While it doesn't break the classic Metal Slug mold, nor does it truly push or innovative SNK Playmore's tried and true franchise, Metal Slug XX is an enjoyable experience that boasts some stellar multiplayer and a few nice new perks.
One of the forefathers of the real-time strategy genre makes a return with the latest installment in EA's long-running Command & Conquer franchise. While its overzealous DRM is sure to draw plenty of criticism, Tiberian Twilight offers up plenty of wortwhile gameplay tweaks and a solid multiplayer experience that's sure to appeal to long-time fans of the series.
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver serve as a terrific reminder of why the original Gold and Silver versions are considered masterpieces: even though the core mechanics are in need of an evolution, these lovingly crafted remakes tout completely new artwork, incredible sound editing, DS touch-screen features, and a massive quest that will take you all the way from Johto's scenic cities to quiet old Pallet Town. Add in the ingenious PokeWalker, and it's clear that this is a perfect experience for both old-school trainers and the newest generation of Pokemon fans.
Based on the post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro 2033 is a gorgeous and ambitious shooter that's occasionally bogged down by its heavy reliance on backstory and lack of narrative continuity.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is an enjoyable game with some innovative tracks and a nice chunk of fanservice for Sega faithfuls, but it isn't enough to bump rival Mario off the go-kart throne. It also isn't enough to re-establish Sonic as a relevant character.
God of War 3 is more than an action game: it’s the conclusion to a commercially successful and critically acclaimed series that acts as the ‘face’ of Sony’s entire gaming brand; what Master Chief is to Microsoft and Mario is to Nintendo, Kratos is to Sony. As such, God of War III was burdened with a Herculean set of tasks. But while it lives up to the high bar set by the previous installments, it can’t quite bear the weight of bringing the epic story of Kratos to a meaningful end. It’s still a finely crafted action experience that fully showcases the PS3's immense capabilities but it isn't the satisfying conclusion that fans both want and need.
Final Fantasy XIII is, without a doubt, the most technically impressive Final Fantasy ever created. Its stunning visuals and fast-paced combat shine and elevate the series to new heights, but overall, the game is a harsh reminder that beauty is only skin deep. AJ Glasser, our resident JRPG diehard, had high hopes for Square Enix's latest epic, but walked away heartbroken by what it had to offer.
The Secret Army of General Knoxx, the latest installment in the ever-growing collection of Borderlands DLC, offers up a stellar assortment of enemies, weapons, areas, and perks for jaded vault-dwellers. With a heightened level-cap and plenty of worthwhile gameplay tweaks, General Knoxx is easily worth the price of admission.
This revamp of GameArts' classic JRPG may boast gorgeous updated graphics, but at its core, its still very much the same Lunar: Silver Star Story that's been released and re-released multiple times on the Sega CD, Sega Saturn, Playstation, and GBA. That's good news for longtime fans, but it's also disappointing because with just a few tweaks, this version could have, and should have, been the definitive version of a much beloved classic.
Featuring streamlined features, fantastic multiplayer, and various worthwhile gameplay tweaks, Supreme Commander 2 is an exceptional improvement over Gas Powered's popular 2008 RTS.
