Playstation 3

Sonic the Hedgehog, everyone's favorite chilli dog loving, gold ring collecting, iconic gaming mascot is celebrating his 20th Anniversary this year. Fittingly, Sega has released Sonic Generations, the first title in the series to feature both modern and classic Sonic in the same game. After our hero's birthday party is unceremoniously crashed by a nefarious being known only as the time eater, Sonic finds himself at a strange, yet somehow familiar junction. What is this place, and where did his friends go? This premise, however basic, gives Sega a quasi-logical excuse to bring back fan favorite stages from previous Sonic games, and serves to explain how two different Sonics can exist in the same game.

First and foremost, note that classic and modern Sonic are not simply different character models. A great deal of effort has been put into making them feel authentic, with gameplay and controls uniquely matched to each respective Sonic. Instead of merely allowing either one to be selected at will, each Sonic has their own specific levels. Classic levels are primarily 2D oriented, and occupy most of Act 1, while their modern counterparts are 3D/2D hybrids, taking up the bulk of Act 2 for each stage. Keeping true to each Sonic's heritage, both hedgehogs have their own specific traits, that do not overlap. Classic Sonic, for instance, can spin dash, but doesn't talk, as he never talked in any of his 2D adventures. Modern Sonic, conversely, has a boost meter and full speech, but lacks a dedicated spin dash button. In addition, there are challenge stages tailored to each character; ranging from doppelganger races, to survival, to skill challenges, which, when completed, unlock new abilities available for purchase in the skill shop.

Read More...

A disease of unknown origin has inflicted the human race. Once contracted, it leaves you with something called the dark ring and you're sent to live out your days slowly losing your sanity and becoming a Hollow; an undead that has lost all its sanity and is now an extremely violent former shell of the person that it once was. Not the best of circumstances in any game but it's just downright discouraging to be starting a game known for its intense difficulty empty handed.  So, congratulations! You start your journey in an asylum prison cell where you've been sent to spend your days as an undead immortal. Besides the opening explanations that set the tone of what to expect, additional information is given by NPCs, that fleshes things out at times. Let's be honest here - once the game starts dealing out painful (and frequent) death, the story is going to be the last thing on your mind. Survival quickly becomes of paramount importance to the player.

Much like its predecessor, Demon's Souls, you are able to customize your character. There are a variety of starting classes to choose from that will effect your starting stats, weapons, combat choices and gear. You can also give it a name, choose it's sex, physique and there are a variety of faces and hair styles to choose from. This time around you also get to choose a starting gift.  If look closely you'll notice the thief starts with the master key automatically and still gets a bonus gift. Some are more obviously helpful then others in the descriptions but each one will eventually help you out along the way and all of them, except the master key, is available in game. Keep in mind  you don't need the master key to beat the game, it just means that you'll have to find the specific key for each door you want to open. Choosing your starting class will also set the bar for your fighting style for the first few levels. It's not going to pigeon hole you into any one category in the end but in the beginning each one will effect the stats you have and will determine your ability to use magic, use a bow and arrow and what kind of weapons you can use. You can't beat the game strictly using long range weapons or just clobbering your way through. As you level up your attributes you can customize your fighting style and your fighting experience.

Read More...

Cinematic adventure at its finest.

“A city on the verge of greatness, a new type of city” - L.A. Noire’s opening words and more importantly, a statement that will resonate on a second play through. From the onset, L.A. Noire deftly blends its narrative, dialogue and mechanics into a seamless interactive cinematic experience. Every word and action in this game contributes to a sensual yet sinister mood, set perfectly even from as early on as the opening sequence.

Rockstar and developer Team Bondi have come together to create something very special. From L.A. Noire’s beautifully realistic setting to it’s provocative tale, it raises the bar in many areas. Sure, the MotionScan technology is beyond impressive, adding to the depth of the story; for once being able to see emotion rather than just hear it - but this tech can only be as good as the real performances that it captures, and this is yet another area where Noire really excels in.

Read More...

Bioware's latest is as challenging as it is rewarding.

BioWare, the developer responsible for RPG greats such as Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, and Mass Effect, tries to add another AAA title to its repertoire, with Dragon Age II. Dragon Age: Origins, BioWare’s previous release, didn’t receive quite the acclaim that was originally expected, however it still managed to be a decent title. The developer using criticism to fuel their passion for creating quality RPGs, intended on fixing the wrongs of the past by making DA2 what a console-based RPG experience should be. Do they succeed? Let’s find out.

Dragon Age II, a direct follow-up to Dragon Age: Origins, starts out with a dwarf named Varric being interrogated in a darkened room by a Chantry seeker regarding the Champion of Kirkwall. As Varric begins to narrate the story, he begins with a somewhat sarcastically overwhelming exaggeration of the story. This segment acts as a tutorial, giving you a feel for the controls. It also serves as a great example for the new combat mechanics. These mechanics are quite different from those in Origins, which were admittedly a bit stiff. The new mechanics are very fluid, being able to strike in an almost hack n’ slash fashion, streaming together a flurry of attacks that feel absolutely seamless.

Read More...