This week's Reviews Spotlight takes a turn for the surreal, as we investigate the lives of chain-smoking children, balding bank robbers, and stylish ghosts. We never promised that these reviews would make sense, just that they'd be great!
Homeless and hopeless in Ulitsa Dimitrova
By Richard Moss
When the premise alone of a game gives you the willies, playing it is almost out of the question. Available for free download here, Ulitsa Dimitrova follows the world-weary exploits of a 7-year-old homeless boy. While the entire game takes place in St. Petersburg, you won't have time to admire the Winter Palace or any other landmarks. Instead, you'll wander the streets in search of cigarettes, loose change, and a warm place to sleep. In tandem with Ulitsa's eerie art style, Richard successfully retells an evocative tale of loneliness and fear. I can't speak to the quality of the game, but this article is a must-read.
Revisiting Kane and Lynch 2: Still a mixed bag
By Mark Daigle
Don't bother denying it, because we all do it: A game on the store shelf catches your fancy, and so you understandably bring it home. A few hours into the experience, however, and you realize that the chemistry was all in your head. Recovering from the regrettable purchase, you stow the game away in the closet or under your bed. Weeks, months, and maybe even years pass until you return to that almost-forgotten title. What will it be like? Well, despite giving away the ending in his title, Mark does a great job of describing his second playthrough with Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days.
A core gamer appraises Angry Birds
By Rakim Reid
For us so-called "hardcore" gamers, it's become too natural to avoid and attack casual titles. The games industry — partly subconsciously, but mostlyintentionally — has encouraged a segregation between players who, most of the time, share a lot in common. Rakim extends the proverbial olive branch by setting aside his prejudice and giving Angry Birds, an iPhone and mobile app, an honest try. Is this the start of a passionate love for casual games? I think so.
Haiku review – Dante's Inferno (PS3)
By Dana Laratta
Dante's Inferno
Looks good, but is it really?
Haiku explains all
Ghost Trick: How to outdo an attorney
By Suriel Vasquez
After helping create the now-famous Ace Attorney franchise, Shu Takumi may have outdone his previous efforts with a new detective series. The offending game: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. Instead of clicking through static environments in search of puzzle pieces and evidence, Ghost Trick has you dynamically engaging the environment and other characters. Is that element enough to place Takumi's newest creation head-and-shoulders above the rest?