Nier
Releasing today, Square Enix has shipped a very ambitious and eclectic title in the fantasy action RPG, Nier. It has received mixed but mostly positive reviews from gaming critics (at the time of this writing, it holds a 71 rating on metacritic.com). Nier tackles multiple gameplay elements while presenting itself uniquely to the video game landscape with its engaging storyline and atmosphere. The voice acting is very strong and while the graphical presentation is not at elite status, the art direction definitely holds your attention. The soundtrack also impresses and evokes a fantasy but futuristic mood to the game. Overall, the title is definitely keeping my interest in main part due to the variability of the gameplay and original setting.
[video=youtube;UbbBDl92aBo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbBDl92aBo[/video]
Final Fantasy XIII
Receiving a 9.2 from Kmart (click here for the full review), Final Fantasy XIII is imbued with so much polish and artistic beauty it transcends being categorized as merely a game. Though the title can be overly linear during the first half of the narrative, the battle system and user freedom fully blossom to provide an incredible interactive experience. If there was one title to own in order to demonstrate the power of your next generation console of choice, Final Fantasy XIII provides a stunning example of graphical prowess and overall presentation.
[video=youtube;lxo3ss_xwFg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxo3ss_xwFg[/video]
Similar to the Devil May Cry and the Ninja Gaiden franchises, Bayonetta is flamboyant and wonderfully chaotic. There is no doubt that this game raises the bar for frenetic action adventure titles in terms of its fluid combat system and dynamic combo progression while also showcasing an evolution in enemy tactics/behavior. Bayonetta's gameplay is deep enough to constantly provide the player with a sense of accomplishment as your skill level continues to grow alongside the actual pacing/difficulty of the game. It is also very refreshing to witness a protagonist that is irresistibly entertaining and almost hypnotic in motion. The narrative is definitely unique and takes a little getting used to, however the art design is absolutely inspired and graphically superb. Lastly, Bayonetta is filled with an abundance of out-of-this-world set piece moments (QTEs are not too frequent but can catch you off guard) and filled with character designs that are one of a kind. There are moments in Bayonetta that will linger in your mind long after you have finished mastering every move. If you have not given Bayonetta a chance, there hasn't been a better opportunity! Score: 9.5/10
[video=youtube;iZFLYO1UKwY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZFLYO1UKwY[/video]
AVP Box The quintessential fan service game, Alien vs. Predator is equal parts horror with a dose of, "did that just happen!" The clash of Marines, Predators and Aliens is orchestrated perfectly and the game creates a rock-scissors-paper dynamic that is just a blast to play through (particularly in the different multiplayer modes). The single player campaign is segmented into three parts for each race and though it definitely provides suspense, it is unfortunately lacking in overall presentation and innovation. Where the game excels though is its reliance on the source material for specie characteristics and skills as well as the the tailored tools of destruction for obliterating your target. Another aspect of the game worth noting is the trophy kills. Without getting into too much detail, unaware opponents can be tracked and disposed of in a very up close and personal manner. If the game would have had the time for an extra coat of polish while also innovating on the core gameplay mechanics (which are still a riot) it would have pushed this game to elite status. Score: 8.0/10
* Bayonetta: $29.99
* Final Fantasy XIII: $29.99
* Aliens vs. Predator: $29.99
* Nier: $44.99
From May 4 to May 10
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