Another big name release — another iOS spinoff. It seems like ever since EA got into the mobile game, no franchise stone is left unturned in terms of tapping a mobile team to create a gaiden for it. This month’s model is Mass Effect Inflitrator, an iOS game in honor of Mass Effect 3‘s launch.

You’d expect it to be a cash grab, but you know what? Infiltrator isn’t that bad. Read more… »

Mass Effect 3 is here, and much to the chagrin of non-Collectors-Edition buyers, there is day one DLC — specifically a downloadable pack that adds new squad member costumes, a new weapon, a new mission, and a new very spoilery squad member.

In fact, this DLC character in particular is the absolute focus on this pack, as original Mass Effect fans most likely have been dreaming about this moment for years.

Do not click the break or continue reading unless you’re ready for spoilers for this DLC only — specifically regarding the squadmate. Read more… »

Mass Effect, over the years, has been quite the chameleon. At first, it started as a pretty RPG heavy title that involved tons of customization and obtuse design choices. Then it evolved into possibly the most streamlined product Bioware had ever produced.

Mass Effect 3 attempts to marry the two types of gameplay into one action packed conclusion. But does it succeed? Or is it too action packed for its own good? Read more… »

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning by newcomer 38 Studios doesn’t feel like a debut game. The pure confidence with which it presents itself is refreshing because it knows what kind of game it wants to be. While some might be tempted to write Amalur off as just another Western RPG like Skyrim with some World of Warcraft thrown in for color, they’d be wrong.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning might be built upon the backs of familiar fantasy and RPG tropes, but it gets them right more often than it gets them wrong.

Read more… »

SoulCalibur has always been a flashy franchise — in more ways than one. When the original came out on the Sega Dreamcast, I was completely awestruck, and wasted hundreds of hours clanging swords and flinging people out of the ring.

By the time SoulCalibur III rolled out, I was a bit disenfranchised, and became more a casual fan — that is, until I came back full circle for SoulCalibur V. Read more… »

Revelations has a lot to live up to. It’s the first full Resident Evil game for a Nintendo handheld (barring remakes and mini-games) since Resident Evil Gaiden on the Gameboy Color.

It’s also the most impressive looking bit of software to date, and the first title to utilize the new Circle Pad Pro addition, launching the same day as the game itself. So is Revelations a system seller?

Read on to find out.

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These days, a true platformer is hard to come by – all too often modern developers attempt to combine puzzle elements into the genre, sometimes to the point of convolution.

While there have been some fine innovations to the genre, it’s always nice to get back to our roots every once in a while. Thankfully, Renegade Kid’s Mutant Mudds does just that, blending classic retro greats such as Gargoyle’s Quest, Virtual Boy Wario Land, and Kirby. Read more… »

Over the past few years Nintendo’s online shop has developed a bit of a reputation. WiiWare once was looked at as a platform for indie developers and small studios to showcase their work. However, in reality, it’s something more akin to a dumping ground for sloppy, poorly made games that no-one really wants.

Despite that negative distinction, the service has accumulated a number of outstanding titles that clearly stand apart from cashgrabs and shovelware. Unfortunately for Wii owners searching for the next diamond in the rough, Zombii Attack just isn’t one of them.

Still interested? Well then, read on after the break for the full breakdown of the latest gem to join the Wii’s library.

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VVVVVV is a PC game that goes by many names. V6, V, “Spikes”; whatever you call it, odds are you’ll replace it’s moniker with a host of obscenities by the time you’re ten minutes in. Make no mistake: V is a hard game, despite the fact that it’s possible to beat in under thirty minutes – it’s also one of the best platformers I’ve ever played.

But is the 3DS version enough to warrant a double-dip? Read on to find out. Read more… »

Officer Wagon has a big problem – a gang of sexy criminals have busted out of jail, and it’s up to her and her alone to put them behind bars again. Over sixteen levels, Wagon will sprint, leap, and blast her way through various obstacles and enemies to capture five fleety jailbirds per level.

Although she does have a gun, the game is primarily puzzle based (like Mighty Flip Champs) – but is it exciting enough to warrant a $5.99 price tag? Read more… »

The rhythm genre, for the most part, has been over-saturated these past few years. After the sucess of titles like Gitaroo Man, PaRappa the Rapper, and DDR, the market started to flood with Guitar Hero after Guitar Hero iteration, until finally, it imploded, with basically only Harmonix Music Systems remaining. Thankfully, Harmonix kept things fresh with the much needed keyboard instrument, and of course, the Dance Central franchise, which took the country by storm.

But is Dance Central 2 in danger of flooding the market once again? Read on to find out.

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There’s no denying the popularity of the Call of Duty series. In fact, COD is in the same conversation as Mario when it comes to the most sucessful gaming series of all time – ever since Infinity Ward’s smash hit COD4, the series has taken off and never looked back. Fans tout the series’ ability to put you into a five hour action movie without fail, and provide a competitive multiplayer element that thousands of people will still be playing years later.

So is Modern Warfare 3 the same old song? Read on to find out.

Read more… »