by norm stovall
There were TONS of great games released in 2007, in fact way too many to go over in one month. In light of this, I’ve gathered and updated reviews from my personal favorites. Be sure to check back next time for part 2 of my opinionated list of gaming greatness.
For Xbox 360, PS3
I don't very often consider games that don't feature epic storylines, Pulitzer quality writing and amazing visuals to be worthy of a perfect score, but as a lifetime skateboarder and enthusiast of videogames, I really feel that EA hit the nail on the head with this one. Embracing the most legitimate and true aspects of modern skateboarding, EA's skate is not only an accurate simulation, but also a great casual game to play with the most innovative, natural control scheme ever. In addition to the gameplay being fantastic, the ability to save and share photos and replays that you can edit in game makes owning this game a no-brainer for skateboarders who play video games.
Though navigating online can be a bit cumbersome due to the use of EA nation for online play as opposed to plain-old Xbox live, when it works well, it really is a great experience. Racing down hills, performing technical tricks, and just cruising around and carving pools is all part of the total package, and the replay-ability of the game lasts way beyond the moment that your achievements are earned and the career mode is finished.
For Xbox 360
It is my opinion that Virtua Fighter 5 is the single best thing to happen to the Xbox 360 so far. Sure, I am biased toward fighting games, and the series has always been a part of my favorites list, but I really do think the game is that good. The game runs like a champ both online and off, and I rarely see any kind of noticeable lag in online matches, which is pretty much the most amazing accomplishment ever, as far as I’m concerned. I’ve never had online matches run as clean as they do with this game. The gameplay is smooth and deliberate, and using the training tools provided in the Dojo mode can really help you improve your game.
As of today, there have been 3 item packs available to download online, giving your character extra items and accessories to wear. With the amount of effort put into balancing the game and perfecting even the smallest of details, VF5 is sure to impress. If you are a fan of 3d fighting games, don’t miss this one, because they certainly don’t get any better than this.
For Nintendo Wii
With subtle use of the Wii motion controls and classic Mario gameplay, this one really is a lot of fun. The graphics are vivid and really do push the power of the Wii in a good way. The Wii might not be the graphical powerhouse that the other next-gen consoles are, but Super Mario Galaxy really does look great. The environments you explore are completely unique, and while running around small planets and jumping and launching yourself from one to the other can be a little dizzying at first, it really will pull you in and have you addicted. The music in the game is as dramatic and inspired as ever, and there are even nods to the classic Mario games with familiar tunes updated with a symphonic beauty that you’ll have to hear to understand. Though the game may appear outwardly candy-coated and too cute to be worth your while, the content within is not only engaging and fun; it’s also revolutionary.
For Nintendo DS
As a true sequel to the side-scrolling NES and arcade games that launched the series into fame, Contra 4 stays true to the formula and is as challenging as ever. But let me reiterate- this game is HARD. Not hard like “Man, all these levels are gonna take a long time to play through”, but more like “OH MY GOD IF I DIE FROM ANOTHER STUPID RANDOM THING I’M GONNA BASH A HOLE IN THE WALL.” But even in light of this, it’s a great game that really teaches you classic gaming skills such as pattern recognition and reaction timing.
As far as the atmosphere of the game, the colors are vivid, the action is constant, and your characters are total badasses who are obviously on some futuristic steroids of some kind. Which is cool, because when you are hitching a ride by hanging on a rocket launching itself into space while shooting at bad guys, you pretty much aren’t taking any crap from anybody. With plenty of unlockables such as older games in the series like Super C and Probotector, Contra 4 is the perfect thing for nostalgic gamers in need of an adrenaline rush on the go.
For PS3 and Windows XP/Vista
It’s great to finally have a PS3 game that delivers what first-person shooter fans deserve to have on the console—A great action game that not only looks great, but plays great too. Unreal Tournament 3 won’t disappoint, it provides great competition for the PS3’s much lauded Resistance: Fall of Man, one of 2006’s mega hits. With the ability to use either a keyboard and mouse or a PS3 controller to play the game, and the option of importing user-created content in the game (such as new maps, skins for characters), UT3 is a definite standout.
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