Kilted Moose's games blog

Super Crate Box - iOS

2012-01-07T11:57:00.004Z

Vlambeer, along with Halfbot, have just released Super Crate Box on iOS and it's a bit of a cracker. Fusing platforming antics with shooting is hardly new, but few games are as frantic as Super Crate Box straight out of the gate.

As the player dashes around the levels snaffling crates containing a fabulous array of weapons, foes rampage across the screen to stop you in your tracks.

Points are awarded for collecting crates rather than how many kills you rack up - a neat twist - but as every wooden crate contains a different weapon, you never know quite what to expect.

Personal stats are kept in neat displays while a running total of crates collected across the world is constantly updated on the main menu. At the time of writing, the figure stands at an impressive 6,718,831.

With delightful chiptunes and retro style visuals, Super Crate Box is fast-paced fun and works splendidly on iPad. For only 69p, it is well worth picking up.

Microsoft Flight - PC

2012-01-06T13:15:00.004Z

I've been a fan of Microsoft's Flight Simulator series for many years - I cut my teeth on Flight Simulator 2004 and moved up to FSX a couple of years ago.

The default scenery has always been a little rough around the edges - as you would expect considering the series spans the entire globe - so I've previously invested in texture meshes to bring the world to life - in particular the US state of Alaska.

Thanks to Ultimate Alaska, I've explored miles of terrain and flown over forests, rivers, glaciers and small towns in a variety of light aircraft. But just as the thrill of exploring 586 sq miles of Alaskan countryside begins to die down, Microsoft have announced their plans for the next game in the series.

Microsoft Flight will launch later this year via Games For Windows and judging by recent screenshots, it looks as if texture meshes and third party downloads could be a thing of the past.

Not only is the game visually stunning, but it will also be free to play, giving everyone the chance to explore the skies above beautiful Hawaii. Further regions, aircraft and customisation options will be available to buy, while Microsoft have said they will frequently release new content.

Not only that, but virtual pilots will also have their own online pilot profile, while achievement points will be included to boost your Gamerscore.

There have been some grumblings about the fact Microsoft Flight will use the flawed Games For Windows client but I'm still incredibly excited to see the game in action. The only problem is that I might need to upgrade my creaking PC sooner than planned to get the best out of the game.

Alice: Madness Returns - 360/PS3/PC

2011-12-22T16:08:00.005Z

There's a lot to like about Alice: Madness Returns. From the beautifully presented waif-like protagonist and her constantly changing sense of style, to the cast of grotesque characters who litter a decaying vision of Lewis Carroll's dreamlike Wonderland.

It's a spellbinding visual treat throughout and whether Alice is stumbling through the grimy streets of Victorian London, exploring the clockwork innards of the Mad Hatter's lair or making her way through the faded grandeur of the Queen of Hearts' castle, the art direction is inspired.

But despite the visual flair, Alice's journey through her rotten mind descends into a standard third-person romp, with a raft of gameplay ideas as old as the hills.

Armed with a twisted assortment of weapons - including a chain gun-style pepper grinder, a teapot cannon and white rabbit time bombs - Alice fights, jumps, runs and twirls through long, drawn-out levels in a bid to save her sanity.

The combat is initially a thrill, with Alice cutting a swathe through Studio Ghibli-like enemies. However, respawning gothic creatures and a dodgy in-game camera soon temper that initial rush and these arena style brawls soon become something to be tolerated rather than enjoyed.

The platform-heavy antics are a throwback in many ways. Leaping from invisible platforms, riding on steam vents, trampolining off neon-tinged mushrooms and sliding down Mario 64-inspired chutes is decent enough fun, but we've been here hundreds of times before.

And while the game does its best to mix up gameplay styles with the inclusion of environmental puzzles, 2D papercraft sections and a side-scrolling shooter level, much of Alice's adventure feels hastily pieced together. It's as if developer Spicy Horse couldn't decide on a plain course of action and instead decided to throw everything at the title to see what would stick.

But despite its flaws, I was captivated by the adventure from start to finish. The art direction certainly helped and wanting to know what lay around the next corner kept me ploughing through the madness.

The storyline also does its best to tug the player through the experience and Alice is constantly reminded of the cause of her fading sanity - the house fire which killed her family. As the story plays out, snippets of her memories spring to life in the shape of collectable audio logs, while other hidden treasures await those who wish to scuffle about the darker recesses of Alice's warped mind.

Once Alice's adventure is over, fans can skip back though her painful memories and replay chapters to sweep up missed collectables - and Spicy Horse have added an extra treat for Alice fans.

The original PC title from 11 years ago, American McGee's Alice, is also included on the disc. While this cult classic hasn't aged particularly well, it's a nice bonus and completes the Alice collection.

Spicy Horse have played it safe on many levels and regurgitated tried and tested gameplay ideas throughout in a desperate attempt to make Alice: Madness Returns a macabre masterpiece. But it falls somewhat short of its lofty ambitions, leaving the player wishing for something more.

It can be fun and at times it is a visually splendid experience, but too many quirks and flaws make this trip to Wonderland entirely optional rather than essential.

Let's Go Island 3D - arcade

2011-12-21T13:42:00.006Z

2011 was predicted to be the year in which 3D games made their big breakthrough. Nintendo launched the 3DS back in March, while several big-name titles on 360 and PS3 also incorporated 3D modes.

But as the year draws to a close, only a couple of titles have really impressed me - Super Mario Land 3D and Pushblox on 3DS - two games which showed how thoughtful use of the new tech can enhance gameplay.

Another game which has piqued my interest is Sega's Let's Go Island - a shooter which features glasses-free 3D on a far bigger scale than Nintendo's hand-held. This arcade game - complete with 52" screen - looks glorious, with bold colours and sumptuous Sega blue skies really catching the eye.

The over-the-top shooting action is frenetic but Sega have also added a generous helping of humour in the shape of lobster golf, high flying stunts, underwater escapades and a section where you are forced to defend yourself from snapping sea creatures with bottles of soda. Even boring old QTE prompts have been given added spice due to the fact the arcade cabinet is mounted on a motion sensitive base.

This is the kind of game I would love to see on home consoles. Let's face it, it would be a significant step-up from the majority of frankly awful software currently available for Move and Kinect.

Yakuza 4 - Tourist snaps

2011-12-19T19:57:00.010Z

Back in March I blogged about the joys of wandering around Yakuza 4's Kamurocho, taking in the sights and sounds of this fictional Tokyo district. Sadly, a peaceful stroll is something I can only dream about, with the game's roguish cast of characters constantly assaulted by gangs of knuckle dragging goons in puffer jackets.

But when I'm not smashing bikes over heads or battering thugs with huge ice cream cones, I've been taking snaps of the wonderful environment Sega have created on my iPhone. Take the time to look around Kamurocho and you'll be constantly surprised at what's on show. Here are a few of my favourites taken from my most recent late night adventure:

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love - Wii

2011-12-06T10:33:00.007Z

This title from the makers of PS3 classic Valkyria Chronicles isn't your typical role-playing game.

Where most Japanese RPGs focus on a po-faced, spiky-haired protagonist suffering from amnesia, this 2010 release takes great delight in dispensing with this tried and tested formula, resulting in a refreshing take on the genre.

Part turn-based strategy game, part social interaction/dating sim, Sakura Wars is full of chirpy anime characters, giant robots, animated cut scenes and a nonsensical plot which twists and turns through an alternative 1920's New York.

Taking control of Shinjiro Taiga, the son of a Japanese general, you are sent to the Big Apple to assist the New York Combat Revue in their battle against an evil force.

The first three hours or so are spent ploughing through a multitude of conversation topics, with only one battle tutorial to break up a slideshow of anime stills and crude 3D free-roaming sections. Persevere, though, and Sakura Wars blossoms into an engaging and highly entertaining game.

The story runs over a series of chapters, which are delivered in a similar style to a TV series. Each chapter throws up the usual assortment of dialogue trees, but Sakura Wars shakes the formula up by giving the player a limited time to make their conversation choice.

This quick-fire approach means you sometimes have to skim over the choices, leading to a variety of outcomes.

Where the system doesn't work so well is when you are tasked with manually twisting the left analogue stick and the D-Pad on the Wiimote within a tight time frame to achieve objectives. The controls here are less than responsive and lead to moments of frustration.

However, despite some control wobbles, underneath the sugary-sweet anime coating lies a robust and enjoyable strategic battle system.

Here, much like Valkyria Chronicles, the player has a limited range of movement before they can choose to attack. It's a deep and absorbing chess-like experience, with each move running the risk of leaving a squad member exposed.

The battles don't occur every five minutes, either. Instead these epic fights end the chapter, meaning if you don't warm to the story or the friendship building, you could find yourself extremely bored.

While each character has their own range of special moves, links can be created between two units, which increases your firepower. These start off relatively weak, but can be beefed up by interacting with your squad mates between skirmishes.

Forging relationships with the rest of your squad echoes Atlus's Persona games, but it never feels quite as complete. It certainly doesn't detract from the experience, but it just fails to match these PS2 classics.

Sakura Wars' visuals are a mixed bag, with the clean-cut character portraits and epic battles taking most of the plaudits. The blurry backgrounds and rough-looking free-roaming sections unfortunately don't fare quite so well, especially as the game doesn't run in progressive scan mode.

The biggest surprise of all, however, is the fact the game has been released in Europe at all. For years, games such as Sakura Wars were destined only for the Japanese market, so it's refreshing to see NIS America take a chance on such a niche title in the West.

You should be able to find Sakura Wars at a low price these days, so if you see it, snap it up.

Legend of Grimrock - update

2011-11-29T13:45:00.003Z

Back in September, I blogged about Almost Human Ltd's spectacular looking dungeon crawler Legend of Grimrock. The small team have been beavering away over the last few months and have just announced the game has now entered its beta phase.

Everything is now in place and the team will spend the next few months polishing Grimrock and a release is pencilled in for early next year.

They have also released a new video of the beta build and it's looking quite special.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade - a look back

2011-11-27T01:26:00.008Z

With its bold colours and gorgeous art style, Muramasa was a breath of fresh air when it was released in Europe two years ago today.

A 2D hack and slasher, developer Vanillaware expanded on ideas set out in their previous game, Odin Sphere on PS2 and delivered a wonderful game which remains one of my favourites on Wii.

Taking control of either Momohime - a princess possessed by a malevolent spirit - or Kisuke - a young ninja - the player embarks on a supernatural quest through the heart of feudal Japan.

The gameplay centers on the use of blades - which can be found or forged - and using them to slice your way through groups of enemies and visually splendid bosses.

While the fighting is entertaining, it's not the most refined system in the world. Button mashing can be relied upon during some battles, although diligent use of blocking is vital as the difficulty ramps up.

Muramasa is far from perfect, though and feels a little rushed in places. Bosses can turn into laborious wars of attrition, while the player is forced to backtrack through dozens of empty screens to unlock new areas.

However, despite its shortcomings, the magical art style and sumptuous soundtrack pull you through the 15-hour experience.

While games such as Uncharted 3 and Skyrim have had us gawping at our TVs recently thanks to their incredible level of detail, the hand-painted artwork on display here still manages to delight.

Corn fields gently ripple in the wind, cherry blossom falls from trees, waves crash upon the shore and shadows of clouds drift over sun-drenched fields. It really is a spectacular looking game.

So while Muramasa is rough in places and could have benefited with a little more finesse in the way it plays, it's still well worth a closer look if you haven't played it before.

A Valley Without Wind - Windows/Mac OS

2011-11-24T19:01:00.003Z

Over the last few days, I've been getting to grips with A Valley Without Wind by the team at Arcen Games and even though it's still in beta, this side-scrolling adventure is shaping up nicely.

The world is procedurally-generated and allows the player to explore the dangerous land of Environ at their leisure, while resource gathering, crafting, spell-slinging, city building and turn-based strategy elements also feature in this ambitious project.

A tutorial guides you through the basics before the game proper starts, but everything is neatly laid out and is streamlined to avoid a slog through long-winded menus.

Once these basics are out of the way, A Valley Without Wind throws the covers back to reveal a huge game with almost endless possibilities.

New regions open up for you to explore as your colony expands, bosses must be vanquished in order to grab valuable supplies and the rising threat of enemy forces must be quelled as you attempt to keep your civilisation safe - and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

It's a huge undertaking by the small team at Arcen but with a bustling community, regular patches adding new content and the promise of multiplayer and co-op play, A Valley Without Wind is definitely one to watch.

You can download the base game or purchase a license key - with 50 per cent off - from the Arcen Games website.

SilverQuest - PC

2011-11-23T13:47:00.007Z

Although Dark Souls and Skyrim have devoured huge chunks of my life over the last few months, I've also given some of my time over to exploring online multiplayer Roguelike SilverQuest on PC.

Created by Wolfgang Wozniak, this open world romp allows players to team-up with friends, undertake epic quests, explore dungeons for shiny loot, creep through haunted valleys and skewer rats with sharp, pointy sticks.

New armour and weapons can be acquired as you progress and there's a decent selection of characters to interact with as you tramp through the land of Melandor. Unfortunately, as entertaining as SilverQuest is, it desperately needs more players.

Much of my time has been spent adventuring alone which doesn't throw up too many problems, but the game has been designed with an online community in mind. It really would be wonderful to see more people populate the server and give SilverQuest a welcome boost.

Two versions of the game are available via Desura - free and premium. The latter costs £4.49 and includes mod tools, a new graphics pack, development art and unused music. But even if you don't want to throw money at SilverQuest, it's still well worth exploring the brilliant free version to experience a cracking slice of old school action.

8-Bit Halloween - PC

2011-11-15T19:54:00.004Z

Although dooking for apples, stuffing your cheeks with monkey nuts, carving videogame characters' fizzogs into pumpkins and dressing up in ill-fitting costumes are now a fading memory, there's a spooky little game out which encapsulates Halloween perfectly.

It might not be as terrifying as watching Strictly Come Dancing's cast of hideous characters shuffle about on the night, but a quick dash through Lionsoft's 8-Bit Halloween is a lot more entertaining.

Presented in the style of an old monochrome GameBoy title, this neat little platformer borrows ideas from Mario and Ghosts and Goblins, while throwing a little Green Beret into the mix for good measure.

It's free and you can grab it from Lionsoft's site HERE

Road Rash - PS1/3DO

2011-11-08T13:25:00.008Z

Since finding an old shoe box full of PS1 games in the back of a cupboard a few weeks ago, much of my recent gaming time has been spent revisiting forgotten classics.

While games such as Lemmings 3D, Tomb Raider, Jumping Flash, Croc 2, Crash Bandicoot and Kula World have been dusted off, I've spent most of my time with Road Rash.

This mid-Nineties port of the wonderful 3DO version has always been one of my favourite games and it's still entertaining 17 years after it was released.

The madcap dashes through The City, Pacific Coast, Napa Valley, Peninsula and Sierra Nevada might be a bit blockier than you remember but the presentation and racing action still holds up.

Sure, the menus are clunky and unresponsive but what makes Road Rash great is the fact that no two races are ever the same.

Other bikers crash into traffic and pedestrians, a swift truncheon to an opponent's head changes the nature of the race, bumps and corners on the road send the player skidding into the unknown, while the appearance of police at unpredictable times leads to tense moments, as one small mistake will see your hapless biker busted by the boys in blue.

The racing action is wonderfully entertaining, but it's the inclusion of acts such as Monster Magnet, Swervedriver and Paw on the soundtrack which adds a huge amount to the experience. Even now, when I hear Rusty Cage by Soundgarden, I immediately think of the game's opening scene - something I doubt will ever go away.

Road Rash also features a hefty chunk of FMV which, although a little cheesy, still raises a smile, while the art style which punctuates the racing action is quite brilliant with an off-beat sense of humour used in every slide.

Since this release, other Road Rash games have taken to the streets but none have come close to matching the brilliance of this great version, with the sloppy Road Rash: Jail Break being a particular low point in the series.

So while I patiently wait for Skyrim to arrive on Friday, I'll be causing chaos on the roads with my fellow bikers on my battered old PlayStation.

Ico: Castle in the Mist

2011-11-07T15:30:00.005Z

As someone who has been in love with Fumito Ueda's work since first clapping eyes on Ico back in 2002, the recent release of Miyuki Miyabe's book Ico: Castle in the Mist in English brings a tear to my eye.

Not only does it coincide with the release of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD on PS3 but it's a quite brilliant read and a novel which all fans of the game will love.

I wrote a piece on the 370-page book over at IGN, which you can read HERE Hope you enjoy it.

Minecraft - Lord of the Rings

2011-10-03T16:57:00.004+01:00

I've been playing Minecraft for quite a while now - messing about with fire, carts, boats, ore, glass and getting killed by a variety of creatures of the night.

While I could tweak the settings to make everything lovely and tranquil, I'm always up for a challenge and I like the feeling of blind panic when darkness falls and I'm miles from home.

But while my creative spark is limited to smaller structures, I take inspiration from others and I always love seeing what players are up to. Well this is without doubt the most ambitious project I've come across and I'm eager to get involved.

A group of dedicated Minecrafters are recreating Middle Earth - quite a task, I'm sure you'll agree. I've been trying to join their ranks for a while now but their website won't let me in.

Still, at least they have this jaw-dropping video which is quite incredible. So grab a brew, get a plate of biscuits and watch Middle Earth unfold in all its blocky glory. Oh, and if you think The Shire is impressive, just wait until you see Rivendell and the Mines of Moria!

PS: If anyone can help me get involved, please let me know.

The Gunstringer - 360 Kinect

2011-09-27T17:57:00.003+01:00

While it's true The Gunstringer would have been perfectly playable with a standard controller, it definitely wouldn't be as much fun as it is with Kinect.

This on-rails shooter lets you pull the strings of an undead puppet as he sets out on a quest for revenge in the dusty Wild West.

The left hand is used to guide The Gunstringer, while the right hand is used to glide a cursor over enemies before unleashing bullets by flicking your wrist - and it works well for the most part.

While problems do crop up - getting our blue-boned hero back behind cover can be fiddly and boss battles are repetitive - the presentation and humour pull The Gunstringer through.

The decision to present the action as a theatre production - with a real audience and bric-a-brac set - is inspired and adds a unique flavour to the shooting action.

It might be too simplistic for some, but with plenty of unlockables and gold medals to snaffle, The Gunstringer is light-hearted fun with wide appeal.

Toren: A beautiful puzzle adventure

2011-09-22T12:49:00.006+01:00

Although the team at Swordtales are currently keeping many of Toren's gameplay details under wraps, it has already won a place in my heart thanks to its vivid colours, dreamy setting and gorgeous art style.

Toren is a puzzle adventure and is built around a poem about the meaning of life and deals with the concepts of time and mortality.

Judging by the snippets of text scattered on the game's website - and the beautiful screen grabs - Toren features a princess who is attempting to escape the confines of a magical tower by scrambling her way to the top.

The team say they have been infliuenced by games such as Zelda and indie darling Braid, while the work of Hayao Miyazaki - co-founder of animation company Studio Ghibli - has also left its mark on the Brazilian developers.

If you would like to know more about the game and keep up with its progress, bookmark the official blog and follow the game on Twitter.

Here's a video of Toren in all its over-saturated glory, complete with depth of field filters and subtle use of tilt shift. Beautiful.

One you might have missed: Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon - Wii

2011-09-21T12:36:00.011+01:00

Rising Star Games released this atmospheric action adventure in March 2010 and while it has its flaws, it's a charming adventure that is definitely worth a closer look.

Created by the team at Tri-Crescendo - the developer behind 360 and PS3 RPG Eternal Sonata - the story features Seto, a young boy who lives with his grandfather in a world that has been ravaged by disaster. When Seto's grandfather dies, the lonely lad packs up his belongings and sets out to try and find other survivors of the cataclysm.

The first couple of hours are a joy thanks to the game's wonderful atmosphere and beautiful visuals. Control, too, is excellent with Seto moved by the nunchuck, while the Wiimote doubles as his torch. Illuminating dark and dusty corners of this nocturnal world reveals objects which Seto can interact with. However, after those initial opening hours, cracks begin to show in Fragile's glossy casing.

Combat is basic and clumsy, with stabs of the A button swinging Seto's weapon of choice. It's hard to judge distances between you and an enemy, while the camera angle often gets in the way.

The inventory system is equally antiquated, with Seto initially having only a minuscule item carrying capacity. Objects can be switched in and out at the game's save points but going back and forth between them is a chore due to respawning enemies.

Seto can wield a variety of weapons, but as each can break, he is often left facing a room full of enemies with nothing to defend himself with. Fortunately, the wonderfully eccentric Collector makes regular appearances at the game's save points selling weapons, health buffs and other useful trinkets.

Seto's world may be crumbling, but it's still a beautiful place to explore. An abandoned shopping mall, a dilapidated train station, a rusting theme park, a run-down hotel - each location is a visual treat.

Of course, the player can run through these areas to get to the next point in the story, but it pays to wander off the beaten track in search of treasures.

Unlike most games, the loot that can be found isn't shiny coins. Instead, objects such as torn photographs and mementos are waiting to be found.

Each item is linked with its owner's memories and every object has its own background story. These narrated snippets can be quite moving and give the player an insight into the victims of Seto's ravaged world. They add a tremendous amount to the feel of the game and are well worth hunting down.

The audio, too, is well matched to the action, with lovely melodies and eerie effects adding another layer to the game. Voice work is pretty good, and the option to switch between English and Japanese is a welcome addition.

It may not be perfect, but Fragile Dreams is still a beautiful and haunting experience. Its slow pace and clunky combat may put some off, but thanks to its inspired art design and original touches, it's an adventure you should definitely consider taking.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron - 360/PS3

2011-09-19T14:02:00.012+01:00

A game based on ancient religious texts, it’s safe to say that El Shaddai doesn't exactly follow a traditional videogame script. However, the quest to round-up seven fallen angels and return them to Heaven at the behest of God makes for a thoroughly engaging yarn.

You play Enoch, a heavenly scribe clad in designer jeans and brilliant white armour, who ploughs through beautifully surreal locations to fulfil his quest.

At the heart of El Shaddai is a robust and enjoyable combat system, with Enoch mixing up styles and weapons to take down the game's colourful cast of foes. But rather than switch between them at will, he has to steal them from enemies to gain the upper hand - a system which encourages creative play.

Slashing sword attacks, ranged fire and a heavy-hitting punch and shield combo are the choices available and with bosses requiring the player to be adept at all three, it pays to experiment with what's available.

On easier difficulty settings it's possible to button mash your way through encounters, but crank it up a notch and blocks, dodges and timely attacks are the only way to make progress.

Visually, El Shaddai is quite incredible, with some stunning locations to romp around in. Grainy monochrome worlds, fizzing neon environments, sprawling futuristic cityscapes and organic watery levels are just some of the spectacular sights. But the visual treats don't stop there, with the game constantly flipping between 3D and 2D. El Shaddai isn't afraid to chuck convention out of the window, either and adds a smattering of jaw-dropping moments which surprise and delight.

Enhancing the atmosphere is the eclectic and quite brilliant soundtrack, which successfully infuses ambient soundscapes and harmonic tribal melodies to create a spellbinding score.

It's not a perfect game, though, with several problems cropping up regularly. Enoch's platforming antics are sloppy at times, with the swirling backdrops making it difficult to judge distances, while constant and repetitive battles in the game's final third sour some of the enjoyment.

Some will find it hard to live with these problems, but as an experience, there's nothing quite like El Shaddai.

One of the most refreshing and beautiful adventures I've undertaken in some time.

PS3 version tested

Mari0 - PC

2011-09-18T23:21:00.005+01:00

I love Portal. I also love Mario. So what better way to celebrate two of gaming's finest experiences than by combining them and producing a cracking 2D platform game? Well, that's exactly what the team at Stabyourself are doing with Mari0 and it looks great.

Check out this video to see the game in all its space-shifting glory

Rock of Ages - 360/PC

2011-09-16T18:43:00.005+01:00

Last night, I finally got round to putting some time into Rock of Ages on 360 - a title I've been looking forward to since last summer.

I'm glad to say this latest game by ACE Team - the minds behind mental brawler Zeno Clash - plays just as good as it looks, with players hurtling their moon-like boulder down obstacle-strewn slopes in a bid to smash their opponent's stronghold.

But that's only half the story, as Rock Of Ages takes the player on a twisted and extremely funny trip through history, complete with angry bovines, pissed-off elephants and projectiles galore.

The game is split into two parts: the attacking stage - where the player guides their boulder down a twisting slope, smashing defences on the way to break open their opponent's gate - and a defensive stage - where the player erects defences in a bid to halt their foe's march to glory.

Every time your boulder collides with an object, money is dropped into your coffers, which in turn can be used to either construct a weird and wonderful array of traps and obstacles, or poured into your boulder to give it extra ramming powers.

It's a frantic game of cat and mouse as both sides desperately try and place defences before trundling their boulder to its destructive conclusion and it's heart-breaking when your rock tumbles off the edge of the course, giving your opponent a slight time advantage.

The art style and sound effects have a distinct whiff of Monty Python about them, with paper cut-out armies scattered around the sloping worlds, while historic figures leap excitedly around in full cardboard cut-out glory.

The humour runs through to the game's playful cut scenes, with plenty of pop culture references thrown in for good measure which adds to the off-the-wall flavour.

Rock of Ages is a delicious mix of tower defence and Marble Madness and a game which plays beautifully. And with multiplayer options to explore and a decent single player campaign to roll through, this is yet another unmissable game to add to your download queue.

Rock of Ages is currently available from the Xbox 360's marketplace for 800 points, while PC users can grab it from Steam for £6.99. A PS3 version is on its way, but no release date has been set.

To The Moon - PC

2011-09-15T17:16:00.006+01:00

It's not often I pre-order a game. However, after clapping eyes on Freebird Games' forthcoming title, To The Moon, I parted with my cash immediately.

The story is woven around two doctors, who travel through the mind of a dying man in the hope of fulfilling his final wish - to go to the moon.

Presented in a glorious 16-bit style, the game initially looks similar to an old Super Nintendo-era RPG. However, with no battles or level grinding, the game will play out in an altogether different fashion to those great mid-Nineties adventures.

It's a refreshing twist for an RPG, but if you've experienced any of Freebird's previous games, you'll know they are no stranger to doing things differently.

The company's three previous titles have provided short but compelling tales, with brilliant storytelling fused with magical sounds to create unforgettable experiences.

The games: The Mirror Lied, Quintessence - The Blighted Venom and Do You Remember My Lullaby are free to download from their website and they are all definitely worth a closer look and give you a taster of what you can expect from To The Moon.

If you like what you see, then throw a couple of quid in Freebird's direction in advance of their new title's release. To the Moon costs £6.63 to pre-order via the Desura website and will become available to play on October 15.

Oh, and this trailer is quite brilliant, too.

Dead Island - 360/PS3/PC

2011-09-13T12:29:00.012+01:00

With a four-player co-op option and masses of drooling zombies to slaughter, Dead Island initially appears to be nothing more than a Left 4 Dead rip-off. But while it's clear Valve's survival horror has been a huge influence, Dead Island also tips its hat to modern Western RPGs such as Oblivion and Borderlands.

The flimsy storyline revolves around four individuals who find themselves stranded on the holiday resort island of Banoi in the middle of a hideous zombie outbreak. You choose one of these characters and using blunt weapons, blades and firearms, you fight your way through this tropical nightmare in the hope of finding some way to escape the holiday hell.

RPG elements run through the game, with the player levelling up and delving into tech trees to gain an advantage over the slack-jawed hordes.

These abominations come in various guises, including shuffling Walkers, fast-paced Infected, hulking, straitjacket-wearing Rams and horribly mutated Suiciders, who induce moments of blind panic whenever they appear.

Luckily, the player has access to a wide range of weapons to deal with these horrors, which either lie scattered about the island, or can be created at workbenches - similar to those in Capcom's Dead Rising series. Creating or repairing them is an expensive business, though, so concentrating on a few at a time is definitely the way to go. There's also a Borderlands-style thrill when stumbling across a powerful colour-coded item or when attaching an electrical modification to a weapon.

While guns are available, it's the melee weapons which pack the most punch - allowing the player to lop heads, arms and legs off at will or bash skulls into the ground. It's not the most refined system in the world, but it is deeply satisfying to kick a zombie into a wall and then pummel them with your choice of weapon.

Quests are dished out regularly by the island's survivors - who seem to be incapable of doing anything for themselves - but unfortunately they are repetitive fetch quests which usually involve finding lost items or powering up creaking power generators.

It's also incredibly annoying that respawning zombies level up with the player, which means even a trip back over old ground is never an easy task. This element also works against solo play - especially after the opening act - as it's easy to become overwhelmed by foes, resulting in constant and frustrating deaths.

That's not Dead Island's only fault - clumsy character models, broken quests, graphical glitches and poor texture pop-in show the game could have done with a bit more polish. There are also some bewildering missions, such as finding water for one survivor who is dying of thirst, when soft drinks lie only an arm's reach away.

But for all its faults and rough edges, Dead Island is still a hugely enjoyable experience, especially when played with a few friends. It might not win any awards for originality, but those willing to put up with its flaws are in for a bloody good time.

360 version tested

DenGo Yamanote Line - iOS

2011-09-07T17:29:00.010+01:00

Regular readers of this blog will be aware of my love for the Densha de Go! series. I can't get enough of speeding through Tokyo and surrounding areas, trying to reach the next station on time with a carriage full of happy passengers.

Well there's a new addition to the series - this time on iPhone and iPad - called DenGo! Yamanote Line. Yes, once again Taito have based their neat little game on Japan's most famous rail line - but unfortunately, this is a half-baked version which fails to match the fun of previous titles.

Initially, DenGo! Yamanote Line looks to have everything in place - both inner and outer loops of the Yamanote line are here - complete with 29 stations - and all the familiar sounds from the series are present, including the announcements which are read out in Japanese and English.

The touch screen controls work extremely well, with vertical swipes used to control the train and the framerate is smooth, with no sign of the graphical pop-up which has blighted the series in the past.

The Arcade mode breaks the line into small chunks, challenging the player to reach a series of stations on time, while the Free Run feature lets players pick and choose their starting points. Even the menu's pop-rock track fits the bill perfectly but unfortunately, it doesn't take long for things to derail.

Part of the joy of previous games in the series was travelling at different times of the day and night in varying weather conditions. Sadly, you only ever seem to travel in the morning under blue skies - a real shame as the subtle lighting effects gave the game some much-needed cosmetic flair, while rainy conditions affected stopping distances and speeds.

Another problem is the lack of action on the tracks. All the games so far have featured other trains going about their business, something which helped liven things up a bit. But here, the tracks are always empty - especially strange as you are driving on Japan's busiest line.

The workmen from Densha de Go! Final are also sadly absent. A quick blast of the horn when approaching these white-suited gents rewarded the player with bonus points, but as they are now nowhere to be found, the inclusion of a horn seems largely redundant.

External views have also been scrapped, leaving the player with the default bumper camera. Again, this is another cosmetic change, but it's unfortunate that Taito saw fit to scrap this extra feature.

Densha De Go! Final - and the PSP series of games - featured the chain point scoring system, which rewarded the player for hitting target speeds along the route. Sadly, since then, this system has been scrapped and Railfan (PS3), Densha de Go! Showa Yamanote Line (DS) and now this version all suffer because of its absence.

DenGo! Yamanote Line costs 800yen (£6.45) and it's possible to buy extra trains via in-app purchases. There are also 30 Game Center achievements to grab but the whole experience simply feels rushed.

Trundling between stations is fun in short bursts but those looking for portable Densha de Go! fun would be much better off hunting down any of the PSP games or taking the plunge with last year's fab DS title.

Bodycount - PS3/360

2011-09-05T12:06:00.004+01:00

With Bodycount, Codemasters have stripped back the first-person shooter, dispensed with needless frills and delivered an explosive - but flawed - shooter.

You won't find hidden collectables, audio logs or intel documents lying about the game's levels, nor will you find the usual smattering of driving sections found in other titles. Instead, the development team have focused on gunplay, environmental damage and huge explosions, with the player tasked with taking out covert organisation Target who are stirring up trouble throughout Africa and Asia.

But while the guns on offer feel great, with the majority of the 10 varieties packing a punch, the rest of Bodycount is a mixed bag, with the game consistently struggling to deliver fresh ideas.

The open-plan exterior levels set in shanty towns, dockyards and rain-soaked city streets are a great setting for the game's explosive battles. Concrete pillars are chipped away under sustained fire, while windows are smashed and wooden walls turn to kindling as spectacular explosions rip through buildings.

But in direct contrast, the Tron-like clinical interiors of Target's bases are disappointingly similar. Essentially a series of corridors, stairwells and large rooms teeming with enemies, they lack the creative spark of the outdoor locations.

These levels also provide some of Bodycount's most frustrating moments, as mass battles kick-off, with sharp-angled - and scarily accurate - foes swarming the player, making success something of a lottery.

Luckily, downed enemies drop orbs which are used to fuel upgrade powers and careful use of these is essential if you want to survive these frantic episodes.

Although the action can be spectacular, a half-baked attempt at a combo system falls flat on its face. It's an insipid system which was presumably tacked on to try and add an extra dimension to the firefights by encouraging skillful play. However, it fails to engage or reward the player and comes up short when compared to the blistering point scoring fun of Bulletstorm.

Unfortunately, Bodycount’s issues don't stop there - the game is full of generic FPS staples, such as flicking switches, defending key points, backtracking, negotiating levels stuffed full of explosive barrels and enemy AI which is erratic at best.

Bodycount isn't a long game, either, with the closing credits rolling after 5-6 hours, but online play, a co-op option and replayable levels at least flesh out the experience.

Bodycount might be generic but there is still fun to be had shooting your way through the game’s saturated environments. It's just a shame it never reaches its true potential, leaving the player wondering what could have been.

PS3 version tested

Legend of Grimrock - Windows, Mac, iOS

2011-09-01T16:18:00.014+01:00

I love a good old-fashioned first-person dungeon crawl. I spent my formative years ploughing through games such as Eye of the Beholder 2, Stonekeep and Ishar, while the King's Field series - despite its stodgy controls - is one of my all-time favourites.

With a pad of graph paper by my side, I would tramp around gloomy interiors looking for lost treasure while fighting denizens of the dark. I quaffed strange-coloured potions, was rude to innkeepers, kept merchants happy by buying rusty loot and generally had a good old lark about.

So when I saw what Almost Human Ltd were up to, my jaw hit the floor and I've not stopped drooling at the prospect of losing dozens of hours to a modern take on my favourite genre since I clapped eyes on Legend of Grimrock.

Almost Human are a Finnish indie studio comprised of four veteran developers, who have previously worked on titles such as Alan Wake and Shattered Horizon. Their goal with Legend of Grimrock is to get back to basics and deliver an experience that "brings back the charm of simple dungeon crawl games".

I'll raise a foaming mug of ale to that!

The team are hoping to release Legend of Grimrock before the turn of the year but they are making no promises. However, even at this stage in development, the game is looking polished and quite fabulous.

If you want to try out some older dungeon crawlers, I recommend at visit to the Good Old Games website, which is choc full of cracking titles. I've just bought Might & Magic 7: For Blood and Honor which I'll write about in due course. However, if you're after some free fun, then Undercroft on iPhone is brilliant.

For more info on Legend of Grimrock, check out the official blog.

Vanessa Saint-Pierre Delacroix and Her Nightmare - PC

2011-08-31T11:42:00.009+01:00

Vanessa Saint-Pierre Delacroix & Her Nightmare isn't a chapter in Professor Layton's forthcoming game, The Last Specter - it is in fact a fiendishly addictive puzzler from the team at Bad Pilcrow.

The flimsy tale involves little Vanessa - who is mercilessly bullied by her schoolmates - finding a strangely carved box in her father's antique shop. When the box is accidentally cracked open, it promptly sucks up Vanessa, the bullies and her whole town, leaving the little girl with the task of rescuing everyone trapped inside the creepy box.

It's not deep, meaningful or really that important - as the story is simply a framework on which to hang the game's ingenious take on puzzle solving.

The aim is to get Vanessa to the exit on every level but because the game takes place on the sides of a cube, interesting gravity-shifting conundrums come thick and fast.

While Vanessa can move left, right and jump, the player can give her a helping hand by rotating the cube in 90 degree increments. This causes Vanessa to fall through gaps and reach different sides of the box.

Because Vanessa sticks to the original surface for a second before falling, the player is given a brief sliver of time to make adjustments.

Added complexity comes when required to flip the screen to place red blocks in set areas. It's fine at first when shifting a single block on one side of the cube, but later puzzles require the player to move multiple blocks between sides, which requires a fair amount of mental gymnastics and a wee bit of patience.

Add to that the threat of marauding spiders and deadly spikes and even the process of moving one block to the other side of the room - while keeping Vanessa safe - is enough to melt your brain.

With dozens of levels to work through, plenty of incentive to revisit areas to improve times and turns taken and full Xbox 360 controller support, Vanessa Saint-Pierre Delacroix & Her Nightmare is a neat little package.

It costs £5.39 and it should last you a few hours. There's also a generous demo available if you want to try before you buy. To grab a copy of Vanessa's adventure and see videos of the game in action, head over to the Bad Pilcrow website.

One you might have missed - ilomilo - 360

2011-08-30T11:50:00.010+01:00

With so many games released every week, some smaller titles unfortunately slip beneath the waves. One game which deserves a bit more recognition is Southend Interactive's ilomilo - a lovely puzzle platformer on Xbox Live Arcade.

Ilo and milo are friends, who enjoy munching on maple leaf-flavoured biscuits and sipping apple tea. Unfortunately, the two pals get separated and it's up to the player to reunite the pair by traversing the levels, manipulating the environment and solving mind-bending puzzles.

The player can flick between both ilo and milo at any point and teamwork lies at the heart of the game. Things start off at a fairly sedate pace, with the player simply asked to place blocks to reunite the chums.

However, as the game skips along, new gameplay twists are introduced to the player by pirate hat-wearing dandy, Sebastian. These include extendable blocks, spring-loaded cubes, switches, moving platforms and trapdoors, while the game regularly likes to throw a curve ball at the player by messing around with gravity.

It might look like a cute children's game, but ilomilo turns into a wicked and quite brilliant head-scratcher. However, unlike many other puzzle games, ilomilo rarely gets frustrating, thanks in large to the simple control set-up and the adorable presentation.

Ilomilo's bric-a-brac world is reminiscent of LittleBigPlanet's home-made environments, with levels constructed with felt, wooden and carpeted blocks, while the colours are vivid and awash with splurges of marmalade orange and midnight blue.

The soundtrack is just as special, infusing trumpets, flutes, xylophone, harmonica and accordion to give ilomilo the feel of a 70's children TV programme.

The puzzle solving is brilliantly paced, but there is also a generous amount of collectables scattered throughout the levels to snaffle up.

Three ragdoll characters called safkas can be found on every level, photographs unlock artwork, old vinyl records reveal musical tracks - with glorious titles such as Cozy Sofa and Tingly Seaweed - and clusters of little flowers pepper the walkways just waiting to be gathered.

Add to that dozens of delightful and challenging levels for a mere 800 Microsoft points, and ilomilo represents tremendous value for money. So if you haven't experienced this wonderful game yet, I would urge you to at least play the demo to get a flavour of ilomilo's patchwork charms.

The Last Rocket - iPad/iPhone

2011-08-29T10:55:00.008+01:00

I stumbled across Shaun Inman's The Last Rocket when I was having a good old rummage through the App Store looking for some tasty morsels.

One glance at the glorious old school visuals and I handed my £1.99 over without a second thought. I've been playing it since last weekend and I can safely say it's a little slice of brilliance.

With the intergalactic war now over, mass production of rockets is due to cease, leaving Flip - the last rocket - on board a starship. Fortunately for the squidgy yellow warhead, he's not redundant quite yet, as a solar flare hits his ship, sending it spinning towards the heart of a nearby star.

By collecting gears for the ship's main computer, our little rocket chum hopes to avert potential disaster - but it's not going to be easy.

The ship is a maze of spikes, fans, flames, moving platforms, switches and conveyor belts. Luckily, the controls are simple and Flip is a dab hand at gravity-defying antics.

A tap on the screen launches him and he’ll stick to any surface he comes into contact with, while a second tap reverses his direction mid-flight. He can also ride air currents, hover, inch along surfaces and crouch to avoid incoming dangers.

Snaffling the spinning gears might be Flip’s main mission, but he doesn't have to collect them all to leave the level - just as well, too, as many of them are perched in precarious positions which could turn Flip into scrap with one false move. In fact, sometimes it is challenge enough simply making it to the exit in one piece.

There are 64 levels to figure out, each one taking up a single screen. And although frustration can creep in occasionally, The Last Rocket has enough charm to pull the player through.

Beautifully presented and a thrill to play, it's a wonderful arcade puzzler. It features lovely retro visuals, an excellent chiptune soundtrack and an adorable new star in the shape of Flip.

So go on, take The Last Rocket on a journey to the stars - it's an adventure that is simply out of this world.

Little King's Story marches on to PS Vita

2011-08-26T10:33:00.006+01:00

Perhaps the best news of the week comes from the pages of Japanese magazine Famitsu, which has revealed that brilliant Wii title Little King's Story is to be resurrected on Sony's PS Vita.

The original is one of my favourite games on Wii and tells the story of Corobo, a young lad who inherits the crown to the ramshackle land of Alpoko.

The player guides the pint-sized monarch around beautiful pastoral landscapes, giving villagers jobs, battling creatures and rebuilding his dilapidated kingdom.

It's an epic game which was sadly overlooked when it was released back in 2009. But in a brilliant turn of fortunes, Corobo and the gang will be tramping around Sony's new hand-held thanks to Marvelous Entertainment and Konami.

Titled The King, the Demon King and the Seven Princesses, the new game features spruced-up visuals and touch-screen functionality - more details are expected to emerge at next month's Tokyo Games Show.

A word of caution, though. Original developer CiNG have gone bankrupt since the original's release and the core group of talent who worked on the game are now scattered across Japan representing different companies.

Let's hope Marvelous do the game justice and release a game which will be as good, if not better, than the wonderful original.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD launches in Japan - but what happened to the menus?

2011-08-25T11:46:00.017+01:00

While the Western world fawns over Deus Ex: Human Revolution, today, Japanese gamers couldn't give a monkey's about biomechanical augmentations or sneaking about futuristic environments.

That's because Monster Hunter Fever has gripped the nation once again thanks to today's release of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD on PlayStation 3.

But while the in-game screens look amazing, I received screenshots from Red Sun Gamer, below, which show that the menu system hasn't been lavished with the same care and attention as the rest of the game. Blocky and pixelated, it's disappointing to see, but I'm sure I could live with it because the rest of the game looks so good. Click on the images to see them in greater detail.

But while fellow hunters in the Far East are currently smacking Gold Rathians and Urukususu about with huge weapons and cooking 10 well-done steaks at a time - we are still waiting for Portable 3rd on PSP to arrive, never mind this HD version.

But with Operation Cherry Blossom in full swing, I'm still hopeful at least one of these games will be released in Europe and the US. In the meantime, I'll continue to slave away on my Japanese import of Portable 3rd - getting herbs, bones, bugs and potions horribly mixed up.

Come on, Capcom. Let's get this done!

Special thanks to Red Sun Gamer for supplying me with exclusive screens from the game.

KRUNCH - A great looking retro challenge

2011-08-24T10:38:00.008+01:00

Scooting through devious levels filled with hazards is hardly a new premise, but forthcoming Flash game KRUNCH certainly looks to have the level design and visuals to set it apart from the crowd.

The aim is to avoid obstacles and navigate your way through 100 claustrophobic and trap-filled levels, accompanied by a wonderful chip tune soundtrack.

KRUNCH has been created by Canadian duo LeGrudge & Rugged and they are currently searching for sponsorship for their brilliant looking game.

If you want to contact the team and watch a cracking video of the game in action, visit the KRUNCH website or follow them on Twitter

In the meantime, feast your eyes on these rather splendid screens.

Owlboy demo takes flight

2011-08-23T10:31:00.011+01:00

Norwegian developers D-Pad Studio have released a demo of their upcoming game, Owlboy on PC - and it's a bit of a corker.

Otus - our feathered protagonists - jumps, swoops, hovers and flies through the beautiful retro-styled Owl Temple, while his cohorts Geddy and Alphonse handle shooting duties as Otus carries them through the levels.

It's a delightful world full of rain clouds, gnomes, top hat-wearing fish, sky pirates, waterfalls and soup - lots of soup.

If that wasn't enough, the same team are working on a competitive multiplayer title called Vikings On Trampolines, which, quite simply, warms the cockles of my heart.

You can grab the demo from the official D-Pad Studio website and the full version of Owlboy will be released later this year.

Age of Empires Online - Games For Windows

2011-08-22T15:34:00.005+01:00

The Age of Empires series has been entertaining real-time strategy fans for 14 years. But rather than simply churn out another clone, the developers have done things differently this time around by revamping the visuals and adding online functionality.

Co-op play, player vs player, online trading and in-game chat transform this once stuffy genre into something instantly appealing. Indeed, with so many multiplayer options, quest to take on and shiny loot to grab - not to mention precious experience points to gather to bolster your capital city - Age of Empires Online at times feels more like an MMO than a straight-up RTS.

Its cartoon-tinged visuals might make the game look as if it's aimed at the casual market - especially as they look to have been heavily influenced by Disney's The Emperor's New Groove. However, a cursory glance at the sprawling tech tree reveals that Age of Empires Online is actually a complex beast.

Resource gathering and unit building have always been the bedrock on which the vast majority of real-time strategy titles have been built - and it's no different here. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most frustrating aspects of the game.

It's incredibly hard to keep tabs on all your units as they go about their business - despite the best efforts of the small map in the corner of the screen. Sending units out to work the land efficiently while simultaneously leading several small armies into battle can be a monumental pain because there is just so much going on.

It should also be noted that Age of Empires Online follows a free-to-play model - something which is a blessing and a curse. The plus points come from the fact you'll enjoy hours of entertainment on the cheap. But the flip side to the free fun is that those who don't invest will miss out on a variety of features, including enhanced multiplayer options, extra workshops, a fully-fledged tech tree, additional inventory space, new storylines and powerful epic gear.

To be honest, I would rather just pay a one-off fee to experience the full game but love it or hate it, this freemium model is unfortunately here to stay.

But all things considered, Age Of Empires Online is still definitely worth a look - even if it's only for a quick peek. Just be prepared to throw cash at it if you want to experience everything the game has to offer.

Family Games for iPhone/iPad

2011-08-21T16:16:00.019+01:00

Ticket To Ride - iPad - £4.99
Since this adaptation of the classic board game was released several months ago, it's been a daily ritual for me to delve into the wonderful world of trains, dealing with diverted routes and delayed services, while squabbling with other national rail companies.

The sprawling board game is by Days of Wonder and is considered to be a classic. It has won numerous awards for its rich and strategic gameplay and anyone who has taken the time to set the game up with family and friends will tell you Ticket To Ride is quite a journey.

The digital version had previously been available on the Xbox 360's Live Arcade but this version is far superior and at just £4.99 is a must-have game for your iPad.

The basic rules are simple: Players take turns to draw cards and plan and place train routes between cities across the US. Points are then dished out depending on the length of your routes and for connecting towns and cities.

It's a simple premise but the challenge and strategy comes in trying to thwart your opponents. By studying the board, you can guess where your rivals are heading. You can then either try and scupper their plans by sabotaging their routes, or simply focus on completing your own objectives.

Pass-and-play mode was added after launch, allowing up to five players to take part around the iPad. However, even when playing solo, you can pit your wits against up to four computer controlled opponents.

But the icing on the cake is full online play, especially as the multiplayer lobby is always full and the experience is smooth and lag free.

The Europe, Switzerland and 1910 expansions can also be downloaded while in the game, making this digital version of Ticket To Ride the best version yet.

School 26: Summer of Secrets - iPhone £1.99, iPad £2.99
Aimed squarely at pre-teen and teenage girls, School 26 obviously isn't the type of game I would normally play. But underneath the cutesy visuals is a title that has some interesting ideas.

Taking control of Kate, who has just started at her 26th new school, the aim is to forge relationships with other pupils by helping them with their problems. You achieve this by listening to what they have to say and reacting to their issues by choosing between various expressions.

Stories and scenarios play out, friendships are formed and issues resolved in a bright and breezy environment.

It's quite a clever little game, sporting crisp visuals and decent sound effects. Not for everyone, sure, but well worth recommending to someone who has kids around the game's target age.

Horrid Henry's Horrid App - iPhone/iPad - £1.99
Another game aimed at the younger end of the market, this app is based on the recent Horrid Henry film, which itself is based on the children's books written by Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross.

The app features two games - Go Giddiantus! and Flick the Bogey - with an added bonus in Dress Up mode. There's also an Extras option which takes you online where you can view stills from the film.

Go Giddiantus! is a Canabalt-style game, with Henry constantly running and jumping through levels, picking up collectables and generally causing mayhem.

In Flick the Bogey, the player has to aim water balloons at Moody Margaret and soak her to rack up the points. Both games in the package are decent enough fun for younger kids, although the levels are a little drawn out and tend to become repetitive.

Still, the Dress Up mode will keep the kids entertained as they scramble around looking for new ways to dress up Henry.

Lollipop Chainsaw - 360/PS3

2011-08-20T11:38:00.009+01:00

Back in June, I had the pleasure of interviewing Suda 51 - the man behind several brilliant off-the-wall titles including Killer 7, No More Heroes and Shadows Of The Damned.

While chatting about future projects, the Japanese developer said we should "continue to expect the unexpected" from Grasshopper Manufacture.

Well, that "unexpected" turns out to be Juliet Starling, an 18-year-old cheerleader who likes nothing more than lopping the heads off zombies with her unfeasibly large chainsaw.

While the game sports buckets of blood and gory decapitations, the violence is off-set with glitter, sparkles and love hearts, which spew forth from Juliet's chainsaw as she cuts the zombies down.

Lollipop Chainsaw looks to be a delicious mash-up of No More Heroes, Dead Rising and Bayonetta - it's typical Suda 51 and it looks magnificent.

The game will be published by Warner Bros and released next year.

Hide - PC

2011-08-19T10:02:00.003+01:00

I'm not a particular fan of survival horrors but I do occasionally like dabbling in the genre. While the Resident Evil series leaves me cold due to its focus on gunplay and stodgy play mechanics, Frictional Games' Amnesia: The Dark Descent ticked all the right boxes thanks to its gothic setting, lack of combat and terrifying twists.

Hide might not match the visual splendor or have the same dramatic set pieces as Amnesia, but it still proves to be a tense and scary affair.

Starting out in a snowy forest in the dead of night - with sirens mournfully wailing in the background - you have to stumble through the icy wilderness searching for locations in a bid to make your escape.

At all times you are stalked by snuffling shadowy creatures armed with torches and it's a truly terrifying sight to see their bright lights filter through the trees as they creep towards your position.

Hide's lo-fi visuals and eerie sound effects make it deliciously atmospheric and it's incredibly immersive as you crunch through the snow. It's free to download from HERE and you should definitely give this short nocturnal nightmare a try.

Xenoblade Chronicles - Wii

2011-08-18T10:35:00.005+01:00

Finally, after years of waiting, the Wii has a quality RPG to call its own.
While some Wii adventures such as Opoona have flirted with greatness, Monolith Soft have finally battered down the door and delivered a brilliant Japanese RPG.

Executive director Tetsuya Takahashi has worked on some of the best-loved RPGs over the course of the last 20 years, including Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger and he has drawn on all his experience to make Xenoblade Chronicles sparkle.

The world that protagonist Shulk and his ragtag cohorts inhabit is beautiful and unique. There's no sprawling sea chart punctuated with dollops of land to be found here. Instead the game is set on the fossilised remains of two hulking titans - frozen for eternity in the middle of an epic battle.

The art design is excellent, with visually stunning environments to explore. Huge expanses of land open up as the journey progresses, giving the player a sense of freedom as they tramp through the majestic scenery.

The struggle between good and evil is represented by Shulk's band of adventurers, who are up against the destructive mechanical might of the Mechon, who are ravaging human colonies.

The storyline, while a little cliched, remains interesting, despite the English voice acting which is average at best. Thankfully, the option to switch to Japanese audio is available, which at least does away with the repetitive and cringeworthy battle cries.

While the visuals raise the roof thanks to great attention to detail and a wonderful sense of scale, it's the solid combat system which steals the show. It borrows heavily from PlayStation 2 classic Final Fantasy XII, with timed hotkey commands used to dust up foes. But added strategy now comes from finding the best place to position your character to inflict maximum damage.

It seems every game these days has talent trees to pour over and Xenoblade Chronicles is no different. However, they are simple affairs and easy to navigate, while new combat skills are introduced at regular intervals.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies on DS shook up the standard JRPG formula by visually representing new weapons and armour on the main characters and Xenoblade Chronicles continues this feature.

A staggering assortment of stat-boosting gems can be forged and fused on to individual items, all of which gives the game a wide and varied range of customisation.

Even when you're not stomping through the main adventure, there are plenty of optional side quests to keep players occupied. Fizzing turquoise globes lie scattered across the enticing environments, each representing an item. Collecting sets of these rewards the player with gems and useful bits of kit, while colony residents are always quick to dish out hunt and gather quests.

The only fly in the ointment is that battles against bunches of foes can be confusing, as the special effect-heavy attacks often makes it hard to know what's going on. But despite the occasional stumble, Xenoblade Chronicles is utterly captivating.

It's an epic and hugely enjoyable quest, with quick thinking replacing mindless button mashing and a truly wonderful game world to explore.

A real gem to add to your Wii collection.

Dinkybox - a groovy place to shop

2011-08-17T10:10:00.006+01:00

Have the midweek blues started to get you down? Do you wish you weren't sitting at that desk slogging away over nonsensical facts and figures? Are your customers rude and getting on your nerves? And is your boss stomping around the office in a bad mood spreading misery and negative vibes?

Well I'm here to sprinkle a little happiness by introducing you to a colourful and sugary-sweet shopping website.

Dinkybox describes itself as "The best in groovy collectable toys and comic art supplies" and it's not wrong. Contained within the pages of their vibrant website are a range of products which are guaranteed to plaster a huge grin across your miserable mug.

Along with beautifully presented art kits, pads and pens, the site has a wealth of amazing products that will have you reaching for your credit card.

Chocolate iced donut erasers, Star Wars-themed USB drives, Japanese sticker sheets, Studio Ghibli collectable figures, super-deformed DC superheroes and mini Family Guy models are just some off the enticing products available.

But for me, it's the site's colection of videogame goodies which is the main draw, including the gacha Super Nintendo collection - a tiny assortment of SNES hardware.

Dinkybox's range of Mario fridge magnets, Pac-Man sweets, Professor Layton Plushies, Street Fighter figures, game pad keychains, Final Fantasy straps and Pokemon merchandise are all worth checking out, but really, there are dozens more cool items to browse through.

Dinkybox is based in England and the company have a swift next day delivery service. For more information, check out their fab website.

Monster Hunter Festival - Sapporo, Japan

2011-08-16T10:32:00.008+01:00

While gamers across Europe have been slow to savour the delights of the Monster Hunter franchise, in Japan the game is a cultural phenomenon, quite unlike anything we have experienced in the West.

It is so popular that a vast range of merchandise has cropped up - and it's not limited to the usual array of mugs, T-shirts and keyrings.

Monster Hunter-themed noodles, pizzas and ice cream have sated the appetite of Monster Hunter addicts, while specially packaged drinks have quenched the thirst of hunters in the Land of the Rising Sun.

So it's no surprise that when a Monster Hunter event pops up, thousands pour in to find out what's new in the Monster Hunter universe.

With PSPs clutched tightly to their chests, fans gathered in Sapporo last weekend to take in the sights and sounds of the Monster Hunter Festival.

Along with a wide range of exhibits for attendees to gawp at, players battled together, took part in events to become champion hunter and even met with some members of the development team.

Looks like a great day out to me.

For more pictures of the event, visit the Famitsu website

LaserCat - 360 (XBLIG)

2011-08-15T15:29:00.005+01:00

At the edge of the solar system, LaserCat and his best friend Owl live on a small planet. There, they grow space onions and astro carrots which they turn into soup.

However, when LaserCat discovers a magical space frog has kidnapped Owl and is holding him hostage in his enormous space castle, out feline chum speeds off to rescue his flying friend.

LaserCat's influences are from the golden era of home computing, when the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 ruled the roost. Nods towards Software Project's Jet Set Willy and Hewson Consultants' Technician Ted are clear, but LaserCat has a twist in its retro-themed tail.

To free Owl, LaserCat must hoover up 30 keys which lie scattered around the castle. When one is collected, he is whisked away to the Riddle Realm where the player is given a general knowledge question. Get the answer right, and the key is yours to keep. Answer incorrectly and it's curtains.

The castle is home to a variety of tricks and traps, but thankfully the control set-up is simple and responsive. To help negotiate the castle, gusty thermals can be used, while save points act as teleporters to minimise needless backtracking.

It's a brilliant little title and as it's another quality game priced at only 80 Microsoft points, LaserCat should be the first thing you buy next time you switch on your 360.

Mos Speedrun: Half price!

2011-08-13T15:56:00.006+01:00

Apple's App Store is crammed full of brilliant titles, but few are as much fun as Mos Speedrun.

The retro-flavoured platformer has been out for a while, but for this weekend only, you can pick it up for just 69p.

Developer Physmo have halved the price to celebrate Edinburgh Interactive 2011 and if you haven't bought it already, I would urge you to try this wonderful and charming slice of platform action.

The game has also just had an update to include an excellent video mode, so you can now record your fastest runs through the devious levels.

I took a look at the game back in May and you can check out my review HERE

While you're browsing through the App Store, you might also want to check out Physmo's SeaGlass. It's a Tetris Attack/Puzzle League spin-off, where the aim is to swipe and match coloured blocks to create huge point-scoring chains. It plays beautifully and for just 69p is another must-have title from the App Store.

To find out more about Physmo's games, visit their website

Aban Hawkins & The 1000 Spikes - 360 (XBLIG)

2011-08-12T14:39:00.004+01:00

With his wide-brimmed hat and penchant for plundering ancient Aztec ruins, Aban Hawkins' perilous quest has clearly been inspired by Indiana Jones - and what a quest it is, full of tricks, traps, crumbling ledges, pixel perfect leaps - and lots of spikes.

I've been playing it since February and still haven't managed to complete it, meaning it's one of the toughest games I've ever played. This is underscored by the 1000 lives the player is given at the start of the game. But the fact it's so tough just means that completing each treacherous level is incredibly rewarding.

The trial and error gameplay won't be to everyone's taste, while the crushing difficulty will put many off. But those willing to take the plunge into the treacherous depths will be well rewarded with a glorious old school platformer - and for just 80 Microsoft points, you should definitely take a punt on it.

WipEout HD: High-speed snaps

2011-08-10T18:43:00.010+01:00

I've been delving into the bowels of my PlayStation 3, deleting ancient saves and trashing old game files in a bid to reclaim some precious hard drive space.

Flicking through the photo folder, I found some snaps I took while playing WipEout HD. Thought I would share them as I'm quite pleased with the results.

I might even fire the game up for a lap or two in light of my find - although I spent more time pausing to take pictures than I did actually playing.

Click on the screens to see them in their full glory.

Anno sails into the future

2011-08-09T11:09:00.004+01:00

I was introduced to the Anno series just after the release of Anno 1404 in 2009. At the time, my humble PC had no chance of running such a beautiful game, so I had to make do with the family friendly Wii and DS titles to tide me over. Good efforts, but no match for the majestic PC version.

But on the day I got my new PC last year, the first game I installed was Anno 1404 and its expansion Anno 1404: Venice.

Anno is a city building game, which focuses on exploration and trade. Starting out with nothing more than a small wooded settlement, the player gathers natural resources, expands their territory, manufactures essential buildings and sails across glistening oceans to trade goods at bustling city ports.

The slow-paced campaign mode introduces the player to a variety of quests and activities, training them up until they are ready to strike out on their own in the title's epic Continuous Game mode.

In light of this, you can imagine how happy I was to see the first screenshots of Ubisoft's upcoming game Anno 2070.

Steaming ahead into the future is a brave move from the series but as you can see, it looks to have paid off, with an intriguing mix of industrial and ecological issues pervading the new setting.

No date has been set for Anno 2070's release but expect more details to emerge at Gamescom in Cologne, which runs from August 17-21.

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Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet - 360

2011-08-08T15:16:00.006+01:00

Xbox Live's Summer of Arcade continues with this excellent and stylish shooter by Shadow Planet Productions.

As the pilot of a monochrome flying saucer, the player sets out on a journey to cleanse an alien planet from a gloopy and evil presence.

Taking elements from Nintendo's Metroid series and underwater indie classic Aquaria, the player scoots through spectacular subterranean environments, solving puzzles and blasting nocturnal creatures.

The player's ship can be upgraded with a wealth of hi-tech gadgets, which include a handy claw arm to remove loose rubble, a laser which peppers small, skittish creatures, missiles which can be guided into the heart of hulking foes and a buzz-saw which cuts through rock faces, allowing the player to enter previously inaccessible areas.

Four gadgets can be mapped to the 360's pad - although the option to add more hot keys would have been nice, as you have to mix and match load-outs on a regular basis - and the game doesn't pause when swapping gadgets.

The beautifully presented levels are huge and each area is interconnected - a design choice which leads to backtracking to reach previously unexplored areas once the relevant gadget has been uncovered.

It's never a chore though, thanks to a decent map - which highlights areas of interest - while bonus upgrades and collectables make exploring the vast environments worthwhile.

The little flying saucer's defences can be beefed up by discovering extra shields but a sustained attack by alien life forms leaves the craft looking like a weather-beaten umbrella. Thankfully, generous checkpoints restore the ship to pristine condition, while the alien foliage pops with glowing spheres which also repair small amounts of damage.

But it's not just eye-catching aliens which pose a threat to the tiny spacecraft - giant sinister plants try to devour the flying saucer, destructive industrial machinery must be avoided and air flows and water currents also play their part in creating havoc.

Puzzle elements also feature but these head-scratchers can often be a nuisance. Because the game has no text clues to nudge the player in the right direction, some sections can become frustrating as you struggle to work out what your next step should be.

Still, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is yet another brilliant game on Xbox Live Arcade. Its sterling visuals and wonderful animation play a huge part in the game's appeal, while the ambient soundtrack draws you further in to the experience. But it's the tight controls and solid gameplay which lie at the heart of the game, making it such a joy to play.

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is available now for 1200 Microsoft points on the 360's Live Arcade marketplace.

Operation Cherry Blossom

2011-08-07T15:22:00.009+01:00

I've been picking my way through Monster Hunter Portable 3rd on PSP since January. Not that I'm that far in, mind, as the Japanese text is stopping me from fully enjoying the game.

While I can recognise some Japanese Kanji, the staggering amount of items, weapons and armour in the Monster Hunter series means I am definitely missing out on a hefty chunk of the experience due to the language barrier.

I know I'm not alone in wishing Capcom would localise the game for the Western market and even if the PSP version isn't a possibility, hopes remain high that the forthcoming PS3 version will make it to the West.

But the Monster Hunter community are leaving nothing to chance and have set up a drive to make this a reality.

Fellow Monster Hunter addict and writer Brad Gallaway - check out his excellent Drinking Coffee Cola blog - brought Operation Cherry Blossom to my attention.

The Monster Hunter Podcast and the Well-Done Podcast, along with a helping hand from Capcom, have launched an initiative to get the game released in the West by trying to raise the series' profile.

While it's true that many online petitions and campaigns are doomed to failure, remember that Yakuza's fanbase were instrumental in getting Yakuza 3 released in Europe and the US - so there is hope.

If you have yet to sample the long-lasting delights of Monster Hunter, there is still plenty of time to get involved.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite on PSP and Monster Hunter Tri on Wii are available and are cheap as chips these days. Both offer hundreds of hours of entertainment and provide unforgettable experiences.

So let's do what we can to get Portable 3rd released in the West. It's easily the most accessible game in the series and it would be a real shame if it never saw the light of day in Europe.

Mainichi Issho - PS3

2011-08-06T01:55:00.001+01:00

Mainichi Issho has been running on the PS3 since the system launched, delivering daily and weekly news to PS3 owners in Japan.

Toro and Kuro argue and bicker their way through promotional slots and occasionally give out presents to the player in the shape of items and posters.

Along with advertising Japanese events such as museum openings and local restaurants, the duo also publicise the latest games on PS3.

I've not had a look at Mainichi Issho for ages, but I found some snaps on my hard drive which I've taken over the last few years, so I thought I would share them.

What a pity we don't have something similar on the European store.

Proteus - PC

2011-08-05T10:03:00.005+01:00

I stumbled across Proteus by Twisted Tree Games recently and I've been exploring its charms over the last few evenings.

Billed as an "audiovisual wilderness exploration game", the player tramps across a colourful undulating landscape discovering strange musical features.

You can follow rain clouds, run along beaches, get lost in deep forests and climb snow-topped mountains - or you can simply stand still and let the ambiance wash over you.

The musical theme is central to the experience and the way sounds mix and merge together as day turns to night is beautiful and relaxing.

The landscape doesn't hold many visual treats but there are some interesting things to find as you wander around.

Strange standing stones draw motes of light towards them, changing the time of day as the player approaches, while gatherings of small white creatures honk out tunes, clamming up and disappearing if you get too close.

Proteus is still in its alpha stage but is still well worth checking out. It's especially atmospheric to play late at night with headphones on. You can download it from the official website HERE.

Trouble Witches Neo - 360

2011-08-04T12:41:00.003+01:00

Trouble Witches Neo was released slap, bang in the middle of my Deathsmiles addiction. I bought it simply because it was a bullet hell shooter but it remained stuffed away on my hard drive for months before I took notice of it.

The over-the-top anime trappings, sugary sweet characters and lime-flavoured bullets are initially hard to stomach. But underneath the bright visuals, bizzare voice acting and woeful story, lies a decent enough shooter but one which lacks the verve and guile of Cave's best work.

Along with the standard shooting action, the player is able to throw up a barrier to protect their flying witch from enemy fire - but this supernatural shield is also used to raise the player's score.

Any bullets entering this zone are slowed down, while taking out their source turns all bullets into a shower of coins. These not only give your score a welcome boost - they can also be spent buying special attack cards from a floating shop which drifts by every level.

The visuals are a mixed bag and lie somewhere between old side-scroller Cotton and Cave's Deathsmiles.

While the animated backgrounds are excellent, the hand-drawn main characters and enemies are slightly disappointing. This is especially true of the game's bosses, which are - for the most part - bland, box-shaped and uninspiring. Even the appearance of a flummoxed goldfish fails to get the pulse racing.

For 800 Microsoft points, though, Trouble Witches Neo offers decent enough entertainment but it falls short when compared to other, more established titles.

The Humble Indie Bundle 3 - PC, Linux, Mac

2011-08-03T13:59:00.006+01:00

Just a reminder that you only have six days left to take advantage of the latest Humble Indie Bundle offer.

Six full games are included in the pack: Crayon Physics Deluxe, Cogs, VVVVVV, And Yet It Moves, Hammerfight and Steel Storm. Plus, if you dive in, you'll get full free access to the brilliant Minecraft until August 14.

But the best things about the offer is that you pay what you want for the whole bundle, with money raised going to charity.

The pack works across Windows, Mac and Linux platforms and even if you have most of the games, it's still a great cause to support.

Pick up your Humble Indie Bundle HERE

Groove Coaster - iPad

2011-08-02T22:59:00.004+01:00

The iPad is home to some wonderful experiences but Groove Coaster may be the best game I've played on Apple's tablet this side of Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP.

For just 69p - the price will rise over the coming days - you get a beautiful and spellbinding rhythm action game which busts to life thanks to its fizzing neon visuals and generous offering of music tracks.

Your changeable avatar - which ranges from a simple cross hair to an army of space invaders - travels along a twisting line through colourful wire-frame environments.

The line is punctuated by a series of circles and as you pass over them, a tap on the screen keeps the beat going. The difficulty soon ramps up and the player has to hold notes, side-swipe prompts and repeatedly tap the line to keep the flow going.

All 17 tracks have three difficulty levels, while new avatars, items and background bursts can be unlocked as you play. Two extra tracks also appear as in-game purchases, making Groove Coaster incredible value for money.

It's by Taito - the same team who brought us the magnificent Space Invaders: Infinity Gene - and anyone who holds classics such as Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, PaRappa the Rapper or Gitaroo Man close to their heart will lap this up.

Buy in now before the price rise and experience something truly special.

Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony - PC

2011-08-01T16:48:00.005+01:00

The year is 1619 and Sir Walter Raleigh has escaped the shackles of the Tower of London and has set off for the New World in a bid to clear his name.

With the King breathing down his neck, Raleigh's one shot at amnesty is to clear his name by uncovering the dark secrets of the town of Roanoke. Unfortunately, an armada of Spanish and Martian foes lie between Raleigh and redemption.

Yes, that's right, Martians.

That's because Jamestown doesn't take place across the rolling plains and fertile lands of America, but the inhospitable and thin atmosphere of Mars. It's a completely bonkers plot, but one which is still strangely compelling.

While this turn of events might be perfectly suited to an RTS, Jamestown is actually a bullet hell, top-down shooter - and it's magnificent.

Cave's influence is clear, but Final Form Games have lavished their title with eye-popping pixelated charm and thrown in a bucketful of extras to make this one of my favourite shooters in recent years.

Blasting enemies in the carbon dioxide-heavy Martian heavens showers the player with golden shrapnel. Once enough gold has been collected, Vault Mode can be triggered. This gives the player a brief shield, increases weapon power by a whopping 50 per cent and doubles points earned from destroying tentacled aliens and high-flying Spanish troops.

Jamestown only costs £6.99 from Steam, but what makes the game such incredible value for money is the variety of difficulty levels to sweat through. Play it on the default setting and you'll only be able to sample a brief smattering of Jamestown's delights.

But by deliberately forcing the player to up their game by increasing the difficulty is genius and means more joyous levels open up, while you'll feel your skills get sharper with every playthrough.

Even though the levels are short, it's all about score chasing. But even if you become exhausted trying to best your friends' tallies, Jamestown throws even more at the player to keep them busy.

An abundance of bonus levels can be tackled and these stern tests of dexterity will tax even the most hardened bullet hell fan. As if this already appealing package wasn't enough, Final Form have really pushed the boat out with the awe-inspiring soundtrack. it's a stirring orchestral score which matches the mood of the game perfectly - although some of the sound effects unfortunately lack pizazz.

A four-player co-op mode has also been included, but as online play isn't catered for, this mode is something of a missed opportunity.

Still, being too critical of these slight blemishes would be churlish, as Final Form Games have clearly poured their heart and soul into Jamestown and delivered a polished and quite brilliant slice of software.

So grab a 360 pad, link up the PC to your HD TV, sit back and lose yourself in the frenetic action. Stunning.

Bastion - Xbox 360

2011-07-28T16:25:00.003+01:00

Creating quite an impression thanks to its beautiful visuals, appealing isometric viewpoint and eclectic soundtrack, Bastion is an inviting proposition.

Indeed, the first few hours in its company provides great entertainment, but despite a smattering of neat ideas and its unique presentation, Bastion struggles to maintain the initial thrill throughout the rest of the six-hour adventure.

While the glossy presentation is impressive, it’s the way the story plays out which takes most of the plaudits.

The protagonist - known simply as The Kid - wakes from his slumber to find his world wracked by The Calamity and quickly scampers off to the Bastion - a sanctuary where he hopes to find fellow survivors.

Upon arrival, it’s clear that even this safe haven has been compromised and under the tutelage of an elderly sage, The Kid sets off to restore the Bastion to its former glory.

But Bastion's twist comes from the way the plot unfolds, with the sage narrating every move The Kid makes, while his gravely voice also fleshes out the game’s over-arching story.

It’s a clever quirk that drives the player onwards and it’s a genuine treat to hear his comments as The Kid smites a pack of enemies or discovers a long-forgotten memento from the past.

But despite its interesting delivery, Bastion can be a trudge in places. The hack and slash nature of the gameplay results in repetitive chapters of action - despite the game’s best efforts to regularly dish out new weapons, upgrades and skills.

It’s true that mixing and matching weapon load-outs is beneficial for taking out certain enemies, but it’s all very straightforward and Bastion really doesn’t pack much of a challenge despite some magnificent looking bosses.

But despite the flaws, it’s always interesting to see the Bastion spring to life though building upgrades, while the inclusion of optional arena challenges and a New Game + are welcome addictions.

But it’s hard to shake the feeling that Bastion is a case of style over substance - with the core gameplay never quite matching the beautiful visuals or slick presentation.

A worthwhile purchase, then, but be aware that Bastion isn’t always what it seems.

Realm of the Mad God - PC

2011-07-27T16:17:00.003+01:00

I’ve been prattling on about my love of Roguelikes for years, with Cardinal Quest - see below - the latest dungeon crawler to get under my skin.

But when I found out about Realm of the Mad God - an online Roguelike with a twist - I just had to check it out.

Described as a co-op fantasy MMO shooter, this free-to-play browser-based gem throws the player into an online world, where fast-paced action and joyful 8-bit visuals are the order of the day.

A short tutorial explains the game mechanics and then the player is promptly whisked off to the Nexus - a hub which houses a market selling a range of tempting items and a place where fellow players mill around, haggle for goods and snaffle up free items.

Using the WASD keys to move and clicks of the mouse button to fire, the player initially skitters across beaches and thick forests in the purple robes of a wizard, dispatching enemies with bursts of magic.

Every so often, a pictogram will pop on the side of the play area, directing the throng of players towards a boss character. Everyone scrambles towards these showdowns and once the foe bites the dust, the rush is on to be the first to grab the leftover loot.

But the Roguelike twist to this frenetic action is that when your pixelated character pops his clogs, it’s game over. It’s then back to the Nexus to start a new character and do it all over again.

You might think this rinse and repeat formula would get boring but it never does as there is always something to aim for, be it unlocking new classes, plundering pirate caves for new loot, taking on heavy-set bosses or boosting all your toons to lvl 20.

But while wandering over the map blitzing foes is great fun, the ultimate aim is to gain access to the Wine Cellar - the place where Oryx, the Mad God resides.

Getting in there is no easy task, as you first have to get your grubby paws on an incantation, which has a .6 per cent drop rate from certain dungeon bosses. However, even if you don’t find this spell, someone else surely will.

At this point, every player in the game is summoned to pit their wits against Oryx and his minions in a crazy battle of epic proportions - and a place where you’re sure to meet your maker.

The Realm of the Mad God is a brilliant experience and has bags of charm thanks to its old school visuals, not to mention the smattering of blocky hobbits, elven archers, stone golems and furious crabs.

It’s free so give it a try. Just be warned, it could take over your life.

Play it HERE

Cardinal Quest - PC

2011-07-26T12:03:00.008+01:00

There’s nothing I like more than settling down with a good, old-fashioned Roguelike. An experience akin to having your face rubbed repeatedly against a wall has no reason to be so much fun, but there’s something about permadeath and the fear of losing all your gear and hard-earned progress which always keeps me coming back for more.

While games such as Nethack, Angband, Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup and Dwarf Fortress have devoured hours of my time - and the lives of dozens of my heroic adventurers - I'm always on the look out for more entertaining ways to punish my on-screen avatars - and my own sanity.

Step forward Cardinal Quest - a browser-based title which is currently playable as a Javascript prototype - although its website states improved versions are currently in the pipeline.

The aim is to descend into the darkness and slay the Evil Minotaur who has taken up residence in the subterranean gloom.

Stepping into the muddy boots of either a fighter, thief or wizard - each has there own speciality move set - the player gingerly guides their charge through randomly generated dungeons to fulfil their quest.

Not that it's easy, mind. Like any Roguelike worth its salt, Cardinal Quest provides soaring highs and crushing lows.

You'll turn the air blue as your pixelated character pops his clogs yet again because you weren't keeping an eye on his health bar or because cocksure bravado got in the way of rational decision making.

But what makes Cardinal Quest such a pleasure to play is its simplistic interface, which scraps cluttered menu systems and archaic key commands, making bite-size play sessions a joy rather than a slog.

While a mistimed hit or foolish move can spell certain doom for your brave adventurer, the light-hearted chip tune soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay ensures you'll be back for more with a smile, rather than a grimace, on your mug.

Cardinal Quest is a light, breezy game, but one which also packs a punch. It's perfect for lunch breaks or quick five minute gaps in a busy day at the computer.

So go ahead. Plunder dungeons, sift through rubble to uncover ornate weapons of myth, die quite a lot and try and come back safe and sound with the fabled Minotaur's head in your backpack. Play it HERE

Solatorobo: Red The Hunter - DS

2011-07-25T10:53:00.006+01:00

Despite the fact Nintendo decided to publish this Namco Bandai title in Europe, Solatorobo has inexplicably had next to no advertising to back up its charms.

It’s a shame, as with its delightful visual style, likeable cast of animal characters and solid gameplay mechanics, Solatorobo is a neat little game that deserves a lot more love.

The story puts the player in control of Red Savarin - a bounty hunter who, on the back of his mech Dahak, stomps about beautiful Studio Ghibli-inspired floating islands taking on jobs simply to make ends meet.

However, in stereotypical video game style, the hero and his team - including Red’s wonderfully titled close friend Chocolat Gelato - leave their humdrum existence behind as they become embroiled in a plot to save their world from impending doom.

While the story treads a well-worn path, it stays interesting thanks to plot twists and a witty translation, which gently nudges the player through the laid-back action.

Solatorobo features rudimentary RPG elements but it never gets bogged down in a glut of stat menus or complicated tech trees. Instead, Dahak’s abilities are boosted by placing power cells inside his metal innards, while Red’s level is raised by getting into scraps with unsavoury mechanical foes.

Red also has a Hunter Rank, which increases as he takes on jobs and rising up the ladder means he can take on tougher offers from the game’s varied cast and earn shiny gold rings.

These optional quests are one of Solatorobo’s strengths, with the player taking on a variety of tasks including scavenging for pictures, exterminating pesky bugs, cleaning areas by shuffling crates around and gladiatorial arena battles.

The real-time combat is decent – if a little repetitive – with Red relying on his robot chum to do the majority of the grunt work.

Picking up enemies and throwing them around is the main focus of the combat, but waiting for the right moment to manhandle your opponent is key. Sweeping around the back of a lumbering foe or launching a mid-air attack are sometimes required, but more often than not, these brawls turn into little more than an exercise in button mashing.

While the vibrant visuals are impressive for the humble DS, the sound quality isn’t great. Even when playing through headphones, the poor sound compression means the light-hearted soundtrack often descends into a tinny mess. Fortunately, Solatorobo has more than enough plus points to make up for its shortcomings.

A healthy selection of collectable trinkets are peppered throughout the adventure, while high flying races - titled Air Robo GP - feature as a bonus mode from the main menu, complete with a local multiplayer option.

With the focus on the hand-held market currently on the 3DS and Sony’s upcoming PSVita, there’s every chance this little gem might slip away unnoticed. But Solatorobo is well worth hunting down and offers a unique and charming adventure on Nintendo's ageing console.

Async Corp - iOS

2011-07-15T00:01:00.004+01:00

Being forced to work on a never-ending production line and sending packages into the ether isn’t exactly the most exciting premise for a game.

But Async Corp's world of corporate drivel, fused with a wry sense of humour and solid gameplay makes for a brilliant little package.

Like the best of puzzlers, Async Corp keeps things simple. Starting with two 6x4 grids filled with coloured blocks, your job is to arrange neatly squared-off data packages of 2x2 or greater by moving blocks of the same colour from one grid to the other.

Once the package has been put together - complete with smiley, feelgood face - the player taps on the slab of colour and sends it on its merry way.

Various modes add neat twists to the formula, but they never veer too far from the original idea – meaning the player never gets their fingers in a fankle due to over-complicated rule sets.

Visuals are clean and simple, while the delightful retro soundtrack helps keep everything moving along nicely.

For just 69p on the App Store, Powerhead Games have created a lovely little slice of puzzle fun which carries a surprising amount of charm under its blocky exterior. Well worth a punt.

Survival - PC

2011-07-02T00:00:00.003+01:00

Doe-eyed schoolgirls being frightened to death by supernatural beings is hardly a new premise in the world of videogames but this slip of a title is still well worth checking out.

Placed into the long white socks of a Japanese schoolgirl, our protagonist wakes up in an eerily quiet school and is forced to leg it from blue ghosts who drift menacingly towards her.

To escape the confines of the building, our bewildered girl has to snaffle 10 hearts in 10 minutes before she scrambles towards the exit - and it’s no easy task, with the supernatural freaks lying in wait around every corner.

It’s an interesting mash-up of Pac-Man and Persona and it can be downloaded free from HERE

Tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999...

2011-06-03T13:39:00.006+01:00

It might be 12 years old and been overtaken by shiny modern MMOs such as World Of Warcraft and Rift, but PC classic EverQuest is currently undergoing a resurgence in popularity.

Yes, the game that introduced us to the joy of corpse runs, camp checks, trains (no, not ones that run on tracks) and Misty Thicket Picnics is thrilling EverCrack addicts all over again.

Two new timed progression servers were launched back in February, offering masochists the chance to once again experience the grind of the golden days when the land of Norrath was in its infancy.

As the months roll by, players are asked to vote as to whether new expansions should be rolled out. Currently, we’re still in vanilla EverQuest, although it looks as if The Ruins Of Kunark expansion is just around the corner.

This is great news for my fledgling bard, as I’ll soon be able to sing and dance my way over to the fabled Lake Of Ill Omen, where I learned the art of “kiting” mobs back in those halcyon days.

Experiencing the game again all these years later throws many of EverQuest’s flaws into sharp focus and some gameplay quirks are positively archaic.

But despite its rough edges – starting out is a bewildering fuddle – EverQuest delivers an experience quite unlike modern MMOs, with players having to really get under its skin to get the most out of the game.

It’s a game which plays at a slower pace, too – as you have to sit waiting for a quest mob to pop or for your mana or health to regen. Not everyone’s cup of tea, sure, but grouped with a few friends and chatting via TeamSpeak, there’s nothing quite like it.

Both servers are nice and busy, too, and during my first 10 levels, I regularly got into groups in the madness that is Clan Crushbone, while the undead-infested Estate of Unrest is currently coughing up lovely xp and lots of mental dashes to the zone line to escape Festering Hags and other nocturnal nightmares.

Getting hold of a physical copy of EverQuest is a bit of a chore these days, but luckily, you can grab a digital version from Steam. So if you are bored of Warcraft’s casual hand-holding and are looking for a deeper, more rewarding experience, come and join us on the Fippy Darkpaw server.

La-Mulana - WiiWare

2011-06-01T15:29:00.002+01:00

Aside from the fact that it's a remake of a six-year-old PC game, I don't know a great deal about forthcoming side-scrolling platformer La-Mulana.

What I do know is that it looks like the bastard offspring of Rick Dangerous and Castlevania - and that can only be a good thing, right?

The game is due for release in Japan later this month, but no European or US date has been announced. Maybe next week's E3 conference in LA will bring more details.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on this trailer.

Japan World Cup 2

2011-05-30T00:20:00.005+01:00

I love the off-the-wall style of some Japanese games. From the genius of Katamari Damacy, to the madness of Muscle March, there's always something to make me grin from ear-to-ear.

So when I discovered Japan World Cup 2, I fell in love with it straight away. It's nothing more than a browser-based betting game, where the player places cash on the animal of their choice in the hope of it crossing the line first. But rather than taking things seriously, Japan World Cup 2 is completely bonkers - and it's doubtful you'll care who wins the race, such is the lunacy of the furlong fun.

There's a bit of Japanese text to wade through, but setting up a race is fairly straightforward and it's well worth the effort.

Click here to experience the deliciously over-the-top madness.

Mos Speedrun - iPhone/iPad

2011-05-02T16:02:00.004+01:00

Super Meat Boy's old school platform action impressed everyone who played it last year. Fast-paced and rock hard, it was a breath of fresh air in a marketplace crammed with mindless shooters.

The development team at Glasgow-based developer Physmo were clearly inspired by the title, as Mos Speedrun tips its cap to Team Meat's creation, although it is certainly more forgiving than Meat Boy's perilous quest.

Mos Speedrun takes place over 20 levels, each with four goals to accomplish: Getting to the end of the level in one piece, doing it within a time limit, collecting all the golden coins and finding a secret hidden skull.

Controlling insect girl Mos - who can be kitted out in a range of adorable outfits - is straightforward, with just left, right and jump used. But don't be deceived by this simplicity - Mos Speedrun is a devilish game, where one mistake will scupper your chances of success.

Every time Mos tragically impales herself on spikes, drowns, burns in molten lava or meets her maker at the hands of shuffling zombies, a replay ghost materialises and leaps away showing you where Mos met her untimely death.

Struggle with a level, and ghosts fill the scrolling landscape, reminding the player of their past mistakes. It's a lovely inclusion and it's an amusing little feature which only adds to Mos Speedrun's delightful charm.

Controls on both iPhone and iPad are almost perfect - something which can't be said of many platform games using touch screen controls - and they have to be, as rampaging through the levels in a bid to post the fastest time is what the game is all about.

Visuals have a delightful retro flavour, with each level lovingly detailed with old school appeal, while the glorious chip tune soundtrack by Je mappelle is pitch perfect.

The only real downside to the game is the lack of levels but as Physmo say more will be released, that small problem will be rectified soon. For just £1.19, Mos Speedrun is a must-have title and one of the freshest experiences currently on Apple devices.

Portal 2

2011-04-19T21:32:00.005+01:00

Valve's gravity-bending puzzler caused quite a stir back in 2007 when it introduced perfectly executed bite-sized spatial conundrums to the world.

The sequel expands on what has gone before, mixing brain-bending puzzles with solid gameplay and plenty of laugh out loud incidental humour to create a fresh and quite brilliant experience.

Once again you take on the role of Chell, the sprightly test subject from the original game. She is still rattling around inside the confines of the Aperture Science lab, but the pristine clinical interiors of the first game are now debris-strewn and cracked after the fall of GLaDOS, the deranged and unstable lab keeper from the first game.

While the player is soon reintroduced to the monotone ramblings of GLaDOS, it is the arrival of spherical, one-eyed robot Wheatley which sparks the game to life. Voiced by the always excellent Stephen Merchant, Wheatley's West Country bletherings are the perfect counterpoint to GLaDOS's sardonic jibes.

Gameplay kicks-off in a similar style to the original, with Chell getting her hands on the portal gun. With this, the laws of physics are turned on their head, with Chell able to create entry and exit portals on walls, ceilings and angled surfaces.

The challenges Chell faces are devilish in their design and while the first part of the game is fairly straightforward - with most tasks using simple block and switch combinations - the player is gradually introduced to a variety of new devices which drastically alters the core gameplay mechanics.

Lasers have to be manipulated to trigger wall switches, fizzing neon Hard Light Bridges create platforms to out of reach places, Aerial Faith Plates send objects flying through the air, Propulsion Gel creates slippery slides, gloopy splatters of Repulsion Gel make trampoline-like surfaces and Conversion Gel allows Chell to add portals to inert materials.

But even though these new gameplay twists come thick and fast, it is to Valve's credit that utilising these devices to solve tasks never becomes frustrating or a chore.

There are no time limits involved, which lets the player take each challenge at their own pace, experiment with new ideas and futz about to their heart's content.

Gradually, everything snaps into place and Chell is free to scamper to the exit to face the next series of challenges. It's incredibly rewarding, too and there's an uplifting sense of accomplishment when completing what initially seemed an impossible task.

It's not a long drawn-out series of test chambers, either, with huge rusting environments replacing the confines of squared-off rooms in the second half of the game.

While the constant puzzle solving could have turned into a sombre slog, the witty dialogue elevates the experience and it's a genuine treat listening to pre-recorded messages and the hilarious musings of GLaDOS and Wheatley.

Valve have also given the player room to breathe between some levels, letting them have a nose around the vast facility, while Wheatley chatters away in the background.

Portal 2 is a fairly long game, clocking in at around the 10 hour mark, but even once the credits roll, the fun isn't over. Co-op multiplayer lets two friends combine their efforts to solve puzzles and in a brain-melting game such a this, I'll take all the help I can get.

With its slick production values, carefully crafted challenges, mentally stimulating gameplay and delicious sense of humour, Valve have created something truly special.

Portal 2 is quite simply a masterpiece and one of the most enjoyable video game experiences you'll have all year.

Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP - iPad

2011-03-29T20:40:00.006+01:00

The point and click genre has enjoyed a resurgence over the last few years, with many great adventures popping up on a variety of platforms.

From the hilarious grog-swilling nonsense of the Monkey Island reboot to the mad-cap episodic antics of Sam & Max, it's been great to see the genre make a stylish comeback.

At its core, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP is one such title. But because it's tailor made for the iPad - with an iPhone version due in April - full use is made of the platform's crystal clear display and touchscreen functionality.

After the briefest of introductions by a mysterious sharp-suited man known as The Archetype, the player finds themselves in full control of the sword-wielding protagonist - The Scythian.

Control is straightforward and plays to the platform's strengths - a swift double tap moves The Scythian to the desired location, while selecting an object or sign brings up an information box.

The quest initially involves seeking out and procuring the Megatome - an ancient text which contains arcane knowledge - and awakening woodland sprites by singing and manipulating the environment.

There's more to it than that, of course, but explaining further would only dilute your enjoyment of this magical title.

The adventure plays out at a sedate pace, with the game gently nudging the player in the right direction by using visual and audio cues - a move which allows the player to take things at their own pace.

Occasionally, the tranquility is shattered by one-on-one battles but these encounters are thankfully kept to a minimum, with Sword & Sworcery EP's focus very much on exploration and interaction.

In fact the game actively encourages the player to have a good old nose around, with points of interest and secret grottos dotted about the heavily wooded world.

But while many gameplay ideas have been regurgitated from a range of previous videogames, it's the fascinating visuals and captivating audio work which sets Sword & Sworcery EP apart.

The graphical style is immediately striking, with artist Craig Adams utilising chunky pixels and a muted colour palette to create a quite mesmerising world to explore.

Complimenting the striking visuals is Jim Guthrie's stunning musical score. The soundtrack is an astonishing achievement, with layered synths, elastic bass lines and gentle guitar strums rising and falling as the action plays out.

On top of this, the environmental audio effects are just as beautiful, with crackling fires, peals of thunder, water splashes, dog barks and chirping crickets all adding to the game's wonderful atmosphere.

Sword & Sworcery's relaxed pace, ambient atmosphere and focus on exploration and experimentation won't be to everyone's tastes. However, it is a quite incredible experience which leaves the player desperate for more once the adventure has been completed.

The art style is sublime, the music and sound effects are magical and at only £2.99 from the App Store, it's the most uplifting and unforgettable experience you'll have all year.

MMOs: What Does The Future Hold?

2011-03-28T23:12:00.011+01:00

In August 2002, my friends built me a PC. Why? Well, they wanted me to experience epic MMO EverQuest. I was reluctant at first, although having seen them play SoE’s online epic, I was beginning to come around to their way of thinking.

Eventually I caved, buying all the parts I needed before they beavered away long into the autumn night crafting the PC which would take me on some memorable journeys across Norrath, the moon of Luclin and on to the fabled Planes of Power.

What started as nothing more than a mere curiosity soon took hold and blossomed into a two year obsession.

From a gamer whose only RPG experiences until that point came from console games such as Zelda and Final Fantasy, EverQuest’s open world freedom simply blew me away.

With my friends at my side and a friendly guild at my back, we explored much of what EverQuest and its subsequent expansions had to offer. It might be the norm now to team up via PC, 360 or PS3 and battle strange beasts and hoover up shiny new trinkets, but eight years ago, it was something of a novelty.

My guild, Twilight Brethren, were then thrown to the wind due to the arrival of EverQuest 2 in 2004. Some people stuck with EverQuest, others - including myself - jumped straight into the sequel on its first day of release.

I loved EverQuest 2, and played it religiously. However, when I received a beta invite for World of Warcraft a few weeks before general release, all other gaming endeavors were hastily shoved to one side.

Eventually, I was playing both EverQuest 2 and World of Warcraft - and as any MMO player will tell you, playing more than one just isn’t possible due to the time demands and costs involved.

Warcraft won out in the end and I’ve been playing it on and off since launch as a strictly casual player. Part of my job revolves around playing games for review, which curtails my MMO time. Not that I particularly mind, as the lure of the MMO has been fading for me in recent years.

Now, a session on Warcraft usually feels more akin to a single player experience, with a distinct lack of chatter on the guild channel, while gold sellers constantly spam the airwaves with their offers.

I’m looking forward to Knights Of The Old Republic and have recently started dabbling with Rift, but the genre needs a hefty kick up the backside.

Evolution and MMOs don’t really go together - even Rift appears to be a 'greatest hits' package of what has gone before. While many have tried to tinker with the tried and tested fetch quest formula, the whole thing is getting a bit long in the tooth.

I only hope that future MMOs at least try and push the boundaries, because the whole genre feels stale and unloved. If things continue to trundle along, I'm sure more and more players will jump across to MMOs which feature a free to play model, leaving many so-called big hitters face down in the dirt. That might be a bold statement given the size of World of Warcraft's player base, but nothing lasts forever.

Players in general don’t have a great deal of time to play games given their other commitments, something which has undoubtedly led to the rise in the casual games market.

Let’s hope developers take a fresh stance and re-invigorate the genre and move away from the usual array of MMO trappings...God knows it needs it.

Yakuza 4: A stroll through Kamurocho

2011-03-23T22:58:00.012Z

I've been playing a lot of Yakuza 4 recently. First, I had to play it for review, which resulted in me barrelling my way through at break-neck speed, only stopping occasionally to take in the sights and sounds.

After I submitted my review, I decided to start from scratch and explore all the game has to offer at my own pace.

It's a beguiling series and one which has failed to garner the attention it so richly deserves from a gaming public seemingly more keen to feast on the latest glitzy big-budget shooter than explore the delights of the neon-tinged streets of Kamurocho.

This week, Yakuza 4 entered the UK games chart at disappointing No.25, but chances are that by this time next week, the latest entry in the Japanese crime-based series will have slipped beneath the waves and out of the public's consciousness.

It's a terrible shame, as those who have embraced the games have been well rewarded with deliciously over-the-top action, laced with healthy measures of gleeful humour.

Yakuza 3 was an excellent game, but Yakuza 4 trumps it at almost every turn. To the untrained eye, everything seems pretty much like it was before: Shops, restaurants and bars are exactly where you remember them, and you still have to take on random groups of sharp-suited yakuza and mouthy goons in puffer jackets.

But the four main characters have their own distinctive brawling styles, while there is now even more ways to waste your hard-earned yen.

Hostess bars, which were removed by Sega for last year's instalment, are back, while going out for a relaxing spa or massage leads to a series of unexpected - and disturbingly voyeuristic - events.

Darts, pool, table tennis, shogi, karaoke, bowling, mahjong, pachinko, poker, blackjack, golf, fishing and baseball are all open to the player, leading those of us who have gaming OCD down dark alleys and to the front doors of inconspicuous-looking buildings.

As if that wasn't enough to keep you going, the obligatory hunt for dozens of shiny locker keys continues - although this time you can track them with a handy mechanical beeper.

But while it's easy to frown when unleashing a not so brutal combo of fresh air swings thanks to Yakuza 4's stuffy camera, the real Yakuza magic comes from the game's location.

Kamurocho is an intoxicating sandbox which is ripe for exploration. And thanks to spruced up visuals from last year's offering, Yakuza 4 carries an atmosphere quite unlike any other game on the market.

Every street bustles with activity as people go about their daily business. Groups chatter excitedly outside bars, salarymen trudge home with mobiles pressed to their ears, brightly lit shop fronts vie for attention and giant billboards advertise a range of products and highlight doe-eyed Japanese idols.

The feel of being in the heart of Tokyo's fictional entertainment district is enhanced immeasurably by the brilliant use of audio. There's a constant buzz of chatter in the background, while J-Pop, tinfoil rock and funky jazz fusion gently waft from shop doorways as the player strolls by.

It really is a wonderful place to spend time in and you can almost smell the pork bone broth ramen as you saunter past Kyushu No.1 Star on the way back from a lengthy night knocking back strong drinks in the Champion District.

Rockstar can keep their Liberty City - give me a night out in Kamurocho any day.

While I took 52 hours to complete Yakuza 3, my completion percentage made depressing reading. Even after spending such a long time in the game's company, I only uncovered 28 per cent of all that game had to offer.

I'm playing Yakuza 4 as I would enjoy watching episodes of a much-loved DVD collection. A little every night is just the ticket after playing the latest games for review.

I won't get a perfect completion rating this time either, but I'll have a damn good time trying.

Mizzurna Falls - PS1

2011-03-06T15:11:00.007Z

During my 40+ hours in the company of Deadly Premonition's Agent York and the deliciously eccentric residents of Greenvale, I kept thinking of obscure Japanese PS1 title Mizzurna Falls.

I have never played the game, but I do remember seeing the title in my friend's game store back in the day. Unfortunately, I never picked it up - something I now deeply regret.

The full title is Country of the Wood and Repose Mizzurna Falls and its setting and subject matter will be familiar territory for those who loved David Lynch's masterpiece Twin Peaks.

Set in a small rural American town in Colorado, a girl has been found covered in blood - seemingly attacked by a bear. On the same day she is discovered, another girl is reported missing.

Taking control of the missing girl's friend, the player sets out to investigate the disappearance and help solve the case.

After playing through Deadly Premonition, it's clear that creator SWERY was inspired by Mizzurna Falls in a big way - cars can run out of fuel, there is a bar which bears a striking resemblance to the Galaxy of Terror, while the off-kilter music appears to permeate the whole game.

I think it looks fantastic and I'm desperate to play it. Unfortunately I've tried looking everywhere online to buy a second-hand copy without any luck. Anybody out there know where I could pick up a copy, or perhaps you have this 13 year old Japanese game gathering dust in your attic? If so please let me know.

Here's a clip of the game in action. Looks a little rough, but it still looks great.

Deathsmiles - 360

2011-02-27T22:48:00.006Z

Originally appearing in Japanese arcades back in 2007, Cave's Deathsmiles has been resurrected from its gothic grave by the team at Rising Star Games.

A side-scrolling bullet-hell shooter, Deathsmiles is not for the faint of heart, with the player's character assaulted on all sides by a beguiling array or fabulously detailed occult horrors.

Leading the charge against the demonic hordes is a 13-year-old London lass called Windia, who is looking for a way to escape her Halloween-tinged hell and get back to the safety of her own world.

The shooting mechanics are solid with the player able to fire left and right, while smartbombs are used to unleash hell on the forces of darkness. Holding down both buttons creates a force field, which if penetrated, causes the lead character to auto-attack.

Blasting through waves of enemies rewards the player with a glittering array of crowns, tiaras and rings which when collected are added to a counter at the bottom of the screen. Once enough of these have been snaffled, it's possible to trigger a power up move, which showers the player in bonus trinkets, sending their score rocketing into the eerie twilight.

Deathsmiles' opening levels are relatively straightforward on the default setting, but in true Japanese shooter style, the difficulty soon ramps up with the screen infested with hulking brutes, airborne monstrosities and thousands of deadly bullets.

The scoring system is a complex beast, with the player juggling attack patterns to maximise scoring potential. That said, you can barrel your way through, but players looking to boost their way up the leaderboards will have to put the hours in.

The levels are varied and beautifully presented and the player is also granted flexibility in what order they want to tackle them in - a nice touch which gives players plenty of scope to strategically plan their routes through the game.

Deathsmiles is a short game and it's possible to polish off the experience in around 30 minutes, while infinite continues mean everyone will see the credits roll.

However, simply blustering your way through is missing the point entirely. It's all about repeated playthroughs, perfecting your techniques and chasing elusive high scores.

Deathsmiles is broad in scope and the disc is jam-packed with new modes, insane difficulty grades, control layouts, graphical variations, a two-player co-op option, world-wide leaderboards and a choice of up to five characters to take flight with. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses and all offer a different spread of fire.

It should also be noted that the game screen can be expanded to fill your TV. Playing in the default small letterbox setting can lead to problems due to the amount of enemies, bullets and other visual effects cluttering the screen.

Cave have once again delivered an intense and brutal shooter which offers deep and rewarding gameplay.

It's a score chasers dream and a generous package, especially with the added bonus of a disc containing the game's soundtrack and another bursting with images and an array of bonuses for fans.

It's great to see Rising Star Games once again having the guts to release such a niche title in the West.

Wouldn't it be great if the company now turned their attention to other Cave shooters such as the delicious Muchi Muchi Pork & Pink Sweets and Akai Katana?

We can but hope.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective - DS

2011-02-09T22:28:00.006Z

Ghost Trick is another brilliant slice of detective work from the mind of Shu Takumi - the man behind the Phoenix Wright series of adventures. But unlike the Ace Attorney's legal dramas, his latest title is anything but a straightforward crime solver.

In Ghost Trick, the player takes control of the soul of Sissel, a recently murdered man who has no recollection about his death or his past life. With a limited time before Sissel’s soul winks out of existence, the player guides the ethereal being through a series of investigations to find out about his troubled past.

What awaits is a delicious blend of puzzles and a hodgepodge of interesting characters, all wrapped up in a well-paced murder mystery with a twist.

The story begins with Sissel’s crumpled body lying in a junkyard in the middle of the night. Nearby, a young woman is held at gunpoint and unless something happens quickly, she’ll be joining Sissel face-down in the dirt.

By manipulating objects and jumping back through time, Sissel’s soul can affect the world around him, changing the course of history and moving Sissel ever closer to the truth about his death.

But this journey isn’t a straight A to B race against time either, thanks in large to the game’s range of fabulous characters.

Their snappy dialogue and wonderful animation brings each of their off-the-wall personalities to life and gives the game a huge amount of charisma. Dipping into the lives of these colourful characters is a joy and adds another layer to an already absorbing game. It also helps that the stylish environments they inhabit are pleasing to the eye, with plenty of detail adding an imaginative flourish.

While this rag-tag bunch are some of the most lively characters to grace a videogame in years, the simple but effective gameplay holds the experience together.

Sissel’s ghostly countenance has a limited range of movement, leading to mini puzzles as the player uses tricks to move trolleys, knock music boxes from ledges and startle assassins with unexpected noises. He can also use telephone lines to whizz about the city and talk to other spirits he meets on his travels.

While the opening levels start out as nothing more than tutorials, Ghost Trick soon blossoms into a devious and engaging thriller, full of twists, turns and things that go bump in the night.

The player has plenty of time in some sections to alter the environment and fill the holes in the background story, but when Sissel has to rewind time to change a future problem, a countdown begins.

During these frantic moments, the player has to think on their feet as objects have to be triggered at the correct time to change history, otherwise it’s curtains. It makes for a wonderful change of pace and leads to moments of panic as the player frantically scribbles the touchscreen looking for the right solution.

There are several tense moments peppered throughout, especially late in the game which heightens the fear of failure. The flip side to this is that Ghost Trick often descends into a game of trial and error, with some solutions not becoming clear until the player has attempted the scenario several times.

But despite this, the game remains interesting, with the draw of finding new characters and exploring their environments keeping players ploughing their way through.

Ghost Trick breathes new life into the staid murder mystery genre thanks to its hatful of surprises and genuinely interesting roster of characters. As a result, it is one of the most refreshing titles to appear on DS in ages and is well worth tracking down.

Dark Souls confirmed for Europe

2011-02-06T14:13:00.009Z

Namco Bandai have announced they will be releasing their highly-anticipated new game Dark Souls across Europe later this year on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The spiritual successor to PlayStation 3 exclusive Demon's Souls, Dark Souls boasts a raft of improvements over FROM Software's last game and should be another unmissable RPG from the Japanese company.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki showed off the game in San Francisco earlier this week, which highlighted typically dark and atmospheric locations. This is what we know so far:

* Exploration will be encouraged, with a seamless, open world to explore. If you can see a tower or castle in the distance, it will be possible to eventually reach it.

* FROM Software are aiming to make the game just as rewarding as Demon's Souls, but this time they plan to ramp up the difficulty.

* Gameplay will be similar to Demon's Souls, learning from mistakes will make the player better.

* Dark Souls does not share the same game world as Demon's Souls.

* The level design will be more complex than Demon's Souls, with more vertical design used throughout.

* Online play will be similar to that in Demon's Souls, with players able to penetrate other people's game worlds.

* Character creation will not be class based, while more spells and items will be available with more focus on weapon customisation.

No release date has been set, but Dark Souls looks like it will be released late this year. In the meantime, check out these amazing screens:

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit - Pictures from Seacrest County

2011-02-05T15:03:00.008Z

Criterion's Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit was one of my favourite games of 2010. Its blend of high-octane thrills, tight handling and excellent community features made it stand out from the crowd. It even managed to trump the company's Burnout Paradise for sheer fun.

The game also features an excellent photo suite and there's nothing I love more than taking snaps of games in action. So here are a few of my favourite screenshots that I've taken on my travels through Seacrest County.

LittleBigPlanet 2 - PS3

2011-02-05T00:49:00.007Z

It's been a little over two years since the original LittleBigPlanet arrived on PlayStation 3, giving the system a mascot in the shape of Sackboy and thrilling gamers with its charming cut-and-paste visuals.

It was a heady brew of platform action and player driven content, but niggles and constraints held the game back from reaching its true potential.

With the sequel, developer Media Molecule have strived to iron out these faults and expand upon the original's purely platform-based action. And the results are impressive, even if the floppy physics engine still means Sackboy's leaps and bounds aren't as snappy as Mario's galactic acrobatics.

But it's not all about platforming shenanigans this time around. Sure, there are plenty of levels which require Sackboy to run from left to right and negotiate perilous ledges, but there's enough variety woven in to make every level unique. Mad-cap train rides, a factory full of Sackbots and jaunts through electrical assault courses are just some of the pleasures which await.

Like the original, plenty of collectables can be mopped up, each trinket giving the player bonus items and themes for use in their own levels. Some simply can't be missed, while reaching others often requires more than one player or a bit of lateral thinking.

As you would expect, the visuals are glorious. Sackboy remains as endearing as ever with his goofy smile warming even the iciest of hearts. All clothing items from the original have been transferred over, meaning he now has an enormous wardrobe of fashionable styles.

The visual quality doesn't stop at Sackboy's loveable stitching, as each bric-a-brac area is magnificently crafted. Metal, wood and material are to the fore, but the cake-themed world really takes biscuit, with huge slabs of Battenburg cake used as backdrops, while the player hurls sticky dollops of jam at switches.

Like the original, collecting cardboard keys on certain levels unlocks optional mini-adventures for Sackboy and his chums. These little vignettes prove to be dazzling highlights, with the player taking part in events including rodent races and a Pang-style marshmallow-busting high score challenge.

The floaty jump mechanics haven't been modified, but the experience has been refined thanks to a plethora of new gadgets. The Grapple Gun allows Sackboy to swing across yawning chasms, while other widgets - such as the magnificent Cakinator - fundamentally changes the way levels can be negotiated. Bounce pads are strategically placed throughout many of the levels, too, sending Sackboy pirouetting through the air and saves him from frustrating jumps and climbs.

The game's central story mode is more refined this time around and not the cobbled together effort from the original, with the yarn weaving its way through harebrained plot points and silly situations.

Despite this wide and varied assortment of levels, tricks and traps, it's the community driven aspect which draw so many people into the LittleBigPlanet universe. And while all the player-made levels from the original game have made the leap to this sequel, it's the sheer scope and new ways to play that make LittleBigPlanet 2 such a monumental achievement.

Breaking free from its platform shackles has allowed the bustling community to create top-down racers, tower defence games, RPGs, shoot 'em ups, sports games, pinball tables, Pong and Asteroids clones and a raft of other mind-twisting creations. It's a dazzling array and with gamers across the world refining their skills, this open-ended creation tool is sure to throw up thousands of wonderful levels over the next month or so.

Sorting through these gems is also now easier than before, with Media Molecule highlighting their top picks from an easy to use menu system. Players can still 'heart' their favourites, while comments can also be typed in - a nice touch which expands on the original's word sticking frenzy.

At the time of writing, a total of 3,593,831 levels have been created, and it's a mouth-watering prospect seeing what the community can invent as the years roll by. Of course, you can dismiss all these levels if you want and create your own instead. With a new selection of flexible editing tools, crafting your own masterpiece is easier than before - but be prepared to put in the hours if you want to achieve spectacular results.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is a monumental achievement and just think, this is only the beginning. It's a game which will still be played and enjoyed over the next few years, making it an essential purchase for your PS3. It might only be January, but we definitely have a game of the year contender on our hands.

Epic Dungeon - 360

2011-01-07T23:21:00.003Z

This indie developed dungeon crawler by Eyehook was released last month but it deserves a mention here as it’s magnificent.

Taking inspiration from classics such as Rogue, Angband and Shiren The Wanderer, Epic Dungeon is a game of survival where one false move will cost you dearly.

Like the above mentioned games, death in Epic Dungeon is permanent. When you die there’s no going back to a previous save - you have to start the adventure from scratch. But before you dismiss this gameplay quirk, it’s worth noting that Roguelikes offer a depth of experience sadly absent from many big-budget titles.

Moves and routes through levels must be carefully planned and luck also plays its part. Unlike traditional Roguelikes, Epic Dungeon doesn’t favour turn-based moves. Instead, the action is constant, with the player always under threat from rats, witches, orcs and goblins.

New weapons, armour and items are scattered throughout the game’s randomly generated levels, so no two games are ever the same.

Epic Dungeon also gives a nod to old Choose Your own Adventure books by giving the player decisions to make as they progress - will you join in a drunken sing-song with a bunch of wart-covered orcs, or will you wade in with your sharpened blade instead?

With a choice of three classes, various skill ups to choose from and bags of replay value, Epic Dungeon is not to be missed. It also only costs 80 Microsoft points - less than a bar of chocolate, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try.

Donkey Kong Country Returns - Wii

2010-12-30T12:20:00.007Z

It's been 14 years since Donkey Kong swung on to the Super Nintendo to rescue his banana horde from the evil Kremlings in Donkey Kong Country. It was a wonderful platform adventure which raised the bar for visuals in the 16-bit era and a title which spawned two sequels.

But the time has come for Nintendo to dust off the successful formula and deliver a quite brilliant title that will keep you entertained throughout the festive season. The plot is just as thin as it was in 1994, with Kong and his sidekick Diddy on a mission to retrieve their massive banana horde, which has been whisked away by the googly-eyed Tik Tak Tribe.

However, the wafer thin story hasn't stopped the team at Retro Studios from adding a few neat twists of their own to create a title that is instantly familiar, yet full of delightful surprises.

The biggest change here is that Diddy Kong - the agile little tyke whose nimble moves got me out of many scrapes back in the day - is no longer controlled directly. Instead, he clings to Kong's back, allowing the burly ape to jetpack across gaping chasms and provides the duo with an extra two health hearts.

There's a tinge of disappointment when discovering Diddy's been relegated to a bit-part role, but the feeling gradually dissipates when the genius of the level design and feel of the game begin to percolate through.

Retro Studios have really pushed the boat out and introduced new ideas as the game gambles along, including utilising the background to expand the levels. Kong and Diddy frequently find themselves blasted into the back of the scenery to collect bananas and coins, a gameplay twist which keeps the player on their toes.

The nods to the Super Nintendo games don't stop at explosive barrels, tree-top antics or madcap minecart rides - the soundtrack, too, is dipped in nostalgia. The atmospheric tracks from the Nineties series can be heard on every level and menu screen - something that will bring warm smiles from older players and delight younger gamers.

The 1994 game had more secrets to find than most other platform games of the time and this series reboot is no different. Exploring the levels to find all the hidden corners and secrets will take a while, while collecting all the elusive jigsaw pieces will keep players occupied well into the new year.

Graphically, the game is a triumph. Sporting bold and distinctive visuals, Donkey Kong Country Returns consistently looks stunning. A variety of graphical flourishes have been used, including an excellent silhouette effect, which gives each level a unique feel.

Despite the fact that the platforming action is wonderfully balanced, the control set-up does take a bit of getting used to. Nintendo's Classic Controller is unfortunately not supported, leaving the player to make do with either the standard Wiimote and nunchuk set-up or go it alone with just the Wiimote. The latter is definitely the preferred option, as making DK barrel roll and blow on objects while traversing the levels is much easier this way.

But despite this small niggle, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a quite brilliant game and the best 2D platformer on the system. It knocks New Super Mario Bros into a cocked hat thanks to its ingenious level design and tough challenge.
Magnificent from start to finish and a title well worth spending your Christmas cash on.

Gran Turismo 5 - PS3

2010-12-06T22:35:00.014Z

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been putting a fair amount of time into Gran Turismo 5 on PS3. While the game feels a little clunky in places (especially the menu system) the photo mode is excellent. So here are a selction of my snaps - cars and scenery. Enjoy.

Mr Moskeeto - PS2

2010-11-25T23:50:00.007Z

Mr Moskeeto is a charming little game and one of those quirky little oddities which could only come from the Japanese gaming industry.

Released as Ka in Japan back in 2001, the little blood-sucking mosquito buzzed across to Europe the following year.

The game gave you control over the titular character, who found himself trapped in the Yamada family household. To survive, the player had to guide the big-eyed bug around the large and varied rooms attacking the human inhabitants and drinking their blood.

Tiny hearts and containers were secreted away throughout the Yamada's residence, and with no time limit, the player was free to explore the interesting abode.

Unfortunately for Mr Moskeeto - and for a large chunk of the gaming community - the lighter blighter’s adventures failed to sell in the West and he was swatted away without a second thought.

I picked the game up a few months after its European release. Lying on a dusty shelf in my local indie game store, I was intrigued by the three silly screenshots on the back and the quote: “Watch as the family’s relationship alters as they take their irritation out on each other.”

However, somewhere down the years, I lost the disc and subsequently forgot all about the little buzzing menace. But I recently found someone selling the game for a good price and my copy dropped through the letterbox this morning. Gran Turismo 5 and Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood were cast aside as I took a nostalgic trip back through the Yamadas' lives once again.

It still plays well, although Mr Moskeeto’s flying can be a little janky at times, while the camera angles can cause a few problems.

Part of the game’s charm was down to the environments. At eight years old, it’s no surprise to find the muddy textures haven’t held up particularly well, but it is still fun buzzing through the house watching the family go through their daily routines. The soundtrack, too, is simply wonderful, with a nice selection of funky tunes to give the game a lovely atmosphere.

Distracting family members by turning on the stereo, switching off lights and messing with the TV remote still feels great, while the act of attacking weak spots on the family’s body parts is handled remarkably well.

Once zoned in on the target area, a quick press down on the right stick causes Mr Moskeeto to latch on to a bare patch of skin. Then it’s a case of carefully rotating the stick to draw the blood. Do it quickly or too slowly and the victim will react angrily to your presence.

Should this happen, Mr Moskeeto has to attack pressure points on the humans to calm them down. It’s beautifully handled and it’s such a shame the game didn’t receive the love it deserved back in 2002.

Mr Moskeeto is definitely one of my favourite Japanese games from the last generation of consoles. It’s quirky, a genuine joy to play and I would urge anyone with a PS2 to track the game down.

Screenshots are hard to come by, so here's a look at the opening level, which gives an indication of how the game plays:

Deadly Premonition - 360

2010-11-22T12:07:00.007Z

There's a good chance most gamers haven't heard of Deadly Premonition. It was quietly and unassumingly released a few weeks ago, slipping under the radar as 360 owners busied themselves with Fable III.

Now, following the release of Kinect and Call of Duty: Black Ops, there's every chance this bizarre and quite brilliant game could disappear beneath the waves without so much as a ripple.

But miss out on Deadly Premonition, and you'll be denying yourself the chance to experience one of this year's most refreshing and engaging titles.

Taking elements from games such as Silent Hill, Resident Evil and Shenmue, creator Swery 65 has also added a Twin Peaks-style backdrop and laced the experience with cheesy dialogue, incidental humour and a smorgasbord of interesting characters.

While the influences are clear for all to see, it's safe to say there is nothing quite like Deadly Premonition.

Protagonist Agent Francis York Morgan - just call him York, everyone else does - heads out to the rural town of Greenvale to investigate the brutal murder of a young diner waitress. But what awaits him is anything but your average homicide case.

The game begins with an uninspiring section which could have been lifted from any number of survival horror games. York sneaks about a rain-soaked maze, flicking switches on electricity generators and shooting backwards-bending, shuffling zombies.

But once dawn breaks and the town of Greenvale comes into view, things take a dramatic and completely unexpected turn.

Rather than a mere run-of-the-mill fright fest, Deadly Premonition blossoms into a delicious and overblown parody complete with hammy dialogue, pop culture references and a wonderful, off-beat sense of humour.

Star of the show is York, who is far from being a straight-laced FBI goon. He has an obsession with 80s movies and the murder of young females, has a split personality called Zach and takes daily advice from cups of coffee.

But to appreciate Deadly Premonition, you'll have to dig through the game's archaic array of gamplay issues. Chief among these are the game's driving sections and crude visuals.

Cars corner like buses, while trying to stay on the road is no easy task due to the slippery handling. The graphics are a mixed bag, too, with muddy textures and ropey backgrounds hard to ignore. At times it looks like a 10-year-old PlayStation 2 era game, but there are some lovely touches and places of beauty in and around Greenvale - the fishing spot near Velvet Falls is lovely, while some building interiors are well detailed.

However, despite these shortcomings, Deadly Premonition retains a charm which is absent from most big-budget titles. For a start, it's without doubt the most amusing game I've ever played - and it has nothing to do with the "so bad, it's good" mantra.

The game revels in its obscurity and takes great delight at not taking itself too seriously, with the title's music being a case in point.

Even when addressing a serious plot point or somber set piece, Deadly Premonition injects light-hearted jazz or an infuriatingly catchy whistling tune to drown out the dialogue. It never fails to raise a smile and simply adds another layer of weirdness to this fascinating game.

When York isn't zooming around town in madcap checkpoint races, picking up collectable trading cards, playing darts, drinking cocktails, chain smoking, peeking through windows and raiding mailboxes for ammo, the game meanders into dark and depressing dungeon-style crawls.

These grimy episodes are fairly pedestrian, although they do contain nuggets of evidence which are vital in piecing the story elements together.

It's also a genuinely unsettling experience when faced with the game's cover star - the red-hooded Raincoat Killer. He kicks open creaking doors with gusto and leaps at York when he least expects it. These showdowns lead to Quick Time button prompts and furious stick waggling to escape the crazed killer's clutches. Not the most refined system in the world, but it does lead to tense and frantic moments of panic.

While most games would simply fall apart due to the basic gameplay and shoddy visuals, Deadly Premonition's environment, atmosphere, cracking story and off-kilter cast of characters keep things ticking along.

Greenvale's residents are a ramshackle bunch of misfits, each one adding to the general weirdness of the town; the creepy twins who appear as angels in York's dreams, Thomas, the sensitive cooking cop who works part time in a bar called Galaxy of Terror, finger-snapping rocker Keith who helps run the general store and unhinged loon Sigourney, The Pot Lady - it's a delightful mix of weird and wonderful personalities.

As if the gripping main quest wasn't enough, 50 optional sidequests are peppered throughout the game, each one rewarding the player with unique items. These vignettes also give the player an insight into the town's residents, fleshing out their background stories and adding another layer to an already richly rewarding game.

And the madness doesn't stop there. To add to the game's strange flavour, York has to change his clothes - and get them cleaned - and shave at regular intervals. He also has to stave off hunger by chomping down pickles and crackers and grab naps to keep him focused on solving the complex case.

Despite its clumsy gameplay, archaic touches and lack of polish, there's something truly remarkable about Deadly Premonition. It's a touching, melancholic, humorous, gripping and at times disturbing yarn that succeeds in trumping games such as Alan Wake at almost every turn.

It's not for everyone, that's for sure, but those who are willing to embrace its quirks and rough edges are in for a very special experience that will live long in the memory. Hats off to Rising Star for releasing the game in the UK.

The best £20 you'll spend all year - so says Mr Stewart...

Deadly Premonition is only available on Xbox 360 in the UK. A PlayStation 3 version was released in Japan under the title Red Seeds Profile.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - 360/PS3

2010-11-09T19:20:00.004Z

Set 150 years in the future, Enslaved takes place in rubble-strewn post-apocalyptic America. So far, so cliched, but dismiss this Ninja Theory game at your peril as Odyssey to the West is far from your run-of-the-mill post-war adventure.

Based on the 16th century Chinese novel Journey to the West, by Wu Chen-en, Enslaved features protagonist Monkey as he's roped into helping tech wizard Tripitaka escape slavers and get back safely to her village.

If the story of Monkey and Trip's quest rings a bell, then you'll no doubt remember classic Japanese TV series Monkey, which was screened in the UK in the early Eighties. The character names may be the same, but the setting here couldn't be more different from the cult classic TV show.

While the opening segment of the adventure loses its way due to some dodgy camera angles and a laborious and long-winded intro level, Enslaved soon blossoms into one of the finest action adventures you'll play all year.

Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis brings his abundant talents to the project, breathing life into the acrobatic lead character, while the writing skills of Alex Garland (28 Days Later and The Beach) have been called upon to weave this re-imagining of the classic tale.

The destroyed ruins of New York set the scene for the opening portion of the game and while post apocalyptic worlds are nothing new in gaming, they have never looked quite as good as this.

It's a riot of saturated beauty, with bright greens, vivid reds and eye-watering blues mixed together to create a visual feast. The colour seems to spill out from the screen creating an interesting and inviting gameworld to spend time in.

It's a relief, then, to find that the core gameplay more than matches the game's stunning visuals. Not only is Monkey a dab hand at beating down enemies with his staff, he is also proficient at clambering up vertigo-inducing structures such as skyscrapers and windmills with ease.

Combat is a simple combination of heavy and light attacks, with Monkey also able to stun enemies and fry them using plasma blasts. While the close quarter battles can occasionally turn into button mashing competitions, they are generally fluid and a visual treat. Later adversaries also require a bit more thought to take down and pose a much greater threat to the fleeing duo.

Brightly coloured orbs are peppered throughout the lavish gameworld, and collecting these enables Trip to upgrade Monkey's abilities. From health boosts to attacking prowess, every element of Monkey's skill set can be enhanced by seeking out these glittering neon treasures.

While Monkey is built to withstand the constant attacks from the mechs and slavers who have invaded America, Trip is a bit more delicate. Monkey has to protect her but can also call upon her to distract enemies while he nimbly flanks them before reducing them to chunks of scrap metal. She can also use her skills to highlight deadly traps on the road ahead and turn her hand to a variety of other useful endeavours.

Puzzles present themselves at regular intervals, each one requiring at least a modicum of teamwork to solve the conundrum - although they lack variety and often feel tacked on just for the sake of it.

The quality of the voice acting and the on-screen mannerisms of the characters is impossible to ignore. There are no wooden performances here, instead the relationship between the two characters unfolds beautifully and every in-game cut scene is a treat to watch.

The delicious blend of stunning visuals, great story and satisfying gameplay is tied together by the spellbinding soundtrack. Written by composer Nitin Sawhney, the musical score is simply breathtaking and is one of the finest collections of tracks I've heard all year.

The game might be linear in its structure, and tread old ground in many places but that doesn't stop Enslaved from being a thoroughly entertaining journey across war ravaged America.

Ninja Theory have learned from the mistakes of Heavenly Sword and have delivered one of my favourite games of the year. The Christmas games rush has already started, but whatever you do, don't let Enslaved pass you by.

Ancient Trader - 360/PC

2010-09-24T11:16:00.005+01:00

This cracking sea-faring adventure is available either from the Xbox 360's indie game marketplace or for PC direct from the official website.

Taking place on a beautiful sepia-toned naval map, the aim is to be the first to take on and defeat the game's boss - the Ancient Guardian.

First, however, you have to significantly upgrade your ship and to do this you need cash - and lots of it. Working out the most lucrative trade routes throughout the archipelagos is vital, then, and as you are up against other players, it's a race for supremacy.

Players buy and trade exotic goods, sink fearsome ocean-dwelling monsters, collect waterlogged cargo, upgrade their hulking galleon and do battle with rival captains on the high seas.

Each upgrade to your ship not only enables the player to traverse greater distances across the map, but also increases the power of your cannons, muskets and swarthy sword-carrying crew mates.

Even when your vessel has been upgraded, three artifacts must be purchased from various ports before taking on the gargantuan beast of the deep. As you are always up against other players, deciding when to make your final push is often fraught with peril. Take the plunge too early and chances are you'll be unsuccessful. But leave your preparations too late, and you'll find a rival has already beaten you to the punch.

Along with this main game mode, full online multiplayer throws in a few more objectives, such as accruing the most wealth quickly. Unfortunately, I found getting an online game was particularly difficult. Not because the match-making system was flawed, but because there weren't many people playing - a crying shame as this is a brilliant and well-balanced gem of a game.

Battle takes the form of a simple rock, paper, scissors card based affair, but what it lacks in depth is more than made up for by the game's beautiful presentation and easy to navigate menu system.

It's a truly wonderful title and with plenty of maps of varying sizes and sharp, simple gameplay, Ancient Trader stands head and shoulders above other similarly priced games. Make it your next online purchase.

Ancient Trader is available from the Indie Games Marketplace on Xbox 360 for 240 Microsoft points. PC owners can buy the game from here

Final Fantasy XIV - PC - Preview

2010-09-19T22:28:00.008+01:00

On May 16, 2002, Final Fantasy XI was released in Japan on PlayStation 2. It was a radical departure for the long-running series as the franchise ventured into the online world for the first time.

The game was ported to PC later that year, while European audiences would have to wait until September 2004 before they could experience Square Enix's MMO debut.

It was a huge success, with hundreds of thousands of players descending on the magical land of Vana'diel to be part of a thriving online community set within the Final Fantasy universe.

The game still boasts a healthy player base but all that could be about to change with Final Fantasy XIV Online on the horizon.

I've been taking part in the beta for the last few weeks and my experience with the game has been hugely enjoyable, leaving me desperate to get my hands on the finished version.

Here, I take a look at the opening portion of the game to give you a flavour of what you can expect when Final Fantasy XIV's servers go live on September 22.

Starting on the beautiful character creation screen, the player is presented with a choice of five races and an incredible 18 classes. From Lancers, Archers and Conjurers, to Blacksmiths, Leatherworkers and Alchemists, the range of job classes available eclipses most other MMOs by a considerable margin.

After choosing your starting city - I plumped for the woodland setting of Gridiana - the player is whisked off to begin their adventure.

Unlike other MMOs such as World of Warcraft, EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online, Final Fantasy XIV controls much better with a control pad rather than the standard keyboard and mouse set-up.

I hooked up my Xbox 360 controller and as you can map specific actions to any face button, everyone should find a comfortable set-up. This control scheme bodes well, then, for the game's forthcoming release on PS3.

After an airship crash involving Yda and Papalymo - two characters who were aboard the stricken vessel - the player is coaxed through a standard battle tutorial which covers the bare bones of combat. The on-screen input commands are easy to understand, while screen clutter - the bane of most MMOs - is thankfully kept to a minimum.

In this opening segment it's clear how much work has gone into making Final Fantasy XIV the best looking MMO on the market. The Bloodthirsty Wolves who surround you and your new companions are well designed and animated, but it's a deliciously evil bug-eyed Treant who steals the show. His twisted roots make short work of the remaining wolves before he turns his attention on your party.

Thankfully, a merry band of harp-playing Moogles float into the scene, leading this wooden freak away from you and your companions and into the depths of the forest.

The attention to detail is exquisite, and the dazzling graphical effects aren't just reserved for eye-popping set pieces. The world of Eorzea in general is beguiling; Pouring rain covers the land, trees sway in the wind and soft light burns from city lamps. It's a stunning looking game.

After the bout of Treant trouble, the player is swiftly introduced to their starting city via the Adventure Guild. Here, Mother Miounne gives you a quest to venture out to nearby Camp Bentbranch.

Upon arrival, some of the game's finer points are explained, before a class specific quest is dished out. Once completed, it's then back to the Adventure Guild where more quests await and the world of Eorzea slowly begins to reveal itself.

It's also at this point I discovered the flexibility of the class system. The player is free to chop and change their chosen skill set depending on what gear they have equipped.

For example, a Culinarian can create stat-boosting food but when it comes to battle, an old weathered skillet and a pocketful of rocks just isn't going to cut it. Simply equipping a weapon such as a bow will turn the character into an archer, therefore giving you a much better chance of survival. Once battle is over, you can switch back to your Culinarian class and continue to bake acorn cookies to your heart's content.

It's an incredibly versatile system and one which especially makes tradeskilling - one of my favourite aspects of MMOs - a tantalising and deeply rewarding prospect.

While Final Fantasy XIV does a fabulous job of immersing the player in the gameworld, those weaned on World Of Warcraft may find these initial stages bewildering.

There are no golden exclamation points above NPCs' heads, and only by asking around - or properly reading your journal - will you be able to keep track of what's going on. Off putting for some, no doubt, but this lack of hand-holding is a plus in my book and gives the game a real sense of adventure.

While you don't need a monster rig to play the game, it certainly helps to get the most enjoyment out of the experience. I was able to run the game without problems on my fairly modest PC. For those whose PCs simply won't take the strain, a PS3 version is planned for release - but not until next March.

Final Fantasy XIV is shaping up to be something special and with Square Enix's dedication to their product, there's every reason to believe this latest in the long-running series could blossom into one of the best MMOs on the market.

Sports Champions - PS3 Move

2010-09-18T00:59:00.007+01:00

Today sees the launch of Sony's motion sensing peripheral, Move. While a handful of games accompany today's hardware launch, most people will undoubtedly focus on Sports Champions - a game from the same mold as Wii Sports Resort.

Sports Champions offers up six events: Disc Golf, Gladiator Duel, Archery, Beach Volleyball, Bocce and Table Tennis. And while this sports showcase only offers half the events that appeared on Nintendo's compilation, you definitely won't feel short-changed.

Archery is first up and it's one of the stand-out events on the disc. Simply point the Move controller at the screen and press the trigger button to send the arrow speeding towards its target. But this event really comes into its own when two Move controllers are in play.

This way, the player has to reach back with one arm to grab an arrow, nock it in the bowstring, then draw back one controller and release the trigger. It's intuitive and precise making the event immense fun to play.

Archery isn't limited to set targets, either. Some bullseyes are in constant motion, while fruit targets and gravity-defying money bags test your dexterity and speed.

Beach Volleyball is another event which is more fun with two controllers. Serves, digs and spikes are easy to pull off and as the game plays at a leisurely pace, rallies are common place. However, as you stand motionless even during the most frantic games, it's easy to feel detached from the on screen action while playing. Still, it's fun but will probably be the least played game out of the collection.

Table Tennis is next up and it is perhaps the most accessible game in the collection. Because Move tracks depth as well as left-to-right movement, the player has to reach in to return shots dropped just over the net.

It's also advantageous to move around pinging shots to all angles to open your opponent up before delivering the killer stroke.

Putting spin on the ball is effortless, while mistakes always seem to be the player's fault, not because of the tech. Give a first time player the controller and they'll pick up the gameplay mechanics instantly.

The same intuitive play is one of the features of Disc Golf. Set in the middle of a woodland retreat, the aim is simply to throw your frisbee towards the target in the fewest throws possible.

Hazards such as trees, shrubs, rocks and stretches of water do their best to impede your progress, but with a flick and a change of trajectory it's possible to pull off spectacular tricks.

Gladiator Duel is the only non sport in the game and takes the player away from the clean-cut comfort of the table tennis gym and idyllic Hawaiian beach volleyball setting and plonks them in the middle of a coliseum to do battle.

Again, while this event controls adequately with one Move controller, two definitely makes the experience more fun. One hand is used to hold your weapon, while the other controller utilises your shield. Blocking your opponent's thrusts before countering with a series of swift attacks is incredibly satisfying.

Prolonged play exposes the events weaknesses, however. Trying to go in for the kill too quickly sometimes results in a series of fresh air swipes. Sadly, even when the player makes contact with their opponent, the attacks can often feel weak.

Still, as a proof of concept, Gladiator Duel succeeds. It's hard not to think of an Oblivion-type adventure with this type of control scheme woven in.

Finally we have Bocce - the wildcard of the bunch. It's a simple variant on petanque, where the aim is to get your ball as close to the pallino - or jack - as possible.

What makes Bocce stand out from the crowd is the various ways you can manipulate the ball. A simple upwards flick lobs it down the play area, but it is also possible to roll it towards the pallino by stooping and gently releasing the trigger. Again, with a simple flick of the wrist, spin can be added. It's a great little game and is perfect to play when you have a few mates round.

Added longevity to the package comes from the game's multiplayer modes, while the single player events have bronze, silver and gold cup competitions to work through.

While all the events offer varying degrees of entertainment, it's the Move controller which is the star of the show. Not only is it incredibly accurate, but the slight pop when returning a ball in table tennis or the rumble which accompanies a bash to your shield in Gladiator Duel gives the player tangible feedback to the on-screen action.

Sports Champions also serves as a great introduction to Move and gives an indication of what Sony's new hardware can do. Definitely the best game in Move's launch line up and a must buy if you plan on picking up Sony's new controller.

Games Media Award nomination

2010-08-11T22:21:00.004+01:00

I am thrilled to tell you that I was nominated for a Games Media Award earlier today. I've made the shortlist for Regional Games Columnist for my weekly games column in the Scottish Daily Record.

This blog is a small aside from my main job - a place where I can write about games which interest me, away from some - but not all - of the more mainstream titles I review for the paper.

I'm absolutely delighted that my weekly ramblings have been deemed worthy of a place at the awards bash in October, and no matter what transpires on the night, this is a tremendous honour for me.

I'd also like to say well done to all the other nominees, and I would just like to wish everyone all the very best.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty - PC/Mac

2010-08-07T21:40:00.009+01:00

Real-time strategy games are something of an acquired taste, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of thousands of gamers going nuts for Blizzard’s StarCraft II.

The original title has long been hailed as a perfectly balanced example of the genre, while the game is still incredibly popular in South Korea.

There, multiplayer face-offs are televised, while thousands cram into arenas to watch the top professional players grind out epic matches for huge cash prizes. So the sequel has a job on its hands if it hopes to usurp its 12 year old sibling.

Thankfully, the team at Blizzard have dissected the original, tinkered with the game mechanics, overhauled the visuals, lengthened the story mode and integrated their Battle.net system for a near flawless multiplayer experience.

StarCraft II features three races: Terran; mech-suited humans with access to a hefty arsenal; Protoss, an alien species with telekinetic powers; and the Zerg, multi-limbed, fast-moving abominations.

Much like the original, the core gameplay revolves around gathering materials to construct buildings and units, before dispatching them in waves to conquer rivals or complete set objectives.

But much like a game of chess, there is an incredible amount of depth to StarCraft II. The sheer amount of units and tactics at the player’s disposal ensures that no two matches play out the same way.

The single-player campaign mode is perfectly pitched to cater for new players and rusty old veterans of the series. Taking the perspective from the Terran side – the Protoss and Zerg campaigns will be sold separately at a later date – you command Jim Raynor, a freedom fighter who is drawn ever deeper into an all-encompassing galactic war.

The missions are well-balanced, each sliver of action introducing the player to new units and combat tactics. Whether your defending a convoy of civilians, sneaking in to swipe an alien artifact, repelling Protoss forces to steal their precious gas supplies, or simply going gung-ho against the nippy Zerg, each chapter mixes up the objectives to keep the player on their toes.

The storyline might be a little on the weak side - complete with cheese-laden lines and gruff meathead marines - but the way the yarn has been presented is near flawless.

Between missions, players can interact with various locations on board Raynor’s ship, the Hyperion. Along with researching unit upgrades and hiring mercenaries, the player can play previously completed missions and talk to key members of the team – there’s even a tasty top-down space shooter to play in the corner of the cantina.

While this mode is polished entertainment, StarCraft II’s main draw is its multiplayer. A range of options and modes are open to the player. From delicately balanced one-one-one encounters, to four player skirmishes, hundreds of hours can be ploughed into the game.

While each of the three races is radically different, all are well balanced to ensure fair play across the board. Although you may stumble across a seemingly unbeatable strategy against a friend, you’ll find those same attacks thrown back in your face by another player. Mixing strategies up and having a few key plays up your sleeve always pays off.

Beginner maps are constructed to ease first-time players into the action, and although the online experience can be daunting, these are a blast to play. Be prepared to lose a lot, though, as StarCraft II is a game where practice makes perfect.

To get to grips with the multiplayer modes, Blizzard have included Challenge scenarios. These detail troop movements, hot-keys and basic strategies to get you on your way and should be played before jumping online.

Blizzard’s mantra of easy to learn, but difficult to master has been adhered to, making the game utterly addictive. I found whole evenings slipping away as I experimented with tactics and mixed up unit sets.

Multiplayer match-making plays a vital role, with Blizzard’s Battle.net service used to find your online mates and personalise your StarCraft experience. Scores of built-in achievement points can be displayed for the world to see, while 90 personal profile pictures can be unlocked by completing a range of varying objectives.

However, this range of customisation comes at a price. You have to be online to play StarCraft II, even if you only intend to play the single player campaign. While the majority of gamers will be already be online enabled, it’s a strange decision to make it a mandatory requirement.

However, for the multiplayer focus, Battle.net does a sterling job holding the various elements together. Finding friends is a piece of cake, while the transition into the skirmishes is smooth and hassle free.

Believe the hype. StarCraft II is one of the finest titles available on PC. Polished and bulging with enough content to last for years, it’s an absolute triumph.

Under The Garden - PC

2010-08-05T22:28:00.007+01:00

I've been playing Paul Greasley's indie PC title Under The Garden for most of the evening and it's superb. The game is set in a harsh, unpredictable outdoor environment, and the goal is to survive for as many days as you can.

You can cut down trees for lumber to make fires, hunt animals for their meat, mine rocks for useful items and rebuild your small cabin in the heart of the countryside.

When you're out and about, your stamina bar drains. When the weather is particularly bad, it drops at an alarming rate. Standing next to a fire restores lost stamina, and exploring the wilderness while leaving yourself enough time to get home is a delicate balancing act.

While you play, a beautiful minimalist soundtrack tinkles along in the background, which adds to the game's beautiful atmosphere.

There's also an unsettling zombie survival mode, which makes for a nice change of pace. It's fun, but lacks the substance of the main game.

The game is free to download, and you can get it from here

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies - DS

2010-07-31T11:09:00.005+01:00

Along with Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest is one of the biggest franchises in Japan. The games date back to 1986, when the first title made its debut on Nintendo’s NES system. However, the series has only become truly international over the course of the last few years.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King arrived on PS2 in 2006, while Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (2008) and Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (2009) were remade for the DS, helping to introduce European audiences to the series for the first time.

While some elements in this ninth instalment are still firmly rooted in the dark days of ancient role playing games, developer Level 5 have streamlined the experience making it easily the most accessible game in the long-running series.

You take on the role of a fallen angel, whose wings have been clipped by a dark and mysterious power. Regaining consciousness on terra firma, your character finds his halo and wings gone, and sets out on a mission to help others in the hope his angelic aura will return.

While the central tale throws up traditional dungeon crawls and end of level bosses, the player is generally free to explore and take on dozens of sidequests. And you’ll want to explore every inch of the land, as not only does exploration throw up delightful surprises, but the quality of the whimsical script is rather special.

There’s a strong emphasis on character design, and the localisation team have done a sterling job in bringing each of the main figures’ personalities to the fore. The range of regional dialects shines through, and Scottish players will take great delight in reading through some of the Tartan-tinged dialogue.

The game caters for four-player co-op, but unfortunately it is only for local play, not a full online experience. However, solo players need not worry, as three other computer controlled comrades can be recruited - each one adding strength and tactical nous to the battles.

Standard classes such as warrior, mage and priest are available from the start, but later in the game, these can be swapped, mixed and changed to give you band of adventurers a unique flavour.

Each story along the course of the main quest is beautifully presented, every one throwing up new and unique situations. Reuniting a knight with his true love, curing a small village from a deadly plague, and encouraging a fishing community back into work are just some of the tasks woven into the game.

There’s a fair amount of sadness peppered throughout, too, which belies the sugar-coated presentation. The monsters who inhabit the world are a colourful bunch, and their vivid and expressive style is a far cry from Final Fantasy’s poe-faced adversaries. Creatures might have kid friendly names such as Badger Mager, Mummy Boy, Knocktopus and Ragin’ Contagion but they’re no pushovers.

Mixing up party attacks is key, but it’s this area which is a a bit disappointing. While the game does away with random encounters, there is no way of knowing which party member will strike next. This leads to unavoidable deaths, which is incredibly frustrating as it’s a problem which could have been easily rectified. Still, with a bit of forward planning and approaching boss encounters cautiously, success is well within reach.

One of the game’s trump cards lies in the way every weapon and piece of armour is visually represented on your character. This gives the game a Diablo/World of Warcraft feel and with hundreds of items in the game, and an online store, everyone will be able to create their own unique look.

Another great addition is the inclusion of the crafting system. Gathering ingredients on your travels is worthwhile as they can be combined with other objects to make new weapons, armour and items. This part alone will occupy you for hours and it’s another nod to online games such as World of Warcraft.

Dragon Quest IX is a truly wonderful game, and the best role playing game I’ve played in years. It oozes charm, looks and sounds fantastic, and has been perfectly tailored to suit Nintendo’s hand-held system. One of the most magical experiences on the DS and a contender for game of the year.

Videogame music

2010-07-28T14:39:00.003+01:00

Videogame music is generally looked down upon by non-gamers. But for those who know better, the inclusion of a cracking soundtrack adds immesurably to the gaming experience.

Below, I've listed a few of my all-time favourites. Let me know what you think, or feel free to put a few suggestions my way.

Minecraft - PC, Mac, Linux

2010-07-23T14:48:00.012+01:00

Regular readers will know I love Dwarf Fortress. Its free-form gameplay and insane levels of complexity make for a quite brilliant and absorbing game.

But there is a new obsession in my life - a game which takes elements from Dwarf Fortress, throws in a bit of Rogue and adds a generous glug of 3D Dot Game Heroes - and it’s called Minecraft.

You begin the game plonked in the middle of a vast randomly generated world and you are then completely free to do what you want. Every item in the world must be created from scratch, but you better be quick, because when night falls, the nasties come out to play.

You start by chopping down trees to get wood, which in turn can be used to make planks and tools. It’s vital to find coal as soon as possible which can then be combined with sticks to make torches. When night falls, evil zombies and other nocturnal creatures will keep well away from the bright lights.

A crafting bench, storage boxes and a furnace are next on the list, while combining sticks and stones makes more robust weapons and tools.

While exploring during daylight hours, animals can be farmed for food and skins - the latter are used to craft armour. But when the light gradually starts to disappear, you’ll want to get home quickly to avoid the prowling mobs.

Finding your way back to your base and closing the door on the inky blackness is always a welcome relief. And when you hear the zombies moaning outside your door, you’ll be glad you are safe and sound.

I’m currently in a great place, and the pictures here are all my own. Some of them show my fledgling mountainside home - complete with natural lava flow - while the others show a zombie burning in the morning sun, snow on the hills and the inside of a natural cave.

By mining deeper and deeper, you can find gold and diamond, which again are used to craft armour and robust weapons.

To make windows, you need to build a furnace, chop some wood, then add sand. As you can see, I've used glass around the entrance as well as using it to create the windows in the rock face.

The work I've done here took me the best part of four hours, but I'm quite pleased with the results. Long way to go, though.

The game is currently is alpha testing and it costs around £8 to buy. A free browser based version can be played, although it lacks many of the features of the paid-for version, while you can't save your progress.

New content is poured in every week and there are huge plans for the game as the months and years go by.

Over the past few weeks, snow, boats, cacti and cows have been added - so who knows what will appear later today.

For more info about the game, visit the official website. And if you want to dig even deeper into the game, the Minecraft Wiki is essential reading.

And just to give you a flavour of what can be achieved, take a look at this amazing minecart/rollercoaster level. Enjoy!

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