0

Before we get anywhere with this review, please remember this is Geometry Wars. It won’t win awards for its depth, its graphical prowess or even ‘standard definitions’ of longevity. It’s a 2D (almost wireframe) arcade shoot-em-up set in space. It grants you control of a ship (not much different than the original Asteroids spaceship) and sends increasingly larger waves of enemies at you. Your job is to destroy them, survive as long as possible and rack up the points in the process. It’s a concept that tracks back to the beginning of time so it won’t win prizes for innovation. Despite its simplicity and age-old gameplay, the developer’s execution of the formula is terrific and on the Nintendo DS (the format reviewed) it’s suited to the on-the-go nature of the platform. Regardless of this does Geometry Wars: Galaxies make the jump to light speed or does it burn up in re-entry.

Be first to comment this article

I have fond memories of arcades and their cash guzzling games. Nothing could beat spending a crisp ten pound note in an arcade on games like Time Crisis and Silent Scope. The over the top cubicles, loud pumping music and flashing strobe lights all merged together to make a fantastic gaming experience. Sadly as home consoles have become more and more powerful the appeal of arcades has waned. With the creation of the Nintendo Wii and its motion controlled games, it’s never looked direr for games like Time Crisis (in the arcades). On the other hand, the Nintendo Wii has allowed arcade gaming to finally enter the home in its true form; Lightgun games. Dodgy and cheaply made lightguns are now a thing of the past as the Wii mote allows easy precision aiming. It was only a matter of time until past arcade games were ported over to the Wii and Sega’s Ghost Squad is no exception. Released in the arcades in 2004 and again in 2007 in an ‘Evolution’ format, the game featured 3 levels of varying locations, difficulties and weapons. The Wii version came out earlier this month but does it execute its plan successfully or does it haunt your gaming dreams for years to come?

Be first to comment this article

With most racing games chasing the realistic approach that the new consoles allow (yes, even Need for Speed attempted it with Pro Street) it’s still nice to see that some of the developers aren’t ‘lemmings’ and aren’t follow everyone over the cliff to their ‘death’. Since its creation, the Burnout series has taken the typical, realistic approach and spun it in on its head. This was one of the first games to actually promote ramming your opposition off the track (and even included it in as game mode in later editions.) Each subsequent game has been tweaked and changed, but always improved. Burnout Paradise, the fifth in the series, takes it where it’s never been before; a free roaming game world. While this may not sound like a huge innovation, it’s the way that Criterion Games have implemented it that makes it so credible. So grab your driving gloves and get ready to hit paradise.

Be first to comment this article

The last time I played a pirate-based video game was Sid Meier’s Pirates and it was fantastic. It blended the pirate lifestyle, swashbuckling and general role-playing to a degree that was constantly rewarding and fun to play. Fast-forward to 2008 and Flying Lab Software have brought the pirate genre into the MMORPG present day. Set in the Caribbean during 1720 the developers are promising a rich, detailed online RPG with as many poop-decks as you could want. With a unique approach to the fantasy obsessed MMO kingdom, does Pirates of the Burning Sea find the hidden treasure or does it sink beneath the waves of expectation.

Be first to comment this article