Watch the Metal Gear Solid theme performed live
December 19, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
The video game experience is incomplete without its music. Would Super Mario or Legend of Zelda be as memorable without the upbeat and infectious tunes? Would Final Fantasy VII be capable of bringing tears to gamers’ eyes without its haunting melodies? No, it would not.
Talk box on the DS would make Bon Jovi proud
December 13, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Miscellaneous, Video Games
It’s been a crazy week! Between playing Exteel (a PC MMO), WWE Smackdown vs. Raw (PSP version), Mirror’s Edge (PS3 version), and Luminous Arc 2 (DS), I also needed to write an article about each one. In between the mad rush, I found this video that would surely make Bon Jovi proud. Or Peter Frampton.
Now Playing: My review copy for Mirror’s Edge arrived at last
December 10, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
My review copy of Mirror’s Edge for the PlayStation 3 has finally arrived. My article is supposed to be included in PlayGround’s December issue, which is supposed to hit stands sometime in the middle of the month. Guess what? Because of the delay, my review would be included in the next issue instead.
Ghostbusters trailer is the best thing since the wheel
December 4, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
Video game trailers, like film trailers, serve only one purpose: hype. Of course, a trailer’s quality is never a guarantee that the corresponding film or video game would be good or halfway decent. This is always the mindset I have when watching any trailer and it pretty much worked—until now.
I’ve just watched the trailer for Ghostbusters: The Video Game and everything I knew about trailers have just been thrown out the window. It’s the best thing since prehistoric man discovered the wheel.
The awesomeness of the trailer may be influenced by the fact that I’m a Ghostbusters fan since it first came out in 1984 and watched every episode of The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. Nostalgia aside, I think the trailer is really well made. The number of vintage Ghostbusters wisecracks, buildup, and action is just perfect—not too much that there’s no room for imagination, and not too little that leaves me dissatisfied.
Has the Ghostbusters game trailer left you doing back flips, or are you still on the fence?
The Legend of Zelda horseback battle is one of the best out there
December 3, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
The Legend of Zelda franchise is known for its epic boss battles. Twilight Princess, the latest Zelda installment, continues the tradition with one of the most compelling and innovative battles this side of the Nintendo Wii.
Dead Space’s zero gravity controls are zero
December 2, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
Whoever proclaimed that Dead Space has great controls should be dragged from his or her pinky finger for 60 miles and shot. Sure, Isaac Clarke, the mute protagonist, may move like Resident Evil 4’s Leon Kennedy on steroids, but the game’s zero-gravity parts can sure try a patient gamer’s endurance.
DS vs. PSP: The rant continues
November 25, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Gadgets, Video Games
My honeymoon with the PlayStation Portable is over. I admit I was enamored with the impressive hardware. What’s not to love? The PSP comes with a big-ass screen, sleek design, and an analog nub, among other things. The games are PRETTY. One look at Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII’s cinematic sequences is enough to make one forget, albeit briefly, that the system needs more good games this holiday season.
Dead Space comes with two types of frights
November 15, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
There are two general types of frights in Dead Space, EA’s latest (and perhaps only) survival horror game. The first sort is built for startling you, while the second is more on mindfuckery. While I haven’t finished the game (I’m playing the PlayStation 3 version), I think it’s safe to say that there are only two.
Michael Phelps’ wait for Call of Duty 5 seems worth it
November 13, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
Swimmer Michael Phelps would probably be happy to hear that his two-month wait for the advanced copy of Call of Duty: World at War wasn’t in vain. The PlayStation 3 version of the World War II shooter has been getting glowing reviews since it shipped the other day. If you recall in Phelps’ interview with the CBS Early Show, the Olympic gold medalist received the PS3 version of the game.
Better late than never: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas review (PS3)
November 11, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Better Late Than Never, Reviews
There was nothing quite like the original Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six for the PC. The game made something as mundane as planning an integral and addicting part of gameplay, at a time when so-called “innovation” in shooters was limited to mere storytelling and atmosphere.
See the iPhone Ocarina in action
November 10, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Gadgets, Video Games
Interested in getting a new application for your iPhone? Check out Smule’s Ocarina, which lets you play diatonic, minor, and harmonic scales. Better yet, you can watch the video and see how a theme to The Legend of Zelda is played.
Far Cry 2 is well-received by critics
October 24, 2008 by Mike
Filed under Video Games
It’s been years since I’ve bought a copy of the now-defunct magazine Computer Gaming World, but I still get my share of reviews from CGW old-timers via 1UP. One of the latest video reviews from the trusted website is for Far Cry 2, which came out a couple of days ago.
