Donkey Kong Country Returns Game Review

The reason that Nintendo are able to compete with their rivals (Sony, Microsoft) is the fantastic catalogue of games based off their many successful franchises. Donkey Kong is the latest character from our childhood to make a "HD return". Donkey Kong Country Returns is an almost perfect remake of one of Nintendo's classics and with nothing to complain about, other than the brutal difficulty, fans will be ecstatic with this latest choice from the Nintendo archives to receive a High Definition remake.

The developers seem to have approached this game with old-school values, mixed in with new-school techniques to appeal to modern fans. It is a game made with love, you can really see the passion the developers had for this franchise and the final product is phenomenal, it joins New Super Mario Bros and Kirby's Epic Yarn as a modern day 2D classic.

The Undergarden: Xbox Live Arcade Game Review

There is no doubting the fact that The Undergarden is an adorably beautiful game, it is cute, brightly coloured, and really satisfying to view. When you read the description of this game and realise it's all based around underwater gardening, you might make the mistake of brushing this game aside. This is a game made with the intention to please and relax whoever is playing. It's not hardcore, you can't kill people with a mini RC car or stab someone in the back, but you can appreciate the beauty this game has and find enjoyment in many other way's.

The Undergarden is unlike most games we see today, it focuses on creating rather than destroying. You play as some sort of underwater Monkey fairy with one goal, create a beautiful underwater garden of plant life. You navigate through dark caverns, brightening them up with the glow of you're vibrant plants. You can never die or fail in this game, however if you get stuck at any of the obstacles along the way, you can re=load you're last checkpoint.

Sonic Colors Wii Game Review

Back in the early 90's there was only one king on the SEGA Genesis, Sonic. The little blue mascot was praised with every instalment the franchise produced. It's hard to understand what went wrong with Sonic, the 3D era of gaming saw him drastically fall from grace. A few games showed potential (Sonic Adventure 2: Battle) but none truly captured what made Sonic our childhood hero back in the 90's. From slow boring games to fast games ruined by werewolf stages, we lost all hope. However when 2010 hit we were blessed with two of the best Sonic games since the early 90's. First was Sonic All-Stars Racing, an unexpected hit to the arcade racing genre which was reminiscent of games like Mario Karts. Next up for Sonic fans was the return to Sonic's traditional 2D roots with, Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. This was an absolute masterpiece in the eyes of Sonic fans, recapturing the glory days with new HD visuals to impress everyone. It might be hard to comprehend that SEGA has saved their best for last, but they have. Sonic Colors is a phenomenal game with vibrant, unique, imaginative stages which all Sonic fans will appreciate.

Sonic Colors takes place on a bizarre interstellar amusement park, created by Dr Robotnik, or Egg Man for anyone who didn't experience Sonic's golden day's. Dr Robotnik has enslaved alien creatures called Wisps, chaining their planet (and others) to his space station. SEGA have been very smart with the story here, it's cute, smart, and with a new voice cast, very easy on the ears.

Kinect Adventures Game Review

Kinect Adventures places you in the boots of a typical adventurer, with a variety of games and challenges to complete and explore. Players will use Microsoft's Kinect motion sensing technology to compete in these beautiful and colourful events which are fun for the first few hours, then thing's start to feel repetitive. There is allot here for players to enjoy but this mainly feels like a small package of games showing off Kinect's potential.

Kinect Adventures is a bunch of mini games packed into one family friendly package, it comes with the Kinect device itself and provides a taste of what you can expect in the future from Microsoft which is great. You play as a fun-loving adventurer who travels the world in search of new challenges. This all sounds promising, but once you realise the "adventurer" of Kinect Adventures is actually just a man repeating the same 5 mini games over and over, you begin to feel less adventurous. If you're looking for a full game experience then look somewhere else, as previously mentioned this is nothing more than a few mini games showing Kinect's potential, the charm will wear off fast.

Kinectimals Game Review

Christmas is approaching fast and for anyone considering buying Microsoft's Kinect, they might be interested in Kinectimals. The game is extremely cute and places you in a world where you can take care of you're favourite big cat species. The game looks absolutely fantastic and will surely find a place in the hearts of most children, even some adults.

Kinectimals may well be the cutest game ever made. There are over 30 felines in here and every one looks adorable, cute, fluffy, and most importantly they look real. The animations are outstanding and really help bring these little guys to life. Everything looks beautiful, the environments are colourful and feel full of life and this helps make the game feel like it's more than just a video game. Young children will be blown away the first time the get to select a little friend, the Black Panther is my personal favourite.

Sonic Free Riders Kinect Game Review

Microsoft's Kinect has finally arrive and there are a bunch of titles already available, most of which are family party games for kids. Sonic is the only big-name franchise to hit Kinect with Sonic Free Riders. It's definitely one of the more exiting titles and if players take the time to learn the controls they might find this hoverboard racing game with Sonic and friends a delightful experience.

As previously mentioned Sonic Free Riders is a hoverboard racing game which has seen entries on the Gamecube, Nintendo Wii, and Playstation 2 in the past. Players race around closed circuit tracks launching of ramps, attacking each other with weapons, grinding, gliding, and boosting their way to victory. None of the previous titles have received much success but with the gimmick of Microsoft's Kinect to back the latest game, Sonic might see more success this time around.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Game Review

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to one of the best games you will ever play, this means it has a lot to live up to and i am pleased to tell you it matches the brilliance of the first game, even exceeding it in certain areas. Some of the most creative and Imaginative level designs you will ever see in a video game are beautifully brought to life with the vibrant bold colours. The immense variety of enemies, power-ups, and worlds make this a truly unique expirience and sets this game apart from any other 3D platformer on the Wii, maybe even the world.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 uses the same game engine, same controls, and same basic concept which made the first game such a hit with fans around the world. The developers found out what did and did not work with the first game and they have managed to use this to create another masterful game which offers one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences of our generation.

The original Super Mario Galaxy was a game built on creativity, everything felt unique and looked marvellous. They took the traditional 3D platformer and turned it into a perfect example of what games should be about. Players had the ability to roam standard Mario-style levels to miniature planetoids with their own orbital gravity, while still utilizing the same familiar gameplay mechanics.

Mirror's Edge Game Review

In November of 2008 EA released an unexpected title, Mirror's Edge. At this point EA were not known for taking a risk on new franchises but following the success of Dead Space, a Horror game which was released earlier in the year and highly received by critics, Mirror's Edge continued EA's new approach with yet another new franchise that would delight fans. Mirror's Edge is a game developed by DICE (Swedish Company) which focuses on the First-Person camera angle to create a unique free running action-adventure game that feels intense, frantic, and thrilling throughout the relatively short but delightful experience the game offers.

Mirror's Edge tells the story of a young woman named Faith Connors, she is a runner in this phenomenal looking futuristic city, ruled by an overbearing totalitarian government. Faith's job is to deliver pieces of information to an underground network which still lives with an ounce of freedom in this city ruled by an iron fist. Much like in the Sport (Parkour) Faith uses her incredible acrobatics to outrun, out-leap, and out-swing "Blues" (Cops) who chase her to the edge of the city with aggressive pressure and force. Early in the game players learn that Faith's sister (Kate Connors) has been wrongly accused of murder and it's Faith's job to clear her name.

Super Meat Boy Game Review

Super Meat Boy is the definition of a traditional 2D platformer. Gameplay boils down to nothing but running and jumping, this might seem like very little but when you think of games like Mario and Sonic you begin to realise anything is possible with these building blocks. Meat Boy's goal is always the same, make it from point A to point B in order to rescue his love (Bandage Girl) who has been captured by the evil Dr Fetus (crazy Baby in a jar). This of course is no easy task, and can be very challenging when faced with the numerous obstacles in your way, like a Buzzsaw, Spike, or a Monsters Jaw, each of which will splatter Meat Boy into a thousand bloody pixels if he comes into the slightest of contact with any of them. The reminder of your previous failed attempts will be noticed as you try again to manoeuvre the obstacles, this time while looking at the blood you have already spilled.

With a game like Super Meat Boy the biggest and most important aspect of the game is the controls. Meat Boy feels great to control, he is the perfect weight and speed and the developers managed to make him feel just as he should. Beginners won't take too long before mastering Meat Boy's movements and being able to judge his movement with precision.

Kirby's Epic Yarn Game Review

Games back in the 80's and early 90's were all about 2D platforming, perfecting these types of games is what had everyone talking at the time. Games like Mario, Sonic, Earthworm Jim and much more contained us to our basement for hours every day. Then the 3D era of gaming came along and everyone's focus was shifted into a new direction. Lately we have seen a resurgence of what made us spend 90% of our childhood's in a basement, 2D platforming games.

2010 has already produced some spectacular 2D platforming games, some are new and fresh while others dive back into time and recapture the magic of past classic franchises. For me personally the three stand out games so far are Limbo, Super Meat Boy, and Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1. Sonic we all know and love and it's great to see him return to his former glory while Limbo and Meat Boy are new classics worthy of rivalling any of our old beloved franchises. Kirby is the latest to continue with this string of 2D platforming games and delivers yet another fantastic game.

Kirby's Epic Yarn is a unique platformer which enhances all that is great about 2D side scrollers and uses it to create one of the best games of the year. Epic Yarn is a game full of charm, Kirby is always cute and delightful to control but it's the design of the game which is so enchanting. Epic Yarn is a game which uses anything you would expect to find in an arts and crafts store to create one of the most unique environments ever seen in a side scroller. Yarn, string, and buttons are the items used to create the building blocks for this unique and wonderful world.

Dead Rising 2 Game Review

First of all if you were not a fan of the first game then Dead Rising 2 won't be for you. The sequel is essentially the first game improved in every way. Everything that worked so well in the first game has been multiplied insanely to give fans of the first game an even better experience this time around. Capcom have also managed to fix the pre-release issues allot of critics were complaining about such as, the frame rate, and extremely long loading times.

In Dead Rising 2 you will play as Chuck Greene. Chuck's wife was gobbled up by Zombies years ago and his daughter infected by the same incident however with a daily dose of Zomberx he is able to save her from turning into the walking undead. As a contestant on "Terror is Reality" Chuck must mutilate the undead for money, however after the show there is a mini Zombie uprising which Chuck is framed for. The remaining survivors hold out in the Fortune City safe house to await rescue in 3 day's leaving Chuck with no option but to fight the undead, find his daughters meds, and clear his name.

Dead Rising 1 was basically complete a mission in the various locations casino/hotel/mall before the time runs out, gain experience points, use the experience gained to level up more health, more moves, and more inventory spots. Then repeat the process. So if you were not a fan of this then you won't like Capcom's latest version which is really just the same thing but with enough new features to make the game feel fresh enough to spend your money on.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 (Episode 1) Game Review

There is no doubting the fact that SEGA's mascot has fallen from grace over the past decade after his transition from 2D gaming into the 3D era. Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 is SEGA's latest attempt at reviving the little blue platforming king and restoring his pride, recreating 4 zones each consisting of 3 acts and a boss battle from the original 2D classics we all know and love from our Genesis days.

Since Sonic made the transition into the 3D era fans have been left disappointed for the most part with the exception of Sonic Adventure 2 : Battle, a personal favourite of mine. Sonic has lost his speed and charm which made him a household name back in the Genesis days however SEGA's latest attempt with Sonic sees him return to the 2D classic Sonic games and it is exactly what fans have been waiting for.

Dr Robotnik, or Eggman as they refer to him now is back and up to no good again. In Sonic 4 you will play through four zones each consisting of three acts and a boss battle, finally attempting one last boss battle which will test even hardcore Sonic fans.

Each zone is inspired from the original Sonic games on the Genesis however they take the inspiration and use it to make the game feel new and fresh. The first of the 4 "Splash Hill Zone" will look very similar to Green Hill Zone and will not show much difference from the old Sonic games other than the graphical differences. After the first zone you really see the designers inspirations come out in the next few zones. The Lost Labyrinth has areas where you will need to carry a torch lighting your way through dark corridors in search of the exit, and lighting dynamite to blow up obstacles in your way to advance further. My favourite of the 4 zones is Casino Street, this zone was very nostalgic to me and brought back allot of childhood memories and emotions. There are now poker style playing cards which Sonic flips when he runs past either rewarding the player or punishing them. The Mad Gear Zone asks the player to run across giant gears opening up new passageways for Sonic to advance through the stage, and the vacuum tubes most memorable in the Chemical Plant Zone of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 are BACK! and for me this is great since Chemical Plant was my favourite Sonic stage.

The Special stages are back with slight differences to keep this feeling like a new experience with old friends. You rotate your stage much like in the old days while Sonic falls through collecting all the rings before the timer cuts off.

Sonic 4 is a game that looks as great as it plays, the designers manage to create a game that retains the old school art style with a modern day twist. Colours are bold, bright and vary in each zone making you feel like you are always somewhere new. The old orange and yellow checker'd platform areas now look as though some of the squares go in deeper than others and waterfalls now look fantastic. It is also great to see all your old favourite enemy's with up to date visuals and effects, such as my own personal favourite the little red Piranha fish. Sonic looks better than ever and leaves trails of smoke when he runs, and when he jumps he will throw his hands in the air. Sonic also has lots of facial expressions for anything effecting him now which just adds to the detail and presentation.

Power ups are back but they haven't changed much. All the old ones we know and love such as, superspeed, invincibility, and bubble shield are all here with no real changes other than their theme tunes.

The only significant difference in gameplay is the introduction of the lock-on targeting system which works so well in Sonic's 3D adventures. You can now attack enemy's with precision accuracy from almost any position and it's not only for fun. You will be required in some areas to use this such as when the floor is covered with spikes and the only way to continue is to target the hovering enemy's above them. This is something allot of fans from the old days might not be so willing to welcome but i personally think it's great and shows how Sonic has advanced through out the years. The game will also feel faster when blasting through a row of enemy's then continuing down a hill before clearing another looped path way. The only reason people might doubt this feature is because it does make the game less difficult than it otherwise would be without it but that is only a small complaint.

The big disappointment with Sonic 4 is co-op, there is none. While i understand the goal was to re-create Sonic 1 and bring Sonic back to his roots it would have been great to have a friend play along side me as Tales after all this is Sonic 4 and we should be progressing not going back. I think it would have also been nice to unlock some other playable characters for fun such as Shadow (who i would really love to see in a 2D game) or Knuckles but that might come later as this is only episode 1. We do get Super Sonic which is great and more fun than ever.

The music in Sonic 4 is wonderful, all the old sounds are back like the springs that repel Sonic through the stages, the pop's when Sonic blasts through an enemy, the warning when Sonic is running out of air, air bubbles when Sonic is under water, and even the crumbling sounds of the breakable walls Sonic can speed through. The stage music is just as cheesy and joyful as ever delivering an old retro feel in a modern way. Boss battles feel just as fun as ever when the music begins to change as well and you know that big Egg is after you again.

The only other drawback with the game is it's rather easy difficulty level for anyone who spent the majority of their youth locked away in a basement with the little blue hedgehog. This can't be helped though Sonic is what it is and the only way to change the difficulty for anyone who is a Sonic pro would be to change the whole concept of what Sonic is. The final boss fight however is ridiculously hard compared to the rest of the game. After playing the game through and meeting the end boss you feel like each boss was just a warm up fight for this guy who uses all of the previous bosses methods to take Sonic down. It's long and frustratingly hard and if you are not a die hard Sonic fan this might be the reason you turn the game off. Personally i think the game needs this testing end and when all episodes are complete we should have a few more ultimate boss battles which make the complete Sonic 4 a tougher game than any of the previous ones.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 is going to be released in episodic forum, most likely we can expect to see 3 to 4 episodes each consisting of 4 zones, 12 acts, 4 boss battles, and 1 ultimate boss battle so there is lot's to look forward to in the future from SEGA.

Sonic is a franchise i will always have a place in my heart for. I am a huge Sonic fan and for me SEGA has finally gave the fans what we have been asking for. If i was an unbiased reviewer i would give Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 an 8/10, however i want to score this game as a fan.

As a fan this is everything i have been waiting for an more, however as Sonic 4 is going to be released in episodic forum i can't give this a 10/10 so my final score is 9/10