boobies are what this game is all about using the biggest, brashest graphics engine and the most epic soundtrack ever slapped onto a BluRay.

Within seconds of loading up this awesome monstrosity, the scenery and detail made my jaw hit the floor. That was soon followed by my controller in a tantrum rage after a ludicrously tough opening boss battle.

God of War is a game that gets the blood pumping. But you know what? Sometimes that’s all just what the doctor ordered.

It’s not all brains over brawn either. The combat system here is every bit as satisfying and graceful as it’s ever been during the course of the trilogy – it has never looked and felt better. And a real sense of progression comes from the upgrade system that allows you to buy more moves and powers for the game’s hero Kratos.

However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the superb set-pieces around every corner of each hyper-imaginative environment. You’ll never want to put this down in case you miss something epic – and you’re rarely left disappointed.

The one possible area where God of War trips up – the same as in previous games – is in terms of the difficulty curve. There are parts that seem truly infuriating and I very nearly threw this one out the window on the very first boss battle.

I could have put it on easy rather than normal but if someone with nearly 30 years’ gaming experience is forced to do it then what chance has the more casual player got? I did it in the end and thank God of War that I persevered because almost everything that followed was hugely impressive.

It seems 2010 is shaping up to be the year the PS3 really stepped up to the mark. God of War 3 is yet another title that gives PlayStation owners something to shout about.

Game score: 9/10

Just Cause 2 will hook you

2010-03-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

Game: Just Cause 2

Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 (version tested)

Developer: Avalanche Studios/Eidos Interactive

Publisher: Square Enix

Release: March 26

Lead character Rico "The Scorpion" Rodriguez uses a grappling hook as his primary tool in Just Cause 2 but I’ve been just as hooked on this open world adventure over the last couple of weeks.

Let’s get one thing straight, this isn’t the greatest game ever to grace the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. It shares many of the same annoyances of the prequel – the in-game missions are hit and miss, the controls can be a bit flaky and the gunplay still lacks a bit of punch and urgency.

So why is this the game that I find myself slipping into for hours at a time when there are so many other truly triple-A titles begging to be played right now?

The answer lies in the fun factor.

That grappling hook attached to Rico’s arm has been beefed up with a number of new features making it the perfect tool for pulling enemies off rooftops, latching onto getaway cars and pulling your way up skyscrapers.

You can even strap two objects together leading to some interesting situations – ever wondered what happens when you join that armed guard to that flammable gas cylinder? Or how about our friend Mr Armed Guard and that speedboat?

You can only imagine.

Rico still has that uncanny knack for hopping from vehicle to vehicle during car chases. He can still sky dive from planes and tall buildings, deploy his versatile parachute at the last minute and then hook and glide his way to safety.

All this is takes place one of the most spectacular game worlds seen in a videogame to date – it’s 32km by 32km of South Pacific paradise driven by some exceptional programming and art design. A truly dynamic, unsurpassed weather system rounds off an outstanding technical masterclass from Swedish developers Avalanche Studios.

If that’s all piqued your curiosity, this is only the start. Just Cause 2 may not have fulfilled all of its vast potential yet again, but rest assured that it still brings plenty of thrills and spills to a pretty outrageous party.

Game score: 8/10

PREVIEW - Blur looking good

2010-03-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

Game: Blur (pre-release multiplayer beta)

Formats: Xbox 360 (version previewed), PS3

Developer: Bizarre Creations

Publisher: Activision

Release: May 28

What do you get if you take the driving style of Project Gotham Racing, the weapons from Mario Kart and the online progression system of Modern Warfare?

The answer – if the current multiplayer beta is anything to go by – is going to be Blur.

Bizarre Creations, who came to fame with the previously mentioned PGR series, really seem to have something special on their hands here. The blend still needs a bit of fine-tuning but the signs are all good ahead of the game's full release in May.

At its heart, this is an arcade racer that incorporates various boosts and power-ups during races just like the Mario Kart games we've all spent way too long playing over the years.

The difference here lies in the details. Unlike Mario Kart, you drive towards the power-up you want rather than the game assigning one to you after driving over a box with a question mark on it.

This enhances your ability to strategise – you can also hold three at a time. Do you go offensive or defensive? Do you just go for speed boosts and try and hold a position at the front? Or could you even hang back and strike late once you've compiled the perfect arsenal?

You are constantly faced with split-second decisions – these moments matter and quickly accumulate to decide your fate every bit as much as your ability to race the perfect lap.

In between races you get to choose between the cars and modifications you've unlocked with your deeds on the track. Just like Modern Warfare, these items are useful perks rather than game-breaking, unfair enhancements for the already gifted few.

The end result as it stands right now is a visceral, fast-paced arcade racer that produces exciting battles which perfectly tread the line between risk versus reward as well as luck versus skill.

Blur wasn't particularly on my radar until now. But after this outstanding prelude to the final game, I can hardly wait for its release on May 28.

BioShock 2 maintains high standards

2010-03-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

Game: BioShock 2

Format: Xbox 360 (version reviewed), PS3, PC

Developer: 2K Marin and Digital Extremes (Multiplayer)

Publisher: 2K Games

Release: Out now

THE journey back into Rapture was filled with trepidation for most of us who enjoyed the original BioShock.

That perfectly rounded production was a game that saw no immediate need for a sequel, a game that certainly didn’t seem to lend itself well to any form of multiplayer action.

And fans may well have feared the worst knowing the bulk of those who produced the original were not going to be involved in BioShock 2.

The good news is that those worries proved unfounded. Developers 2K Marin, bereft of Ken Levine’s influence, have lived up to the legacy.

BioShock 2 is a thoughtful, intelligently produced and well-crafted follow-up. It might not rewrite the rulebook or revolutionise the series as sequels often try to do these days, but it is well worth your attention.

Your transition into the role of a Big Daddy – the oversized enemies in deep sea diver attire that tormented your character in the first game – is well handled and not as jarring and different as you would imagine. The core gameplay remains much the same or better.

The shooting has been improved with the many new upgradable toys at your disposal increasing the possibilities – that resourcefulness that you developed whilst playing the first game will come in handy as you set elaborate traps for Big Sisters this time around.

The story is, once again, very much held within the richly detailed environments. And just like last time out, you will stumble across tape recorders that unveil elements of the back story.

The multiplayer portion of BioShock 2 has also been well produced by Digital Extremes, separate to the single-player campaign in much the same way that Ubisoft has produced its most recent Splinter Cell games.

It works well with a progression system familiar to anyone who has played the Modern Warfare games. It is unlikely to threaten Call of Duty and Halo at the top of the online multiplayer charts but it has proved to be a worthy addition.

BioShock 2 was never likely to replicate the impact the original made, but it is a game that deserves to be played even though the competition for your time and money is fierce at the moment.

Game Score: 8/10

This story

Mass Effect 2 a superb sequel

2010-03-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

Game: Mass Effect 2.

Format: 360 (version tested), PC .

Developer: BioWare.

Publisher: Electronic Arts.

Release: Out now.

EVER enjoy a game so much, you don’t want to complete it? That’s the reality I faced during my final hours with Mass Effect 2.

With every outstanding mission and objective that I ticked off the list, I knew I was edging towards the end of one of the best games in modern times.

I did it in the end after some 40-odd hours and I’m not going to tell you how it went. I’ll let you enjoy that for yourselves, if you haven’t already.

What I can talk about is the exceptional attention to detail, the sky-high production values, and the impressive way in which developers BioWare have addressed the prequel’s flaws.

The biggest problem with the original Mass Effect was the shooting. This game is part third-person shooter, part role playing game. The latter was certainly the stronger of the two in the first act.

However, this time around, the controls have been tightened and whole cause and effect of pointing a gun and shooting has been enhanced giving everything a more satisfying feel.

The story rarely loses steam even though it fits into a now-familiar structure, seen in many a BioWare game of the past. The plot twists will get under your skin and fuel your progress, the decisions you make will leave you thinking about them long after you’ve switched your console off.

There’s very little I can offer as a balancing argument in terms of criticism. The planet mining sub-game which you use to earn in-game currency is perhaps a little lame I suppose, but even that has a relaxing charm to it.

All that remains is to dream of where BioWare will take us in the third game, due out sometime this year or the next. But with this sequel, Mass Effect has firmly established itself as one of gaming’s most important franchises.

Game score: 10/10

Bayonetta impresses after slow start

2010-02-26T04:28:00.000-08:00

Game: Bayonetta

Format: 360 (version tested), PS3

Developer: Platinum Games

Publisher: Sega

Release: Out now

I really thought Bayonetta was going to be a hard sell for me despite the ever-increasing hype surrounding it.

The pre-release demo certainly didn’t do it any favours in my eyes. This seemed like it was going to be a button-basher with dodgy production values and convoluted controls.

The hopelessly objectified witch main character with her skin-tight outfit also raised a slight sigh along with the camera angles focusing rather too blatantly on her backside.

But after more than 15 hours of the action-packed single-player campaign (there is no multi-player), I have to say I’ve enjoyed every second of it – even if I have to admit, I’ve not always known exactly how I’m doing some of more complex moves I’ve done.

That feeling is almost overwhelming in the early stages, but with every battle your knowledge and feel for what’s happening grows, while the sense of spectacle and highly imaginative level designs keep you pressing onwards. Hours go by in the blink of an eye.

Comparisons with Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry are fair but fail to sell the game effectively – I wasn’t exactly going to rush to the shops on the strength of those similarities.

Other recent games do come to mind as well. Batman Arkham Asylum’s fighting system is revered because it makes you feel dangerous with just a couple of button presses – the timing and selection of those button presses was more important than remembering tricky combinations like you do in Street Fighter.

Bayonetta follows the former’s example while each sequence does something different depending on which weapon you have in hand or whether you are in the air. Success then allows you to pull off extravagant finishing moves that usually only require one button to be tapped as literally all hell breaks loose on screen.

But wherever you are holding and whatever you press, it always looks good and feels right.

The same can also be said of the level design and enemies you fight. Time, space and gravity are all toyed with in equal measure, and with great imagination, while the frequent boss battles were always enjoyable despite normally being my least favourite part of many games.

However, having won me over pretty comprehensively, there are still one or two things that tested my patience.

The save system is a joke. I found myself playing the same section repeatedly because the game did such a poor job of explaining the difference between a checkpoint and a save point – basically, only save in between levels otherwise it will take you back to the start of the current mission. Checkpoints within the levels auto-save. So, if you switch it off and select continue next time you load it up, you'll be fine.

The camera also fails on occasion, especially when fighting in tight quarters and it has to be said, the game can be tough at times. This would be no problem if you weren’t punished for using items to boost your health.

If you want a gold medal after a mission, you’d better do without dying as well. Items and dying, without exception, leaves you with a mere stone statue reward. The voice acting and cut-scenes also veer from the sublime to the ridiculous throughout.

None of that should put anyone put off playing Bayonetta – you will enjoy it, even if it is not normally ‘your kind of game’. Stay strong during the first hour or two and you’ll be rewarded with an outstanding experience that demonstrates the skill, artistry and passion still burning brightly within Japanese game studios.

Game score: 9/10

Heavy Rain - a game like no other

2010-02-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

Title: Heavy Rain
Format: PS3
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release: Out now

Just how do you review a game like Heavy Rain?

Quantic Dream has had this one brewing for quite some time. It has always looked as if it had the potential to be special but story-driven adventure games have not done particularly well at retail for a very long time.

It therefore took a pretty unique publisher to come forward and bring this title through – that company was Sony. Rarely has the industry seen a greater supporter of fresh ideas than the maker of the PlayStation, they have proven time and time again that they will back games that fall outside ‘definite banker’ status.

It would be hard to imagine a game like Flower without Sony’s backing.

Heavy Rain is another title that strives to do something different. This is a game that tries to make the player feel real, adult emotions instead of just more pointing and shooting.

It does this through an engaging storyline with strong well-written characters. And Heavy Rain hooks you in straight away by pressing one particularly big emotional button – within minutes of beginning the game, you will feel extreme guilt and that will drive you through the until the end.

Your interactions with the game are carefully thought out, this is far more involving than the pointing and clicking of games in the past. Even something as inconsequential brushing your teeth will see you see moving the controller from side to side, mimicking the real-life movement using the device’s motion sensing capabilities.

Heavy Rain does fall short on some occasions, however. Every now and then the voice actors will let it down slightly or the controls for a particular action are just a little too disconnected from more typical gaming conventions and break the game’s spell.

Overall, these are rare occurrences in a high-quality production. This probably won’t be to everyone’s tastes but to most it represents another landmark title in the PlayStation 3’s increasingly impressive roster.

Game score: 9/10

Army of Two still has work to do

2010-02-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

Title: Army of Two: 40th Day
Formats: PS3, Xbox 360 (version tested), PlayStation Portable
Developer: EA Montreal
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release: Out now

The original Army of Two was a game my co-op buddy I loved to hate.

We played it all the way through so clearly we enjoyed it but there was always a feeling of this being an inferior version of Gears of War.

It shares most of the same gameplay mechanics: heavy-duty guns – check, a cover system – check, hammy voice acting – check.

But while Army of Two ticked all the boxes in terms of features, it always felt a bit raw around the edges.

The hope has always been that the original’s commercial success would result in a genuine step up in class for the sequel but – although this wish has by and large come true – it’s hard not to feel a tinge of disappointment.

Once again, my faithful co-op friend and I worked our way through this one but although everything is truly better with notably higher production values, it all still lacks that little bit of punch.

Your bullets just don’t feel as if they are doing the damage they should. Games like Gears of War and, probably the best example, Black always give the player a certain visual feedback. It’s not about the amount of blood that’s on screen, it’s about cause and effect. Enemies should not be able to just run through gun fire.

If you can get past this aspect, and clearly we could in the end, there is a really enjoyable ride to be had gunning through the streets of Shanghai and beyond.

The upgrade system is still present and correct, allowing you to manually give those guns a little more bite with money earned from your deeds in each level. The interaction required between you and your partner is generally well done but sometimes it still feels a little forced – why does every door need two people to open it?

I’m sure by now it’s clearly evident that I’m torn on this one. How can you criticise a game that you enjoyed playing through to its conclusion?

I didn’t exactly do it through gritted teeth but I’m left hoping that EA will nail it if and when they enevitably get around to doing a third Army of Two game.

Game score: 7/10

Modern Warfare finally wins the battle

2010-01-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

Game: Call of Duty – Modern Warfare 2

Format: PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360 (version reviewed).

Developer: Infinity Ward.

Publisher: Activision.

Release: Out now.

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WELL over a million UK gamers voted with their wallets to make Modern Warfare 2 the biggest launch day seller in videogames history, but it has taken me rather longer to fall for it.

The Call of Duty series is a very particular brand of first person shooter and, for those of us more comfortable in with the Halo style of combat, it takes a while to adjust.

When it comes to the enemies you fight, it is hard to remove the feeling that you are playing a run-and-gun shooting gallery as opposed to facing off against highly motivated individuals. You can mow down 20 men in as many seconds in the single player campaign with two or three bullets apiece or less even on the top difficulty settings.

The action is also very carefully stage managed. Enemies appear at pre-defined ‘trigger points’ each and every time you play a level, there is nothing particularly dynamic about it. But despite this, there are one or two sections of a couple of levels that see the difficulty levels spike alarmingly, forcing repeated attempts at the same bit over and over.

But with every outstanding set-piece and cinematic climax, my uncomfortable feelings towards the game eased, at least until I reached the notorious ‘airport level’.

During the ‘No Russian’ section the player is forced to aid terrorists as they slaughter civilians. It serves as a crucial plot point that intentionally puts the player in a thought-provoking no-win situation. Its inclusion was quite brave on the part of the developers but ultimately fails.

The scene’s impact is dulled significantly by a blatant lack of agency – the player has no capacity to direct how events unfold, you can’t fail even if you try.

As I’ve watched a couple of friends play through this particular part with no pre-warning, I’ve noticed that this lack of control tends to encourage a kind of flippancy – you can’t stop what’s going on so you might as well be as inappropriate or daft as you can.

Overall, it’s an interesting idea – making you do something extremely bad for the so-called greater good – but the implementation here needs some work. I think Infinity Ward’s ambitions for this level may have been compromised at some point during the game’s development, but if you’re going to do something like that, you might as well be true to your vision.

So the single player mode left me feeling a mixture of good and bad but any negatives soon disappeared once I got into the brand new Spec Ops mode.

Spec Ops is a new co-operative section of the game allowing you and a friend to tackle select sections of the single-player campaign – as well a few from Call of Duty 4. The game rewards good performances and success at higher difficulty levels with stars which in turn unlock Xbox Live achievement points or PSN Trophies depending on which console you play on.

This is an excellent way to include co-op gameplay into a single-player campaign designed specifically for one player – expect to see this design brief copied repeatedly during 2010.

There can also be absolutely no dispute about the exceptional quality of the multiplayer portion of the game. The sense of progression draws you in with almost every kill pushing you further towards your next ‘level up’, perk, gun or attachment. There are always numerous ‘carrots on sticks’ to chase but none of them manage to unbalance the game to any significant degree – a real accomplishment from Infinity Ward.

There’s no doubt the sum of Modern Warfare 2’s parts more than justifies the hype. The occasional stumble in the single-player campaign fails to prevent this being one of gaming’s the stand-out performers, just perhaps not quite the very best, all the time, in my opinion.

Game score: 9/10

GTA's Liberty City isn't for faint hearted

2009-12-22T04:26:00.001-08:00

Game: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City

Format: Xbox 360

Developer: Rockstar Games

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Release date: Out now

Forget the airport level and the terrorist plots of Modern Warfare 2. If you want controversy, Grand Theft Auto still goes beyond the Call of Duty.

The infamous scenes within Infinity Ward’s recent blockbuster may have caused a stir, asking players to assist a civilian killing spree within a Russian airport, but Rockstar’s GTA IV expansion disc, Episodes from Liberty City, seems to have slipped under the radar despite even more provocative scenes.

Within a few hours of starting up one of the two inlcuded episodes – Lost and Damned or Ballad of Gay Tony – you’ll find your character doing some pretty outrageous things. You’ll throw an enemy off the Empire State Building, de-rail a train with a bomb, steal military equipment and use it against the local authorities and even grind someone’s face against a spinning motorbike wheel.

This game really isn’t for the faint of heart.

The GTA series has always divided opinion like no other. The sensationalists will always condemn it for placing its players in some of the situations described, but taking the game at face value to such an extent would ignore the enormous amount of artistry, and even genius, taking place beyond the surface.

GTA is an outrageous parody of real life. Take The Simpsons or South Park and multiply it by a thousand and you’ll get somewhere near the lunacy of Grand Theft Auto. And yet, it still creates characters and narratives – some scripted, some not – that live long in the memory.

In Liberty City, everybody’s in it for the money, those making the decisions are incompetent and the laws of cause and effect are often skewed in favour of mayhem.

To elaborate too much more on the plot would ruin the essence of the game, but suffice to say, it’s well worth playing through – you’ll find your jaw hitting the floor at least a few times, especially in the explosive Ballad of Gay Tony.

As far as I can see, this is still the same Liberty City we’ve all played through in GTA IV with a few more of the landmarks opened up and exploited as gameplay devices. The skyscrapers can now be used as skydiving points, the golfing driving range is open for business and the nightclubs…well, anything can happen…

The Liberty City episodes will not convert anyone looking for something new from the series. If you didn’t like it before, you still won’t now. The graphics are exactly the same as before, the gameplay follows all the same cues and all the old gripes are still present and correct.

Faults, such as the slightly wonky auto-aim, the unpredictable cover system which constantly sticks your man to the wrong surface and similarity between a lot of the missions, all remain to some extent.

However, the majority will once again enjoy every second revisiting one of gaming’s greatest playgrounds. There are double-digit hours of fun to be had on that disc – you don’t need to own the original GTA IV either – and the production values are sky high as always.

At its discounted price, this is a must-buy for 360 owners – just make sure you’ve got the stomach for it.

Game score: 8/10

Lumines hits the spot

2009-12-22T04:26:00.000-08:00

Game: Lumines Fusion

Format: iPhone

Developer: Q Entertainment

Publisher: Q Entertainment

Price: £1.79 (plus optional add-ons)

Release date: Out now

The greatest puzzle game since Tetris has finally arrived on the iPhone…again.

The brilliant Lumines – a near-perfect fusion of music, sound, light and colour – first arrived on the Apple’s all-in-one device a few months ago but was hobbled by unusable controls.

However, the internet outcry that accompanied that first ill-fated release is a distant memory with this version proving more than a match for the PSP version in which it made its name.

The basic principle of the game is to create two-by-two squares of one colour from falling blocks made up of quarters comprising two colours. These blocks can be rotated and shifted from side to side using a tap or a swipe respectively.

It’s a premise that comes to life on screen more than words can do it justice. The audio and visual feedback from every move and adjustment perfectly syncs with the soundtrack in the background, creating a zen-like state in the player after just a few minutes’ play.

This game is crying out for an online leaderboard, hopefully the developers will continue to support the game with more updates and downloadable content.

If you downloaded the abysmal version 1.0 and were put off, now might be a good time to give this outstanding puzzler a second chance.

Borderlands buried alive

2009-11-27T04:25:00.000-08:00

Game: Borderlands

Format: Xbox 360, PS3 (version reviewed), PC.

Developer: Gearbox Studios.

Publisher: 2K Games.

Release: Out now.

Before any discussion about Borderlands can begin, I feel I must share I secret I'm not proud of.

My copy of Fallout 3 – the highly acclaimed game this title most closely resembles – is still in its shrink-wrap.

I did spend a couple of hours playing a friend's copy with him when he first got it and I ordered mine there and then. But since the day my Fallout 3 arrived, it has stayed in the same position on my games shelf, untouched.

However, my previous reluctance with first-person role playing games (FPS RPGs) is the least of Borderlands’ worries.

This game is, unfortunately, being released during a period of the year when being just "very good" might not be enough to get noticed.

Borderlands is rarely anything less than a pleasure to play, very enjoyable and very well produced. But with Modern Warfare 2, Uncharted 2, FIFA 10, Brutal Legends, Assassin's Creed 2, GTA Stories From Liberty City and Forza 3 – to name but a few – the competition for gamers' pre-Christmas cash is fierce.

None of this is Borderlands' fault. It achieves what it sets out to accomplish very successfully. And when you get together with some mates for co-operative play, this games really takes off.

Borderlands takes the classic RPG structure. Your hero – there are four types to choose from at the start – begins the adventure weak and with little in the way of firepower. With every successful action and item collected, your character's capabilities grow allowing you to tackle harder missions. Those harder missions usually yield better guns and so your progress continues.

The developers have done well to make this well-established formula compelling and appealing. It does this through a strong first-person shooter gameplay mechanic. The guns are fun to use and the enemies are fun to shoot – it gets the basics right.

The quasi post-apocalyptic setting has been brilliantly brought to life by the developers' decision to go with a cell-shaded aesthetic, i.e. a nice big thick black marker pen effect around everything. The game derives a great deal of its character from this well-executed look, it just wouldn't be the same with a conventional art style.

But despite a wealth of positives in its favour, Borderlands never quite does enough to justify the lengthy time investment necessary to see the best it has to offer.

The charm of the early hours wears off once you've cycled through the main mission types a few times - it's generally: go here, kill this, collect that, go back there.

And while there may well be 87 bazillion guns as the game’s own advertisements self-mockingly claim, the difference between the majority of them is pretty insignificant.

Borderlands is still a very good game, and to its credit, it has hooked me personally rather more successfully than Fallout 3 ever did. I really appreciated the fact that it doesn't take itself quite so seriously as many of its contemporaries.

Sadly though, the standards at the moment are incredibly high. Any game has to be judged in the time and context of its release. Despite some strong early sales, this one will end up in the bargain bin by spring time. At a lower price point, this game will become a must-buy, however.

A summer unveiling might have seen it enjoy a well-deserved moment in the sun. Unfortunately, its promise may end up being overshadowed by the truly big guns this winter despite converting at least one FPS RPG sceptic.

7/10

Borderlands buried alive

2009-11-27T04:21:00.000-08:00