Christmas Buyers Guides:
Handhelds | Downloadable | Wii
Assassin's Creed 2
Players: 1
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Publisher: Ubisoft
Picking straight up where the first game ended, Assassin's Creed II continues to chart Desmond Miles' journey through his ancient lineage. Players embody Ezio, a young man thrust into the assassin's order after the betrayal of his family. While the core gameplay remains the same, the developers have taken heed of criticisms of the original Assassin's Creed. The end product is a deep and engrossing game that will have you on the edge of your seat for quite some time.
Our review said: Simply put, Assassin's Creed II is a superior game to its predecessor. While it no longer has the ‘new concept’ feel, a number of additions and subtractions have overhauled it into a much more coherent experience, both from gameplay and story perspectives. The gameplay has a much better flow, a lot more variety and the story is compelling and well delivered. Sure, the perceived lack of difficulty and variety wear thin at the back, but the compromise is necessary in delivering an accessible but compelling gameplay experience, as opposed to a complex but jarring one such as Hitman. And to top it all off, this is a 20 hour quality single player experience, something a rarity in this day and age. Otherwise, the only thing that's left for the series is a conclusion. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Players: 1
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Eidos
Forgot all the dreadful superhero games of yesteryear. Batman: Arkham Asylum proves that donning the famous black cape can make for one hell of a game. Blending stealth, melee combat and puzzle-solving, the game seldom seems dull or repetitive. With the assistance of some fantastic voice-work, impressive visuals and an excellent story that will both newcomers and fans alike hooked, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a game you should not be without this year.
Our review said: Aiding the story with the Batman feel are the game's visuals - they are fantastic. All characters in the game are very well built - Batman himself looks like a tank, while The Joker, for instance, looks quite puny by comparison. Arkham Asylum itself looks great too - it's a bleak, dreary, depressing place, that really looks like it has seen the worst of what Gotham has to offer. Worth noting are the voice acting contributions of Mark Hamill as The Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman, both reprising their roles from the DC Animated Universe. Both do a great job and really help bring the story to life. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]
Borderlands
Players: 1 (local) , 2 - 4 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: 2K Games
Borderlands is a role-playing playing game with a difference. Blending first-person shooting with role-playing elements, you choose from one of four character class before venturing off on a quest for fame and fortune. Not only is Borderlands art style distinct, but the game boasts more guns than anything that has came before it. The grinding style of gameplay may be off-putting for some, but with four-player online co-op and thousands of boomsticks, the entertainment value of Borderlands cannot be understated.
Our review said: Borderlands succeeds in creating a ‘role playing shooter’, in that it very successfully combines two genres, the FPS and the RPG. The shooting is fun and furious while the looting and levelling make the game very compelling in place of a lacklustre story. While the single player suffers occasionally from slower pacing and frustrations, it still manages to be compelling on its own. If you've got some friends to take along for a pillage and plunder, you're not likely to come out for a while. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Brutal Legend
Players: 1
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Publisher: EA
Fancy a dose of heavy metal and dark leather with your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? Then look no further than Brutal Legend. You are Eddie Riggs, a legendary roadie on the ultimate tour of destruction. Brutal Legend presents a bold, funny and rich world based on the pillars of heavy metal. Although occupationally bogged down with RTS-style gameplay, Brutal Legend is sure to satisfy all hard-rocking video game fans.
Our review said: The game's visuals are solid, if unremarkable from a technical vantage, but the compelling art design and amazing animations (at least in cutscenes) make Brutal Legend stand out from the crowd. The fusion of different styles of metal, from Goth to Glam, is particularly inspired, giving each region of the metal world a unique identity, and the reconstitution of elements such as swords and hot rods into druid-inspired architecture and landscapes is pulled-off with flair. As one would expect, Brutal Legend also sports one of the grandest soundtracks in all of gaming, delivering in excess of one-hundred licensed tracks specifically-selected by Tim Schafer. [FULL REVIEW: 7.0]
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Players: 1 - 2 (local), 2 - 18 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Activision
Following on the critical and public success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Infinity Ward continues its pedigree of first-class first-person shooters in Modern Warfare 2. Back is the excellent control system with a heart-pounding single-player campaign, which takes you from the front lawn of the White House to an edge-of-your-seat snowmobile chase through snowy maintain peaks. With revamped multiplayer and an all-new mode known as Spec Ops that challenges you to complete a variety of objectives, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a mandatory purchase this Christmas.
Our review said: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is undoubtedly one of the best games in the series. Maintaining the technical prowess they are known for, Infinity Ward has pulled out all the stops to create an action-packed first-person shooter. While suffering from a weak narrative, the single-player is an edge-of your-seat experience, and Spec Ops will have players up til dawn for many weeks to come. The multiplayer also is back with a vengeance, adding new features to the already solid foundations. Overall, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a fantastic game, but it just isn't the same jaw-dropping experience that hooked us into the original. Nonetheless, we'll still be answering this latest call for some time to come. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 12 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Ubisoft
Anyone with a yearning for a classic Wild Western, look no further than Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. You can play as either of the McCall brothers in their quest for the infamous Gold of Juarez. Each brother possesses their own set of talents, so players can choose their own style, be it can go up close and personal with a set of revolvers or from afar with a rifle. If you overlooked Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood in the plethora of holiday releases, we suggest an investment of nuggets in the very near future.
Our review said: Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is the ideal prequel; it does a good job of fleshing out its characters and providing them with an interesting story while ironing out many of the rough edges of its predecessor, with a focus on fast, furious action and exciting set pieces. While room for improvement remains, particularly with respect to polish and performance, any aficionados of the Western genre owe it to themselves to give the title a try; this is an engaging first-person shooter which captures the spirit of Sergio Leone and places the action at your fingertips. It's not perfect, but for our money this is the best videogame Western ever made. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 16 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360
Publisher: 2K Games
If you are without Xbox LIVE or have simply missed them, Episodes from Liberty City comes packed with the two Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable expansions on the same handy disc. Both The Lost and Damned and The Ballard of Gay Tony can be loaded without the need for a lengthy download. Although Niko Bellic is not playable, Episodes from Liberty City contains all the necessary elements you would expect from a GTA production.
Our review said: As a value package, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty with it's streamlined stories and budget price is a very good proposition. This is a GTA that most people will be able to finish. Johnny's story has some genuine distinguishing factors, while Luis is all about going large. However, new players won't be privy to the intriguingly intertwined story, while veterans are putting up with mechanics and gameplay quirks that really should have been better upon the initial release of GTA IV. Furthermore, there is evidence that the compilation was a rushed effort. As far as a package goes, it's all here and all has the potential to provide a riot of a time but Rockstar would do well to get their mechanics up to scratch once the production of GTA V gets under way. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Ghostbusters
Players: 1 (local), 2 -4 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Atari
Been wondering who to call since the credits rolled on the second Ghostbusters flick? Your local video games store may be the best option, as the video game adaptation of Ghostbusters has been labelled the third chapter of the series. Uniquely capturing the comic atmosphere of the movies with great work by the original cast of actors, Ghostbusters is a compulsory purchase for fans of the iconic films.
Our review said: Obviously, your mileage with this game will vary depending on how much you love the Ghostbusters. If you've never heard of them before, which means you ignored our test at the start of this review and are therefore very naughty, then this game will offer an initial thrill at the uniqueness of catching ghosts, but then settle into repetitiveness. However, if you're a fan then this game was tailor made for you. There's so much here that shows that developers truly cared about making an experience that would be enjoyed by the fanbase, and we personally found that even the simple pleasure of zapping ghosts with our proton streams never got old. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
Halo 3: ODST
Players: 1 - 4 (local), 2 - 16 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360
Publisher: Microsoft
Set between the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, gone is the green armour of Master Chief. In Halo 3: ODST, players take the perspective of an anonymous Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, elite soldiers at the forefront of the fight against the Covenant. ODST reintroduces the health pack, and best of all, a suppressed version of the scoped pistol. Halo 3: ODST contains a solid if short single-player campaign, every Halo 3 multiplayer map, and Firefight – a mode in which players battles never-ending waves of Covenant forces.
Our review said: As mentioned, this is essentially a two year old expansion, so there haven’t been any huge advances in the technology powering Halo 3: ODST. However, the artistic work and direction is talented enough to pull of a few neat tricks. If you can look past the minor technical deficiencies, such as the caricatured animations in cut scenes, the game has a wonderful style to it. Furthermore, it runs as smooth as butter, which is certainly very welcome. As usual, the music is a highlight of the game, with excellent sombre tunes, but a little lacking in any epic finale. There are more people talking this time, and while the voicing is fine, the dialogue is somewhat typical army speak. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
InFamous
Players: 1
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
Publisher: Sony
Infamous charts the story of Cole, an average Joe, who discovers he has superhuman powers in the aftermath of a devastating explosion. Should the powers be used to restore law and order, or hand out his own personal style of justice? In the battle of good versus evil, it is left to the player to decide. With a sequel already said to be in the pipelines, the grandeur of Infamous can now be experienced at a platinum price.
Our review said: InFamous is a game worth buying solely for the addictive and fun nature of the game. Empire City is a blast to explore and combat coupled with a fantastic story is a great experience. The problem with InFamous however lies in its overall consistency, or lack of it. Though the game has such a fun level of play, it lacks a certain flair and some minor coats of polish to propel it to truly astronomical heights. But for what it is though, inFamous is much like the power it gives you, electricity. Powerful and unpredictable, it gives to you flexibility to do almost anything you want. But sometimes it proves unstable and will either black out on you or give you a nasty shock back to reality. That being said, we can live with electricity and love it for what it is and gives us. Highly recommended. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]
Killzone 2
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 32 (online)
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
Publisher: Sony
Remember the pre-rendered Killzone 2 trailer from E3? You'll be glad to discover the final game is almost indistinguishable from that infamous presentation. With a small squad of marines watching your back, players dive head-first into the dark and alien Helghast stronghold of Helghan. Killzone 2's cinematic campaign stretches from the infested slums of the planet's capital to fortified stronghold of Helghan's military leader. With a solid class-based multiplayer mode, Killzone 2 will have you awake till the wee hours shooting off those pesky Helghan helmets.
Our review said: Killzone 2 first of all, does not kill any game that has ever been released. The reason for this is that, well, you can't kill something that isn't alive. Seriously though, a game is a game and they are developed around the prospect of entertaining us. And Killzone 2 entertains in a big way. Guerrilla have defied the claims that they could never reach the visual clarity of that infamous 2005 trailer and they defied claims that gameplay would be lacking. They haven't done anything really 'new', nor have they made a game that redefines the way we play FPS games. They've made a game that sets the benchmark for what level of quality FPS games should aim for, and stands strong against this generations biggest FPS games, proudly presenting itself as a vicious shooter that will grip you by the throat, and won't let go. With superb aesthetics, a hugely polished single player component, and a deep, class based 32 player Multiplayer component, there is no reason why you shouldn't go and pick up Killzone 2. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]
Ninja Blade
Players: 1
Platform(s): Xbox 360
Publisher: MSO
Set high above the bustling streets of Tokyo, Ninja Blade sets an impossible objective – defeating hordes of genetically mutating monsters and resorting order with nothing more than a sword. But as the game's lightning-speed protagonist, Ken Ogawa, you may just succeed. Ninja Blade comes think and fast, with out-of-the-world boss battles and more goons than late-night foreign cinema. Its anyone's guess when Ninja Gaiden 3 will be announced, so Ninja Blade is a good option to tide you over.
Our review said: Ninja Blade, like Otogi before it, is likely to be a game missed by many for being a little too far off the mainstream. There are aspects of the game that people won't like, such as the QTEs, and those less open-minded will dismiss the ridiculous over-the-top occurrences. But for those who aren't above the non-sensical and just want their games to be pure and fun, then just like Otogi before it, they will relish the ride that is provided by Ninja Blade. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
Prototype
Players: 1
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Activision
You awake in New York with no memory. Your arm no longer resembles a human hand, but an alien limb capable of dismembering someone within seconds. The security forces want you dead, and there are creatures with the same terrifying abilities as your own. Welcome to the chaotic world of Prototype, one of 2009's most satisfying action games. You'll need all the superhuman abilities you can muster to get out of this one alive.
Our review said: Prototype is basically a game that you can pick up and play, have an absolute blast with, then walk away barely understanding what just happened. The chaos that ensues within the city is immense and often times damn near overwhelming, making you feel the aftershock after you've done it all, with a sudden familiar sound you know called silence. It's a title that, while holding a decent story, is ultimately an arcade styled game, where you don't really have to think much, just destroy, consume and move on. Among all the story driven titles with complex plots, deep character development and thought provoking gameplay, Prototype tends to just push itself away from all that, say “screw it”, and proceeds to eat human beings and kill everything else. It's exactly what a Hollywood blockbuster film is; a little dumb, but incredibly entertaining. Recommended. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time
Players: 1
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
Publisher: Sony
The beloved pair of Ratchet and Clank return the third chronicle of Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank Future, A Crack and Time. Picking up after the events of Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty, the duo attempt to reunite while thwarting Dr. Nefarious' plans to control time. A Crack in Time's puzzle-solving and platforming is as addictive and entertaining as ever, if occasionally frustrating.
Our review said: All-in-all, A Crack in Time is a ridiculously cute and likable game with a load of energy and fun gameplay, despite the odd frustration that is intrinsic in the platforming genre, such as falling to your death every ten minutes. At the same time, there is a also pretty deep and evolving story, some frenetic action, challenging puzzles, and some RPG elements to keep things interesting. But truth be told, we are actually hoping that this will be the last game in the series. After all, nine games over seven years is quite a lot, and the gameplay is starting to feel a tad repetitive despite the odd new addition to the gameplay. If this is indeed the last Ratchet and Clank game, we salute you Insomnia on a great series. Thanks for the good times and for reminding us that a great game that adults can enjoy doesn't necessarily have to star a gruff and bloodthirsty lead character out for revenge. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]
Red Faction: Guerrilla
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 16 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: THQ
Many titles have promised big things when it comes to environmental destruction. Red Faction: Guerrilla delivers, giving you an armoury of weapons and vehicles in your quest to liberate the dusty plains of Mars. With a trusty sledgehammer, you can reduce an enemy base to rubble in seconds. More importantly, why go the front door when you can simply make your own? If you have a craving for mindless action, then Red Faction: Guerrilla is the unquestionable answer.
Our review said: It seems when the development team sat down to discuss Red Faction: Guerilla, the main thing they were concerned about was making the experience exciting, cool and most importantly, fun. On this level, the game well and truly succeeds as one of the biggest riots available in gaming, and is a pleasure to play through from beginning to end. The game also succeeds on other levels too. It looks amazing, works pretty well as a competitive shooter and has enough creative spins on destroying things that the experience doesn't really get old. Some might argue that the game is 'samey', and on some level, Red Faction: Guerilla does come close to being a one-trick pony. The bottom line is, you won't really care; destruction for the sake of destruction has never been this much fun, and this is easily one of the most exhilarating games you'll buy this year. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Resident Evil 5
Players: 1 - 2 (local), 1 - 4 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Capcom
With the aid of new recruit Sheva Alomar, Chris Redfield returns in Resident Evil 5 to uncover the latest conspiracy threatening the globe. Capcom has delivered one of the best-looking games of the year, and if can get past the confusing narrative, blowing heads of 'zombies' has never been as so much fun. The game can be played locally or online with a friend, and once the single-player side of things has been completed, the frenzied onslaught of Mercenaries Mode awaits.
Our review said: But the bottom line is that Resident Evil 4 was released a few years ago, and simply using the method of 'lather, rinse and repeat' creates a title that looks fantastic, but doesn't deliver an evolution in gameplay that was really necessary to make it the outstanding title it could have been. That's not to say you shouldn't go out and buy Resident Evil 5. It's one of the most intense action experiences available and should be played by anybody who has a soft-spot for shooting zombies and their parasitical zombie-like brethren in the head with a high-powered rifle. You'll have a lot of fun with this game, there is no question; just don't expect a revolution. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Street Fighter IV
Players: 1 - 2 (local), 1 - 2 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Capcom
One of the biggest releases that kicked of 2009 with a bang, Street Fighter IV brought back the classic Street Fighter II style of gameplay and art while souping it up for the current generation of gaming. Street Fighter IV also marks a comeback for the tried and tested 2D fighting genre, and is a game that will win the hearts of both new comers and veteran gamers alike.
Our review said: Street Fighter IV is a spectacular return from one of the biggest names in gaming. The new flashy 3D graphics will divide opinion, but it is incredibly hard to argue against the tight, fast, compellingly deep gameplay. New fight fans will find plenty of opportunity to test their abilities in the Arcade and Challenge modes, while hardened fighters will encounter plenty of tough opposition online. Welcome back, Street Fighter – we missed you. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]
Tekken 6
Players: 1 - 2 (local), 1 - 2 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Tekken 6 took a while to make it to home consoles, but we are glad it is here just in time for the holiday season. Tekken 6 features the widely played arcade hit Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion in its original form and a wide selection of console exclusive modes, including a fleshed out single player campaign.
Our review said: Tekken 6 is a rock-solid fighting game. Scenario Campaign is a fun distraction with an overinflated sense of importance that becomes a blight on the game if you want to accumulate items and money, though if co-op modes arrive it will be a worthwhile multiplayer option. Online, while a lottery in terms of lag, amounts to a fun way to beat people up across the globe. But the core gameplay is stronger than ever, and with a cast of 40 fighters, each with depth and substance, and a more than sufficient range of modes to give them a thrashing in, Tekken 6 holds its own with the big boys despite being late to the party. [FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
Players: 1 (local), 1 - 8 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Atari
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escaped from Butcher Bay showed that is was possible to make a compelling movie-based video game, blending first-person shooter, stealth and puzzle-solving. Several years later, the developers have returned to upgrade the game for the HD era, adding another whole chapter to the Riddick back-story. If you missed Escaped from Butcher Bay, reliving the sleeper hit in The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is highly recommended.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 10 (online)
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
Publisher: Sony
Naughty Dog is back with a more than worthy successor to the much-loved Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. In Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Nathan Drake is back with his merry band of able follows, in pursuit of yet another treasure too add to his growing pension fund. Again mixing platforming with third person-shooting, the game is an visual treat from start to finish. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a one adventure that should not be missed.
Our review said: We could go on and on about how good Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is, but really you should already be playing it yourself. Everything from the story right down to the gameplay mechanics is utterly magnificent in application, and Naughty Dog are to be commended for creating such a masterful and unforgettable piece of gaming. There are some fairly minor niggles, such as some artificial lengthening in the form of waves upon waves of enemies, some small nuances with the cover system and one or two rare glitches, but they are very few and far between that rarely ever detract from an otherwise wonderful game. If you have a PS3, you owe it to yourself to buy this game as soon as possible, and if you don't own a PS3, you now have a reason to buy one, as not only is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves the best game on Sony's black beast, but also one of the best games to be released in a long, long time. [FULL REVIEW: 9.5]
Wolfenstein
Players: 1 (local), 2 - 12 (online)
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Publisher: Activision
Nazis and the paranormal once again return in the latest incarnation of the classic shooter Wolfenstein. As BJ Blazowicz of the Office of Special Action, players are sent behind enemy lines to investigate the Nazi's experiments with the supernatural. With some prototype weaponry and out-of-these world powers, you might just succeed in your deadly mission. The newest Wolfenstein feels somewhat drawn-out in places, but it is nonetheless a refreshing renewal for the shooter series.
Our review said: All said and told, Wolfenstein is a quality title that for whatever reason hasn't received very much attention. But with its range of powerful weapons and powers to upgrade, some interesting levels to explore and an action-oriented pace, this may well be the game that helps fill in the days until the end of the gaming drought. We should also add that in a nice bit of marketing, you can earn an extra $1,000 in the game on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions by buying the Wolfenstein 3D title and finishing the first floor. Clever. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
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