When developers release expansion packs, it often seems like they're just trying to continue milking an old title for some new money. With Hordes of the Underdark, Bioware's second expansion for their Dungeons and Dragons-based RPG Neverwinter Nights, you might be temped to think they are likewise trying to squeeze some cash out of an older title, but you'd be wrong, as Hordes of the Underdark is actually an enjoyable expansion that adds some new and interesting gameplay to the aging NN license. Hordes of the Underdark … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2004
DVD Review: In The Cut
It's pretty rare to find yourself thinking about a DVD a solid week after watching it. With the exception of blockbuster films, in fact, most DVDs get a good (or bad) rating and migrate to the Land of Forgotten Films. But not ?In The Cut.? This is one DVD that will have you saying ?wow? well after hitting eject. For a movie that got just as much billing for Meg Ryan's love scenes as it did for its acting, ?In The Cut? is an incredibly pleasant surprise, right up there with ?Bend it Like Beckham.? The acting, the plot, … [Read more...]
DVD Review: Pokemon Heroes: The Movie
Whether you've got kids in your house or not, it's safe to say you know of the phenomenon that is Pokemon. From trading cards to video games to television shows, Pokemon is seemingly everywhere. Our fearless editor recently found "Pokemon Heroes: The Movie" in his DVD player, in fact, and much to his surprise, he liked what he saw. You can check out the full review by clicking here. … [Read more...]
Massive Assault
Have you ever wondered where the fun went in strategy gaming? Are you sick and tired of the never-ending flow of strategy titles and RTSs that follow the same old resource management format? Are you completely disgusted with unskilled gamers winning rounds online through rush techniques, or worse, lamers who build walls in the middle of nowhere just to freeze your troops in place? Apparently, the team at Wargaming.net must have felt the same way, because their outstanding strategy title Massive Assault harkens back to … [Read more...]
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a first-person-shooter/fighting game based on last summer’s big budget movie of the same name. As we all know, video games based on movies always seem to come up a little short and seem to feel like they were rushed out the door to meet release deadlines. Sadly T3: ROTM not only follows in the footsteps of these movie-to-video game disasters, it should get an award for being one of the worst such transitions of all time. Sure the game features an eerie likeness of Arnold himself, … [Read more...]
DVD Review: The Fighting Temptations
With the game releases slowing like molasses in, well, February, we've been taking a look at some recently released DVDs that you might want to consider checking out before the next round of games comes a-callin' your name. In our most recent review, "The Fighting Temptations" DVD (read it here), Jonas takes a look at how a soundtrack can not only carry a film but connect two generations of moviegoers and music lovers. Let us know what you think. … [Read more...]
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2
Does the phrase, "Elf needs food...badly!" make you wax nostalgic for the classic hack and slash dungeon crawl titles of arcade gaming’s en age? If so, then Black Isle Studios’ latest, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2, will have you overjoyed. In this latest entry into the Baldur’s Gate franchise, you’re back for more dungeon hacking done Dungeons and Dragons style, and if you’re up for it, you’ll have more fun than you can imagine hacking away at skeletons, goblins and orcs. The storyline, if you’re one of those who … [Read more...]
Deus Ex: Invisible War
The original Deus Ex was one of those unfortunate few games whose critical acclaim was greater than its commercial success. The game had an open-ended structure, fantastic graphics and immersed players in its sci-fi drama like few games before it. But the lack of consumer support relegated the game to a cult-like following that was underground and quiet but certainly rabid. With the sequel, Deus Ex: Invisible War, Ion Storm and Eidos hoped to both live up to existing fans’ expectations and entice more people to join in … [Read more...]
Wrath Unleashed
They say Wrath Unleashed is a throwback, a next-gen clone of Archon. They say Wrath Unleashed is a thinking-man’s game, where strategy is just as important as fighting. They even say Wrath Unleashed has vicious, head-to-head mayhem. What they forget to mention is that the game is only as good as the players’ competition. For those who haven’t played Archon, the throwback reference means very little. Basically, imagine a game not unlike Battlechess, and you’ll get the picture. Move pieces on a board strategically, and … [Read more...]
Pelican Predator and Chameleon
I admit it; I’m that clumsy guy at gaming parties who's always tripping over the controller cables. I can’t help it, it’s not intentional, but those danged controller tentacles just seem to jump out and attack my ankles every time I stand up. So when wireless controllers started rearing their heads, I was mighty happy to say the least. After all, now I would just be embarrassed by my lack of skill, rather than by my habit of ruining games for everyone by pulling all the controller cables out my accident. And since I’m … [Read more...]