Reviews by Michael Scott

Saishuu Heiki Kanojo review

Originally released as a manga back in 2000, Saishuu Heiki Kanojo tells the story of 2 young lovers, Shuuji and Chise against the bleak backdrop of World War 3. Living and attending highschool in the remote Japanese countryside of…

midwinter · April 25, 2009

Reader PlayStation 2

Astro Boy review

Tezuka Osamu (aka the godfather of modern manga) was to Japanese popular culture what Walt Disney was to America. In a country devastated by World War 2, Tezuka inspired hope for the future with a string of classic tales that gave even the…

midwinter · April 25, 2009

Reader Game Boy Advance

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles review

If you grew up during the 1990's then chances are you were exposed to the Ninja Turtle phenomenon in one form or another. Originally debuting in 1984 as a series of black & white comics by indie creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the…

midwinter · April 25, 2009

Staff PSP HG exclusive

Sweet Paradise review

Quick show of hands, who here wants to date a pre-teen Japanese girl? Better yet, what if you could take this lovely young lady on a private holiday, just the two of you exploring the sandy tropical beaches of Bali... would you like that?

Michael Scott · May 6, 2006

Staff PSP HG exclusive

Street Supremacy review

Street Supremacy isn't just average, it's average without inspiration. You might wonder what it feels like to blast down a Tokyo expressway, grinding the slick, rain speckled concrete under tyre as a blind corner sends the back-end sliding…

Michael Scott · April 18, 2006

Staff Xbox 360

Enchanted Arms review

Once known as the Japanese RPG with an odd name, From Software's latest is both an outstanding success, and a bitter disappointment. It's the type of game that screams for more development time, caught as it is in a vapid middle ground…

Michael Scott · April 5, 2006

Staff PSP

Lemmings review

Admittedly then, expectations for the PSP update were low. How were Team 17 going to overcome the interface problem on a system notorious for its poor controls? Long answer made short: they didn't. Instead, a series of workarounds have…

Michael Scott · March 19, 2006

Staff Xbox 360

Every Party review

Okamoto's desire to broaden the market through accessibility was noble, it's just a shame he selected a console that's been solely embraced by a minor sub-culture of die-hard enthusiasts.

Michael Scott · March 12, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Guitar Hero review

Gene Simmons once sang "God gave rock 'n roll to you", and yay, unto his children the Almighty did deliver. From Jimi Hendrix, to Black Sabbath, and Mega Deth, we've gorged ourselves on the power chord, and snacked on sex and drugs like…

Michael Scott · March 5, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams review

It's a return to grace for a series in danger of losing itself, and in a way, reaffirms the belief that only Capcom know how to deliver a solid, third person slash'em up. You can have your 3D Castlevanias and your weak as piss American…

Michael Scott · February 24, 2006

Staff Xbox 360

Call of Duty 2 review

Until now, games based on World War Two have dodged a moral bullet thanks to the various limitations of the hardware supporting them. Arguments regarding the representation of mankind's darkest hour as a form of entertainment have covered…

Michael Scott · February 13, 2006

Staff DS

Bubble Bobble Double Shot review

When you consider the process of remaking a classic, it's surprising how many times the new & improved product eventually disappoints. In a perfect world, developers would cautiously add a fresh lick of paint, fine tune the controls, then…

Michael Scott · February 3, 2006

Staff PSP

WTF: Work Time Fun review

Baito Hell 2000 on the other hand, wants you bored. It needs your brain on auto pilot, and will pummel it mercilessly with the same event until your eyes glaze over. And therein lies the hook: you're going to love every minute of it.

Michael Scott · January 22, 2006

Staff Xbox 360

Quake 4 review

There are few games that can boast an arsenal quite like this, and there are fewer still that actually make it work. From the rapid fire brutality of the nail gun, to the hyper blaster, to a dark matter cannon that fires quantum…

Michael Scott · January 18, 2006

Staff Xbox 360

Wrestle Kingdom review

Microsoft's conquest of Japan begins here. Designed to appeal specifically to local gamers and developed by genre specialists Yukes, Wrestle Kingdom features the combined talents of the All Japan, New Japan, and Pro Wrestling NOAH leagues.

Michael Scott · January 1, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Raiden III review

There's a noticeable absence of firepower on the screen at any given time, particularly when compared to the latest generation of shooters. As such, players new to the genre might find Raiden III the perfect stepping stone into a few of…

Michael Scott · December 28, 2005

Staff PSP

Metal Gear Acid 2 review

That being said then, Konami's evolution was never going to address such concerns. Depth, Rebirth, and Solidity, are what they wanted, and Metal Gear Acid 2 has nailed its targets in turn. Those familiar with the original however, should…

Michael Scott · December 22, 2005

Staff Xbox 360

Tetris: the Grandmaster Ace review

I guess it's fair to say then, Tetris: the Grandmaster Ace is something socially minded players will enjoy. Where a lack of ambition hurts its solo experience, the assorted Xbox Live modes have kept things fresh with a healthy dose of…

Michael Scott · December 16, 2005

Staff PSP

Monster Hunter: Freedom review

Unfortunately however, Monster Hunter required more than I was prepared to give, and its strong focus on online play, coupled with the burden of monthly fees, soon put me off. Apparently I wasn't alone either, as Capcom have gone to great…

Michael Scott · December 8, 2005

Staff PSP

Densha de Go! Pocket: Yamanotesen Hen review

One of the great things about living in Japan is the number of cute high school girls... another would be the train sims. I know, I know. Like you probably just did a moment ago, there was a time when I scoffed at such ideas as well. On a…

Michael Scott · November 29, 2005