Game Reviews

I was told by a friend recently to review a game. I chose this one. Anybody have any games they would like to review? I would like to know what people think. Please include a grading system of some kind and your sources. it makes things easier.
-my first review so it may not be good


Game: Sonic Adventure
System: GameBoy Color
Source:
- www.Sonic-Cult.org WARNING! This Web site contains some mature content
- Sonic Adventure ROM
Ratings
Storyline: 1/10
Graphics: 3/10
Music: 2/10
Replay value: 1/10
Controls: 5/10

GRADE: 24/100


Sonic Adventure for the GameBoy Color is the worst Sonic game ever. Despite popular belief that it is the first Sonic game released for a Nintendo based product it is only a pirate game used to make people waste $20 and is not in any way certified by SEGA or Sonic Team. The first problem is that there is no storyline, the creators ripped off the intro using the one from Sonic & Knuckles for the Genesis and the real Sonic Adventure logo from the SEGA Dreamcast. The sound is horrible. You would rather saw off your ears than listen to the music from this game. The graphics are worse than 8-bit. You would have a better time trying to view the atoms of a star. The controls and gameplay style are the worst I have ever seen. It is almost impossible to move Sonic properly as he tends to slide when stopping and it takes long to reach maximum speed. In all sonic games Sonic is meant to spin to defeat his enemies. This game takes away the spin ability and replaces it with the Amy Rose Effect in which Sonic doesn’t spin at all. If he does spin, it does nothing to enemies. Enemies must be jumped on Mario style to defeat them and it is tricky to position a landing after defeating them. The invulnerability time when sonic is hit is cut out of this game and Sonic is killed instantly when coming in contact with any other hazards. This makes it difficult to get past level one. If you want to play the game download the ROM instead of wasting your money, but you will be wasting your time.

Good job, Matoal. I'd like to see more of your reviews on boot-legged games. ^_^

Game: Cursed Mountain
http://www.jasonchanart.com/gallery/2009/MB/CursedMountain.jpg
(couldn't find the entire box art, this is missing the title.)

System: Wii
Rating: M
Source: The bargain bin at Wal-Mart
Ratings
Storyline: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Music: 2/10
Replay value: 1/10
Controls: 6/10

GRADE: 50/100


The story of Cursed: You are a mountain climber who goes to the hymeleas to search for your missing brother. Along the way you find a village, and everyone in it is dead. As you go higher in the mountain you will see the ghosts of the villigars.


Taking baddies out is easy. The enemies’ AI is pretty low, so there’s not much fear for a game over. The music is kind of unnoticible at time, but it is slightly haunting when you do hear it.The controls can be hard to master, especially since you have to use the Wiimote to aim, and when prompted to swing the controller you must swing in the opposite direction the arrow tells you to. The game is rather easy, but certain puzzles can be difficult. I’d recommend this as a time killer and not something to play regularly. If you want to play it regularly, make sure you have a lot of time to play, because save points are rare.

Nice reviews, very well written.

Did you say we could write our own reviews?

Yeah, I believe so, I'll give a shot at reviewing a game later.

I've got my own say on games, been wanting to do a review on Mario and Sonic and the Olympic games [both summer and winter] But that will wait for now. After recently getting SEGA Superstars, I'd decided I'll do a review of the SEGA Superstars collection, starting with this game.
[Using Matoal rubric for my reviews]

game: SEGA Superstars
box art

System: Playstation 2 [requires Eyetoy Camera to play]
year of release: 2004
Rating T [for violence]
players: 1 player
Source: Used game store, $5 for Superstars, and $15 for the Eyetoy itself
Ratings
Storyline: [there is none]
Graphics: 7/10
Music: 9/10
replay value: 5/10
controls: 6/10
overall rating: about 7/10

Main concept: 12 mini games staring varies well known SEGA games played using the Eyetoy camera as the controller with a variety of different movements to make each game match to their theme. Along with a virtual pet taking care of your very own chao. Each game starts with an easy mode and beating each mode unlocks the next mode in the series until all modes are complete, unlocking a variety of bonus content with each mini game fully complete. Games also produce rings for each score received. Rings can be used to buy items and toys for your chao.

Overall view of the game: This game sure stands in it's own variety, just like the handful of other eyetoy games. Starting up the game took a few attempts, trying to wave my hand over the start button and have it not be recognized, notice the movement and then lose sight again, or getting close to proceeding and then not seeing the movement once again. After several attempts, I got to the main selection screen, presenting the games each with their own signature tittle, a unique touch. Eyetoy navigation is difficult and if it's being fussy, I recommend changing the sensitivity especially in a dimly lit room, or it will be tricky trying to get from screen to screen. Probably why the PS2 controller can be used for navigation, but not for the games themselves. 12 games to play, and each deserve their own say, and ranking.

Game 1: Samba de Amigo
motion: dnace
greeted by Amigo and his dancing crew, the theme of exciting movement just exerts from movements in a six button dancing game that is fun and in the tougher difficulties, quite a challenge. Though at times, when it requires posing by hitting two specific buttons, the motion won't be recognized.
Ranking:==== [3rd]

Game 2:Sonic the Hedgehog
motion: guidance
using your arms in a clockwise motion, control Sonic through a special stage collecting rings and chaos emeralds while avoiding bombs. An indicator will appear for both the emeralds and bombs, and collecting all seven emeralds makes Sonic turn Super Sonic and easily fly through the rest of the level. Another enjoyable and fun game, with the down side being the movement. Sometimes Sonic will lag from each movements and take about a second before noticing the next movement. By then he'll run into a bomb or even miss a chaos emerald.
Ranking:==== [4th]

Game 3: Virtua Fighter
motion: fighting
be a fighter against several character in the Virtua fighter series by punching, kicking, guarding against each of these opponent and try to win each 1 round fight. icons will appear when and where to attack and guard, and a re helpful when it comes to fighting. However, setting the camera or standing in the right frame is difficult to get right. Most of the times the frame will be too high or too low making it difficult to attack at all.
Ranking: === [7th]

Game 4: Super Monkey Ball
motion: guidance
using the arms to push a monkey through a maze in a wing motion is a quite and interesting attempt. Though this control is one of the more challenging to use correctly. At times, the sensor won't follow the hand movements, and make the monkey swerve in the wrong direction.
Ranking: === [8th]

Game 5: Crazy Taxi
motion: flailing and Screaming......wait what??
that's right, all this game is, is to get the attention of the taxi driver.....by flailing....and yelling....at the eyetoy?
this is one of those games not to play with others around.....how weird....
Ranking: = [last]

Game 6: The House of the Dead
Motion: punch zombies [BOO-YAH!]
going through the level punching zombies and bats is good wholesome family fun. This is very fun for those who need stress relief and just need to punch something in the face. Though, don't punch the survivors, they don't like to be hit, and with a boss level that requires concentration and patience, sums up to be one of the better mini games in this collection
ranking: ===== [2nd]

Game 7: Space Channel 5
motion: dance style mimic
copy the movements of the dancing alien. Sounds easy, but is not easy at all. First of all, all the movements the alien does, must be copied. Missing even one of the movements counts as a loss of life. Meaning if the moment does register at the exact time needed, there goes that life. Recommend this one's played in a brightly lit room, otherwise it's not playable.
ranking: == [10th]

Game 8: ChuChu Rocket!
motion: bridge control
wave hands over buttons to form bridges to help chuchus make it to their rocket, but watch out for the KapuKapus, getting those in the rocket results in a lose of chuchus. Hard to control indeed, if the movement is not recognized, the bridge can just drop and force the chuchus to fall. Getting rid of the KapuKpau is tough too. No bridge, they just jump over. If there is a bridge, make it drop when they're on it to send them falling. Defiantly a puzzle made difficult be hard-to-make-work motions
rating : === [9th]

Game 9: Billy Hatcher
motion: guidance through hand pushes
tapping the hand symbols on the screen, guide Billy through the level, pushing his egg over enemies in race against the clock to make to the goal after squishing all his foes. Guiding the egg can be pain. Very stressful to keep the egg going in one direction, as it usually sways away from the target at the last minute, and with no easy turn, all that can be is taking a great amount of time trying to turn around. Fun idea, not easy to play.
rating: == [11th]

Game 10: Virtua striker
motion: headbutt
Headbutt a soccer ball into a balloon to get points. That's pretty much it. Hit a balloon and the crowd will cheer. Miss it and get booed at. Aiming is tough, but this sure is enjoyable to attempt.
rating:==== [5th]

Game 11: Puyo Pop Panic
Motion: full torso guidance
4 bins, 4 colors, and the controller as the sorter to place the right colored blobs in the right colored trays. This is my absolute favorite in the this entire collection. Having these blobs rain from the sky and fall onto of you, while trying to get them in the right trays and avoiding bombs is the most exciting to play and watch others try.
rating:===== [1st]

Game 12: NiGHTS into Dreams
Motion: flight
When I first heard about this SEGA Superstars, this was the main reason I wanted to get it, to fly as NiGHTS. Another exciting idea, but the controls just ruin the enjoyment. holding arms out like NiGHTS, fly through rings, collect blue chips, and collect ideyas from each of the pathways all in attempt to get high score. The motion is very sensitive making NiGHTS fly then stop then fly again during most of the movements making it difficult to fly at all.
rating:=== [6th]

Chao garden and closing comments: Along with the mini games is a virtual take care of a chao. Adorable as it is, there is very little you can do with the chao besides pet it and play with it.
A fun collection of mini games based on well-known SEGA games, but lacks the enjoyment of play these games because of faulty eyetoy controls. There are times when the games play perfectly, and other times where the fault of controls makes it near impossible to play. Music has a wide collection of songs matching each of the games, including a list of songs to play for Samba de Amigo. Defiantly a game to show others and possibly recommend if they die-hard SEGA fans. Overall, a awesome concept with great music, but toned out by maneuverability.

Wow. Even better than I thought. Maybe you should take over for me.

I'm flattered, but everyone deserves their chance to review, including you Matoal.
Sometimes even short and sweet to the point reviews are just as valuable as the lengthy ones.

Game: SEGA Superstars Tennis
box art
System[s]: Wii, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
year of release 2007
rating: E +10 [for Mild Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes]
players: 1-4 player[s]
Source: clearance at toys-r-us
Ratings
Storyline: because it is just a 'party' style game, there is no direct story
Graphics: 8/10
Music: 8/10
replay value: 6/10
controls: 6/10
overall rating: 7/10

Main concept: a tennis game featuring playable charters, states, and mini games based on well-known SEGA tittles. Featuring missions and tournaments to unlock more characters and stages and easy to set up multiplayer mode for up to four players.

Overall view of the game: Tennis games can be viewed two ways: An enjoyable sports game, or a repetitive game of advanced pong. This title provides both, taking a good amount of time to play tournaments and unlock extra content while at the same time, can be rather....repetitive. A variety of characters to play as, each possessing a unique special move that causes the tennis play to move in unique motions relating to that character. Each of the stages also provides a variety of musics relating to that stage, whether it is Green Hill Zone, the Samba de Amigo Carnival Zone, or even House of the Dead Curien’s Mansion. But though the music choice is unique, the sound quality of the gameplay can sometimes sound fuzzy or even puzzling to the player. The controls vary just the same, puzzling. Some characters move with ease, like NiGHTS or Reala, while others have difficulty moving across the stage. Specials are easy to perform, but timing them to be executed can be tedious most of the time. An enjoyable game to pickup and play for SEGA fans are those who want a fun tennis game, but lacks good sound quality, or even playability for that matter. Even with 16 characters and over 10 stages, this game doesn’t have enough content to keep the player entertained for long.

Game: Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Reacing
box art
System[s]: Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
year of release: 2010
rating: E [for cartoon violence, comic mischief, and mild suggestive themes]
players: 1-4
Source: Play N' Trade for $29.99
Ratings
Storyline: a party game racer, meaning no storyline
graphics: 8/10
music: 9/10
replay value: 7/10
controls: 8/10
overall rating: 8/10

Main concept: SEGA's version of Mario Kart, with various characters, stages, and music from well known and classical SEGA games. All the options and gameplay is again like Mario kart, including a circuit mode with various difficulties, and challenge mode with a variety of tasks to accomplish in a certain amount of time in order to proceed to the next event. Each of these game plays offers point upon victories that can be used to unlock characters, music, and more courses. Multiplayer offers either racing unlocked courses or playing battle game to up to 4 players. Another feature is online racing against other players worldwide. Overall, it's another Mario kart with a SEGA twist.

Overall view of the game: The latest in the SEGA All-stars series brings the players a racing game following the same game flow as the leading game of this genre, Mario Kart. But seeing it as it's own game, SEGA Racing gives die hard SEGA fans the chance to race as their favorite characters, on different tracks based on the games such as Green Hill Zone, Downtown Neo Tokyo from Jet Grind Radio, Curien Mansion and many others. Not only that, bust each stage has music from the games that pump up the players racing on fun stages like Samba De Amigo's Salsa Music and Super Monkey Ball's party music. Other songs from each of the game stages can be purchased as well, and be chosen as part of a song section once purchased. So instead of listening to The concept of Love over and over again on the jet Grind stage, the player can switch it up to listen to Fly Like a Butterfly or Sneakman, both songs from the same game. The game play itself is a clean style racer that's easy to pick up and play, with a verity of different characters to race from, each having the advantages and disadvantages. This disadvantage is most likely the way the vehicle turns, which is a touch control in this game. Knocking into a wall too fast will cause your vehicle to bounce around for a few moments before moving again. Same goes with getting hit by a weapon, just as over dramatic. The weapons in the game very from pylons, to boxing gloves, the sonic force feild and the all -star weapon. The allstar weapon is the blueshell and bullet bill combined. Only achieved when far behind in the race, this items gives each charcter s specih ability to either get a speed boost and or attack enemies with serious power. Sonic and Shadow go into super modes, Eggman shoots missiles, and Amigo starts a conga line. Fun powerup that this game good humor. This game also includes an announcer to talk during the race, who is very annoying! Nothing but bad jokes for the most part. The announcer makes egg jokes about eggman, banana jokes about aiai, and luckly can be switched off, so player can instead enjoy the great music. This game is great for die-hard SEGA fans, and those who play Mario kart will get a kick out of it, A fun to play racer, and the best of the SEGA superstars series.