It's clear that Bitmob has Call of Duty on its mind. But this week's Reviews Spotlight doesn't spend all of its time dwelling on the fictitious conflicts of Black Ops. If you'd rather swing a sword than fire a rifle, fear not! As always, we've got you covered.
10 Reasons I Hate and Love Call of Duty: Black Ops
By Reggie Carolipio
Activision has a habit of polarizing the industry with its wildly successful titles. At this point, you're either a willing customer of Bobby Kotick's or you steadfastly refuse to play the watered-down, arcade shooters his development studios produce.
Like most of us who've played it, Reggie both hates and loves Call of Duty: Black Ops. In the moment-to-moment experience of the game, few titles challenge its smooth controls, precise aiming, and momentous rhythm. But the questionable plot and legal drama which surround the franchise have left many gamers with a sour taste. Something tells me you'll sympathize with Reggie's views.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Campaign Review: Great, but Not Good
By Thilina Bandara
Courtesy of its "larger than ever" advertising budget, Black Ops has caused a media stir with its monstrously deep multiplayer experience. Parents are concerned about addiction, reporters are worried about stock prices, and gamers are thinking about weapon balancing. Thilina, on the other hand, is concentrated on the singleplayer.
Does the typical tale of political intrigue, stolen WMDs, and extremist foreigners still hold water? The answer is one click away.
Late Bird Review: Demon's Souls
By Ariel Feist
Reknowned for its unforgiving difficulty, Demon's Souls crushed Ariel Feist once before. But after regrouping, this Bitmobber returned to the action-RPG which has haunted him for the past year. Suffice it to say, Demon's Souls isn't a game for everyone. Dungeon crawling isn't accessible, nor is it always satisfying, and this game has it in spades.
After finally conquering the brainchild of the sadistic developers at From Software, Ariel is prepared to review Demon's Souls. Was the long, hard journey worthwhile?
For What It's Worth: TMNT 1989
By Ryan Conway
Entitled for its monumental 1989 arcade release, TMNT 1989 promises to whisk players back to a time of sticky, soda-drenched floors and touchy arcade controls. With the global arcade industry shrinking everywhere but in Japan, it's becoming more difficult to revisit the halcyon days of the late '80s.
Luckily, Microsoft had the good sense to port TMNT 1989 Classic Arcade from its original cabinet to Xbox Live Arcade. Can the turtles and their sewer-dwelling mentor Splinter hold on to the charm of yesteryear, or are you better off purchasing the modernized version, Turtles in Time: Reshelled?
Arcania: Gothic 4
By B. Chambers
Ask my mother and she'll tell you: I spent my formative years sitting at my computer, playing the Gothic series. Why, I don't know. Maybe it was the Northern European atmosphere, the savage culture of the land you journeyed through, or the novelty of playing as "The Nameless Hero." Regardless, RPG fans around the world will attest to the ingenuity of Piranha Bytes, the German developer of Gothic.
But Arcania: Gothic 4 wasn't developed by Piranha Bytes, but by Spellbound, a studio located in southern Germany. Is Bavarian fantasy as charming as its northern counterpart?