1 I'm Playing: Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 1

Only one game has managed to pull me from Mario Kart Wii in the last few weeks, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1. That mouthful of a title was created by Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, the demented minds behind the Penny Arcade webcomic. Just what is it about Penny Arcade Adventures that it made me put away one of the finest games on the Wii (if even for just a week)? Well, let me try to explain...

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1 (Xbox 360)
Penny Arcade has been the Internet's most popular webcomic about video games for years now. And every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the last ten years, Holkins and Krahulik have supplied their own unique commentary on the video game industry and the games they play. Penny Arcade Adventures is the first video game to be developed with the comic creators' input and it transports the look and feel of the comics onto an Xbox Live Arcade title perfectly. So if you're a fan of PA (and a quick look at the archives will let you know if you "get" the Penny Arcade style of humor or not), this game is most definitely for you.

Penny Arcade Adventures takes the form of a turn-based Role Playing Game with a unique battle system. Players will create a character and dive right in to a story inspired by H.P. Lovecraft involving evil gods, killer robots and murderous mimes.

Cribbing a bit from Tycho's beloved Dungeons & Dragons, every battle is based around "initiative." Each character is given a number to start and higher numbers determine the battle order. After that, a small meter slowly refills based on how high a character's Speed rating is denoting when a character can attack again. Watching all of the meters while also watching the enemies (blocks are performed by tapping the Right Trigger at a pre-determined moment) can make even the earliest battles feel pretty frantic. And the small on-screen text makes keeping up with the action a bit more difficult than it has to be.

But even with these slight flaws, the game has one big plus going for it: it's ****ing hilarious. Yes, the language used in the speech bubbles (which are designed to look like a comic strip) is a little salty, but good comedy sometimes doesn't want to be clean. On top of that, the 2D and 3D cutscenes (with your created character inserted into the action) are a riot. The humor even extends to the enemy selection as fighting deranged mimes and hobos never gets old.

It's great to see a real old school-style turn based-RPG on the Xbox 360. But even still, Penny Arcade Adventures will not be for everyone. It's close relationship with the webcomic that spawned it will almost prevent non-fans from enjoying it completely. And if the humor isn't funny, it's hard to justify some aspects of the battle system and the teeny tiny text. The steep $20 pricetag ($5 more than the next most expensive XBLA game) doesn't help matters either. And when you consider that this is only Episode One of a planned four part series, the full experience of PAA would be a hefty investment for someone who's not completely invested.

But for those of us who are members of the PA cult, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1 is just what the doctor (Dr. Raven DarkTalon Blood that is) ordered.
Verdict: Try It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Also On: PC, Mac, Linux
Publisher: Hothead Games
Developer: Hothead Games
Release Date: May 21, 2008
Genre: Turn-Based RPG
ESRB Rating: Mature



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A Review of Penny Arcade Volume 5: The Case of the Mummy's Gold

The fifth collection of the Penny Arcade webcomic, The Case of the Mummy's Gold, was released last week. It captures all of the comics posted by the duo of writer Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and artist Mike "Gabe" Krahulik in 2004. There is also an introduction by Holkins, a forward by Star Trek's Wil Wheaton (who is also the patron saint of geeks everywhere) and commentary by Holkins on every strip.

If you've never experienced the Penny Arcade comic strip, it's definitely worth a look for anyone interested in video games and geek culture. If you've never read it before, a full archive of the entire run of the strip is available at the Penny Arcade website. The strip is vulgar (it's meant for an adult audience), but also extremely clever. The art is fantastic (and fantastically violent at times) as Krahulik really began to find his stride in 2004. This volume is also home to my favorite strip: The Utility of Rare Erotica

While it may be a little inappropriate for kids, older teens and adults who love video games and follow the ups and downs of the industry will love this collection. Heartily recommended.

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Ninja Gaiden II Review Round-Up (Xbox 360)

Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki's problems with his former employer, Tecmo, have been pretty well documented in the last few weeks. But that didn't stop him from wanting to make Ninja Gaiden II for the Xbox 360 the best game it could be. While the game has a similar feel to its predecessor, a new camera system and an increased amount of blood and gore change things up just a little bit.

Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox was one of the greatest (and most difficult) games of all time. How does Ninja Gaiden II stack up? Here's what a selection of five reviewers had to say about it and what the overall verdict on the game is.

GameDaily: "Ninja Gaiden II is an excellent sequel that'll have you lopping off heads and performing all sorts of sweet moves. It takes everything that worked in the original and bumps it up to even more insane levels. We're talking gallons of blood, and that's just in the first stage." (9/10)

Gaming Age: "All together, I really enjoyed the time I've spent so far with Ninja Gaiden 2, and I absolutely look forward to going thru the harder difficulties. It's a game that has an addictive quality to it that ends up being a bit hard to define, but there's a great satisfaction to climbing the leaderboards and pulling of the higher rankings on various levels. I personally have a long way to go before I end up coming close the upper echelon of skill that other players possess, but I look forward to improving. So despite it's technical flaws, it's a game that is absolutely worth playing for 360 owners, and while it could have used a bit more time in the virtual oven, I'm happy with the overall experience it provides." (A-)

GameSpot: "This action-packed sequel isn't quite up to the standards of its precursors, but it's still a brutal blast." (8/10)

Team Xbox: "With school finally out for summer and a boxed copy of Ninja Gaiden II in our trays, there’s no denying Team Ninja’s uncanny ability to make super-addictive action adventures. The way I see it, only a battlefield God stands in the way on Ryu for the throne’s position in the console slasher hierarchy." (9/10)

Worth Playing: "It says something about the original Ninja Gaiden that Ninja Gaiden II being a merely good action game is such a letdown. Ninja Gaiden II's graphics are fantastic and the action flawless, but this perfection is marred by a jerky, awkward and terrible camera and a difficulty level that's the product of the camera and enemy positioning, rather than an actual challenge. Unfortunately, Ninja Gaiden II is not as good a game as its predecessor, although it most certainly isn't a bad game. Even with all of its issues, it's still a fun and incredible-looking game, but the flaws weigh far heavier on Ninja Gaiden II than they did on Ryu's last journey, and as the franchise's swan song, it feels tragically lackluster. If you're willing to work past the problems, Ninja Gaiden II is a fine game that you'll have a lot of fun with, but no matter what Tomonobu Itagaki tries to claim, it isn't a masterpiece." (7.5/10)

The Verdict
Buy It: While Ninja Gaiden II is almost universally considered a step down from the original Ninja Gaiden, a step down for a certified classic means it's still a great game. The rididculous difficulty and the hack and slash action makes Ninja Gaiden II stand out on the Xbox 360.
What "Buy It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Team Ninja
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Genre: Action (With Ninjas!)
ESRB Rating: Mature



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Lego Indiana Jones Review Round-Up (PC/PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox 360)

After putting the Star Wars series through the Lego ringer in three previous games, Travellers Tales and LucasArts has turned their blocky attention to the Indiana Jones franchise. While not a traditional movie adaptation, the game's appearance is no doubt tied to the latest Indiana Jones movie, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. While that movie does not get the Lego treatment, the first three Indiana Jones movies have made the leap to Legoland.

Is it as good as Lego Star Wars? Here's what a selection of five reviewers had to say about Lego Indiana Jones and what the overall verdict on the game is.

1UP: "If you played either of the Lego Star Wars games, you know what you're in for: a fun, chaotic romp through a trio of six-chapter story arcs, each tied to one of the classic Indy movies (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), with Lego stand-ins for all the people, places, and things in our favorite two-fisted archaeologist's world, and way-too-cute nonverbal cut-scenes stringing the storylines together." (B)

GameSpot: "Lego Indiana Jones serves as the expected progression from the Lego Star Wars games. The great pacing, humorous cutscenes, and challenging-but-not-cheap puzzles make this the most enjoyable Lego game yet. It's not the hardest game, but it has enough hidden goodies to make you play through more than once. Both newcomers and diehard fans of Traveller's Tales' previous Lego offerings will find plenty to enjoy here." (8/10)

GameSpy: "Traveller's Tales takes the formula it originated with the Lego Star Wars games and successfully brings it to the Indiana Jones series." (4/5)

IGN: "If you've played any of the Lego Star Wars titles, you'll feel right at home as the formula has largely remained exactly the same, right down to the control scheme. There is a bit more adventuring this time around however, with more emphasis placed on solving puzzles and collecting keys or parts to unlock the next area, though mashing everything in sight and collecting as many Studs as possible is still the main gameplay focus." (8/10)

X-Play: "LEGO Indiana Jones may not be quite as engaging as Lego Star Wars, but it’s still a lot of fun to play through. That’s doubly true with a friend. The quest isn’t particularly long, but there’s plenty of incentive for a second run-through (or a third...), and Indy fans will definitely have a blast re-living the original films -- Lego-style." (4/5)

The Verdict
Buy It: Lego Indiana Jones is Exhibit A for the cliche "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It's everything gamers loved about Lego Star Wars, but with an Indiana Jones twist. The game is equally polished for every platform (PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360) and is a good fit for each.

The only point of contention appears to be the mine cart chase from Temple of Doom. Some loved the level, while others hated it. If that's the worst you can say about Lego Indiana Jones, then it definitely hit the mark as a good game.

What "Buy It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: LucasArts
Developer: Travellers Tales
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Genre: Family Friendly Platforming/Action
ESRB Rating: Everyone



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Grand Theft Childhood: One More Opinion

I finally finished Grand Theft Childhood by Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl Olson last night and I have to say I am very impressed. The duo dig in as deep as they could go and came up with the best examination of kids and games and violence since Killing Monsters by Gerard Jones.

The book moves at a good clip and brings a lot of "real world" examples to the argument of whether violent games are harmful to kids. But Kutner and Olson also go a step beyond and ask the question of how these games might be harmful to kids and what to look for. They also went a step beyond that and asked real live kids (and their parents) why they play violent games and how do they feel after playing. With Jack Thompson facing disbarment in Florida this week, it would be a great step forward if the news networks went to Kutner and Olson for their analysis of violent video games from now on as they actually know what they're talking about.

I particularly enjoyed the second chapter of the book (titled "Deja Vu All Over Again, and Again"), which was an overview of violent media (and the ridiculous kneejerk reactions to it) over the years. It was interesting and gives great hope to game fans that this too will pass.

Finally, I think the last paragraph of the book really brings home the point of Kutner and Olson's argument. It is a perfect summation of why placing the blame for society's ills on violent games is without merit:

For most kids and parents, the bottom-line results of our research can be summed up in a single word: relax. While concerns about the effects of violent video games are understandable, they're basically no different from the unfounded concerns previous generations had about the new media of their day. Remember, we're a remarkably resilient species.

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Haze Review Round-Up (PS3)

Haze, the latest game from Free Radical Design (a development team made up mostly of people who created GoldenEye on the Nintendo 64), has finally been released. It's been a long and rocky road to this point for Free Radical and publisher Ubisoft with the game courting controversy at nearly every turn.

That controversy arose from storyline that includes professional armies that are addicted to drugs that make them ignore the horrors of war. When this tactic proved ineffective in keeping Haze in the news after several long delays Ubisoft began playing with the title's exclusivity status. Originally announced as an PC/PS3/Xbox 360 game, the game quickly shifted to a "timed" PS3 exclusive to a full PS3 exclusive that Sony used to hinge it's Spring schedule on.

Does it live up to the hype? Here's what a selection of five reviewers had to say about Haze and what the overall verdict on the game is.

GameDaily: "Despite these issues - the ridiculous space needed for install, the lame characterizations and the utterly laughable dialogue - Haze is a good first person shooter. It doesn't do anything vastly different from its competitors, but it doesn't need to. Just pop it into your PS3, relax and start shooting. Just take it easy on the Nectar." (7/10)

GameSpot: "If you played any given 10-minute chunk of Haze, depending on what part of this futuristic first-person shooter you chose, you would be convinced that it was either incredibly exciting or simply dreadful. Dim-witted artificial intelligence and deeply embarrassing storytelling are mixed with some breathtaking action sequences and thoughtful map design into an awkward and messy hodgepodge of shooting and driving that alternates between the entertaining and the downright unpleasant. It's fitting that Haze's gameplay would embrace such extremes, because its entire fiction is built around shallow absolutes. One faction embodies unlikeable and unredeeming lowbrow sensibilities without a hint of irony; the other embraces its ethical, sympathetic cause with angelically high morals. This is a shooter both easy to love and easy to hate, and you'll probably find yourself feeling both emotions within moments of each other." (6/10)

GameTap: "Haze is a pretty textbook case of "goals far outreaching grasp" in the dictionary of writerly clichés. There are many great ideas within Haze, they just happened to be trapped in an extraordinarily mediocre game. I have a lot of respect for Free Radical, and am hoping that Haze's mediocrity is a fluke. Hopefully this merely adequate turn means that the studio's upcoming TimeSplitters 4 turns out to be brainmeltingly awesome to compensate." (6/10)

Giant Bomb: "Haze attempts to deal with the concept of wartime propaganda and how troop morale is the most important thing an army can have. But it does it in such a blatant way that it’s hard to care about the point the game’s story is trying to make. Tack on a short campaign, dull weapons, lame enemy artificial intelligence, and lackluster multiplayer options and you’re left with a game that occasionally looks nice, but not much else." (2/5)

X-Play: "Here’s the problem -- despite all of the creativity used to build the two sides in this game, Haze still plays like an incredibly average first-person shooter with some very sloppy design issues. Play as a member of the Hand and you feel incredibly naked, not to mention having to deal with very confusing level design that leaves you wandering around lost more than driving any sort of action. Play as a member of Mantel and, unless you’re juiced up, you’re pretty much just as useless. Hand members are almost impossible to see without using Nectar to enhance your vision. Then you have to deal with the stupid, story-driven game play segments that interrupt your abilities. These sections are so frustrating that you’ll want to heave your expensive Dual Shock 3 through the nearest window." (2/5)

The Verdict
Skip It: It's true that gamers expect quite a bit from the Free Radical Design name. Another truth is that Sony has been pushing Haze hard as one of the PS3's premiere shooters. But it's also true that Haze is the product of a very troubled development cycle.

When these three truths push against each other it's hard to recommend Haze when there were so many other great shooters released last year and so many more coming later this year. I think the GameTap reviewer had the right idea when he suggested that Free Radical just might be holding back the good stuff for the next game in their flagship TimeSplitters series.
What "Skip It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Free Radical Design
Release Date: May 20, 2008
Genre: First Person Shooter
ESRB Rating: Mature



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Boom Blox Review Round-Up (Wii)

No one really knew what to expect when Steven Spielberg announced that he was collaborating with EA on a Wii game. That game, which started life as Project PQRS, eventually became Boom Blox. Boom Blox is a bright and colorful game that drops players into a world inhabited by blockheaded animals and buildings made of Jenga pieces. Needless to say, this is a far cry from the game Spielberg is developing for the PS3 and Xbox 360, Project LMNO, which Newsweek referred to as "North by Northwest" meets "E.T.".

Instead, busting blocks in an action puzzler is the name of the game. So here's what a selection of four reviewers (and the Penny Arcade boys) had to say about Boom Blox and what the overall verdict on the game is.

1UP: "I've been waiting to say something like this for a year and a half: If this is the future of casual gaming, motion controls, and Wii, count me in. Boom Blox may not be the best Wii game, depending on your proclivities, but it's definitely the best use of the Wii yet. It's immensely accessible, wonderfully tactile, and stands as one of the best treatments of gaming in a 3D space." (A+)

GameSpot: "It stumbles with certain game modes and its effort to appeal to kids with a poorly integrated story is ham-fisted at best, but Boom Blox is still a good game. Most of the hundreds of puzzles are fun to play alone, and it's also entertaining to taunt friends during their turn as they try to keep a tower from collapsing. The ability to create your own levels adds quite a bit of value as well. In terms of where it ranks in Spielberg's body of work, Boom Blox is no Schindler's List, but it's a heck of a lot better than Hook." (7/10)

IGN: "Boom Blox is one of freshest and most enjoyable puzzle games you can this generation and it is an especially good multiplayer title. EA has really capitalized on the Wii remote to give you pinpoint accuracy as you make throws with real, calculated velocity -- throws that interact with block formations encased in genuine physics. You will find the single-player offering robust and varied, but the multiplayer mode -- compatible for up to four gamers -- is tantamount to crack cocaine in its ability to addict. And while there are hundreds of levels to keep you busy, there's also a full-blown stage creator that works hand-in-hand with WiiConnect24." (8.1/10)

Penny Arcade: "[W]hen he asked what we were playing, Boom Blox came up quickly. I suggest that it plays well for a tech demo, which I meant as a joke, but it is ridiculous how much entertainment there is to be had - even in two-thousand and eight - by plucking and blasting these Goddamned rectangles. It seriously looks like something that you would install with your 3dfx card to verify proper installation. Without the remote, that's probably where it would stop.

It broke us of Grand Theft Auto, for Christ's sake. What is the differential on developments costs, there - a hundred to one? And yet there we were - Gabe, Scott, and myself - staring at a heap of bricks. Robert, who can probably calculate the game's physics entirely in his head, couldn't stay away even though he likes us to think he is immune to joy. He probably wasn't aware that his mouth hung open the entire time he was playing, the working of his mind visible beneath his temples. It's the antithesis of Liberty City, and it's startling that both of these things can exist in the same dimension." (Overall Positive Review)

X-Play: "With minimalist style, some gamers may be turned off by the bright colors and the lack of complicated extras. Spielberg serves up a whole package, from a challenging single player campaign to a fun and fast multiplayer option. Boom Blox delivers so much content, that it would be hard not to find something to love in this title. Give it a try. What looks to be rather simple is actually complex and will keep you playing for hours. With some many third party titles dropping the ball, it’s amazing to see someone get the idea behind the success of the Wii so right." (5/5)

The Verdict
Buy It: Like Wii Sports before it, Boom Blox seems to have a handle on how the Wii can be used to create something never seen before. The idea of busting blocks in a world that worships Jenga may sound odd (or even a little lame), but it also sounds like one of the best ways to spend some time with your Wii.
What "Buy It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: EA Games
Developer: EA LA
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Genre: Puzzle
ESRB Rating: Everyone



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1 I'm Playing: Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart Wii was released a little over three weeks ago and I haven't been playing a single other game since. So here are my thoughts on Mario Kart Wii for the Wii.

Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
The Mario Kart series hasn't changed a whole lot since it began on the Super NES with Super Mario Kart. But that doesn't mean each iteration doesn't have it's charms. And after changing up the formula a bit with the tag-team racing of Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart Wii actually feels like a return to the classic gameplay of Mario Kart 64 with a few new additions.

The biggest change in Mario Kart Wii is the inclusion of Wii Wheel controls. The Wii Wheel is just a circular piece of plastic that the Wii Remote snaps into that allows players to "steer" their kart. It's an interesting way to play Mario Kart and while it's easy to oversteer with the Wii Wheel, it only takes a few games to get the hang of it. The game also includes Remote/Nunchuk, Classic Controller and GameCube Controller support for a more old school style and all of those work great as well (in fact, I prefer the Classic Controller).

The other big change is the addition of bikes to the Mario Kart world. At first, the bikes feel a bit like a gimmick, but after I gave them a chance (100cc initially requires you to use a bike), I found that I almost prefer racing with the bikes. They control a bit different from the karts, but both really feel at home in Mario Kart Wii.

Finally, online play has come to Nintendo's kart racing king in Mario Kart Wii. There's no voice chat and the online modes are limited to single races, team-based battle mode and Coin Runners (the team with the most coins wins), but it works and it's easy to get lost in Mario Kart's online play for hours. Nintendo-sponsored Tournaments and Time Trial leaderboards (with downloadable Ghosts) is just the icing.

Mario Kart Wii feels a lot like the previous games in the series (and the inclusion of retro tracks doesn't change that), but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Mario Kart formula was perfected a long time ago and it's just as great as it ever was in Mario Kart Wii (and a lot of the new tracks, including the best Rainbow Road ever, are fantastic). Add in online play and if you're a Mario Kart fan it's easy to think that Mario Kart Wii just might be the best game the Wii has to offer.
Verdict: Buy It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: April 27, 2008
Genre: Kart Racing
ESRB Rating: Everyone
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Grand Theft Auto IV Review Round-Up (PS3/Xbox 360)

After a crushing delay last fall, Grand Theft Auto IV is finally here. Can Rockstar's gangster opus live up to the expectations of gamers everywhere? The only way to find out is to check out this selection of five reviews and the overall verdict of what the reviewers are saying.

Boomtown: "I'm not taking too much of a risk when I say that Grand Theft Auto is the best game you'll play in 2008. GTA is a joyous celebration of excess, success, madness and Newtonian physics that will leave you wanting to tell your friends stories about what happened to you today in Liberty City in excited tones." (9/10)

GameSpot: "Stepping off a boat in the shoes of illegal immigrant Niko Bellic as he arrives in Liberty City at the start of Grand Theft Auto IV, you can tell immediately that Rockstar North's latest offering is something quite special. Yes, this is another GTA game in which you'll likely spend the bulk of your time stealing cars and gunning down cops and criminals, but it's also much more than that. GTAIV is a game with a compelling and nonlinear storyline, a game with a great protagonist who you can't help but like, and a game that boasts a plethora of online multiplayer features in addition to its lengthy story mode. It's not without some flaws, but GTAIV is undoubtedly the best Grand Theft Auto yet." (10/10)

Gamespy: "To be totally honest, it would be very easy to write another 2000-odd words on this game, as we haven't even delved into the hours of television you can watch, the amazingly detailed virtual Internet, the strip clubs that you can visit, the ultra-realistic vehicle physics, and so on. Suffice it to say that Grand Theft Auto IV is a game that could keep anyone busy for a long, long time. Although its got plenty of excellent features, it's ultimately the storytelling that makes it an instant classic, a game unlike any we've played before. As is the case with many great books and movies, you'll want to know what happens to the characters after the game ends, and one can't help hoping that all of their American Dreams comes true." (5/5)

IGN: "Grand Theft Auto III was a revolutionary title, one that inspired a whole new generation of 3D action games. Grand Theft Auto IV is just as big a leap forward, though perhaps in subtler ways, and sets a new benchmark for open-world games. Everything in GTA IV works in harmony. The story would be nothing without the city; the city gains realism from the physics engine; the physics compliment the improved AI; the AI would make no sense without the new cover system. And on and on. There is no one major weak aspect." (10/10)

X-Play: "You’re reading a Grand Theft Auto IV review? Really? This is arguably the most review-proof game released in the last four years. Don’t worry about it, it’s great. It’s beautiful, it’s next-gen, it’s incredible. Five stars, get out there and buy it." (5/5)

The Verdict
Buy It: All of the reviews seem to be quite clear: Grand Theft Auto IV is not just the greatest GTA game ever, but it is one of the greatest games ever, period. If you are a fan of the GTA series, you owe it to yourself to play this game. And if you're a fan of games in general, the game is currently ranked as the best reviewed game of all time on Game Rankings, so it's probably worth a look by everybody.

Provided you're over 17 of course.
What "Buy It" (and the rest of our ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Genre: Open World Sandbox Action
ESRB Rating: Mature



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Mario Kart Wii Review Round-Up (Wii)

Mario Kart Wii arrives hot on the heels of another megatitle for the Wii in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nitendo doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel (hehe) with each new Mario Kart title, but each has been just as good (or better) than the one before it.

Mario Kart Wii keeps the similar gameplay options we all know and love while adding in support for the Wii Wheel (which is a pack-in with every copy of Mario Kart Wii) and online play. How does it stack up? Read this selection of five reviews and the final verdict to find out.

AceGamez: "Mario Kart Wii has more variety, more to do, and ultimately more to keep you coming back than any Mario Kart before it (and as a hardcore advocate of the SNES original, I never thought I would find myself saying that); but more than that, it is a flagship title for the Nintendo Wii. Not only is Mario Kart Wii the most important title that will be released on the format this year, but it will stand the test of time as one of the best games the Wii has to offer. No matter what may happen with console technology and games of the future, get a copy of Mario Kart Wii and hang on to it (and your Wii) for dear life. Do not trade them in for love or money; in fifteen years time, people will be trawling second-hand game shops looking for Wiis and copies of Mario Kart in the same way they do for the SNES version today, and there can be no greater indication of brilliance than that." (10/10)

1UP: "Mario Kart Wii feels highly reactionary, as if Nintendo willfully sought to dumb down the driving mechanics in order to even the playing field for the masses. Bundling the game with the plastic Wii Wheel contraption reinforces that commitment to democratizing gameplay: Sure, nongamers will get a kick out of careening around the course via tilt controls and gesticulations, but you'll find yourself haphazardly oversteering. The wheel isn't necessarily your enemy, though. It's solidly constructed and comfortable; players who stick with its motion-controlled driving for a few races will eventually acclimate to it. But of the game's four control options, the Wii Remote-and-Nunchuk combo clearly works the best: It's the only way to get both familiar analog stick steering and the freedom to easily put the crucial new trick system to use with the Wii-mote. Plus, this new split control setup feels perfectly suited for the newly added motorcycles, allowing you to make tight turns while launching weapons and landing tricks with ease." (B+)

Eurogamer: "Ultimately, the sheer sensory pleasure of playing Mario Kart Wii - from the charming animations, to the bopping tunes, to the sugar-rush boosting, to the exquisite steering - far overcomes the few concerns we have about it. It still has to be docked a mark for the awkward structure and compromised multiplayer modes - but it's still unreservedly recommended to anyone for whom Mario Kart is a gaming cornerstone. And really, that should be everyone." (8/10)

GameSpot: "Super Mario Kart may have originated way back in 1992, but 16 years later, Mario Kart Wii proves that the franchise is just as relevant and fun as ever. The all-new stunt system, simplified drifting mechanics, natural motion controls, and expansive online integration all come together in a single package that, despite a few hiccups, is one of the best and most accessible experiences available on the Nintendo Wii." (8.5/10)

IGN: "Every player is going to have their own love/hate relationship with Mario Kart Wii, but in the end the game does so many things right that it'd be foolish not to give credit where due. Online seriously raises the bar for Nintendo, trumping even Smash in a big, big way. The sense of community you can get even with random racers online and ghost-supported leader boards is impressive, and the fact that you can head on to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection solo, with a friend via split screen, or hook up with buddies across the world without worry of lag and never-ending disconnect notices makes Mario Kart Wii a pure joy to play online. It isn't the best Mario Kart in the series, but it's a must-play experience on Wii, and standard-setting offering as far as online, channel support, and connectivity are concerned. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some online stats to obsess over." (8.5/10)

The Verdict
Buy It:Mario Kart Wii has removed some of the things that made Mario Kart: Double Dash!! stand out, but it could be said that the series is returning to its roots. And with the inclusion of sixteen retro tracks, this is true in more ways than one. But the game still attempts something new with the awesome Wii Wheel and a variety of control options.

The best kart racer around still holds the crown and it sets a new standard for online play in a Nintendo published title.
What "Buy It" (and the rest of our ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: April 27, 2008
Genre: Kart Racing
ESRB Rating: Everyone



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Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Review Round-Up (PS3)

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has had to drive a long rocky road to come to the PlayStation 3. Considered a "preview" of the full game by Sony, the game has had many in the gaming community scoffing at the $40 pricetag and believing "preview" is just fancy phrasing for "demo you have to pay for."

But Gran Turismo 5 Prologue also brings plenty of new things to the GT series including 1080p visuals and 16-player online play. Which side will win out in the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue argument? Check out this selection of five reviews from around the Internet and what the overall verdict on the game appears to be.

1UP: "Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is an odd one. It's not a "full" GT game, nor a demo. As a retail product, it sits somewhere in between -- and that certainly makes it difficult to judge. As the first PS3-powered entry in the popular Polyphony-developed racing series, Prologue marks the beginning of a new generation. Nice as it would be to think of this Gran Turismo 5 precursor as Polyphony's early gift to series fans, the very real $40 price tag overrides that thought. Basically, it's a bone to tide us over until the real game comes out." (A-)

GameSpot: "Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's price tag goes some way toward addressing the fact that this isn't nearly as comprehensive an offering as a full Gran Turismo release, but paying 25 pounds (or US$40) for what is essentially an extended demo of an upcoming game still doesn't represent good value for the money. If you're willing to overlook the dearth of content, the lack of damage modelling, and the problems with online play then by all means get behind the wheel. Otherwise, you're probably better off waiting for Gran Turismo 5 proper." (7.5/10)

GameTap: "So, it comes down to this: The single-player aspect of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is still incredibly addictive and there’s some solid replay value in it to earn more money, unlock additional cars, and generally perfect your driving skills. The multiplayer mode is great, in theory, but when you’re driving against a pack of opponents that might as well be driving with a blindfold on (intentionally or not), it tends to lose its appeal rather quickly. If you can, it might just be a good idea to wait it out for the final product, which, hopefully, will have some of the kinks worked out." (7/10)

GameZone: "Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is a stunning visual achievement, with cars that look incredibly realistic, racing through venues that are semi-photo realistic. The sounds back up the look of the game and using the DUALSHOCK 3 controller gives the game a great feel. All of which means that it comes down to the gameplay experience to fully determine whether the game is a hit or a miss.

This is an amazing visual effort, but the game falters in multiplayer just a bit. Tighten that up and this franchise will blow the doors off any would-be competitors." (9.2/10)

Kotaku: "Look, as a demo, it's a good one. What's already on offer looks great, and feels great, so GT fans should have little doubt that when the full game's released - with hundreds of cars and dozens of tracks - Gran Turismo 5 will be everything they want it to be. But now, as a retail product? With a limited singleplayer experience and unstable online play, I just don't think it's worth $40." (Overall Negative Review)

The Verdict
Try It: It's rather ironic that a game that is trying to fight off the "demo" label lands squarely in the "Try It" category. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue delivers the single-player experience that fans of the series have come to expect but the online play leaves quite a bit to be desired. Combined with a small "taste" of content and a rather hefty price tag and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is probably only suitable for die hard fans of the series who can't wait for the full version of Gran Turismo 5 (which won't be coming until 2009).
What "Try It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Genre: Simulation Racing
ESRB Rating: Everyone



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Okami Review Round-Up (Wii)

Okami was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006 and became an instant classic on Sony's last-generation machine. Reviewers clamored to heap praise (and Game of the Year awards) on the quirky adventure game starring the Japanese wolf goddess Amaterasu.

But the game's use of the "Celestial Brush", a tool that required players to literally draw on the screen, started a chant. This chant asked Capcom, repeatedly, to port Okami to the Wii so gamers could paint with the Wii Remote. Well here we are in 2008 and Capcom has finally answered this chant. But how does Okami make the jump to the Wii? Read this selection of five reviews and our overall verdict to get an idea.

1UP: "The original Okami for PS2 is one of my very favorite games -- a stunning achievement in both artistry and entertainment. And it's still the same beautifully told, endlessly creative, epic adventure that I immersed myself in two falls ago. While the Wii version should be the ultimate way to experience the game -- the Wii Remote seems destined to serve as the perfect input for the Celestial Brush mechanic used throughout -- its quirks and imprecision are just problematic enough to ensure that the original retains its place as the Okami that should be remembered for years to come. It's too late to support original developer Clover directly (who shut down after the PS2 release, partially due to mediocre sales), but for $40, those who haven't experienced Okami have an amazing opportunity to pay respect to Clover's legacy, support the fine folk at Ready at Dawn for undertaking the task of porting something so immense, and embark on an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure." (A)

1UP: "In 2006, Capcom and the now-defunct Clover Studio released Okami for the PlayStation 2, earning multiple accolades including GameSpy's highest possible review score. In 2008, Okami comes to the Nintendo Wii with motion-sensitive controls for its lauded Celestial Brush. Despite some serious setbacks, the game still stands head and shoulders above nearly anything else available today. " (4/5)

GameSpot: "There's a blissful moment in the first hour of Okami, one that is repeated several times throughout the game's epic tale: Tasked with restoring an afflicted sapling to its former beauty, you bring it to life with a swirl of your virtual paintbrush. The sapling bursts with light, a melody of soft pink flowers blooms on its young branches, and lush green meadows breathlessly sweep away the cursed countryside, returning vitality to the diseased landscape. It's a moment that stays with you, and it represents the sheer joy of playing Okami. Few games exude such grace and visual prowess, though you shouldn't assume that its beauty is superficial. Here is a case where stunning graphics, charming characters, and a dreamy, mythical adventure are united into a cohesive, powerful title that simply must be played. If for some reason you didn't catch it in 2006 on the PlayStation 2, you should do so now, posthaste." (9/10)

IGN: "Forget that Okami is nearly two years old. Forget that the ridiculously epic adventure, inspired by the Zelda franchise, was originally developed for PlayStation 2 and meant to be played with an analog stick. And forget anything Capcom ever said about testing the waters with Wii. You need to buy Okami for Nintendo's system. And if you don't, you'll be missing out on one of the most ambitious and thoroughly enjoyable Wii titles to date -- even if you can technically classify it as an enhanced port." (9/10)

X-Play: "Now for the good news, Okami is the same game from two years ago. Unique and captivating characters await you at every flower laden step. From combat to exploration, every action rewards the player with items, experience, or another breathtaking look at this gorgeous world. While not perfect, Okami is a shining example of style and form colliding in an epic adventure that will keep you glued to your seat and feeding animals for some time to come." (5/5)

The Verdict
Buy It: Even though Okami was originally released for the PS2 in 2006, it is still a must buy on the Wii. The Wii motion controls make combat a bit harder, but they make the Celestial Brush much more intuitive. The motion controls (and the beautiful widescreen graphics) make the Wii version the definitive version of Okami.
What "Buy It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Ready At Dawn
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Genre: Adventure
ESRB Rating: Teen



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Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 Review Round-Up (PS2)

As the new king of anime (and dethroner of the mighty Dragon Ball Z), Naruto has millions of fans all over the world. So it's no surprise that the ninja in the orange jumpsuit has appeared in almost a dozen games on six different platforms in the last two years.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for the PlayStation 2 is the latest Naruto game, having been released in late March. Here's a helping of reviews the game has received along with an interpretation of the overall opinion.

1UP: "Maybe I'm wrong and fans of the series will hate the modes that I didn't find interesting...but I doubt it. Not only are they going to get a good fighter, but they also get to mess around with any number of secondary modes that let them delve into the Naruto universe again and again. Unfortunately, for those unfamiliar -- or who have an inexplicable hate -- of Naruto, the bulk of the experience will be wasted. Sure, you could buy it for the fighter, but it's clear that much of the content is made for the fans." (B)

GameSpot: "Like its plucky eponymous hero, Ultimate Ninja 3 gets by on sheer charm. Unlike the boy ninja, its ninjutsu is weaker than watered-down ramen. No, it isn't much of a fighting game. But it's so faithful to its source material, it should nevertheless provide hours of good entertainment to fans of the series. It has two short single-player modes, pitch-perfect writing, flawless voice acting, spit-shined graphics, and a surprisingly entertaining dating system. All of this is stuffed with the usual long list of unlockable characters, item collection, several terrible minigames, and of course, the wimpy combat. If you're looking for a good fighter, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for an interactive and sweet-tempered trip to Hidden Leaf Village, this is the game for you." (7.5/10)

GameZone: "If anything, Naruto: Rise of a Ninja for the Xbox 360 spoiled fans of the young ninja in the orange jumpsuit. It was just one of those games that truly did justice to the source material whether it’s the Shonen Jump manga or Viz Media’s long-running anime series. It’s not that Namco Bandai Games hasn’t tried to bring us good Naruto games but seldom did they really push the fighting genre to new heights or give us better reasons to go back for more. That is, of course, until Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for the PlayStation 2." (8/10)

Gaming Age: "Fans of Shonen Jump's Naruto franchise can rejoice as the titles are coming out by the handful. As at this point, many of you have done all you can with Naruto Ultimate Ninja 2, so along comes…Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3! That's right, much like many franchises before it like Dragon Ball Z, the industry is getting these to you faster than a crane kick to the face! For fans, this is a good thing as it finally introduces features, characters, and ideas that are once only found in the episodes of the show and keeps things fresh and kicking (pun intended)." (B)

IGN: "Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 continues with its franchise-defining combo system and Chakra attacks while combining its main single-player mode with some free-roaming RPG elements that are reminiscent of Rise of a Ninja (even though Ultimate Ninja 3 was actually released in Japan before the 360 game was created). Although it doesn't reach the heights of the [Xbox] 360's [Naruto: Rise of a Ninja], Ultimate Ninja 3 is a step forward for the PS2 series -- albeit a baby one." (7.6/10)

The Verdict
Try It: Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 delivers what fans of the series want, but Naruto: Rise of a Ninja for the Xbox 360 is a better choice. And if you're not a fan of the anime, Ultimate Ninja 3 probably won't appeal to you.
What "Try It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Developer: Cyber Connect 2
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Genre: Fighting
ESRB Rating: Teen



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2 I'm Playing: Culdcept Saga & Spider-Man: Friend or Foe

I know Super Smash Bros. Brawl was just released and that's it's fantastic. But it has been gathering dust because I have become completely enamored of the card-based RPG Culdcept Saga. And before that I was having a nostalgic trip back to the era of 90s beat 'em ups with Spider-Man: Friend or Foe.

So here are my thoughts on Culdcept Saga for the Xbox 360 and Spider-Man: Friend or Foe for the PS2.

Culdcept Saga (Xbox 360)
Culdcept Saga takes a collectible card game patterned off of Magic: The Gathering and crosses it with the rules of Monopoly to create a whole new kind of card-based RPG. The game is a sequel to the underappreciated PS2 game Culdcept and if a game that can be described as Magic-meets-Monopoly sounds weird to you, you're not alone.

Confused? Well here's a quick primer on how the world of Culdcept works: Players of Culdcept are known as Cepters. The goal of the game is to earn the target amount of magic power (called G) through a combination of collecting tolls, raising levels, and building chains. Players travel around the board passing forts and castles to earn extra G (like passing Go). Each board features several colored territories that a Cepter can claim by placing a monster card on the board (like buying a property). As players move around the board, they have to pay a toll (rent) if they land on another Cepter's territory. A player can build chains and charge higher tolls if they own more than one territory of the same color (like a Monopoly if you will). During a player's turn they are also able to buy level upgrades (Houses and Hotels) to force other Cepters to pay a higher toll if they land on their territory. If a player's magic power goes bankrupt they have the option to sell their territories (like mortgaging, but not quite). And if a Cepter loses all of their magic, they're Magic Depleted (or Bankrupt).

It's this unique mix of card battling and traditional board game rules like those found in Monopoly that makes Culdcept Saga so addicting. The graphics aren't anything to write home about and the story is the standard RPG cliche of a lone teenager out to save the world (and a beautiful princess). But it's the gameplay that makes this one shine. Throw in online play against up to three other Cepters and you've got yourself a winner.

Culdcept Saga is a unique entry in the world of RPGs and its mashup of Magic and Monopoly has me completely hooked. It's very similar to the first game in the series, but fans will eat up this second helping of Culdcept and if the premise sounds even the slightest bit interesting, you'd do well to seek it out.
Verdict: Buy It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Developer: Omiya Soft
Release Date: February 5, 2008
Genre: Card-Based RPG
ESRB Rating: Teen
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Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (PS2)
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe takes a lot of inspiration from the Lego Star Wars series, but it's also clearly modeled after the beat 'em ups that were popular in the 16-bit days. The story, as it were, also seems inspired by that bygone era. Spider-Man is out enjoying a nightly websling when he's attacked by several high-profile members of his rogue's gallery. In turn, they are all attacked by an army of monsters called Phantoms. Phantoms are the result of fusing Venom's Symbiote with a bunch of nanomachines, so like all good cannon fodder from the 16-bit era, they disappear after you punch them enough.

Before each level, Spider-Man can choose a teammate from the pool of defeated villains (including Doc Ock, Green Goblin, Venom, Rhino and Sandman) and a group of Spider-Man's allies (people like the Black Cat, Iron Fist and Blade) that are along for the ride. Switching between the two is performed by holding down Triangle and a second player can join the fun at any time.

A plot featuring supervillains teaming up with the ol' webhead is a ridiculous idea on the surface that works because the game never gives us a reason to doubt it. Similar to the humorous retelling of Lego Star Wars, the game goes for the more jokey comic book and Saturday morning cartoon-style of the Spider-Man story and it works.

From there, the majority of the game is a neverending battle between Spider-Man and the Phantoms. Like the beat 'em ups of old, this can feel repetitive at times, but the inventive combat helps keep it fresh. The sidekicks, however, only have a few attacks, so they are not as interesting to use as Spider-Man. Which can take a bit of the fun out of the "Friend or Foe" concept.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe is ridiculously easy and can be finished off by a determined family in a few hours. But the fighting is fun and the chance to give a chance to a charming 3D beat 'em up clearly modeled after games from the 16-bit era is too much to pass up. It may not be worth much more than a rental, but it'll be one of the most satisfying rentals you play in a long time.
Verdict: Try It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Also Available On: DS, Wii, Xbox 360
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Next Level Games
Release Date: October 2, 2007
Genre: Beat 'Em Up
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
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Viking: Battle For Asgard Review Round-Up (PS3/Xbox 360)

Sega takes a page from Sony's God of War playbook with their new release, Viking: Battle For Asgard. Viking tells the story of Skarin, a recently deceased viking who has been granted new life and a new mission. He has been charged with defeating Hel's army of hellish minions, but first, he'll have to overcome this selection of five reviews and their overall verdict.

1UP: "At some point in your life, you're going to settle for something: a breakfast, a car, or a girlfriend or boyfriend. And while that's fine in real life, that sort of thinking shouldn't exist in the entertainment world. Imagine Michael Bay saying "Let's pull back on the explosions in this scene" and you might see where I'm going: Viking: Battle for Asgard falls far short of its potential." (D+)

Game Daily: "Viking: Battle for Asgard is the type of game we can't help but shake our heads at because of the wasted potential. Here's an attractive hack-and-slash fantasy adventure with landfills of gore, fire-breathing dragons and a humongous, open world, yet its pathetic story and a few bizarre gameplay decisions make it at times a snooze-fest. Yet, despite its issues, we chipped away at the campaign because we sort of admire what its publisher, Sega, got right." (6/10)

Gamespy: "[A]fter hacking through an underworld's worth of hell-spawned zombie warriors, Viking: Battle for Asgard ends up being something of a one-trick pony. While the gore factor staggers the imagination in terms of sheer volume of blood and viscera, the gameplay doesn't really evolve beyond a few basic combos unless you put in the extra effort to help it along." (3.5/5)

IGN: "Short and sweet: Viking could've been great. The massive battles are a neat idea, the world can seem huge, and while simplistic, the hack-and-slash gameplay is fun for a while. Sadly, the problems in the game make sure that none of those good things can standout too proudly. The battles stumble thanks to chug, the worlds get repetitive, and when you're not really interested in the story or your ultimate goal, hack-and-slash gets on your nerves no matter how many times you cut a guy in two.

There's still content here to like and enjoy, but I'd suggest sifting through it on the weekend as a rental." (Xbox 360: 6.5/10, PS3: 6.3/10)

UGO: "Viking: Battle for Asgard offers a surprisingly deep experience, one which doesn't easily compare to any other current-gen release. The gameplay mash-up works very well, as the game's three islands extend easily into more than 10 hours of well paced, highly varied good times. Big ups to Creative Assembly and publisher Sega for a job well done on this one; Viking is easily one of the best video game releases in this first quarter of 2008." (9/10)

The Verdict
Skip It: Lame combat and a half-baked story sink Viking: Battle For Asgard. The viking backdrop is cool though, and someday, someone will make a good game out of it.
What "Skip It" (and the rest of the ratings) Means

The Vitals
Publisher: Sega
Developer: The Creative Assembly
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Genre: Hack 'n Slash Action
ESRB Rating: Mature



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2 I'm Playing: Ghost Squad & Contra 4

The end of 2007 had a lot of big releases that gamers are still talking about more than six months later. But the last six months have also seen plenty of smaller games that are slowly gaining small, but loyal, fanbases.

Here are my thoughts on Ghost Squad for the Wii and Contra 4 for the DS.

Ghost Squad (Wii)
No game better encapsulates the return of the light gun than Sega's Ghost Squad. Putting players in the bulletproof vests of a CTU-like anti-terrorist agency, Ghost Squad features three levels with multiple branching paths. Three levels might not sound like a lot, but the multiple paths expand the levels quite a bit and give the game plenty of replayabiliy.

In addition to the standard light gun shooting, Ghost Squad also features an "action" button that is mapped to either the A button on the Wii Remote or the Z button on the Nuchuk. This action button can be used in various situations to defuse bombs, fight terrorists hand-to-hand at scripted times and rescue hostages.

Ghost Squad was one of the first third-party games to use the new Wii Zapper (but the Zapper is not required, as the game can also be played with just a Wii Remote or the Remote/Nunchuk combo). Whether you'll like the game or not comes down to how much you enjoy light gun games. The game's three levels can be completed fairly quickly, but unlocking everything in the game (including the multiple paths, new weapons and new costumes) will take plenty of time and is actually very fun.

At $30, Ghost Squad provides a lot of bang for the buck and light gun fans will be in heaven.
Verdict: Buy It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Publisher: Sega
Developer: AM-2
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Genre: Light Gun Shooter
ESRB Rating: Teen
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Contra 4 (DS)
When Konami chose a title for the first Contra game on the DS, it was mighty ballsy of them to pick Contra 4. Setting up the first Contra title for the DS as a direct sequel to the game 99% of the population believes to be the high watermark for the series is a tall order. Especially when the development of Contra 4 fell to Wayforward Technologies, a hit-and-miss portable developer who unleashed Ping Pals on the world. But fans have nothing to fear as Wayforward has produced a bona fide hit and a new platform shooter for the ages.

Right away, you can tell the developers have a deep love for all things Contra. The game's presentation is based off of Contra III and includes plenty of allusions and call backs to Contra games of the past. Not content to merely make something that could be considered Contra fan fiction, Wayforward has added two major additions to the Contra canon: a grappling hook and a two level weapon system. Contra 4 uses both screens as one field of play and the grappling hook enables your chosen Contra soldier to grab onto power lines on the top screen and pull himself up.

Wayforward has created a great Contra game and a game for platform shooter fans everywhere. They are truly students of the game. The running and jumping between platforms (and between screens with the grappling hook), the gunning down of all sorts of various alien uglies; this is Contra at its finest.

If you're a fan of the series or even if you just like shooters in general, Contra 4 is the game for you. Between all of the bonus modes, two full NES games and an insanely hard main game, Contra 4 will keep even the most hardcore 16-bit gamers busy for a long time. I cannot recommend it enough.
Verdict: Buy It (VGL Review Guide)

The Vitals
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Way Forward Technologies
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Genre: Side-Scrolling Shooter
ESRB Rating: Teen
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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Review Round-Up (PSP)

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was announced for the PSP a very long time ago. Almost four years ago (before the PSP was even released) to be exact. And in that time, anticipation for the game has grown among die hard Final Fantasy VII and RPG fans alike.

But there was also dread during the development time as Crisis Core was assumed to be canceled many times over. But Square-Enix would always assure fans that it was still coming and now it's finally here.

Here's what a selection of five reviewers had to say about Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and what the overall verdict on the game is.

1UP: "Creating a spin-off of a beloved story is a tricky task, one that usually results in failure. For every prequel that's fleshed out the original work's backstory and deepened its characters, you can name a dozen that merely tainted their inspirations by association. To date, Square Enix hasn't done very well trying to expand on Final Fantasy VII; its offshoots to date run a very small gamut from completely lame (Dirge of Cerberus) to completely wretched (Advent Children). So by all rights, Crisis Core -- the latest effort to expand the FFVII universe -- should be painful, a disaster that further cheapens the good name of the landmark PlayStation role-playing game.

Surprisingly, it's not." (B+)

GameSpot: "Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII achieves a striking balance of old and new, and juggles fan service with pure role-playing satisfaction. It's striking how these elements have been shaped into such an appealing and emotionally affecting prequel. There are some new characters and plenty of fan favorites too, such as Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. However, the characters you're most likely to empathize with are unlikely ones, including protagonist Zack, and Sephiroth, who is complex, troubled, and even sometimes likable. The way their personal stories weave in and out of each other--and set the stage for the events in Final Fantasy VII--makes Crisis Core not just the finest role-playing experience available on the PSP, but also one of the best Japanese RPGs in years." (9/10)

Gamespy: "Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core is well worth playing for series fans and newcomers alike. It succeeds on its own merits while also