The Simpsons Game Review

The Simpson's Game is yet another game starring America's beloved dysfunctional family. It is a licensed game that features all the voice actors (there's over 8,000 original lines for the game or something ridiculously high) and some animated segments/shorts. Basically, it's a really long episode of the Simpsons, as an episode it's spectacular....as a game, it's short.

Gameplay: 6/10
Pros: Each family member has a different skill set, the levels offer a great variety and reference many classic episodes.
Cons: Gameplay is a heavy copycat of 3rd person platformers and even includes a troublesome camera and resulting frustration.

Graphics: 8/10
Pros: Playing this game is like playing the TV show. The game captures Springfield and the look of the show better than any other Simpsons game before it.
Cons: The cartoon / cel-shaded look definitely doesn't push the PS3 or Xbox360 or is all that impressive up to other next gen games.

Sound/Music: 9.5/10
Pros: The Voicework and effort of the actual cast in this game pays off. The story is great and the quips during gameplay to the actual script itself is fantastic and hysterical.

Lasting Appeal: 3/10
Pros: You'll absolutely want to play through the story and enjoy the script/writing and humor. If you really care about collecting things...there's PLENTY of that.
Cons: I beat the main game in about 3 days and 8 hours (Great rental - terrible buy). Now that I've seen the story, the gameplay, collectibles, achievements, etc. will not bring me back to the game. I don't care about collecting Homer's bottle caps, Bart's posters, etc. (though the Video game cliche's are pretty funnY). I'm done and it was fun while it lasted...just not $60 of fun.

Average: 66.25%
Tilt: -1.25%

As a game, the Simpson's Game isn't very good. It is an amazing Simpsons Episode with a phenomenal script, excellent voicework and decent gameplay to get you through it all. It's a great licensed game, but unfortunately if this game wasn't the Simpson's and didn't have the money and quality voice work and humor, it would probably drop an additional 10 pts or so. If your a fan of the Simpsons, you gotta rent it. If you're only a gamer, forget it.

Verdict: 65%

Shadowrun Review

Shadowrun is the first dual platform Xbox/Vista game. Poor PC gamers have to purchase the game, a Windows Live account (the PC version of Xbox Live), and probably a gamepad. Luckily for 360 owners, you probably have everything but the game...but you may not even want that.

Gameplay: 7/10
Pros: Magic/Tech elements work well and being able to resurrect fallen teammates is a great addition. Using the 3 mapped abilities is easily done and it all rounds out to be a very different FPS experience with lots of depth and strategies to be worked out.
Cons: Only 3 ability slots sucks because changing abilities leaves you completely vulnerable and is awkward in the middle of a match. Why not use the d-pad to hold 4 more abilities? The game is multiplayer only which is a real shame since the abilities could've made some interesting levels and missions.

Graphics: 7/10
Pros: Magic effects look pretty cool and all the abilities are animated really well. Different character classes, weapons are easily identified. Levels look good. Visuals are decent.
Cons: No climbing animation! Characters just float up ladders! There is a total lack of variety/customization with the races...every RNA human looks the same, every Lineage dwarf looks the same, etc. with only 2 factions this seems ridiculous.

Sound/Music: 8/10
Pros: The training has good voicework, sound effects are very diverse (from magical zaps to machine guns spewing lead) and the music fits the mood of the gameplay and level.
Cons: Music is forgettable and the overall audio experience is on par with other titles.

Lasting Appeal: 5/10
Pros: There are a lot of nuances, weapons, abilities, and characters classes to experiment with and learn how to use. The combinations of abilities, weapons, and classes really affect how you play this unique first person shooter. Online multiplayer with up to 16 people on xbox and Vista is a first.
Cons: Only 9 maps, a handful of modes, multiplayer only, 8 or so abilities, techs, and weapons and 4 races is not worth $60. The gameplay online is tough to get into and there's a steep learning curve.

Average: 67.50%
Tilt: - 3.50%

A $60 pricetag for this game is pretty infuriating. You only get 9 maps and judging from the Xbox Marketplace 4-6 maps go for about $10...so let's say $20 for 9. $10 buys you a casual Xbox Live Arcade title so since this one has better graphics and all that, lets say $20. That leaves us with a $40 game, now subtract $5-10 for not taking the time to animate climbing or making more modes and you are left with a $30-$35 game. At that price, Shadowrun would be a fair deal and would make the experience enjoyable. At $60, this game is an entire rip-off...and while the game is not bad...it's price forces you to compare it with all the other $60 titles out there which feel like much more complete packages in comparison.

Verdict: 64%

Mad Tracks LIVE Arcade Review

Mad Tracks is an uber casual racing game. As a result, when you first pick up and play it...it's very satisfying, but all the variety and races are very forgettable, and after a couple weeks you probably won't be playing this title unless you have a couple friends over.

Gameplay: 7/10
Pros: Great variety of game modes, easy controls, make a decent little racer
Cons: Many minigames seem to require little to no skill and are easy to master. Not a lot of depth.

Graphics: 7/10
Pros: Decent 3D worlds, decent car models, pretty big levels for a 45Meg download.
Cons: Can't choose car color or model. The sense of being a small toy car isn't quite there...more could have been done with the concept (see Toy Commander, DC).

Sound/Music: 5/10
Pros: There are sound effects and music and they all work together to service the need.
Cons: The music and sounds are all very generic and bargain basement.

Lasting Appeal: 7/10
Pros: 4 player splitscreen, Quite a few different game modes, Online Multiplayer
Cons: Easy to get gold in single player (only 15 events), multiplayer kicks you out of a party after a game, so playing with friends is extra difficult, and game can be beaten in under a couple hours and forgotten.

Average: 65.00%
Tilt: +/- 0.00%

This game is great to purchase if you have 3 friends coming over who are not necessarily gamers. It's a lot of fun splitscreen. There's problems online which will prevent you from coming back and the 1 player experience is brief. The game plays pretty well and is pretty fun, it's just shallow and forgettable. It's your call but the game definitely could have used some more work, options, customization, track selection, car selection, etc. to really make it a recommendable experience.

Verdict: 65%

Joust Xbox Arcade Mini Review

Joust is the other free game that Microsoft provided me with. It is much better than Frogger, but maybe that's just because Joust is more action oriented. The fact remains that the game is a direct port of a twenty year old arcade game. Again, all the developers have done is slapped some achievements on this old game and addes a new menu and some Xbox Live functionality. Yes, Joust is a better game Frogger, but where's the classic mode, and an updated graphics mode. When xbox live arcade games can look like Cloning Clyde, Outpost Kaloki, or RoboBlitz (hello?) there's really no reason these older games shouldn't get a facelift. I'd be all for just porting old games to the arcade for free, but if you're going to make us pay for them add some features, and update them a little. Joust is better than Frogger...or maybe I'm just better at it. Still not worth your purchase.

Verdict: 50%

Titan Attacks PC Review

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Much like Puppy Games other title Ultratron, Titan Attacks is really just a remake of the more well known Arcade Game: Space Invaders. Like most retro remakes, this game suffers because ultimately it is based on a game you’ve already played over 2 decades ago. It has the edge in graphics, and the same tight gameplay as the original. It really just comes down to how much you enjoyed the original.

Gameplay: 6/10
Pros: Titan Attack offers some gun upgrades, and a couple other tweaks to the classic Space Invaders/Galaga formula.
Cons: It’s a lot easier than the original arcade game…I count that as a negative, but more casual gamers will probably be thankful. When you die…you start all over again! It’s a remake that doesn’t really take any risks from the original formula.

Graphics: 6.5/10
Pros: Much better than the original and an overall aesthetic and pleasing presentation
Cons: Not much animation or things to rave about. Decent and satisfying enough explosions, but the graphics are retro and not the focus.

Sound/Music: 7/10
Pros: Retro and sufficient. There’s something comforting about the old 80s arcade music
Cons: game suffers from “been there done that syndrome” this goes for the music/sound too.

Lasting Appeal: 5.5/10
Pros: There are 100 levels and some boss fights in there to break up the level structure. Some challenge stages, and the much appreciated online high scores.
Cons: The novelty of Space Invaders has worn off for me, and I don’t really care to play a game for a high score any longer. It got monotonous for me.

Average: 62.5%
Verdict: -3.50%

So back with the Ultratron review, I said Titan Attacks seemed better…at first the graphics/etc. do come off as stronger (it does have interesting backgrounds that differ level to level). Even though the scores aren’t exactly reflecting this, I think that’s still the case. It really just comes down to which old classic you like more: Space Invaders or Robotron. The thing that is really ridiculous about Titan Attacks is the price tag of $20. I believe the prices were recently increased and there’s really no basis for such an increase. That comes down to 20 cents a level. Find an old Space Invaders Arcade game or Galaga machine and put in a quarter…if you get past level 1, you’re getting a bargain over Titan Attacks.

Verdict: 59%

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Space Renegades: The Series PC Game Review

Space Renegades constitutes what I would call 1.5 games. The name is very similar to the title the game is based on and plays like: Space Invaders. If you've played Space Invaders you have a very good idea of how this game plays. The 1st game is really only 3 levels of Space Invaders with updated graphics. Space Renegades 1 is nice to have, but isn't anything new or really much of a game. Luckily, Space Renegades 2 is a much better game. It is sort of a combination of classic vertical shooters and space invaders. Your ship now has automatic fire and at the end of each stage you can buy some pretty cool upgrades. The graphics are significantly better as well. Space Renegades 1 is nice to have but ultimately most of my comments are geared towards the beefier Renegades 2.

Gameplay: 7/10
Pros: Controls are easy to pick up and use. Just absolutely retro with a couple new twists on the tried and true Space Invaders formula. If you grew up playing this arcade classis this game is a nice homage to the original.
Cons: I could've used some more upgrades and innovations.

Graphics: 6/10
Pros: The graphics are significantly upgraded and still have that retro feel. Renegades 1 is really bear bones graphics, but 2 offers some that are better. The presentation is also much better and the little story segments work well. The backgrounds in SR 2 have some really sweet scrolling effects and the boss ships are large and imposing.
Cons: There are almost no animations in this game....and while the original had zero animation at all...I think more animation really would have made the game pop. So while this definitely looks better than the old 80s arcade classic, it does not hold up in the graphics department to many other games or remakes.

Sound/Music: 5/10
Pros: Retro chords and beeps that are a definite upgrade from the original Space Invaders and that era of music. Laser blasts and explosions are pretty darn good.
Cons: Music can be repetitive and the overall sound just is not up to Indie Standards. If you like the retro sound/feel this works, but for scoring consistency, it's not fair to rate this any higher.

Lasting Appeal: 6/10
Pros: The 2nd game is pretty difficult and has a ton of levels and bosses to battle. 2 games for the price of 1. Two different characters to play. Good amount of power-ups to purchase.
Cons: The first game can be beaten very quickly and there aren't a lot of modes out there to be had.

Average: 60.00%
Tilt: +2.00%

This is a good remake of arcade classics like Galaga and Space Invaders. It is absolutely retro with classic gameplay. If that's your thing, you should definitely give the game a try or a purchase since the price tag is right at $8. It definitley fills an old-school void and if reviewed 5-10 years ago would fair exponentially better in the sound and graphics departments. It's really amazing how tight older games played. You can get the demo over at United Minds Games. Ultimately this game is a good value and if you enjoyed those old games, I'm sure you will enjoy this one.

Verdict: 62%

Small Arms XBOX LIVE ARCADE Review

Small Arms Review



This is one of the bigger disappointments of Videogames that I have faced in awhile. Not because this game is awful, but because if tweaked here and there, it could be great. Small Arms is a rip-off of Smash Bros...one of the best brawlers around, sadly it does just enough right to remind you of the heavenly Nintendo Series while making blunders along the way. It comes up short in just about every category as I will get into. On the bright side, the characters are quirky and deliciously wacky, the graphics are good, the sounds are good, but it all just doesn't come together in a great gameplay package...simply OK.

Gameplay: 5/10
Pros: Smash Brothers Like, frantic multiplayer brawls and platforming elements, Great LIVE battles
Cons: Several things are wrong with Small Arms Gameplay... First, the jumping is not there and it is too hard to save yourself from a fall. Second, melee attacks are pointless and you are better off running for a new gun then bothering to press the B button. Third, the one player game is cheap and short. The CPU is programmed to just team up on you and I beat the 1 player mode in about an hour. Some more maps and characters would really add to the value as well. Finally, there is no defense or I have yet to figure any out...there needs to be a way to shield yourself from attacks or block or something!

Graphics: 8/10
Pros: Character Designs are great and all the characters exude personality. Bullet and Gun effects look SWEET! Backgrounds are 3D or prerendered and look Nice.
Cons: Animations and Characters are sometimes lost in the gunfire and zooming, I would have also liked to see the put in some pseudo-3D effects and scaling. Example: Having a Coloseum or other type of Circular Level where the Action scrolls around you and you can see fighting in the distance etc (not sure how well I explained that...oh well).

Sound/Music: 8/10
Pros: Guns and character sounds are excellent and fit perfectly into the game's presentation
Cons: Bland Techno Music

Lasting Appeal: 5/10
Pros: If you like it, you'll have a blast online with the frantic battles and zany characters
Cons: Every Character has a unique weapon but every weapon can be picked up during a match so....the characters don't differ as much as they should. If you like Smash Bros. like I do (even though I suck) you'll just think of all the ways this game could've improved itself to live up to its inspiration. Short Single Player experience (almost nonexistent) and more levels and characters would have only helped.

Average: 65.00%
Tilt: - 5.00%

Small Arms isn't an awful game, it just leaves something to be desired. It could actually be drastically improved by a patch which extended guns battery life and extended the dash distance. As it stands now, it is worth a demo download to see if you like the gameplay mechanics. If you're having a party soon, it could warrant a purchase, but otherwise spend your xbox LIVE points on something better like Cloning Clyde or Marble Blast or even Street Fighter II if you really need a fighter.

Verdict: 60%

Mario Hoops 3 on 3 DS Review

Mario Hoops is hard to review. Nintendo and Square-Enix put so much production and money into the game, that it is very distracting when trying to review the game on its own merits. This game screams big-budget! It's the equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie...only it's a video game on Nintendo DS. When I first picked up Mario Hoops, played through the tutorial, and started playing I was blown away by the graphics, presentation and even the unique gameplay. It is very impressive in the first couple hours, but as I went on to the second tournament and then the third, I realized that this was the most ridiculously easy game I had ever played. I just lost my first match yesterday and am now being challenged in the Hard Mode Star cup...so the 7th tournament. It has made the game a little more interesting and a little more annoying. The controls, which I had no problems with in the early easy part of the game when I was just dunking nonstop on my competitors, have become problematic. I have tried passing several times to a player on a fast break and have instead jumped up for a mid-court jump-shot...very frustrating. At the same time, I like the increased defense of the computer controlled players. It should be noted that this is not a basketball game...well not really. Though you shoot, slamdunk and dribble, the game is basically a scramble to ? blocks to rack up coins before you attempt to score and put these coins in your bank. It doesn't feel like a basketball game because the strategy is not about protecting the hoop, since letting a character dunk on you only nets 20 pts., but instead about chasing aroudn ? blocks for items and to prevent the offensive player from collecting coins to add to his potential basket (20 pt. dunk + 100 coins = 120 pts!). It's different, and while I was playing the super easy tournaments I was yearning for the ability to have my brother and friends join in for some multiplayer, which I am sure would be a ton of fun. No Nintendo wifi connection! It's a glaring issue and I can't believe that the developers didn't offer this feature. They poor salts in our wounds too, since you don't have any hoops download play only lame mini-games. They really should've delayed the game to include wifi online play like they did for Metroid Prime Hunters...it would have added a lot of value and fun to the game. That pretty much sums up the game...while fun and amazingly well produced, Mario Hoops lack the extra shine and features that would've made it really great and would've forgiven it for its control and other small gameplay issues. With only local multiplayer and a limited 1player experience, this game's flaws become less forgivable and more frustrating.

Gameplay: 7/10
Pros: Unique take on basketball, the control and placement of dribbling the ball is really cool, multiplayer would be a blast
Cons: The control for passing/shooting can be frustrating, the first 5 tournaments are ludicrously easy

Graphics: 10/10
Pros: Best 3D graphics on DS hands down
Cons: ?

Sound: 9/10
Pros: Clear quality voicework, amazing sounds, catchy theme song
Cons: Each charater only says a couple things and it can get very repetitive

Lasting Appeal: 5/10
Pros: Mini-games included, multiple tournaments, multiplayer game is fun
Cons: Limited multiplayer support, mini-games are lame, single player is too easy and the only incentive to keep playing is becuase you want to unlock new characters and can't play with a friend or online

Average: 77.5%
Tilt (+/-): - 7.5% I
t is just inexcusable that some of the features weren't included in this game, it only makes it worse that the game has such high production values. All the more reason to take the time and spend the money.

Verdict: 70%