NiGHTS into Dreams HD - Return to Nightopia is only a few weeks away

I have very fond memories of the Sega Saturn and in particular, long evenings spent playing NiGHTS into Dreams with that wonderful, circular controller. The combination of bright visuals, smooth gameplay and an amazing soundtrack blew me away and I spent hours memorising levels, stringing chains together and perfecting swooping runs through Nightopia.

So when it was announced NiGHTS was to receive the HD treatment for 360 and PS3, I was overjoyed. Today it was announced the game will be coming to Europe on both platforms in the first week of October, so only a few weeks to wait. But even better news was close behind, with the announcement that players will also be given access to Christmas NiGHTS, which was originally given away as a demo disc via special promotions back in the mid-Nineties.

While this festive version of NiGHTS only features two levels, it used the Saturn's internal clock to change aspects of the game. As the 360 and PS3 are always online, I really can't wait to experience these time-sensitive unlocks in glorious HD.

And with Jet Set Radio HD only a few days away, there's plenty for Dreamcast fans to get excited about over the next few weeks.

Let's Go Island 3D - arcade

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

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:

Yakuza 4: A stroll through Kamurocho

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.

Yakuza 3 - PS3

It has taken more than a year, but Sega have finally brought the third instalment of their Japanese crime-based series to the West.

Fans were overjoyed when Sega confirmed the news, but less so when they discovered segments of the game had been removed to make it more palatable for Western audiences. And while it's disappointing cuts have been made, Yakuza 3 still towers above the vast majority of software currently on the market.

Stepping once again into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu - the former Yakuza boss with a heart of gold - the game starts at an unusually sedate pace.

Kazuma has left Tokyo to open an orphanage in the coastal town of Okinawa. However it's not long until he swaps his Hawaiian shirt for a steely grey suit and flies back to Tokyo, where he is drawn into yet another gangland turf war with more than a hint of political intrigue.

The opening few hours gently guide the player around the coastal town, with Kazuma running errands, taking part in side quests, looking after the orphanage and beating up the local bad guys with the usual assortment of golf clubs, baseball bats, and shop signs.

The core gameplay hasn't really changed since the 2005 original, with the same flaws still apparent - it's still far to easy to take fresh air swings in battle due to the game's clumsy camera set up, the dialogue scenes are stilted and firmly set in the PS2 era, while managing your inventory is still a bit of a chore.

Still, the series has always been more than the sum of its parts, and what Yakuza 3 lacks in overall finesse, it more than makes up for in its cracking soap opera story line, range of diverse activities and quirky Japanese flavour.

The combat lies at the heart of the experience, and when it clicks it's an absolute joy. It's incredibly satisfying, and helped enormously by the range of moves unlocked as you progress.

Special moves can be beefed up using experienced gained from normal bouts of fisticuffs, while more exotic combat moves can be unlocked by witnessing certain situations while wandering around town. Each deliciously over-the-top revelation always raises a smile, and my favourite - so far - is seeing a drunk Japanese businessman attempt to pole dance on a lamp-post.

While you could easily breeze through the game in around 25 hours, it's possible to spend at least three times that by taking part in the game's side quests and activities.

When not progressing the story, Kazuma is free to wander about the fictional sun-kissed resort of Okinawa, or explore the sizzling neon streets and alleyways of Tokyo's Kabukicho district.

Talking to people either results in learning vital snippets of information or starts a sub-quest. There are 80+ optional quests to take on, and each is wonderfully presented. From trying to resolve an argument about instant ramen noodles to taking part in a Samurai flick - in a lovely nod to Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan! - there is plenty of content to get stuck in to.

And that's not all. Kazuma can also play darts, golf, baseball, poker, blackjack, roulette, pool, go bowling, sing in karaoke bars, eat in a variety of restaurants, get drunk in bars, go on dates, play games in the Club Sega arcade, modify weapons and find hidden locker keys.

There's also a fantastic fishing game on the beach in Okinawa, which is beautifully done. With a large selection of sea creatures to catch, this activity could easily keep you occupied for hours.

These activities are completely optional, but are central to the Yakuza experience. It's a pleasure immersing yourself in Kazuma Kiryu's weird and wonderful world and you'll come away from it with a huge grin plastered across your face.

Visually, the game looks dated in places. That's not to say it looks bad, but some textures are muddy while the game looks slightly soft around the edges.

However, it has to be said that Yakuza 3's environments are wonderful. Aside from Grand Theft Auto IV, no other video game city has felt more visually arresting. And, thanks to the game's excellent use of audio, Yakuza 3 drips with atmosphere.

For those who missed out on the first two games, video recaps are available from the main menu and are essential viewing to catch up on the story's central characters.

It's no secret the first two games on PS2 sold poorly in the West, but you really would be missing out on one of this year's most spellbinding games if you let Yakuza 3 slip through your fingers.

Old school Shenmue fans will notice more than a few similarities and it really is one of the finest games released this year.

Bayonetta - 360/PS3

The battle between Heaven and Hell is hardly a new plot device in videogames, but never has it been conveyed quite like this.

Bayonetta, a sassy leather-clad witch with super-human powers, is on a one-woman mission to reveal the truth about her past in a game that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Devil May Cry series. The story is somewhat absurd and at times is almost impossible to comprehend, but that doesn’t stop Bayonetta from being a flashy and highly polished rollercoaster ride.

From the guns on her ankles to the panther-like way she nimbly outflanks her opponents, Bayonetta is one of the most striking videogame characters of recent times. Her ice cool demeanor in the face of some truly jaw-dropping foes marks her out as the most recognisable female protagonists this side of Lara Croft.
Although the game is a largely linear experience, it’s the fluid combat which sets Bayonetta apart from other hack and slash titles. Button mashing is effective, but getting the most out of Bayonetta requires careful study of the game’s rich and deep combo system.

Bayonetta’s every move is beautifully choreoagraphed and as you would expect from a game featuring a sultry vamp who conjures giant stilettos from thin air to pummel her foes and summons demons from her jet-black hair, every aspect of Bayonetta is deliciously over the top.

From running up the walls of a towering structure and leaping through dimensional portals, to messing with the flow of time and battling gargantuan celestial beings, Bayonetta oozes quality throughout the 12 hours you’ll spend in her company on the first play through.

Combat is further refined by the addition of Witch Time, activated when Bayonetta successfully dodges an enemy attack at the last possible moment. Slow motion kicks in giving the bespectacled protagonist precious time to unleash a devastating series of strikes. It helps, of course, that the control system is beautifully implemented. Each press of a button gracefully moves Bayonetta into action, making the game a joy to watch and play.

While it's easy to heap praise on Bayonetta, it's not the perfect game some would have you believe. While the heavenly hosts you face in battle are impressive, many of the same creatures pop up throughout the game. This lessens the impact and leads to some monotonous trawls, as Bayonetta smacks down the same enemies time and time again. The game's visuals are eye-popping, but occasional slowdown and screen tearing spoil the effects, while the cut scenes tend to drag in places.

Checkpoints are well placed, but you can only save to the hard drive after every level, something which caused me a bit of grief in latter stages.

There's nothing game-breaking here, but there's just enough to blot the copy book. Still, the good outweighs the bad by a considerable margin and even after completing the main quest there are still plenty of unlockables stashed away to entice you back.

Bayonetta is simply a brilliant title. Play it for an hour and she'll have her hooks in you. Time flies by as you zone into the action, becoming one with the controller as your thumbs effortlessly press in button combos to unleash deadly attacks. A magnificent title that falls just short of being an all-time great.

A look ahead to 2010

Christmas has traditionally been a time when developers release their blockbuster titles hoping to maximise sales as people scour the shops looking for presents. But there has been a shift in focus this year, with many big name titles set to land in the first half of 2010 instead of the usual pre-Christmas rush. I've highlighted six games which I'm really excited about that will launch in the first half of the new year

Heavy Rain - PlayStation 3

The spiritual successor to 2005's Fahrenheit, Quantic Dream prove they are the masters of storytelling with Heavy Rain - a rich and complex narrative-driven experience which sets the benchmark for visuals and animation in video games. Heavy Rain is a psychological thriller, which puts you in control of four characters, all bound to the activities of a murderer known as The Origami Killer. Through interacting with people and objects, the player slowly unravels the mystery, with each choice having a lasting effect throughout the game. The story is beautifully crafted and thanks to the jaw-dropping visuals, the player is sucked into the dark world Quantic Dream have created. I've had preview code for the last few weeks and can confirm the game is set to be something truly special. Its slow pace might put some people off, but those looking for a deep and rewarding experience will find Heavy Rain irresistible when it launches next month.

Mass Effect 2 - 360/PC

Bioware's original sci-fi epic was launched in 2007 and became a worldwide success. The sequel once again puts you in the shoes of Commander Shepard, as he and his team investigate the rise of a new enemy who are abducting human colonies in deep space. Mass Effect's galaxy has been expanded for the sequel, while gunplay looks to have been tightened up - something that was desperately needed after the original's slightly flimsy shooting action. Character interaction was one of Mass Effect's high points, with dialogue choices impacting on how others perceived your character. Knowing Bioware, this feature will again play a central role in the sequel. Mass Effect 2 also looks spectacular, boasting better animation and improved textures. With a raft of improvements right across the board, sci-fi fans looking for an epic adventure should be well catered for when the game blasts off on January 29.

Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3/360

After years of waiting, the 13th installment of the most popular role-playing game on the planet is almost here. It's already shifted 1.8million copies in Japan since it launched in the middle of December and it's clear this will be one of the biggest titles of the year in the West. Following Final Fantasy XII's free-roaming, action-orientated approach, FF XIII returns to a more linear format. The Japanese demo only gave a small taste of what we can expect from the combat, but turn-based battles return, although random encounters have thankfully been canned. The art team at Square Enix have been hard at work and the sumptuous visuals are incredible, while gamers can expect another epic musical score to set the tone. Final Fantasy XIII is released on March 9.

Monster Hunter Tri - Wii

Monster Hunter has been the saviour of the PSP in Japan, where people simply can't get enough of the series. Millions of copies have been sold on Sony's hand-held, but for the first time since the PS2, the series is coming to a home console. Unlike traditional role playing games, Monster Hunter doesn't feature a main story to wade through. Instead, the player takes on a series of quests to slay wild creatures, and use their remains to craft elaborate and effective armour and weapons. Hundreds of items can be crafted, and it's this kill and craft gameplay which is so compulsive. Full online play will be included, with up to four hunters taking on quests together. This should make the Monster Hunter much more fun than trudging through quests solo.

Yakuza 3 - PlayStation 3

Following months of speculation, Sega announced they will be bringing part three of their celebrated series to the West. The Yakuza games focus on Kazuma Kiryu, a hard-hitting Japanese tough guy with a heart of gold and fists of steel. The storyline in the first two PS2 games was wonderful stuff, delving into the murky depths of the violent Japanese underworld, with plenty of twists, turns, backstabbing and memorable characters. While the combat was satisfying, it wasn't perfect - with the player often taking fresh air swings due to slightly clumsy controls. Judging from the Japanese demo, nothing much has changed in that regard. Still, with beautifully polished visuals and plenty of side quests - including golf, pool, darts, roulette, Black Jack, dice throwing, hostess clubs, videogame arcades, karaoke bars and 10-pin bowling, Yakuza 3 is definitely one to watch when it launches across Europe in March.

BioShock 2 - 360/PlayStation 3/PC

 

I'm not the world's biggest fan of first-person shooters, but 2007's BioShock completely changed my opinion on the genre. Let loose in an atmospheric underwater city, full of genetically modified freaks, was a thrilling experience and BioShock 2 - which is set 10 years after the events of the first game - is set to eclipse its predecessor. Taking control of the original Big Daddy - a hulking brute clad in ancient deep sea diving gear - the player will stomp their way through the decaying city of Rapture. Plasmids return, with these genetic super powers able to unleash chaos through the Art Deco inspired underwater city. With full multiplayer included this time and 2K's usual attention to detail, BioShock 2 is set to be one of the highlight of 2010 when it's released on February 9.

Jambo! Safari - Wii

I have long waited for a home console version of this Sega arcade classic - as I have very fond memories of stuffing handfuls of cash into the coin-op a few years ago.

However, don't be fooled. While this Wii version contains the arcade cabinet's core gameplay - based around rounding up wild animals from the safety of a jeep - it's changed from a tense bumpy ride across African plains into a long-winded, mission-based experience.

Elements from Crazy Taxi and Sega Bass Fishing are present, but the game is let down in a number of areas. Sega have aimed straight at a younger age group, padding the game to appeal to kids with an abundance of side shows to detract from the main gam. That's fine for newcomers, but it's sad Sega saw fit to add extra layers where they're not needed.

The Wii controls are well used, with the player forced to swing the Wiimote and flick it as they let the lasso fly. Straining to capture the captured beast is a test of wits, as a careful eye must be kept on line-tension in case the animal manages to break free - hello, Sega Bass Fishing! It's during these moments when fond memories of the arcade original are most keenly felt.

Graphics are unfortunately nothing special, with a poor draw distance causing objects such as trees and rocks to pop into view at the last moment. However, it's still a pleasure taking the jeep for a spin across the sizeable levels, while African beats drum away in the background.

Jambo! Safari is still enjoyable, but the needless side missions detract from the simple beauty of the arcade game. Kids will get a kick out of caring for sickly zebras, but coin-op fans should approach with caution.

MadWorld - Wii

Coming hot on the heels of the wonderfully entertaining shooter House of the Dead: Overkill, Sega have more gory, over the top fun in store for Wii owners in the shape of MadWorld.

Created by Platinum Games - made up of members of the now defunct Clover Studios, who brought us the beautiful PS2 and Wii title Okami - MadWorld is an arena-style brawler, with the emphasis firmly on racking up huge scores by delivering brutal and stylish combos.

The first thing to grab your attention is the striking art direction. Taking obvious inspiration from Frank Miller's Sin City with a dash of old school 2000AD comics, MadWorld's mostly monochrome palate is a triumph. It might look flat and lifeless in static screenshots, but when the game is in full-flow, it looks incredible.

Rather than limit the player to punches, kicks and throws, MadWorld revels in letting the player utilise the environment to wreak havoc and inflict maximum damage - enemies can be thrown head first into burning bins or down toilets, street signs can be ripped up and used as weapons, bodies can be chopped in half with your chainsaw, while spiked walls can be utilised for particularly nasty finishing moves.

The gruesome action is accompanied by an excellent hip hop heavy soundtrack, while Greg Proops and Futurama's John DiMaggio provide the entertaining and expletive-laden commentary.

While the core gameplay and high production values shine through, MadWorld unfortunately does have its problems. The central gameplay tends to get repetitive fairly quickly and it's definitely best to experience the brutal action in small doses.

Boss battles can infuriate due to their regenerating health bars, while the MadWorld experience is over in a rather abrupt 5-6 hours. Another fly in the ointment is the lack of 480p support. For a game which relies on its stylised visuals to pack a punch, it is somewhat baffling why Sega and Platinum Games left this feature out.

However, for its fun combat and wonderful visual style, MadWorld deserves to be praised. It's an above average title that is sure to become a cult classic.

Images courtesy of Sega

House of the Dead: Overkill - Wii

This revamp of the classic arcade and Dreamcast shooter is one of the most entertaining titles of the year so far.

Rather than churn out another remake of the original with bonus features, Sega have taken the series in a new direction. They’ve dispensed with the serious tone of the original, giving the development team the opportunity to let their imaginations run riot.

Full of B-movie shtick, the game revels in showering the player in buckets of blood, cheesy dialogue, an outrageous assortment of characters and copious amounts of bad language.

The game’s central characters - Agent G and Detective Isaac Washington - provide the backbone to the relentless and extremely gory action. Their love/hate relationship, leads to some entertaining foul-mouthed dialogue, which is extremely amusing for all the wrong reasons.

As you would expect from a light gun-style shooter, the action is relentless and the enemies varied. Grotesque mutants, insane clowns and festering hospital patients come at you from all sides. Luckily, the Wiimote was made for this type of game, and, aside from a few minuscule lock-ups during loading, the action is smooth and fast-paced throughout.

Each level has bonus objectives and collectibles to shoot at, while there's a great combo system in place which ensures multiple playthroughs. Not only that, but new weapons can be bought and upgraded and messing around with them is great fun.

Add to that an excellent two-player mode, and House of the Dead: Overkill is an essential purchase for Wii owners looking for some over the top shooting action.

Images courtesy of Sega

Valkyria Chronicles - PS3

Valkyria Chronicles was released a few months ago, and, although it is one of the finest games on the PS3, many people might have missed it due to the insane amount of games released in the run up to Christmas.

Sega's Valkyria Chronicles is an action strategy RPG, a piece of software that is not only visually stunning, but one that offers hours of fantastic though-provoking turn-based action.

Set in an alternative Europe, called Europa, in the mid-Thirties, war rages between the Atlantic Federation and the Imperial Alliance. The neutral country of Gallia is caught between these two military superpowers and eventually comes under attack from the Empire's Imperial Army.

As part of the Gallian Militia, you are thrown into the struggle to defend your homeland, and try and repel the constant attacks from the Empire's forces.

The game features the CANVAS graphics engine, which introduces a breathtaking art style. The game looks as if it has been created using a blend of illustration and splashes of watercolour and the end result is incredible.

The presentation throughout is equally good, with each chapter in the game laid out in picture book form. Each mission is sandwiched between wonderful cut-scenes and although there are many of these to watch, they are thoroughly entertaining.

When it comes time to experience the turn-based conflict, Valkyria Chronicles shines.

Before heading to the battlefield, you have to choose your squad from a list of dozens of characters and classes. And this is where the game begins to show its incredible depth.

Each character has their own unique traits, which affects their performance on the frontline.

For example, a character who is Country Bred gets an accuracy boost when standing on soil, while a Born Leader gets a defensive boost while standing near allies. On the flip side, some characters have weaknesses. Someone with a Pollen Allergy has their health drained when standing near too much foliage, for example. It's a brilliant addition and allows you to pick and choose different squads depending on what type of terrain the mission takes place on.

There's a decent selection of classes to take control of, from the nimble Scouts, to the heavy duty tank-busting Lancers. Who you choose to send out is completely up to you.

The battle phase is split into command mode and action mode. Command mode gives you a top-down map of the battlefield with icons showing your squad and enemy positions. Once you've chosen a unit to move, the camera zooms in on your team and Action Mode begins.

As you move your unit, an action bar depletes, curtailing your range of movement and as each unit can only fire once per turn, it's vital to plan your tactics.

If a squad member is seriously injured, you have thee turns to get to them and call a medic, otherwise they die. Like Fire Emblem, when a character dies, they are gone forever. This makes the player care about their team and can lead to frantic dashes across no man's land to rescue a downed squad mate.

Once you've used up all your turns, the enemy makes its moves, and so it goes until you complete the objective, or die trying.

As there are so many characters to choose from, Sega have decided to do away with character levelling. Instead, classes can be levelled which takes away the chore of grinding individual characters.


Between battles, there's plenty of things to occupy your time. You can return to base, where you can organise your squad, spend cash on beefing up your weapons and armour and make modifications to your tank. There's even a newspaper to read to find out the latest news from the front line.

There's also the welcome addition of taking part in skirmishes. These battlegrounds take place outside the main story and are the perfect place to hone your skills and tinker with formations.

Unfortunately there is no online option, which is a real pity. The chess-like structure of Valkyria Chronicles would be perfect for competitive online matches and its exclusion is disappointing - as is the lack of trophy support.

As someone who loves strategy RPGs, I was worried that Valkyria Chronicles would be all style and no substance. But after playing through the game, I can confirm that is definitely not the case.

An engaging story, great voice work, jaw-dropping visuals, a beautiful soundtrack and rock solid gameplay adds up to a must-buy for all PS3 owners.

This is a game that people will look back on with fondness in years to come. If you miss out now, you'll regret it, so if you see a copy, grab it.

images courtesy of Sega