'Death Rally'
Remedy Entertainment
Windows 7/Vista/XP
$10 download
ESRB rating: Teen
Review rating: 2.5 stars
Back before games like "Alan Wake" and "Max Payne" were released, Remedy Entertainment became popular for creating a fun combat racer named "Death Rally." Now this action-packed game has been remade with upgraded visuals and several changes, but the result will disappoint core fans of the original because it now caters to casual gamers.
Racing games rarely have a storyline, and I honestly wish this one followed suit. It begins with a virtual baker's dozen of bad cops who force the player to compete in the Death Rally. Sadly, the story is told through unbearably cheesy storyboards filled with off-the-wall stereotypes. I think the story exists simply to make the story-themed races more interesting, but it doesn't work.
What would make this game more interesting is to have several more courses as well as races that last longer than one minute. Yes, you read that correctly. Each race lasts about 60 seconds and consists of three loops around extremely short tracks. Sure, they're highly detailed, but they quickly get old, and they don't provide enough time to mount a comeback if players get behind.
What makes matters worse is that virtual drivers are forced to grind these short levels dozens or even hundreds of times simply to gain enough money for upgrades. It doesn't help that the same money is used for repairs! Believe me, this is one case where getting there is definitely not half the fun.
Fortunately, this title isn't a total lemon! Controlling the vehicles is very responsive and intuitive while blasting enemies off the road is ... well ... a blast! There are also several fast vehicles to use as well as nine high-caliber weapons to choose from that range from simple Gatling guns to a fiery flamethrower!
"Death Rally" can be fun when played in short bursts, but the repetitive nature of the game discourages extended play sessions.
'Gravity Rush'
Sony
PS Vita
$39.99
ESRB rating: Teen
Review rating: 4.0 stars
Despite the release of two new handheld consoles in the last couple of years, developers prefer to make games for cellphones and iPads. As a result, top-notch PS Vita games are few and far between, and worthwhile 3DS games are almost nonexistent! Don't give up hope, though, because sometimes an excellent game like "Gravity Rush" seems to fall from the sky!
I knew that I would enjoy this game right away, as it starts with a falling apple video that is an obvious homage to Sir Isaac Newton. Players soon take on the role of Kat, a spirited young woman with a case of amnesia who awakens in a strange city. After she meets a cute kitty cat that turns out to be a magical being, Kat quickly discovers that she can manipulate gravity! Now she must investigate her background while also saving the city from the deadly Navi beings!
With the press of a button, Kat can float around in the air. Simply aim at a surface, be it vertical or horizontal, and Kat rushes toward it and lands. She can walk on walls and even attack enemies on any surface with nimble sliding attacks, roundhouse kicks, projectiles, and counter attacks. In addition, Kat can unleash devastating gravity kicks while floating in the air! It's also possible to upgrade abilities and increase in power.
In addition to fun game play, this cool title is overflowing with style. It seems like I'm playing a highly detailed anime rather than a game, thanks to the gorgeous cel-shaded visuals. I also love how the story is told through unusually thoughtful storyboards and cut-scenes. It's funny to see Kat tumbling through the air when she floats, and it's hilarious to see innocent bystanders get accidentally caught up in gravity manipulation!
Gravity may be the weakest of the five fundamental forces, but just like the universe, "Gravity Rush" couldn't exist without it.
'Death Rally'
Remedy Entertainment
Windows 7/Vista/XP
$10 download
ESRB rating: Teen
Review rating: 2.5 stars
Back before games like "Alan Wake" and "Max Payne" were released, Remedy Entertainment became popular for creating a fun combat racer named "Death Rally." Now this action-packed game has been remade with upgraded visuals and several changes, but the result will disappoint core fans of the original because it now caters to casual gamers.
Racing games rarely have a storyline, and I honestly wish this one followed suit. It begins with a virtual baker's dozen of bad cops who force the player to compete in the Death Rally. Sadly, the story is told through unbearably cheesy storyboards filled with off-the-wall stereotypes. I think the story exists simply to make the story-themed races more interesting, but it doesn't work.
What would make this game more interesting is to have several more courses as well as races that last longer than one minute. Yes, you read that correctly. Each race lasts about 60 seconds and consists of three loops around extremely short tracks. Sure, they're highly detailed, but they quickly get old, and they don't provide enough time to mount a comeback if players get behind.
What makes matters worse is that virtual drivers are forced to grind these short levels dozens or even hundreds of times simply to gain enough money for upgrades. It doesn't help that the same money is used for repairs! Believe me, this is one case where getting there is definitely not half the fun.
Fortunately, this title isn't a total lemon! Controlling the vehicles is very responsive and intuitive while blasting enemies off the road is ... well ... a blast! There are also several fast vehicles to use as well as nine high-caliber weapons to choose from that range from simple Gatling guns to a fiery flamethrower!
"Death Rally" can be fun when played in short bursts, but the repetitive nature of the game discourages extended play sessions.
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