"Retro" Review: The Dark Spire

Platform: Nintendo DS

Developer: Success

Publisher: Atlus

# of Players: 1

Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: A

(Note: while I'm cooling my heels and planning a new site relaunch soon, here's an old review to peruse. this previously lost review was written LONG before the PSN Wizardry games from XSEED and Wizardry Online were announced, but I decided not to alter anything mostly because I'm surprised this turned up in a folder packed with stuff I thought was gone for good - enjoy!)

Since no US publisher seems to even be thinking about reviving the classic Wizardry franchise anytime soon, Atlus has pretty much taken up the mantle of "publisher of Wizardry-like gameplay experiences" on the Nintendo DS. Some of you might be asking "Hey! what about that excellent 2001 PlayStation 2 game, Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land, huh?" However, that game (great as it was) wasn't at all related to the eight Sir-Tech PC games. Other than a few console remakes of the first seven games scattered over an assortment of Japanese consoles and a few handheld version the numerous Japanese-developed Wizardry games are their own bird (and yes, it would have been grand to see them localized in English), but that's another subject for another time. Anyway, thanks to titles such as the two Etrian Odyssey games (which can be seen as spiritual successors to Sir-Tech's original games) and now The Dark Spire, developed by Success, Atlus will absolutely make you do a happy dance if you love your RPGs old-school tough yet completely user-friendly.

New Aliens: Infestation Trailer (Yes, There's Still Life Left In That Nintendo DS!)

WayForward and Gearbox' upcoming DS exclusive is probably going to be the best thing to happen to the DS in terms of licensed movie titles and definitely the best portable Aliens game I can think of. Of course, it IS coming from one of the best developers of 2D games working today, so it's pretty much a given that it's going to be a solid game. October 11 is rushing up really fast, so put this one on your to-do lists. Thank you, Sega!

Aliens: Infestation Launch Trailer: WayForward Wows Once More

What's looking like one of the last great Nintendo DS games is winging your way courtesy Sega, WayForward Technologies and Gearbox Software. No flashy gimmick here, folks - just good, solid old-school gameplay, amazing 2D visuals and plenty of action. This one is definitely in the running for portable game of the year in my book. I really hope a PSP version is in the works, as this game is too good to be relegated to a single platform...

Aliens: Infestation Headed to Nintendo DS This Fall (Way To Go,WayForward!)

Just when you thought the Nintendo DS was going to roll over and die an unceremoniously dull and quiet death thanks to Nintendo pushing the 3DS hard as the next big thing, there's a ray of light that pokes through (well, BLASTS through) and shows everything is just peachy (for the moment). Sega has announced that Aliens: Infestation is headed to the portable this September. WayForward Technologies with a little help from Aliens: Colonial Marines developer Gearbox Software are taking the hugely popular film franchise on what's looking to be a wild retro ride that could be the best portable Aliens game to date.

Given that there haven't been too many good Alien or Aliens games on a handheld, that's really not saying much to some of you out there. On the other hand, if you know WayForward's stunning 2D work on the Game Boy Advance and DS (Their Contra reboot was phenomenal) as well as the upcoming BloodRayne: Betrayal, you know you're in for a superior firepower-packed instant classic. Hell if the DS IS going to go out soon, it's absolutely going to go out with a nuclear bang. I can't wait to see how this one's turned out.

Official game Info below the jump - I'm off to warm up my DS from its too long hypersleep...

E3 2011: Nintendo Has Its Day In the Sun (Indoors)

Here's Nintendo's always sunny take on its E3 press conference. I'm still surprised as hell SO many so-called professionals were "confused" by the Wii U unveiling. Reggie? Call me - I got it. Boy did I get it... Now I hope to hell all the developers that get cooking making games for the new console get it as well...

Okamiden "Deities & Environments" + "Astroidean" Trailers

Two super-cute trailers from Capcom's guaranteed DS hit. With a March 15, 2011 release just around the corner, games such as this show Nintendo's popular portable system is FAR from dead. I'd say it's worth a but just for Chibiterasu's sheer cuteness alone...

Review: Plants vs. Zombies

Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi

Developer: PopCap Games

Publisher: PopCap Games

# of Players 1 - 2

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: A-

If you're like me and you've somehow managed to miss the whole Plants vs. Zombies craze on every other platform it's appeared on and happen to own a Nintendo DS or DSi, you NEED to buy and play PopCap's excellent and hilarious strategy/puzzle game. Easily one of the best DS games to date, period, PvZ takes the tired Tower Defense genre and makes it fresh as a daisy with a more modern theme, the always popular addition of zombies to the formula and addictive gameplay that starts out simple and gets supremely challenging as the game progresses. Yes, the smaller, lower resolution DS touch screen makes things a bit crowded in terms of controls and less spectacular in the visual presentation. But again, if you've never seen or played the game previously on an HD console, PC, iOS or other device, you really won't care.

Okami Plush/Pillow Set Is A One-Two Combo of CUTE!!!

Today's "D'awwwwwwwwwwwww, CUUUUTE!" moment is brought to you by Capcom, publishers of Okami, Okamiden and now, NEW:

Okamiden Chibiterasu Plush and Pillow!

...And now, a word from our sponsor:

Feeling sad and droopy, ladies and gents? Well, just let OKAMIDEN get you peppy in seconds! Just apply to your Nintendo DS or DSi and just like THAT, that gloom is all g-o-n-e! It's like MAGIC!

That's OKAMIDEN - available March 15 2011 in the US and March 18 2011 in Europe at a store near you!

YES, I want that darn cute pillow and plushie! I'll sit up, play dead roll over and beg for that set, Woof!! Er, details to follow soon on how to get one from Capcom, but I'll guess pre-ordering the game or some other semi-heroic actions MAY be involved. You readers might want to poke about on the Official Okamiden Facebook page and see what's up...

Off to bug Capcom PR and see if we can give some of those away... THAT would be awesome, methinks... "D'awwwwwwwwwwww!"

Commentary: Why We ALL Need Wizardry Back!

Sometimes, I just hate Japan, but in a decidedly more "grrrr... how come they get THAT game?" manner (and not anything more overly dramatic than that, mind you). While the Wizardry franchise hasn't seen a new Western-developed PC game in the states since the ill-fated, (but mostly well-rated) Wizardry 8 (back in 2001!), since the late 80's, Japanese gamers have had nearly 40 ports or completely original Wizardry games and side-stories created by an assortment of developers for a number of consoles, portables and even cellphones. More recently, three Nintendo DS games in Japan have been getting their own original entries (*grrrr!*). You can keep your Angry Birds, and other "casual" games, folks - I'd rather play something with real meat on its bones.

Radiant Historia Time-Traveling Walkthrough Trailer Radiates Historically...

Yes, this walkthrough was released a few days back, but I'm just now getting to it (Hey! I've a LOT of stuff on my plate!). Atlus USA just keeps it coming with yet ANOTHER fine Nintendo DS/DSi RPG, Radiant Historia, set for release on February 22, 2011. I'm still playing Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey and SMT: Devil Survivor, but as I'm winding down the many, many hours spent on those, it looks as if I'll be getting a bit busy with this one. As usual, expect a nice deluxe package complete with a CD soundtrack and more gameplay than you can shake a stylus at... back with more in a bit.

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: Goldeneye 007 (DS)

Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi
 
Developer: n-Space

Publisher: Activision

# of Players: 1 (2 - 6 via Wi-Fi)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)


Official Site

Score: B+

While GoldenEye 007 for the DS isn't quite as spectacular as the Wii version, it's an extremely solid, well-crafted FPS that's great for some on the go action. Veteran developer n-Space is back on the case with another fun bit of portable FPS campaign (and multiplayer) that features fine visuals and gameplay plus some great music and voice work. Like the developer's other shooters on Nintendo's handheld, you're getting a scaled back yet faithful recreation here, so don't expect to see all sorts of new standards set. Of course, on its own merits, this one's a total winner from beginning to end and a pocketful of great Bond thrills at a decent price point.

Review: Blood Stone 007 (DS)

Platform: Nintendo DS

Developer: n-Space

Publisher: Activision

# of Players: 1 (2 - 6 via Wi-Fi)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B-

Where the PS3 and 360 versions of the game focus on blending cinema-worthy storytelling elements, solid, familiar gameplay and high quality HD visuals into a solid Bond experience, the portable version of Blood Stone 007 proves you don't need stellar graphics to make a solid third-person shooter. The DS action shooter might look like a mid-range PSOne game and not have the best animation out there, but it's a surprisingly cool shooter that manages to capture the feel of the other games almost to a T. You're getting the same plot and most of the same locations with a few nicely done touches added for good measure. While it may not win any DS Game of the Year awards, it's definitely well-done enough to be a worthy addition to any Bond fan's game collection.

Atlus Announces Radiant Historia For Nintendo DS in 2011

We absolutely love Atlus and Atlus loves us right back. Maybe not absolutely, but hey... Sure, it's a long distance relationship and we don't talk all that much, but the gifts keep coming and they're always good ones, so we're hooked. Anyway, yes, it's another DS RPG extravaganza and yup, you'll get a free soundtrack with the game. Details below the jump. Go reserve a copy and make Atlus very happy...

By the way, the game's official website isn't quite up yet, despite the link in the press release. Fear not, dear reader... Atlus is on the case!

Review: Sonic Colors (DS)

Platform: Nintendo DS

Developer: Dimps/Sonic Team

Publisher: Sega

# of Players: 1-2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Official Site

Score: A-

The stellar Sonic revival continues with Sonic Colors on the DS, which, like it's big brother on the Wii just so happens to be one of the best games on the platform this year. While it takes a few of its its visual and gameplay cues from the great Sonic Rush series, the blend of classic fast-paced 2D side-scrolling (with some nifty 3D boss battles and other sections) and super-colorful visuals makes for an exciting chunk of portable goodness. Like any platformer worth its salt, there area few really pesky spots where a careless jump or accidental nudge on that D-pad will send you falling to a Sonic doom. On the other hand, the game is so much fun that you'll go back again and again until you nail every level and find every secret.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Teaser Trailer Preview

Here's a teaser for the brand-new Call of Duty: Black Ops Single Player trailer set to debut Monday night on ESPN during the Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets game. Activision continues to roll on with the solid lineup, that's for sure...

Little "Dog" Lost at NYCC!

Well, maybe not exactly lost in the "missing" sense, as I recall reading that some canines are fatally allergic to peanut butter (note to Capcom: oops). Anyway, call that number if you see anything small, white and wolfy in your area. Or call it if you don't - the short message you'll hear is cute.

Oh yeah, Okamiden was playable on the show floor in trail version form and it's spectacularly good...

Gallery: Resident Evil Revelations

My first thought (given the Capcom press page has this listed as a regular DS game) was: Wait.... these are Nintendo DS screens? Of course, you'd be a bit confused too, especially if you also saw those similarly eye-popping screens for the upcoming 3DS RE Mercenaries title. Then I realized that it's going to be one of those 3DS titles that you don't need the "3D" effect on to enjoy. Still, for a handheld with FAR lower resolution than any current TV or monitor, what's here is pretty amazing stuff. Go Capcom!

MySims SkyHeroes Dead Space Parody Trailer Is A Hoot

I'd never thought I'd ever say this, but EA has actually found a way to make the Dead Space universe look... cute. As in too darn cute beyond belief. Check it out and afterward, go try out the ridiculously fun demo for MySims SkyHeroes on Xbox Live Arcade while you're still smiling. MySims SkyHeroes launches (pun intended) on September 28 for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC and Nintendo DS. Demo info and more MSSH coolness below the jump.

Mastiff's Deer Drive Shoots Onto Nintendo DS

A hunting game on the go? Yes, indeed says Mastiff. The publisher has brought a portable version of its popular Wii simulation, Deer Drive to the Nintendo DS and it's now available at retailers across North America for a mere $19.99. Given that the Wii version moved around 400,000 copies, I'd say DS owners might make this one as much of a hit, if not more of one. Box art above, screens below with a bit of game info from the press release. Loyal hunting dog, Elmer Fudd cap and orange safety vest not included.