Beaterator
Format(s): PSP
Players: 1
Publisher: Take 2 Interactive
Beaterator is no ordinary video game. This is an extremely user friendly and deep music creation software. It allows aspiring musicians to put together their own original tracks in no time. This music program will appeal to all music lovers regardless of their skill level in composing actual music.
Our review said: We’ve gone ahead and elaborated on the features of Beaterator, and explained how high quality it all is, however it’s something that you need to try and hear yourself to actually believe it. With the PSP’s portability combined with the incredible depth and scope of Beaterator, you can create music on the go, efficiently and on professional levels. We really can’t stress the excellence for value when it comes to this handy little title, and we urge all musical lovers and wannabes to pick Beaterator up, as it’s an outstanding musical product bound to satisfy your needs.
[FULL REVIEW: Skeletal Thunder]
Bleach: Dark Souls
Format(s): DS
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Sega Australia
Good fighting games are rare on a Nintendo handheld and Bleach: Dark Souls is one of the better fighting games you can find. A sequel to the impressive Bleach: The Blade of Fate, Dark Souls comes packed with more characters, new moves, better animations and a deeper story mode. Anyone looking for a stellar portable fighting game should definitely pick up Bleach: Dark Souls.
Our review said: At a glance Bleach: Dark Souls feels like an expansion pack to The Blade of Fate. However, thanks to new characters, a more varied story mode, better balancing, reanimated moves and more content, Bleach: Dark Souls ends up feeling like a full fledged sequel. If you are a fighting fan looking for an entertaining portable fighting game, or simply a diehard Bleach fan, then you can’t find a better portable fighting game than Bleach: Dark Souls.
[FULL REVIEW: 8]
GTA: Chinatown Wars
Format(s): DS, PSP
Players: 1
Publisher: Take 2 Interactive
The most recent title in the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series finds its home on the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars serves as a throwback to the pre Grand Theft Auto III era in terms of gameplay style and art. The game provides the trademark GTA sandbox gameplay and focuses on the Triad crime syndicate.
Our review said: Remarkably, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars as fleshed out as it could possibly be. Simply, it does what many DS and PSP games that originated on the consoles have failed to do. It provides the experience of the GTA console games while smartly catering for the platform, both in terms of portability and functionality. It would have been nice for the game to be released earlier and demonstrate to other developers just what can be done with some application. Sure, there are a number of controversial and game related issues that will divide players and non-players, but credit ought to be given where credit is due. Simply, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is amongst the most complete and entertaining packages available.
[FULL REVIEW: 9]
Gran Turismo
Format(s): PSP
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
It may have taken ages to finally get released here but Gran Turismo for the PSP is certainly one of the better racing video games you can find for a handheld. This PSP racer features all the simulation racing splendor that made the PlayStation 2 games such acclaimed classics.
Our review said: The racing itself is very good, but heavily based on what you would have played in Gran Turismo 4. Not a bad thing but we all played it five years ago and some may find the lower classes to be somewhat slow. As far as PSP simulated racers go, Polyphony have done an excellent job of translating the complicated physics engine and analog into digital controls.
[FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
Giana Sisters DS
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Madman Interactive (Funtastic)
Back in the 1980s there was a game called Giana Sisters for the Amiga and Commodore 64, a platformer that emulated Super Mario Bros. In fact the game was essentially Mario with ‘Sisters’ instead of ‘Brothers’. Giana Sisters for DS is a remake of the original and even with so many quality platformers on the DS, Giana Sisters is still a solid entry that plays very well. The game will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys platformers as Giana Sister is pure old school platforming goodness.
Our review said: Like the recently released Shadow Complex, Giana Sisters DS shows that you can't judge a game by its simple gameplay mechanic. While easy to pick up, Giana Sisters proves complex to master; showing that there is nothing shallow in these gameplay waters - and proving that there is plenty of entertainment left in the platforming genre yet.
[FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Format(s): PSP, PS2
Players: 1
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
It has been a while since we have seen a new Jak and Daxter game and the series has yet to make its debut on the PlayStation 3. In the meantime gamers can check out Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier which is available on both PS2 and PSP. Fans of the series will surely want to jump in on this new adventure, as it has been a long time since the last.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
Kingdom Hearts 358/2
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Ubisoft
Even thought it has been over 6 years since its debut, Kingdom Hearts never ceases to amaze us with its concept, which combines Disney and Square-Enix franchises to create a whole new game featuring a universe inhabited by famous characters from both worlds. The newest game is strangely titled Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days, and will star Roxas from Kingdom Hearts II as the main character. The story takes place between Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II. The game features the action battles system that made the previous games so entertaining and packs some fantastic 3D visuals and production values.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
LittleBigPlanet
Format(s): PSP
Players: 1
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
There is no denying that Little Big Planet for the PlayStation 3 is one of the greatest creation tools ever made, it is an amazingly deep and creative game that allows gamers to let their imagination run wild. Little Big Planet allows gamers to literally create their own platformer with clever puzzles and adorable sack creatures. The PlayStation Portable version of this acclaimed adventure game is a solid title in its own right, giving gamers the chance to take the fantastic experience on the go.
Our review said: There seems to be a lot of games getting ported to the PSP these days, but LittleBigPlanet rises above all of these to become something special. By offering the same opportunity to create and share basically any kind of game level your imagination can come up with, on a handheld no less, it's a very cool game to check out. Fans of the PlayStation 3 version should find plenty to do here with the new story levels, and may even find themselves re-inspired to try their hand at creating some more levels, and those who did not have the chance to play the original should definitely check this out, provided they don't have a PS3. In truth, the PS3 version is unsurprisingly superior, as the experience sometimes seems much better suited to a home console, and some control issues annoy in this version. That said, taking the game on its own in the PSP library, it's one of the best platformers on the system, and a heap of fun for anyone looking for a little charm, magic and inspiration on the go.
[FULL REVIEW: 8]
Mario & Luigi 3: Bowser’s Inside Story
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo
The latest entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG series of games. Mario & Luigi 3: Bowser’s Inside Story is a follow up to Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time and features a mix of platformer and turn based RPG gameplay. The story revolves around Mario and Luigi being trapped inside Bowser’s body, and gamers will also be able to play as Bowser.
Our review said: Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is the perfect example of how a sequel should be made. It doesn’t necessarily change the core elements which made previous entries so appealing, but adds to the experience by taking new directions. This third entry will appease both new and old Mario fans, and is a game that should not be passed up by RPG fans.
[FULL REVIEW: 9]
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
Format(s): DS
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Sega Australia
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games was an interesting and unique concept, bringing together characters from two opposing worlds (Sega and Nintendo) together in an Olympic games setting. While it was just another collection of mini games, the DS version was quite entertaining and became one of the best sellers. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, as the name suggests, features a whole new collection of mini games based on the Winter Games events. Fans can expect the same fun factor and addictiveness that made the original Mario and Sonic such a best seller.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
Motorstorm: Arctic Edge
Format(s): PSP, PS2
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
The Motorstorm games on the PlayStation 3 is highly acclaimed for its entertaining and chaotic off road racing experience that features some truly jaw dropping crashes. MotorStorm: Artic Thunder for the PSP brings all the heart pounding racing action in portable form, so you can now smash up cars on the go.
Our review said: Arctic Edge is fun and just as good as the previous MotorStorm games, pure and simple. The cream of the crop is definitely Pacific Rift, but Arctic Edge retains the style and frenetic gameplay that makes MotorStorm such a blast to play. The PSP version is quick and easy to get into as well, making it an ideal choice for bite sized gaming on the go. It also has great multiplayer options too, with up to 8 players online and ad-hoc connectivity. BigBig Studios have definitely done a fine job in recreating what we love about MotorStorm on the PlayStation Portable, and for any fans (or racing fans in general) longing for some chaotic and dirty action on-the-go, Arctic Edge is a must and your best choice on the platform.
[FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo
Puzzle games are a norm on the DS, as there are countless puzzle games you can find but most of these are just a collection of puzzles with no other substance to it. Professor Layton and the Curious Village however, raised the bar for the genre by featuring good production values, an interesting story and a stellar art direction. The game combines traditional puzzle solving with graphic novel adventure elements, while we have seen this combination done before in other games but Professor Layton still has its own unique flair and charm. Professor Layton and the Pandora’s Box is a solid follow up to the original that feels as fresh and engaging.
Our review said: Professor Layton and Pandora's Box is yet another feather in the good professor's sizeable cap. It's got all the charm, humour and challenge that The Curious Village had, and presents a new mystery to be solved, as well as adding a large amount of interesting additional content through the mini-games that are included with it. It's got a hearty amount of new puzzles for Layton fans, but newcomers to the series can also enjoy the game as a standalone entry. However, after playing it they will definitely be hungering for more and will probably be compelled to try out the excellent original. You knew this pun was coming, but this is one Pandora's Box that you will definitely want to open.
[FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Resistance Retribution
Format(s): PSP
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
The Resistance series has made quite a name for itself as one of PlayStation 3’s killer applications. It stands as one of the best first person shooters you can find on the console but this year the series also made an appearance on the PlayStation Portable. Unlike the PS3 games which were first person shooters, Resistance Retribution for the PSP is a third person shooter developed by the same team that made the Syphon Filter games. The game provides a rock solid and intense action shooting experience that does the series proud.
Our review said: Fans needn't worry, as Resistance: Retribution is a success on two fronts. As a side-story in the Resistance franchise, it's a well developed addition that captures the universe perfectly. And as a game on a handheld console, it plays incredibly well and includes a bucketload of content. In the best home console single-player games, you always feel like you're constantly advancing, moving from unique situation to situation and never being hindered by filler. Somehow, Resistance: Retribution manages to capture this feeling on a handheld, and as a result you'll find that there's a heap of fun to be had with lovable grinch James Grayson and his band of wacky Maquis.
[FULL REVIEW: 8.5]
Rhythm Heaven
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo
This is a game the puts the capabilities of the DS console to full use. This more than just some brain training game, as Rhythm Heaven features over 50 clever mini games that will test your timing and hand-eye coordination. The mini games make full use of the touch screen and feature all kinds of crazy scenarios. Rhythm Heaven is the mini game collection to consider.
Our review said: Rhythm Heaven is one of those games that only comes around every few years. It doesn’t exactly do anything new, but it keeps things simple and has a lot of quirks which just make it a lot of fun to play. The fact it’s also part of Nintendo’s budget Touch Generation range means it should be picked up by every DS owner who wants to chill out to some catchy tunes while being entertained by wacky characters and scenarios.
[FULL REVIEW: 8]
Scribblenauts
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
Scribblenauts is part puzzle game and part platformer but that is not the reason why it is considered to be a truly one-of-a-kind video game. Scribblenauts allows gamers to create over tens of thousands of objects by simply spelling the word. Gamers will be able to create animals, vehicles, famous personalities and so forth to use them within the game to solve puzzles. Scribblenauts is a game like no other and is certainly worth checking out.
Our review said: There's definitely a lot to like about Scribblenauts and we have no doubt that it's an important title. No other game has come close to giving you so much control over how you approach puzzles or challenges, but the fact that you can just have an enormous amount of fun just playing and creating in the game's sandbox mode is also incredibly refreshing. It's a game that promises a lot, and mostly delivers, but due to some frustrating controls, cramped and occasionally uninspired level and mission design, it's not quite the perfect game some were hoping it would be. However, that said, anybody with a DS who wants to test their imagination and enjoy a truly charming atmosphere would be a fool to pass this up.
[FULL REVIEW: 8]
SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny
Format(s): PSP
Players: 1-2
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Soul Calibur is regarded as one of the best 3D fighting game series of all time. Soul Calibur games have received overwhelmingly positive reception from gamers and critics over the years, there is simply no better substitute when it comes to 3D weapon based fighting. Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny for the PSP delivers all the fantastic fighting action in portable form, it fully retains the fantastic combat system that has made the series so famous.
Our review said: Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny certainly looks, sounds and plays very well. It's just a bit of a shame that some of the features of its home-console and arcade brothers had to be cut out, because it somewhat limits the audience for the game. Gamers who are just looking for a standard arcade-style experience will be left wanting with the lack of a standard 'Arcade' mode. However, if you've been looking to sharpen your Soul Calibur skills then 'The Gauntlet' mode will certainly help with that, and may make you chuckle a couple of times along the way, and for everyone else there's the 'Quick Match' and 'Trials' modes to keep you occupied until you find a friend with a PSP to play against. The soul's still burning with this one, and if you're a fan of the series then it's definitely worth a look.
[FULL REVIEW: 7.5]
The Legendary Starfy
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo
The Starfy series has been around for a very long time but has been exclusive to Japan. This year marks the worldwide debut of the series and fortunately Australian gamers will also be able to experience this new title. Starfy is a platformer starring ‘Starfy’, a star shaped creature will all sorts of crazy transformations (that are basically costumes) and abilities. Starfy has been praised endlessly by the import gaming community. The first ever localisation of this solid platformer should make an ideal purchase for anyone looking a top quality Nintendo platformer this holiday season.
[FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Release date: 10/12/2009
Format(s): DS
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo
Continuing on the unique look and design that was introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and also used in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is an all new adventure for the Nintendo DS that features a steam train as the main gameplay gimmick. The game retains the fantastic gameplay style and graphics engine of Phantom Hourglass but it introduces some significant tweaks and improvements.
Our review said: [FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]
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