Staff reviews, page 178

Cartoon Network Racing review

There are a few problems with Cartoon Network Racing, all somewhat typical of hastily-designed games within the genre. The first of these is a tendency to rely on items rather than good courses to provide the bulk of your experience. That…

Jason Venter · December 5, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 2 review

Basically, the games here are the lion’s share of memorable titles you might have missed from the first collection. There’s no Ghouls ‘n Ghosts here, because that was already done. There’s no Trojan or Final Fight for the same reason. What…

Jason Venter · December 5, 2006

Staff PSP HG exclusive

Online Chess Kingdoms review

Sometimes you play your best and the computer does the same and when all is said and done, you’ve won. The congratulatory screen comes and goes like it should. Then the next match is another inexplicable stalemate, or the disc freezes…

Jason Venter · December 4, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles review

After Uzumaki Chronicles has done its best to drive all but the most diehard Naruto fans away, it actually gets interesting. Strong recurring villains appear, a dire plot involving genetic manipulation is unveiled, and Naruto's friends are…

Zigfried · December 4, 2006

Staff Genesis HG exclusive

Master of Weapon review

If that didn't make things easy enough, then reveal in the hailstorm of power-ups that drip from the screen every time you manage to shoot down one of the many lime-green penile-shaped ships that explode upon the merest of bullet grazes…

Gary Hartley · December 3, 2006

Staff Game Boy Advance HG exclusive

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends review

Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends is rather large, a few winding staircases stacked on top of one another with doorways that connect to long hallways and still more doors. At first, it’s easy to get lost in all the options, and it’s only…

Jason Venter · December 2, 2006

Staff Xbox HG exclusive

Dance Dance Revolution: Ultramix 4 review

Ultramix 4 features a variety of interesting step charts that sync well to the background music, and while few stages are difficult enough to challenge those who have mastered the hardest songs in past DDR releases, beginners and…

Danny Cowan · December 2, 2006

Staff PSP HG exclusive

Lumines II review

For each moment where you’re groaning as things pile so high that you don’t stand a chance, you’ll find moments where you sneak that piece in place just in time and watch a combo clear half the screen out of your way. Playing a single…

Jason Venter · December 2, 2006

Staff Xbox

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic review

A lesson in morality. Plus lightsabers.

Gary Hartley · November 30, 2006

Staff Xbox 360 HG exclusive

Tony Hawk's Project 8 review

It’s definitely nice to see the franchise returning somewhat to its roots. The humor is more reminiscent of Ollie the Magic Bum than it is the days when Bam Magera terrorized the gameplay (though his fans will be happy to know that he is…

Jason Venter · November 27, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2 HG exclusive

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army review

While the plot does have the standard SMT flair for the dramatic, with various factions vying for control of Japan by whatever means they feel to be necessary, Devil Summoner doesn’t take place in a world that’s already been purged of…

Rob Hamilton · November 24, 2006

Staff Wii

Wii Sports review

Wii Sports isn’t really a game. It’s a tech demo disguised by artwork that makes you think you’re playing five different sports—bowling, tennis, boxing, baseball and golf—but all you’re really doing is swinging your Wii Remote this way or…

Jason Venter · November 24, 2006

Staff Xbox 360 HG exclusive

Call of Duty 3 review

Unlike its predecessor, I can’t remember many dramatic, pivotal battles from Call of Duty 3. This time, instead of dipping in and out of the war, you take part in the Normandy Breakout. CoD 3 attempts to involve you in this extended…

Freelance Writer · November 24, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2 HG exclusive

Final Fantasy XII review

Final Fantasy XII was an unusual experience. At first, I hated it. After trudging through several hours of playtime, I learned to tolerate it. Eventually, I came to enjoy it. This wasn't a fast process — were it entirely up to me, I'd have…

Zigfried · November 23, 2006

Staff Wii

Rampage: Total Destruction review

Stomping down a building isn’t a simple matter of pressing a button; you have to operate the Wii Remote like you might a hammer. That’s fun for a minute or two, and then you realize that just waving your arm up and down to keep doing the…

Jason Venter · November 22, 2006

Staff PlayStation HG exclusive

Silent Hill review

The fog-shrouded town is infested with all sorts of things that go bump in the night and Harry’s not exactly the ideal monster-slayer — being a bit clumsy and not a particularly sharp marksman. And whenever he starts to feel secure that…

Rob Hamilton · November 22, 2006

Staff Wii

Trauma Center: Second Opinion review

Play control had the potential to either make or break the experience, depending on whether or not it delivered. Fortunately, it did. The Wii remote works wonderfully. You may find your hand shaking as you make that first incision, but…

Jason Venter · November 21, 2006

Staff Wii

Rayman: Raving Rabbids review

You’ll chuck cows and rabbids, kick animals, shear them, slap them on the head with shovels and pretty much make a nuisance of yourself, all to the great delight of the rabbids. It’s sick and twisted, even funny. Is it fun, though? Well…

Jason Venter · November 21, 2006

Staff PlayStation 2

Trapt review

Allura has the ability to instantly create traps, and the only way to get enemies to fall in said traps is by leading them; wait for them to pass the right spot at the right time, press a button and watch the carnage. Slower paced than…

Zack Little · November 21, 2006

Staff PSP HG exclusive

Every Extend Extra review

The name of this game is Every Extend Extra, because it's got extra content! Q Entertainment was so enamoured with the PC freeware original that they decided to turn it into a full-fledged commercial release. The simple single-level game…

Zigfried · November 17, 2006