The Charleston Gazette - Video Games

Review: Relive the PS2s glory days with Jak and Daxter

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:44:49 -0500

Its hard to believe that this year marks the 13th anniversary of the launch of the PlayStation 2. But whats even more mind-boggling is that, despite more than 150 million consoles sold, there are people who have never had a chance to experience many of the...

Review: Outstanding story at the heart of 'The Darkness II'

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:09:55 -0500

Jackie Estacado isnt your typical video-game hero. Indeed, the New York City mob boss and protagonist of "The Darkness II" is a very troubled individual who spends his days battling against the inner demons that haunt him. The problem for Estacad...

Interview -- Curt Schilling: Amalurs ace in the hole

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:57:30 -0500

Opening Day is a special moment in the life of any baseball player. It was no different for former Phillies, Diamondbacks and Red Sox ace Curt Schilling. One of the most dominant postseason pitchers in major league history, Schilling compiled an 11-2 playo...

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a solid sequel

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:53:21 -0500

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Square EnixSony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360)$59.99ESRB rating: TeenReview rating: 4.0 stars"Final Fantasy" games are known ...

Review: Final Fantasy XIII-2 improves on the original

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:17:15 -0500

Count me among the number of gamers who were somewhat disappointed in 2010s "Final Fantasy XIII." Having grown up with the franchise from its days on the NES, I had come to expect a lot from Square-Enixs flagship series and, frankly, "Fina...

New hardware, games to watch for in 2012

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:26:40 -0500

Last week, I took a final look back at 2011 and handed out my Game of the Year awards. This week, its time to focus on the future. There was no shortage of great games released in 2011, from our GOTY winner, "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," to o...

Skyrim claims top honors in 2011

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:38:31 -0500

The calendar may have already flipped over to 2012, but for gamers, the beginning of the new year is still a few weeks away. Thats when Square unleashes "Final Fantasy XIII-2," the first major retail release of the year.January is typically a slo...

Explore a familiar universe in Star Wars: The Old Republic

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:39:54 -0500

Star Wars: The Old Republic EAWindows 7/Vista/XP$59.99 monthly feeESRB rating: TeenReview rating: 4.0 stars "World of Warcraft" has reigne...

Skyward Sword is a gamers dream

flipside@wvgazette.com (Rachael Shook, St. Albans High School) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:45:08 -0500

After 25 years of swordplay, puzzles and heart containers, "The Legend of Zelda" series has remained consistent in its structure. Each game has the same characters and, usually, the same names of places and items. However, Nintendo has manage...

Oddworld: Strangers Wrath HD is a fantastic remake

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:02:04 -0500

Oddworld: Strangers WrathJust Add WaterSony PSN download$14.99ESRB rating: TeenReview rating: 4.5 stars With the HD remake of EAs Wild West-inspired a...

Review: NFL Blitz delivers over-the-top fun

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:54:31 -0500

Leave it to the folks at EA Sports to help make me feel like a kid again. First, the developer brought back my all-time favorite arcade hoops title, "NBA Jam," and now theyve gone and resurrected the long-dead "NFL Blitz" franchise ...

U.S. video game sales drop 21 percent in December

webmaster@ap.org ( The Associated Press) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:00:08 -0500

LOS ANGELES -- U.S. retail sales of video game hardware, software and accessories fell 21 percent in December from a year ago to $3.99 billion as players bought fewer games for their aging consoles, according to market researcher NPD Group.The results are ...

Guide a heroic trio through Trine 2

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:34:05 -0500

Trine 2AtlusMicrosoft XBL download (PC, PSN)$15.00ESRB rating: E10 Review rating: 4.5 stars "Trine" was a surprise hit in 2009 because of it...

Review: W.E.L.D.E.R. leads parade of iPad gems

webmaster@ap.org ( The Associated Press) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:19:06 -0500

So you just got an iPad for Christmas. You already have all the essentials loaded -- Facebook, Twitter, iBooks, whatever news app you prefer.Now its time to get serious and start learning what the iPad was really built for: games.There are more than 26...

Mercury Hg provides elemental enjoyment

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:01:57 -0500

Mercury Hg UTV Ignition GamesMSN download (PSN)$5ESRB rating: EveryoneReview rating: 3.5 stars UTV Ignition Games sets out to prove that science can b...

Star Wars: The Old Republic speaks for itself

webmaster@ap.org ( The Associated Press) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:56:26 -0500

LOS ANGELES -- Its something that players of modern single-player video games like "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and "Batman: Arkham City might take for granted, but an effect that die-hard fans of sprawling online role-playing games such as "...

Rayman Origins perfects 2-D platforming

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:22:54 -0500

Rayman OriginsUbisoftSony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, Wii)$59.99ESRB rating: E10 Review rating: 4.5 stars Mario has ruled the platforming genre of video ...

Review: Modern Warfare 3 one of the years best shooters

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:35:47 -0500

The "Call of Duty" franchise has become the most polarizing video game series of this generation, with its annual releases somehow managing to both shatter sales records and draw the ire of a select group of gamers.But whether you love it or hate...

Zip through Constantinople in Assassins Creed Revelations

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:26:08 -0500

Assassins Creed Revelations UbisoftSony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC)$59.99ESRB rating: MatureReview rating: 4.0 stars Ubisofts "Assassins Creed&q...

Children will love playing Skylanders: Spyros Adventure

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:25:51 -0500

Skylanders: Spyros Adventure ActivisionMicrosoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3, Wii)$69.99 (Starter Pack)ESRB rating: EveryoneReview rating: 3.5 stars Its been sa...

Review: uDraw GameTablet lets you unleash your inner artist

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:13:04 -0500

Ive long subscribed to the theory that a video game peripheral is only as good as the software that supports it. But in the case of THQs uDraw GameTablet, the potential uses for the device far outweigh a limited, yet entertaining, launch lineup.The uDraw, ...

Need for Speed: The Run Could Use More Racing and Less Running

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:45:00 -0500

Need for Speed: The Run EA Microsoft Xbox 360 $59.99 ESRB Rating: Teen Review rating: 3.5 stars Elec...

Have a gamer on your shopping list. Our holiday gift guide can help

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:20:29 -0500

Less than 24 hours remain until the busiest shopping day of the year, when bargain hunters everywhere descend upon retail stores and huddle in front of their computers in the hopes of picking up just the right thing for themselves or those special people o...

Review: WWE 12 a genre-defining revolution

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:45:53 -0500

The landscape of professional wrestling is ever changing. But while superstars come and go and entire organizations rise and fall, the fundamental appeal of the business remains constant - people love to watch two guys climb inside a ring and pretend to kn...

Review: Halo Anniversary a welcome trip down memory lane

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:52:57 -0500

As "Halo: Combat Evolved" celebrates its 10^th birthday this month, theres no denying the impact that Bungies first-person shooter has had on the video game industry. Not only did "Halo" validate the Xbox as a viable gaming co...

Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception plays like an interactive movie

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:58:43 -0500

Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception SonySony PlayStation 3$59.99ESRB rating: Teen Review rating: 4.0 stars Developers Naughty Dog certainly broke away from ...

Review: Uncharted 3 an epic adventure

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:42:00 -0500

The "Uncharted" franchise has continually raised the bar for cinematic storytelling and edge-of-your-seat thrills, providing countless experiences over the years that left me holding onto my DualShock 3 for dear life."Uncharted 3: Drakes Dec...

Review: Saints Row: The Third an over-the-top hit

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:05:20 -0500

It seems only fitting that "Saints Row: The Third" arrives in stores during the same year that "Grand Theft Auto III" celebrates its 10^th anniversary. After all, "GTA3" laid the foundation for open-world sandbox gam...

Game pack a colossal, Ico-nomically friendly bundle

flipside@wvgazette.com (Nicholas Ransbottom, FlipSide staff writer) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:57:22 -0500

"Ico" (pronounced "Ee-ko") and "Shadow of the Colossus" are considered by critics to be two of the greatest and most important video games of all time. The PlayStation 2 classics were beautiful back in 2001 and 200...

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is truly breathtaking

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:18:56 -0500

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim BethesdaMicrosoft Xbox 360 (PS3)$59.99ESRB rating: MatureReview rating: 5.0 stars In our modern society, where most people...

Review: Dragons only the beginning in epic Skyrim

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:02:57 -0500

The dragon circled menacingly overhead, like a hungry vulture eying its next meal. It had spotted me as soon as I made my exit from the cave, a wretched place that was now littered with the dead bodies of the necromancers that had been calling it home. Sen...

Review: Battlefield 3 takes aim at first-person shooter crown

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:14:35 -0400

The battle for first-person shooter supremacy officially began last week with the release of EAs "Battlefield 3." While Activision awaits its opportunity to return fire with next weeks launch of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3," EAs o...

Review: Wipeout 2 fun for series fans and newcomers, alike

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:26:58 -0400

It may be hard to believe, especially coming from someone who spends quite a bit of time in front of the television playing video games, but I dont really watch a lot of TV. The same goes for the rest of my family. Sure, my boys enjoy their various carto...

Review: War in the North breaks new ground for Lord of the Rings

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:03:58 -0400

The fantastical world of Tolkiens Middle-earth has served as the backdrop for a number of video games over the years, but most of those previous efforts covered the same familiar ground. Rather than tell yet another tale involving the Fellowship of the Rin...

Review: Edge of Time a step back for Spider-Man

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:04:35 -0400

Last year, developer Beenox delivered unto gamers what I consider to be one of the finest Spider-Man titles ever created in "Shattered Dimensions," a tale that brought together four very different versions of Marvels iconic wall crawler. Each Spi...

Jeb Haught: Battlefield 3 unleashes killer modern warfare

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:45:00 -0400

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- GAME: "Battlefield 3" DEVELOPER: DICE PUBLISHER: EA SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3) PRICE: $59.99 ESRB RATING: Mature REVIEW RATING: 4 stars ...

Review: Dungeon Defenders not your average XBLA title

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:47:49 -0400
Generally speaking, Xbox Live Arcade titles arent known for their depth or their length. But "Dungeon Defenders" isnt your average XBLA title.Blending elements of tower defense and third-person action RPGs, "Dungeon Defenders" offers a ...

Review: New sports, features highlight Kinect Sports: Season Two

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:54:04 -0400
The original "Kinect Sports" continues to be one of the most-played Kinect titles in my Xbox 360 library, with track and field and volleyball the two standout events that keep my family and I coming back for more. But developers Rare and Big Park...

Review: Dance Central 2 makes it even easier to bust a move

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:01:02 -0400
If playing dance video games has taught me anything over the years, its that while most people love to dance, very few (including yours truly) can dance well. Luckily for those of us cursed with two left feet, there is "Dance Central 2." Harmonix...

Review: Batman: Arkham City an instant classic

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:31:10 -0400
Looking back it seems almost silly to admit, but I had serious reservations about "Batman: Arkham City" when it was first announced. And my reasoning was simple -- I thought there was no way possible for developer Rocksteady Studios to recapt...

Gaming doesnt get any better than Batman: Arkham City

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:33:05 -0400

"Batman: Arkham City"
DEVELOPER: Rocksteady Studios
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros.
SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PC, PS3)
PRICE: $59.99
ESRB RATING: Teen
REVIEW RA...

Review: Team up for fun in Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:35:44 -0400
It pains me to say this, but I missed out on the original "Ratchet & Clank" adventures on the PlayStation 2. Im not sure why, exactly, though it may have had something to do with my misguided belief that "Ratchet & Clank" was me...

Review: Go Vacation offers something for everyone

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:48:28 -0400
After spending years as the gaming console of choice in my home, the Wii has recently been relegated to an old bedroom, sharing space in the entertainment center with our VCR and my sons collection of WWE action figures.But thanks to "Go Vacation,&quo...

Review: Capcom goes West for Dead Rising 2: Off the Record

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:31:27 -0400
In the early days of the Xbox 360, Capcom struck gold with "Dead Rising," a zombie-filled romp through a shopping mall as seen through the eyes - and camera lens - of photojournalist Frank West.Despite the success of the first game, Capcom made s...

Review: Forza 4 the ultimate driving experience

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:41:59 -0400
No need to beat around the bush with this one -- "Forza Motorsport 4" is the best pure racing game Ive ever played, period. Yes thats high praise, but with "Forza 4," developer Turn 10 has crafted a drop-dead gorgeous sim racer that is ...

Spider-Man: Edge of Time proves two isnt always better than one

(Jeb Haught) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:14:21 -0400
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
Beenox
Activision
Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, Wii)
$59.99
ESRB rating: Teen

Review: Bears a cute, cuddly addition to Kinectimals

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:25:43 -0400
Nothing says cute and cuddly like baby animals. And baby animals were never cuter or cuddlier than those featured in "Kinectimals," which launched alongside Microsofts Kinect sensor late last year.Interacting with the adorable feline cubs of &quo...

Review: NBA 2K12 celebrates leagues all-time greats

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:58:15 -0400
Last year, 2K Sports and developer Visual Concepts sent shockwaves through the video-game world by snagging the elusive rights to basketball icon Michael Jordan and making His Airness a key component of "NBA 2K11." Jordan is once again lacing ...

Review: Mercury Hg offers plenty of bang for your buck

jrider@wvgazette.com (Jeff Rider) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:57:36 -0400
Sometimes its the simple things in life that give us the most enjoyment. The same goes for video games, and Eiconic Games "Mercury Hg" is a perfect example.The premise of this puzzler is straightforward - you twist and tilt a platform to guide a ...

Minecraft update adds new features before official release

( ) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:20:19 -0400
By Ian Woods and Corey Green The Minerva Center for Academic Success "Minecraft" is a sandbox building game, where players place blocks to build s...