A new month, a new Reviews Spotlight! This week, we spend the bulk of our time recalling old memories, rebuking remakes, and otherwise wallowing in the comfort of the past. Care to join us? Of course you do!
Oh! Daisy: Super Mario Land
By Ryan Conway
Ever heard of Gunpei Yokoi? Probably not. Despite his almost nonexistent public presence, the man is responsible for conceptualizing the modern handheld console. After designing and promoting the Game & Watch series, Yokoi continued his pioneering streak by helping to create the Game Boy, setting the stage for Ryan's colossal review.
After unearthing a chewed, deformed Game Boy cartridge (and double-checking that it still works), Ryan spent some time on memory lane, reliving the experiences of his childhood in Super Mario Land. Do his memories line up with his modern-day expectations? Or have we all simply glorified the platformer in its 20-year absence?
Catherine demo impressions
By Chris Winters
From the minds behind Shin Megami Tensei: Persona comes a bizarre action-adventure title that will leave even the most hardened gamers frazzled. Catherine promises to subject players to their own dark thoughts, the wily charms of a woman, and mysterious bar patrons. But Catherine isn't just the name of the game — it identifies its two eponymous characters, Catherine and Katherine. The latter has been your lover for years, tempting you into an engagement and a stable future, while the former is a mysterious, attractive woman who you happen to find at your local watering hole.
Although Chris is simply reviewing the demo, the psychosis which characterizes the entire game is readily apparent. If you're jonesing for the exhilaration of a mindjob, Catherine may be what (and who) you need.
Tactics Ogre vs. Final Fantasy Tactics: It's a fight to the finish!
By Jason Lomberg
The tactical role-playing genre isn't necessarily crowded. In fact, only a few franchises have permanently taken residence within its under-appreciated confines. So either Jason is an instigator, or he simply believes that the town of TRPGs doesn't have room enough for two franchises. In his review, Jason pits underdog Tactics Ogre against the established, well-known Final Fantasy Tactics. Both games provide unique features, gameplay elements, and narratives, each of which Jason heavily investigates.
Place your bets and read on to find out which developer and which game won Jason's brawl!
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2: The jumping that kids love, the swinging that moms approve of
By Suriel Vasquez
The three years between the release of Bionic Commando Rearmed and its sequel, Rearmed 2, have taken their toll on series protagonist Rad Spencer. In the fashion of Solid Snake, Spencer has grown out a mustache, isn't shy about his wrinkles, and noticeably groans as he swings from ledge to ledge.
Suriel explains in his review that, despite his advancing age, Rad is still learning new tricks –jumping, for example. In previous installments, players weren't able to vault from platforms, forcing them to rely entirely on their grappling hook. Fans offended by the addition of functioning knees will probably find comfort in the variety which Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 offers. Capcom has made sure to include new weapons, customization options, and enemies. But I'll let Suriel describe it all — follow his review at the link above!
Fat chance! Fat Princess (PSP) review
By Daav Puke
This week in the Reviews Spotlight, we've looked at two PlayStation Portable staples: Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics. For those with an aversion to RPGs, Daav bears the gift of cake.
Fat Princess: Fistful Of Cake is the second installment in the franchise and hopes to draw more fanfare via an expanded story mode and extra levels. Those of you who've already shoved cake into the Princess' maw know what to expect. For the uninformed, Fat Princess charges 24 players with the task of simultaneously feeding their own princess and kidnapping the enemy's. Spells are cast, arrows are fired, and fun is had.
But Daav focuses Fistful of Cake's campaign mode, narrated by Tom Kane, the voice behind Yoda. To find out how developer Titan Studios drummed up a story to justify cake-eating princesses and catapult-using warriors, check out the full review.
Mr. Needlemouse returns: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
By Ryan Conway
With the 20th anniversary of the Blue Blur just months away, Ryan has been ramping up his Sonic-related content. But the upcoming milestone only reminds devoted fans (like myself) of Sonic's decade-long downward spiral. In the transition from 2-D to 3-D, Sega floundered and ultimately ruined the reputation of their mascot.
But wait, Ryan can see a light at the end of the tunnel! Released last October, Sonic 4: Episode 1 is a two-dimensional resurrection which promises to recapture the sense of speed and momentum the franchise is famous for. Does Sonic return to form, or will he forever be caught in the shadow of his earlier success?