Weekly Wrap-Up 4/22/11

This week was certainly hot with plenty of new releases. GameZone checks out some of the hottest new games and looks ahead at a few anticipated titles. Also, we discuss some interesting new indie titles and joke about the latest Anonymous flop. All that and more in this week’s GameZone wrap-up.

Sanctum Review

Catering to fans of both tower defense games and first-person shooters, Sanctum manages to successfully combine elements from both genres to provide an entertaining experience. It might not be perfect, but Sanctum is still a recommendable PC game for fans of either genre. Just make sure your computer can run Unreal Engine.

Portal 2 Review

The original Portal might have been short, but it was an enthralling ride while it lasted. With a lot of hype to live up to, how did Portal 2 fare upon launch? And how are fans reacting to the game now that they’ve played it?

The Fancy Pants Adventures Review

Quite possibly one of the most anticipated downloadable titles for indie gamers, Brad Borne’s impressive platformer franchise has hit Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Is The Fancy Pants Adventures everything fans of the previous two games have been wanting out of a console release?

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes Review

Loading issues aside, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is an outstanding puzzle/RPG hybrid. Featuring colorful visuals and enjoyable gameplay, this title is easily one of the best to come along in the genre in quite some time.

Yar’s Revenge Review

Since its days on the Atari 2600, Yar’s Revenge has come a long way. No longer just a simplistic shooter, this Xbox 360 re-release has evolved from the original. It’s certainly not perfect, and the game suffers from a few glaring flaws, but Yar’s Revenge is still a somewhat competent and enjoyable rail shooter at times.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron Preview

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron isn’t due out until later this year, but it may turn out to be the sleeper hit of the summer. Offering impressive minimalist visuals, entertaining brawling gameplay, and a good dose of platforming, this brawler from Ignition Entertainment looks to bring a lot of action to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Five Things We Want from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda is readying The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for its November 11 launch, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Before the game releases, what changes should be made? Check out our latest top five list and let us know if you agree.

The 2011 Michigan Pinball Expo in Photos

Enjoy pinball? Maybe you didn’t get a chance to attend the 2011 Michigan Pinball Expo. If you fancy yourself a fan of the game, be sure to check out our photo gallery from the popular event.

MX vs. ATV Alive Interview: Whoop, There It Is!

GameZone discusses MX vs. ATV Alive with designers Chris Riesenberg and Elliot Olsen. What improvements have the developers made over the game’s predecessor? And what cool new features can gamers expect when the game launches May 10? Find out here.

Interview with THQ: The Future of uDraw

We have yet to see the full potential of THQ’s uDraw gaming tablet. We sit down with THQ’s vice president of creative and ask some questions regarding the future of the peripheral. What does the publisher have planned for uDraw owners?

UFC Personal Trainer Interview: Taking the Kinect to the Mat

Ever dream of training like your favorite UFC athletes? Love the sport of mixed martial arts and want to get in shape with your favorite heavyweight champions? UFC Personal Trainer for Kinect may have what you’re looking for. GameZone asks THQ some hard-hitting questions about the upcoming controller-free fitness game.

Indie Games to Check Out

Indie gamers or anyone looking for some offbeat fun should be sure to check out two of the latest browser-based titles to hit the internet. If you want a sim-like game that doesn’t take months of your time, be sure to give Convergence a go. If you want to play a collaborative video game that feels more like an activity than actual digital entertainment, prepare to write a story and pass it on in FoldingStory.

Anonymous Is Back(ish)

PSN is down once again this week, but not because of Anonymous. Nope, those guys are busy trying to engage in protests … and failing. Check out our latest coverage of this hacker group and have a good laugh right here on GameZone.