The last week has been one hell of a rollercoaster for me. Haven't had much time to play or write, but now things look a bit more settled and I'll be getting back to business soon enough. My game collection keeps growing almost every day - I've been scooping up arcade classics from the Xbox LIVE Arcade, and my best friend has promised to stop by later today and leave a bunch of games for me to analyze and measure for the purpose of eventual purchase. I even broke my principle of getting games of a certain franchise for a certain platform - for example, I'm getting Skyrim for the Xbox 360 because I have Oblivion on the Xbox 360 - by purchasing Trine 2 for the Xbox 360 instead of the PlayStation 3, on which I have the first game. I've been waiting for the game a long time, and the PlayStation 3 version's European release date is still not out in the open. I got tired of waiting.
So, you probably already know what's coming next, and that's the logical choice of a Mass Effect 2 DLC Guide. I'm about halfway through it. There's maybe one more "DLC Guide" coming before I move on to "real" reviews, the first ones of the year and the first ones altogether since the massive Fallout 3 review last month. My decision still stands, I have a perfect vision of what I'll be reviewing first. Other reviews which you'll be seeing in the next six months relate to my video game collection, as it was by the end of last year, as I also promised before. Mass Effect 3 will be thoroughly reviewed in March, or April, if the game turns out surprisingly lengthy - I'm pretty sure BioWare won't break the 40-hour tradition, though. Anyway, let it be known right now that I'll review that game as close to its release date as possible.
Some apparently misinterpreted one of my previous entries - I said that I won't do any lengthy marathons this year, I've put a ban on them for now, but that doesn't mean I won't take on single franchises just as always. It just means, for example, that there'll be no Warner marathon (which I've been asked about ever since the Disney marathon), or anything that resembles a Monster Mash - however, Halloween's different. On Halloween week, I'll probably take on yet another Mini-Mash, but that's still a long way off. The subject of the next few games will be a franchise, a quite huge one at that, and I have a few franchises in mind that I'd be glad to take on in the coming months.
Also, taking care of loose ends will continue at some point, perhaps sooner than I myself think. There are still plenty of franchises just waiting for closure; Mega Man has been in line the longest. We'll just have to see when I'll find the time to shift back to retro. From more recent games, Assassin's Creed: Revelations is certainly going to be reviewed as soon as possible. A review of the game was supposed to coincide with my first "anniversary" with the Assassin's Creed series, but I still haven't gotten my hands on it. That's quite OK, since I probably wouldn't have found the time to play it anyway.
For now, those who are interested, stick around for the Mass Effect 2 DLC Guide, which is going to be the biggest DLC Guide thus far. If my calculations are correct, I should be done with it before the end of the week.
The Mass Effect trilogy is once again the hottest topic of the day, not just in this blog but the whole video game scene. The third and final chapter in the story of Commander Shepard, perhaps the greatest character in video game history, is just around the corner, and I'm guessing that some people have replayed, or begun to replay the first two games as a reminder of the events thus far, or to fix their earlier mistakes. That's what I've done, although I did not mean for my original Shepard to get lost in cyberspace; the dumb policies for being able to import a save file prevented - or rather will prevent - me from importing my very first Shepard to Mass Effect 3, so now I have a new one. A better one. A Shepard 2.0, so to speak, or 3.0, if his resurrection in the beginning of Mass Effect 2 is taken into account. I'm hoping that by the end of Mass Effect 2, my whole crew will be very much alive and that Ashley Williams and I would have some unfinished business in the game of love. That would lay out the perfect grounds for my personal game of Mass Effect 3. If I had started Mass Effect 3 with my old Shepard, I'd have missed the events in the Arrival DLC, forgotten most events leading up to the game altogether, half my crew would've been dead, my Shepard would always have been remembered as a reckless retard who botched the suicide mission in the end of Mass Effect 2, and I would probably have a smurf kid to pay maintenance for (I'm pretty sure Shepard will be a dad/mom in Mass Effect 3, IF he/she slept with Liara).
This review/guide was originally about the DLC for both games that have been released thus far. However, there are many reasons things can't go down that way. First of all, it'll still take me hours to punch through the first game, I can't keep the review in wraps as long as it takes me to beat both games, and the DLC. That's bad for business. Secondly, I can't even afford all the DLC for Mass Effect 2 I'm still missing - and which I'm totally pumped up about - that won't be until Wednesday. The DLC for Mass Effect 2 costs way more Microsoft Points than the DLC for the first game. ...Didn't know there even was DLC for Mass Effect? I don't blame you, since that seems to be somewhat of a general misunderstanding among the Mass Effect fanbase. One of my friends just got into Mass Effect, and he was sure there was none, that was OK, but then along came my best friend, who's been into Mass Effect from the very beginning, he actually introduced me to Mass Effect, and even he didn't know there's DLC for the game! All the more reason for me to be a beacon of enlightenment.
This is more like a traditional review than the guide I made for the downloadable content of both Dragon Age games, but I couldn't come up with a better name for it than the "Mass Effect DLC Guide". Neither one of the add-on packs is big enough for a review of its own, since they're essentially additional side missions for the game itself instead of in-depth continuations of the story. They are not even filling any actual gaps, so what can be said about both packs is that neither one is essential in the build-up of the outspoken "full Mass Effect experience". Not like at the very least Arrival or Kasumi for Mass Effect 2. So, you aren't forced to buy them. Whether you see that as a good or a bad thing is totally up to you. Are they good at all? Well, Bring Down the Sky costs a mere 80 Microsoft Points - that's measly, considering Microbuck$ owns this game - and Pinnacle Station costs 400, so you might say that it really doesn't matter to a consumer if they're good or not. 95% of LIVE members always keep that much in their virtual pockets. Of course it matters to a true player, though, so let's get started. First, let's...
The batarians are up to no good.
BRING DOWN THE SKY Released: March 2008 Cost: Free (PC), 80 Microsoft Points (Xbox 360)
A group of batarian terrorists has hijacked an asteroid in the uncharted Asgard system and set it on a collision course with Terra Nova, a nearby planet colonized by millions of humans. With the help of his crew and the few Terra Nova natives stationed on the asteroid, Shepard attempts to stop the rock dead on its tracks.
Bring Down the Sky is like any story mission in the original Mass Effect. The main difference is that it makes no changes to the big picture; beating it does not concretely change anything. Completing the mission takes a little over an hour on mid-levels (25-30). Even then, the only thing that takes time is the extensive dialogue. Bring Down the Sky is a damn easy mission; the only way you're going to get any challenge out of this add-on is to take it on as soon as you leave the Citadel for the first time.
Being easy does not mean being bad. I find Bring Down the Sky's Armageddon-ish story extremely interesting, because it introduces batarians, an alien race that was only mentioned in codexes and conversations during the original Mass Effect - they didn't join the retail fold before Mass Effect 2. Also, it's a refreshing sidestep from the awesomely repetitive side missions in the original game. Even though it's somewhat repetitive in itself, it's different from everything you've had to do so far in the game. Also, completing it, regardless of your Shepard's Paragon/Renegade alignment, results in the discovery of some good equipment, always welcome EXP harvest, and even an Achievement for your troubles. Considering that the add-on's price stands at 80 MS Points, which is something like 50 cents, Bring Down the Sky is a keeper.
RATING : 8.5
Looking to kick some ass in the style of Mass Effect? That's 400 Points well spent, then.
PINNACLE STATION Released: August 2009 Cost: 400 BioWare Points (PC), 400 Microsoft Points (Xbox 360)
An Alliance Admiral named Ahern issues Shepard an invitation to take a tour on a remote, top-secret station dedicated to training perfect soldiers by ways of combat simulation.
Pinnacle Station has assignments like any other mission you could imagine to take on in Mass Effect, but the truth is that it is rather a minigame above everything else. Enjoy shooting people? Do you consider it a sport? Are you more into scoring high in combat than an immersive story? Then, you can ditch Mass Effect and fulfill yourself with what Pinnacle Station has to offer.
It really doesn't work for me. Before I found out what Pinnacle Station was all about and before I tried it, I couldn't even imagine Mass Effect in a "capture the flag", "time trial" or "fight for survival" setting. It just isn't that kind of game, the combat is not nearly as refined or essential as it is in Mass Effect 2 and the upcoming 3. I could easily imagine those games having combat-based minigames like Pinnacle Station.
I have to be unbiased, though. Personally, I'm very disappointed with Pinnacle Station and I deeply regret sinking 400 Points into it, but I know there are a lot of people to whom Pinnacle Station is exactly what Mass Effect needed. It's also true that even I might find it entertaining once I've beaten the game and done everything else in it - it gives the game meaningless, yet cool post-story content to kill time with. The biggest draw here is the incredible difficulty to beat all of Pinnacle Station's challenges to the hilt - even if you have a Level 60 squad, the final scenarios are known to potentially kick your ass from the Voyager to the Citadel. Keep trying - there are three Achievements to be gained from this here bundle of murder.
It cost too much, that's its greatest flaw. I think such a minigame should've been part of the game all along, and not suddenly pop out of nowhere almost two years after the game's release, and just five months before the release of the sequel. I also think that it would've been best to save it for the sequel, since its combat mechanics are so damn much better, but I guess BioWare had enough DLC lined up for Mass Effect 2 already. Good entertainment for anyone into this sort of thing, my love for Mass Effect comes from somewhere else.
At this exact time last year, I was practically soiling myself over the Collector's Edition of LittleBigPlanet 2, encased in a fancy metal box. Also, at the exact time this year, I was unceremoniously told that the mentioned metal box was the only thing truly fancy about the EUROPEAN version of the Collector's Edition. We ignorant Europeans who pre-ordered the Collector's Edition paid for the game just as much as everyone else, who got a whole lot more for their money and trouble, including the Sackboy doll. Yeah, I'm still beefed about that one. I had a space all cleaned and ready for him on my game shelf, God damn it. Then they tell me I'm not going to get the doll OR the stylish LittleBigPlanet bookends, but I still have to pay €80 for the game? All I get is a bunch of avatars and costumes which I will most likely not use? Fuck you, Media Molecule!
But in turn, the gods of gaming bless BioWare. More details on the N7 Collector's Edition of Mass Effect 3 have officially emerged. Since that whole thing with LittleBigPlanet 2, I swore an oath to myself that I would never buy a Collector's Edition of any single game again - except, of course, the game's name happens to be The Long Overdue Remake of Final Fantasy VII. What's the use, really? I like collectors' game memorabilia, as long as it's concrete and not just some random virtual junk like LittleBigPlanet 2's PSN avatars, which you might lose forever due to a simple mishap like hardware corruption. I don't like paying my ass sore for a game I could get a lot cheaper as a standard edition before knowing at a complete certainty that the game is truly going to be one of the centerpieces of my collection, and also look like one. In the case of Mass Effect 3, I completely forgot my oath. GameStop's own pamphlet, found from a local GameStop, described the contents of the N7 Collector's Edition - it's way too late for them to back down on their words. So, I took the risk, and pre-ordered the game - I'm not even sure of its ultimate price. I know it's somewhere between €80 to €100, luckily I've already paid the €10 Collector's fee. IGN's latest report on the game says the Collector's Edition is sold for $79.99 at American GameStops, which sounds pretty fair and applicable to me. It doesn't really matter what it costs with all that has been promised, or even shown of the Collector's Edition of a game that will most likely be this year's finest. I think the following will pay me back. First, let's watch the official trailer of Mass Effect 3 - N7 Collector's Edition. (While you're watching, think how many Collector's Editions get their own promotional trailers quite this epic.)
OK, so let's break the video down. First of all, regardless of the platform you're playing Mass Effect 3 on, the game comes in a black, probably matte metal box, which features commemmorative artwork of both the classic default male Shepard that's been around since the first game, as well as his female counterpart, who now appears for the first and last time, and whose appearance was voted by a host of Mass Effect fans.
The art book that comes with the box has often been confused and mistaken for the comic book, but as this video explains, it's actually a 70-page, hardcover book on original concept art for the game. I'm not so ecstatic about it, but it will probably be a fun read and I know a certain friend of mine, who's into visual design in video games more than most people, will most likely appreciate it. Perhaps I could give the book to him as a present, since he doesn't care for Mass Effect enough to get a Collector's Edition of the game, and it's his birthday soon enough... or, I could be all Eric Cartman about it and keep it for myself just to fuck with him for no apparent reason.
"Exclusive Bonus Squad Appearances" sounds shady - if someone just said that to me, I would probably just assume that the playability of Ash or Kaidan, Liara and the new character of James Vega would be somewhat limited in the standard edition. But, as always, I tend to think too complicated and grandeur - of course it means alternative attires for the four characters. I've been poisoned by thoughts of Collector's Editions of games being whole new worlds in comparison to the standards. As a sidenote, Ash is hotter than ever. That's hot. I just wish she'd still be alive in my primary universe. I never even bedded the girl. Makes me think I should start my main Shepard's career anew.
There are those people who are most crazy about exclusive practical content for games, such as weapons. We get those, too - four weapons collectively known as "Exclusive N7 Weaponry": the Crusader shotgun, the Eagle pistol, the Hurricane submachine gun and the Valiant sniper rifle.
A lithographic print of the Normandy, now we're talking memorabilia for my taste. A 4"x6" print? Uhh... that's like 10x15 cm. Isn't that a little... small? I was expecting a gigantic poster that would make my whole apartment look like the final, ominous view from the window of a geth cruiser, but I guess I can't have it all. I take it that the N7 fabric patch ain't much smaller than the lithograph. This one will most definitely get planted on the sleeve of my ski jacket. The weather out here is so warm (for wintertime) that every time I go out wearing this jacket, it feels like I'm equipped with heavy armor, so it fits.
Normally, I wouldn't give a rat's ass about a modern video game soundtrack in itself, especially not one of an RPG, but Clint Mansell's doing this game. Clint fuckin' Mansell. "Lux Aeterna"? "Summer Overture"? Ring any bells? I'm not a big fan of ambient music, which is the choice genre for plenty of RPG's these days, but Mansell's in his own epic league, and I'm guessing he was brought along to outdo Jack Wall's work on the first two games, which was already phenomenal, standout stuff. So, the N7 comes with a digital soundtrack of Mass Effect 3. If the soundtrack turns out great - I'm sure it does, just listen to the trailer when that "digital soundtrack" bit with the remixed Mass Effect theme hits! - I can't wait for morning shifts with it playing in my headphones.
A copy of the comic book Mass Effect: Invasion, graced with exclusive cover art comes along, but what I am still a bit confused of, is whether it's going to be the whole four-issue series, or some sort of a special edition of the first issue. Probably the latter. Anyway, I think I'm going to enjoy it - usually, I don't take expanded universes too seriously, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate fiction outside the usual box, as long as it's done well. Invasion was written by BioWare writer Mac Walters, who's also been one of the writers of Mass Effect all along, so its quality should probably not be questioned.
The trailer's made with Xbox 360 players in mind, so I'm not quite sure what BioWare has in store for the PC and PS3 when it comes to system-specific bonuses. I bought the game for the 360, so I'm getting Mass Effect 3 props for my avatar, which I'll certainly be taking advantage of to fuck with my friends on LIVE. I'm guessing at least the PS3's going to get a bunch of avatars and desktop themes.
The rest of the N7 content will most probably be made available as downloadable content a bit later - what's most important is that we get it while it's hot. Most of Shepard's civil clothing in Mass Effect 2 was ridiculous, that's why I'm glad they gave him/her a cool N7 hoodie to wear if the standard clothing turns out just as laughable. The mabari warhound was made a part of a downloadable add-on in Dragon Age II, and mabaris are very popular in the Dragon Age community altogether, so now they decided to give Shepard his/her own robot dog, which is kinda cool, but the dog probably won't do him/her any actual good like the mabari does. Last, and definitely not least, the N7 comes complete with an extra squad member and an extra mission; details are classified at this time. I'm sure people's desire for more details will brew up quite a storm before the game comes out in early March.
It's obvious that whether Mass Effect 3 is going to rock or suck - I probably don't need to present my prediction on the subject - it will definitely remain this year's hottest subject of anticipation and hype right up 'til the end of the year, IF Naughty Dog's new endeavor The Last of Us and the bigger-than-life Grand Theft Auto V won't suddenly get slated for a 2012 release to give it some true competition. The sole reason I didn't compile a list of this year's most anticipated games in this camp like I did last year is pretty much Mass Effect 3, it's that God damn big. However, there is one game that has suddenly, against all odds, managed to capture a notable deal of my interest...
THE greatest villain in TV history
is returning to video
games, and this
time he just might make a performance
worth one million dollars.
...And that is an upcoming role-playing game tentatively titled South Park - The Game. When I first heard of another licensed game based on my second-favourite TV show of all time (after Twin Peaks), my thoughts immediately shifted to the bunch of crappy South Park games that Acclaim spewed out back in the day. Then I heard it was an RPG - I think I reacted with a brief laugh and a facepalm. Then, I heard Obsidian Entertainment's in charge, and that Trey Parker and Matt Stone are supervising the development themselves due to their vocal disappointment with the earlier games, and my initial amusement turned to genuine interest. Those who do not know, Obsidian's a moderately small group of developers risen from the ashes of Black Isle Studios, who made the original Fallout games. They're also somewhat famous for picking up on BioWare's trails - they made Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 - so yeah, this newsflash does kind of relate to the actual subject at hand. Not much details of the game are known just yet, except that the main character is a new fourth grader, who tries to make friends with the four main characters of the show by embarking on different quests. Although the game is based on the guys ordering the protagonist around, Obsidian will probably opt for an initially neutral character typical for an RPG instead of a full-blown pushover like Butters, at least I hope so.
So, let us propose a toast to the two games that will most certainly generate the most heat in the video game scene in 2012, and to hoping more details on South Park - The Game will be revealed as soon as possible... like a new title, that one doesn't really work. More DLC reviews will be up "pretty soon", I'm working on a couple, but I'm on a tight civic schedule for a few more days as I'm taking care of my friend's cat 'til the weekend.
It's the ill-fated first sequel to one of the greatest fantasy games ever made.
Dragon Age II sold well, but it wasn't a very popular game among BioWare fanatics. Most of them have deemed the game BioWare's weakest offering since Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, which was released on the Nintendo DS in the fall of 2008. You can read my fairly positive review of Dragon Age IIhere.
In April 2011, I reviewed Dragon Age: Origins, as well as Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening, the only true expansion pack released for the game. BioWare published a lot of premium content for the game in the form of short, stand-alone stories and quest packs for the game itself. There was no need to review these DLC packs separately quite like there was a need to review Awakening separately, so I came up with the idea of a "DLC Guide", a bunch of short reviews on each piece of premium Dragon Age: Origins content. Now it's time to give the downloadable content for Dragon Age II the very same treatment.
I wasn't supposed to do this just yet, but since the long-expected,
final DLC pack for Dragon Age II might as well be vaporware for all we
know - I might as well do this now and kick the year off with some better and worse times related to a good game, but most definitely the biggest disappointment in the video game scene of 2011.
THE BLACK EMPORIUM
RELEASED: March 2011 INFO: An add-on for Dragon Age II, available for free to all who purchased a new retail copy of the game. Hawke discovers the location of a mysterious shop in Kirkwall, run by an equally mysterious, ancient antiquarian.
REVIEW:The Black Emporium offers up overpowered weapons and armour at ridiculous prices, and free stuff that you can hold your own with for quite some time, as well, assuming you collect it early on in the game. Point? There is not much of that, in my opinion. However, The Black Emporium does sell Maker's Sigh, which lets you reassign the attributes and abilities of any character at any time, and you can also modify Hawke's appearance to your liking at any time. I have found these seemingly small services quite useful. What makes this DLC truly worth the download is the ability to summon a mabari to your aid in battle - he's good to have along all the time on a second playthrough, having a fifth member in your party makes the endless and already fought battles end quick - but what makes using the mabari unnecessarily hard is the fact that you have to re-summon him in every room you enter. It's a good thing I got this one for free - paying seven to ten sovereigns for it doesn't sound intriguing at all. 6.0 / 10
THE EXILED PRINCE
RELEASED: March 2011 INFO: A quest pack for Dragon Age II, available for free to all who purchased the Signature Edition of the game. Hawke meets Sebastian Vael, the Prince of Starkhaven, who seeks for the people responsible for the utter slaughter of his whole family. In time, Hawke gains Sebastian's loyalty, and possibly his love.
REVIEW:The Exiled Prince is this game's equivalent to The Stone Prisoner; something that should've always been a part of the game, and which almost was. As the more unfortunate result, The Exiled Prince doesn't bring any new environments, locations or dungeons to the table - it's a few hours more of that less sweet, constant prancing around Kirkwall we hated in the retail - but what it does bring to the table is an excellent, not to mention PERMANENT rogue character, three short but diplomatically awesome quests, a new potential romance for your female Hawke, five new Trophies/Achievements, and perhaps even an interesting cameo appearance by an old friend. It's fairly priced, too. 8.7 / 10
LEGACY
RELEASED: July 2011 INFO: A memento quest pack for Dragon Age II, accessible at any point in the game after reaching Kirkwall. Hawke follows the trail of a Carta group apparently hired to kill him/her to an ancient prison built by the Grey Wardens. The prison walls contain the dark secrets of his/her family, as well as the body and soul of the most volatile darkspawn that ever lived.
REVIEW: I just read two reviews of Legacy, and I must say I'm surprised it was bashed so severely in both. Granted, it is expensive - too expensive. Also granted, it falls flat in many ways after a strong start. Also granted, its high difficulty level in comparison to the retail comes as an annoying kind of shock. But, the sudden and steep change in challenge isn't all that bad - the basic battles are enjoyable, it's the overboard boss fights that are the problem. The plot's quite good, very close to the style and execution of vintage Dragon Age. There are five new Trophies/Achievements, at the very least one damn good weapon to collect, and at long last, a different dungeon - a nice, yet admittedly repetitive one. I'm a little torn between the high price and the mere quality of the product. Maybe you should reflect on this one a bit before downloading it. 7.2 / 10
MARK OF THE ASSASSIN
RELEASED: October 2011 INFO: A memento quest pack for Dragon Age II, accessible at any point in the game after reaching Kirkwall. A beautiful yet deadly elf named Tallis invites Hawke along to her quest of breaking into the vault of the heavily fortified Chateau Haine and stealing its greatest treasure, a jewel called the Heart of the Many.
REVIEW:Mark of the Assassin is off to a bad start - I can't count the ways it reminds me of Leliana's Song for Dragon Age: Origins. It's full of tongue-in-cheek humour, a somewhat lax atmosphere detached from the retail, and even more annoying difficulties to deal with than Legacy, this time involving whole new, but perfectly standard enemies... but you know what? It's really good - it's balanced just right between light puzzle-solving, exploring and doing quests, combat and interactive dialogue. I never claimed the humour's bad, either. It's a drag that Tallis is only there for the duration of this pack, I fell so in love with her after getting used to her presence. As per usual, Mark of the Assassin comes complete with five new Trophies/Achievements. 8.0 / 10
So, 2012. Apocalyptic bullshit will have to find yet another way, as the world once again failed to end. Due to an exceptionally booked New Year's Eve and yesterday's continuous electrical malfunctions, I wasn't able to wish you a Happy New Year earlier. But, as I always say, better late than never, so... Happy New Year!
Game Revolution's "Report Card" on Skyrim. Click to enlarge.
Thus begins what I have already hyped and somewhat warned you about, the third year of VGMania. Perhaps less reviews, but all the more business. Also, I have had some thoughts of completely revamping the reviews, all the way from the layout to the ratings system. Although I'm pretty sure a change won't come along just yet, don't be surprised if it does at some point. I think a +/- system used to describe the game's qualities in better and worse (used by Game Revolution, among others) would fit my style of reviewing games better than the current numerical ratings, but on the other hand, I've always liked the latter more as a reader. I'll consider the options and get back on the subject at some point in time.
Anyway, it's finally time to break the silence and start reviewing games. This year begins with a couple of DLC reviews - I need a soft landing after weeks of rest, after which I will take on a very prominent, successful trilogy of games. I believe the first review will be done by tonight.
I've been known to back out on my words a lot, but this takes the cake for me. How long ago did I start writing about my collection again? Six days? Less than a week? In the last two days, it has grown by four full games and one pre-ordered bundle of epicness. I'm out of control. You see, I went to GameStop to get a hard drive for my Xbox 360 Slim, and that only, but left with an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, Alan Wake, Mass Effect 2 and a pre-order receit for Mass Effect 3 - N7 Collector's Edition to go with my 320 Gb object of desire. I'M OUT OF CONTROL! In addition, I got Castlevania: Harmony of Despair yesterday. Don't know why, just felt like playing some old school Castlevania game - that's really not an old school Castlevania game. I have weird desires every now and then. I struggle to be normal, I really do.
The rest of the reviews I originally planned to get out of my system this month will probably get moved to early January, since I have a lot of work right now, and much less during the first few weeks of the year. In addition, I'm still in the process of replaying some choice games, including these "new" ones which I already reviewed some time ago.
In general, the year 2012 is looking less active than this soon ending one when it comes to the quantity of reviews, but I'll try my best to make those reviews count by terms of quality. What this means, in practice, is that there are going to be less lengthy marathons like the Star Wars, Disney and Mario marathons I did earlier this year, and the pace will be cut down to an average of two or three reviews per week. I'm in a different place in a whole lot of ways than I was when I started this blog - I still have the obsession for video games I always did (you don't say...?), but I have to face reality. It's not that I don't have a real, social life, but trying to maintain a balance between that life, my "virtual life" and this blog is extremely tiring. Also, since I don't get paid for this, and you readers are quite a compact bunch of fine people, my own desire to rant about games is just about the only thing keeping the blog going - thank Jeebs I have a lot of that. I tell you, if I'd keep up the pace I had in the beginning of the year for just the next couple of months, I would probably die. A part of the reason why I decided to review the remains of my collection next year is that (most of) the games are already familiar to me, and I don't need to do a whole lot of extensive research on them - so I can practically take a break from playing and just rant away.
After all this, I think 2012 is going to be a good and interesting year in the world of video games, and I'll try to make it good and interesting at my end, as well. I think I'll be seein' ya before the clock strikes twelve for the last time in 2011, so I'll not wish you a happy New Year just yet.
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...).
BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY | Rocksteady Studios | 2011 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
BRÜTAL LEGEND| Double Fine Productions | 2009 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
BUZZ! QUIZ TV| Relentless Software | 2008 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]
DEAD SPACE| EA Redwood Shores | 2008 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
DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS| BioWare | 2009 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
DRAGON AGE II| BioWare | 2011 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
FALLOUT 3 - GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION| Bethesda Game Studios | 2009 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
FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS| Obsidian Entertainment | 2010 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
FINAL FANTASY XIII| Square Enix | 2009 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
GRAND THEFT AUTO IV| Rockstar North | 2008 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
GUITAR HERO: METALLICA| Neversoft Entertainment | 2009 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
GUITAR HERO 5| Neversoft Entertainment | 2009 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
GUITAR HERO: WARRIORS OF ROCK| Neversoft Entertainment | 2010 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
INFAMOUS| Sucker Punch Productions | 2009 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]
LITTLEBIGPLANET| Media Molecule | 2008 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
LITTLEBIGPLANET 2| Media Molecule | 2011 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
METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS| Kojima Productions | 2008 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
RED DEAD REDEMPTION| Rockstar San Diego | 2010 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
RESIDENT EVIL 5| Capcom | 2009 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
UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE| Naughty Dog | 2007 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]
WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2010| Yuke's | 2009 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)
AGE OF BOOTY| Certain Affinity | 2008 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]
ASTRO TRIPPER| PomPom Games | 2009 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]
BEJEWELED 2 | PopCap Games | 2004 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]
BRAIN CHALLENGE| Gameloft | 2008 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]
CUBOID| Creat Studios | 2009 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]
FLOWER| thatgamecompany | 2009 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]
LINGER IN SHADOWS| Plastic | 2008 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]
MAHJONG TALES: ANCIENT WISDOM| Creat Studios | 2007 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]
MEGA MAN 9| Inti Creates | 2008 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
MEGA MAN 10| Inti Creates | 2010 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]
MONKEY ISLAND 2 - SPECIAL EDITION: LECHUCK'S REVENGE| LucasArts | 2010 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
PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION DX| Namco Bandai | 2010 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]
PAIN| Idol Minds | 2007 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]
PIXELJUNK MONSTERS| Q-Games | 2007 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]
RATCHET & CLANK: QUEST FOR BOOTY| Insomniac Games | 2008 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]
SECRET OF MONKEY ISLAND, THE - SPECIAL EDITION| LucasArts | 2009 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
SUPER STARDUST HD| Housemarque | 2007 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]
TALES OF MONKEY ISLAND| Telltale Games | 2009 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
TRINE| Frozenbyte | 2009 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]
UNO| Gameloft | 2009 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]
WIPEOUT HD| Sony Computer Entertainment | 2008 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]
WORMS | Team17 Software | 2007 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]
ZEN PINBALL| Zen Studios | 2009 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.
ELDER SCROLLS IV, THE: OBLIVION | Bethesda Game Studios | 2006 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]
MASS EFFECT| BioWare | 2007 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)
HEXIC HD| Carbonated Games | 2005 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]
