For Sparta!
The ultimate goal of the title is to fight your way through the ranks, leveling up your various skills and win enough money to earn your freedom. Easier said than done, the road ahead is a long one, filled with many battles and a lot of blood. As you boot it up, you get to create your character and name their place of origin. Then you proceed to your ludas to learn the basics of combat. There are a few different types of fighting styles that are based on what weapons you have equipped. There is bare hands, also known as ‘are you f’ing crazy’,  one sword, sword and shield and duel wielding weapons. It really depends on the player. Anything with a shield gives you great defense but your attacks wont be as strong depending on the weapon of choice. You can also equip helmets, leggings, shoulder protectors and armor.

Kill Or Be Killed
In the Story mode there are various levels you work your way through as well as the battles you participate in are ranked by not only the level of your Gladiator (like a ranking system based on how much you have earned), but it also tells you the level of difficulty to expect. At the top right of the game during gladiator battles is a bar. You do special actions like combos and back attacks to raise it, raising it creates favor for you with the crowd. After the battles the person holding the competition will congratulate you if you get past the red marker on the ‘crowd bar’ for the majority of the battles. Between the battles you can customize your stylized attacks and loadout as well as heal your character. The damage system is amazing in the game, the cuts and slices stay every character until healed. It adds to the realistic nature of the battle system.

Slice ‘N Dice
Gladiator Battle Begins has potential to be a wonderful game. The character customization is great and the ability to play online against other gladiators in ADHOC play has potential to be a time soaker. The damage modeling is great and the atmosphere of the overall game is engaging and well put together. Find out this Monday when our review goes live if this title has what it takes to earn its freedom.

With Duke Nukem Forever, just announced at PAX in Seattle to be in development by Gearbox Software, the guys behind Borderlands.

If you want to check out the live stream of the 2K event clicky here: http://www.ustream.tv/2kgameslive

In the shots shown are Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Kung Lao, Reptile, Melina, Night-Wolf, and Sub Zero. (The last character on the left in the last picture I cant remember his name)

Out of respect and to honor military families, EA’s upcoming shooter Medal of Honor will not be sold or advertised at military-based Gamestop stores. ”Out of respect to those we serve, we will not be stocking this game,” said AAFES Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella in a statement.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause authorized shoppers, but are optimistic that they will understand the sensitivity to the life and death scenarios this product presents as entertainment. As a military command with a retail mission, we serve a very unique customer base that has, or possibly will, witness combat in real life.”

This move impacts all Army and Air Force Exchange operations worldwide, including AAFES’ website and on-base/post GameStop locations. All pre-orders and reservations placed online will now be canceled. Pre-orders placed through GameStop locations on Army and Air Force installations will be transferred to off-base ones.

The controversy first arose last month when it was discovered the game allowed players to assume the role of Taliban members in its online multiplayer modes.

So if you have a pre-order with any military based Gamestop stores in the US, you may wanna look somewhere else if you are hoping to get your hands on the new Medal of Honor game.

Animated Action
In this prequel to the original Contra, Hard Corps: Uprising takes place in the year 2613 as Bahamut rises to power in a resistance group. Uprising has some solid gameplay to backup the prequel storyline. You can choose to play as Bahamut or Krystal through the arcade mode. The animation in the title is so slick and stylish. When I found out the developer was Arc System Works the guys behind BlazBlue I understood why. The art style kind of changes the way gamers will look at Contra but once you get into the gameplay you will enjoy it. The varying levels of difficulty and options can really add depth to the title. Health bar can be turned on or off, and really make the game frustrating, but I know someone out there will beat it and feel like God. For the more casual players there is Rising Mode that incorporates a leveling system and upgrade system for weapons, armor and abilities. Rising mode is said to include over 50 different power-ups for the player to utilize. It essentially makes the game more easier so players can actually make it to the end, instead of dying repeatedly on the first level like I did during my hands on, I know, sad.

Two Player Ownage
As the game can be a pain if you are by yourself, there will be two player online and offline co-op available. The co-op that I experienced was amazing, it was very smooth and with proper communication the online will be just as well. So hopefully microphone support will be available on PSN as it usually is on XBLA titles. The gameplay was very sleek through single and two player, shooting became natural and was you picked up power-ups the game became more fun and you had to dodge attacks through jumping, dashing and air dashing your way to the other side of the screen. The bosses shown in the preview build had some intimidating attacks and required finesse and timing to dodge.

Contra Meet Uprising
Contra fans will simply love Uprising with its fast paced gameplay and hardcore elements and difficulty. Casual players will enjoy the retro feel, and Rising mode. So far the title is expected to have around eight (8) levels. With the inclusion of a ‘casual’ mode and online/offline co-op this looks to be one title worth every penny. Konami looks to have come up with another downloadable title that we will have to look out for later this year when it releases on PSN and XBLA.

GAMESTOP
Starting today, fans can pre-order GoldenEye 007 for Wii at GameStop to receive an exclusive* code to unlock Invisibility Mode for split screen multiplayer.  Invisibility Mode allows each player to become invisible for a set period of time.  Run right up to other players without them ever seeing you and catch them off guard with a surprise attack in the heat of battle!  *Exclusive until Dec. 31, 2010. For more info and an exclusive video sneak peek, visit this link.  Get Invisible.  Get the Edge. Get Your Friends.
BEST BUY
Eager fans who purchase a copy of GoldenEye 007 at Best Buy will receive an exclusive* code to unlock Tag Mode for splitscreen multiplayer.  Tag Mode takes the classic playground game and gives it a twist on the Wii.  The player who is “tagged” cannot eliminate an opponent until they tag someone else –  creating fast, frenetic multiplayer action where players are sprinting at each other from all angles. *Exclusive until Dec. 31, 2010. For more info and an exclusive video sneak peek, visit BestBuy.com.

WALMART
For fans who love Oddjob, reserve the game at Walmart.com or purchase the game at launch at a Walmart store near you to score an exclusive Oddjob “Cheater” T-shirt. Watch out for Oddjob’s bowler hat!  Fans can visit this link for more info.  This exclusive T-shirt is available at Walmart and Walmart.com while supplies last.

Developed exclusively for Wii and based on the GoldenEye film, GoldenEye 007 gives players the chance to use the lethal, gritty style of Daniel Craig’s James Bond to outwit, outmaneuver and overtake an arms syndicate that threatens the world in an innovative, modern take on the legendary GoldenEye movie.   GoldenEye 007features an unprecedented lineup of four-player split-screen multiplayer options that encourage social gaming, with over 50 total characters, including eight classic Bond characters, ten maps, three standard modes and 17 special modifiers that allow gamers to create hundreds of game combinations. GoldenEye 007 also features online multiplayer for up to eight players designed for seasoned FPS online gamers with unique modes and a robust XP system for unlockables and achievements.  GoldenEye is back.  Get Your Friends.

STORY:

The story once again follows Adol and Dogi going to the capital of Altago for a whole new adventure. Little did they know that Adol and Dogi will be the ones to change the fate of all Altago. After being arrested for saving two sisters that were harassed by local Dragon Knights. Adol and Dogi were requested by the king due to their reputation, but little did they know that the king wants them to investigate something strange that is about to unfold. Adol and Dogi must go to an underground shine where earthquakes are happening; after they arrive Adol gets granted with the power of the Five Dragons and gains the title Dragon Warrior. After learning of a message given by the dragon of an evil that is looming Altago, Adol and Dogi are given the task to get the rest of the Five Dragon seals and unfold the fate of all Altago.

You will also be getting party members to help Adol Christin to save all of Altago and each have their own unique outlook of what is happening to Altago and information that will help Adol Christin to find the remaining dragons. The story of Ys Seven is simple but, plays out to the end.  Saving the kingdom from an unknown evil but, it does go deeper into the story and there is a stronger message that Ys Seven leaves that will make the player think. Overall, the story will get confusing in the beginning but, it will unfold and become entertaining and emotional when the player continues the quest with Adol Christin.

GAMPLAY:

Ys Seven gameplay is no different than other Ys titles. Ys Seven does feature improvements over the other Ys games like; changing party members, using different attacks and an improved checkpoint system. Ys Seven combat is set in real time, in which the player will fight the enemy on the playing field without the hassle of a loading screen. You will hack and slash away at enemies with normal, skill, and special attacks. Normal attacks is just a normal repeated combos but, can be charged up to gain SP so that Adol or anyone can use their skill attacks. Skill attacks uses SP to use and must be learned from weapons you find or buy and must be selected to use them. Each skill attack will gain power after each level up. These attacks also help out your special gauge which each character has their own special attack which will cause massive damage to any enemy. To make combat a little more unique, each weapons as an attribute that will damage certain enemies. A slash will cut flesh type enemies easier, heavy weapons will deal damage to rock or harden enemies, and pierce attacks damage flying monster. If the weapon attribute does not correspond with the right enemy, the damage dealt will be very minimal. Combat overall is a fast pace and will keep anyone on their toe against normal and boss enemies. The boss encounters in the game are very unique and the player must pay a full focus to beat a lot of these bosses.    

The player will also be able to use abilities found within some of the temples that the player will go to. Some of these abilities come in the form of breathing underwater, boots that stomp on spikes, and a cape that uses wind to lift the player up. There are many more and some are even secret. The player can also choose from a vast variety of weapons for each and every character along with armor and accessories.  You will also be able to use synthesis to make better weapons that cannot be found or brought from the store.  You will need to gather materials from defeated monsters and the environments around you like rocks and plants to make a lot of these weapons and armor.

Gameplay does have it faults when it comes to the controls. The controls will take some time getting used to. If you want to use your skill attack you will need to hold the R Tab and one of the four shape buttons on your PSP. If you forget to do these you skill attack might be an unwanted dodge, or item menu select. This placement does take time to get used to but, is very minor overall.

GRAPHICS/SOUND:

Graphics are not that terrible. Graphics wise it reminds me of an old PSone game I used to play. Sound wise, the soundtrack that this game uses is very enjoyable and upbeat for many of the hard fought battles. On the other hand that’s all you will be listening to. There is a lack of voiceovers in Ys Seven, which may or may not be a big deal but, a lot of Playstation Portable games now-a-day have voiceovers. Overall, Ys Seven proves decent graphics that reminds me of old PSone adventure RPGs, and Soundtracks that are enjoyable and great to listen to.

Small Sample from Soundtrack: y7_b001

CLOSING NOTE:

Ys Seven is really an excellent RPG, if you give it a chance. The story is simple but, enjoyable till the very end that leaves a message for players to think about our world, gameplay that needs your great focus and is pretty much fast-paced and fun, decent graphics, and an excellent soundtrack. All these combine into Ys Seven, in which is an action RPG that you might want to look into.

’The Bare Necessities’
The Sing It franchise seems to age slowly, after three or so games that are basically the same they have decided to go back to their roots. Disney Sing It is by far in my opinion the best of the bunch, with the classic songs and colorful menus that appeal to kids and adults. Such classic songs that will appeal to all ages are, Aladdin’s ‘A Whole New World’, Beauty And The Beast’s ‘Be Our Guest’ and The Lion King’s ‘Hakuna Matata’. Such songs are always fun to sing by yourself or with family and friends watching to make you feel silly.

’Once Upon A Dream’
Despite the amazing tracklist the title has little else to set it apart from other Karaoke games let alone the whole Sing It series. Scoring is the same, and the fact there is no DLC (due to the fact that it is on the Wii as well) it is limited to the initial 30 songs. That’s fine but not great. The voice coach is a neat little feature, this time with the help of Anika Noni Rose (the Princess from The Princess And The Frog). Actual footage from the movies is played behind the songs as you sing them (HD on PS3 and SD on Wii). Another thing that annoyed me is the pitch detection. It was great for hard mode but once you got to the easier difficulties you can easily hum your way through a whole song and score 5 Stars. However this is just a pet peeve and not a game fault in general, it’s a genre fault.

’Be Our Guest’
Karaoke games are all about friends and family. In this light it doesn’t disappoint, but is pretty standard. Up to eight players can play at once, either passing the mic or otherwise. The PS3 version is also compatible with the Playstation Eye. Sadly there is no online play, rarely do karaoke games have this feature but it would be appreciated. Perhaps maybe next Sing It.

’Dig A Little Deeper’
As a karaoke game, Disney Sing It: Family Hits is a great title for classic songs. However with only 30 tracks and no DLC to come, it sort of sours the pot. Most of the songs are great and others die-hard fans will look and ask why they chose these songs over the entire library of 60 years of songs from their films. I hope this is a start of things to come from the Sing It series. There can only be so much teenie bopper music that one can handle. It was about time Disney realized this and got back to their roots. For this I commend them, however as the title adds no real addition to the series, it should have really been an expansion to the last iteration not a fully-fledged title. Here is one hoping that Disney ‘digs a little deeper’ next time.

Playing the demo, I got the distinct feeling that the super stylized “thrust attacks” are somewhat tacked on for styles sake. I spent a good amount of time attempting to take advantage of all the very cool abilities that the ARS affords the player, only to find that 9 times out of 10 doing so only served to get me riddled with bullets. Shortly after, I came to the conclusion that it is best to use this ability to either escape some serious fire or to quickly manoeuvre from cover to cover.

The cover system works well, and I particularly enjoyed how Sam’s position in cover changes depending on the height of the cover he is behind. Shooting mechanics seem up to par and while nothing really grabbed me and made me scream “wow, that was awesome”, I didn’t see any major flaws either. Now what did give me that reaction was the gunfights, it was so fun to be in such a frantic and fast paced gunfight and being able to slow down time while firing my gun wildly and sliding across the ground made it so much better. Although I fell that the “thrust movements” were slapped on, it made the gunfights and manoeuvring the environment so much more exciting.

The graphics in the Vanquish demo were simply fantastic, the character models looked great and the detail in Sam Gideon’s armour was fantastic. The environments looked top notch, everything looked crystal clear and very well polished. So to put it simply, the graphics in the Vanquish demo are beyond good, they are amazing I didn’t find any issues with the games graphics and I feel that I have to commend the developers for doing such a good job.

Final Thoughts:

The demo for Vanquish was alot of fun, although I feel that the thrust movements were tacked on, it made the simple gameplay elements of the game even more exciting. I haven’t had this much fun from such a short demo in a long time and I highly recommend this demo to everyone who is looking for something different.

Welcome Back To The World Of Toys
Toy Story 3 unlike other movie based games, doesn’t completely tell the story of its counterpart. Instead it weaves back and forth between the story and the off camera action. So yes, maybe some missions will be reminiscent of the movie, but overall it is just off screen events. Now that I took care of that, let me tell you that decision may have been the best one that Disney made when going into the creation of the title. Instead of one, ruining the story for diehard fans and two being limited in story telling, they created a unique experience for gamers. Throughout the course of the game, at set points you can choose between Buzz, Jessie and Woody. Each has their own unique abilities, such as Buzz’s laser and Woody’s pull-string to latch onto hanging objects and swing around. The gameplay is very fun and will really get to the younger audience and the difficulty isn’t too far up there either. The controls are also really easy to get used to.

Look Inside The Toy Box
Besides the standard ‘story’ modes’ eight (8) levels there is the Toy Box mode that is available at the main board/map. In this unique mode you can choose who you want to be and roam around a town patrolling it as sheriff. You gain gold to spend on people, to inhabit the town and vehicles and such to make it easy to roam around the area. Toy Box mode feels a lot, like a game within a game. It gives off the vibe of an open world game for kids. You have a main strand of missions to complete as well as some side-missions such as collecting all the Pict-oMaster’s and completing them. You also have a heap of collectibles and unlockable areas to explore. The amount of variety and gameplay that can be found within Toy Box mode is simply astounding. The Playstation 3 version of Toy Story 3 comes equipped with Zurg as a playable character in Toy Box mode as well as his own vehicle. In a few short weeks players will also be able to use the Playstation Move with this title and have access to new downloadable mini-games that use the new hardware.

To Infinity And Beyond!
As a fan of the Toy Story franchise this simply put my hopes up high in this title. I am glad to say that I am not disappointed. The amount of gameplay an average child will get out of this is simply amazing. If they are a die hard fan they will have this game forever. As for young adults and teenagers, some may scoff at a Toy Story title on the Playstation 3, but it simply looks great, plays even greater and has a lot of lasting value to the title. Toy Box mode alone could have been a game itself, but the addition of 8 levels with variety in each is great. The drop in drop out co-op play is great although it is sad it s not online. The story mode will take gamers around 6-8 hours depending on skill and with perfectionists with all the collecting to be done possibly longer. The Toy Box mode can easily take anywhere between 10-12 hours to complete to its fullest. So I have to say, Toy Story 3, ‘You Got A Friend In Me’.