Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Megaman 9 (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360)

*Note* This is based off the Wii version. Any differences from the other versions will not be noted.

The folks over at Capcom felt like taking a bold move. They added a new entry to the classic Megaman series, giving it the feel of the earlier NES versions. This was a very bold move, but it worked out well. Its what many of the original fans have come to love, while introducing the newer players to an interesting experiance. This title is for Wiiware, Xbox Live, and the PSN network.

Story: The world is at peace, well that is till a set of new robots attacks. This new threat is now from Dr. Wily, but from Dr. Light. In order to save the world Dr. Wily is taking donations to build his own set of robots. Its up to Megaman to clear Dr. Lights name.

Graphics: If you played the original Megaman games you should know what to expect. This game is made in retro glory, bringing everything down to 8-bits. If you were born with the NES you might have a wonderful trip to the past, while if you were born later you can relive what many of us started with.

Sound: Along with the graphics, the sound was given a downgrade, not that its bad. Each track is catchy as well as infectious. Many claim the soundtrack rivals that of Megaman 2's.

Gameplay: From the get go you are given a choice of 8 robot masters to face. Each stage has you avoiding obsticals such as spikes and pits, as well as several enemies. You are armed with only your buster. I'm sorry to say for those that got used to the slide and charge buster, as they are not in this game. You are however given the use of your robotic companion Rush. Once you reach the end of a stage you are faced against the robot master. If you manage to defeat the boss, you are given their weapon, which will work well against one of the other bosses.

During each of the stages you will collect bolts, which can be used at the stage select screen in the shop, which allows you to buy different items to aid you in your quest.

After you defeat the 8 robot masters, you must undertake a gauntlet of stages to face the final boss.

During the gameplay you can also complete challenges, which range from the easy to the impossible.

Replayability: Unlike other megaman titles, the added challenges and ability to buy additional content really adds to the many times one can play this game.

Overall I'd say this is a must buy. This game is challenging, but like all the other additions can be overcome through memorisation. Well worth it if your looking for a challenge, or a fan of the series.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Chaos Legion (PS2)

You know those times you feel its you against the world? That is exactly what this game plays as. This game is not for those who can not take a challenge.

Story:
You, as Seig Warheit, must face off against Delacroix, a former friend, who's soul is taken over and stained by the blood of the innocent.

Music:
Everywhere you go you notice a dark tune playing. While it does get boring after a while it fits into the game pretty well.

Gameplay:
The gameplay is pretty forward. you are sent into a area, and you must make your way to the end. Each level is split into areas, which is timed. To get to the next area, you must complete a special task. Man times its to defeat a special monster. The better you do in each area, the better bonus item and exp you shall gain.

There are 2 types of monsters in the game. Organic, and metal. Each attack, and each legion has its own strength and weakness. Its up to you to make use of everything your given.

Legions are the monsters you summon. They are sealed within crests. At first they are small in number, and pretty weak. As you work with them though, you shall summon more monsters with each spell. The crests of the legions also have an effect on your Seig. Each crest increases his stats, and allow for bonus moves. You can only use the bonuses of the crests you have equiped though.

When summoned you can put them in attack or defense mode. In attack, they seek out the closest monster and attacks them. In defense mode, they stay near you, protecting you from damage. When not summoned, you can preform a special attack with the legion with a single press of a button. Each attack changes from legion to legion.

Experience is pretty important. It will have you racing to complete the task, while taking out as many monsters as you can. You do not have to do this task alone though. You are able to bring forth 2 legions into each stage. Only the legions you bring with you shall gain experience.

Overall:
A great game, that was sadly overlooked. The game play is difficult, and tests your skills to the limit. The music adds to the atmosphere, and the game play is smooth, if not a little complicated to understand.

If you find it on the used game rack, I highly advise you to pick it up.
8/10

Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Hes back, and he has some new moves. You should all know the plumber in red, who go out of his way to save the Princess. This time his latest rescue mission leads him into the cold reaches of space.

Story:
The story is what many has came to expect from Mario. Princess Peach gets captured by bowser, and Mario goes off to save her. Mario is given a Luma which allows him to spin and breath in space. You will be taken from planet to planet in hopes of collecting the power stars.

Controls:
The controls for the game is pretty good. You use the Nunchuk/remote combo. The analog stick moves Mario, while the A button lets him jump. You also use the B button to shoot starbits (small crystals which you collect), Z to duck, and a quick side swipe of the remote to spin. I'm not going to lie, it takes some getting used to, but they are very easy to learn.

Music:
Do you remember Super Mario 3? If you do then prepare for a huge flood of memories in each level. The music in this game is pretty much redone SMB3 music. Everything from the Battle ship theme, to the Swimming music is here. It brings the levels together nicely.

Gameplay:
Your main goal is to retrieve the power stars, and the mighty grand stars from Koopa and several other creatures. The game is divided into galaxies. Don't let that word fool you, each level is pretty small. In each galaxy there are around 5-6 stars there. There are a total of 120 stars in the game for Mario to collect. During your travels in these galaxies, you will need to make great use of your jumping powers. Of course only jumping won't save you. You must learn to make use of your starbits, using them to stun, and to gain lives. Also on occasion you shall find a special suit, which allows Mario to do several different things.

Bee Mario - able to climb Honeycomb walls, and fly. Unable to do special jumps.
Boo Mario - able to float, and go through grates and other things.
Fire Mario -able to shoot fire balls for a limited time.
Ice Mario - Able to freeze water, allowing for easier travel.


Overall:
I liked the game, although I can't help but feel it is a bit overrated. The music is a nice touch, but there is a lot lacking from the levels. The levels feel linear and too small. They are not as open as the levels in both Sunshine and 64.

Overall I would rate this game 7/10. Fun, but the linear gameplay gets tiresome.