Issue 82: February 2011

Dead Space 2 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Visceral Games
Publisher: EA
Genre: Action / Horror
9/10
Summary: Masterful horror game with fantastically skilled tempo changes, stunning graphics and really well-done controls.



Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (PS3, X360)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting
8/10
Summary: Marvel vs Capcom 3 has its flaws, but compensates for it with sheer joy and it can be warmly recommended for everyone who liked the previous games in the series. It's fast, violent, intense and very entertaining.



LittleBigPlanet 2 (PS3)
Developer: Media Molecule
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Platformer and beyond
9/10
Summary: The new tools in Media Molecule's anticipated sequel gives your inner game developer an absurd amount of possibilities and no game on the market teases with more creativity. Add to this really worked-through levels in the campaign mode and you have a fantastically good start of the gaming year of 2011. It will now be extremely exciting to see what the fans will manage to build during the coming months.



Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (PS3, X360)
Developer: Fatshark
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action / Platformer
7/10
Summary: Despite co-op, sweet music and an orange mustache, Fatshark's latest does not quite live up to the same standard as the original, even though Rearmed 2 is still totally worth buying.



DC Universe Online (PC, PS3)
Developer: Sony Online Entertainment
Publisher: Sony
Genre: MMORPG / Action
7/10
Summary: An atmospheric online role-playing game in DC's colorful universe with a cool theme and a satisfying battle system, but it suffers a bit from a repetitive mission structure. If you're tired of World of Warcraft, DC Universe Online is definitely worth trying out.



Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem (DS)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
8/10
Summary: Nintendo manages to squeeze out maximum joy from a classic setup. And since the homemade level-building has barely started yet, we most likely have the best experiences ahead of us.



Nail'd (PS3, X360)
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Deep Silver
Genre: Racing
5/10
Summary: Hysterically fast arcade racing on some of the most insane tracks ever created. But it quickly gets hugely repetitive.



Infinity Blade (Iphone)
Developer: Chair
Publisher: Epic Games
Genre: RPG / Fighting
8/10



Real Racing 2 (Iphone)
Developer: Firemint
Publisher: Firemint
Genre: Racing
9/10



Eternal Legacy (Iphone)
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft
Genre: RPG
4/10



N.O.V.A. 2 (Iphone)
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft
Genre: FPS / Action
7/10



Spare Parts (PS3, X360)
Genre: Platformer
7/10



Raskulls (X360)
Genre: Platformer
9/10



Hydroventure (Wii)
Genre: Puzzle / Action
8/10

Issue 81: December 2010

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Racing
7/10
Summary: Among boring modes, slow and repetitively structured career mode, uneven graphics and insane presentation I find improved and dynamic car physics, a definitely good enough online mode and gorgeous Premium-cars. But it's not enough to beat Forza Motorsport 3.



Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
8/10
Summary: Apart from some smaller control problems, Kong's return is a solid production that generates constant smiles when I play. The fans should all scream like monkeys of delight.



World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (PC)
Developer: Blizzard
Publisher: Blizzard
Genre: MMORPG
9/10
Summary: Cataclysm is both a remake of the game we all have played for so long, where most of the improvements are made for the better, and an even bigger piece of brilliant online role-playing game.



Blood Drive (PS3, X360)
Developer: Sidhe
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Action / Racing
4/10
Summary: No amount of zombies in the world can hide the fact that Blood Drive is unfinished, not thought through at all and very boring. Now the wait for Twisted Metal is even harder.



Splatterhouse (PS3, X360)
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Action
4/10
Summary: Splatterhouse is both a fun concept and has a sweet attitude, but it's not especially fun for longer periods of time and all the blood in the world can't make me forgive the uneven difficulty, the slow controls and the terrible checkpoints that make me replay long parts of the game.



Apache: Air Assault (PS3, X360)
Developer: Gaijin
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Flight / Action
7/10
Summary: Anonymous helicopter action that manages to include the most important; sweet choppers, cool battles and well done missions.



Epic Mickey (Wii)
Developer: Junction Point
Publisher: Disney
Genre: Platformer / Action
8/10
Summary: Fun platforming and most of all a stunningly surrealistic setup make Epic Mickey a designer's dream. This is one of the best platformers of the year.



Tron: Evolution (PS3, Wii, X360)
Developer: Propaganda Games
Publisher: Disney
Genre: Action
7/10



Rage HD (Iphone)
Developer: Id Software
Publisher: Bethesda
Genre: Action / Shooter
4/10



Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Multi)
Developer: EA
Publisher: EA
Genre: Action
2/10



Sonic Colours (Wii)
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Platformer
7/10

Issue 80: November 2010

Kinectimals (X360)
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Simulator
5/10



Dance Central (X360)
Developer: Harmonix / MTV Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Music / Rhythm
8/10



Kinect Sports (X360)
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Sports / Party
5/10



Fighters Uncaged (X360)
Developer: AMA Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Fighting
4/10



Kinect Joyride (X360)
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Racing / Party
4/10



Call of Duty: Black Ops (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Shooter / Action
9/10
Summary: The singleplayer component offers up a thriller-like story with a tighter direction than spandex, while the multiplayer component introduces several lovely news. Masterful, Treyarch.



Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Criterion
Publisher: EA
Genre: Racing
8/10
Summary: Hot Pursuit gives you a big dose of accessible arcade racing for the one who wants to torment luxury rides in beautiful country resorts. The career mode is barely good enough, but the game completely shines through online with its addictive missions, perfect setup and well-done social functions. Sure, this feels more like Burnout than Need for Speed, but I only see that as something positive.



Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action
8/10
Summary: Some smaller bugs and Ezio's terrible accent can't change the fact that Brotherhood is a big-scale adventure stuffed with good action and stunning acrobatics. The online mode is a really successful newcomer too.



Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (PS3, X360)
Developer: Game Republic
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Genre: Action / Adventure
7/10
Summary: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is a cousy action adventure that covers a pretty big genre hole for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Now we're hoping for a sequel with a little faster pacing and even more difficult cooperation puzzles.



Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Lucasarts
Publisher: Lucasarts
Genre: Action
5/10
Summary: Do over, do right, Lucasarts. Only three leveltypes, invisible walls and both a short and pointless story. You can do better.



Rock Band 3 (PS3, Wii, X360)
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: MTV Games
Genre: Music / Rhythm
10/10
Summary: The level of ambition and the entertainment value speaks clearly; Rock Band 3 is genre perfection. No matter if you're singing three-vocal harmonies or banging drums on the Easy-level, Harmonix's game shines from brilliance.



God of War: Ghost of Sparta (PSP)
Developer: Ready at Dawn
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Action
8/10
Summary: So much rage packed into such a small package. God of War: Ghost of Sparta shows yet another aspect of the extremely tormented anti hero Kratos and lets us crush a little bit more of the Greek mythology gods.



Fable III (X360)
Developer: Lionhead
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Action / RPG
8/10
Summary: Original, comedic, atmospheric and incredibly charming. Fable III will not disappoint any role-playing fans.



Time Crisis: Razing Storm (PS3)
Developer: Namco Bandai
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Genre: Action / Shooter
4/10



The Shoot (PS3)
Developer: Cohort Studios
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Action / Shooter
6/10



Shaun White Skateboarding (PS3, X360)
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Extreme Sports / Action
5/10



The Sims 3 Console (PS3, Wii, X360)
Developer: EA
Publisher: EA
Genre: Simulator
8/10



GoldenEye 007 (Wii)
Developer: Eurocom
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Shooter / Action
6/10
Summary: Even if the developers have peeked more than a little at Rare's old game and include several homages to the original, GoldenEye 007 for the Wii is never more than a bleak copycat.



Arcania: Gothic 4 (PC, X360)
Developer: Spellbound
Publisher: Dreamcatcher
Genre: RPG
6/10



WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 (PS2, PS3, Wii, PSP, X360)
Developer: Yuke's
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Fighting / Sports
6/10



The Fight: Lights Out (PS3)
Developer: Coldwood
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Fighting
3/10



LEGO Universe (PC)
Developer: Netdevil
Publisher: Warner
Genre: MMORPG
5/10



James Bond 007: Blood Stone (PS3, X360)
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Shooter / Action
5/10
Summary: The last four missions outshines the first four, but even so it doesn't save Bond from a weak five and Bizarre's latest becomes one of the year's biggest disappointments. Unfortunately...



Super Meat Boy (X360)
Genre: Action / Platformer
9/10



Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare (PS3, X360)
Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Publisher: Rockstar / Take Two
Genre: Action / Adventure
9/10



DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue (PS3, X360)
Genre: Action
7/10

Issue 79: October 2010

EA Sports MMA (PS3, X360)
Developer: EA Tiburon
Publisher: EA
Genre: Fighting/Sports
6/10
Summary: Gorgeous graphics won't save this game. The mechanical gameplay setup feels stiff, boring and repetitive. EA, you can do better than this.



Fallout: New Vegas (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Bethesda
Genre: RPG
8/10
Summary: Fallout: New Vegas is a spinoff that stands on its own legs thanks to some brilliant news gameplay-wise and a really good story. If it weren't for all the small, technical hitches I would've gladly given it a nine.



Medal of Honor (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Danger Close Games
Publisher: EA
Genre: Shooter
7/10
Summary: Gruesome military porno, stunning graphics and remarkable sound saves Medal of Honor from a lower grade. Pale multiplayer mode and short gameplay time keeps it from getting a higher one.



Vanquish (PS3, X360)
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Action/Shooter
8/10
Summary: Vanquish is, without exaggeration, the most action stuffed game I have ever played in my entire life. It's also well balanced, nice looking, varied and extremely addictive.



NBA 2K11 (Multi)
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: Sports
8/10
Summary: NBA 2K11 is an ultrarealistic, tough and very demanding basketball game for the most hardcore. We've yet to see what EA can do with NBA Elite. We won't get the answer until February.



Two Worlds II (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Reality Pump
Publisher: Top Ware Interactive
Genre: RPG
7/10
Summary: This is for RPG- and fantasy-fans that can forgive lacking playability in favor of an almost infinite amount of content.



Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (PS3, X360)
Developer: Mercury Steam
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Action
8/10
Summary: A pace-wise stunning action adventure with great controls, cool design and really awesome graphics. Something for every vampire lover to sink their teeth into.



FIFA 11 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: EA
Genre: Sports
9/10
Summary: With bigger demands and better animations, digital football has never been more alike the real thing. FIFA 11 is the best football game ever. Thank you for that, EA.



Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 (PS3, X360)
Developer: Cyber Connect2
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Genre: Fighting
6/10



Front Mission Evolved (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Double Helix Games
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Action/Shooter
5/10



Quantum Theory (PS3, X360)
Publisher: Tecmo
Genre: Action/Shooter
2/10



Wii Party (Wii)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Party
6/10



WRC 2010 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Milestone
Publisher: Black Bean Games
Genre: Racing
5/10
Summary: I was really, really hoping for great things - even if my gut feeling beforehand was telling me something else. Unfortunately Milestone does not manage to create a believable sense of speed. They also don't succeed with the track layouts, and the default settings are downright stupid.



Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (PS3, Wii, X360)
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Music/Rhythm
8/10
Summary: A rocking music game and a worthy finish for Neversoft. What's lacking in ambitions and new thinking is compensated with a great setlist and a playful career mode.



Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (PS3, X360)
Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Action
8/10
Summary: A really nice adventure in an original and very well designed game world. Ninja Theory freely mixes intense action with calmer parts and the combination is intriguing.



Final Fantasy XIV (PC)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: MMORPG
8/10
Summary: If you are tired of World of Warcraft, old graphics and very familiar quests, and want both a gorgeous and fresh alternative, Final Fantasy XIV is probably just what you're looking for.



Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (PS3, Wii X360)
Developer: Dimps / Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Platformer
6/10
Summary: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is a decent platformer, but far from the brilliant comeback I was hoping for.

Issue 78: September 2010

Sports Champions (PS3)
Developer: Sony
Publisher: Sony
Genre: Sports / Party
6/10



Kung Fu Rider (PS3)
Genre: Racing / Party
4/10



Racket Sports (PS3)
Genre: Sports / Party
6/10



EyePet: Move Edition (PS3)
Genre: Simulation
3/10



Start the Party (PS3)
Genre: Party
3/10



Halo: Reach (X360)
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: FPS
10/10
Summary: Halo: Reach is better, longer, prettier and more full of content than any other part in the Halo series. Bungie's last Halo game is also their best.



F1 2010 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Genre: Racing
8/10
Summary: Cool sense of speed, lots of content and an addictive career mode.



Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (PS3, Wii, X360)
Developer: Beenox
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Action
7/10
Summary: Spider-Man still has a long way to go before his adventures reaches the same class as Batman's escapades in Arkham Asylum, but Shattered Dimensions is still the best Spider-Man game in very long.



Metroid: Other M (Wii)
Developer: Project M / Tecmo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action
7/10
Summary: In the end, Metroid: Other M is a good action game that takes Samus into a somewhat different direction. The action parts are very quickly paced and the controls are good, but there are some annoying moments.



Kane & Lynch 2: Dogs Days (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: IO Interactive
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Action / Shooter
6/10
Summary: Dog Days is a step in the right direction, but the actual mechanics would need to be remade from scratch for IO to be able to aspire for a higher grade.



Toy Story 3: The Video Game (Multi)
Developer: Avalanche Productions
Publisher: Disney
Genre: Action / Platformer
7/10
Summary: Forget about the half-done single player component, Toy Story 3 is a sweet, stimulating playground for kids and adult kids. You never grow too old to play.



Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow (DS)
Developer: Mistwalker
Publisher: Namco
Genre: RPG
6/10
Summary: Awakened Shadow has its moments and it gets especially exciting in the boss fights, where I'm forced to be both quick and tactical about my shadow powers. But this is not a role-playing game that will go down in history.



Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Ubisoft Romania
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Flight
7/10
Summary: HAWX 2 does pretty much everything better than its predecessor. The controls are better and so are the missions, the graphics and the presentation.



Phantasy Star Portable 2 (PSP)
Developer: Alfa System
Publisher: Sega
Genre: RPG
7/10



Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (PC, X360)
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Action / Platformer
8/10



BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (PS3, X360)
Developer: Arc Systems
Publisher: Arc Systems
Genre: Fighting
8/10



Top Gun (PS3)
Developer: Paramount Digital Entertainment
Publisher: Paramount
Genre: Flight
2/10



NHL 11 (PC, PS3, X360, Wii)
Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: EA
Genre: Sports
9/10
Summary: It tooks EA Sports three years to implement the physics engine that they've talked about since 2008, and you can definitely tell there's a difference. NHL 11 is a bliss to play and it easily outshines the competition known as NHL 2K11.



Dodonpachi Resurrection (Iphone)
Developer: Cave
Publisher: Cave
Genre: Arcade / Shooter
9/10
Summary: More pixel war than you ever thought was possible, packed into an accessible format perfect for short bursts of fun.



Dead Rising 2 (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Blue Castle Games
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action
8/10
Summary: Capcom has stuffed a sparkling casino world with humour and stabb-friendly dead meat. A definite buy for everyone who enjoyed the first game.



Pinball HD (Iphone)
8/10



Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (PS3, X360)
8/10



Dead Rising 2: Case Zero (X360)
8/10

Issue 77: August 2010

Mafia II (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: 2K Czech
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: Action/Shooter
9/10
Summary: Mafia II is not perfect. Too short, does not contain much replay value and sometimes the transportation lengths are a little too long. At the same time it's skillfully told, incredibly good-looking and close to unimaginably atmospheric.



Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty (PC, Mac)
Developer: Blizzard
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Strategy
9/10
Summary: Retro-smelling strategy brilliance with the best multiplayer mode in the genre.



Singularity (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Raven
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Shooter/Action
9/10
Summary: Nice looking, varied, atmospheric, polished, stylized design and really challenging.



Ace Combat: Joint Assault (PSP)
Developer: Project Aces
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Flight
7/10



Sniper: Ghost Warrior (PC, X360)
Developer: City Interactive
Publisher: City Interactive
Genre: Stealth/Shooter
5/10



Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS)
Developer: Level 5
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
8/10



Need for Speed: World (PC)
Developer: EA Black Box
Publisher: EA
Genre: Racing/MMO
4/10



Archetype (Iphone)
7/10



Hydro Thunder Hurricane (X360)
7/10



Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (X360)
6/10

Issue 76: June/July 2010

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platforming
10/10
Summary: Yes, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the best Wii game so far. A perfect sequel where the finished, fantastic formula has been spiced up with several exciting news. This is one single big explosion of colors, playfulness and good ideas that will keep you entertained throughout the whole summer.



Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Stealth/Action
8/10
Summary: A meaty agent adventure that usually, but not always, makes you forget the limitations of the portable hardware. The production values are huge and the joy of playing is always there.



UFC 2010 Undisputed (PS3, X360)
Developer: Yuke's
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Sports
8/10
Summary: I was expecting the exact same game as last year. I got something more. UFC 2010 Undisputed is a way better game than last year's first try and it's nice to see how closely Yuke's and THQ listened to the fans. This fall we'll see if EA can match this.



Blur (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Racing/Action
7/10
Summary: Blur brings joy to the sadist inside me but leaves the racing maniac somewhat unsatisfied.



Great Giana Sisters (DS)
Developer: Spellbound Interactive
Publisher: DTP
Genre: Platforming
6/10



Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (PS3, X360, Wii)
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action/Adventure
7/10



Clash of the Titans (PS3, X360)
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Genre: Action
4/10



Things on Wheels (X360)
Developer: Load Inc.
Publisher: Southpeak
Genre: Racing
6/10



Planet Minigolf (PS3)
Developer: Zen Studios
Publisher: Zen Studios
Genre: Sports
5/10



Hexyz Force (PSP)
Developer: Sting Studios
Publisher: Atlus
Genre: RPG
6/10



Pirate's Treasure (Iphone)
Developer: Gamelab
Publisher: Gamelab
Genre: Action/Adventure
7/10



Backbreaker (PS3, X360)
Developer: Natural Motion
Publisher: 505 Games
Genre: Sports
5/10



Green Day: Rock Band (PS3, X360, Wii)
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: EA
Genre: Music
6/10
Summary: Unfortunately, Green Day's music is a little too one-sided for it to be a success in game form.



Demon's Souls (PS3)
Developer: From Software
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Genre: Action/RPG
8/10
Summary: A real challenge for role-players who are not afraid to die. Demon's Souls demands total dedication and attention. You can sleep later, in the grave.



Alpha Protocol (PC, PS3, X360)
Developer: Obsidian
Publisher: SEGa
Genre: Action/RPG
7/10
Summary: An ambitious spy RPG that sounded incredibly good earlier on, but it contains more flaws than expected, unfortunately. Alpha Protocol should've gotten one more year in development.



Doom II (X360)
Genre: Shooter
8/10



Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype (PS3)
Genre: Arcade/Shooter
8/10



Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2 (Iphone)
Genre: Racing
8/10