Review, Review, Reviews...

  Well, the Tomb Raider review is up. Sorry if that took approximately forever, I blame Monster Hunter. On a side note, I just picked up a PS3, so I'll probably do some PS3 game reviews in the future. But more importantly, my next review is going to be on Skyward Sword. I realize that it's been out for a while, but there's some topic that I'd like to discuss in my review that I don't ever see mentioned on other sites. We'll see though... Until then, enjoy my reviews! Bern out! -

Tomb Raider - Review

Platform(s) available for: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Version reviewed: Tomb Raider (PC)
Genre: 3rd-person action/adventure
Time to finish: 14 Hours
Trailer link: Click Here

  I have confession to make. I've never played a Tomb Raider game. I guess the overly-sexualized character of Lara Croft never interested me. With this recently released reboot of the series however, Square Enix and developer Crystal Dynamics are seeking to bring in new people to the series. Tomb Raider is a completely fresh take on the series, one that not only tells Lara Croft's origin story, but thoroughly redefines who she is as a character. Lara Croft has been a gaming icon for a long time. While her appeal would seem to be limited to men, she has had numerous games and movies and games made about her. Taking this into account, it was a risky move to try and redefine a character that was already so popular. So did Crystal Dynamics succeed? Let's find out.

Planetarian - Review

Platform(s) available for: PC, iOS, Android, PS2, PSP
Version reviewed: Planetarian (iOS)
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic

Novel Style: Linear
Opening Movie: Click Here

  With the recent iOS release of planetarian, now is the perfect time for a review. This also happens to be the first Key novel to see an official English translation. Why did Key choose Planetarian to be the first novel to translate? And what kind of story is it exactly? I hope to answer some of those questions, but more importantly, I hope to explain to you why you NEED to read this novel.

Blog Update

 With the blog rolling a a decent pace, I finally replaced the ugly banner image I was using as a placeholder. I think the new look works a lot better too. It was kinda tricky getting my design into a format that blogger would accept. (stupid 300kb size limits) In the end, it should work great for the time being. Enjoy the new look guys/gals! I hope to keep bringing you new reviews every week! Bern out-

More to come!

  Now that I've gotten those two big reviews done (MH3U, Rewrite), I can announce my future plans a bit. My next review will be Key's Planetarian followed by Tomb Raider. (I'm still playing Tomb Raider, but I should have it wrapped up and reviewed withing the next week or two) I plan to continue punctuating my larger reviews with smaller ones in the mean time. Let me know if you have review requests, or maybe suggestions for games I haven't tried. Thanks! Bern out-

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - Review

Platform(s) available for: 3DS, Wii U

Version reviewed: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (3DS)
Genre: 3rd - person action/rpg
Time to finish: Not Applicable
Trailer link: Click Here

  Ah Monster Hunter... easily one of my favorite video game series in recent times. Gamers can be divided into three groups: those that "get it", those that don't, and those that have never tried it. It's highly unlikely that I will be able to change the minds of those that don't like the series (I will address some of their complaints though). Similarly, any hardcore fan isn't going to be relying on reviews to decide whether to buy it or not. So, this review will be aimed at those who are interested in the series but have yet to give it a try.

Project Zero 2: Wii Edition - Import Review

Platform(s) available for: Wii 

Version reviewed: Project Zero 2: Wii Edition (Wii)
Genre: Horror/Adventure
Time to finish: ~12 hours
Trailer link: Click Here

  The Project Zero series (or Fatal Frame in the West) has something of a cult status these days. As a series that takes its cues from Japanese horror, it represents a niche within a niche in video game culture. Considering it's relatively low profile, it was very surprising to see that Nintendo was remaking the PS2 classic for the Wii. The original game came from a time when survival horror was more survival than horror. While it did have its detractors, it held a special place in many fans' hearts, mine included. So does the remake live up to the legacy of its predecessor? Or was this just a lazy cash in by Nintendo. Let's dive in and find out.