October Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · Nov 3, 2007

Here are some reviews for most of the remaining games (leaving out NBA games since they were probably mentioned in other threads):

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Ace Combat 6
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Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations
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Manhunt 2
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VF5 (360)
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/virtuafighter5/review.html?sid=6182119

To answer your two questions: Yes, this is a solid port of Virtua Fighter 5, and yes, the online play works just fine.

The Good
* Totally functional online mode
* Very sharp graphics
* Terrific gameplay.

The Bad
* Game's menus could have been condensed and made much more friendly
* Sound effects and voice occasionally sound tinny or muffled
* Have to invest in at least one $60 joystick if you want the ideal way to play.
Click to expand...

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/castlevaniathedraculaxchronicles/review.html?sid=6181938

Taken together, the three games included in Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles make up a compelling package.

The Good
* Finally, an English version of Rondo of Blood
* Rondo remake boasts 3D graphics, new audio, and other enhancements
* You can play the original 2D Rondo too
* Symphony of the Night is even better thanks to the new translation and voice work
* Between the three games, you'll reap hours of old-school side-scrolling fun.

The Bad
* Rondo's difficulty and steep learning curve aren't for everyone
* The other two games are locked until you find certain items in the remake.
Click to expand...

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (PSP)
http://www.gamespot.com/psp/strategy/disgaeaportable/review.html?sid=6182224

If you've got a PSP and are a fan of strategy RPGs, Disgaea is a worthy addition to your collection.

The Good
* Fixes some of the slowdown issues in the original game
* New features make an already heavily replayable game even more replayable
* Beautiful transition to widescreen
* Adorable characters with excellent voice acting
* Prinnies.

The Bad
* Still not very accessible to anyone not already versed in strategy RPGs
* Still has a poorly implemented camera.
Click to expand...

Battalion Wars 2 (Wii)
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/strategy/battalionwars2/review.html?sid=6182258

This sequel to Nintendo's console wargame wages a much more successful campaign on free time.

The Good
* Drastically improved pacing in campaign
* A decent attempt at online play
* Excellent production values.

The Bad
* Still strategy "lite"
* The artificial intelligence is overly simple
* The story is, too.
Click to expand...

Sega Rally Revo (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/segarallyrevo/review.html?sid=6180652

The technology behind Sega Rally Revo is undeniably impressive and the driving is a good bit of arcade fun, but the game's staying power is highly questionable.

The Good
* Tracks deform and tear up to an amazing degree
* Fantastic-looking cars and tracks
* Lots of different cars to unlock.

The Bad
* Gameplay is a bit on the shallow side
* Computer opponents are rather single-minded
* Could have used more tracks
* Lack of rumble with the Sixaxis controller is a big hindrance.
Click to expand...

MLB Power Pros (Multi)
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sports/jikkyoupowerfulproyakyuuwii/review.html?sid=6181201

Konami has crafted a whimsical take on baseball that's as deep as you want it to be.

The Good
* Bobbleheaded characters give the game a unique, whimsical look
* Controls are so simple that literally anyone can learn to play
* Excellent physics and rich statistics for people who care about that stuff
* Loads of in-depth play modes and player creation features
* RPG-style success mode provides unique take on the typical career mode.

The Bad
* Technical aspects of the graphics are a couple years behind the curve
* Play-by-play guy repeats himself constantly
* No online features, not even roster updates.
Click to expand...

Dementium: The Ward (DS)
http://ds.ign.com/articles/831/831835p1.html

It's pretty amazing that, for a system that's been out for three years now, there have been very few first-person shooters made for it. The Nintendo DS is a prime (no pun intended) system for the genre, what with its touch screen that can easily mimic the precise movement of mouse controls. Dementium: The Ward fills that void nicely - it's appropriately gory (it is a shooter, after all) but also adds an element of mystery to the whole thing. Some design issues do get in the way a tiny bit, but not so much that you'll hate on the game…and unless you've got the expectations of a PC shooter fan, it's hard to not be impressed with what Renegade Kid managed to pull off on the Nintendo DS hardware.

8.0 Presentation
Console-level first person shooter design that as impressive as it is fun. Addressing little design issues could have cleaned up the product, but expect to be wowed.
8.5 Graphics
Super fast, super smooth engine with some really great lighting effects. The enemy designs and their animations are a little silly, but overall this is visually "wow."
8.5 Sound
Amazing audio all the way through, but we're knocking a half-point off simply for the choice of sound effect for the bone cutter saw...I think I'm deaf.
8.0 Gameplay
The save, enemy spawning and mapping systems combine to bring down an excellent FPS shooter down a notch. Otherwise, great stuff.
6.5 Lasting Appeal
Not much in the way of replay value once you're done, but it's a solid length from start to finish.
Click to expand...

And let's just say that I have no idea why I added Donkey Kong Barrel Blast to this list.

The next thread should be done somewhat soon (at least before Tuesday), although I've been kind of busy lately...doesn't help that there are a lot of great games coming out in November.

bladeage · Nov 3, 2007

Hey RC, you know if that flight stick that you can get bundled with Ace Combat 6 will work on other flight games? like Blazing Angels.

RC Cola · Nov 3, 2007

Pretty sure it works with other games (IGN review says "it can be used outside of AC6 if you want"). I think it even works with the PC too.

I don't know how well it works with other games though. I saw people at NeoGAF asking about how it worked with Project Slypheed and other games, but I don't think anyone responded (one person even said he/she would test it too ).

bladeage · Nov 4, 2007

Hope it works well with other games, that flight controller is sweeeeeeeeeet.

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October Video Game Preview Thread

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