Published: Sunday, March 11, 2007
'VIRTUA FIGHTER 5'
(Sega) for PlayStation 3
Genre: Fighting
Rating: T
Grade: B-
Some franchises make it for years because either the publisher doesn't care how many versions of the same character/game it pumps out — by God, you're gonna play them (i.e. "Sonic" and "Madden," to name two) — or the series has made such vast improvements from one iteration to the next that you have to get the latest. "Virtua Fighter" has a lineage of solid improvement from one version to the next.
Since "VF5" is a fighting game, there's not much to talk about in terms of gameplay, other than its two characters beating the tar out of each other. Visually, the game is fantastic, and with new fighting moves added to each character and two new playable characters as well, there's solid depth for fans of the series.
If this game is hindered by anything, it's a lack of online play. Most other major fighting titles include this functionality. It's also worth noting that there is no real diversity in game modes, so series newbies may wonder what all the fuss is about.
The fighting genre doesn't have many torchbearers other than "Virtua Fighter," and "VF5," despite its flaws, does not disappoint.
'NBA STREET HOMECOURT'
(EA Sports Big) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Genre: Sports
Rating: E
Grade: C
The arcade game "NBA Jam" remains probably one of the top three basketball games ever made. I would pump more quarters into those machines than was probably possible for most 15-year-olds to do, but the simplistic gameplay made it worthwhile.
"NBA Street Homecourt" is the closest thing out there that delivers the classic "NBA Jam" feel — for better and for worse. For better, in that it's a leaner, more focused gameplay, resulting in a basketball game that bends some rules and breaks others. Still, "NBA Jam" was big 14 years ago, and you've got to do a tad better than that these days.
For "Homecourt," you'll create a baller and rise through the streetball ranks. The action is much improved over previous versions, with the ball-handling more fluid and the dunks nastier. Games can change on a single dunk, and your ability to upgrade skills and those of your teammates is vital to your success.
The game suffers from a lack of depth, so those looking for multiple modes of play will have to do without. Graphically, the game is excellent, and has made nice improvements in its debut on the Xbox 360. Few games will reach the heights of "NBA Jam," but "Homecourt" will bring back fond memories.
'WII PLAY'
(Nintendo) for Wii
Genre: Party Game
Rating: E
Grade: C-
Nintendo hit a home run by including "Wii Sports" within its Wii console package, but its follow-up, "Wii Play," is a bit less daring and original.
There are nine games to play in "Wii Play," and several are certainly worth the price of admission. The billiards game will frustrate you until you get a handle on the speed and controlling the tempo of the cue. Another great game is "Tanks," which will be a familiar and welcome sight for those Atari 2600 gamers who want to drive a tank around and shoot another player.
But some games are not as impressive as they could be. The "Duck Hunt"-wannabe is disappointing because a classic, simple light-gun shooter is a perfect fit for the Wii. And those who enjoyed "Wii Sports'" tennis and the table tennis in "WarioWare Smooth Moves" will be disappointed by the thin Ping-Pong game here.
The air-hockey game keeps things enjoyable. However, taken as a whole, the package is not as strong as "Wii Sports," even with its longer development time and nearly twice as many games.
Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard
Sunday, March 11, 2007
'VIRTUA FIGHTER 5'
(Sega) for PlayStation 3
Genre: Fighting
Rating: T
Grade: B-
Some franchises make it for years because either the publisher doesn't care how many versions of the same character/game it pumps out — by God, you're gonna play them (i.e. "Sonic" and "Madden," to name two) — or the series has made such vast improvements from one iteration to the next that you have to get the latest. "Virtua Fighter" has a lineage of solid improvement from one version to the next.
Since "VF5" is a fighting game, there's not much to talk about in terms of gameplay, other than its two characters beating the tar out of each other. Visually, the game is fantastic, and with new fighting moves added to each character and two new playable characters as well, there's solid depth for fans of the series.
If this game is hindered by anything, it's a lack of online play. Most other major fighting titles include this functionality. It's also worth noting that there is no real diversity in game modes, so series newbies may wonder what all the fuss is about.
The fighting genre doesn't have many torchbearers other than "Virtua Fighter," and "VF5," despite its flaws, does not disappoint.
'NBA STREET HOMECOURT'
(EA Sports Big) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Genre: Sports
Rating: E
Grade: C
The arcade game "NBA Jam" remains probably one of the top three basketball games ever made. I would pump more quarters into those machines than was probably possible for most 15-year-olds to do, but the simplistic gameplay made it worthwhile.
"NBA Street Homecourt" is the closest thing out there that delivers the classic "NBA Jam" feel — for better and for worse. For better, in that it's a leaner, more focused gameplay, resulting in a basketball game that bends some rules and breaks others. Still, "NBA Jam" was big 14 years ago, and you've got to do a tad better than that these days.
For "Homecourt," you'll create a baller and rise through the streetball ranks. The action is much improved over previous versions, with the ball-handling more fluid and the dunks nastier. Games can change on a single dunk, and your ability to upgrade skills and those of your teammates is vital to your success.
The game suffers from a lack of depth, so those looking for multiple modes of play will have to do without. Graphically, the game is excellent, and has made nice improvements in its debut on the Xbox 360. Few games will reach the heights of "NBA Jam," but "Homecourt" will bring back fond memories.
'WII PLAY'
(Nintendo) for Wii
Genre: Party Game
Rating: E
Grade: C-
Nintendo hit a home run by including "Wii Sports" within its Wii console package, but its follow-up, "Wii Play," is a bit less daring and original.
There are nine games to play in "Wii Play," and several are certainly worth the price of admission. The billiards game will frustrate you until you get a handle on the speed and controlling the tempo of the cue. Another great game is "Tanks," which will be a familiar and welcome sight for those Atari 2600 gamers who want to drive a tank around and shoot another player.
But some games are not as impressive as they could be. The "Duck Hunt"-wannabe is disappointing because a classic, simple light-gun shooter is a perfect fit for the Wii. And those who enjoyed "Wii Sports'" tennis and the table tennis in "WarioWare Smooth Moves" will be disappointed by the thin Ping-Pong game here.
The air-hockey game keeps things enjoyable. However, taken as a whole, the package is not as strong as "Wii Sports," even with its longer development time and nearly twice as many games.
Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard
Sunday, March 11, 2007
by God, you're gonna play them (i.e. "Sonic" and "Madden," to name two) — or the series has made such vast...
More Stories from Wed, Mar 14, 2007
