Developer: WayForward Technologies Publisher: WayForward Platforms: Nintendo DSi, DS-XL, 3DS Genre: Platformer Rating: Everyone Release Date: October 4, 2010
WayForward Technologies has returned their iconic mascot, Shantae, for another magical adventure. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge presents some of the greatest platforming gameplay since the days of the 16 bit console wars of the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. For a downloadable game, exclusive to Nintendo’s DS systems, with the 3DS included, Shantae is a game begging to be played for old fans of platformers
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Developer: BioWare Publisher: SEGA Platform: Nintendo DS Genre: RPG Rating: Everyone Release Date: September 30th, 2008
When you think of Sonic the Hedgehog you normally think of side scrolling loops, running fast, bouncing on the heads of badniks and collecting rings. What you normally don't think about is equipment, balancing parties, and distributing stat points. BioWare has set out to change that with Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, the first true Sonic RPG!
Developer: Dimps Publisher: Sega Platform: DS Genre: Action/Adventure, Platformer Rating: Everyone Release Date: November 16, 2010
The Nintendo DS features yet another Sonic the Hedgehog game and this one’s quite good and manages to include as much content as the Wii version does. Sonic Colors features great side-scrolling action, and if this is your thing, or if you’re a fan of the original Sonic games on the Sega Genesis, this game is just for you and for just about everyone.
Developer: Game Freak Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company Genre: Role Playing Game Rating: Everyone Release: March 6th, 2011
Those of you who can remember the first Pokémon games on Gameboy back in 1998, may not be surprised to see the game in its 5th generation. The franchise's longevity is a testament to the video game market's desire for classic style RPGs. But how does Pokémon White Version stand up to other games in its genre, or even to its predecessors? Let’s find out!
Presentation
As in previous versions, players will take on the role of a
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Developer: Capcom Publisher: Capcom Genre: Action-Adventure Rating: Everyone Platforms: Nintendo DS Release Date: March 15, 2011
A beautiful adventure and one of the last brilliant games to grace the Nintendo DS has finally arrived. This entry in the Okami franchise does anything but disappoint.
Presentation
The game opens up with the title screen and the option to start a game. Off the bat Okamiden makes it clear that there is only one save file so make it count.
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Developer: Square Enix/Jupiter Publisher: Square Enix Platform: Nintendo DS Genre: Action RPG Rating: Teen Release Date: April 2008
Want to visit the streets of Shibuya in the palm of your hand, Jupiter presents that opportunity. With experience in the action RPG genre Jupiter goes in a different direction. This time it is with an emphasis on implementing the touch screen of the Nintendo DS.
Developer: PopCap Games Publisher: PopCap Games Genre: Puzzle & Strategy Rating: Everyone Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: January 18, 2011
It seems the success of PopCap Games, makers of puzzle games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, popular entry, Plants vs. Zombies couldn't be kept away from making its way to the Nintendo DS. The game's success with mobile devices and consoles just keeps proving you can't keep a good game down. The Nintendo DS edition of Plants vs. Zombies sells for $19.99, and
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Crafting Mama Developer: Cooking Mama Limited Publisher: Majesco Entertainment Platform: Nintendo DS Genre: Simulation Rating: Everyone Release Date: October 26, 2010
Mama's back with another element to get her players making and creating. From the kitchen, to the garden, she has now moved to the crafting room with lots of crafts for you to make together. Mama has brought some materials along so that you can make earrings, a squirt gun out of bamboo, pressed flowers, candles, scarves, origami Mamas and so much more.
Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.
Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.
Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.
Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.
Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.
Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.
Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.
Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.
Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.
Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.