It’s Friday, which means it’s time for GameZone’s Weekly Wrap-Up, where we run down all of the week’s biggest reviews, news, features, and more. This week, we’ve got a load of reviews for you to check out. We also have brand new top five lists. And we give you the skinny on which free games you should be playing. All that and more in this week’s wrap-up.
Celebrity Bodygaurd Review
The premise is intriguing, the visual design great, and the celebrity mock-ups (such as Rustin Beaver and Lady Blabla) most definitely amusing, but Celebrity Bodyguard ultimately falls short as a video game experience. Though this title may appeal to mobile gamers, it doesn’t offer much variety. Check out GameZone’s full review of Celebrity Bodyguard, and see if this iPhone title is for you.
Monsterz Revenge Review
Don’t let the letter “Z” in its title fool you. Monsterz Revenge might not follow proper English standards, but that doesn’t mean it’s an abysmal title that should be avoided at all costs. The game features enjoyable gameplay, and the goal is to run a monster-owned restaurant and tend to your customers, who consist primarily of ghouls and ghosts. While Celebrity Bodyguard may be hard to recommend to mobile gamers, Monsterz Revenge certainly is not. Check out our full review of the game.
MotorStorm: Apocalypse Review
It might not have released on Friday the 13, but MotorStorm: Apocalypse has got to be one of the unluckiest games of this generation. After being delayed by Sony as a sign of respect to those affected by the tragedy in Japan, the game finally launched … just a week after a series of tornadoes caused much devastation. Oh, and the PlayStation Network is still down, so gamers can’t enjoy the game’s online multiplayer at all. Despite that streak of foul luck, MotorStorm: Apocalypse faces several additional shortcomings such as a poor story and wonky mechanics. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll likely enjoy the latest entry. If not, check out GameZone’s MotorStorm: Apocalypse review to see if this title is for you.
Siege Hero Review
Want a game that plays and looks like Angry Birds but doesn’t feature the words “angry” and “birds” in its title? If so, you should definitely check out Siege Hero for the iPhone and iPad. The game uses the same style of 2D Boom Blox-esque gameplay that made Angry Birds so popular, but it features soldiers instead of birds. That’s different enough, right? Check out GameZone’s review of Siege Hero for a full look at the game.
Brink Review
Though it might not offer much, for lone wolf gamers who enjoy going it solo, Brink is an excellent multiplayer shooter with enough substantial lasting value to keep players busy for quite some time. This isn’t the type of deathmatch shooter fans of the FPS genre are used to, though. Instead, Brink allows players to team up and take on the game’s campaign in a squad. If you’re looking for a team-based shooter that’s incredibly fun, look no further than Brink. And be sure to check out GameZone’s review of the game for in-depth details.
Thor: God of Thunder (Wii) Review
A movie-based game that’s actually good? Madness! Thor: God of Thunder on the Wii is a surprisingly enjoyable beat ’em up that is certainly shallow and definitely not varied, but like so many popular brawlers before it, the game is easy to get into. Though in no way perfect or even great, Thor: God of Thunder is a competent game based on a license, and it should provide gamers with a few hours of mindless fun. Check out GameZone’s review for more on the game.
Gatling Gears Review
Do you like senselessly blowing stuff up? Of course you do–you’re a gamer! Gatling Gears is an enjoyable twin-stick shooter that requires you to destroy as much as possible in each of its levels. Thankfully, for all the destructibility that the game features, the frame rate remains high throughout. If you’re looking for simple, rewarding shooting action, Gatling Gears has you covered. Our review of the game will tell you more.
Thor: God of Thunder (DS) Review
Unlike its console counterparts, Thor: God of Thunder on the Nintendo DS is a side-scrolling title instead of a 3D game. Developer WayForward played to the strengths of Nintendo’s dual screen handheld and created a solid beat ’em up that harks back to old school entries in the genre. It’s not the deepest beat ’em up around, but fans of the genre are certain to find some enjoyment in this title. To see if Thor: God of Thunder on the DS is right for you, check out our review.
Final Details on Ocarina of Time 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is quite possibly the most anticipated title on the Nintendo 3DS. After having crafted such a successful legacy on the Nintendo 64, this classic fantasy action-adventure game will launch on Nintendo’s latest handheld in June. GameZone takes one last look at Ocarina of Time 3D before the game’s 3DS release.
Top Five Indie Game Heroes
While Mario, Link, Kratos, and Lara Croft are seen by many as some of the most influential protagonists in video games, the indie game scene has its own unique characters. Check out GameZone’s Top Five Indie Game Heroes to see which five protagonists made the cut and are considered the stalwarts of indie gaming.
Five Retro-Style Side-Scrollers You Need to Play
Remember when gaming used to be tough? Remember the good old days when video games wouldn’t hold your hand the entire time? Instead, you were thrown into a strange new world where you had to learn the ropes on your own and fend for yourself. Yeah, not too many games challenge us like they used to. If you’re looking for some hardcore action that terrorizes you and makes you shout obscenities, check out our list of Five Retro-Style Side-Scrollers You Need to Play to suit your old school gaming needs.
L.A. Noire: Why You Should Be Excited
L.A. Noire promises to combine puzzle-solving with old school adventure gameplay and even a little bit of gun play for good measure. May 17 couldn’t come soon enough for gamers looking forward to Rockstar’s next game. But why should you be excited about this adventure game? We look at the upcoming L.A. Noire and tell you exactly why.
Top 10 Wii 2 (Project Cafe) Games We’re Dying For
Nintendo’s next console, “Project Cafe,” has been officially confirmed by the company. What can gamers expect when the system hits retailers? What titles do we want to see land on the console? Check out GameZone’s list of the top 10 Project Cafe games we’d like to see.
The New Mortal Kombat – Faithful to Its Roots?
Mortal Kombat was developed as a reboot of the long-revered fighting game franchise. However, in crafting this masterpiece of a fighter, Warner Bros. and developer NetherRealm altered many beloved aspects that put the Mortal Kombat series on the map in the first place. Just how faithful is Mortal Kombat to its roots?
How an Online-Only World Damaged PlayStation 3 and Threatens Everything Else
Gamers may be upset about the whole PlayStation Network debacle that has seemingly taken over PlayStation 3 owners’ lives. But when you look closer at the events that transpired, it’s not just Sony’s online gaming space that’s being threatened. As society becomes more and more dependent on the internet, everyone is at a bigger risk. Check out GameZone’s analysis of this online fiasco that is worrisome for all gamers.
Analyzing WiiWare: The Ups, Downs, and Future
What started off as a potentially awesome online source for digital games quickly became a festering hub of shovelware and useless releases. GameZone takes a close look at Nintendo’s WiiWare service, from the ups to the downs that ultimately made the online feature a joke. We also discuss how Nintendo can learn from their mistakes when they launch their upcoming console.
Michael Bross – Composer for Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
We get chatty with Michael Bross, the composer behind Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One. What challenges does Bross face a composer for video games? How does he draw inspiration when he’s creating themes for Oddworld and Ratchet & Clank? Find out in our exclusive interview.
Mike Zaimont Breaks Down the Future Plans of Skullgirls
Skullgirls combat designer Mike Zaimont returns for yet another interview with GameZone. This time around, we ask some hard-hitting questions regarding the fighting genre’s competitors such as Marvel vs. Capcom 3, BlazBlue, and Mortal Kombat. Zaimont also discusses the gameplay mechanics in Skullgirls and possible DLC. All that and more in this special interview right here on GameZone.
Flash Game of the Week – Acruz: Behind the Dark
There’s no denying that there are some solid browser-based games out there, the majority of which consist of platforming or puzzle gameplay. Acruz: Behind the Dark is different. Rather than providing simple yet effective gameplay, Acruz features a compelling action RPG experience that’s lengthy and deep. RPG aficionados, do not pass this one up.
Check Out This Indie Game
Another browser-based title you should definitely play is Transylvania. Though it might not be very long, this indie title features enjoyable puzzle gameplay. Check it out and then write an email to the devs asking them to expand on this game and port it to the DS or 3DS.
In the News
In the week’s biggest headlines, Sony went from offering two free games to PSN users to confirming that the service would be back before the end of the month … maybe.
Additionally, it seemed as though an Alan Wake sequel was imminent, and then the possibility was totally confirmed by Remedy themselves. But gamers need to know: Will this be a Kinect title?
Earlier this week at Namco Bandai’s Level Up conference, details were shed on several upcoming titles. But quite possibly the one people are talking about the most is the 2012 launch of Soulcalibur V. Unfortunately, the developers didn’t release any details other than some factoids regarding the game’s story and features.
Finally, Sony revealed some major details on the upcoming sci-fi shooter Starhawk. The game will feature a deep single-player campaign in addition to its robust online multiplayer. There will also be several online features to keep players up to date with the latest tournaments and in-game events. This definitely looks like a PlayStation 3 title worth watching out for.
