April Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · Mar 31, 2007

Xbox 360:
Guitar Hero II (Rhythm Music) 4/3

Wii:
Super Paper Mario (3D Platformer) 4/9

DS:
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (RPG) 4/3
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (RPG) 4/22

PSP:
Valhalla Knights (Action RPG) 4/17

Yep, that's about all the major releases I see (and I even included 2 somewhat niche handheld titles too).

This may be the month to check out some of the games you’ve yet to finish. Good thing the Oblivion expansion just came out, as did the PS3 version of the game. I did leave off some games I already previewed that got pushed to April (PoP Rival Swords, Enchanted Arms, FEAR, etc.), but there still isn’t much coming out in April IMO.

RC Cola · Mar 31, 2007

Guitar Hero II (360)
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IGN already has a review for the game:
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/777/777444p1.html

Guitar Hero II on Xbox 360 is the best iteration of the hit music rhythm game yet, but it's also an important addition to the Xbox 360 library. On a console dominated by shooters and action titles, it is one of the few titles that everyone can and will enjoy. RedOctane and Harmonix put their best foot forward with this release The result is a port that adds enough content to make it worth a second look from the hardcore fans, especially with the downloadable songs, and a game that is put together so well that all newcomers should give it a try. It's a bit pricey at $90 and doesn't have the wireless guitar we all hoped for, but worth it.
Click to expand...

9.5 Presentation
Musical themes are expertly woven into the very fabric of the game. Great options for everyone from beginners to experts.
7.0 Graphics
Better than the PS2 version, but nothing special. Flashing lights can cause dizziness.
9.5 Sound
A few covers are a bit off, but the whole package is simply superb. Reworked audio makes it even better than the PS2 version.
9.0 Gameplay
Simple, addictive, and universally fun.
9.5 Lasting Appeal
With downloadable tracks and a boatload of songs, this game will keep on giving.
9.4 OVERALL
Click to expand...

9.4 from IGN, 95 from Metacritic.

Super Paper Mario (Wii)
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Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (DS)
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Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)
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Valhalla Knights (PSP)
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redefined · Mar 31, 2007

Weak. Guitar Hero is fun but I'm not spending that much money for such a game.

I just got a new computer that can actually handle Flight Simulator X. I will be playing with that for a while.

I can't even remember the last time I touched my 360.

meh · Mar 31, 2007

Unfortunately, I'll be heading to a store late this month to buy the highly anticipated latest pokemon game that will finally hits the shelf. A late birthday present for my little sister+. I have no idea how Nintendo can continue to make crazy money off of this franchise for so long. The sales numbers for pokemon games are just amazing.

Uprising · Mar 31, 2007

redefined said:

Weak. Guitar Hero is fun but I'm not spending that much money for such a game.

I just got a new computer that can actually handle Flight Simulator X. I will be playing with that for a while.

I can't even remember the last time I touched my 360.
Click to expand...

Ditto, I think I'm going to go pick up Command and Conquerer 3 on monday.

MiddleMan · Apr 1, 2007

Uprising said:

Ditto, I think I'm going to go pick up Command and Conquerer 3 on monday.
Click to expand...

well i'm debating if i should buy the 360 version of c&c 3 for the 360 or for my cpu!

AntiSonic · Apr 1, 2007

Oh wow. I love how Super Paper Mario incorporates elements from SMB2. Looks like an awesome platformer!

VesceySux · Apr 1, 2007

AntiSonic said:

Oh wow. I love how Super Paper Mario incorporates elements from SMB2. Looks like an awesome platformer!
Click to expand...

I'm a little annoyed that it's not the RPG that the original Paper Mario was, but, really, I'll take a Mario platformer any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

BTW, I wish Guitar Hero would come out for Wii. I freaking love that game.

RC Cola · Apr 1, 2007

VesceySux said:

BTW, I wish Guitar Hero would come out for Wii. I freaking love that game.
Click to expand...

Probably will. Or at least some Harmonix music game (possibly the "mystery" EA game they're working on). Just speculation on my part of course.

There is an April Fools' joke about GH2 on the Wii, which I won't bother posting.

RC Cola · Apr 15, 2007

Super Paper Mario (Wii)
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Prince of Persia: Rival Swords (Wii/PSP)
Wii Review
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Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (DS)
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/fffchocobotales/review.html?sid=6168802

It might be squarely aimed at the younger crowd, but Chocobo Tales is highly charming and a great choice for players of all ages.
The Good: A fun collection of minigames, card battling, and adventuring; cute and cuddly storybook visuals; card battles are fun and appealing and can be played both online and off.
The Bad: Some of the minigames are too frustrating for their own good; only microgames can be shared via download play.
Click to expand...

Gameplay 7
Graphics 8
Sound 9
Value 9
Tilt 8
Overall 8.0
Click to expand...

8.0 at Gamespot, 77 at Metacritic.

RC Cola · Apr 28, 2007

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (DS)
http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemondiamond/review.html?sid=6169567

The additions and alterations aren't game changing, and Diamond and Pearl do what the Pokémon franchise has always done best—deliver an accessible and highly addictive role-playing game experience.
The Good: Colorful presentation blends 2D and 3D; enthusiastic soundtrack; introduces online play; lengthy, engaging single-player story; more than 100 new pokémon.
The Bad: New touch-screen controls underwhelming; online hampered by accessibility issues; recycles some graphics and sounds from older pokémon games.
Click to expand...

Gameplay 8
Graphics 8
Sound 8
Value 9
Tilt 9
Overall 8.5
Click to expand...

8.5 at Gamespot, 83/84 at Metacritic for Diamond/Pearl.

Valhalla Knights (PSP)
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/rpg/valhallaknights/review.html?sid=6169374

A deep character-creation system and sharp graphics are wasted on this dull, repetitive dungeon crawler.
The Good: Extensive and well-designed character-customization features; good graphics.
The Bad: Endless dungeon-crawling is tedious and repetitive; poor frame rate; bad camera control.
Click to expand...

Gameplay 5
Graphics 7
Sound 6
Value 6
Tilt 5
Overall 5.6
Click to expand...

5.6 at Gamespot, 57 at Metacritic.

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