For a deceptively simple-looking game, NEVES absolutely rocks. Taking the ancient seven shape tanagram and bringing it to the Nintendo DS was a great idea and thanks to the fine folks at Hanayama Co., developer Bee Works and Yuke’s, you can take one of the most addictive puzzle games you’ll ever play on the road for single or two-player fun. Over 500 puzzles and four modes of play pack in hours of fun and the although the touch screen controls might seem touchy at first, once you understand how to properly tap and drag or rotate pieces, everything falls into place for puzzle perfection. If you’ve got a good memory, there’s a way to breeze through the game’s tougher modes, but we’ll get to that later in the review. (more…)

“You stand at the entrance to King Brahm’s Dwarven realm. You carry a talkative Wand named Ellon, sword, leather armor, an enchanted map, a quest log, health potion and an heirloom ring…” With game development moving too quickly ahead of itself for its own good, something so simple yet outstandingly produced as Orcs & Elves is like a bucket of ice water to the face. Everything here clicks from the solid 3D engine and excellent use of sound to the liberal usage of humor (and ale) that lends the game some if its funnier moments. Yes, the game can be completed in about 8 hours (or less if you rush through it on Normal), but that’s a testament to how addictive it is. Beating this on the harder modes is where the replay value comes in, as the difficulty ramps up considerably on Hard and Nightmare modes. Just like the original cell phone game, the DS version is hard to put down and a total gem from start to finish. Kudos to id Software and Fountainhead for expanding the game to include new areas not found in the original and of course, for tweaking the game engine to the handheld’s strengths. (more…)

If there were an award for ‘Best Improved Racing Franchise’ this year, it would probably go to EA’s upcoming Need for Speed ProStreet. The latest iteration of the long running series blows the doors off the last couple of entries and just might start a shift in recharging the overpopulated street racing genre. Stepping away from the mostly arcade physics and outrageous crashes that were turning the series into a sort of “Burnout Lite,” the new direction based on precision handling and avoiding damage makes each race a thrilling, tightly focused fight to the finish line. Some quality hands-on time with the Xbox 360 build at EA’s holiday event showed off the new racer quite well with a single desert-based track and AI opposition that reacted more like real drivers than perfect, race line following drones. (more…)

Yep, here we are again with the latest Orcs & Elves Dev Diary. This time out, Foundation’s Katherine Kang talks about sharp objects and how to use them along with some thoughts on the game’s design and a few other choice topics. Only a few more weeks until the DS game hits stores and it’s looking to be a potential Game of the Year contender thus far. Enjoy the read! (more…)

Namco Networks continues their classic gaming streak with yet another memorable arcade hit, Popeye. The game is now available on selected Nextel and Sprint phones directly from the Namco Games website. In addition Namco is running a sweepstakes that will make 75 lucky winners happy… (more…)

In this latest Orcs & Elves Diary, the game’s story and principal heroes and villains are revealed, as well as a bit of what inspired the game’s creator, id Software founder John Carmack to come up with the idea for this supremely cool throwback RPG. Only a few weeks to go and my DS is getting more and more thrilled… (more…)

For a licensed kid’s game, Digimon World Data Squad can be moderately addictive once you get past the usual trappings of a licensed product, the frequent, lengthy battle sequences and long load times. The game is a turn-based RPG that’s going to be like sugar to ants for its target audience, but parents (or adults like me that didn’t get games like these for favorite toys when we were growing up) probably might find a fair amount of fun here as well. Solid cel-shaded characters blend well with the 3D backdrops, the gameplay is simple enough for anyone to pick up. Look past the the Saturday morning dialog and there are enough familiar plot elements to keep things pretty interesting. (more…)

You gotta wonder how they do it, department: Bethesda keeps the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion train rolling onward with two additional console releases and another downloadable pack (at least if you’re a 360 or PC owner). First up is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition for the Playstation 3. The GOTY contains the original game along with the Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions, allowing PS3 owners who haven’t yet had the chance to dive into the gorgeously deep game world with the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay at their disposal. The Shivering Isles retail expansion for the 360 also contains the Nights of the Nine content and requires an original Oblivion save on your hard drive in order to enjoy its 30+ hours of quests and challenges. (more…)

Here’s Part Two of the Orcs & Elves Developer Diary along with five more new screens. The game is really turning out to be extremely amazing for a DS game and as I’ve played the cellphone version, I can safely say that if you’re looking for an excellently challenging and often amusing ‘old school’ PC-style RPG for your commute (or hell, just to groove on at home), you’re in for a real treat come November. Anyway, read on for more… (more…)

If you’re a pinball fanatic like me, you probably keep an eye peeled for any and every game that shows up on a home or portable system. Well, set your sights toward your nearest game shop and roll on down, as Ignition’s new Nintendo DS game Flipper Critters is a neat little budget gem that’s fun to play and often quite funny. The game features a number of super colorful 3D worlds navigated like a series of pinball tables, platforming and quest elements along with three mini-games for good measure. While the game can be a great time for the money, sometimes the story literally gets in the way of the action. Developer Zen Studios gets a lot of mileage from an excellent engine, but to the uninitiated, the text boxes and spinning screen can be a bit disorienting. (more…)

Beautiful and brilliant, Eternal Sonata is currently the best of the growing crop of JRPGs currently available for the Xbox 360. Developer tri-Crescendo (the Baten Kaitos series) has created a true gem fans of the genre will love from beginning to end for just about everything it offers. From the achingly gorgeous visuals, to the increasingly challenging combat system and the surprisingly touching (and deep) storyline, it’s hard to find fault with the finished product. If you happen to have a passing or greater interest in classical music, the game becomes even more of a special treat solely based on its educational aspects. Who’d have though that you could learn about the life of one of history’s greatest composers by playing a video game where dispatching mostly cute-looking monsters as quickly as possible makes up the bulk of the gameplay? (more…)

While Guitar Hero III might have been the big game advertised at this year’s DigitalLife show, the far bigger surprise was The Eye of Judgment, hitting stores on October 25 for the Playstation 3. This brilliant collaboration between Sony and Wizards of the cost had my interest piqued right from the very first announcement back when the PS3 was announced. Now that I’ve had a chance to play it, I can say without a doubt that even if you’re not into fantasy-based card games or turn-based strategy RPGs, you’ll absolutely want to check this one out. Those of you who are into the aforementioned genres will want to rush down to whatever game emporium you frequent and reserve a copy as soon as possible. Based on the a few rounds against WOTC staff and the crowds of eager gamers lining up to get in a session all three days of the show, I’d say the game is a guaranteed smash for Sony and Wizards and yes, an absolute Game of the Year candidate. (more…)

Sporting gorgeous high definition graphics and an amazing sense of speed, Sega Rally Revo brings the arcade game to next-gen in fine form indeed. This all-new update to the arcade series retains that classic Sega racer feel complete with twisty, tricky tracks, vibrant colors and tough AI that makes the game a challenge right from the start. Phenomenal looking cars aside, the big plus here is the ‘GeoDeformation’ technology that allows cars to really tear up the tracks, making each lap different from the last. Although you get a nice selection of licensed cars that dirty up real good, unlike many current racing games, you won’t find any car damage at all and real-life drivers or courses are nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, the game is supremely easy to learn, tough to master and fans of the two arcade games (and the import only PS2 entry, Sega Rally 2006) will be driving until the cows come home and then some. Although the game isn’t incredibly deep in terms of features, it’s surprisingly hard and indeed, intensely thrilling each time you play. (more…)

Here’s a look at the upcoming EA release Orcs & Elves through the eyes of producer Katherine Kang of Fountainhead Studios. The Nintendo DS game, an enhanced port of the multiple award-winning cellphone RPG, will hit stores on November 13. We’ll be running weekly entries and screen shots until then, after which you’ll get our full review of the game as it hits retail. Thanks to EA’s Nicholas Straw for the usual above and beyond the call efforts (more…)

Eidos and Io Interactive are about to rock your world while shaking up the Mature rating in the process with a game that truly raiser the bar in terms of mature content. At this point, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men looks to be one of the best games of 2007, a brutal, unflinching excursion into the crime genre that truly signifies next-gen gaming at its finest. Not only is the game looking phenomenal, the non-stop cinematic elements found throughout the game and dynamic gameplay will have fans of films like Heat, The Wild Bunch, and other visceral movie classics glued to the edges of their seats, controllers gripped in sweaty palms as a knowing grin spreads across their faces. I certainly felt this way at a recent hands-on event; coming away feeling Io has nailed pretty much everything they wanted to do with this game to a giant T. (more…)

Just in case you thought the Old West had dried up as a game setting, Ubisoft’s Xbox 360 shooter Call of Juarez brings the genre back nicely with a solid entry that’s as violent and unpredictable as you’d expect. The game’s two playable characters offer up two uniquely different play styles along with specific weapons and abilities for each, which is a nice twist, although it takes some getting used to if you’re expecting a straight up run and gun game. Nevertheless, the game works plenty of genre conventions for all they’re worth throughout, which should appeal to those older gamers who appreciate the appeal of the six-gun-slinging antihero. Polish developer Techland gets some gorgeous, nicely sized vistas out of the 360 and for the most part, gameplay is pretty solid throughout. Some tricky jumping sections can be a bit of a hassle, but there’s definitely enough quality in the finished product to warrant a recommendation. (more…)

Those that continue to state that 2D games are dead obviously don’t understand that great games don’t rely on super-realistic 3D graphics and white-knuckle non-stop online multiplayer action in order to be masterpieces. Case in point: Atlus’ amazing Action/RPG and potential Game of the Year contender, Odin Sphere. Die-hard Sega Saturn fans with an eye for imports (and a bit of expendable capital) will see that the game is a spiritual successor to 1997’s Princess Crown, the amazing side scrolling Japan-only release that was one of the best titles on the ill-fated (and unfairly criticized) console. George Kamitani and the fine folks at Vanillaware have once again crafted a gorgeous, highly playable and surprisingly deep game that outstrips many “next-gen” releases in terms of depth and replay value. (more…)

If you’ve managed to play The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to death and for whatever reason don’t have, want or can’t get Broadband or Xbox Live, now you can finally expand your gaming experience significantly. Bethesda Softworks has announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (GotY) has shipped for the Xbox 360 and Windows and will be in stores as early as today. If you’re new to the Elder Scrolls, you’ll be happy to know that GotY includes the original version of the award-winning 2006 RPG, Oblivion, along with the official expansion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, and the Knights of the Nine download pack. (more…)

Warning: musical pun alert (tape your eyes so they don’t roll out of your head, folks)…. To drum up support (ba-dum-bum!) for the upcoming multi-platform release ROCK BAND, Harmonix and MTV Games along with EA will be literally hitting the road with the game so players of all stripes can take it for a spin. If you really want to be a rock ‘n roll star (well, one playing high quality plastic instruments), your 15 minutes of fame just may be on the way. At these events, “Rock Off” auditions will also take place with the prize an opportunity to appear on MTV’s TRL. In addition, the two best bands will participate in a live “Battle of the Bands,” with the overall winner being asked to open for “one of rock’s biggest bands” at the game’s official Holiday 2007 launch.

O_O talk about pressure… (more…)

Bethesda Softworks has certainly been keeping die-hard Star Trek fans more than busy ever since they acquired the license to create games based on the classic sci-fi franchise. The fourth and latest game, Star Trek Conquest is set to hit the PlayStation 2 and Wii this fall bringing gamers a blend of turn-based strategy and challenging real time space combat. (more…)

After years of success on every major (and a few minor) home and portable gaming systems, there’s still no stopping Activision’s Tony Hawk franchise. The newest installment, Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground, looks to show off a wealth of changes and innovations that reinvent the long-running series, opening it up even more to new players while giving veterans the best game yet. At a recent Activision event, I got to see some of the Xbox 360 version in action in the hands of Activision’s Kehau Rodenhurst and came away surprised at the level of depth the game will offer. The team at Neversoft is tweaking the luscious game engine from last year’s Tony Hawk’s Project 8 adding improved lighting, more customization options and eight all new gameplay additions that allow anyone to jump in and play regardless of experience level. (more…)

Coming to the Nintendo DS this November from Yuke’s Company of America is NEVES, a fun puzzle game that brings over 500 tanagrams to players for brain-tingling single or competitive play. Based on Hanayama’s Lucky Puzzle, one of the thousands of timeless handmade puzzle games from the Japanese toy company that’s been in the business since the 1930’s, NEVES will test and tickle your synapses as it tests your shape shifting skills to the fullest. (more…)

Bad News/Good News Dept: Due to a problem with a special art book that was to be packed in with the game, Atlus has announced a slight delay in the release of its upcoming RPG Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3. The game was initially set to hit retailers on July 31st, however, it’s been pushed back to August 14th, 2007. I’m currently playing through a reviewable of the US version, and can safely report that it’ll be well worth the extra wait time. In the meantime, you may want to replay (or buy, if you haven’t already) Atlus’ other PS2 gem, Odin Sphere while you’re waiting. (more…)

Who said summer was a slow period for good games? If you’re a fan of the Naruto anime or manga or like cool fighting games in general, you have something in stores now that’ll keep you busy for quite a while. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 builds upon the foundation laid in the first game with over 20 more playable characters, more moves per fighter, a revamped Ultimate Road campaign and tons of unlockables. Namco Bandai and developer Cyber Connect 2 have put together a faster-paced sequel, a total blast that looks great and plays even better. From the gorgeous, kinetic energy of the graphics to the spot-on sound work and surprisingly deep gameplay, there’s a lot to love here. (more…)

Right off the starting line, Forza Motorsport 2 roars to a near-perfect finish as another high quality Xbox 360 racing game. I don’t know if Kazunori Yamauchi and the team at Polyphony Digital are checking their rearview mirrors, but Microsoft’s latest track burner comes off as more polished than Gran Turismo 4 in a number of key areas, although GT4 still has the edge on the older system. Naturally, it’s a bit unfair to compare the two given the age of the PlayStation 2 hardware. However, Turn 10’s efforts just might force yet another lengthy delay to Sony’s seminal racing franchise as they add and improve features for the PS3 update. Forza 2 includes the return of the robust car/decal/paint customization from the first game, excellently revamped online play, the ability to gift or auction off cars to other live players and much more. The game also sports outstandingly photrealistic next-gen graphics and a wide selection of over 300 vehicles from classic foreign and domestic street machines to some of today’s fastest prototypes. There are a few minor bumps in the road, but they certainly don’t keep this from being one of the best pure racing games this year. (more…)

Who knew the late, great Frederic Chopin was such an otaku? In Namco Bandai’s upcoming Eternal Sonata for the Xbox 360, the composer’s deathbed dream is one of a lush fantasy world filled with charming musically named characters, fast-paced combat and some incredibly tough bosses. In terms of offbeat game ideas this one is definitely off the charts and under a less talented developer, would probably fall flat on its face. However, the team at tri-Crescendo has combined this truly unique theme with a game engine that features beautiful visuals, an innovative combat system along with plenty of excellent music from both Chopin and game composer Motoi Sakuraba. After seeing the game in action and getting some hands-on time at a recent NYC press event, it’s clear that this will be a true gem for JRPG fans that also happen to own an Xbox 360. Granted, the 360 isn’t exactly known as a console RPG system, but that’s certainly about to change with this surprising sleeper. (more…)

With the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End hitting stores next week, Disney Interactive just might change the way you look at licensed movie games. I had the good fortune to see and play a couple of the current and next-gen versions of the game and came away surprised and impressed at the level of quality and pure fun on display. With the game set to hit multiple platforms, here’s a quick breakdown on what to expect. For those of you with an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 as your console of choice, you’re getting one of the best looking if not the best-looking movie game to date, hands down. PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii and PC gamers are getting an entirely different game with similar visuals, but controls tailored to each system’s strengths. Finally, Nintendo DS gamers are in for a treat with a game that packs in rich 3D graphics fast-paced gameplay and an intuitive touch screen combat system in one cool package. (more…)

Atlus USA has just made a few thousand RPG fans quite happy indeed with its latest Odin Sphere announcement. The gorgeous action/adventure RPG will hit North American retailers on May 22, a mere five days after the Japanese release. But, wait… there’s more! Atlus has also announced that the game will offer players the choice of fully voiced English or original Japanese dialogue, each version voiced by some of the top actors in the business. (more…)

With all the costumed heroes changing hands lately from one developer to another, it’s time for some sort of scorecard, that’s for sure. Sega of America and Sega of Europe have announced an exclusive, multi-year global licensing agreement with Marvel Comics to create console, handheld and PC games based on Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Thor. This latest deal comes on the heels of Sega’s recent announcement of an Iron Man video game based on the upcoming film, with both movie and game to be released in May 2008. Sega’s acquisiton of these four key Marvel licenses makes it definitely the company to watch for fans of each franchise. (more…)

Speaking of Guitar Hero, Activision and Red Octane have announced that Guitar Hero II is now available for the Xbox 360 at retail stores across North America, the Red Octane website store and other online retailers. (more…)

With Activision handling the Guitar Hero franchise these days, developer Harmonix got cooking on another great music game idea. The company has teamed up with MTV: Music Television and Electronic Arts for Rock Band, set to hit the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 this holiday season. athe game will allow players to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as an offline or online virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals. What makes the game even more unique are the unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, allowing for a broad selection of master recordings of the biggest songs and artists of all time. (more…)

With only a handful of games under its belt, Level 5 has become one of those legendary game developers that can pretty much do no wrong. Their first PS2 game, Dark Cloud, combined randomly generated dungeons, a simplified city construction feature and rich visuals in one of the best early RPGs on the console. Dark Cloud 2 and Dragon Quest VII: Journey of the Cursed King followed with the cancelled True Fantasy Live Online for the now defunct Xbox fading into gaming history as one of those great games that might have changed Microsoft’s overseas fortunes somewhat. Their latest masterwork, Rogue Galaxy, was reviewed extremely well in Japan, but had a number of minor flaws that kept it from perfection. Fortunately, for US and European gamers, the company went and fixed what needed fixing while adding all-new content, making a great game even better. While UK RPG fans will have to wait until June to play the game, I’m pleased to report that the US version of the game is an instant classic that shouldn’t be missed. (more…)

It’s finally here. Rockstar Games has officially set the Grand Theft Auto IV ball rolling with an amazing trailer available in high-def or standard Windows Media, Quicktime, PSP and iPod formats. It’s now viewable on the game’s official website, so do please go there now. You’ll need to be 18+ to access the site and enjoy the brief look at what the upcoming Xbox 360 and PS3 game has in store for you when it hits retail on October 16, 2007. We’ll have more GTA IV news for you as it comes in.

-GW

Atlus has announced that the website for its upcoming PS2 RPG, Odin Sphere has been updated with a host of new info, images and other cool stuff. Under the Archives section, there a full trailer, beautiful wallpapers and an audio clip of in-game music by composer Hitoshi Sakimoto. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the game is the latest2D project by Vanillaware, the developers of the amazing Sega Saturn import Princess Crown, one of those gems we hope Atlus will eventually localize, given its release on the PSP in Japan almost two years ago. Anyway, we’ll have more on Odin Sphere as the game moves closer to its relase date.

-GW

Atari has announced that the first downloadable content for their Xbox 360 game Bullet Witch is now available to Xbox Live subscribers. The new content includes a free, brand-new White Witch costume for the lead character Alicia, and a Bullet Witch Xbox 360 Theme pack. In addition, for 20 points each, players can download one brand new mission “Dynamite Beauty” and two enhanced versions of the “Clad in Streaming Black” mission, one featuring ‘Great Spells’ unlocked and the other a heightened level of difficulty.

Here’s a peek at Alicia’s sexy White Witch gear and two of the Theme pack screens:

Expect more cool Bullet Witch media as new updates are released.

-GW

No, you’re not dreaming folks, it’s finally happened. Nintendo and Sega are putting their two mascot characters together for an upcoming video game. Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, with appear together in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. The game is currently in developement for the Wii and Nintendo DS only and has a tentative release date of ‘Holiday 2007′, which should make Sony and Microsoft diehards who happen to be closet Mario or Sonic fans a bit steamed in the seams… (more…)

Konami has shipped two more interesting Nintendo DS games to retailers across North America, one is an original title, the other is a collection of Konami classics. Honeycomb Beat, published by Hudson and distributed by Konami, is an addictive puzzle game featuring intuitive pick up and play action with 200 different puzzles, slick visuals and an unlockable selection of backgrounds, “visualizers” and music tracks. The game should appeal highly to fans of music-based puzzlers such as Lumines.

Exclusive to the DS, Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits features 15 of the company’s 1980’s quarter munchers such as Contra, Gradius, Yie-Ar Kung Fu and Track & Field. The collection includes new features such as dual screen presentation, wireless multiplayer and the ability to send demo versions of the game to nearby DS users. Additionally, the game packs in a ton of bonus content that includes music tracks, vintage concept art, promotional materials, photos of original arcade cabinets and even the actual arcade boards themselves.

Honeycomb Beat is rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $19.99. Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits is rated “E10″ (everyone 10+) by the ESRB and is $29.99. For more information on both games, head on over to Konami’s web site.

A few years back, I was talking with a developer of PC military simulation games and the subject turned to vehicle-based sims, particularly those strictly focused on either tanks or helicopters. I was told that the reason you don’t see more of these games on the market was that they just didn’t sell very well, except for a few thousand super diehard fans, some of whom happen to be veterans. Still, we both concluded that these games would continue to be made simply because the guys and gals who make them have a love for the different vehicles and how they operated within particular real world conflicts. Developed by G5 Software, Whirlwind Over Vietnam is such a labor of love, a finely detailed, difficult, but ultimately rewarding gameplay experience no military sim fan should miss. It’s not perfect, but as with any PC game, a patch or two should improve the product even further. (more…)

Speaking with Namco Networks’ Scott Rubin is always a treat. Here’s a guy that knows what he’s talking about and is genuinely enthusiastic about what he does. Of course, with a strong mobile games lineup that’s about to get stronger, it’s hard not to become equally thrilled. With a stable of Namco arcade classics such as PAC-MAN, Dig Dug, Galaxian and many more mixed with exclusive titles such as Pro Pool Online II, it’s no wonder you’ll find people enjoying these titles just about everywhere you look. We discussed the recently released Scene It? Movie Edition (currently available for selected video enabled mobile phones) and the upcoming return of the 1983 classic arcade hit Popeye to the gaming scene. (more…)

With Majesco’s excellent Wii game, Cooking Mama Cook Off in stores now, you’d better believe there are some cool promotional events on the way to get gamers and non-gamers alike cookin’ with gas. A launch event for the game is being held Saturday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nintendo World Store, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. At the event, an on-site chef will be preparing snacks as gamers compete in a wide variety of in-game cooking challenges on interactive stations throughout the store. Contest winners will receive a copy of Cooking Mama: Cook Off and attendees can win additional prizes. In addition, the game’s official web site is running a contest where you can submit family recipes for your chance to win a limited edition, collectible Cook Off apron. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

No, you’re not dreaming and yup, the press release is a total hoot, so I’m running part of it as is. Anyway, Midway is developing a PlayStation 2 game based on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim hit Aqua Teen Hunger Force. As you can probably guess, the game isn’t quite related to the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film coming to theaters on April 13, but hey, you can’t expect every conspiracy theory to pan out, right?. Set for a fall release, The game, called Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am is an (get this) “epic, action-adventure combat golf, cart racing game that gives fans an opportunity to experience the Aqua Teen universe in a whole new way.” Mmmmm-kay. And how so, Mr. Press Release? (more…)

Turner Broadcasting System’s GameTap is bringing its excellent multiplayer adventure game Myst Online: Uru Live to Macintosh computer users as of today. The game experience on that platform will be exactly the same as the PC version currently available to Gametap subscribers, including all of the regularly added features, destinations, and missions. (more…)

OK, excited crowds and hyped up media coverage aside, let’s be blunt: the PS3 launch was underwhelming. One great game (Resistance: Fall of Man), some good games and a few not so good games made me flash back to Microsoft’s rushed Xbox 360 launch in late 2005. Similarly, the PS3 had a number of titles that were delayed until this year that would have been killer day one releases. However, that’s water under the bridge as the system is finally showing off more of what it can really do. Over that particular bridge, a bunch of cars, motorbikes, buggies and trucks are having at it in one of the best racing games you’ll play this year. MotorStorm is the name, insane visuals and no rules racing make the game and if you’ve been wondering whether that five or six hundred dollars was a good investment, here’s an emphatic “oh hell yes” for you. With mud-covered rides blazing around all over a series of beautifully rendered off-road courses, this is one game that should convince even the most skeptical to pick up a SIXAXIS and take a test drive … (more…)

At a recent press event here in NYC, Sega showed off its commitment to Sony’s PSP with a great-looking lineup of titles tailored to the handheld’s strengths. Here’s a look at images and screens from the games, all scheduled for release during 2007: (more…)

Here are 11 screenshots and 4 character renders from D3Publisher of America’s upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive, Earth Defense Force 2017*. Developed by Sandlot, the game is a fast paced arcade shooter and a sequel to a Japan-only budget PlayStation 2 release. Based on the game trailers we’ve seen so far, US gamers won’t need to worry about not having played the original. (more…)

Speaking of Nihon Falcom, the company has certainly been busy making itself a household name all over again on the JRPG front. US publisher Mastiff announced today that the Falcom programmed PSP Action/RPG, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure has shipped to retailers across North America. Scoring high marks from Japanese game critics, Gurumin earned a coveted Silver award from Famitsu magazine in Japan. (more…)

You have to give Namco Bandai tons of credit for their dedication to the PlayStation Portable. As the third part of ‘The Garghav Trilogy‘, The Legend of Heroes III (Song of the Ocean) marks the latest entry in this JRPG series by legendary developer Nihon Falcom, as well as the first trilogy of games in any genre to hit the US PSP in such a short time period. Each installment has delivered the look and feel of classic console role-playing games with upwards of 50 of hours of gameplay and dozens of characters to meet in beautifully rendered locations featuring a mixture of 2D sprites over 3D backgrounds. While this latest game works wonderfully on the handheld, playing it while in transit might have you missing a bus or subway stop if you get too wrapped up in adventuring… (more…)

In stores this week (today, actually) is our Game of the Week, Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia, from NIS America. A solid collboration between Gust and Banpresto, this turn-based RPG features 2D sprites on lovely hand-painted backdrops, a grand music score, an innovative battle system with emphasis on charged ‘Song Magic’ attacks, and an engaging plotline that relies on close interaction with certain female characters. If you love ‘old school’ RPG goodness, this game will absolutely provide dozens of hours of pure bliss… (more…)