Underrated Game Review of the Week

A WHOLE ISLAND TO YOURSELF

Review for Wii Sports Resort

The Wii showed up on the market about 3 years ago and its shinning proof of its ability to incorporate wireless fun was Wii Sports. With only 5 games at the time, Wii Sports saw immediate success from fans all over the spectrum of video games. Parents, kids, tweens, mid-twenties, and even old people fell in love with the game that gave golf, tennis, boxing, bowling, and baseball a new way to play. Well its been 3 years, and finally Nintendo has come out with a "sequel" to Wii sports, Wii Sports Resort.

Wii Sports is a complete game more than it is a test for the new Wii Motion Plus. Nothing wrong with some improved play mechanics, but the feel is that Wii Sports Resort was built not from the past, but for the Wii Motion Plus specifically. The sports selected seem to be included to show up the Wii Motion Plus for what it is, a booster for the Wii-motes already crisp capabilities. Although, to my personal dismay, Baseball and Tennis were excluded from the list of games to reside on the island, the list of 13 sports are as follows: Swordplay, Wakeboarding, Frisbee, Archery, Basketball, Table Tennis, Wakeboarding, Golf, Bowling, Power Cruising, Canoeing, Cycling, and Air Sports. Although it seems like 12 sports wouldn't be enough, each sport is broken down into different playable games in that sport, leaving for over 40 activities to play which will lead to alot of play time for such a game.

Golf and Bowling make a reappearance, but not with alot of change. New scenery for Golf makes for a new visual experience and gives the new 18 hole option of play, along with the 3 and 9 hole play from the old game. Wii Motion Plus does refine the gameplay, giving you the control to pull or slice the ball depending on the position of the controller. Also, a new terrain view makes for easier putting in the way of seeing the surface and changes in leveling on the green. Bowling doesn't change too much, just an increase in the games ability to pick up wrist movement to make the throws more authentic feeling.

If there's a downfall in the game its that every activity in the game requires the Wii Motion Plus, leaving for players without the connection out of the fun, although its doesn't necessarily effect the games overall playability. Overall, with Wii Sports Resort, you're getting tons of fun in a small box. The included Wii Motion Plus is a definite plus, since soon Wii games will be exclusive with the Wii Motion Plus. But with 12 games, over 40 activities, and nothing but fun packed into this sequel... the money spent is the fun earned with this game. I just wish Baseball would've made it in the sequel... at least I have a reason to keep the original Wii Sports.

Overall Rating: 4.5*

*Out of 5

Top 5 Games to Almost Never Happen

Video games have become such a craze that the demand for good games is almost outweighed by the overall number of games to actually be released. Now, just because a game is released doesn't make it good, and it becomes a judgement call whether or not a game gets the American Idol chance or get the Assassin's Creed treatment. These 5 games teeter on the highwire of mediocrity and greatness and almost didn't make it through the tunnel to the light of day.


#5: TOMB RAIDER: LEGEND

Eidos has never been able to find the balance between a sexy Lara Croft and a good Tomb Raider game, one or the other has always presented itself in a game, but never at the same time. With the failure of Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, Eidos was minutes away from canning the whole Tomb Raider crew until Eidos gave it one more crack with Tomb Raider: Legend. The game would give fans a reason to fall in love with Lara's sexy .... well .... weapons thanks to development crew Crystal Dynamics.

#4: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda has been a heavy hitter for the nintendo company for years and with such success it was expected that it would return with another installment. But when wind of Wind Waker reached the ears of fans, mass criticism came to the forefront after Nintendo released a demo of a more darker, grittier Zelda that fans had looked forward to. This demo was in response to critics claiming that Nintendo had a become a child-first system and left older fans behind. Nevertheless, Nintendo stuck to what they knew best and released one of the better selling Zelda games in the franchise at the time. But who knows what would've happened if Nintendo had crumbled under the pressure.

#3: Fallout 3

Black Isles Studios had been the developer for the first two installments of the Fallout franchise and with the third game under development, parent company Interplay Entertainment encountered financial troubles. Like a lightswitch, Interplay Entertainment had disappeared and Fallout 3 sat in gaming purgatory. Unable to continue, Black Isles Studios dropped the project, until it was picked up Bethesda Games (The Elder Scrolls) and with Bethesda at the helm, Fallout 3 became one of the most successful selling games in history.

#2: Gran Turismo 2

One of the most successful driving simulation games of its era, Gran Turismo tried to top its success with Gran Turismo 2. Such a feat would require what Sony believed to be an increase in vehicles and tracks. But such a feat would require licenses for those vehicles and tracks and critics and gaming inquirers felt that could not be done. With the deadline for the games inspection coming up, Sony still had not reached the number of cars and tracks to gain success. But without powerhouse vehicles like Ferrari and Porsche in the game, its success grew and can now be seen with Gran Turismo 5 on the horizon.


And the #1 game to almost never have made it is....

#1: Grand Theft Auto IV

Controversy and cancellation threats are all that followed in the blazing trail that was the news of Grand Theft Auto IV's creation. The open-ended environment that would allow players to do what they want when they want made everyone from anti-racism groups, to politicans, to family violence lawyers, to conservatives, to Glen Beck condemn the games release and try to convice people to stop from the games creation. Well as history would tell us, the game was released, the game sold an all time high, the game received great reviews from gaming magazines everywhere, and the game still created a stir in the mind of parents and haters who still try to keep the game from corrupting the minds of the young.

Dear Mr. Miyamoto,

I don't think I'm the only one that's wondering where Star Fox is at the current moment. I mean the galaxy is quite the large place, but he couldn't have gone far. This isn't a rant, or a discussion, or a debate either. This is a plea, an S.O.S for help. Now, trust me, Nintendo doesn't need help with its gaming because its the highest selling system on the planet at the moment, but something feels missing. Something that reminds us of why we are gamers. Mario exemplifies what we love about adventures and what Mario does for the Mushroom Kingdom, I believe, Star Fox does for galaxies beyond. Yes, Star Fox did take a stab at "Adventures" and lets just say, I could've sworn Zelda thought it was halloween and decided to go as Fox McCloud.

Now, in April, Dylan Cuthbert (President of Q Games: assisted Nintendo in making the Star Fox series) in a statement to G4, stated that the chances of making another Star Fox game is "probably not going to happen in the next 10 years". Cuthbert also stated that Star Fox on the Wii would be a difficult project because, "it’d be a big project, like 100 people on the staff. It’s just not something we really want to do. I’m sure someone will make it. Maybe they’ll go back to Namco".

Now, although that news hurts the soul, I don't doubt that down the road, Star Fox will return to the skies again. Maybe not this year, but I believe that 2010 might be the year Star Fox returns to systems. It's been too long and Star Fox Command for the Nintendo DS is a horrible way to leave the franchise hanging out to dry. Star Fox is an original franchise that creates an authentic experience for gamers. Will there be another game like Star Fox 64, probably not. But, thankfully, Star Fox 64 is on the WiiWare so although it may not look pretty, saving the Galaxy from the clutches of Andross is just as fun as it was in '97. So, Mr. Miyamoto... Mr. Nintendo, I don't think I'm asking for much, nor do I think I'm the only one asking this: one more Star Fox adventure for the ages. It can be the last one you make, but you can't leave us with a gamecube version of Star Fox without giving him a next-gen opportunity. Please?

Thanks,

G.N.

WTF?!

Yet again we seem to reach this crossroad of things that make SAT questions feel like a breeze. Its another round of WTF?! And its time to set our sights on some of the worst character names in gaming history. Now some of these characters are in great games and are great characters, but its just something about saying their names that make it feel like they try to hard...

#5: Miles "Tails" Prower (Sonic the Hedgehog)

How long did you think it would take until one of Sonic's awkward friends made the list? I mean come on, I get it, Miles Per Hour. It honestly couldnt have been that good of a name when coming up with it... could it? Plus, I'm pretty sure when Tails was introduced, no one really gave a damn what his last name was. I called him Tails, oh God, what's Knuckle's last name?!?! Knuckles Fistface... now that's a name.

#4: Butz (Final Fantasy V)

Oh what the hell, this is just downright sad. Really? Butz is the best you could come up with at the time? I mean Square Enix usually has Sora, Vaan, Cloud, Leon and other exotic names to go with their characters... but Butz? Total disappointment on the behalf of square enix. No funny jokes for this guy, the name truly says it all.

#3 Alucard (Castlevania)

ITS DRACULA BACKWARDS FOR GOODNESS SAKE... if that's not ingenius than I dont know what would've been better! Butz is probably thinking to himself, "Why couldn't I have creative creators like Alucard does?"

#2 Jet Brody (Fracture)

Doesn't Jet Brody sound like a name that a stuck up college jock would give himself to hide the fact that his name is truly Eugene? Just a thought...

#1 Waluigi (Reject Mario Games)

I swear, you always find a way to mess up everything... and you aren't even good. I can understand Wario... flip the M and there you have it. But Waluigi doesn't even make any damn sense. Flip the L and you don't even have an existing letter in the alphabet! All you do is fill space in sports games and Mario Party. You disappoint me Waluigi...

Go ahead and argue all you want to, but these names are just down right bad... feel free to add fuel to the fire and remember that G.N. will always be here to spark the #1 debate that dentists tell you to floss with everyday... WTF?!?!

News and Notes

TIRED OF GTA IV DLC's ...?

Cheatcc.com has reported that GTA V has begun development. Matter of fact, according to Michael Pachter, its been in development for over a year now.


"Management declined to state when the game will launch, but has confirmed to us that the game is in development, has been for over a year, and is using the same game ‘engines’ as the last version," Pachter wrote. "Management also told us that the team at Rockstar North is highly motivated to get the game out, and that the team understands that its highest payday will come from working on GTA instead of any other game. When we do the simple math, we conclude that the next installment is likely to be completed by some time in 2010, although given the frequency of game delays, it is not clear that it will necessarily come before October 31, 2010." "However, it is clear to us that the next version of GTA will arrive before the end of [Fiscal Year 2011]," he added.


No word on any game details and Rockstar North is keeping a tight lid on information leaking to the public, but with this news hitting the slate, its clear that GTA isn't slowing down anytime soon and we at G.N. are proud to hear that.

STAYING ASLEEP

Why? Why is it always the good games that have to get pushed back. Well, it happened again, and to our good friend Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams. Now there's nothing wrong with a pushback, but it leaves fans of the franchise a little salty, and since the game takes place deep in the ocean, the feeling isn't too suprising.

Take Two's Ben Feder stated, "The decision to push back a game is never a simple one. We felt it was necessary to invest additional time to ensure that this title will deliver what fans expect and deserve." Nothing wrong with that Mr. Feder, because that means 2010 is slated to be a big year for Take Two with Bioshock 2, Mafia 2, Max Payne 3, and Red Dead Redemption.

Underrated Game Review of the Week

BLAZE THE TRAIL
Review for BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

In a world with Street Fighter 4 and Tekken 6 coming soon, the fighting universe seems to be content with its gaming security at the moment. But, why settle for just 2 games when you can have something just as good, which is saying something. BlazBlue is a Japanese imported fighting game with everything its competitors has to offer: great 2D graphics, impressive combat mechanics, and great online play. But where does this game succeed where others have failed: an actual story worth playing.

BlazBlue takes place in a futuristic atmosphere after 6 warriors stopped the world from ending. These 6 warriors entered a world with different powers, each special in their own way. After saving the world, they shared their powers with the world, allowing for everyone to have the opportunity. But their knowledge was confined by the Novus Orbus Librarium, an organization trying to keep the secrets of these powers for their own fortune. After failed uprisings by the citizens of the city, a warrior by the name of Mr. Grim Reaper destroyed half of the Librarium and uses an unknown item known as the BlazBlue to restore order to the world.

Now, after such a complicated explanation of the backstory, what makes the story such a highlight of this game? Well, each character has their own backstory that is affected by the main plot, and each has different endings to their story, allowing for certain endings to affect the entire outcome of the game. After beating each characters story once, you'll only reach about %60 completion of the main story, so there is alot of single player playability in such a fighting game.

A great story in a fighting game is always fun, but the high selling point of this game is the robust combat system. Going through everything would be a pain, but here's the jist of it:

Combat is split into weak, medium, strong, and drive attacks. A combination of each of these attacks makes for one hell of a visual experience. The combo system is way too long to get into, but just starting the game and getting into training mode can be entertaining as each character has their own unique fighting style and can ultimately affect the games over speed. Final attacks can only be done in the final round with your opponent under %20 HP. But instead of a button mashing final attack, you will be subject to different cinematic finishes that will blow you away.

Each mode gives a different experience: Story mode, versus mode, training mode, special mode etc., but to go online with this bad boy is truly remarkable. Its quite simple: after connecting to the online server, you can join a quick match or start a custom match which will give you what other fighters haven't offered this millenium, a true arcade experience. You can join tournament modes with up to 6 players and the round robin tournament continues until a winner is found. This gaming experience entrigued me with its successful run time and great playability, as the other players talents affect the gameplay and not other aspects like powerups.

BlazBlue may not have had the notoriety of other fighters, may not have had the praise from other companies, and may not have had the opening day support, but out of all the fighters to come out this year: Street Fighter 4, Tekken 6, and King of Fighters XII, there is a high possibility that you wont experience anything like what you'll get with BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. Its in stores now and if its a fight you want, its a fight you'll get with this bad boy.

Overall Rating 4.5*

*Out of 5

PSP Gets Their Own Final Fantasy, Kinda...

A few months ago, Game Informer announced that Playstation Protable will be receiving their very own Final Fantasy (counter story to Final Fantasy being released on DSi). Fans got a taste of the demo for the new Dissidia: Final Fantasy and things aren't really what they seem.

Prepare to be trown off completely. Dissidia: Final Fantasy will play as a button masher/brawler as the game pits characters from the Final Fantasy universe against each other in an arena style setting.

Now, don't be turned off just yet because there is some good news. As far as the premise of the game is concerned, as cliche as it comes off as, it works quite well with what the concept of this journey is to be. The games plot revolves around the gods of Chaos and Harmony, each in balance with each other. When the gods of Chaos begin to seize control of the world, classic heroes like Tidus, Cloud Strife, and Terra Banford take up arms against the agents of Chaos: Sephiroth, Gabranth, Jecht, etc with each character has their own story to follow in the campaign mode.

Basic attacks will be mapped to the square button, along with magic combinations, making for a good way to weaken your opponent. But if you really want to finish off your enemy in nice Final Fantasy flare, Bravery Attacks will be mapped to the circle button. Underneath the HP meter, there is a small Bravery meter, the more Bravery you have the more of those attacks you can unleash. Strategic fighting isn't really complicated though... you can easily use a complication of Basic and Bravery attacks to quell your opponents Bravery, while also taking away HP, making for quick fights against rookie fighters.

The button system may seem really easy, as it is. But so far the game is looking good for handheld players who are looking for a brawler game to ease the pain of the lack of selections for the PSP. If you're ready to fight as your favorite Final Fantasy character in a way never seen before, then be on the lookout for Dissidia: Final Fantasy to come out later this year.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: BATMAN

With Batman: Arkham Asylum releasing next month, we decided to delve into the history of the caped crusader to take a look at some of his adventures and why this next installment in the dark knights gaming library should look alot better than the past ones.

BATMAN

GOOD:

Batman came crashing onto the video game scene in 1986 with "Batman". The objective of the game was to rescue Robin by collecting 7 pieces of the batcraft (hovercraft) askewed around the batcave. Such a purpose may seem convoluted, but remember its 1986, and Batman got wonderous reviews since it was one of the first games to implement a restart or "checkpoint" system and was deemed a classic by major review boards at the time.

BATMAN: REVENGE OF THE JOKER

BAD:

After the success of the side scrolling Batman: The Caped Crusader, and a failed attempt at the video game remake of the film "Batman". Revenge of the Joker hit NES and Sega Genesis systems. A remake for the SNES was considered but cancelled due to poor performance grade for both NES and Genesis systems. With bland combat and poor run time, this was a lackluster performance by Batman with such upside. Another innovation game that introduced the idea of Boss Fights at the end of each level, leaving for an unsatisfactory game with such great ideas but such a sour performance.

THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN

UGLY:

In 1994, the Adventures of Batman and Robin was released on the SNES with a Genesis counterpart. Out of most of the things wrong with this game, Nintendo Power criticized the game for a lack of gameplay for Robin, since he was basically the sidekick who gave moral support. The suprising uproar about the lack of Robin, repetitive leveling and short story led to the downfall of this installment based on the cartoon.

Now these are just some of the Caped Crusaders past. Some of his games were good, some were bad, and some where well... lets just say they weren't up to par to Bruce Wayne's Standards. But with Arkham Asylum coming in the weeks ahead, this look back is just an ode to what might be a great game to end the summer with. We'll have to wait 'til the Dark Knight emerges from the shadows and take his adventure to the looney bin that is Arkham.

New Final Fantasy on DS Leaked

RPG masterminds Square Enix recently set up a countdown timer on their website to excite fans about a new Final Fantasy aside from the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII. Rumors spread about a Final Fantasy for the PSP, one for the 360, hell even one for the PC. But this picture that was recently put up under the countdown timer gave it all away:






As reported by IGN, this mystery game is actually Final Fantasy Gaiden and will be released for the Nintendo DSi. The game also refers to "The Four Warriors of Light" with the chance the other 2 warriors will be riding the dragon at the end of the timer. So far details to the game are scarce but it seems to be a traditional RPG: 14 year old boy with a princess to save, turn-based combat and menu control. The game seems to begin with 14 years old being the prime princess-saving age. Tons of customization will be included in what's looking like another good RPG for Nintendo handheld fans to salivate over.

No word on what we're missing or when we're gonna get the full scoop, but I guess we'll just have to wait till zero's hit across the board to see.

New Gameplay to Innovate This Years Madden

How many times can you see your favorite movie over and over again? For myself, I can watch Star Wars until my brain burns out. Now, how many times can you play your favorite game over and over again? Well this is a good question that can actually give proof to a games replay value. If after beating it, will I play it again? If I stop playing for a long period of time, can I jump right back in and be just as interested? Well here's the question: What if there is no end to a game? Sports games are always the most difficult to judge because every year you, honestly, get the same thing over and over again. Sports games have always been that layer of paint you just keep adding to; never truly a finished product. With Madden NFL 10 on the horizon, G.N. decided to check out with this years version has to offer.




#1: Pro-Tak System:

Now, Vince Lombardi would have been cursing up a storm on the sidelines if he knew EA was juggernaut-ing the video game industry by buying up the official NFL Licenses away from 2k Sports. After taking ESPN NFL 2k5 off the market,
EA was the standalone Football game on the video game horizon and ever since then, Madden just hasn't been able to get out of the shadows of the ghost of 2k5. Well this year, Madden felt that arcade football was getting stale (finally). Madden 10 introduces the Pro-Tak system, or in NFL lingo, gang-tackling. NFL 2k5 was the first game to present this idea with the ability to have up to 4 defenders close in on an offensive player and collectively tackle him, making for a realistic relationship between the defensive and offensive collisions. Well, Madden (5 years down the road) decided this to be a good idea, and like EA, take it a step further. With next-gen power to boot, Madden 10 will allow up to 9 players to close in on an offensive player from up to 11 different angles, making for a realistic experience. Such an idea adds to the intelligence of the COM AI by taking different angles and relying on the other players on the field to stop Adrian Peterson if the safety is the last line of defense.



#2: Mini-Game (Fumble Recovery):


To my right is Jeremy Macklin, rookie WR for the Philadelphia Eagles (sorry Vince lol). He seems to be running along, eyes focused on the endzone, and that's always good. But little does he know that newly paid Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs is coming to introduce him to the NFL. How do you think this is going to end? Probably with the ball on the ground... which leads to Maddens new aspect of their gaming session: The Fumble Recovery. We've all seen it: large sweaty mean piled up on each other trying to get bite, claw, punch, scratch their way to the ball. Well, you can too. This new mini-game has been introduced to those who felt like they couldn't do anything after the ball was out of their hands. A rapid button-pressing system will be introduced as every player will throw themselves after a loose ball and "The Pile-Up" will ensue. At that point, each player will rapid press contextual buttons to try to get the ball away from the other 21 players trying to kill you for it. Time to bring the meter back to the arcade side and away from the simulation side, which might be a good idea since this will change the pace of the game from boring 4 quarters to semi-boring 4 quarters with some spice on the side.



#3: True Pocket Protection


Now, because of the new Pro-Tak gameplay system, different players will use it in different ways. Take the battle in the trenches: O-Line vs. D-Line. 2 new improvements in gameplay aspects will come with the Pro-Tak system: First off, the pocket won't become this Picasso like mess 3 seconds after the play begins. A players O-Line will no longer come off unrealistic, forcing the QB to drop back to outrageous lengths to get the ball off. A true Pocket will be created allowing for micro-adjustment rather than Michael Vick-like fleeing. Rather than switching to evade mode when the blitz comes marching on, the true pocket allows you to step up in the pocket making for realistic pressure sitations, giving the QB more time to find holes in the secondary. The new physics also affect defensive players. Players can use different blitz packages to crumble the pocket and force the QB into throws he doesn't want to make, or even pushing lineman into the QB to force him to look elsewhere.



All 3 of these new gameplay mechanics make for a revolutionary installment to the series, but can also be a haphazard that will lead to broken gameplay. Hopefully these 3 get their shoe shine polish and come out good enough to get out of the shadow of NFL 2k5. The true simulation of its time, 2k5 garnish great graphics for what is considered to be last-gen systems, great commentary and visual effects with cut-scenes that added to the realism of watching a game, and a great franchise mode with pre-game set ups and weekly activities. Madden since then hasn't been able to find the balance between the arcade game its become and the simulation its seems to be aiming for. Will these be the year Madden reaches the simulation crowd, probably not. But with this 3 aspects of gameplay, EA Tiburon is definitely moving in the right direction.

Something New From G.N.: WTF?

Sometimes we at G.N sit down and think to ourselves... WTF? Well we've decided to voice our opinions on certain things in the video game universe that make us go "WTF?" We hope you enjoy the first installment of this new article from G.N. and just for the record: None of what we say directly reflects the staff at G.N., we only say it because we care.

MARIO Characters: WTF?

Now, most of us at G.N. love our Italian stallion who collects stars, shines, 'shrooms, and any other awkward item you can think of, but since we've started this journey with Mario, we've ran across some really awkward people who live in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. So "WTF?"

BIRDO

Oh Birdo, how awkward you've come out to be. You're introduction in Super Mario Bros. 2 made us sit here and scratch our heads as to what the hell you were. Nothing is wrong with being a dinosaur, hell Yoshi seems to be one. But your tube-like mouth, enormous bow, and indetermined gender makes you the "Cirque De Sole" highflyer of the Mario Universe. Not really cute either, you're a gender unspecific dinosaur that craps eggs out of your nose... yeah real cute. Most of the Mario sequels you've shown up in have dictated you as female, but we all know that Super Mario Bros. 2 doesn't lie and if you're indetermined, we'll take that as misunderstood. So Birdo, from us at G.N. you get a long and exquisite, "WTF?"

PRINCESS DAISY

Oh Princess Daisy, you spoiled...spoiled little princess. You're introduction in Super Mario Land showed us just how spoiled you truly are. Being the Princess of Sarasaland sounds like a difficult job, but at the end of the day the definition of who you are is quite simple really. You are NOT Princess Peach. I know, I know its difficult to comprehend, but the reality is that you're not. I mean how can you consider yourself so "hot" when your heart is so cold. Its ok though we understand how hard it is to rule a world a 1/4 of the size of the Mushroom Kingdom. We wont hold it against you, but we will give you a "WTF?" for...well just being a b*tch.

WALUIGI

When you're step into the spotlight, and you're main introduction into the Mario Universe as a villain is Mario Tennis, you cannot be taken seriously and deserve a Bullet Bill sized, "WTF?". I mean admit it, Waluigi, you were the main villain in "Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix" and for stealing music notes I'm suprised any of the protagonists even gave you the time of day for such a stupid plan; Bowser Jr. laughs at such a plan and he isn't potty trained.

LAKITU

Attention Lakitu, you were introduced in the regular edition of Super Mario Bros. as an enemy of Mario, Luigi, etc. Now you may be wondering why Lakitu is on the "WTF" list of characters, the reality is that as an enemy, you cant be a Yao Ming-esque flopper. Even the pansy Goombas tried to stop Mario and his friends in Mario Kart. You on the other hand decided to be the flag holder, nothing antagonistic about that. Secondly, you cant be the camera guy in Mario 64. Picture Bowser volunteering to follow Mario for an entire game... and tell me it just doesnt feel right. So Lakitu, you get a "WTF" for not sticking to your roots.

KOOPALINGS

How can the seeds of King Koopa a.k.a Bowser be put on the "WTF?" list? Well, technically, Bowser should be put on the list because they made the list: 1. for their names and 2. for the appearances. Bowser, even though Super Mario Bros. 3 was released in October of 1988, I'm pretty sure Ludwig von Koopa was not a cool name given to kids those days. Not only that Wendy, Larry, Iggy, Lenny, Norton, and Horton just couldn't get the job done. Maybe its a genetic disorder, maybe failure just runs in the family. So Bowser, you're children get a definite "WTF" which I kinda feel bad for because I think they get made fun of already. But, we'll give you an extended "WTF" on poor parenting. By the way, how did you make children with no wife? Just a thought...

PAULINE

WTF! Pauline!?!?! Stop getting caught by this goddamn monkey!! All he does is throw barrels for God sake, for an ENTIRE GAME!! At some point doesnt he become predictable? I mean I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you're in high heels, but if a midget plumber can jump over these barrels than my god you can step over them. I shouldnt have to chase you over and over and over again because you won't learn your lesson. And who are you?!?!?! If I'm busy saving Princess Peach and doing sh*t for Daisy, why the hell am I saving you?!?! WTF?!?!?!


Well, the 1st of the new "WTF" segment is in the books. Any other characters you feel need to be added to this list, feel free to voice your opinion because no matter what game, no matter how good or bad it is... there will always be something to make you scratch your heads and go...

WTF?

Introduction: The Gaming Experience

Have you ever watched a movie, and when it gets to its final moments it reaches the pinnacle of its plot? The climax begins to tingle you inside and you start to experience the same feelings the characters you're watching are going through. Movies for the longest time have portrayed those feelings through visual action. The fight scene, the death scene, the love scene, etc.. have all been used as ways to convey the feelings that affect us in ways unexplainable. Well, video games are falling under the similar category. Implanting ideologies and emotions into controllable characters can change the way we experience those feelings.

Next Generation systems have the power to visually equal reality from fantasy. From the realistic facial expressions to the character movement, video games across the board can replicate what we see with our own eyes. Voice acting changes how we view what's real and what's not, and can even give us the chance to reminisce on some of our favorite past experiences. Ghostbusters: the video game went and got all the characters from the film series to voice over the video game. Such a cast allows for that edge of realism from the perspective of an authentic movie experience rather than a real life one, but can give us equivalent satisfaction.

Whether its first person games giving us an up close and personal experience or third person games giving us a more cinematic feel , Video games are like movies, pulling at the strings of our feelings: happiness, sadness, anger, frustration, elation, confusion, fear, but most of all satisfaction. Some may see video games as a release, or as an addiction. But video games are what we make them out to be. Madden allows us to dive into our inner football fan; giving us control over our favorite players, in our favorite stadiums, with our favorite teams reenacting our fantasies as football fans. Halo, Call of Duty, Fallout, give us a first person view of adventures that the imagination can run away with and allow us to place ourselves in the middle of it all. Whether we're searching for treasure with Nathan Drake in Uncharted, saving a fantasy world with sword and shield in the hands of Link, or playing as some of our favorite heroes (like the upcoming Batman title), video games give us endless alleys of enjoyment to travel down, and a plethora of worlds to take our imagination through.

Video games are what you make of it, and the beauty of it all is that with so many things to chose from, and so many genres that appeal to the masses, there really isn't a wrong choice; only the choice that isn't made.