The return of a long-absent, beloved series is usually cause for celebration among players. When SimCity arrived, however, server problems turned that celebration into a circus of contempt. Now that the servers are working, the game itself can finally be evaluated. Does it live up to expectations? READ MORE
There will always be games that are more well-suited to one platform or another. Portable games designed for quick, pick-up-and-play action and collaboration. Console games are best-suited for a big screen and the simplicity of a controller. Computer games pride themselves on flexibility and depth. If a game designer can play to the advantages of a specific platform, experiences are lifted even higher by their platform of choice.
A Valley Without Wind 2 knows exactly what it wants to be, and carries out on the strengths of what it is. It is a game that exemplifies complexity, modularity and strategy in a way that few games have the guts to do. It is a truly fascinating work in its own right, and while it isn’t for everyone, it is an experience that every gamer should at least try. READ MORE
When discussing action franchises that defined a generation, you can’t forget to bring up Tomb Raider or its protagonist, Lara Croft. As one of the first major 3D action-adventure games to hit it big, Tomb Raider became a cultural phenomenon. However, after so many games in the venerable series, the popularity died down and the quality of each subsequent entry became less stellar. In short, the series needed a fresh take, and thus providing Crystal Dynamics a chance to start anew. Bringing us back to Lara’s very first adventure, Tomb Raider is a return to form for a series that desperately needed a new beginning. READ MORE
Paradox has added another flavor to its large catalog of grand strategy, this time focusing on Europe in the early 1800s. March of the Eagles acts as a bit of a light version of the company’s usual offerings, cutting out a lot of the politics and empire management parts, and boils it down to war and diplomacy. READ MORE
Bit.Trip Runner is a throwback to rhythm games of yesterday. In today’s world of plastic guitars and drum kits, Runner used the music as a gameplay element rather than a goal unto itself. It started by realizing that player actions enhanced the soundtrack, and it culminated in playing a new level just as much by ear as by eye. Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien continues that tradition, and improves upon its predecessor in every way. READ MORE
