Warp Zoned Presents
Author: Ryan Littlefield
The Vita-Cycle: How the PS3 and Vita Can Live Peacefully Together
If you’ve been on the Internet at anytime since February 2012 and ever happened to look at any gaming news site, you’ve probably seen the enclosed, yet cumbersome quarrel of fanboys in regards to Sony’s dream device, the PS Vita. The two biggest arguments seem to be “the Vita has no games,” or “the Vita needs more games that the PS3 has!”
The first argument is undeniable. Being the diverse gamer and alleged hyper-consumer that I am, I own ten retail Vita games and three digital games. That’s pretty good, considering the system hasn’t even been out for half a year yet. But this is just me – the case of the person who genuinely gives nearly every game a chance, and generally enjoys most games. I can understand how other people might have more discerning tastes, or how they are getting turned off by specific genres here and there. For those people, it’s completely reasonable to think that the Vita has “no games.” (more…)
Birds of Steel Review: A Quick Flight Over World War II
Before playing it, I was subconsciously convinced that Konami’s Birds of Steel was an airborne rendition of Konami’s classic Nintendo hockey game, Blades of Steel. After starting the game, and realizing that no one was wearing ice skates or hitting hockey pucks, I was a bit disappointed. But alas, this review is not for Blades of Steel, it’s for Birds of Steel – the half-flight-sim, half-aerial-combat title which is the spiritual cousin to IL-2 Sturmovik, and was created by the same development team at Gaijin Entertainment. (more…)
Uncharted: Golden Abyss Review: Treasures Within A Treasure
After last Fall brought us Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, it seems like it’s too soon to enjoy a new Uncharted game. That’s where you’re wrong, jerks! Because SCE’s Bend Studio (with Naughty Dog’s help) has gifted us with the wondrous experience that is Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the PS Vita. Not only does it shimmer almost as much as the PS3 titles have, but the new methods of gameplay make this a refreshing experience both in the realms of Uncharted and in handheld gaming. (more…)
Posted in Reviews, Top Story, Vita
Tagged Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Rhythm Heaven Fever Review: Wii Are A Metronome
It’s been a few years since we last visited the world of Rhythm Heaven. Back then, we were only allowed to venture so far in – limited by our tiny screens and the necessity of a pen stylus to play rhythm games. You can put that worry to rest, unless you’re more worried about using the Wiimote for the new Rhythm Heaven Fever. Fever boasts “more than 50 new levels,” though a few of the later levels are just copied and re-skinned from earlier levels to appear different. But playing with the Wiimote makes them all different from the rhythmic minigames that we encountered on the DS. (more…)
Gotham City Impostors Review: The Heroes Who Need An Introduction
A fear of clowns seems like an irrational fear to some people. But it makes total sense after witnessing the destruction and mayhem caused by Joker-wannabes in Gotham City Impostors. A simple premise makes up the background of the game – people of Gotham City have taken advantage of Batman’s absence (presumably while he’s in Arkham City) and have decided to band together as Joker imposters in order to commit consequence-free crime. Well, Batman wouldn’t let the Joker himself get away with it, so naturally, every Joker has his Batman – or a squad of rookie Batmen, in this case. Rising to the call of duty, these clumsy, self-proclaimed vigilantes have decided to band together and undo the terrible deeds that the arbitrary, irrational Jokerz have committed. This is where Gotham City Impostors is born. (more…)
Scarygirl Review: Be Afraid, Be Wary & Afraid
The undead have become a very popular go-to target in media lately, and it seems like every game, movie, and kids’ birthday party has at least one. Luckily, creative minds sometimes venture outside the box, or at least open the box and take a peek out. That’s sort of the theme of the graphic novel that Tik Games has shaped into their latest platformer, Scarygirl. This game blends a pseudo-2D/3D platformer feel with a bit of a hack and slash vibe to stitch together a copy of Frankenstein’s monster that is not unlike a mix between the older Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade games and LittleBigPlanet. (more…)
White Knight Chronicles II Review: The True Power Rangers RPG
It’s nearly 2012. Is there still any room in today’s modern gaming world – one filled with mobile games, plastic peripherals, and motion controllers – for a breathtaking and story-driven RPG? The answer has largely been a resounding “no,” but that doesn’t mean it’s too late for Level-5 to bring some of their fabled RPG magic to the table – does it? White Knight Chronicles II is a sequel to last year’s White Knight Chronicles – a series that attempts to take well-liked traits of RPGs and blend them into one big drink concoction. The end result is similar to mixing various flavors of icey slush drinks at the local gas station. You think, “This is gonna be the best drink ever!” It’s full of flavor and taste, but generally leaves a bad aftertaste and questionable stomach irritation by the time you’re through. (more…)
Posted in PS3, Reviews, Top Story
Tagged White Knight Chronicles II
Professor Layton and the Last Specter Review: The Mysteries of a True English Gentleman
Even though it has only been a year since the last engrossing title featuring the world’s favorite mystery-solving English professor, Level-5 and Nintendo are continuing to keep loyal Layton fans fed with a new Professor Layton adventure. This recent release – Professor Layton and the Last Specter – is the fourth entry in the series of five currently-planned Layton games, boasting the same intrigue and complexity of all its predecessors. (more…)
Posted in DS, Reviews, Top Story
Tagged Professor Layton and the Last Specter