Rocket Riot
Posted by Jim Hunter in 360, review on June 23, 2009
The physics introduced make Rocket Riot feel just different enough to keep the dual-stick shooter game type fresh and the art style is something that needs to be checked out. Codeglue has a nice hit on their hands. Rocket Riot is, in fact, a riot.
Plants Vs. Zombies
Posted by Jim Hunter in PC, review on June 9, 2009
Plants Vs. Zombies is a charming title, but once you get past all that charm it’s still just another tower defense game that’s light on challenge. For $20 though, its hard not to recommend at least a one time play through just to check out the art, zombie designs and laugh at Crazy Dave’s helmet.
Zeno Clash
Posted by Jim Hunter in PC, review on May 5, 2009
In general, I feel it is a bit difficult to convey the tone and experience of Zeno Clash in words. It is something best experienced for yourself. Being an independent developer often allows for much more freedom in game development due to not having to constantly answer to a higher, and often more powerful publisher. Sometimes taking chances doesn’t exactly pay off, sometimes it pays off in spades, and more often than not, it hits somewhere in between. Zeno Clash is one of the few games that lands in the upper tier of the indy scene. It isn’t the longest game in the world, and it certainly isn’t perfect, but at $20, it is a fresh step outside the normal comfort zone.
Street Fighter IV
Posted by Jim Hunter in 360, review on April 21, 2009
When Street Fighter IV was pitched as a close successor to Street Fighter II (and even takes place chronologically directly after SFII and before SFIII), I became excited and thankfully, it delivers on that promise. It shares plenty in common with its 15 year old brother and adds just enough depth, fighters and features to make it feel like a completely new yet familiar experience. If you have given up on fighting games because nothing was as fun as Street Fighter II in your best friend’s house back in the ’90s, or you’re interested to see what a purely fun and well crafted fighting game can do in this generation of gaming then you owe it to yourself to pick up Street Fighter IV.
Flower
Posted by Jim Hunter in PS3, review on March 10, 2009
In general, I’m not a fan of poetry or motion controls but I am a huge fan of Flower. It is a game that any PS3 owner should try, putting a few hours in to get a simple yet beautiful experience. Who knows, you may even come away more enlightened. Without the PSN, this game would not be possible. I can only hope that future entries into this experimental space turn out so wonderfully.
Savage Moon
Posted by Jim Hunter in PS3, review on February 17, 2009
When all’s said and done, Savage Moon does what it sets out to do. Provide a challenging tower defense game on alien terrain, allowing you to blow up tons of insects by various means. While I fear that it’s difficulty curve will throw off some TD novices, those willing to put in the time will certainly get their money’s worth. With 12 maps, trophy support, and a challenge mode that pits you against a never ending flood of creatures, there’s plenty to do in this downloadable title making it worthy of purchase for anyone looking to scratch the TD itch.
Cuboid
Posted by Jim Hunter in PS3, review on February 3, 2009
I think what makes Cuboid so attractive and addicting is its simplicity. There’s really not much you have to learn or remember, and with the exception of being split apart via teleporting, you can control the entire game with just the d-pad. There isn’t any multiplayer and there are only two difficulty modes with a total of 66 puzzles, but none of this stuff detracts from the experience in the slightest. If I may be so bold, this is the type of puzzle game that’s almost on par with the likes of Portal. If you enjoy puzzle games, and have a PS3, do yourself a favor and shell out the $9.99 on PSN for Cuboid. Its a great game, a great buy, it has trophy support, and your head will explode at least twice (if you’re into that sort of thing).
Magic Ball
Posted by Jim Hunter in PS3, review on February 3, 2009
I enjoyed what I played of Magic Ball but would have prefered a longer experience and more of a challenge. It really is a nice looking game and there’s nothing like hitting a few environmental power-ups in a row to really get the destruction rolling.
Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom
Posted by Jim Hunter in PS3, review on February 3, 2009
Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom is a decent entry into the casual PSN space. If you’re itching to play some Mahjong on your PS3, it will certainly fit the bill as there’s plenty of content for $9.99 (its got 16 trophies to earn too!), just don’t expect to be wowed in any way.
Defense Grid: The Awakening
Posted by Jim Hunter in PC, review on January 6, 2009
Defense Grid: The Awakening is deep, challenging, compelling and pretty darn good looking for a ‘budget’ title. In addition, it also has an addictive chemical reaction with the human brain, making you think about playing even when you’re not. With twenty levels, three difficulty modes, leaderboards, and a high level of replayability, I can’t help but recommend Defense Grid to any fan of the strategy genre.