Reviews by Benjamin Woodhouse, page 2

Cursed Mountain review

When you hear the inconsolable sobbing of a woman – like her head is resting right on your shoulder – it begs for attention. There are also frequent wisps of ghosts seen just trailing off the screen or creeping around a corner, inviting…

Benjamin Woodhouse · October 12, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

Shorts review

It's the jumps that make the game; they're spaced so you'll barely make it. The character will only just grab onto and dangle from the edge of the next platform.

Benjamin Woodhouse · September 7, 2009

Staff Wii HG exclusive

Madden NFL 10 review

EA Sports may have dropped the All-Play subtitle from its Wii lineup, but it hasn't abandoned the All-Play attitude. In fact, Madden NFL 10 only further embraces the casual concept. Here's the clincher. Franchise Mode, the staple of the…

Benjamin Woodhouse · September 1, 2009

Staff PlayStation 2 HG exclusive

Disaster Report review

Each subsequent step in Disaster Report can prompt an aftershock and a split-second decision. There are instances where Keith needs to ignore the shaking ground and just run like hell. The rush from knowing Death is following one step…

Benjamin Woodhouse · August 28, 2009

Staff GameCube HG exclusive

Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 review

Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 pretends it doesn't have that little number at the end of its title. It uses the same cel-shaded graphics, features the same fighting engine, and even recycles combos for reappearing characters. The game goes so…

Benjamin Woodhouse · August 8, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

Flower, Sun, and Rain review

Sumio immediately finds the entire island is stuck in a time loop, though he perceives it as a sort of dream. Every morning he rises with his singular goal in mind, but he always gets sidetracked by an unrelated request. Hell, it takes him…

Benjamin Woodhouse · July 29, 2009

Staff GameCube HG exclusive

Naruto: Clash of Ninja review

There's a reason they say patience is a virtue. Naruto: Clash of Ninja has only 8 distinct characters. In the story mode, you control Naruto as he fights each of these opponents once. It takes about fifteen minutes. After that, what's left?

Benjamin Woodhouse · July 26, 2009

Staff Wii HG exclusive

Let's Tap review

Let's Tap thinks outside the box. More specifically, right on top of it. The game offers up a hands-free control scheme where you place the Wii remote face-down on a box or flat surface. Tap nearby, and the vibrations travel to the remote…

Benjamin Woodhouse · July 13, 2009

Staff Wii HG exclusive

We Cheer review

At the moment the mechanics finally clicked, We Cheer transformed into an invigorating challenge. I started hustling out a succession of complex, varied swirls. I had to exaggerate my direction, reaching all the way to the ceiling and down…

Benjamin Woodhouse · June 30, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 review

Ninja Council 4 is a lean, focused story dressed in a new wardrobe. Unfortunately, the game has become too thin. Wi-fi multiplayer, prominent in the original Japanese version, has been dropped from the North American release. Fans forced…

Benjamin Woodhouse · June 16, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

I Love Beauty: Hollywood Makeover review

Beauty is really about style. I Love Beauty: Hollywood Makeover is about the drudgery of applying makeup.

Benjamin Woodhouse · June 16, 2009

Reader Wii HG exclusive

Major Minor's Majestic March review

Major Minor's Majestic March has an impressive pedigree. Its developer NanaOn-Sha, or more specifically musician Masaya Matsuura and artist Rodney Alan Greenblat, helped shape the rhythm game genre with iconic 90's releases PaRappa the…

woodhouse · May 25, 2009

Reader Wii Review of the Week HG exclusive

Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution review

Just looking at the screen, it's hard to discern the supposed Revolution the Clash of Ninja series has undergone. Naruto's still rocking his bright orange jumpsuit, and all the characters sport the same cel-shaded look that favorably…

woodhouse · May 24, 2009

Reader DS HG exclusive

Touch Detective 2½ review

As a budding super sleuth, Mackenzie has successfully recovered many missing objects, but now she's finally found her inner voice. In her previous adventure, the titular Touch Detective stared out blankly from the top screen, with wide…

woodhouse · May 11, 2009

Reader DS HG exclusive

Rhythm Heaven review

One note regarding Rhythm Heaven; it's not about music. At least, not in the way that Guitar Hero, Rock Band, or Elite Beat Agents are about music. Instead, this quirky game focuses on the click-clack of a factory assembly line. It draws…

woodhouse · April 26, 2009

Reader Wii HG exclusive

Game Party review

Game Party is another minigame mashup for the Wii. It grafts simple motion control onto seven familiar activities, doing everything to ensure that anyone can pick it up and instantly understand the objective. Unfortunately, the remote…

woodhouse · April 19, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix review

The Explosive Megamix offers up a variety of minigames – sheer volume compels it. Shooting hoops and throwing darts are normal. Reuniting star-crossed lovers by way of catapult is not. If you can find a dozen gems in this electic…

Benjamin Woodhouse · April 17, 2009

Staff DS HG exclusive

SpongeBob vs. The Big One: Beach Party Cook-Off review

Each of SpongeBob's techniques is linked to a specific touch screen mini-game. They're all routine stylus activities, even if the ingredients are a little weird. Trace a line to slice up some kelp. Tap quickly to pound out a Krabby Patty…

Benjamin Woodhouse · March 30, 2009

Reader DS HG exclusive

Ontamarama review

With a look reminiscent of a kid's anime, Ontamarama sets the cuteness factor to high. Just check out the protagonists. Beat is an energetic boy with spiky blue cowlicks who perpetually wears inline skates. Rest is a thoughtful girl with…

woodhouse · March 29, 2009

Reader DS HG exclusive

Unsolved Crimes review

This night seemed to beg for a horrific murder. The power had been knocked offline for a couple of hours, and the storm was still raging. Rain had blown inside through the broken window – the killer's alleged escape route – and drenched…

woodhouse · March 18, 2009