On most consoles, a simple, casual puzzler like Balloon Pop might not seem like a good deal for $20. But, when compared to the usual Wii dreck that goes for a pair of Hamiltons, this unassuming little game feels like a revolution of sorts. It isn't literally revolutionary in any discernable way, but it doesn't suck horribly, and in today's budget Wii lineup that's rare enough to vault it high above the pack. As "match three colored things"
Nov 14, 2007
Plick, plock, plick, plock, plick, plock, "Tell grandma to bring the car around". Plick, plock, plick, plock, "Tell grandma to bring the car around". Plick, plock, plick, plock, plick, plock "Tell grandma to bring the car arou - mwaaaaaaaah!"
That last sound, in case you're wondering, is the noise of a normally happy-go-lucky gamer being pushed over the edge and having to commit a heinous act of physical violence upon a random hapless victim within reach. What preceded said sound
You don't see the name Batman associated much with comedy nowadays. That's why it's nice to see this cartoony beat-em-up add some much-needed levity to what's become a very gritty franchise. Arkham Asylum this is not - both adults and kids will find themselves chuckling as they punch through levels as the Bat-ster and his host of sidekicks. With its witty banter and entertaining scenery, Batman: The Brave and the Bold might even charm you into having fun for a little while. There's just one little problem: you can't lose...
Nov 1, 2007
Like its predecessor, Battalion Wars 2 is an action/RTS hybrid, similar to PC titles such as Savage. Instead of players assuming the role of General from a bird's-eye view, they are able to control their grunts, flamethrowers, anti-air tanks, bazookas or a number of other units that roam the field of battle. Controlling units, as well as performing other actions such as attacking, issuing orders and raising flags to assume control of mission objectives would require an elegant
Any rhythm game that compiles the likes of Electric Six, Tenacious D, and Tag Team – yes, of "Whoomp! (There It Is)" fame – deserves some serious props, and we gladly send them in the direction of Battle of the Bands. Offering five distinct renditions (rock, country, Latin, hip-hop, and marching band) of each full song further sweetens the pot, but when the most interesting aspect of your game (by a wide margin) is the
Last month we had Deca Sports (Sports Island in the UK), this month it’s Big Beach Sports. Curious. It’s almost as if third-party publishers are trying to cash in on some hugely popular sports game collection that Nintendo bundles with the Wii. This time around the collection features six sports - cricket, soccer, bocce, volleyball, frisbee golf and football – and they’re all played on the beach, would you believe.
On the surface, Wii Degree looks like a total cash-in for brain training and multiplayer minigames. It's an understandable blend though, as they're two of Nintendo's most profitable concepts these days - why not mix them into one title and sell a frillion copies of it? Even though the premise is an obvious grab for lots more casual-player cash, the game remains a fun, frantic and family-friendly piece of software.
Challenges come in five flavors, each with three minigames apiece to test your
Nov 27, 2007
The umpteenth Data Design attempt at "throw and see if it sticks" is the most grueling. From rehashes of platforming monstrosities we're thrust into JK Rowling-troubling broomstick racing. Actually, 'racing' is a tad generous, implying some sense of control and pacing. This is more like a careening simulator, plonking a hideous piece of knock-off Harry Potter character art on a stick and asking you to steer by twisting the nunchuk.
Watching your glitchy avatar rotate in thin air
Developer Traveller's Tales has had an almost unreasonable amount of success translating LEGO blocks into successful game franchises. Despite what some would say, the much beloved blocks even gave the ailing Star Wars franchise a much needed shot in the arm. So it's a sad thing indeed that they've failed to provide the same treatment for LEGO's original property Bionicles, on a system desperate for solid
“My eyes! My poor eyes!” This is what you’ll be crying after ten minutes of playing this superb reinvention of Pong. It’s unashamedly retro in all departments, from concept to sound and graphics, but the sheer speed of play and required concentration once you get a few levels in, coupled with the explosions of primary colours, issues you a one-way ticket to Migraine City.
