Editorial: Upcoming Games to Look Forward To

-Wii-

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - When this game gets released this year it will most likely have the best graphics on the Wii. The Metroid Prime Series had some of the best graphics on the Gamecube and when this game was shown at E3 2006, it looked similar to Metroid Prime 2: Echoes in terms of graphics but has sense been overhauled. People from GamePro where allowed to play an early version of the game and said "The graphics have had a huge overhaul since E3 -- vastly better than games like Halo 2." Not only will the graphics be good, the game play should fully use the Wiimote. While talking about Wiimote use in the game the President of Nintendo of America said "When we release it, it will be perfect." This is something that has yet to be done in a Wii game, so this makes me very excited.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl- This is the most wanted game by Wii owners, and I can see why. To original game was very well done and a huge success. This game appears to expand a lot, one way is with characters. The list of confirmed characters includes Fox, Kirby, Link, Mario, Meta Knight, Pikachu, Pit, Samus, Snake, and Wario. Obviously the inclusion of third party characters is really cool especially if the do end up putting Sonic in the game. My only concern would be that they try and make it too kiddish because it has already been confirmed that Wario will have a fart move. Gameplay appears to be the same as the other two games in the series, even down to the controller because you have to use the classic controller or a Gamecube controller. While I was hoping to be able to use the Wiimote, I understand this. This is a game you will be hearing about a lot so get ready.

Wii The Sims - When I first heard about this game I was very excited because I loved the original Sims on the PC. Then I saw some screen shots for the game and all my hopes came crashing down. The game appears to be designed with a 3-year old in mind. However there does appear to be all the elements from classic Sim games in this game but the game will focus on you fixing up a house in your grandparents town. I would have purchased this game originally, but now this game seems underwhelming, especially in terms of the graphics. Not only that but it seems like your choices for making people and house will be very low. To me this game looks like a major disappointment.

Super Mario Galaxy - Oh boy, this is the game of the year, if not for all systems at least for the Wii. As you can see my expectations are a little high, but any game that Shigeru Miyamoto is involved in this much should be good. Super Mario 64 was such a big a hit because it was groundbreaking, as this game should be. Most of the game takes place in outer space along a vast chain of miniature planets, with every planet having it's own unique features. The Wiimote should add a bunch of great moves that will make this a game to remember.

Wii Music - This is the game that everybody is forgetting about, but shouldn't. If this game is anything like Wii Sports it should be pretty fun. When this game was shown at E3 it was meet with rave reviews despite there only being two songs to choose from. There have been two types of gameplay that are confirmed: Drums and Orchestra. Drums uses the Nunchuck and the Wiimote as drumsticks and Orchestra uses the Wiimote to conduct an orchestra. After you finish a number score is shown and you are given a rating of Passionate, Graceful, and Methodical. So far only Drums had multiplayer, and if other modes turn out to multiplayer this could be a great muliplayer game. Also like Wii Sports and Wii Play the Miis will be involved in gameplay. This is a title that is flying under the radar and deserves to have more attention focused on it.

Pokémon Battle Revolution - This game is going to a big hit, I'm not kidding. It is the first game for the Wii to allow online multiplayer as well as the first game to feature the Wii DS connectivity, allowing you to transfer your Pokemon from Diamond or Pearl onto the Wii. This is is most likely going to be the reason it will sell well because of the success of Diamond and Pearl. The gameplay appears to very similar to that of Pokemon Stadium, but with enhanced graphics, this time it actually shows the Pokemon being attacked rather than just showing the attack and cutting scenes. This game could actually be pretty good, especially with simultaneous battle, which is 2 vs. 2.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Ah, the long awaited get-together of two of the most famous characters in video game history, but is this going to be a game to remember? I do not think so. I am really only writing about this game because Mario and Sonic are finally in the same game together. The game does have a little potential, but I expect it to be just average, in fact it is probably the only game that I am writing about that I will not purchase. Unfortunately, there is little to say about the game because not much is know about gameplay other than it will use the Wiimote to it's full potential...which is really not anything to go by because every game that has come out on the has apparently used the Wiimote to it's full potential. Anyways, here's to a long relationship between Mario and Sonic that will hopefully make its way onto Brawl.


-Handheld-

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - This game will have the best graphics on the DS. However with graphics in the same style as Wind Waker, this game might be as controversial as it. However if gameplay is good it won't matter. This game will also have the sailing aspect that was present in Wind Waker, but this time you will use a steam boat, so you won't have to mess around with the wind. The other thing that should be really cool is that you will be able to make notes on the map, which will be on the top screen (you will flip the screens to write.) Not only that but there will be a WiFi battle mode, which could be really cool, because that is what Zelda games have lacked up to this point. This game is set for and October release and if you want a copy right away, you had better reserve it because this game will be very popular.


-PS3-

Lair - Lair has been followed by a lot of hype since it was first seen last year. In Lair, you are a dragon rider who controls his dragon with the SIXAXIS control of the PS3 controller. People have been saying that the controls are working very well, and add a nice element to the game. This game is supposed to be incredible, and the first title that makes the PS3 worth buying for some. Lair will be coming out in late July. It has had high expectations since day 1, and lets hope it delivers.

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - If you have read any of my reviews of the previous games in the Ratchet and Clank series, you should be able to tell I am a huge fan of the series. So I am very excited about the next chapter in the series. Ratchet and Clank Future is going back to the format of the first three games, as opposed to Ratchet: Deadlocked, which focused on arena-style combat. This game looks stunning from what has been shown so far, and it looks to be a fantastic game come launch.

Warhawk - Warhawk is a reincarnation of a game with the same title, that was originally on the PS1. The game was supposed to have a single player function in addition to the multiplayer, which was the main part of the game. However, the developers thought the single player's quality was lacking, so they canceled it to focus solely on multiplayer. If the quality was low, then I am glad they made this move, and I think other companies should have the guts to do this also. The multiplayer looks to be tons of fun, with the standard deathmatch and capture the flag. But the new feature is called zone. In it, teams try to expand their areas by capturing bases. This allows the team to gain new weapons and have access to turrets and such, alowing the team to gain in power. Warhawk should be a fantastic game when it comes out this summer.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - MGS4 has been hyped every since it was first shown. The PS3 exclusive has had people excited ever since MGS3 was released. However, the hype is so big that it may not reach that level. From what has been shown so far, though, it most likely will meet those expectations, and even has a chance to exceed them. Expect this stealth-shooter to be released late this year/early next year.


Heavenly Sword - Heavenly Sword was first shown at E3 2006. Not much has been seen since, until Sony's recent game conference. However, the game looked amazing. It has been nicknamed "Goddess of War" by many people due to its likeness to "God of War," which isn't a bad thing, because of the high pedigree of the God of War series. Critics has been astounded at the game so far, and it is looking to become an incredible game.


-Xbox 360-

Halo 3 - The last Halo game is coming. The end to the storyline. The best and some new weapons are here. Stunning visuals. Crazy multiplayer. Click on screenshot... 'Nuff said.

Too Human- Stunning and over the top action is what this game is all about. The visuals are very pleasing, as well. Along with intuitive, easy to use controls make this game some thing to look forward to.

Bio Shock- In a twisted, dark setting, you fight to survive and explore a seemingly dead underwater city. Surrounded by freaky creatures and with lots of adventure and action as the filling, this game should be one wild ride.

Mass Effect- Bioware continues to please with its soon to be released Mass Effect. The setting is in a far off future where humans are trying to fit into the alien filled universe with a mysterious threat coming. As you take control of the main character, (whom you make) you command a group of agents, trying to solve the threat and exploring the huge setting available to you. With plenty of worlds to explore, beautiful graphics, and a huge RPG element blended with action/shooter gameplay, this game seems to be a big hit.


-PC-

Starcraft 2- After so many years of waiting, it's here. The game that was such a huge hit is back. With a new storyline, new units, and wonderful, detailed graphics, this one is sure to please.


-Multi-Platform-

John Woo Presents Stranglehold - Stranglehold is a third person shooter from Midway, bringing back Chow Yun Fat, reprising his role of Inspector Tequila. This game is supposed to be a sequel to the movie "Hard Boiled," which came out in 1992. In fact, the PS3 collector's version will contain a version of "Hard Boiled" on Blu-Ray. Stranglehold has looked good from the start, and still does, and should be a fun shooter when it is released in summer.

Guitar Hero 3 - The sale of RedOctane to Activision was great for Wii owners, because now Guitar Hero 3 is on every platform. Specifically it's on: PS2, PS3, 360, Wii, and DS (Wha..?). Some great songs have already been confirmed such as School's Out by Alice Cooper, Paint It Black by the Stones and Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss. Along with those songs many others have been confirmed or rumored and it appears there will once again be a great selection of music. All versions will also have online and muliplayer, along with changable face plates for your guitar controller, so everything seems to be falling into place to make this another great game in the guitar hero series. Lets just hope that there are no issues with any of the controllers.

Rock Band - Think Guitar Hero, but with a guitar, drums, and a microphone. That is the basic premise of Rock Band from Harmonix. Since it is made by Harmonix and not RedOctane, the guitars might not be compatible, but that looks to be the only downside so far. Hopefully the game will have as good a soundtrack as Guitar Hero when it is launched for the PS3 and Xbox 360 late this year.

Devil May Cry 4 - For those who don’t know, the Devil May Cry games are third person shooters from Capcom that are known for being rather difficult. According to the game’s producer, however, DMC4 will have not as steep a learning curve as DMC3. Another change is that the game will feature Nero as the main playable character, as opposed to Dante. However, it is reported that Dante will be a playable character, but will have a more minor role. Once a PS3-exclusive, DMC4 will be released on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in September.

The Darkness - The Darkness may not be as highly anticipated as Assassin’s Creed or Metal Gear Solid 4, but it still looks like a very good game. In it, you play as Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman, who gains the powers of the darkness on his 21st birthday. The darkness is a supernatural ability Jackie to take down enemies or move objects he normally would not be able to. Also, the darkness’ power is stronger when the player is in darkness. This unique shooter will be available in late June.

Assassin's Creed - Assassin's Creed looked like it would be the PS3's killer app. Then it was announced that it would not be an exclusive. Despite this, Assassin's Creed looks to be one of the best games of the year. The character models look amazing, and so do the environments. The gameplay also looks to be innovative and the AI is supposed to be excellent. I will most likely get this game at launch, unless some news comes out that there is a major flaw in the game. This won't happen though, so pick this game up when it is released in fall.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames - Mercenaries 2 is going to be like the first game in the series, only the destruction element will be more emphasized. In case you didn't know, this is a good thing. The videos shown have looked spectacular. Also, it looks like the excellent physics engine is back and better than ever. This time around, the game will be set in Venezuela and the environment will be bigger than the two areas from the previous game combined. Also, the game will feature co-op that will allow a friend to join into your single player game online, allowing for a ton of possibilities. Mercenaries 2 looks to improve on the first, creating a game that is all the first game could have been, and maybe even better.

Editorial: Dan, Eric, Vedran

Review: Starfox Adventures (Gamecube)

Graphics- 10/10
Sound- 9/10
Gameplay- 9.5/10
Replay Value- 6/10
Overall- 9/10

Rare's last game on a Nintendo console shows why the sale of Rare to Microsoft was one of the worst things that could happen to Nintendo. I had forgoten about this game until recently when rediscovered this hidden gem on the old Cube.

This game was popular and well received when it came out, but unfortunately this game seems to have lost its popularity as of late. The game starts out with you playing as Krystal, who is trying to reach Dinosaur Planet when she receives a distress signal, which was sent because General Scales was attacking the planet. Eventually one thing leads to another and the famous Fox McCloud gets evolved. Once you start to play as Fox the game really picks up and gets good. As soon as you start you are given you main weapon that you use throughout the game - you staff...well Krystal's Ex-Staff, which you can upgrade and really pimp out. When you have your first fight you will quickly discover how totally awesome the staff truly is. The combat system in the game is simple enough - you really just have to hit A - but because the moves that are pulled off when you do this look so cool, you don't care how easy it is. The other thing that you should notice during your first fight is the in-game graphics. They are still some of the best graphics on the Cube, even though this game was released in 2002 which is a year after the Gamecube's release. Despite the fact that the graphics looked well, it didn't slow down gameplay when there was multiple enemies. I mean I can not think of on instance of lag. Soon after your first fight you will encounter your new sidekick, Prince Tricky - the dinosaur. He is quite useful, annoying, funny, and adds a unique element to the game.

While you are playing the game more and more tasks you have to accomplish keep piling on, making this game a great time-consumer and even though there is a lot of stuff to do it really doesn't get that confusing. If for some reason it does though, you can always ask Slippy for help and he is sure to tell exactly what to do. You just hit start and Slippy will greet you with a hello and a nice message explaining what you should do. That brings me to another part of the game the voice-acting - it is top notch. A majority of the dialog is spoken, and most of it is very nicely done. There are a few spots were it is a bit over the top and the Dinosaur language used at the beginning of the game can be a bit annoying, but overall it is a fantastic job all around.

While this game is mostly on foot, which is straying away from the original Starfox formula, there are some instances were you need to fly from planet to planet to accomplish you goals and of course the flying is done the original Starfox way. The controls are simple and easy enough, but so is the flying, I mean it's too easy to go from planet to planet, but this is a minor part of the game so it doesn't really matter. Back to what I said earlier - this game is mostly on foot, if you haven't figured that out. Now at first I was a bit hesitant when I heard that, but it works perfectly fine. Will fans of the original Starfox game be disappointed? I wasn't, but if you really liked the flying aspect of the originals, you may be disappointed. However in the end, this is a game that deserves to be revisited by everybody, because it is really a good title, with superior graphics and Voice-acting. This is all not mentioning that Fox has quite the attitude problem, and can be quite comical at times.

Pros: Graphcis, Voice acting, Staff fights, No Lag, Tricky
Cons: Over the top voice acting, Fighting is easy, Tricky.

Review: Dan

Review: Pokémon Diamond* (DS)

Graphics - 9/10
Sound- 9.5/10
Gameplay- 10/10
Replay Value- 9.5/10
Overall- 9/10

This game has really taken off and I'm not surprised. This game plays the same as the original Pokémons and has many great updates. You should definitely consider revisiting the Pokémon games if you have given up on them.

At first I was unsure if I was going to buy the game because I have not been following Pokémon like I used to and do not know many of the new Pokémon. I soon decided to get the game, and boy was it a smart move. I quickly found myself engulfed in the game and I couldn't stop. I played for 10 hours the first two days I had it. I don't know if it was the lack of a good Pokémon game in my life for several years, or the fact that there is just so much to do but I was hooked and still am. The first thing that caught my attention while I was playing was the graphics, there has been a massive update to them that is visible right away. The game looks a lot better than any of the previous games, and the the fact that the DS has a backlight helps (I know the SP did too.) The only problem with the graphics is when you are moving really fast. You can actually see the parts of the buildings jump around a little as the game tries to load them. While this is most likely because of the DS's insanely low refresh rate it will bother at first, but you do get used to it. The other thing that is noticeable is the sound, but not for the same reason as the graphics. The sound effects have stayed almost the same, which I actually like because it reminds me of the original sounds you heard on the Gameboy. The music on the other hand has been updated a little and sounds a bit more sharper and changes more frequently meaning there is more music, and all of it is classic Pokémon sounding music.

Enough of the technical stuff, lets get down to gameplay. It's it what makes the game so good. As I have said it is in the style of the classic Pokémon games, which I guess I should explain for the three people in the world that don't know how it is done. You are on an adventure to fill up your Pokédex and along the way you have to beat the Elite Four, which are the four most powerful trainers in the game. Along the way you have to capture Pokémon and train them by fighting and defeating other wild Pokémon and fellow trainers. The fighting method is turn-based, with the Pokémon that has the highest speed stat striking first. You choose a move that will do damage to the opposing Pokémon based on you level, opponents level, type of Pokémon, And you attack stat along with there defense stat. However it doesn't stop there, you can have certain attacks that will raise your stats or lower your opponents stats in certain ares. This can make certain battles a fight to the end or you may be seeing how quickly you can knock out the foe. The more your Pokémon fight, the more experienced they become, the more they level up, learn new moves and eventually evolve. This system is a fantastic one and it does make the game, its simple yet complicated enough that all types of players will enjoy it. On top of all this the game has great replay value because you Gotta Catch 'em All, so there's another couple of hours added on to your total playing time.

So, what am I trying to say? Pokémon is back? Not quite, but this game is a great game for all of us who fondly remember spending our childhood playing Red or Blue, or even Yellow. The only major complaint that I have with the game is that there is only one game file. I was hoping for three, but it has been one file since the start of the series, so I can't be to disappointed. If you own a Ds, this game is a great pick-up that will keep you entertained for hours.

Pros: Improved graphics, An original Pokémon game, Sound.
Cons: Graphics show off DS's low refresh rate, One save file.


*Review based on Diamond version - Pearl is similar only with different Pokémon

Preview: Starcraft 2

Nearly an entire decade has passed since the release of the original Starcraft, and after much pleading from fans; the official sequel is on its way. With stunning graphics, new and redesigned units, an overhauled online multiplayer, and a big, fat story line; this one looks like it’s packing quite a punch.

If you, hadn’t noticed, Starcraft is huge. With constant tournaments in Korea and fans begging for a sequel, Blizzard had to do it. And it looks even better than imagined. The overhauled graphics are truly stunning. The in game graphics themselves are quite possibly the best in any strategy game. As well, many new units are being developed. Although full info is yet to come, it is known that some new units include an ultra-powerful ship for the Protoss. The redesigned units include some units with shielding and others with transportation abilities. Although the info is light and there is no official release date, the game looks very promising. Here are some screen shots to wet your appetite.







Preview: Vedran