Sure, why not? LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
First trailer of the latest title in the ever-growing LEGO video game range. Quirky humour comes as standard.
And I got the spelling right first time. Win!
Aaaand, we’re back
Jeeze, look at this place. Dust and cobwebs everywhere. And I was so close to a landmark 100 posts in a couple of months. And my last post picked up an eye-popping (for me) two Likes from people I don’t even know.
And then life got in the way. Well, a semi-life as I’m still languishing in the hellish pits of Waitrose. But, when not putting on a forced smile and tutting at management I’ve consumed a very pleasing amount of media in recent months. Books, movies, video games… Well, you know what media is these days.
Review: No More Heroes 2 - Desperate Struggle
With the Wii chock full of family-friendly titles, it’s often argued that hardcore games have no place on the system. Nonsense, balderdash and piffle! As No More Heroes demonstrated in 2008, adult titles fit in just fine on the home of the white wand. With a stylish, sweary storyline and addictive swordplay, cult developer Suda51’s game became a firm favourite with those who just want to give Cooking Mama a firm slap around her grinning face.
Now, uber geek, master swordsman and pop culture freak Travis Touchdown is back with an all new adventure. But how does it weigh up against the original? A bemused “Erm…” springs to mind, but makes for a poor review so let’s crack on. (Beware the spoilers!)
Hyrule Revisited: Majora’s Mask (N64)
In 1998, Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo EAD brought Ocarina of Time to the Nintendo 64. The first 3-D game in the Legend of Zelda series sold more than 7.5million copies, was critically acclaimed, picked up perfect scores all over the globe and was adored by fans. Following its release however, one question remained: Just how the heck were Nintendo going to follow THAT?
Hyrule Revisited: Ocarina of Time (N64)
Last month, amidst a sea of announcements that sent their fans giddy, Nintendo revealed that they were remaking Ocarina of Time for their new handheld the 3DS. It was a very low-key announcement, yet it garnered some of the biggest excitement from fans. So what is it that makes Ocarina of Time such an extraordinary high point in the Zelda series that a humble port can put grown men on the ceiling with excitement?
Hyrule Revisited: Link’s Awakening (GB)
Before we dive into the meat of this week’s Hyrule Revisited, a little personal history lesson. Link’s Awakening was my first Zelda. I started off as a handheld gamer when a friend brought his GameBoy into school with the original Super Mario Land. I was hooked, and got my own in Christmas 1995 (bundled with the ever-addictive Tetris and quirky creature-shifter Mario & Yoshi). My collection slowly grew and eventually I discovered Link’s Awaknening.
Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Platform: Nintendo Wii Price: £34.99 Players: 1-2 Out: Now
It’s been an unwritten rule since the days of the Nintendo 64 that there will be one – and only one – 3-D Mario game per home console generation. There is also an unwritten rule which says rules are made to be broken (the world’s funny like that), and thank goodness that’s the case otherwise we may not be sat here today, staring at the first direct sequel to a 3-D Mario game ever. And with a huge sigh of relief, reviewers across the globe have been delighted to announce it’s an absolute cracker. Time to add my voice to the mix then.
Warren Spector talks Epic Mickey
Junction Point Studios have released a new video trailer for Epic Mickey, featuring Creative Director Warren Spector, some terrific-looking gameplay footage and some intriguing story details. The plot’s got got everything: a villainous scheme, a noble hero, some hints of morality and heaps of Disney magic (it’s The Sorceror’s Apprentice all over again, when will that mouse learn?).
It may not be as steampunk-heavy as the original concept art, but it’s still looking like a heck of a game.
Mario vs DK in Mini-Land Mayhem
Donkey Kong is at it again in the fourth installment of Nintendo’s addictive puzzle franchise, Mario vs DK.
In Mini-Land Mayhem, DK is left cheesed off when he narrowly misses out on a Mini-Pauline giveaway and does the only sensible thing and runs off with the real thing.
Mario follows with his army of Mini-men including Toads, Peaches, DKs, Paulines and, naturally, Mini-Marios. The Lemmings-like gameplay from the DSiWare-only Minis March Again returns, complete with level editor, map mode and Super Guide.
More at: http://e3.nintendo.com/ds/game/?g=mariodonkey
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (DS, Autumn 2010)
The third installment of the Professor Layton series is coming with a fresh batch of brainteasers and an intriguing time-travelling premise.
Luke writes to the Professor from 10 years in the future to reveal that their beloved London is in disarray. Only Layton can save his beloved English city, but naturally he’ll have to wrap his brain around some puzzles before then. 165 this time, before you add the unlockable and downloadable ones as well.
A September 2010 release date for the US gives hope that for Europe the game will follow the pattern of the last installments and their autumnal appearances.
More at: http://e3.nintendo.com/ds/game/?g=layton
