Friday, August 31, 2012

Mortal Kombat Finish Him

Mortal Kombat


Mortal Kombat is my favorite fighting game to date. I won't waste your time. If you're on the very edge of buying this game, have no fear. It's worth it . Mortal Kombat bursts with content, more than any other fighting game I can think of. Expect to plug in about 5-10 hours with story mode alone with some of your favorite characters. And that's just story mode.

Mortal Kombat Cinematic Trailer (Mature) Youtube vid by RajmanGamingHD 





Thursday, August 30, 2012

Little Big Planet 2 Look out Super Mario

Little Big Planet 2


I'll cut to the chase this time. No elaborate, inspiring, attention-grabbing, over-analyzed, smack-the-reader-across-the-face introduction here. Little Big Planet 2 has been out for a while now. Do you have it in your video game library? No? Then it's time . And here's why.

Little Big Planet 2 has 30+ levels to play with the game's hero Sackboy on a mission to save the world from Negativitron, a monster who is eating the cities of Craftworld. Oh no!

While it may play like a traditional 2D platformer, Little Big Planet 2  has unique and creative level designs that are a blast to play. The diversity alone is enough to buy the game. Whether hopping around, swinging, flying, racing, button mashing, or even riding around on a caterpillar to nanomachine  to rid a poor soul of an infection. Expect the unexpected, and then don't expect it because your mind would blow up. Wha?

Little Big Planet Trailer Youtube by LittleBigPlanet





Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Last Story: a Final Fantasy Parody?

The Last Story


JRPGs has experienced some amazing, even record-breaking success over the years. Since the 1980's to, well, roughly around 2003 or so, JRPG seemed like they could do no wrong. Of course, Final Fantasy was the main flagship of the genre, and for good reason. But what we've seen over the last few years, perhaps starting with Final Fantasy 12 is that the franchise has been in somewhat of a slump. And with a Goliath like Final Fantasy plumit the way it has many wondered if JRPGs simply lacked what gamers want in a video game these days. The Last Story definitely alleviates any worries and notions that the genre has gone stale. Should you buy it? Yes. New, used, or rented, you should get your hands on this game. And here's why.

The Last Story Trailer Youtube vid by IGN




Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Rayman Origins a Lum Review

Rayman Origins


When it comes to video games it seems the current trend for success is violence, chaos, and complete destruction. From shooters of every kind to post apocalyptic games, our is a generation that craves screaming and mayhem. That's why it's my joy and pleasure to come across a game that takes players a step back from the constant head shots, the slitting of throats, the bashing of zombie skulls, and the gore and carnage of realistic warfare. Rayman Origins is the answer to what many players desperately need: A few hours to breathe and remember that destruction isn't all there is to gaming. How good is Rayman Origins? Should you buy it? Here's my take.

Rayman Origins Trailer Youtube by Ubisoft



Monday, August 27, 2012

Empire Total War

Empire Total War


Empire Total War is a vast and complex game that is somewhat daunting to dive into, especially for those who are new the the franchise. There are so many controls, micromanagement,  and elements in the game from the very start, it's more than understandable. Even the highlight of what makes the game so much fun to play, can take a while to learn and even longer to achieve a level of competence that is enough to, say take on a veteran online whose been playing the game for months, even a few years. That being said, once the player finally starts to discover and learn the controls and familiarize themselves with how the game works, what they will find is Empire Total War is actually fairly simple once the basics (of which there are many) are out of the way.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Final Fantasy 13-2 I Choose You!!!

Final Fantasy 13-2



Final Fantasy 13 came with its ups and downs. You either loved it or you hated it. The number one complaint, it seemed, was its linear pathways and corridors. In fact, “linear” was perhaps the word that popped up the most and was the number one word used to describe Final Fantasy 13. And with the new release, Final Fantasy 13-2, many were afraid that the sequel would continue the unfortunate linear experience so many gamers loathed about the original. So does Final Fantasy 13-2 fix this issue? Does it reignite hope in SQUARE and it’s ability to create memorable, beloved Final Fantasy games ? Or does Final Fantasy 13-2 come with its own set of problems that hold it back from greatness? All of this, and more, will be answered in this review.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Super Mario Galaxy 2 with Yoshi!

Super Mario Galaxy 2



In 2007 Super Mario Galaxy swept the world with its amazing platfoming gameplay. Many thought it couldn’t be done, but behold, Super Mario Galaxy 2 may actually be even better than the original in both its gameplay and brilliant musical score. It’s just about everything you’d expect from Nintendo, and at the same time, it’s so much more. As a sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands tall as a titan among sequels, and stomps on any fears or notions that I may be a simple rehash of the original with a few tweaks here and there. For a game like this, the question isn’t whether or not you should buy it, it’s why you wouldn’t . Let’s discuss some of the biggest selling points, and where, perhaps, Super Mario Galaxy 2 might fall a little short.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Just Dance 3 Bust a Move

Just Dance 3


Just Dance 3 is dancing games at their best. These are the party games of the younger generation and the up and coming generation. Like many universal games out there like Rock Band, this is another game that is just perfect for get togethers and good times with family and friends. .  You don’t even have to be someone who can bust a move on the dance floor well enough to draw a crowd around you. All you have to do is what the name implies and the rest will pretty much fall into place.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Left 4 Dead 2 Reloading!

Left 4 Dead 2


Left 4 Dead 2 came out about a single year after the original. This had many people up in arms accusing Valve of snapping out a game before it could possibly be ready to make a quick buck. Folks were worried it would be the same game, just perhaps a different setting and new characters to play as. Others were convinced Valve could pull it off and create another hit game wherein the reward is a satisfying twist on the zombie apocalypse. So is Left 4 Dead 2 just a cheap cash in? If so, is it worth your money? Or did Valve pull a fast one over its customers? The answer is…. A bit of a yes and a no. The yes is, it’s NOW worth your money . The no is, it is more or less the same game as its predecessor with some twists here and there. In this review I’ll discuss why it may or may not be worth your money while explaining why it wasn’t worth the $60 bucks it asked for upon release.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Gears of War 3 Conclusion

Gears of War 3


Gears of War 3 is the epic conclusion of the Gears of War Trilogy. Epic Games has pulled off something that any video game developer will tell you, three consecutive games that are brilliant and hit just about every goal the team strived for. Gears of War 3 introduces new enemies, engages the player in an enthralling story, maintains interest in the characters players have come to know and love, and continues to set the bar for single and online gameplay. So the question remains, is Gears of War 3 worth the investment? ? Is it really worth my money? And it really as good as people say it is? Read on, see what I think, and then decide for yourselves.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 Coin Rush Review!

New Super Mario Bros. 2


There are platforming games out there that set the bar and ups the standards in gaming; platformers which, at the height of their glory with roughly 25 years of excellence and counting, are considered to be some of the best of the best. When most gamers think of platforming perfection, the name Super Mario comes to mind. Super Mario has very good for the Nintendo Wii, selling missions of games for the console. After hits such as Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Nintendo decided to launch the sequel for the Nintendo 3DS. New Super Mario Bros. 2 is, just like its predecessor, a fun and nostalgic adventure through the beloved Mushroom Kingdom. But despite the new additions to New Super Mario Bros 2, the game still has some sketchy level design and falls short of the Super Mario games that have come before it. As a game itself, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a tremendous accomplishment . But one can't help but compare it to the previous Super Mario game.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Sleeping Dogs Review

JBLivin

Sleeping Dogs Briefing 


Sleeping Dogs is a game that pulled its own little miracle to be here. After the planned title True Crime Hong Kong was dropped and canceled by Activision due to high development costs and delays, Square Enix came along and pulled the game back on its feet by purchasing the publishing rights. Some were surprised by this as Square Enix is best known for the Final Fantasy franchise and many wondered where the titan developer would take the game. And though True Crime Hong Kong has been reincarnated as Sleeping Dogs , the question still remains: Did Square Enix revive the fallen game and deliver with Sleeping Dogs? Or is the game an unfortunate swing and a miss?

Friday, August 17, 2012

Darksiders 2 Death Comes For Us All

Darksiders 2


When Darksiders came out there was some controversy over the gameplay. Many accused Darksiders of leeching off of the successful formulas of other franchises. A new that came up over and over again was The Legend of Zelda. And with the release of Darksiders 2, many worried the sequel would continue the questionable practices of the first game. But do you want to know what I think? Get over it, people. The question shouldn’t be whether or not a game does the same thing as others. If one were to bash a game for that then just about every other game out there would be rubbish. Prince of Persia, Assassin’s Creed, Drake’s Deception, heck, even Super Mario can be compared to similar platfomrers. And just because there are many elements in common, does that make all these game bad? No. Call of Duty, Metal of Honor, Battlefield, all very similar games in most respects. Are they bad games or derivative copies? Nope.  So what gives? I’ll tell you. What’s important is that a game adds its own twist to something that’s been done before. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is almost the same as the original at its core, but it’s the tweaks, twists, and improvements that set it apart. So now that we have that sorted, it’s time for the actual review. I’ll explain why Darksiders 2 is a pretty good game, and one you should consider adding to your library if you enjoyed the original , and yet isn’t among the greats out there.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Darkness 2 Just When Jackie Boy Thought He Was Out

JBLivin

The Darkness 2


The Darkness 2 may not be your run of the mill first person military shooter by any means, but there is one thing that it delivers more than perhaps any other shooter out there: An overwhelming sense of empowerment. Jackie Estacado ravages his way through the sequel of The Darkness. And if you were a fan of the original like me, you’ll want to pick this game up . With an increased emphasis on brutal, gruesome combat with more “Oh Snap” moments than the player can count, the Darkness 2 is a game with a story that, while compelling, is a bit slow to pick up, but players may not even care all that much as they’ll be too busy ripping the spines out of their enemies.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Just Cause 2 BABLAM!

JBLivin

Just Cause 2


Just Cause 2 was an open world game I looked forward to since I first saw trailers of action and explosions that would give any summer blockbuster a run for its money. With guns blazing, Just Cause 2 promised players a world of guns, high speed pursuits, government take-downs, and of course, even more explosions. This wasn't a game I was planning on reviewing. However, as I’m always game to hear from my readers, I’m always open to suggestions and even requests. A fan (you know who you are) requested I review Just Cause 2, and I’m thrilled at the opportunity as Just Cause 2 truly is a game worth mentioning. If you enjoyed the original, you’ll love this game and I highly recommend those of you who liked the first game go out and add this one to your library .

Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Fail

Yeah, this sums the game up.
JBLivin

Duke Nukem Forever


Duke Nukem Forever. I want 12 hours of my life back. Sadly, that’s just impossible. I’ve played it. Put up with it. Completed it. Subjected my eyes and ears to its monstrosity. And now I can’t unplay it. I am so glad I borrowed this game from an unfortunate friend who bought this game when it came out rather than buy it myself. This is a game that all except a few diehard fans who live and die the Nukem way  should avoid. So how can Duke Nukem Forever be so bad, especially compared to its beloved predecessors? I’ll tell you!!!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Is Saints Row The Third Overrated?

JBLivin

Saints Row The Third


In Saints Row the Third, the Saints are in a whole new city with new turf to claim and rival gangs to dispose of. Sounds good right? And people seem to like it. It’s received universal acclaim and has received near prefect reviews, even from the big guys who only seem to give perfect scores to the likes of Call of Duty or Battlefield. Well guess what? I’m not one of them! But why? Clearly Saints Row the Third must be an outstanding game with such high scores and sales in the millions. Why don’t I like it? I’ll tell you why I don't, at least when compared to saints Row 2 and maybe when I’m done, it’ll help you take off your Saints goggles. Now, before I go on, just know, the game is relatively good in my books, but I’m here to explain why it doesn’t deserve the near perfect scores it’s receives. Definitely a game worth purchasing if you are a fan of the first two Saints Row games , but ultimately, disappointing overall in terms of a sequel and is, in my opinion, overrated.

Friday, August 3, 2012

The Sims 3 Bigger and Better

The Sims 3

The Sims is one of the most successful franchises on the market, and for good reason. It is, by far, the most well-known people simulator you're likely to find anywhere. But most importantly, it provides players with a compelling and captivating sandbox that affords freedom of choice few games could ever hope to even compare to. If you're a fan of previous Sims games, the Sims 3 is definitely the game for you . If you've become somewhat jaded, the Sims 3 does manage to add enough changes and improvements that may renew your faith in the franchise.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Fable 3 and Monty Python

JBLivin

Fable 3


Fable 3 has a lot of personality players can get lost in if they know where to look. With tons of corky characters, an absolutely beautiful soundtrack, impressive environments and set pieces, and a plot that, though overdone, appeals to gamers consistently, Fable 3 did have the potential to become something greater than its predecessors. Unfortunately, it just let every little advantage slip through its fingers, becoming something only die-hard fans would want to buy . Don't believe me? Here is a list of grievances I've put together to declare indepen- i mean, to prove my point.