by norm stovall norm@904skate.com
Well, now that all the new game consoles are out and ready for play, I’ve taken some time to pick up a few of these titles via my Internet connection for review purposes. Each of the new game consoles (PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360) has their own download services, with lots of games to choose from. (“Lots” is a relative term, mind you) Of course, you have your obvious choices like the original Super Mario Brothers for the Wii, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 for the Xbox 360, but what about those other games that nobody in the video game media is mentioning? You can wonder no longer, because I spent half an EU paycheck to download and review them.
Gripshift is a game that really appeals to my inner child, with all the Hot-Wheels-styled bad-assitude that I’ve been secretly longing for in a video game. I mean sure, there have been plenty of racing games with loops, killer curves and tracks floating on apparently nothing, (see: F-Zero GX, Wipeout XL) but Gripshift really hits the nail on the head. The hotrod cars in the game pretty much all do the same thing, and the unlockable bonus paint schemes aren’t really all that special, but when you really start getting into the game, there is a certain little thing that really keeps you playing, a little thing I like to call “mirth.” Unfortunately, it does have some shortcomings. Gripshift doesn’t have any kind of split-screen multiplayer, which is a bummer, and getting to it means navigating through the clunky Playstation store via your PS3. Not like there is much content to wade through, but the Playstation store interface is just plain UGLY. Also, there are load times, which is odd because the game is stored on your hard drive. Ultimately, though, I’d say it was worth the entry fee, as none of the other (2) games available for download seem all that great to me.
What do you mean, you’ve never heard of this game? This classic military sim was originally a sleeper hit on Turbografix 16; at least it was to all 30 people who bought it. Well, lets get down to what is good about this game. If you have ever played such hits as Advance Wars or Advance Wars DS, you will know what to expect with Military Madness- this game is strikingly similar, and seems to be the inspiration to those previously mentioned titles. The gameplay is none too difficult to get into, and you’ll be hooked within a few minutes of playing.
Small Arms has been on Xbox Live Arcade for over a month now, and the online matches are easy to come by-someone is always online playing this game. In Small Arms, you take control of one of a handful of small, cute, colorful fighters, taking them to an enclosed arena to fight other players to the death. Very similar in style and play to Super Smash Brothers Melee for the Gamecube, this Live Arcade title is easy to pick up, and is loads of fun. Though the focus is weapons based fighting with mostly guns, the violence is never over-the-top. Also, there is plenty to do with the various multiplayer and training modes, and the online multiplayer will allow you and your friends to take your skills online, so the action doesn’t get old very quickly. I’d have to say that Small Arms is an Xbox 360 Live Arcade favorite of mine.
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