Archive for August, 2009

Shadow Complex – “G.I. Joe Complex”

Thus, "Shadow Complex" ends up being somewhat of a half-breed between a modern action packed shooter and the pondered exploration of "Metroid". You can't commend its innovation, because there is none, but it's extremely well designed and balanced, and if it's mindless fun you're looking for, you'll get your kicks. However, as the self-proclaimed love-letter to "Metroid", it's as much of an insult as it is a compliment to Yoshio Sakamoto's masterpiece[ READ MORE ]

Wave Foam – “Breaking out of the Cage”

David Cage may very well be a thinking man's Molyneux - a sort of pretentious wanna-be that aspires to the moon, but ends up with his knees deep in the Earth's mud - but he will always have great aspirations and capacity of self-criticism (as his constant recognition of his past failures clearly shows), something which is sadly lacking in most designers. Hopefully (let us pray in tandem), he will soon realize the potential of his ideas in "Heavy Rain" and finally flesh out the sort of mature interactive narratives his games always hinted at, but failed in achieving[ READ MORE ]

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – “One-Eyed Jack”

But the truly infuriating thing is how its insignificant flaws can obfuscate the game's grandiosity when it strikes that rare chord of pure bliss. Flaws that could have easily been removed, but remain as nagging reminders of Kojima's unflinching desire to be cool and funny. Which is why Kojima needs an editing eye, something which he must surely have had many years ago, but now seems to have lost, like his protagonists, during some imaginary war with his ego. And until he learns that less is more, he will remain blind[ READ MORE ]

King’s Field IV – “Out of the Light and into the Darkness”

Fantasy stories tell of grand knights capable of epic feats of strength, agility and mind, yet modern role-playing videogames give us challenges that even a baby can overcome. That is why "King's Field" clicks into place and you get to actually 'play' the part of the conquering knight - the game needs to be hard for you to feel like a hero[ READ MORE ]

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