PLAYSTATION 3 (RETAIL) (21)
This black giant, the most technologically advanced console on the market, was officially announced at E3 2005, and launched in Japan on November 11th, 2006. The PlayStation 3 has fallen victim to a lot of controversy lately, largely surrounding the infamous security breach in April 2011, which prevented users from logging on to the PlayStation Network for a whole month, and compromised their personal information. Still, due to many great, exclusive games, and Sony's apparent respect for consumers, the PlayStation 3 has remained the best and most reliable console of today's market. I got my unit in August 2008 (I ordered it back in May or June, though - the release of Metal Gear Solid 4 did wonders to its sales...).
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00926
Downloadable content: Catwoman Bundle Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, Nightwing Bundle Pack
Comments: A sequel to the greatest comic book license of all time turned out even better than its predecessor, it's just not fit to be called one of the greatest games in history in my opinion. Got this one a few months back from GameStop, bundled with the codes for the Catwoman and Robin DLC packs, and a few posters.
VGMania Rating: 9.2 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00562
Downloadable content: Tears of Hextadon, Hammer of Infinite Fate
Comments: Oh hell, scratch what I said about Resident Evil 2; I have never anticipated a game quite like I burned for Brütal Legend. Considering the people behind the game, the soundtrack and the world it's set in, this game could've become one of the greatest ever made. Instead, it turned out an incomplete hybrid of an action game and a real-time strategy game. Good, but definitely not great. Still, it's a cult game every metal fan simply must own. Got this one on pre-order from GameStop, with Tenacious D's "Love Giver" guitar finish as the bonus.
VGMania Rating: 7.4 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BCES-00099
Downloadable content: Sci-Fi Quiz Pack, National Geographic: Safari Quiz Pack, Video Games Quiz Pack, Horror Quiz Pack, Comedy Quiz Pack
Comments: I'm a huge quiz buff and my personal PlayStation game collection wouldn't be complete without at least one Buzz! game. Buzz! Quiz TV ain't the best of 'em, I've just been too lazy to buy the later editions. It's repetitive and most of the different segments of the multiplayer game are based on rather luck and speed than knowledge. My sister bought me the game as a present for my 24th birthday; the game was released in Europe on that exact date, July 4th, 2008.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00308
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Little bit of a frustrating bloody stroll in space, but without question, a true revival of real survival horror, and a game that will be remembered for years to come as one of the most morbid gaming experiences ever. My sister refused to buy me this game and bought me LittleBigPlanet instead when both games were new, but I got it myself a long while later for €9.90 from GameStop - a brand new copy at that. A great deal, even if I had already beaten the game twice.
VGMania Rating: 8.8 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00699
Downloadable content: Warden's Keep, The Stone Prisoner, Return to Ostagar, Dragon Age: Origins - The Awakening, The Darkspawn Chronicles, Leliana's Song, The Golems of Amgarrak, Witch Hunt
Comments: The one game that pretty much destroyed my real life for more than six months when it was originally released, and a few random months after that time. A fantastic PC epic, translated to a less fantastic, yet just as epic console RPG. Despite the kind of low rating, I consider the mere concept of Dragon Age: Origins one of my favourite role-playing games of all time. I got the game after my best friend managed to force me to watch him play it for a while. I left his house and swung by GameStop, where the game was on New Year's sale.
VGMania Rating: 8.7 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-01084
Downloadable content: The Black Emporium, The Exiled Prince, The Legacy, Mark of the Assassin
Comments: The sequel which didn't get much love from Dragon Age fans, but sold well, even outside "the box" due to good promotion. I personally like the game, despite of the amazing repetition and the very little candle it holds to the first game. I got this one used, but you wouldn't believe that by looking at the mint copy. It's in perfect condition, and the previous owner had forgotten to use his free promotional code for The Black Emporium. He/she either forgot, or didn't give a shit. Or didn't even notice there was a coupon tucked behind the manual. I always check those first.
VGMania Rating: 8.2 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00737
Downloadable content: -
Comments: One of this generation's most debated games, an immense and immersive open-world action RPG, cut down to a budget price and littered with extra content previously released as expensive DLC. Even though I had done everything in the original Fallout 3 retail, I promised long ago to get this version of the game anyway, and I finally did it the same time I got Batman: Arkham City.
VGMania Rating: 9.1 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00901
Downloadable content: Dead Money
Comments: More of the same - to the point that some people still believe it to be an expansion pack instead of a full blown, stand-alone Fallout game. It was one of the most hyped games of 2010, and I think the hype ultimately worked against it. It's a bit dull, frustrating and confusing, and very glitchy, even moreso than its predecessor. Still, it's a good game, and anyone even slightly into the previous game will at least like it. A friendly couple bought me a €50 gift token to a local video game store as a housewarming present, and I used it on a used copy of Fallout: New Vegas, which cost exactly €49.90.
VGMania Rating: 8.5 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00783
Downloadable content: -
Comments: THE disappointment of all ages. To think that I was actually on the game's side through all the hype, while my friend had no positive expectations at all. I hated the game, he thought I was being too harsh on it. I'm getting back to Final Fantasy XIII, I certainly am - I'm trying to dig out the bright spots out of what is pretty much a piece of shit in comparison to all the great games that have carried the franchise name. I got this one on pre-order from Åland Islands; delivery was faster and cheaper, and I was ready to end my real life for the next couple of months due to this game. I was able to go shopping for groceries in a mere two days.
VGMania Rating: 6.6 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00229
Downloadable content: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Comments: When I first saw posters and stands related to Grand Theft Auto IV in just about every local shop even slightly specialized in video game sales, and copies practically selling themselves, I thought to myself that maybe it's time for me to buy a new console. I was already pretty sure that new console was going to be the PlayStation 3; it was Metal Gear Solid 4 that made the final difference. So, I got the Grand Theft Auto IV bundle of the PlayStation 3 and it certainly did not disappoint; the game is exactly what I expected it to be, which is a brilliant, visually marvellous successor to both Vice City and San Andreas. Even though it was my first PS3 game, I still play it periodically, mostly to nail the last single player Trophy I'm missing, and to conquer the DLC, of which The Ballad of Gay Tony is yet to be reviewed.
VGMania Rating: 9.5 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00479
Downloadable content: Death Magnetic
Comments: A Guitar Hero based on the works of the most popular and most influential metal band in the world, and covered with over 20 hand-picked songs from their hand-picked artists. How could this game fail? There's no way, as long as the game lasts in use, which is naturally, and unfortunately, not too long. Went out and bought this one the day it was released.
VGMania Rating: 8.1 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00576
Downloadable content: Death Magnetic, misc. singles and track packs
Comments: Everything else is on the mark, except for the tracklist, which is filled to the brim with overtly commercial music that would've never been taken into remote consideration back in the franchise's beginnings. Went out and got it on the release date, as well.
VGMania Rating: 8.5 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00801
Downloadable content: Death Magnetic, misc. singles and track packs
Comments: I just read my review on the game and I came up with the perfect sentence to describe the whole experience. Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is, simply put, a better version of Guitar Hero 5. I wasn't supposed to buy this game, but boredom, a sudden urge to round out the collection and an extra €50 in my pocket formed a trifecta which prompted me to pick it up.
VGMania Rating: 8.6 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BCES-00609
Downloadable content: -
Comments: I have talked about reviewing this game for ages - about as long as VGMania has existed - but I still haven't found the time to take inFamous for another spin. It's a great sandbox action game, and a great Sony exclusive, but it lacks a certain edge in both terms. The story behind this one is a bit strange; I went to a bar with my ex (she already was my ex at that time) and somehow we ended up in a video game store that was selling inFamous, 50% off. She actually paid the game for me, as some sort of a late present for some occasion.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BCES-00141
Downloadable content: Metal Gear Solid Level Kit, Pirates of the Caribbean Level Kit
Comments: Media Molecule created a low-budget platformer with the most simple gameplay you could possibly imagine in a modern game, gave players the most advanced level editor ever seen in a console game, and ended up with one of the greatest games in history, one that simply never ends. My sister got me this game for Christmas in 2008. Although I was kinda disappointed at first since I had already played the game and was kinda expecting to get Dead Space in its stead, ultimately this was the perfect gift, since it quickly became my favourite game on the PlayStation 3... and remained that, right up until the release of its sequel.
VGMania Rating: 9.4 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BCES-00850/S [LIMITED EDITION COLLECTOR'S BOX]
Downloadable content: -
Comments: The same as LittleBigPlanet, only better. The new level editor removes all boundaries, including the freakin' genre of your level; the community is filled with some amazing works by some stalwart level creators. I infamously pre-ordered the Collector's Edition because of the extras that were supposed to come with it, but ended up with a simple (yet stylish) metal box that included the game Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves (just like every standard copy), seven different costumes for Sackboy, and five PSN avatars. A rip-off, yes, but luckily the game itself was worth it. My favourite game on the PS3 thus far.
VGMania Rating: 9.6 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00246
Downloadable content: -
Comments: A legendary soldier. A final mission. The ultimate sacrifice. The ad blurb on the back cover says it everything. The last chapter in the story of Solid Snake ain't nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. It might be a little unsatisfying in terms of how much the game has actual gameplay, but every true Metal Gear fan fails to give a shit. I bought this game with the PlayStation 3, after all it was the sole reason I wanted the PlayStation 3.
VGMania Rating: 9.6 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00680
Downloadable content: Outlaws to the End, Legends and Killers, Liars and Cheats, Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, Myths and Mavericks
Comments: Rockstar's attempt to create "Grand Theft Horse" didn't just succeed; many people consider Red Dead Redemption the finest game Rockstar has ever made, which isn't far from the unadulterated truth. The legend of John Marston is perhaps the greatest story ever told in a video game, and even while I've finished the game to 100%, I still get periodical urges to get back in the saddle. I was very skeptical towards this game, but I bought it after reading a few reviews that landed the game a full 10, and after getting a very generous donation of money. I think the game was less than a week old back then.
VGMania Rating: 9.5 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00485
Downloadable content: Lost in Nightmares, Desperate Escape
Comments: An excellent ending to the classic Resident Evil story, but the single-player campaign is full of holes, the biggest and most notable of them being in your A.I. partner's digital brain. One of the greatest co-op games ever made, there's no doubt about that. I got this one on the morning of its release.
VGMania Rating: 8.9 / 10
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BCES-00065
Downloadable content: -
Comments: This game was supposed to be the first true reason for anyone to cough up their hard-earned wages on the PS3... and that's exactly what it was, but it went a bit unnoticed until the release of its first sequel, which had better promotion on its side. Uncharted was a bombastic, visually stunning action game, that was stripped of all modern unnecessities - a very accessible game for inexperienced players, and just as much of a thrill ride for avid ones. I was hell bent on getting some new game, and I saw a used copy of this one at the local GameStop for about €25; I had no idea what the game was all about, I just knew the name. I checked out a few reviews, and I was convinced enough to buy the game, but I didn't expect that it would turn out one of my favourite action games of all time.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Blu-Ray | PAL | BLES-00651
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Regardless of how good or bad it would turn out, I knew it was going to be my last wrestling game, and that promise has held up very solid. It's a very good game, but not only have I given up on modern professional wrestling altogether, I've also given up on witnessing any true development in the video game genre. The game isn't much of a step forward from the previous titles, but a great game nonetheless. I bought it as a Christmas present for myself back in 2009, and platted it in just a few days.
VGMania Rating: 8.4 / 10
PLAYSTATION 3 (PSN) (22)
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: As you know, I have a thing for pirates, but not much love for real-time strategy. I haven't even tried the game yet, so I can't share any real opinions on it yet. I got the game for free alongside many others; me and my friend both have PSN accounts on each other's consoles, which means he gets the games I download, for free, and vice versa.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Although it's hard for me to admit it, I'm hooked on arcade shoot 'em ups. Haven't tried Astro Tripper yet, though. It's another game I got for free via my friend's linked account. He said the game sucks ass, but couldn't explain why, so I guess I'll have to see for myself when I find the time.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: A simple, but incredibly addictive puzzle game, one of the best. Got this one for free via the linked account, as well.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: Deluxe Pack
Comments: More like Nerve Challenge; the game that taught me Gameloft was evil. Still didn't heed the warnings though, as I went and downloaded one more Gameloft game for bad measure. This game has nothing to do with intelligence as it should, instead it has all to do with inhuman reaction speed. Fun on low levels, gets impossible real quick. The "Deluxe Pack" or whatever it's really called only made things worse. I love brainteasers, so I got it right when it was released, and was immensely disappointed.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: Professional Pack
Comments: A very good and innovative puzzle game, which just ends way too fast, and there's pretty much just one way to conquer each level. I had a good feeling about this game and I wanted to download some new time-killing tool, so I got it right after its release.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: The game's concept is simply ridiculous, but it works like a beautiful charm. It can't be explained, it has to be experienced. I downloaded the game just for fun when it was on its first anniversary sale back in January 2010, for only the €2.95 I just happened to have in my virtual wallet. Would've never believed to get this much bang for that little buck.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: In this "game's" case, I'll just save it all for the review. It's not going to be an easy read to anyone who appreciated it, I can tell you that much. I got it for the cheap price and the incredibly easy Trophies.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: I've never really comprehended the supposed greatness of Mahjong. The traditional Chinese stories in the game are quite good and well illustrated, and I think it's a great idea to have the player unlock more chapters in the tales by doing well in the game. This is yet another game I got via the linked account.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: A simply unforgiving throwback to the golden days of the 8-bit, when production values were secondary to incredible difficulty. Mega Man 9 is like a direct sequel to 1988's Mega Man 2, in better and worse. Undoubtedly a masterpiece to any true, die-hard Mega Man fan. Got the game as a serious sign of respect for Capcom for making a whole new 8-bit platformer in the year 2008.
VGMania Rating: 7.5 / 10
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Mega Man 9 was bound to have a sequel. I think they'd better stop here and consider making a new Mega Man X game, I'm guessing that one would kill. The game's just as good as Mega Man 9, and it has Trophies. I couldn't help buying this one immediately after its release.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: One of my favourite games in all of history, remade - complete with voice acting and HD graphics. What's even better, it has almost as much impact as the original. Not going to go over the million reasons why I downloaded this game immediately after its release. The best game the PlayStation Network has to offer - kind of an unfair statement towards all the originals, but unfair is what I am.
VGMania Rating: 9.0 / 10
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: The best version of the best arcade game ever, also one of the PlayStation Network's finest downloadable games. Got it by "pure accident", though - I couldn't really afford it, but I was pretty drunk and had the uncontrollable, inexplicable urge to play Pac-Man.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: Abusement Park, Movie Lot, Sore Spots, The PAIN Museum
Comments: One word, and that's "mayhem". This game used to be so much fun, 'cause I simply love destruction, inflicting pain to virtual characters and slapstick humour. It was the first PSN game I ever downloaded. Every slight bit of interest I had in the game waned a long time ago, but it remains to be seen if I'm able to find the spark again when I take this game up for a review.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: PixelJunk Monsters Encore
Comments: A weird real-time strategy game. I like its visual style, but once again, I'm less intrigued by the gameplay. The game was another freebie.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: It's an acclaimed installment in a franchise considered one of Sony's best exclusives, and it was made by the same people who brought us Spyro the Dragon, so I'm intrigued by the game - I've not had a chance to test it, though. I got this one for free from the Welcome Back program; later, I found out that it was the only game included in the program that doesn't have Trophy support.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: A somewhat clumsy version of perhaps THE most important point 'n' click game of all time, but due to the voiceover work and nice, unique graphics, one worth a try. I originally had the game on my PC, but I downloaded it for the PS3 due to my preference of consoles, not really noting how point 'n' click games are at their best on the PC at that point. Besides, it had Trophies. Monkey Island with Trophies, I'm in.
VGMania Rating: 8.7 / 10
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: It's Finnish, an arcade shooter and praised to high heaven by critics. I don't quite see what's so great about it, but perhaps I'll learn. Super Stardust HD is - for now - the last game I've leeched from my friend's account.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: The fifth game in the series, blessed (and ultimately published) by LucasArts, and split into five chapters like most of Telltale's titles. To me, the necessity of Monkey Island sequels ended in the magnificent third game of the series. Some chapters of Tales are good throughout, but some of the jokes are kind of old - or just bad - and the puzzles are ridiculous. It's a good trip, all in all, but not an essential Monkey Island game. I just had to get it, though, due to my obsession with the franchise.
VGMania Rating: 7.7 / 10
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: Level 16
Comments: Finnish quality at its very finest, an ingenious hybrid of a puzzle game and a platformer. Too easy, though - I got my very first Platinum Trophy from this game, in just two days. Two of my friends recommended the game to me, and I had much fun with it as long as the fun lasted. I can't wait to review it, since a review would give me one good reason to go at it again.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: At this time, I will only comment on this game with a statement that Gameloft are such a crappy company they can't even do a simple game like UNO right. The game's based on an earlier, better virtual adaptation of UNO, made by the way more talented Carbonated Games, but released on other platforms than the PS3. I downloaded this game 'cause UNO is perhaps my favourite "electrical failure" game of all time, and I simply thought that it couldn't possibly be botched by anyone, not even Gameloft - this generation's LJN.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: WipEout HD Fury
Comments: Perhaps my favourite racing game of all time. It's full of adrenaline, excitement, good modes and it's customizable with your very own soundtrack originating from the music files on your PlayStation 3 hard drive. There are not many bigger racing experiences than to shoot down your rivals and go for the finish line at hyperspeed while Judas Priest's "Painkiller" or Slayer's "Altar of Sacrifice" blasts in the background. I originally downloaded the game from PlayStation Plus, and played it regularly up until my subscription expired. I got the full game and the Fury expansion pack for free from the Welcome Back campaign set up after the PSN security breach in April 2011.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Somewhat of a remake of the original game, revamped with the graphical standards set by Worms 2. Worms is a classic game that cannot be done wrong, but I think this version could've packed a little more than it did. A Worms marathon has been a long time coming, since Worms is one of my favourite computer games of all time, so I think I'll save the rest for an actual review. This was a mandatory download, but it didn't really impress me enough so that I would've downloaded the sequel as well.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: Street Fighter II Tribute Table
Comments: Video pinball, as physical and real as you can get, in better and worse - that's enough for now, but I can safely say that if you're a pinball buff, ZEN Pinball is definitely a game for you. I used to be one, so I got it without any hesitation.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
XBOX 360 (RETAIL) (2)
While its big brother was always the odd console out, the Xbox 360 quickly became one of the most popular video game consoles in history. It launched in the U.S. on November 16th, 2005, almost an exact year prior to the PlayStation 3, and it still stays strong despite the inferiority of its technical specs, less exclusive games, and Microsoft's tendency to charge the users for just about everything - including simple storage space. I got the Xbox 360 earlier this month.
Notes: DVD | PAL
Downloadable content: -
Comments: A massive open-world fantasy RPG still waiting for my final judgement. I've never been a huge Elder Scrolls fan, but I'm hoping an extended session in the world of Oblivion will change that. I bought the game from a friend, for €6.50.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
Notes: DVD | PAL
Downloadable content: -
Comments: One of the biggest surprises ever. I thought Mass Effect was all hype, but when I first played Dragon Age: Origins, I was convinced to give Mass Effect a go and found one of the best RPG's of all time, and one of the best games of all time in its sequel. I also bought this game from a friend, for €6.50.
VGMania Rating: 9.0 / 10
XBOX 360 (LIVE ARCADE) (1)
Notes: Digital
Downloadable content: -
Comments: Another simple puzzle game created by the god of puzzle games, Alexey Pajitnov; not as fun as Tetris, though. Not even as fun as Bejeweled. This game was installed on my Xbox 360 when I got it.
VGMania Rating: [TBR 2012]
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