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Metareview: Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops
Are you happy to see me? Or is that just a Snake in your pants? Solid Snake goes portable in a big way. Get ready for the biggest non-shock of the year: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is good. Very good. In fact, it's THE killer app that Sony fans have been waiting for: 1UP (95/100) - "All this translates into a game that essentially pushes the PSP in all of its features: graphics, portability, Internet, extra hardware doohickeys, and multiplayer. Sure, it might have hiccups (occasional ghosting, quirky A.I., the one analog nub), but Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is not only a fine MGS title -- it's also a damn good showcase for the PSP.". IGN (90/100) - "It's been a long time coming, but this is what Metal Gear Solid fans, and indeed PSP fans have been waiting for: a title that demonstrates what the technology of the PSP can actually do, with a solid action title to boot. The GPS and WiFi scanning feature is excellently implemented, the online and single player modes are deep, and there are plenty of things to do by tracking down and recruiting new soldiers from various places. This is one of the games to add to your collection if you have the PSP.". Yahoo (80/100) - "This is one of the PSP's best multiplayer titles, giving you essentially a two-for-one experience. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops isn't a must-have for everyone, but most gamers recruited into its ranks will be satisfied." The game has shipped to retailers, so expect them in stores today or tomorrow. Rush in to your game store, and tell us what you think about the game!
Metareview - Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin [update 1]
We've been waiting for this one a long, long time. And, finally, it has arrived. Arrived and been well-received by the critics. Taking over as two heroes in Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Jonathan Morris the vampire hunter and Charlotte Orlean, his magical sidekick, this latest adventure takes place during World War II. Of course, Dracula comes back into the picture and the ever-familiar conflict once again presents itself. The difference this time around, according to the game's critics, is that the adventure is the best the franchise has ever seen, presenting new gameplay mechanics and touch-screen interaction that lacks that gimmicky feel it did in Dawn of Sorrow. GamePro - 90%: "A game that not only reaffirms the series' greatness, but is easily one of the best handheld games released this year." Game Informer - 93%: "Putting two characters in the player's hands proves to be an ingenious way of expanding on Castlevania's bread-and-butter action. It's been done before, but Portrait of Ruin's system is particularly smooth in execution." Nintendo Power - 90%: "Portrait of Ruin provides a whole lot more of a very good thing, and Castlevania fans won't be disappointed with the results." [Jan. 2007, p.114] [Update: Fixed link in graphic.]
Metareview: Star Trek Tactical Assault
You guys guessed it! The new Star Trek game on PSP didn't fare too well at all. The series certainly looks like it's on its dying breath: no new movie, no new television series, and no good games. Let's find out why the critics disliked Bethesda's offering for the franchise: G4TV (60/100) - "The actual ship controls leave something to be desired... Since weapons need time to charge between each burst, combat is also rather slow-paced-particularly before your officers reach higher ranks. Overall, the action feels too slow for an action game, yet too arcade-like for a real tactical experience." GameSpot (62/100) - "Star Trek: Tactical Assault is brimming with good ideas that just don't feel fleshed out. It's got a nice strategic concept but doesn't run far enough with it. Even with two lengthy campaigns and skirmish options, it doesn't feel quite complete. The underused license is also a shame because a little Captain Kirk goes a long way. Trekkies will find Tactical Assault worth a look, but there isn't enough Star Trek or strategy to give life to the game's promising concept." IGN (64/100) - "As far as Trek games go, Tactical Assault beats out many of its predecessors. Sadly, that's not too hard to do. It offers a decent mix of strategy and action, though both halves never gel very well. The option to pilot several vessels in two different campaigns is definitely nice, but the story and missions could have used more variety. Lastly, Tactical Assault looks and sounds the part, though Trek aficionados will still find the game's presentation ho-hum."
Metareview: Sega Genesis Collection
When we first announced that Sega Genesis Collection was heading to the PSP with nearly 30 games to play on, many of you nearly pissed in your pants. At only $30, the collection is quite a steal, especially compared to Virtual Console prices ($8 for one Genesis game). What did the critics think of this orgy of games? Gamespot (81/100) calls it a winner - "The Sega Genesis Collection is one of the most satisfying, well-put-together classic game compilations to date... Even if you were an avid fan of the Genesis back in its heyday, chances are you never got around to playing a number of these games, many of which are still quite fun and remarkably challenging even by today's standards." Modojo (80/100) also thinks it's great - "This is still a wondrous trip down memory lane, with loads of 16-bit titles to invest hours in all over again. It's almost enough to make you want to go to the flea market and hunt down a lumbering old Sega CD unit. Almost." Deeko (75/100) thinks there's great stuff in a sea of crap - "I'll freely admit that many of the games in the collection are pure garbage, but for the most part, you're getting a wide assortment of games that literally covers the entire Sega Genesis spectrum - with four full length role-playing games to really keep you busy being the creme de la creme!" There's a ton of compilations coming out, but to be honest, it seems like this one is the best of the bunch. Too bad it's missing Streets of Rage.
Metareview: Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City
This franchise has come a long way since it was released on the 3DO back in the mid-90s. I remember how frustrated I got having to slow down to a near stop just to successfully navigate a curve. But now, the Need for Speed franchise is one of the best around, and it seems Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City continues the franchises forward progression. PGNx Media (87/100) - It's one of the rare times where you should purchase both the console versions and the PSP version since both offer different yet extremely compelling racing.Games Radar (80/100) - We're definitely keen on the PSP version, serving up some solid racing fun that'll get your heart pumping and your fingers moving. Just be sure to get by with a little help from your friends.IGN (70/100) - Own the City simply feels like more of the same. Sure, there's an open city and wingmen that'll take out your opponents during a race, but neither of these are huge, game-changing additions.I haven't had the chance to play the game yet, but from these reviews, it seems like a pretty decent game. Hopefully, EA continues the Need for Speed franchise on the PSP.
Metareview: Red Steel
Looks like the game did not recover from its less-than-stellar showing at E3. With two of the three largest game reviewing outlets slapping the game silly in their reviews, are we to believe the game is that bad? What do you fine and intelligent readers who picked the game up already say? Gamespot - 55%: "Red Steel isn't completely devoid of merit, but it's a half-baked, buggy game that feels rushed and poorly executed. There's a good concept in here somewhere, as a swords-and-guns shooter pitting you against yakuza villains certainly seems like it could be very exciting. However, the experience itself hardly fulfills any of the promises behind it. So if you're looking for an exciting new way to simulate gunning or cutting lots of dudes down using the Wii Remote, you'd best keep looking." eToychest - 78%: "However, despite its faults, the long and short of it is that Red Steel is a fun first-person shooter, and hopefully a decent indicator of where developers will be able to take this genre on the Wii. The title controls extremely fluid, and is likely to draw praise from those PC gamers who up until now have been turned off by how the first-person shooter genre has been portrayed on the home console market. This is certainly one of the stronger titles for the Wii's retail debut, and while certainly not for everyone, is still a commendable example of the immersive experiences the Wii is capable of conveying." 1UP - 50%: "Don't be fooled into thinking Red Steel reinvents the FPS. It's nothing more than a ho-hum shooter with a creative but flawed gimmick stapled on. Sure, it might not steal the launch lineup, but at least it proves this type of game is welcome on the Wii."
Metareview: Rayman Raving Rabbids
The Wii launch window is teeming with minigame madness. Between Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, the upcoming WarioWare: Smooth Moves, and the devil bunnies in Rayman Raving Rabbids, what's a gamer to do? Time to check out the reviews. So far, Rayman and the legions of rabbids haven't seen a lot of review time, but what's out there seems solid. Looking for twisted humor, cow tossing, and freaky bunnies? Rayman's got it.Deeko - 85%: A lot of people are spoiled because of the next-gen graphics seen on the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the fact of the matter is the graphics in Rayman are very good and serve to prove that this little system has more power than you'd think. The game's overall presentation is wonderfully colorful, superbly animated and highly detailed, running at a very fluid 30 frames per second. Those who feel jaded because the graphics aren't on par with a next-gen console need to get over themselves, because the game is visually quite impressive and that's no small feat. Musically, the soundtrack is all over the place in terms of presentation, with some very strange Rabbid renditions of classic rock tunes, coupled with a handful of interesting musical pieces created for the game. It's eclectic, most certainly, but works quite well. The voices are more like odd sound bytes, which is very traditional Rayman and that is a very good thing. The Rabbid voiceovers are particularly amusing and only add to their overall charm and allure. IGN - 83%: Purists, traditionalists, conventional snobs - none of these people will be happy to read it, but Ubisoft's Rayman Ravving Rabbids completely ditches the franchise's trademark platformer background. Let's be clear to avoid any confusion: there is no platforming to be found in this Wii-exclusive title, which arrives from the undeniably talented Beyond Good & Evil team, led by Rayman creator Michel Ancel. In place of those run-and-jump levels are mini-games designed around the Wii remote. There is a central storyline that sews the minis together, but make no mistake: this project is Ubisoft's deeper, prettier WarioWare. It may not follow the classic Rayman template, but Rabbids is nevertheless a welcomed addition to Wii's launch lineup for it is a fun and oftentimes hilarious game and an ideal choice for the old-school and new-school alike ... The majority of minis in the title are fun whether you're playing by yourself or with friends, although there are the occasional duds. The biggest drawback is that many of the minis are not designed for simultaneous play; instead you go in sequence. But even with that being true the experience is still engaging and addictive and the title's sense of humor is in a league of its own. It is almost unfair to label this effort a Rayman game because the real stars of the project are the bunnies, whose blank faces and inevitable agonized screams will make you laugh over and over again.
Metareview: Viva Piata
Microsoft's Pokémon inspired children's title, Viva Piñata has finally hit the market and is picking up some reviews. Most of the reviews are very positive, though some note that Viva Piñata probably won't satisfy the twitch-happy Gears of War crowd. Then again, it's not really designed for action fans, though many reviews are claiming that it's actually very complex. Sitting somewhere between The Sims and Animal Crossing, Viva Piñata is performing admirably. It currently has an average of 85 on Metacritic. Gamespot (8.3/10) - "It oozes charm and personality from its every papier-mâché-covered pore. While it's accessible enough for those with very little gaming experience (and their children), it also has enough depth to keep any of you with a Pokemon-style "gotta catch 'em all" mentality--or perhaps a penchant for gardening--entertained for many hours." IGN (8.5/10) - "... it seems like a serious oversight to not include the ability to show off your garden in some way to your friends. Here is a game where you spend all of your time cultivating and shaping your garden space -- and you can't show it to anybody on Live. The only way for them to see it is to be right next to you." 1UP (9/10) - "Rare has certainly recaptured its former glory here, and in producing one of the most misunderstood games of the year, it has also produced one of the finest in its history, and certainly one of the most intriguing on 360. To dismiss it as "just for kids" would be foolish. You are not too cool to enjoy this game." 1UP wasn't the only review to share the ironic sentiment that Viva Piñata -- a franchise specifically designed to rake in your kids' cash -- is one of the best Rare games in years. Will Microsoft's famous investment finally pay off?
Metareview: Trauma Center: Second Opinion
It may be a port of the DS game, but Atlus has assured us it is in no way a quick and half-assed effort to bring the DS game to the Wii. It has new graphics and new missions, which is everything on paper making it out to be a new game experience. Has Atlus succeeded or did gamers have enough of surgery on their DS? The critics say: IGN - 80%: "Putting aside the fact that Second Opinion is a retelling of the DS version, the game is absolutely perfect as an introductory game for Wii players. There's a ton of diversity in the missions, an all-new Hard mode for previous fans of the series, and an entirely new sixth chapter of the game to appease the "been there, done that" attitude of the hardcore crowd." GameSpot - 80%: "This is about as unorthodox of a launch title for a new game system as they come, but then again, the Wii is pretty unorthodox too. So maybe it shouldn't come as any surprise that the game and the console make a great match. Trauma Center: Second Opinion isn't going to wow anybody with its presentation, yet it's got so much inventive gameplay and takes such a spirited approach to its subject matter that it still stands out from the crowd." 1UP - 65%: "Don't let the score dissuade you from playing the game. It is enjoyable. Actually, it reminds me of that college professor who taught a fun class but didn't explain things very well -- in the end, you didn't learn as much as you could have. Second Opinion's fun, but in the end, you feel like you didn't enjoy it as much as you should have."
Metareview: Tomb Raider Legend
It's been awhile since Ms. Croft has graced a Nintendo system and, according to the latest reviews of Tomb Raider Legend on the DS, it's for good reason. This port of an otherwise enjoyable title is apparently lacking some TLC, resulting in one unenjoyable time. That's a shame, we were hoping this would be more fun than it seems ... Nintendo Power - 45%: "In the future, hopefully Eidos's commitment to rejuvenating the series will carry over to the handheld installments, but this uninspired port feels like it belongs to the crumbling franchise of a few years ago rather than the new and improved Legend." [Dec. 2006, p.105] Games Radar - 50%: "Despite all of the frustration, however, Tomb Raider on DS can still be great fun at times - as long as you've got super-human patience and are prepared to squint a lot." Pocket Gamer UK - 40%: "Indeed, so much of what was an otherwise quality adventure has been lost in the transition, this is more like a book of the film where half of the pages have been torn out. Avoid."
Metareview: Excite Truck
While we had plenty of time with Excite Truck, we haven't had time to get up our review (we'll get it up soon, we swear). While we wait, why not take a look at what some of the other reviewers out there are saying about the ramp-jumping, Wiimote-turning racer. Overall, reviews have been positive, however there have been a handful of those that feel the game is too simplistic or unfinished. GameSpot - 68%: "Excite Truck's control and speed give it a good amount of potential, but there just isn't enough of a game here to keep you excited for very long. Ultimately, it feels more like a tech demo than a full-fledged game." IGN - 80%: "Excite Truck is clearly a first generation console game that will, without a doubt be outdone in the Wii system's later years. But as a game that bursts right out of the gate as a launch title for the system, Excite Truck is a fulfilling, fun, energetic arcade-style racer that features a good balance of technology and technique. There are a few spots in places that could have been filled, like its weak two player option and trick system, but overall this game definitely pulls off the intense racing rush that quality arcade racers offer." Gamespy - 60%: "Like I said at the beginning of the review, I highly doubt Excite Truck will standout in anyone's memory past the end of the year. The lack of decent multiplayer and total lack of online play hurt the longevity, but if you absolutely need a racer to play at launch, you can't really do any better than this one."
Metareview: Wii Sports
We had a couple of days to play Wii Sports and we documented a few things, but we haven't had the time to write up a review yet (it's coming soon, be patient). As such, we felt it best to check out what other critics are thinking before tossing in our two cents. Scores have overall been positive, but maybe not as high as Nintendo fans would've liked. Gamespy - 80%: "Wii Sports is at its best in a group setting, where the familiarity that everyone has with these games makes them incredibly easy to pick up and play. It's a game you can play with your friends and family, and it perfectly highlights the direction that Nintendo is taking with the platform. It's not the best-looking game on the system, and it's definitely not the deepest, but it may well be the most fun. You're not forking over any money for Wii Sports, so consider it the best money you won't spend this year." IGN - 75%: "What you're going to find in Wii Sports is a title that demonstrates the potential of the Wii remote, but comes up short in depth and visuals. Play it for an hour with friends and you'll love it. Your non-gamer friends will be dazzled by the immediately intuitive controls and the imported Miis. But the title sacrifices incredible depth and visuals for an immediately accessible experience." Gamerz-Edge - 85%: "Wii Sports truly is a great pack-in title. It's obviously not anywhere on the level of past pack-in titles like Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario World, but it's a fitting introduction to an all-new breed of gaming control nonetheless, and it can be enjoyed by nearly anyone. This is the kind of game to which your entire family could end up addicted."
Metareview: Gunpey DS
As the next puzzler from Q? Entertainment, many looked to Gunpey DS to repeat the success of Lumines and Meteos. Once again, Q? Entertainment combine music with an incredible visual style to create a unique gaming experience. That experience, however, doesn't seem to be all that well-received by critics, as most of the reviews in now are pretty low. Any readers pick this game up and wish to comment? 1UP - 85%: "If you're looking for a more full-featured game, with greater variety -- and don't mind the cartoony milieu of Gunpey DS -- then you will find this version not only a superior value, but a superior game." Games Radar - 70%: "Disappointment about the lack of groundbreaking invention aside, Gunpey is a fun and intellectually interesting workout for your brain. If you're sick of falling blocks, or just need some new challenge to wrap the grey matter around, give it a go." Nintendo Power - 65%: "It's easy to achieve proficiency in the game, and so difficult to fail, you may find that your skill and your interest in the game plateau quickly." [Dec. 2006, p.106]
Metareview: Yoshi's Island DS
One of the most anticipated titles for the DS this holiday season, Yoshi's Island DS brings back the colorful island that is home to the all-eating, egg-producing creatures. With the sudden appearance of a mysterious island floating above the home of the Yoshis, all of the school's children go missing save for three. Those three are Baby Mario, Baby Peach, and Baby Donkey Kong. Now, it's up to the trio, as well as their pal Yoshi, to rescue the children and discover the secrets of the floating island. IGN - 80%: "It sets out to emulate everything that made the first game so great, and does a really good job doing that. But it runs into the problem of not doing enough to make it its own game. No huge surprises, and no significant additions to the genre...it's just a solid recreation of the Yoshi's Island elements in a two-screen-high format. It's fun and challenging with a couple of unpolished quirks." Gamespot - 91%: "It's hard to top a masterpiece, but that's just what Nintendo and Artoon have done with Yoshi's Island DS. By incorporating one major new feature and leaving everything else alone, they've produced a sequel that seems fresh and new while remaining every bit as awesome as the original. If you enjoy side-scrolling platformers, you have to play this one." GameDaily - 90%: "Instead of going overboard with the new features, Yoshi's Island DS sticks to its roots, never forgetting what made the original such a beloved classic. The game's beautiful visual style is complimented by the personality of the characters, and both combine to form a wonderful adventure that can be enjoyed by any Mario fan."
Metareview: Final Fantasy III (update 1)
We loves us some Final Fantasy. Character customization, turn-based battles and emotional conflicts are the kinds of things that make our mouth water. So perhaps you could call Final Fantasy III a delicious steak dinner. Or, if it's more your thing, a large slice of chocolate cake. We've never had this steak dinner before, nor have we gobbled down this slice of chocolate cake (accompanied by a cup of milk, natch). And, if the critics are to be believed, this steak dinner is very delicious. 1UP - 80%: "Hardcore RPG players may enjoy it more than modern Final Fantasy titles, thanks to its emphasis on skill development and combat. Casual players may find themselves surprised by how addictive simple level-grinding and monster-slaying can be. There's a certain satisfaction in seeing your juiced-up Monk land 28 hits in a single round, and FFIII delivers that thrill in spades -- and there's enough challenge to make it a necessity rather than overkill. The result is one of the best portable RPGs to date, and a fine example of how to remake a classic." Electronic Gaming Monthly - 78%: "The game's addictive job system makes plowing through the fun battles worthwhile." [Dec. 2006, p.152] IGN - 78%: "Even though we personally had a blast with Final Fantasy III, this one is going to be a serious judgment call on a gamer-by-gamers basis. For any unassuming casual gamer out there, be warned, as Final Fantasy III hits hard and plays like the demanding days of old." Those numbers aren't too shabby. Are these better or worse than the review scores you anticipated? Also, note that we will update the post when more current reviews are posted online as the only other available outlets reviewed Japanese import copies.[Update: Added IGN's review.]
Metareview: Every Extend Extra
Every Extend Extra started as a freeware PC app that was transformed by the music-loving Q? Entertainment folks. With flashy skins, and groovin' music, does Every Extend Extra continue the music puzzling legacy of Mizuguchi, or does it fall flat on its face? Let's see what the critics have to say: CVG (90/100) thinks the game is just as good as its Lumines predecessor: "With all the impressive music and visual tech pushing Every Extend Extra, its easy to forget that when you strip it all away there's a unique and addictive shooter lying underneath. As with Lumines, E3 is a game for those who appreciate a simple yet brilliantly-realised, score-driven experience - otherwise you might just be put off by the limited amount of raw content the game has to offer." IGN (81/100) thinks the game's a bit too short-lived, but its pretty looks keep it coming back for more: "Nine stages may not sound like a lot, and truthfully, it's not. But for some cosmic reason it satisfies nonetheless. Each one provides such a distinct arena, complete with unique musical tracks and background animations, that moving through the game gives players an actual sense of accomplishment." The Mizuguchi-worshipping 1UP (60/100) gave a surprisingly low review, saying the game's flashy nature is a bit too distracting: "It's extra flashy, extra chaotic, extra confusing. Q Entertainment's unique sense of style is in full effect, but for once that's maybe not such a good thing. All of Mizuguchi's trademark flash and pizzazz actually detract from the experience." With the exception of 1UP, it appears that the critics enjoy the E3 experience. And although it might be too short, or too flashy, the original Every Extend is included as a nice bonus. The game is now available for the budget price of $30. I'm buying it just for the awesome box art.
Metareview: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 2
Another year, another SOCOM title. Sure, this one has new maps and got prettier. But does this sequel make any real advances, or is the franchise showing its age? Yahoo! Games (90/100) thinks SOCOM goes above and beyond what a handheld game should do: "In terms of pacing, community, and great gunplay, this is the closest you'll get to a handheld Counter-Strike. And as far as handheld shooters go, this is as good as it gets." GameDaily (80/100) is shocked by the remarkable AI: "Sony once again proves that a handheld version of the long-running action game series can work just as well as the console editions. The multiplayer is as strong as expected, with up to sixteen players being able to jump in and enjoy three different games. But the real shocker is how stacked the single player experience is... The presentation and AI on enemy soldiers is also worth noting as they are both much improved and quite impressive." Game Informer (75/100) still doesn't like the controls, but thinks the PSP game is superior to its PS2 counterpart: "Oddly enough, the single-player campaign is still more enjoyable than its PS2 brother. At the very least this does a better job of walking you through the first level and teaching you the ropes... But FTB's saving grace is its multiplayer, the only real reason to play this game. A lot of the single player problems evaporate when you go online and sample any of the eight multiplayer modes FTB 2 has to offer." It doesn't appear as if Fireteam Bravo 2 offers any significant advances to the franchise. However, the critics generally agree that it'll give you an experience that's unparalleled in handheld gaming. You can dig that right? The game's now available in stores. See also:Life of a SOCOM player: females FTW!
Metareview: Scurge: Hive
When it comes to Nintendo's bounty hunters, it's all about the ladies. But the long-awaited, oft-delayed Scurge: Hive is no Metroid knockoff, despite similarites in heroines (and in weapons of choice). In Scurge: Hive, you take on the role of Jenosa Arma as she investigates a distress signal from a lab. Unfortunately for the intrepid Jenosa, the lab and everything around it is infected with the Scurge, a dangerous alien plague that spreads parasitically, infecting a host and taking it over. Before she can escape, she is infected and must go through a rigorous decontamination process while battling the alien menace and a wide array of monsters. But Jenosa is up to the task, difficult as it may sound. When you're a bounty huntress, that's just all in a day's work.Overall, the game has seen solid reviews praising the pacing and story, but decrying the repetitive aspect of gameplay. No matter how interesting the story, in the end, it does come down to: kill enemies, get to sickbay. But then again, what game can't be boiled down to the sum of its parts?Interestingly, the DS version has seen more negative criticism than the GBA -- the touch screen is barely used (it serves as a map screen) and the graphics seem to have suffered in the transition to the updated system (it was originally designed as a GBA title).
Metareview: Power Stone Collection
There were way too many PSP games released in the past few days, and it seems like the big media sites are struggling just to play through all of them to give us reviews. Power Stone Collection, a port of the original Dreamcast brawlers, is now available on the PSP. How did it fare to the critics? Let's see: GameSpy (80/100) likes the frantic nature of the multiplayer matches: "With so much going on at once, you'll occasionally lose track of your character (especially during four-player matches), but you'll probably be having too much fun to notice much. If you missed it back when Sega was still making systems, now's your chance to give this well-remembered series a try.". 1UP (70/100) notes that Dreamcast fans will love this, even though the game hasn't aged too well: "While as nice as it is to see a classic arcade-style game get its due, what the world really needed wasn't a regurgitation of Power Stone 1 and 2; it needed Power Stone 3, brought up to spec with advancements in game design and all the things players have become accustomed to in other games.". Games Radar (60/100) thinks single-player is no fun: "The lack of online support severely hinders the chance you'll be seeing a lot of multiplayer action – and even if there were online support, there's nothing like sitting down in front of the TV with three friends and bashing each other's brains out. Sorry PSP, this one just isn't for you." It is unfortunate to see such mixed reviews for the game. If you've played it on Dreamcast, you know what you're getting yourself into. Even without Infrastructure support, you may want to take this game out for a spin. Who knows? Maybe we'll get other Dreamcast games this way.
Metareview: Death Jr 2
Death Jr. gets a bit more attention than it may deserve, simply because it was the first PSP game ever to be shown. We were wowed by its impressive non-GBA quality graphics, but when we got our hands on the original, we were a little underwhelmed by its gameplay. The sequel was supposed to fix the problems of the original game, but it appears that the critics are still a little negative on this franchise. Maybe they focused too much on the tech? Let's find out: IGN (71/100) wants to believe in the franchise, but they end up disappointed: "The game is still sloppy in execution despite its best qualities -- it's time for DJ to grow up and scythe straight. The story again makes little sense, despite some funny sequences, and it feels short with only three bosses and little to revisit stages for on your second play." Games Radar (60/100) fails to find any originality in the gameplay: "You know that game where you run around and hit things repeatedly? It's the same one with floating platforms, simple combos and a camera that almost gets it - ringing any bells yet? Oh wait, that's practically every third-person run-and-jump game made in the last eight or nine years, and even though it's a marked improvement over the original, Death Jr. 2: Root of Evil still falls squarely in the "pretty OK" department." GamePro (80/100) loves the game, more than GTA: "Death Jr. 2 is definitely a game that works for those of you who just love hacking at things. Levels spawn swarms of enemies with complex AI that keep coming at you unless you attack their regeneration area. The creative randomness of the enemies is delightful. After all, not too many games have llamas, chickens, hamsters, gorillas, possessed trees, gigantic centipedes, and mechanical spiders going for you all at once.." There's a pretty wide range of opinions on this game so far, but one thing's clear: this game is much better than the original. But does that say much? The game is now available.
