Video Game Review: Mass Effect

Title: Mass Effect

Release Date: November 20, 2007 (NA)

Genre: Action Role-Playing Game/Third Person Shooter

Rating: Mature

Platform: Xbox 360 (also available for Windows PC)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Bioware

Website: http://masseffect.bioware.com/

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Xbox-360/dp/B000OLXX86

 

The year is 2183, thirty five years after humanity has discovered the ancient alien technology that makes interstellar space flight possible.  As newcomers to the galactic community, Humans are fighting an uphill battle for respect among the alien races of the galactic council.  As Commander Shepard, you are tasked with chasing down the rogue Turian agent, Saren in order to put an end to the threat of the Geth, a race of sentient robots bent on the galactic destruction.  Your choices and actions will not only affect your own fate, but also that of all humanity.  …Read More…

The Zombie and Modern Gaming

Luke Plunkett over at Kotaku has put up a great feature article covering zombies in video games.  It’s a good read, and he makes a lot of good points and cleveer observations regarding the role that zombies play in the entertainment media.  Check it out.

Zombie!!!  Games of the Living Dead [Kotaku]

Regardless of Color, They’re All Zombies on the Inside

The New York Times has posted a video game review for Resident Evil 5, the latest entry in Capcom’s genre-founding series.  Less of a review and more of a commentary on the controversy surrounding the game’s African setting, Schiesel does an eloquent job of pointing out the simple fact that those swept up in the allegedly racist content could not seem to see:  there were white and Hispanic zombies long before there were African zombies in the series, and all of them required the same treatment.

There’s No Time to Rest Until the Last Zombie in Africa Is Toast [The New York Times]

Street Fighter IV Poll

Street Fighter IV introduces new playable characters to the world tournament scene.  Each has their own personality, fighting style, and aesthetic presence.  I want to know who strikes your fancy.

 

 

Leave comments discussing you choices.  I want the reason behind your picks.  Personally, I am most glad that Gouken was added into the roster.  Considering how significant of a character he is, his appearance is well past due.

Video Game Review: Street Fighter IV

Title: Street Fighter IV

Genre: Fighting

Rating: Teen

Platform: Xbox 360 (also available for Playstation 3 and Windows PC)

Publisher: Capcom

Developer(s): Dimps/Capcom

Website

Product Link

Prepare yourselves, fight fans! The world warriors return in the latest addition to the franchise that fathered the fighting genre as we know it.  In Street Fighter IV, Capcom trims the fat that has built up over the years and brings the series back to the roots that made Street Fighter II into such an immense hit in the first place, while adding enough new elements to give the game a fresh approach. New recruits will likely find a satisfying and memorable introduction to the series, while returning veterans will be welcomed back by nostalgic gameplay with a modern twist.  …Read More…

Movie Review: Watchmen

Over twenty years have passed since Alan Moore’s legendary comic book Watchmen first flew off the presses.  Since then, the series has come to be regarded as a milestone in the history of graphic novels.  Its effects spread across all demographics, creating as much of a stir in the comic world as it did in the literary world.   Was Director Zack Snyder able to pull off the unthinkable and create a powerful cinematic version of a worshipped series?  Or, would his film fall short and go the way of so many other comic-movie upsets (cough, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, cough)?

Finishing Strong: The Importance of a Satisfying Ending

by Michael Moreno

Storytelling plays a vital role in the world of video gaming.  A story, regardless of how feeble it may be, gives the player a purpose.  It is a driving force that validates their progression from level to level.  The story provides you with your goal–an ultimate achievement which ensures that if you reach a point of frustration, you steel yourself and press onward instead of throwing down the controller and walking away. 

Unfortunately, sometimes developers forget that the falling action of a video game’s story can be just as important to achieving a feeling of success and accomplishment as the rising action and climax.

The Blurring Line Between Gaming and Cinema

by Michael Moreno

Something I have noticed more and more in next-gen titles is the tendency for game developers to create games with a cinematic feel to them.  It used to be that the most cinematic portion of any given game came during whatever cut-scenes it might have had.   Now it seems that it is just as important in modern video games to make the player feel as if they are watching a movie as much as they are playing a game.

Video Game Review: BioShock

 

Title: BioShock

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Rating: Mature

Platform: Xbox 360 (also available for Playstation 3 and Windows PC)

Publisher: 2K Games

Developer: 2K Boston/2K Australia

Website

Product Link

 

Take a deep breath and get ready to dive down to the bottom of the ocean in 2K’s First-Person Shooter, BioShock. Set at the turn of the decade in 1960 you assume the role of Jack, sole survivor of a plane crash in the middle of the ocean. Upon resurfacing, you find yourself near a building surrounded by miles of endless water. With nowhere else to turn, you enter the mysterious structure, finding a bathysphere that transports you to an underwater city known as Rapture. Within you find a world in ruin; a fallen utopia where you will have to fight for survival against its crazed denizens while attempting to discover the truth behind its downfall.  …Read More…

Video Game Review: Final Fantasy IV

Title: Final Fantasy IV

Genre: Role-Playing Game

Rating: Everyone

Platform: Nintendo DS

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer(s): Square Enix & Matrix Software

Website

Product Link 

 

Square Enix continues its trend of re-releasing classic games from their RPG library with Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS. The original is still revered today by fans and critics alike as one of the best installments of the series, which leaves little room to go wrong with a direct port. Still, Square Enix went the extra mile, delivering a full remake of the genre defining adventure complete with advanced graphics, improved gameplay, and several other additions.  …Read More…