Release Archives: WEEK OF JUNE 7, 20056.07.2005 *Game of the Week* Kirby: Canvas Curse Developer: HAL Publisher: Nintendo System: NDS MSRP: $34.99 This is supposed to be the first real killer app for the NDS, but I honestly have no idea how much fun it really is. When I flew to E3 a few weeks ago I set out to play every game in Nintendo's booth. But time and time again I would walk past this game, knowing it was going to be on store shelves around the country in only a month. Why waste my time with an upcoming release when other titles aren't coming out until this fall or even later? I was overcome with the urge to play it one day, though, and actually got in line. There was only one person in front of me so it couldn't take too long, right? Wrong! 20 minutes later, an unheard of length to play an E3 demo, the selfish man was still playing the game. I took two photos of him and walked away, but unfortunately have no hands on impressions to share. I do know that gameplay consists of guiding Kirby through a level by drawing paths on the lower screen. It looks like a fun take on the platforming genre and I will gladly purchase one for my brand new NDS as soon as it comes out. Batman Begins Developer: Eurocom Publisher: EA Systems: PS2, Xbox, GC MSRP: $39.99 Every journalist says they aren't biased but they are all lying. By simply covering one thing and not another you are showing your preference. It's unavoidable. Even though I do it as well - you'll notice I haven-t written a write-up for Juice, I try to at least hide my somewhat biased nature. So even though I hate EA with a passion I am still happily writing a preview for the new Batman title for your pleasure. I have had a chance to play this and, you know what, it's actually quite fun. The majority of the gameplay is a third person, Batman-esque romp through the hallowed streets of Gotham. It is stealthy, but isn't sadistic like Splinter Cell. Contrary to EA's entire library, it actually introduces an innovated element: fear. As Batman, you try to cast shadows and make noise to scare the perpetrators into submission. A novel concept that is actually fun. Throw in driving levels made by the guys who created Burnout, and you have a solid video game based on what better be a great movie. This is easily the best Batman title, on any console, this generation. Yoshi Topsy Turvy Developer: Artoon Publisher: Nintendo System: Gameboy Advance MSRP: $29.99 Continuing Nintendo's recent fascination with gyroscopic technology, Yoshi Topsy Turvy is one of the most unique platformers I have ever played. You actually tilt your Gameboy from side to side to make objects on screen move. For instance, if you come to a platform hovering above a bottomless pit, you can jump onto said platform and then manually swing yourself to the other side. It is a very unique concept that is surprisingly fun as well. With Yoshi and Kirby coming out in one week, people up for a different spin on classic platforming should be in their glory. |
