Review: TRON Evolution

Platform: PS3 (also on Xbox 360, PC*)

Developer: Propaganda Games

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

# of Players: 1 (online 1 - 8)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B-

As licensed movie games go, TRON: Evolution does a pretty good job of bringing gamers into its world as a mostly enjoyable experience that while not a masterpiece, has some pretty cool elements going for it. It's not the usual licensed title that repeats the movie experience, but a bridge between the 1982 original and the new sequel (TRON: Legacy) that you may want to play BEFORE you see the movie. Enjoying the game fully requires a bit of knowledge (and yes, nostalgia) about the original's film's plot and characters, but you can complete it without knowing who's who. However, If you just want a new action game to play and go in cold with no intentions to see either film, the story might seem weak and hard to follow in spots. On the other hand, if you're a fan of the original and have seen (or plan to see) the new film, what's here does a solid job of updating and expanding while making you want more in the process. There's also the kernel of a great MMO experience here, should Disney decide to allow the developer to add to what's here and take the game further in future installments.

Didn't Get The Game You Want? Grab Tyrian 2000 For FREE From GOG.com!

GOG.com is one of the greatest gamer gift-giving websites currently operating today thanks to their love for the PC classics and the means to get them up and running for sale as single or multiple pack deals at incredible prices. Part of their holiday promotion is releasing Tyrian 2000 (one of the best vertical scrolling arcade shooters ever made, I'd say) for FREE to any and all who have gog.com accounts (which are also FREE). All you need to do is drop on by, sign up and BOOM, the game is yours. the download is a tiny 10MB and you can also grab the soundtrack separately (an extra 128MB on your hard drive). I'm guessing that sound I hear is the gog.com servers collapsing thanks to the traffic I just sent there... or maybe not.

Hmmm... might have been Santa hitting the side of a building (oops)...

Etna Needs Your Help Getting In the Holiday Spirit!

Yup, that means yet another wacky yet cool Nippon Ichi Software America contest is afoot, folks. Click on that pic above and enter to win some cool prizes! Also, go reserve a copy of Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! while you're at it. As I've said before, ANY game with a name like that can't be passed up!

Decimation X3 Now Available Over Xbox Live

Xona Games wants to blow you away with their XBLA shooter, Decimation X3. This absolutely insane 2D shooter mixes a great retro visual vibe with an excellent soundtrack that's guaranteed to get you off the couch (provided you can dance and shoot simultaneously). Thankfully, the action is so frantic and exhilarating that actual dancing isn't remotely involved. What's even better is the game ONLY costs a measly 80 Microsoft Points, or a whole dollar if you're into that new math. BUY it, is my recommendation. Too bad Microsoft doesn't have a portable system, as DX3 and some of the other awesome games from the Indie Games Uprising would make PERFECT traveling companions (and no, I don't want a Windows Phone to play games on, grrrrr).

press release below the jump.

Review: Pac-Man Party

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Developer: Namco Bandai

Publisher: Namco Bandai

# of Players: 1 - 4

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: B+

30 years and counting on the video game scene still shows that Pac-Man's got legs (pun intended) and can stand up to pretty much whatever genre he's added to. Namco Bandai's latest Wii game featuring the character and his cohorts is a fun party game that's part Mario Party, part Dokapon Kingdom and all Pac-Man, offering up over 50 mini-games and a few arcade classics in a well-rounded package. Granted, this is a game that's very strictly geared toward the casual family market, so hardcore gamers "expecting" something resembling an actual challenge can slap their cranky sourpuss caps on as they bypass this in favor of the latest arcade shooter or ultra-violent action game. If you're in the mood for a consistently and intentionally silly game where actual gameplay is secondary and a pure sense of fun soaks the atmosphere, read on.

Review: SnakeByte Wii Premium Fitness Board

If you're looking to add some more active gaming to your lifestyle and don't feel comfortable working out at a public gym, You've probably heard about a little console called the Nintendo Wii and the rather impressive number of activity-based games and peripherals that have been released. Wii Fit and its sequel (plus other exercise games from different publishers) have become worldwide phenomenons thanks to Nintendo's targeting of every person as a potential gamer has really caught on since the console's launch. Here's a peek at a pretty slick peripheral you'll want to check out if you're interested in a gift for yourself or someone else starting up (or extending) their gaming workout.

Nippon Ichi's Having a Little Holiday Sale...

HEY! Want some very, very cool Nippon Ichi, Gust, and other sweet NISA stuff from games to anime DVD's, soundtracks and more? Well, just bust out that credit card or PayPal account and click that pic above. Plushies, Prinnies, Glicees and more wallet exploding goodness galore!

Some of the prices are flat out BARGAINS (Disgaea DS or My Lord, What Have I Done to Deserve This 2 PSP for $10? BOOM, I'm there!), which means you'll go crazy with the deals here, dood! They've got my money already (What, you thought I get ALL my games for free?)!

SplitFish To Debut New FRAGFX Controller Series for PlayStation 3, MAC, PC On 11/1

I've been a fan of SplitFish's unique game controllers since the PS2 days, so it's cool to see the company continuing to update their innovative technology and drop an even more improved product onto the scene. Here's info on the next generation of FRAGFX controllers set to hit retail this November.

Nyko Wand+ Waves into Retail (Cue Sexy Time Music)...

I'd never thought I'd say this about a Wii controller, but Nyko's new Wand+ controller looks kind of... sexy. No, really - just look at it (or peruse the press release below the jump). Trust me, staring for too long at these pics with a glass of wine (or grape juice if you're not of age) in hand and a slow jam on the 8-Track will get you in the mood to play games you'd never even touch with the stock Wii Remote.