A delectable assortment of well-written articles compose this week’s Reviews Spotlight, ranging from Jake Gyllenhaal’s smoldering gaze to punchy haiku. Enjoy!
Fight for the Light — An Alan Wake Review
By Patrick Cavasar
The pernicious problem of writer’s block can manifest in strange ways. Unfortunately for stony-faced Alan Wake, inspiration conjures itself in the form of smothering darkness that threatens to extinguish that precious, precious light. Follow the glow of Alan’s flashlight on the right and read Patrick’s excellent review.
Afterthoughts on the Prince of Persia Movie from a Gamer
By Marcel Hoang
In many ways, the Prince of Persia film is similar to a contemporary action game — it’s chock-full of special effects, gorgeous computer graphics, swoon-worthy manly chests, and a seething glare that would wither any faint-hearted individual into dust. Luckily, Marcel turns a gamer’s (often cynical) eye on the flick. Is it a worthy adaptation? Read the full review!
Late Bird Review: King of Fighters 12
By Ariel Feist
The King of Fighters series must be doing something right to have lasted this long — not many games can tack on the double digits quite so easily. As a fighting game newbie, I was relieved by Ariel’s scathing critique of King of Fighters 12 — these games should be about more than a bunch of burly hooligans punching the crap out of each other!
Alpha Protocol: It Really Is All about Choice
By Gary Lucero
In the cloak-and-dagger world of the superspy, skill defines survival. Knowing this, Gary underscores Alpha Protocol’s attention to improving your character through stats, choices, and old-fashioned hard work, forging the ultimate spy who can hurdle any dastardly villains’ plans. What, you actually thought someone like James Bond could survive in the real spy world?
Haiku Reviews
By Dana Laratta
Dana embraces his Japanese soul to provide us with a slew of reviews in the form of haiku — three-line poems with 17 beats. He has far too many to list here, so don that beret, ready that snapping finger, and check out Dana’s entry page for more.