Super Scribblenauts – Review Round-Up

Gamespot Video Review:

IGN Video Review:

1UP – 91
An interesting, engaging, witty game that takes full advantage of its portable platform’s strengths.

Games Radar (in-house) – 90
A fantastic game. It approaches puzzle solving in a very open-ended manner that increases the game’s replay value dramatically and the overall novelty from the first title continues to entertain in this sequel with the new adjectives system.

IGN – 90
The controls work now, the dictionary is as impressive as ever, and the ability to tack adjectives onto your objects increases your creative possibilities tenfold.

GameTrailers – 90
Playability has shot through the stratosphere.

Joystiq – 90
If you were ever excited about the premise, this is the pure, near-flawless expression of it. And now that we’ve seen that 5th Cell can back up astounding innovation with great design, I can’t wait to see what will spring from its notepad next.

GamingTrend – 89
For all the hype that floated around the original Scribblenauts, it ended up delivering a lot less than promised. Super Scribblenauts delivers the goods in a way that the original couldn’t.

Game Informer – 88
Super Scribblenauts still stands head and shoulders above its puzzle brethren in terms of innovation and originality. The ability to tackle puzzles again to find new solutions, the addition of a puzzle creator, and special levels that focus on action-oriented play give Maxwell’s adventure surprising longevity.

Nintendo Power – 85
The biggest knock against the game, though, is that it simply isn’t as groundbreaking as its predecessor. [Dec 2010, p.88]

Game Revolutionm – 83
Now, somebody please make a version with all of the bad words intact! I wanna say stuff that would make Bob Saget cringe!

Cheat Code Central – 82
The single-player mode has plenty of content and the challenge modes add plenty of replay value. Creating levels can be fun, but the cumbersome sharing system limits the game’s lasting appeal.

Destructoid – 80
If you go into Super Scribblenauts knowing that you’ll be playing a really cute and creative version of guessing game then you’ll have a great time.

The Escapist – 80
This game preserves the original and imaginative core of the original Scribblenauts while simultaneously fixing almost all of the problems that made the first game such a chore. It controls better, it has more sorely-needed structure, and it’s just more satisfying to pick up and play. It just isn’t as mind-blowing a concept anymore.

GamePro – 80
But expert scribblers will no doubt find Super Scribblenauts’ enhanced approach a major net positive over simply receiving a larger batch of levels, while the rest of us finally have a user-friendly way to experience this immensely creative idea.

The Onion A.V. Club – 67
This doesn’t feel like a proper sequel, nor is it all that “super,” but Super Scribblenauts is at least a solid step in the right direction.

GameSpot – 65
This disappointing sequel saps away the unbridled fun that made the original so enthralling.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 – Review

A WiiNintendo game review by hattrick.

Game – Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
Version – WiiWare
Time Spent Playing – 6+ hours
Completion – All but Final Boss
Obtained – From Sega & Triple Point PR

Introduction and Story
Sonic is back again, and this time, he is back to his roots. Running around in a 2D plane, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 has a similar look and feel to the Sonic of the Genesis days. While many fans have been asking for this type of game for years, does Sonic 4 fulfill, or does it fall short? And does it warrant the 1500 Point ($15) price tag?

The story is basically what you would expect. It takes place after Sonic & Knuckles. Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik is set out to take over the world with his robot creations and defeat Sonic. Through the 4 Zones, each with 3 Acts and a boss fight, you will see both new enemies and those from past games. This time, though, Sonic is on his own as he sets out to find the Chaos Emeralds and overcome Eggman, as Tails and Knuckles are nowhere to be found.

Visuals and Sound
You already know that Sonic 4 goes back to the original in style, but the visual update requires some praise. The development team has done an excellent job of bringing an older game to a modern generation. It definitely looks like Sonic of old but with a welcome upgrade in the visual department. Sonic has a cartoon-like look to him, and the environments are rich with color and a sense of depth. While you are playing a 2D game, you often feel like you are a part of a 3D level. It really is a good combination of both.

The music also feels exactly like retro-Sonic. However, while many people could be pleased with this, it is interesting they did not update it a bit. Instead of an orchestra or full band, Sega seems to have gone back to their 16-32 bit tunes. For fans of the originals, this is perfect; nonetheless, younger players might wonder why the game sounds a bit older than it looks. Each level, though, has a fitting soundtrack and it never feels out of place.

Gameplay and Controls
Sonic 4 slightly changes things up but, for the most part, sticks with the tried and true. You start off in Splash Hill Zone, and work your way through each Act. Finish that Zone, and move on to the next. The basic level scrolls from left to right with little backtracking needed. Along the way, you will collect rings and defeat robot enemies. Although, the game is rather short, this time around, you also have the ability to replay every Act, as a map screen has been added. You may want to replay for a higher score, or you might want to see how fast you can complete a Zone. Then, post your score online, and see how you stack up against worldwide competition. The levels are just as you would expect from 2D Sonic. They start off fairly simple and easy, but the difficulty ramps up with every Act. However, if you loose all your lives and see the game over screen, you will not have to start over from the beginning of the game. Just accept your new 3 lives and start back at your last save. Because of this, it is less frustrating to die, but it does not give the feeling that every life is precious. If you lose them all, you do not face much of a punishment.

As for controls, this is where things get a bit hairy. For the WiiWare version, you will turn the Wii Remote sideways (NES style). Control Sonic’s movement with the control pad, and use the 2-button to jump. While past controls have returned (i.e. dash by holding down and 2), we also have a one new ability not previously seen in the 2D console outings. Sonic can now use his homing attack while in the air. If you are near an enemy or spring, you can hit the 2-button again to fly in that direction, defeating the enemy or bouncing off the spring. If there is nothing to home into, Sonic will simply to a mid-air dash, beneficial in landing on platforms you might not normally reach. All this sounds great, and it works very well. Just be sure not to abuse the homing attack, as it is not always the best at zeroing in on every enemy. The main issue with the controls is the lack of forward momentum in Sonic’s jumps. In past games, Sonic would continue to move in a forward direction when he jumped. Sonic 4 does away with that for some odd reason. Instead, if you do not continue to hold down the control pad, he will stop in his tracks and fall straight down. This is especially annoying when playing some of the more difficult platforming levels (i.e. Casino Street Zone).

Concluding Overall Impressions
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 sets out to do one main thing, and that is to satisfy Sonic fans of old. They have been asking for a title like this for quite some time, and many feel Sonic should never even have jumped to 3D. The visual upgrade and addition of online leader-boards and a map screen are welcomed, but many might have small issues with the controls. The big question is if it is worth the 1500 Points for only part of a game, as we know there will be at least one more episode coming.

FINAL SCORE – TRY IT
While it looks and sounds great, that is not all that makes up a game. The controls are a bit spotty, and the price is quite hefty for an episodic game of only 4 Zones. If you are a huge fan of Sonic, go ahead and purchase this today. If you are not, my recommendation is to find someone else who owns it or try it on another platform that has a free demo first.

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Family Party 90 Games – Press Release

THE PARTY FOR ALL AGES JUST GOT BIGGER WITH D3PUBLISHER’S FAMILY PARTY: 90 GREAT GAMES™ PARTY PACK AVAILABLE NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON Wii™ LOS ANGELES

– October 26, 2010 –

Host the largest video game family party without breaking the bank with Family Party: 90 Great Games Party Pack, available now from D3Publisher (D3P) exclusively on Wii. Offering 90 games in one great value package, Family Party: 90 Great Games Party Pack is the latest title in the Family Party series featuring summer games, winter sports, arcade games, board games and more. Priced at $19.95, 90 Great Games Party Pack is one of the greatest values in family entertainment and offers hours of convenient at-home excitement for kids to share with their families and friends. Family Party: 90 Great Games Party Pack is a complete compilation of the first three Family Party titles: Family Party: 30 Great Games, Family Party: Outdoor Fun and Family Party: Winter Fun. Players choose from over a dozen cute characters and compete in games and challenges to achieve high scores and win medals. The games are tailor-made for family fun with all 90 playable in 4-player multiplayer action. “90 Great Games Party Pack offers incredible value and variety for the whole family for countless hours of fun,” said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3P. “For under $20, family and friends can essentially get an unmatched assortment of 90 games and challenges for less than 25 cents a game.” Developed by Tamsoft, 90 Great Games Party Pack is rated “E to E10+” (Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence) by the ESRB. For more information on Family Party: 90 Great Games Party Pack, please visit www.d3publisher.us.

About D3Publisher D3Publisher is a video game publisher for Wii™, Nintendo DS™, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., and Japan. The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine®. For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.us.

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Plants vs. Zombies – DS Trailer

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"Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart"

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart"-- Stone Temple Pilots. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

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Trial Game - Costume Quest

Rediscover Halloween in this imaginative RPG from Tim Schafer's Double Fine Productions. Explore the monster-filled neighborhood of Auburn Pines, Autumn Haven Mall and Fall Valley Carnival. Collect magical costumes with super powers, unique weapons and special items as you hunt down quests. Level-up your heroic warrior and battle the evil overlords in this epic adventure to save Halloween! Sweet info at www. CostumeQuestGame.com

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"Dead & Bloated"

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Dead & Bloated"-- Stone Temple Pilots. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

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"My Best Theory"

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "My Best Theory"-- Jimmy Eat World. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

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"Creep"

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Creep"-- Stone Temple Pilots. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

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Trial Game - Dream Chronicles™

Welcome to a realm where fantasy meets reality. In "Dream Chronicles™", help heroine Faye rescue her husband and reverse the enchanted sleeping spell that has enveloped the town of Hope. Travel through a magical world as you find hidden objects and solve puzzles to unravel the threads of the mystery. Enjoy "Dream Chronicles™" alone or invite a friend to join in Co-Op mode.

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Trial Game - Harmonium

This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=0/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. Harmonium is a tone matrix game with a twist! Whether you're scribbling, drawing, or composing, the pentatonic design means it always sounds good! And what's the twist, you ask? Well, at any time you can turn on the "Life Mode" and let the music write itself! Sit back and watch Harmonium apply John Conway's game of life to write generation after generation of autonomous music!

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Trial Game - Racer Rocket

This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=1/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. Like Speed? Signup for rocket training here. Fast paced, will leave you realing after every level. Shoot, dodge and boost your way to the finish line. A Hero's welcome awaits the winner back on earth. The loser will spend the night alone glaring at the stars on a lonely village road side.

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Undead Nightmare Pack

Unleashed upon the world of Red Dead Redemption. The Undead Nightmare Pack features an entirely new single-player campaign that follows John Marston as he tries to find a cure for the highly-infectious undead plague spreading across the frontier. In addition to this epic single-player adventure, the Undead Nightmare Pack also features a brand new multiplayer mode in addition to new gameplay mechanics, weapons, undead animals and mythical creatures.

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Deadline Pack

Download the "Deadline" pack featuring 3 brand new cars and the Ryback Coyote Special. Also included is the brand new single player "Deadline" mode. Dodge the Power Plays and drift through pickups to set the fastest time!

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Trial Game - Avatar Laser Wars

This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=0/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. Take your very own Avatar into an online Laser Tag arena with 16 of your closest friends (or enemies). Compete head to head with up to 16 players to see who can become the ultimate Laser Wars champion. Avatar Laser Wars features a full 3D multilevel environment, multiple weapon unlocks, battlefield power-ups and portals! Compete with the rest of the world with the global high-score list.

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"Crackerman"

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track: "Crackerman"-- Stone Temple Pilots. PLEASE NOTE: Rock Band game disc is required to play song game tracks. Many Rock Band song game tracks are available as both a multipack and as a single game track. These song game tracks are exactly the same (unless expressly noted as a special version or remix). Be aware that it is possible to download the same song game track twice so please carefully consider your purchases. For music credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

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Cave Story DS – Trailer

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Trailer for New Sonic Game Hits Web

Last September, SEGA announced “Project Needlemouse”, the nickname for the new 2D Sonic the Hedgehog game. Recently, SEGA confirmed the official name to Gamespot.com. The publisher released a new trailer and revealed “Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1?:

The game is coming to Xbox Live, Playstation Network, and Wiiware this summer. We will finally have a sequel to Sonic & Knuckles after so many years of waiting, and not too long for call of duty black ops.

The teaser trailer for this new game highlights the past Sonic the Hedgehog games, while showing viewers what the new adventure has in store.

With many classic moves still in play, the tradition side of the game keeps its youth with a modern twist. And remember to watch out for your favorite villain, Dr. Eggman!

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Miyamoto Spills Some Zelda Beans

Good ol’ Miyamoto. I think the more the man tries to keep information from going the public, the more some slips through. In this interview he mostly talks about Legend of Zelda DS games, and hints about cod black ops. However, towards the end he gives a small and subtle hint at something involving Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Wii.

Don’t expect too much, but even a bit is better than nothing at all.

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Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Demo Available to Download from October 26

From October 26th, fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of EA?s Need for Speed Hot Pursuit will be able to download a demo that will enable them to experience the intensity of friendly competition via Need for Speed?s revolutionary Autolog social network. This new in-game technology makes personal recommendations to gamers based on what their friends have been playing, as well as challenging each player to beat their friends? race times.

In the demo, players can take on the role of a cop on the chase in the Dark Horse Hot Pursuit event, speeding through the coastal highway and mountainous ridges of Seacrest County. Throughout the demo, Autolog will track the performance of the cop and racer, and use those statistics to generate fierce competition between friends.

You can opt to play alone against the game?s AI, or invite a friend to participate to unlock a second track in the demo called Roadster?s Reborn, where gamers can compete as racers to set the best times.

The Need for Speed Hot Pursuit demo will be available for download on October 26 in North America via PSN, and on October 27 via PSN in Europe, through until November 9, 2010, and the full retail game will be available on November 16 in North America and November 18 and 19 in Europe.

Original post: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Demo Available to Download from October 26

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Blacklight Tango Down Infiltrates PSN Tomorrow

This formally Xbox 360 timed exclusive is set to launch tomorrow on PSN and looks to be a very nice fast paced fps. It takes place 25 years in the future and you take control of an elite covert ops team. The weapons are completely customizable giving literally trillions of weapons combos.

There have been many additions and upgrades that are coming to the PSN version of this game. The game was fully updated for PSN as well as having a “Join in progress” option now. There will also be a new map added as well.

I believe the price will be $14.99

Written by: Eddie

Blacklight Tango Down, PSN, Zombie Studios

This entry was posted on Monday, October 25th, 2010 and is filed under PLAYSTATION Store, PSN. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0.

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Halloween Pets in PS HOME

Heavy Water, has just released some house pets for PS Home.

“The 2010 Halloween Edition of Heavy Pets includes 3 active furniture objects that will spawn 3 “pets” each when placed in a user’s apartment. The three furniture pieces and their respective pets are: a tombstone (creating ghostlings), a brazier (creating flaming skulls), and a belfry (creating vampire batlings). Each of the three created pets are flying/hovering and will randomly path through the user’s apartment, reacting to placed furniture and each apartment’s layout.”

Written by: Oly

Halloween Pets, Home, PSN

This entry was posted on Monday, October 25th, 2010 and is filed under Home, Media, PSN. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0.

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More PSP2 Rumors

Kotaku reportsthat after TGS, Sony held a private event that showed up the PSP2 and now some of that info has leaked out.

The rumors of the PSP2 are as follows:

-Screen 1 inch larger then current PSP
-Touch screen
-HD screen and much sharper
-Touch panel on the back of the unit is described as looking like a big mouse track pad
-Roughly the same size as the PSP-3000
-Flash Media Support
-Launch by 4th quarter 2011
-Some heating and battery balancing issues still be worked out
-Hardware not finalized
-Dual Analog Sticks

Written by: Eddie

HD, portable, PSP2, Sony, touch screen

This entry was posted on Monday, October 25th, 2010 and is filed under PSP, QuickNews. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0.

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Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Launch Trailer Including New Creatures!

Here is the official launch trailer for Undead Nightmare that is coming tomorrow on the PSN. This is by far the best looking DLC to date. This trailer also shows the four horses of the Apocalypse, as well as a new mythical creature, so if you don’t want that spoiled, don’t watch.

 Don’t forget, for PS+ members, 20% off all the Red Dead Redemption DLC, including Undead Nightmare, also starts tomorrow.

Written by: Oly

DLC, Horses, RDR, Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, Rockstar, Zombies

This entry was posted on Monday, October 25th, 2010 and is filed under Media, Red Dead Redemption. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0.

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Sony Suggests That PS3 Skype is a Possibility

Sony has stated that Skype, an over the internet phone service may be in the cards for the PS3 as it is already available for the PSP.

In an interview from kotaku, Managing Director Michael Ephraim was asked about it coming to the PS3 and while he didn’t outright confirm it, he did sound very optimistic about it when he said, “Our global development teams certainly take into account the relative desirability of the feature set, so consumer needs and technology innovation really drive the product development process.”

So what does everyone think? Would you utilize PS3 skype?

Written by: Eddie

interview, michael ephraim, PS3, Skype

This entry was posted on Monday, October 25th, 2010 and is filed under PS3, Software. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0.

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It's A Season To Play

Cut the costs this season with simple gifts for the holidays. Get the family the latest of new and improved video game consoles.  The best gaming systems around.  From the Sony Playstation 3, to the Xbox 360, to the Nintendo Wii, game consoles are all the latest in entertainment this season.  Add games and accessories for all for reasonable prices.  New games are being released this season and with it come brand new accessories.  With new accessories, now the entire family can join in on the fun.  Turn family game night into family gaming night.  Share laughs, share moments, but most importantly spend time together.