REVIEW: Iron Man
Developer: Artificial Mind and Movement | Publisher: SEGA | Format: Wii
Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher There
exists a rather unfortunate trend where games based upon films are
generally poor. Oft times they are cheap cash in rushed out to coincide
with the films release. In recent years this rule has been broke a
number of times, most significantly by Chronicles of Riddick: Escape
From Butcher Bay which remains to this day the finest FPS on any
platform as well as being based upon a film. Iron Man which is
currently doing extremely well in cinemas is also out across all gaming
platforms. While a long way from the quality of Riddick it’s still a
step above many tie in games.
The story is very loosely based on the film and were it not for
Robert Downey Jr. And Terrence Howard providing voice work you’d be
forgiven for thinking this was a completely separate entity to the
film. Like the film the game begins in a cave where Stark is being held
captive. After his inevitable escape the game plot goes in a different
direction while maintaining a lot of the same themes.
The gameplay is basically run and gun or in the case of Iron Man
hoover and run. Situations general involve you flying into an area,
dispatching some small forces before getting a chance to face off
against a major bad guy such as War Monger or the awesome Titanium Man.
There’s no real variety on offer, but that said there’s a satisfying
sense of accomplishment mowing down hordes of enemy soldiers with a
gattling gun. In fact it’s difficult not to laugh manically as you do
so. The main complaint this reviewer has is that death is so damn
difficult. At times it’s almost impossible to perish which takes away
any real sense of danger.
Visually the game suffers in comparison to it’s PS3 and 360
counterparts. The hardware limitations of the Wii mean we get a more
stripped down. Iron Man looks fine whereas all enemy soldiers look
exactly the same. Buildings are blocky and lack distinction, vehicles
are hard to pick out and overall the game has a rather dreary look. The
inclusion of the Havok engine is difficult to see, in fact were it not
for their logo on the box it would be nigh on impossible to tell. Only
a tiny number of objects can be blown up while everything else just
sits there no matter what pounding it takes.
The problem with Iron Man the game is that while not a terrible game
it is a terrible license. The glee which can be obtained from wanton
killing slowly diminishes over time till all that’s left is a shallow
license which had such potential. While not worth a full price
purchase, fans of the film and comic are advised to rent it first.
REVIEW: Bleach: The Blade of Fate
Developer: Treasure | Publisher: SEGA | Format: DS
Reviewer: Craig Jay GallagherAfter
their success with Gunstar Heroes and the awe inspiring Ikaruga,
developers Treasure turned their attention to Bleach: The Blade of
Fate. Based upon the anime series it features all the main characters
and a plot which ties in to the second series.
While you don’t necessarily have to be a fan to enjoy the game,
actual fans will find a lot to love in the Story Mode. Like many games
you begin by selecting from your cast of characters and follow
individual storylines. The main thrust of the game following Ichigo
barely a fight with two experienced Soul Reapers. They have
crossed into the real world in a bid to arrest Rukia for her defiance
of the Soul Society. Ichigo decides to go and rescue her, bring with
him a number of friends.
Also included are Arcade and Versus modes, which to be honest are
where the most fun can be found. Both are pretty self explanatory with
Arcade mode offering an opportunity to get straight into the action.
Versus allows you and up to three friends or enemies to enjoy two on
two fights. The fact that the game comes with Game Sharing makes it all
the sweeter.
Other modes to choose from include training, Desk Customisation and
Challenge. The most intriguing of these is DC. In it you build up a
collection of 15 cards, each of which has certain implications which
when used in a battle can drastically change the outcome. While an
interesting addition to a traditional 2D fighting game, it’s not a
necessity to win which means that most gamers will ignore it in favour
of button bashing.
The most important aspect of any fighting game is just how good the
fighting is and my friends Bleach: The Blade of Fate is a joy. It’s
fast, furious and above all fun. Battles are intense and often this
reviewer found himself making a scene in public places as he screamed
at the game. The controls are easy to pick up but like all great
fighting games difficult to master. The fact that there are 20 fighters
to choose from each with varying styles means that there is a lot of
replay value here.
All in all, Bleach: The Blade of Fate is an essential title which
all DS owners should give a chance. It’s easily the most entertaining
2D fighter on the system and one of the most thoroughly entertaining
games around.
Video: Final Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer
Viewing the final MGS4 trailer you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was a trailer for an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster. From the grizzled voice over to awe-inspiring number of set pieces it could easily pass for the next Jerry Bruckheimer offering, when in fact it’s so much more. The tantalising prospect of a summers day spent playing Metal Gear is something to cherish. Lets just hope that the game lives up to the exceedingly high expectation.