by Richard Lewis on 01/09/2010
When it comes to car based racing games enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Arcade style racers, demolition derbies, huge technical simulations that require an understanding of complex mechanics to get the most from... They're all there. Motorbike fans aren't so lucky, almost as if some kind of mechanical Animal Farm logic was in place - four wheels good, two wheels bad. It's a terrible prejudice, especially considering the fact that the speed and danger of motorbike racing makes it perfect to transfer into the virtual gaming world.
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by Richard Lewis on 19/08/2010
There aren't many games that manage to break free from their cultural shackles and find an audience among new people. It is even all the more unlikely when the game in question is a representation of something real, something that the consumer would have little exposure to as part of their daily routine. Yet none of that stopped the Madden franchise becoming a rip roaring success across Europe where "American Football" is far from popular.
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by Richard Lewis on 23/07/2010
With the game taking place in the same amount of space as before, some gamers were worried that they might be getting short changed. After all, it's the industry standard to make things bigger and longer than before. Yet while Pacific City might be the same size, it certainly isn't in the same state. Could it be possible that underneath all that rubble there could be something to rival, or even surpass, the first game in the series?
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by Richard Lewis on 16/07/2010
It's The Open weekend and what better way to spend time between rounds than knocking a ball about in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. Read our review to find out if the latest instalment is a worthy companion to the oldest of golfs majors.
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by Richard Lewis on 13/07/2010
In a time when the first person shooter genre seems weighted down in reality, or some close approximation of it at least, it does beg the question what the frag-hungry gamer does for some actual R&R these days. If not crawling on their bellies through a network of Vietnam like tunnels, or having to keep one eye on ammunition supplies, or even having to be wary of their own commanding officers, there is always something heavy trundling over that reality based horizon that can make the whole thing sometimes too intense, if not out and out stressful.
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by Richard Lewis on 29/06/2010
Its incredible to think that for as long as Transformers have been on the cultural map they have gone from favourite toy, to favourite cartoon, to favourite animated movie and then, much later, to becoming a guilty pleasure in the form of the Hollywood blockbuster... but there hasnt been one decent computer game based around the franchise.
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by Richard Lewis on 03/06/2010
Ever since catching Goldfinger on TV at Christmas as a kid it is implanted in your brain that being a spy is probably the coolest possible profession anyone can do. As the decades roll by and the depiction of spies in movies and television have moved away from the occasionally camp Bond to the Butch Bourne and the brutal Bauer one thing has still remained the same - we all still would secretly like to be one.
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by Richard Lewis on 01/06/2010
The rise of the UFC is no accident. Sports fans have grown weary of the toothless aggression handed out to them by the overbloated and greedy boxers that hang around long after they are capable in the hope of one last payday. Soccer has become virtually a non-contact sport and even rugby has people feigning injuries with blood capsules so obviously fake they belong in a Hammer Horror movie.
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by Richard Lewis on 21/05/2010
The Persian Empire brought many things to the civilised world but its a shame that they couldnt have come up with a design for working doors and stairs. Well, thats at least what the Prince of Persia series would have us believe, forcing characters to have to continually scale walls and defy gravity in a manner more in keeping with Spiderman than anything else. A franchise spawned from humble platform and puzzle beginnings the games continue to remain true to that ethos, while of course ramping up the gravity, death and time defiance to previously unimaginable levels.
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by Richard Lewis on 18/05/2010
Six years in the making with the best part of one of those dedicated almost entirely to fine-tuning, the story behind the game shows in itself how frustrating the creative process can be. However unlike the main character in this game, a writer who is struggling with his latest novel, Remedy have finally put something out there and now must face the anxious wait to see how its received by their public.
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by Richard Lewis on 14/05/2010
The game sees the protagonist return to the Ice Planet of EDN III and in a quick tutorial we set of plodding through waist deep snow, fighting off akrids and braving the elements. That feeling of isolation in a bleak and hostile landscape still apparent. Yet it doesnt last long. It seems that EDN IIIs core temperature has been rising, causing parts of the planet to thaw out and like a magicians reveal at the end of the trick the tutorial ends with the characters flying out of the snow and towards a lush and verdant jungle.
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by Richard Lewis on 11/05/2010
The World Cup comes along every four years and with it the pageantry that such a great sporting occasion brings. That and the requisite EA Sports game tie-in, which is an opportunity unmissed since 1998. While FIFA games in the past have been hit and miss affairs, right now they are riding high having wrestled the crown away from Pro Evolution Soccer to become widely regarded as the best football game on the block.
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by Zardon on 23/12/2009
If you thought all witches were wrinkly old prunes, then think again because even if you havent heard of Bayonetta there is a good chance if you like titles like 'Devil May Cry' or 'God Of War' then this will hit the spot - they are all designed by the incredibly talented Hideki Kamiya. He has managed to create an epic, over the top, fast paced, brutal action game. If you like sexy anime women with a plethora of wild and scary powers then hold onto your hat.
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by John Erikson on 17/12/2009
EA Montreal aim to address the issues with the first game with the next title in the Chapter entitled 'The 40th Day'. At a recent press event we managed to get some hands on time with the cooperative mode to see how it is shaping up so far.
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by John Erikson on 15/12/2009
Veteran gamers among you will remember Alien Breed which was released in 1990 on the PC, it was a top down shooter and placed you into an sci-fi style movie complete with a hostile alien race. Alien Breed Evolution is a reboot of the original game, updated for 2009.
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by John Erikson on 14/11/2009
You will either already be groaning or applauding with yet another release in the popular music franchise that has been dominating the sales charts for the last year. Yes, this time Van Halen are taking center stage with Guitar Hero Van Halen, a band who rocked our world years ago.
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by John Erikson on 10/11/2009
Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Singstar - if you like to play fake instruments or warble at the top of your voice, you can be sure there is something already available on the market to satisfy your dreams of stardom. Lips: Number one hits is sure to appeal to karaoke singers the world over.
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by John Erikson on 30/10/2009
The Ballad Of Gay Tony is based around the character of Luis Lopez who you control - he works for the title character. This time however Luis is a successful guy and you arent working from the ground up as you did with Niko Bellic or Johnny Klebitz.
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by John Erikson on 09/10/2009
The long awaited Forza Motorsport 3 is finally upon us and developer Turn 10 has opted for a new approach, making it as accessible as possible. The end product is a racing simulation game which will be enjoyed by a huge cross section of the general public. This is Microsoft's answer to the 50 million selling Gran Turismo.
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by John Erikson on 25/09/2009
Brutal Legend is shaping up to one of this years surprise success stories from developer Double Fine Productions. You take control of Eddie Riggs, a roadie for a fledgling band who dont appreciate his abilities to keep their guitars in tune as well as creating mind blowing set pieces. Tongue in cheek it certainly is but with Jack Black involved this is to be expected.
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by John Erikson on 22/09/2009
Halo 3: ODST was originally planned as an expansion to Halo 3 and was being marketed more as a filler to keep the fans happy until Halo: Reach was released late next year. What we have ended up with however is an excellent single player campaign as well as a new cooperative mode called Firefight.
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by John Erikson on 19/08/2009
Wolfenstein is a name that is instantly recognizable amongst the gaming community and the forthcoming release has been one of the most hotly awaited this year. It is hard to believe that Wolfenstein 3d was released 17 years ago and was one of the key founding titles which brought first person shooters to the masses. Can developer Raven Software bring enough of a fresh slant to the Nazi shooter to make it a viable purchase in 2009?
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by John Erikson on 04/08/2009
Developer Obsidian have possibly one of the surprise hottest games of 2009 under wraps. We managed to spend some time with the game recently and we can say we are excited about the upcoming October release.
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by John Erikson on 28/07/2009
Gears Of War 2 was a colossal success on the Xbox 360 and has helped Microsoft to sell millions more consoles. Today we are looking at the latest downloadable content available on the Xbox store called Dark Corners. This is a map pack which contains seven battle zones for Xbox live as well as a new campaign chapter called Road to Ruin - is it worth the 1200 Microsoft points however?
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by John Erikson on 09/07/2009
Infernal: Hells Vengeance is a third person shooter which places you in control of Ryan Lennox, a super powered warrior out to seek revenge on Etherlight, a militant force who once employed him. The game looks fine on paper but does it make for a good experience?
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by John Erikson on 07/07/2009
Left4Dead was a huge seller for Valve when it was released and the announcement of Left4Dead2 was met with a mixed response. While many people were excited about the possibility of a new game in this exciting post apocalyptic world, others felt that Valve hadnt supported the original long enough. As a total Left4Dead fanboy I was lucky enough to spend some time with a few of the game areas before release.
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by John Erikson on 28/05/2009
Bionic Commando was a classic twenty years ago as gamers took control of Rad Spencer, a soldier dropped behind enemy lines armed with nothing more than a pistol and his bionic arm. Developer GRIN have finally produced a true sequel after the 'rearmed' remake last year and today we find out if the game is a worthy release.
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by John Erikson on 12/05/2009
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel was released late last year for the PC and Ascaron Entertainment have decided to bring the RPG to the X360. The game had a mixed reception but generally offered a fun Diablo-esque experience with a solid character classes and skill assets as well as a huge world open for exploration. The big question we have to answer today however is can it translate to the console environment?
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by John Erikson on 07/05/2009
Fallout 3 was a huge success for Bethesda Softworks and the downloadable addon has finally been released for both the PC and Xbox 360. The additional content extends the original story, raises the level cap and brings new weapons and armour into the mix. Is it worth the money?
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by John Erikson on 09/04/2009
There is no shortage of Bejeweled style clones available for all the consoles but when Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords arrived in 2007 it took the casual puzzle genre and combined it with role playing elements. The end product was an addictive game which appealed to thousands of gamers across the globe. Finally the successor Galactrix has arrived which features an all new cast and is almost identical to the PC version which was released in February.
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by John Erikson on 23/03/2009
PopCap Games are a developer and publisher who have been happily going about their business with an array of inexpensive games available for both the PC on the Steam platform and on the next generation consoles via the relevant online stores. They tend to focus on simple and addictive puzzle games such as Bejeweled, Zuma and Feeding Frenzy.
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by John Erikson on 17/03/2009
Fight Night Round 3 was one of the first next generation console games which highlighted the potential power of the Xbox 360 and when it was shown at E3 in 2005 it stunned many people ... this was finally the boxing game to capture the intensity of the fight, with beaded sweat on bruised skin and blood erupting from mouths with dramatic slow motion punches. Today we take a look at the much awaited sequel due for release this summer.
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by John Erikson on 16/03/2009
Laras Shadow is Crystal Dynamics second downloadable expansion pack for Tomb Raider: Underworld. This time around you are in control of an evil Lara Croft with superhuman powers and the ability to enter bullet time for maximum carnage. Do you want some?
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by John Erikson on 05/03/2009
Lara Crofts latest adventure Underworld has been a big seller for Eidos Interactive and developer Crystal Dynamics have been keen to expand on the original storyline by adding a expansion pack entitled Beneath The Ashes.
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by John Erikson on 25/02/2009
Halo has been synonymous with developer Bungie for many years and surprisingly, Halo Wars is for the first time ever, the brain child of developer Ensemble Studios. It is a real time strategy game set in the world made famous by the charismatic green clad Master Chief.
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by John Erikson on 20/02/2009
The much awaited expansion pack for Grand Theft Auto 4 "The Lost and Damned" has been out for a few days now on the Xbox store and we can safely say that the 12 hour campaign has set a new benchmark for other downloadable content to achieve. Xbox owners rejoice!
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by John Erikson on 20/01/2009
Recently two pieces of downloadable content have been placed on Xbox Live Marketplace for the big selling title Fable 2. One is priced at 800 Microsoft points (around $10) and the other is free. Both of these are titled Knothole Island, are listed as a game addon and both weigh in at 531mb which could be confusing for many people. We spent some time with both and have detailed exactly what you get.
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by John Erikson on 15/01/2009
I recently had some time to sit down with the forthcoming Overlord 2 on the Xbox 360. This is (unsurprisingly) the followup to the successful Overlord which was released quite some time ago on the next generation consoles, as well as the PC. In the first game, the Overlord was killed at the end of the game but he was fortunate enough to have a son.
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by John Erikson on 17/12/2008
Rise Of The Argonauts is a fusion of a role playing and action game based on ancient Greek mythology. Developer Liquid Entertainment have focused more on a streamlined arcade action viewpoint with this game which may very alienate a portion of the prospective audience.
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by John Erikson on 15/12/2008
Crypto is a bug eyed alien with an anal probe fetish and under the control of the player with the help of his trusty flying saucer he can level entire towns with a huge plethora of weapons. Pandemic Studios the developer of the first Destroy All Humans game are no longer involved with the series and publisher THQ have opted to use an internal studio: Sandblast Games for the latest game in the series.
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by John Erikson on 11/11/2008
It has been some time since we have seen a Banjo Kazooie game from Rare so it was with much excitement that we received our review copy of Nuts & Bolts. Rare have however made a break with tradition and this time around the game focuses on designing vehicles to tackle many challenges. It is certainly a unique idea, but today we will find out how well it works.
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by John Erikson on 06/11/2008
Gears Of War 2 rarely strays from the formula that made the first such an iconic title, we are still treated to the wonderful cover system, the amazing alien design, and the artistic direction of the environments. This time around however the scale is much bigger and the combat situations are frequently more challenging and entertaining.
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by John Erikson on 04/11/2008
Today we take a look at the true sequel to Guitar Hero III, Guitar Hero World Tour. For the first time in the franchise the game offers options to play the drums and sing, as well as mashing your fingers on the fretboard with bass or guitar. Is this a poor counterpart to Rock Band or a great standalone title in its own right?
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by John Erikson on 22/10/2008
Fable was a great game and the sequel has been hyped for quite some time now. You can play the sequel as a man or a woman and you have control over not only your actions but also your sexual preferences ... are you a middle aged man who likes to play as a lesbian? then Fable 2 will be right up your alley (no pun intended). The second edition is set to be more accessible to a wider audience but does it hold the charm of the original?
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by John Erikson on 14/09/2008
Rock Band 2 brings 84 new titles to the table, and this time around they are all master tracks and it would be fair to say that this collection is probably the best yet. Not only do you get all master tracks but there is a new Guns N' Roses song called "Shacklers Revenge" which is pretty cool.
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by John Erikson on 11/09/2008
The original Viva Pinata was incredibly popular in certain circles and people are still playing it today. It was a game people rarely sat on the fence about... you either loved or loathed it and if you are one of the former, then you will be already toning up your gardening skills in anticipation of the followup 'Trouble In Paradise'.
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by John Erikson on 26/08/2008
The Tales series of role playing games has been running now for over 10 years and the latest incarnation from Bandai Namco has been released as an Xbox 360 exclusive. The role playing series has finally hit the high definition scene!
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by John Erikson on 20/08/2008
Too Human is a game which has been getting considerable hype for quite some time. This hype is somewhat justified as the title is made by Silicon Knights who have made games such as Eternal Darkness and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. High hopes indeed for this Xbox 360 exclusive, let's see how it fares.
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by John Erikson on 15/07/2008
Unreal Tournament has been a huge success on the PC platform for many years and now Xbox 360 owners are getting their first taste with Unreal Tournament 3 which was released on the PS3 and PC last winter. Thankfully the new Xbox 360 version is, for the most part, worth the wait.
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by John Erikson on 02/07/2008
The horror gaming market has been craving a quality console title for quite some time. Atari are keen to address this with the release of Alone In The Dark on the X360. A vast, inspiring world full of horrific creatures and mind warping puzzles is a hard goal to achieve; can developer Eden games deliver the goods?
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by John Erikson on 19/06/2008
At GamingHeaven we try to cover the cream of the crop of games available on Xbox live and today we are taking a look at a fiendishly addictive puzzler. With 45 levels, leader board support and both local and online multiplayer this game is sure to appeal to the discerning puzzle fanatic.
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by John Erikson on 11/06/2008
Aces Of The Galaxy is a new arcade space shooter by developer Artech Studios and published by Sierra Games and released this week on Xbox Live Arcade. Artech are known for Boogie Bunnies, a mildly entertaining puzzle game featuring dancing rabbits, but fear not this time around things are much less fluffy.
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by John Erikson on 30/05/2008
Once again Ryu Hayabusa returns to be confronted by the Black Spider Ninja Clan in Ninja Gaiden II, the follow up to one of the most critically acclaimed games on the Xbox. If you were a fan of the original then this is sure to appeal, however dont be expecting a revoluntary gaming experience.
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by John Erikson on 27/05/2008
USA readers will be amazed it has taken an additional six months for Harmonixs follow up to Guitar Hero to reach UK shores. For those of you who have been living in isolation for the last year Rock Band is Guitar Hero taken to the extreme with not only guitar support, but a drum kit and microphone thrown into the mix. Finally you can game with three friends to create a full four piece band experience.
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by John Erikson on 23/04/2008
Pro Evolution Soccer has been a successful franchise since its inception, however it has been rather stagnant in recent years; nearest competitor FIFA (while having a huge plethora of options) does not quite have the same depth of gameplay. However fear not because corporate giant Electronic Arts has unleashed Euro 2008 on both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
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by John Erikson on 14/04/2008
The Dreamcast and Gamecube arcade shooter Ikaruga has finally made its way onto Xbox live, in the shape of an enhanced version costing only 800 gamer points. Can it capture the magic of the original title which is now hailed as a classic?
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by John Erikson on 04/04/2008
Universe At War was a relative success on the PC scene a while ago, bringing a reasonably fresh perspective to the rather staid Real Time Strategy genre. With the game being released for the Xbox 360 the question I am here to answer is "Well shucks, can this really work on a console?"
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by John Erikson on 03/04/2008
Almost everyone has played Tetris at one time or another, and the sales of this game across the various platforms have been a testament to its success. TiQal, created by developer Slapdash Games is a game set in the same genre, now available as a download on the Xbox 360 store for 800 points.
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by John Erikson on 28/03/2008
Viking: Battle For Asgard is set in the era when the world was ruled by the Norse Gods. Created and developed by SEGA/Creative Assembly, the game puts you in the shoes of Skarin a barbarian style viking warrior who wields both a battleaxe and a sword.
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by John Erikson on 14/03/2008
Condemned was one of the leading lights when the Xbox 360 was first released, it combined a stellar first person shooter gaming experience with a genuinely eerie and immersive atmosphere. With the release of the follow up, many people will be wondering if it still has that magical quality that made the original such a big seller.
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by John Erikson on 11/03/2008
If the United States had never been involved in World War II, history would be very different with Nazi Germany probably controlling most of Europe and Asia. Turning Point makes this scenario a virtual reality. As the game starts the storyline is laid out, Winston Churchill, instead of being injured by a taxi in New York in 1931, was killed. This is the Turning Point for the change in history. Geddit?
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by John Erikson on 03/03/2008
Rockstar are renowned for creating controversial games. When Bully was released on the Playstation 2 about 18 months ago it received positive reviews but for some reason was ignored by a huge section of the mass public. Was it perhaps just not controversial enough ?
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by John Erikson on 29/02/2008
Surely not ANOTHER First Person Shooter game on the X360!? Yep, today we have a review of one of the latest titles to hit the 360 this year. We have had some killer titles like Bioshock and Call Of Duty 4, but this year hasn't seen a killer FPS. Can Frontlines: Fuel Of War deliver a good gaming experience after the raft of medicore FPS titles in 2008?
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by WhO_KnOwS on 18/02/2008
In gaming, as in life, patterns often emerge. One of the most important ones is the unexplainable series of genres that get ignored by the developers. Just think about it for a minute Flight simulators, the games that shaped the late 90s are nowhere to be seen and the same goes for strategy games to an extent. Another genre that has apparently gone to the chopping block this generation are jRPGs. We've seen a total of two jRPGs on next-gen consoles so far. And while both were good, they just don't hold a candle to the likes of Final Fantasy & Co.
Lost Odyssey is the third major attempt to do the genre justice. Will the 3rd time be the charm?
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by John Erikson on 06/02/2008
The Club is a Bizarre Creations game which according to them is "sure to refresh the mechanics of 3rd person action shooters just as we have shaken up the racing genre. The Club is designed to be an addictive experience with rewarding gameplay that tests your skill to the limit and offers a relentless pace never before seen within the genre."
Some pretty bold claims indeed, however I urge you to let me break it all down into layman's terms. The Club is basically a game in which you run around, shooting enemies as fast and accurately as possible to get as high a score as you can, via a multiplier system. It sure doesn't sound quite as appealing as the PR fluff so I will elaborate.
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by John Erikson on 01/02/2008
With 2007 now over and a raft of high quality first person shooters in our wake (Halo 3, Bioshock, Crysis, Call Of Duty 4), it is going to take something special to grab our attention in 2008. With this in mind I was pleased to receive a copy of Turok for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. So do we start off 2008 with a bang, or merely a whimper?
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by John Erikson on 29/01/2008
Kingdom Under Fire as a series has always been founded on strong strategy elements as well as including spellcasting and levelling, just like you would find in a plethora of other RPG’s. The series was recently revitalised with Crusaders on the Xbox in 2004, which was a great game. Circle of Doom is a bold move for the developers at Blue Side, as the game is basically ditching a lot of the strategy elements and replacing them with a pure action role playing experience. Is the game any good however, or is it just another stagnant limpfisted action based hack n slash?
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by John Erikson on 20/01/2008
The burnout franchise has long been the leading arcade racer. Yes I am intentionally omitting the Need For Speed series because lately it sucks.
Burnout has been a success due to the great control system, sense of speed as well as the ball busting damage system. Criterion haven't sat on their asses however and have decided to tweak the new title to keep die hard fans interested as well as hopefully attracting a new crowd to the Burnout world. Burnout Paradise actually boasts some of the biggest changes to the franchise with almost everything in the game being tweaked or altered to some level. I can't say everything has changed for the better, but at least Criterion are taking some risks. It seems Axl and Slash are due to make yet more money as no one could have missed the ad campaign on TV recently for the game .... "Take me down to the Paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are pretty" yep, this is pretty much the games theme song courtesy of the long disbanded Guns N' Roses.
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by John Erikson on 19/01/2008
I am not sure how I ended up being a writer, it sure wasn't something I ever dreamed of being when I was a kid. I lay in bed at night pretending I was Eddie Van Halen and while I mastered his movements with my trusty tennis racket, I never really got the chops down.
The legendary Guitar Hero, now in its third iteration, was the game to change all this, we could all prance around our bedrooms in our underwear while hammering out tasty licks to many a classic rock song. Rock Band takes this a stage further with the aspirations of allowing you to play with your buddies. Guitar, Bass, Drums and even vocals are the name of the game and with developer Harmonix already having plenty of experience with Guitar Hero they should on paper deliver an awesome multiplayer gaming experience.
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by WhO_KnOwS on 29/11/2007
Some games start out slow and only grab your interest after you invest considerable time. Then there are games that make you think “Nice, I think I’m going to enjoy this” right off the bat. Then, there are even more impressive games that blow up in your face the moment you insert the disk into the console – games that have that special something to pull you in before you even start playing. And then there is Mass Effect, a game whose introduction can be put right next to classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey. But is a strong introduction all this game has going for it, or did Bioware prove themselves as master of RPG making yet again?
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by WhO_KnOwS on 20/11/2007
It all started with RPGs. Sword wielding, dragon slaying dungeon crawlers where players got to save the land over and over again. Then with advances in technology these fantasy expeditions slowly crawled from underground to the vast expanses of the top-side world. With trends moving farther away from fantasy with each passing year it was only a matter of time before this free-roaming concept was taken to a new, more popular environment. The result? Grand Theft Auto was born! Freed from the shackles of earning experience and leveling up, the game became a smash hit. It seems however that things run in cycles here, so the latest GTA (San Andreas) had us earning experience again (in a way) and building up our character with various skills/statistics. Stick the thing into a medieval environment and you have a pretty natural follow up to the classic RPGs of decades past. And voila, this is exactly what Assassin’s Creed aims to do!
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by WhO_KnOwS on 16/11/2007
When Medal of Honour games started losing breath a few years ago the first Call of Duty game came out of nowhere and made a small revolution within the genre. For the first time players were able to fight alongside hundreds of allied soldiers (remember the Russian campaign?) instead of playing the lone wolf behind enemy lines. But much like its spiritual predecessor the CoD games started losing momentum with the third instalment. Is Modern Warfare another step down on the road to mediocrity or did the jump to modern times give it the needed boost to return to greatness?
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by Zardon on 05/11/2007
Ask anyone right now which game they are most looking forward to playing and you can be assured that 9 in 10 people will have "Assassins Creed" in their top 3. Gaming Heaven was recently invited to the launch party in London for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions, and we walked away from the briefing with some lovely high quality game images as well as an 8 minute "gameplay" video.
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by WhO_KnOwS on 02/11/2007
As you walk around the streets of a city you seldom give stuff more than a glance. A garbage can? Who cares, right? That rail going from the library doors all the way down to the street? Hardly of any importance. But through the eyes of a skater, each of these mundane objects presents an obstacle that can and usually will be used to perform some sort of mad trick. Through the eyes of a skater nothing is just an object and the world has different look to it. Through the eyes of a skater you are free and nothing in this world can stop you…
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by WhO_KnOwS on 11/09/2007
With Hironobu Sakaguchi behind the helm, Blue Dragon caught the eye of the media early on. The fact that Microsoft made boastful claims about the greatness of the game didn’t hurt either. In any case, Blue Dragon has been a long awaited title, promising to deliver a fantastic journey in a fantasy land. But while Microsoft tried to make the game look like a revolution, careful observers noticed that the game was going to be anything but revolutionary. In fact, Blue Dragon is quite possibly the most traditional jRPG released in the last 10 years or so.
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by Spyre on 28/08/2007
Coming from one of the most consistently innovative and exciting developers out there: Irrational Games (now 2K Boston), Bioshock is, on the face of it, a conventional shooter. Compared to games like STALKER with its A-Life AI and open-ended structure, Bioshock's confined environments and set-pieces might look old fashioned and tired. You might also consider the 5 or 6 distinct enemy types boring and a bit stingy. With most shooters you'd be right, but Bioshock transcends all of these concerns by being the most compellingly immersive shooter since HL2.
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by Spyre on 06/08/2007
Flatout 1 and 2 were originally on the PC, Xbox and PS2 and sold reasonably well, Flatout Ultimate Carnage is basically an improved version of Flatout 2 with extra car detail and other graphical improvements as well as some extended game modes.
Some people who peruse the screenshots or look at the front of the box would be forgiven for being under the impression that the game is like Burnout Revenge, but although it shares some similarities which I will get to in a moment both games play completely differently.
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by WhO_KnOwS on 19/07/2007
People are evil, there is no denying it. Sure, some may not show it and most only go as far as doing small evil deeds so that they don't get in trouble with the law. But deep down inside, every single one of us is just waiting for an opportunity to throw a rock at that annoying neighbor. Triumph studios know this and Overlord, their latest product doesn’t really give you a choice between good and evil. Instead you can choose between very evil and extremely evil!
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by WhO_KnOwS on 11/07/2007
Jackie Estacado is just a regular guy who celebrates his 21st birthday at the start of the game. He visits his girlfriend at her new apartment and together they watch a movie. But he is troubled. When his girlfriend asks him about it he reassures her and tells her that there were some problems at work. What he doesnt tell her is that his foster uncle Paulie, the don of a mafia syndicate ordered a hit on him. He also fails to mention that as of that day his body is no longer his own he is sharing it with a dark entity called the Darkness.
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by Sandok on 25/06/2007
Having to choose between two great games is terribly difficult, especially when the choices are Forza Motorsport 2 and Colin McRae DiRT for Xbox 360. On one hand, Forza 2 offers a realistic simulation with over 300 licensed cars and plenty of customization options but on the other hand, Codemasters is finally bringing authentic rally racing to the next-generation consoles. Even as I put the pristine DVD in my Xbox 360, I couldnt help but wonder if I had made the right choice reviewing this game was sacrificing all those virtual Porsches and Ferraris worth it?
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by Zardon on 30/05/2007
Much has been said about Forza Motorsport 2, and the challenge it will pose to the massively successful Project Gotham Racing 3. To be fair, there are distinct differences between both titles, with Forza 2 being extremely focused on the cars. If you are fanatical about cars then Forza is sure to get you turned on.
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by Zardon on 01/05/2007
Choose a career as a kid, and 9 times in 10 the answer won’t be a fireman, doctor or even a pilot – I think most of us wanted to be in a band touring the world, well I sure as hell knew I did. Very few however ever make the grade and end up working in a dull office somewhere, so if you fall into that category, fear not, cause RedOctane is set to unleash the rock god in us all !
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by Zardon on 25/04/2007
As you may have heard Microsoft are bringing out a black 120GB HDD model of the Xbox 360 along with a built in HDMI port for those people who require it - it is to be called "The Elite". They are also bringing out various black accessories to match the new case. This model will be called the 'Elite' and is quite a bit more expensive than the existing 'Premium' model and is aimed at the people who download and save lots of films via the video marketplace or who want a HDMI connection. This new black 360 isn't out over here in Europe for quite some time unfortunately.
What I thought would be a fun project is to see how easy it is to turn a regular Xbox 360 into a “black one” far cheaper than having to buy a whole new console. Not everyone would want or require a 120GB Hard drive (which can be bought separately anyway once it is launched although the price isn't very cheap) or the HDMI port but they do like the look of the black chassis.
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by Zardon on 10/04/2007
INTERVIEW with Patrick Home, Midway Associate Producer for
HOUR of VICTORY for XBOX 360: Due Summer, 2007
GH: What type of gamer do you think will be attracted to HoV?
Patrick: We think HoV will appeal to a broad range of gamers. The multiple POV’s allow gamers to play the game in the style that they enjoy. The player who enjoys intense action shooters is really going to find something they enjoy in Hour of Victory with the commando. The player that enjoys a stealthier shooter is going to enjoy the covert op. The gamer that likes playing the sniper will enjoy playing the Ranger.
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by Sandok on 07/02/2007
Ever since the announcement of the Xbox 360, a couple of games, such as Oblivion or Gears of War have been in the spot light from day one. And while hype can be a very good thing, aiding games reach legendary status before they’re actually released, it can be a double-edged sword, sometimes leading to people’s expectations being way too high and resulting in utter disappointment when the title is finally available. Clearly, every publisher wishes to avoid such a scenario, and of course, it was no different with Capcom as they launched their eagerly anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive, Lost Planet.
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by Zardon on 04/02/2007
Let's not mince words, Battlestations Midway is an intense game and with a wealth of units ranging from fighter planes, torpedo bombers and aircraft carriers to battleships and cruisers there is a great level of combat diversity at your fingertips. This diversity is the titles greatest strength, with aerial and nautical aspects combining to make a hybrid strategy/action game.
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by Sandok on 08/01/2007
Over a year ago, Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 and officially began the next-generation of console gaming. Although many were impressed by the jump from SD (Standard Definition) to HD (High Definition) content, what fascinated me most was the fact that the console was completely wireless. Well, when I say completely, what I actually mean is mostly since you still had a wired headset that attached itself to a controller. While technically speaking, you weren’t physically connected to the console (if you used a wireless controller); you still didn’t have complete freedom of movement. Moreover, as was the case with me, the wire that connected the headset to the controller could get in the way, resulting in a lot of angry cursing.
Thankfully though, Microsoft realized this and thus, they’ve finally decided to render their console 100% “free from wires” by introducing a Wireless Headset as an accessory. So of course, the question is; should you dish out 50$ / 40€ to get one or rather, avoid it and stick with the Wired Headset?
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by Zardon on 04/01/2007
With the recent launch of the Xbox 360 HD-Drive in the UK, Microsoft aim to bring High Definition movies to the masses. With the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive retaiing for a mere 130 it certainly appears to be the ideal "value for money solution". Even when factoring in the additional cost of a Xbox 360 Premium this works out less than many standalone HD players which are currently selling for around the 450 mark.
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by Vesper on 20/12/2006
Call of Duty 2 stood out as one of the most prominent launch titles for the Xbox 360 last year with its jaw dropping visuals and intense combat experience. Instead of being developed by Infinity Ward, however, Call of Duty 3 was made Treyarch, the makers responsible for Big Red One on the PlayStation 2. Although the gameplay mechanics haven’t evolved much, the immensely revamped multiplayer modes and great production values make this release worthy of the Call of Duty name.
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by Sandok on 15/12/2006
It must be said, the history of Konamis soccer franchise is a difficult one to follow, given the fact that depending on the region, the game launched under completely different names. For the Japanese market, the series was usually called Winning Eleven, while for Europe, its more commonly known as Pro Evolution Soccer. Nevertheless, under the different facades is an extremely polished sports game that has won over millions of fans worldwide, leading them away from the repetitive FIFA franchise.
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by Vesper on 05/12/2006
At a first glance it’s hard not to be skeptical when you’re faced with a vibrant game about piatas that’s based on a show airing on 4Kids TV. While the flashy colors and an overall appearance geared towards the younger demographic may seem queer at first, Viva Piata offers a surprisingly deep garden simulation experience that can be extremely rewarding in the long run. Starting off with a meager plot of barren land, the undeniable charm in this game can grasp you from the start and never let go.
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by Vesper on 28/11/2006
The Xbox Live Arcade has proven to be a viable source for entertainment throughout the Xbox 360’s debut year. These relatively cheap titles can keep you on the edge of your seat from five minutes to five hours, and it’s clear that this revolution has made a noticeable impact in the gaming industry. With that being said, Microsoft decided to package six popular XBLA titles along with one month free of Xbox Live into a package known only as Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged Volume 1.
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by Vesper on 23/11/2006
The Xbox 360 debuted over a year ago and has been readily available in retail stores for quite some time now. There have certainly been a handful of titles that raised the bar for next generation standards, but the 360 never had a killer app, but thats all about to change. Gears of War is an incredible first person shooter that blends tactical elements with a fast paced, intense experience that simply makes it a must have title for any 360 owner. With its state of the art presentation, cutting edge gameplay style, and extensive multiplayer features, theres absolutely no doubt that Gears of War will be up in the running for Game of the Year in 2006.
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by Vesper on 20/11/2006
It’s easy to argue that NHL 2K6 was more of a quick-and-dirty port than a true Xbox 360 title because the developers wanted it to be ready for launch, and as a result that game wasn’t leaps and bounds ahead of the PS2 and Xbox versions. This year, however, is much different because NHL 2K7 combines enhanced gameplay features with the new Cinemotion presentation to undoubtedly improve on an already great series. As a result, it’s clear to see that NHL 2K7 360 is not just another port, but instead we see just how powerful the Xbox 360 can be.
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by Vesper on 05/11/2006
Over the last four years Sam Fisher has built up a reputation as being the quintessential stealth super-spy that we all wish we could be. Instead of resorting to heavy shoot-em-up tactics to mow down endless waves of enemies, Fisher is all about using gadgets and employing stealthy tactics to make his presence virtually unknown. After seeing the death of his trainee and his six year old daughter, Fisher’s career takes a turn for the worse as he becomes imprisoned. Still working for the NSA, though, he must now gain the respect of a well known terrorist group to bring them down from within.
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by Vesper on 03/10/2006
The Xbox 360 is all about expanding on the sense of a gaming community by bringing players together through Xbox Live, and it was inevitable that somewhere along the way a seamless integration of single player and multiplayer aspects would be blended into one. With that being said, Test Drive Unlimited on the Xbox 360 is a massively open online racing (MOOR) racing game that brings a whole slew of new concepts to the racing genre. Taking place across the picturesque island of Oahu, TDU delivers an addicting racing experience that can keep gamers busy for hours on end.
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by Vesper on 27/09/2006
Button mashing games have been around for quite some time, but recently developers have tried to add various features to prevent such games from becoming monotonous in an instant. On the Xbox 360, Q Entertainment and Phantagram teamed up to release a title known as N3: Ninety-Nine Nights, which is essentially a button masher with a Japanese theme. Including special aspects such as a character leveling system, several distinct campaigns, and an unprecedented number of enemies all help N3 distinguish itself from the rest of the crowd, but it’s not without its fair share of flaws.
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by Vesper on 25/09/2006
Originally, Bomberman was a cute little character that looked harmless at first, but as soon as he started dropping bombs his true power was revealed. On the Xbox 360, Bomberman is no longer a tiny guy running around with bombs, but instead you play as some sort of enslaved cyborg. The storyline is very vague, but basically your goal is to make it through 99 stages in succession in order to make it to the top. The story doesnt really play into the game at all though because you never complete objectives. Instead, your goal is to conquer the grid battlefield before your enemies get the best of you.
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by Vesper on 24/08/2006
Capcom is well known for their experience in the zombie field due to their highly successful Resident Evil series, but aside from this RE is much different from their latest undead thriller known as Dead Rising. Instead of incorporating conservative stealth elements, Dead Rising is a pure action title that rewards you for killing hundreds of zombies in a variety of grotesque ways.
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by Vesper on 02/08/2006
FromSoftware is by far one of the most esteemed developers in the mech gaming industry. In the past, theyve had a great deal of success with the Armored Core series on PlayStation, PS2, and theres even been a PSP release as well. Now, theyre moving into the next generation of gaming by delivering the first mech warrior type game on the Xbox 360 with the creation of Chromehounds. Featuring a persistent online campaign as well as deep vehicle customization, Chromehounds will definitely help 360 owners get their mech fix.
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by Vesper on 23/07/2006
For those of you that have been living under a rock for the last year, Prey follows the story of a Cherokee named Tommy who refuses to accept his heritage. After his people are abducted by alien forces, its up to him to save the planet from sure destruction. Unlike other shooters, Prey lets the gamer manipulate gravity, pass through portal systems, walk on walls, and even travel around in a spirit form. By combining old Cherokee mythology with an alien invasion, its obvious that Prey is different from every other title out there.
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by Vesper on 23/06/2006
Climax Studios is at it again with their next installment in the MotoGP series, which is a bit surprising considering that MotoGP 3 was released not even a year ago. But don't let the relatively short development time throw you off; MotoGP 06 delivers the same exhilarating motorcycle racing while also managing to include plenty of new tracks, race modes, and an overall enhanced presentation. Featuring 17 real world Grand Prix tracks along with complete rosters from both the 2005 and 2006 seasons, this game should easily find its place in the hearts of series veterans and newcomers alike.
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by Vesper on 12/06/2006
Traditionally, when you think of Rockstar Games titles such as the illegal street racing series Midnight Club or the illicitly violent Grand Theft Auto anthology come to mind, but all of that is about to change. In a bizarre twist, Rockstar decided to release a game about the relatively new Olympic sport entitled Table Tennis. Instead of running from the police and killing hookers, this time around gamers everywhere can play one of the most accurate tennis games to date. With eleven diversified characters and an unprecedented amount of shot control, Rockstars Table Tennis is an amazing experience despite all of the skepticism it received in the past.
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by Vesper on 20/04/2006
ny Xbox 360 owner should expect a certain standard for the graphics in a next generation game, and even though EA owns exclusive gaming rights it hasnt prevented them from presenting us with an amazing looking game. The most impressive aspect hands down is the character detail. The models are intricately detailed down to every last muscle. As a match progresses, you can clearly see their faces looked fatigue, cuts begin to open, and their punches begin to slow down. Removing the HUD helps you notice the little details in your fighters behavior, adding a realistic touch that couldnt be achieved otherwise.
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by Vesper on 29/03/2006
Lately weve been coming across a lot of titles that you just know are going to be great even before youve actually tried the game out. When the words Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter drip from Ubisofts mouth it was difficult to not even be the least bit excited. Although many would have embraced the idea of having this one as a launch title, it seems as if Ubi used the extra development time to produce what is arguably the best entry in the Ghost Recon series ever.
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by Vesper on 10/03/2006
When we heard about a game that involved racing cars while trying to destroy everything in your path, we were obviously enthralled by the idea. Developed by Sega, Full Auto attempts to bring the driving genre to a whole new level by combining fast-paced arcade style driving with a substantial arsenal to dispose your rivals with. To say the least, Full Auto is an innovative title that does a great job at distinguishing itself from the mainstream of games.
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by Vesper on 01/03/2006
Condemned is a first person horror shooter set in an urban city. From the start, were introduced to our beloved FBI agent on a seemingly routine assignment. Unfortunately for him, a crafty murderer manages to turn everyone against Thomas so he needs to clear his name. Thomas will travel through the downright ugliest parts of the city as he mercilessly beats down drug addicts and crazed civilians. With only a trusty lab analyst to help him interpret data, you need to overcome the grimiest of situations in order to solve this horrific mystery.
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by Vesper on 14/02/2006
Basically, Dead or Alive 4 is an extremely fast paced fighting game. Each character has around 100 unique moves that can string together some pretty hefty combos. The control layout is fairly simple; Y is the default punch key, B is used for kicking, tapping A when close to an opponent tosses them into the air, while X can help you block and counter attacks. Pressing the attack keys in conjunction with an analog stick movement can perform a special combo attack, and if you time your moves right it can be very easy to drain your enemys health without them even having a chance to fight back..
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by Vesper on 26/01/2006
The next generation of gaming is finally upon us with the launch of Microsofts Xbox 360 which is sure to bring with it some innovative titles. However today were looking at the return of an old favorite. The Project Gotham Racing series, originally started on Xbox, is famous for its innovative blend of simulation and arcade physics and creating a memorable drifting experience. PGR3 was a launch title for the new 360 and is essentially a revamped version of PGR2 with a few extra features including Gotham TV. So as well as being one of your first chances to experience all the 360 has to offer, chances are that PGR3 will most likely be your only way to get behind the wheel of the worlds fastest super carslets see what its like
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