XBOX 360 QUICK HITS
PERFECT DARK ZERO
The highly-anticipated sequel (err...prequel) to Nintendo 64's Perfect Dark, this newest iteration blends a lot of old-school gameplay with a whack of new-school graphics and online capabilities.
Perfect Dark Zero is officially the top game for online co-operative play. Rare went above and beyond all expectations to make a title that is most fun when played by two human players on their own TVs. There are 14 missions, but there are four difficulty levels and playing on each setting makes each mission completely different. Enemies become smarter, objectives change or are added - it's all superbly done.
The online multiplayer didn't completely blow us away like we thought it would, but it still is a lot of fun. It's less run-and-gun and more tactical, but if you're a fan of that kind of thing, you'll love PDZ online.
Developer Rare outdid itself here and we can only imagine what they have in store for the next wave of games for the 360.
WHAM! Rating: |
8.0 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
M (Mature) |
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PROJECT GOTHAM RACING 3
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Me likey big shiny cars
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Here is a game that is downright addictive in every way. The Project Gotham series was extremely successful for the original Xbox and if this third addition is anything to go by, the series will be just as successful on the brand new 360 as well.
The game combines driving realism with arcade-like fun to make for something that's a cross between Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo. You get the chance to choose from all kinds of licensed supercars from around the world, then take them for a spin on tracks in London, New York, Tokyo, et al. If you're hooked up to Xbox Live, and you have top-notch skills, you can even be featured on Gotham TV, where anyone else who is online can watch you race.
The online play may be the best of any game on the Xbox or Xbox 360 in technical terms. We experience absolutely no bugs or glitches of any sort, no stuttering or booting off of players. It runs completely smooth and uploading replays on your hard drive takes a matter of milliseconds.
Kudos to developer Bizarre Creations on this one!
WHAM! Rating: |
8.5 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
E 10+ (Everyone 10+) |
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PETER JACKSON'S KING KONG: THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOVIE
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Puny V-Rex
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One of the most grandiose, atmospheric, movie-like experiences in a video game ever. This is a standout on all the home consoles, but it hits even bigger heights if you snag it on the Xbox 360 along with a high-definition television.
The game is based on Peter Jackson's remake of the popular monster/love story with some new scenes and scenarios added in for good measure. You play in both third-person mode as Jack Driscoll as he attempts to find love interest Ann Darrow after she's taken away by King Kong himself into the jungles of Skull Island, and as the big ape in third person mode.
Whether you're Jack or Kong, the game is full of suspense and epic battles. As Kong, you get to take on monsters of all shapes and sizes (though mostly big) as he protects Ann. When you're Jack, there's a lot more suspense, since you're constantly being chased by the same monsters, but only have small guns with minimal ammo to keep them at bay.
The game is short and sweet and their isn't much by way of replayability, but this is still one of the top launch titles for the 360.
WHAM! Rating: |
8.4 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
T (Teen) |
Official Web Site: |
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