(Preview) Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Title: Kirby’s Return to Dream Land

Release Date: 11/27/11

Developer: HAL Laboratory

The Kirby franchise has been a staple in Nintendo gamers’ libraries since the first release of Kirby’s Dream Land in 1992. This pink ball of fury has time after time saved his planet (Pop Star) from foes who always fall short of being able to topple him. With the new installment right around the corner, and the Wii slowly burning out and making way for the Wii U; what could this Kirby offer that others have not? Is it possible that this installment can stand up to the praise of the last title “Kirby’s Epic Yarn”?

Kirby makng his way through baddies with a cannon

Oddly enough, this title isn’t something brand new. Development on the game (originally intended for the Game Cube) was announced at E3 in September of 2005, and since was put on the back burner. Six years later it has developed into a 2.5D (that’s 3D but rendered in the side scroll perspective, similar to Kirby 64) action packed adventure starring everyone’s favorite pink blob, and with him: King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee. This is actually the first title in the series to get an E10 rating (Getting a little darker Kirby?). The premise of the game is to help an alien named Magolor, whose spaceship (The Lor Starcutter) has crashed and landed on the planet Pop Star. Kirby being the good citizen he is once again decides to help someone in need and you must collect pieces of his spaceship that are scattered throughout the planet. Though a new title, the same classic Kirby style has been retained and looks to keep the core mechanics of the game play intact.

So many inappropriate comments...so little time.

 Kirby still can inhale for an endless amount of time sucking in enemies and copying their abilities to use against other baddies, and to unlock certain areas previously undiscoverable without them. Added to this mechanic is the “Super Ability” that enhances the power tenfold. For instance, Kirby may have inhaled a cutter enemy…well when the super ability comes into play, he can transform the boomerang like object he throws into a giant weapon and destroy all enemies and objects on screen. This power lasts for a limited amount of time (represented by a rainbow colored bar); however you can use it as many times as you want in the span.  Several of these super abilities are available, keeping the game fresh as you progress through the levels.

I wonder if Nintendo sits around wondering "What is the most adorable way we can kill enemies?"

Kirby Return to Dream Land also features a co-op drop in drop out feature similar to that of the recent Mario Brothers title (So when your friend ends up being totally useless, you can boot them or have them leave the game until you feel they understand how much they suck). While the drop in characters (King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee) can’t copy abilities like Kirby, each one brings something to the table as far as attacking. King Dedede has his signature hammer, while Meta Knight has his sword (Duh...). Waddle Dee has a unique spear which he can jab at enemies, or throw at them. He can also twirl the spear above his head giving him the ability to hover for a brief period of time. Meta Knight can use his wings to hover as well, and King Dedede can float like Kirby by inhaling a stomach full of air to stay afloat (however, as with all the side scrolling games in this franchise, the ability to hover/float can only be used for a limited amount of time). Kirby also has the ability to inhale his friends and shoot them at enemies as deminstrated in the trailer for the game.

From Top: Meta Knight, Kirby, Waddle Dee, King Dedede

If playing with one of these characters doesn’t float your boat...or one of your friends is whining and just has to be Kirby, you can alternately play as a different color Kirby (similar to the ones in Kirby & the Amazing Mirror). Other players can join a game in progress at any time; however it will cost Kirby (Player 1) one life. When another player drops in, the character chosen appears next to Kirby. Should any of the other players get stuck, or end up far behind others, they will be beamed up to the closest player (Similar to Kirby Super Star…in my opinion one of the best titles in the series).

Kirby makes his boys handle his dirty work...like a boss.

In what seems to be a great title for the Wii’s final days, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land looks like a stunning addition to the series. Though few things new have been added, the appreciation to keep a game the way gamers remember and love doesn’t go unnoticed. HAL Laboratories has been on the Kirby franchise for the last 20 years, and have not let fans down yet. Look for this title to be hitting shelves this November, and gather up some friends for some platforming action with one of Nintendo’s classic stars.

James The Game Geek Intro Video

Hey guys! Here is the intro video I have been working on. It's the full length version, so its longer than what will be on the actual review videos. Also, if viewing this on a phone, it may be blurry...its best to view it from a PC (or Mac...before someone complains that I didn't mention it...). The amount of support I'm getting is wonderful, and I want to thank everyone who is keeping up with this. I'm not sure how I could ever repay all of you, however if I manage to think of a way I will surely do it. Keep checking back and be ready for the first video review soon!

Duke Nukem Forever: Review

Pros: Very reminiscent of the old Duke, Pop culture references in huge doses

Cons: Not polished, clunky controls, repetitious
 

In the realm of FPS games, Duke Nukem Forever doesn’t really stand out at first glance. The mind numbing experience provided by hours of mercilessly pummeling foe after foe does in fact have a payoff of a different kind however. Humorous one liners and tacky humor run rampant in this series, and Gearbox & Piranha Games didn’t skimp on it in this installment to the franchise. Duke Nukem Forever has been blasted and praised simultaneously causing mixed reviews amongst consumers who waited 15 years to see Duke make his comeback. Was it worth the wait? Is the game as bad as everyone made it out to be? Did Duke ever get more bubblegum?

Ahhh...good old Duke.

Game play: 7.5

Those aliens are at it again…when will they learn that it’s never a wise idea to steal Dukes babes? The game begins at the last level of Duke Nukem 3D and pits you against the final boss (ahhh…memories…). Once the game truly begins (after the very clever introduction and control tutorial) Duke once again has to save the planet one alien death at a time. Duke’s shield in this title is represented by an “Ego Meter” that depletes once so much damage is taken and leaves him venerable to massive amounts of damage. You can increase this meter by doing only things that Duke would do…(checking yourself out in a mirror, lifting weights in your personal gym…amongst other subtle/tacky things). To increase your strength, Duke will take some steroids (Or as he explains to a child fan “Vitamins”) which will allow you to destroy any foe in your path with your fists. However this takes a backseat to good old Duke shoot’em up action.

Duke is given an insane variety of guns (not comparable to Borderlands, but a considerable amount none the less). With the given arsenal that contains, but is not limited to: Shotgun’s, RPG’s, Mini-guns, Pistols, Alien Rifle’s, Etc. You have a variety of ways to dispatch your foes which keeps the game fresh enough that it masks the pain of redundancy brought on by what feels like the same situations over and over again. In true old school FPS fashion, you weasel in and out of tight spots where close quarter combat is essential, and long stretches filled with numerous adversaries only to reach a stage boss which takes nothing more than a considerable amount of time to slay. The core of this game seems to be its hit and miss humor to help aid you through the heartache of ragdoll physics that are no more than an eyesore to watch, levels that seem at times too cluttered with random objects and baddies, countless moments where you question your sanity in purchasing the game, and frustrating rage quits brought on by making a simple mistake that is guaranteed every time to result in a costly replacement of a keyboard of controller. Pop culture references are strewn about and classic phrases are brought back which once again is only enough to get by. I found myself only wanting to get through parts just so I could hear what Duke phrase was next or what action he would take to humiliate a boss (such as when a considerably larger than Duke’s size boss is stunned, Duke proceeds to use his genitals as a punching bag). A cheap laugh is to be had in every level, though don’t expect any gut splitting humor.

One of the many times you will see this beautiful creatures.

Graphics: 6.8

Very little can be said about the graphics in DNF. The only part I was even remotely impressed with was some of the falling water effects inside the hotel at the beginning of the game. The guns have detail; however it’s nothing to gawk at by any stretch of the imagination. The game was created with the Unreal engine which has brought about some great games; however nothing impeccable stands out in this title. Some items in the game were given much more TLC than others as far as shading and shaping, and the more attention you pay to them, the more you will notice it. Overall not a ground breaking title in the graphics department…Sorry Duke.

Heads up...these guys do in fact teleport.

Controls: 6.0

The controls in DNF are clunky to say the least when compared to more up to date games such as the COD series or even Halo. When Duke aims his weapon, the camera seems to jerk in the direction designated by the analog stick (basically instead of a smooth pan, its rapid and quite bothersome). Another annoyance provided by the game is the gun zoom feature. This zoom is based off “Iron Sights” and upon zooming the view becomes fuzzy and a huge inconvenience. It’s not so bad for one or two enemies, however once a flood of baddies shows up, it becomes quite the hindrance and frustration will set in.

Honestly, who doesn't want to be this awesome?

Sound: 6.0

John St. John reprises his role as Duke, and it’s just as good as it was 15 years ago. Often I found myself wishing the gun shots and enemies taking damage was a tad less cartoon like…however that is Dukes style and is not to really be tampered with. The soundtrack is just ambient noise with a splash of rock music here and there; though odds are when you’re slaying alien scum you won’t be too focused on the music itself. Other characters have terrible voice acting and I loathed knowing someone was about to open their mouth and I was about to be forced to listen to their words. Don’t expect the best rock soundtrack to ever grace your ears when purchasing or renting this game…you will be sorely disappointed…also I stress that you should RENT the title.

*Salute*

Wrap up:

After purchasing a game that was under such scrutiny, I was almost ashamed. For a game that took 15 years to “Go Gold” (cleared for release), it seemed so unpolished and almost rushed just to get it out and off of the developers hands. That in itself almost adds to the beauty of this game though. At times a strong nostalgia is brought upon you while playing, or maybe a corny one liner that you know isn’t funny may make you crack a grin. This game is far from perfect when held up to today’s modern standards for FPS games…that said, you have to look at the other side of the coin as well. This game has switched development companies 3 times and each time a new team was brought on. Several mixed visions created this game, and it definitely shows, however at the fact that once again you take role as Duke Nukem almost makes the bad disappear. Is Duke Nukem Forever worth the buy? For hardcore fans, it’s a must have…however if you’re looking for a modern shooter full of wonderful graphics, flawless control and hours upon hours of game play that leaves you unable to sit the controller down, this is not the game for you.

Overall Rating: 6.5

 

Dead Island: Review (No Spoilers)

Pros: Fun sandbox style environment to walk around, unique twist on the zombie hack and slash genre

Cons: Voice acting is “hit and miss”, some slight bugs.

Welcome to the Isle of Banoi. A quaint slice of paradise off the coast of Papua New Guinea, and also home of the luxurious Palms Resort. Enjoy a swim in the beautiful ocean, or even walk the lavish beaches. Check out the night life as well! Palms Resort offers a night club you can visit to dance the night away! Enjoy all of these provided amenities at your own pace…and pay no mind to the flesh eating zombies that want nothing more than to tear you apart limb by limb. Did I mention Palms Resort has several pools? 

Ok...so maybe the you should stay away from the pools...



When I first seen the trailer for this game, I was in awe. A little girl captivated our hearts…and ruined a nice pricey glass window pane. This teaser was the buzz of the gaming community for quite some time, and rightfully so…as it is STUNNING to say the least. As I continued to follow this game reading articles and watching videos from gaming press conferences, I kept wondering if a game could live up to such hype in a market that is overly saturated in this genre...and the developers delivered. Dead Island manages to separate itself by adding several RPG elements to a game that not fully a FPS, nor a survival-horror title. To put it simply…If Borderlands and L4D had relations, Dead Island would be the sick & twisted baby to result from it.



Hardcore flashlight tag? Just add zombies.



The main 4 characters of the game awake at the Palm Resort hotel to a complete hell on earth. As you progress not to long after starting, you learn that your character (and the other 3) is immune to becoming infected. Sounds sweet right? WRONG. Guess what? Since you are immune, you get to be the errand boy/girl for everyone you encounter that may need something done. Whether it’s something important like gathering supplies, or trying to calm down a grown woman who is clearly psychotic and wanting her teddy bear that she left in her bungalow. However, Dead Island manages to give you enough of a variety of tasks to keep it from becoming too repetitive. Plus getting from point A to point B is a tad more fun when hordes of zombies wait around every turn. Corpses lying on the ground that appear to be dispatched may jump to life, or you may hear a call for help on the way to a location which can trigger a side quest (if you’re curious enough to venture to the location). With 4 unique character to choose from (each with their own perks), this also provides chances for you to take a different approach to the game when you play through a second time or join a friend.

(Below are the videos to each characters biography to give you an idea of who they are)

Logan's Story
Xian's Story
Sam's Story
Pruna's Story

Graphics: 8.5

Dead Island was designed using the Chrome Engine which was developed by Techland (another game to feature this engine most recently was Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood). The engine allows for smooth mapping and layers to be added to skeletal frames. What does all this mean? Each zombie has several layers of muscles and tissues to hack through so the damage shows in real time as it is inflicted. A well placed lob of an axe can take off limbs and cripple your adversary, or a slash can leave a gash on your foes face or whatever the case may be.  The Island itself is heavily detailed as flora covers the mainland and makes for a breath taking visual element. Somewhat of a “Beauty and the Beast” factor is in effect as you traverse the gorgeous island only to encounter mutilated undead roaming and waiting for the chance to devour you. This changes later on…however, without spoiling the game, not much more can be said.



Clearly he did not want to be groped



Controls: 8.7

The controls of Dead Island are pretty straight forward with nothing too insanely complicated or hindering to the point of aggravation while playing. The only real issue I had playing was I kept hitting start instead of select to bring up my inventory screen…however that may be because I’m retarded. It’s subject to debate either way. Since I lack anything really important to say about the controls, lets simply move on to the game play

Boy...would you just look at that water...

Game play: 9.1

Game play is where Dead Island shines brilliantly. In the genre of zombie games, its typical to just run around and shoot constantly, pick up ammo, “oh god it’s a boss!”, end level, repeat. What the developers at Techland have done is incorporate hack and slash with customizable weapons, FPS elements (though why use a gun when you have a bat covered in nails?), Melee combat styles and vehicle combat elements all while maintaining the RPG feeling. You are given missions or quests and gain EXP and sometimes new weapons by completing them and furthering your game progress. Once enough EXP is gained, you may level your character up which allows you to work with the games perk/skill tree system. When selecting a new skill or perk it adds onto your current stats and increases things such as accuarcy, damage done, etc.



View of the skill tree



Unlike most zombie games out, Dead Island also gives you a fatigue meter. With every slash, jump, and sprint, your characters meter will drop. You can also kick your foe back (which oddly enough doesn’t drain your meter…).  Once depleted, your character is prone to being knocked down (not a good thing when you’re facing 5 or 6 zombies at once). When knocked down, it takes precious time to stand back, all while baddies are closing in on you…and trust me, not one of them is coming at you with the intention of helping you back up. To regain the meter faster you can crouch (basically taking a knee) to have a breather. The tension created while doing all this and haphazardly dodging foes is nothing like any other zombie game on the market and definitely gives the game an edge.

Judo KICK!

 

Scavenging for supplies is another huge part of the game. Items you find in luggage bags or lying around can often be used to enhance or upgrade weapons. When taking an item however, it costs money. Luckily for you, the island is scattered with tons of cash that the former tourists will no longer need (for obvious reasons…) and building a little nest egg is no troubling task. Weapons are littered all over the Island and range from paddles, knives, sticks, bats, hammers…and many, many more. Guns are available; however don’t take comfort in the presence of them. When wielding a gun, the game takes more of an FPS sort of approach and leaves a little more to be desired, especially when fighting against other survivors (though after spending so much time slicing away at zombies and beating them with blunt objects, this is to be expected). Keeping an eye on your weapons durability is also a key tactical skill that will help you avoid any unnecessary weapon dilemmas. As you use the weapon, its condition will deteriorate till it’s relatively useless. Workbenches are also located throughout the game and provide the opportunity to repair weapons & upgrade them for a nominal fee. Electric machete? Yes please.



Might just be me...but if I was him, every time I swung this thing I would yell "Piiikkaaachuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!"



Sound: 7.5

Dead Island has a good ambiance as far as water crashing, skin slashing, and door ramming. The only issue I found was the voice acting was beyond terrible at times. However, the lack of decent voice acting hardly takes away from the enjoyment of the game itself. All in all, it’s by far not the worst game as far as sound goes.

Blood? Nahh...thats...thats uhhh...something...else?

Wrap Up:

Over all, Dead Island is a great buy. Whether you’re looking to survive alone, or with a group of friends, this game offers enough to keep your busy for at least 20hrs if you run straight through it. Adding side quests and further leveling up your character will only add to the playtime and trying out to a new character enhances the replay value. For fans of L4D, this game packs what said title lacks. The RPG elements change up the standard hack and slash game and turn it into a more involving survival/strategy/free-for-all. I look forward to seeing where this franchise goes and I’m sure some DLC’s are in the works. Till the next game is released however…go to your local video game retailer, pick up a copy, and let the mayhem begin.

Overall Rating: 8.5



My List: The Most Annoying Game Characters

10) Ken & Ryu

Ok…seriously.  These guys are martial arts expert right? Lists and lists of combos to select from? THEN WHY THE HELL DOES THE AI DECIDE TO USE ONLY TWO MOVES!? Let’s see, does this ring a bell?

“hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken, hadouken, shoryuken”

Yes…the most annoying phrase to ever come out of a fighting game. Think the AI or your friends will not throw this trick at you? You will have thought wrong. Any fan of the Street fighter series will understand why these two made the list…

9) Peppy

Peppy, let me just say this…I will do a barrel roll when I damn well please...that is all.

8) Shao Kahn

We’ve all been there…last fight…top of the latter...round 1…FIGHT! Subsequently after those words you begin to get pummeled by a green hammer that appears out of nowhere, hits that take wayyyy too much of your life bar and knock you clear across the screen, and if that’s not enough, he will tell you quite literally “You Suck”. MK fans love playing as him…not so much playing against him. Any character that you can unleash your best combo on and it barely moves his own life bar down deserves a spot here.

7) Big Bertha

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have rage quit a game due to being swallowed whole by this big fish. In Super Mario 3, this character even has its own level that submerses to you had no choice but to get close to it. Just stay out the water right? NO! BECAUSE THIS FISH WILL JUMP OUT OF THE WATER AND EAT YOU FASTER THAN YOU CAN SAY “AW DAMNIT NOT AGAIN!”  .

6) The Adoring Fan

You defeated everyone in the Arena…sweet right? You get some gold, a new title, and even your own adoring fan that will follow you wherever you go…and I mean WHEREVER you go. There is a section on Youtube devoted to ways people have killed off this useless character. The amount of times I have fast traveled and forgot about him tailing me only to end up in a dark cave and sleeping or something, waking up to a bright torch in my face and him standing there with that stupid grin lands him at the #6 spot.

5) Otacon

“Snake? SNAKE? SNAAAAAAAAAAKKKEEEEEEE!?!?!?!?” …What a way to go. You’re dead but probably still have a functioning auditory system, and the last words you will ever hear is this Bozo yelling in your ear. From day one fans have had a love hate relationship with this character…mind just happened to land on the hate side. I’m sorry if any Otacon fans read this and are upset by my choice to put in on the list. I just never could trust someone who pees themselves when scared.

4) Slippy toad

How many times must we save your life? Really…how many? If you’re like me, you don’t mind this little amphibian getting shot down in battle, so long as it means you will not have to hear his voice the rest of the level.

3) Ashley Graham

Speaking of saving lives, this chick literally only made the list because I got tired of saving hers. Cultists, El Gigante, an angry midget dressed as Napoleon…everyone wants her dead…and at a certain point, you will too. The highlight of the game is a tossup between trying to peek up skirt when she climbs a latter, and telling her to hop in a dumpster. You even get the chance to play as Ashley in RE4 for a short time. However, don’t expect her to be useful…no guns, punches, anything. You can throw an oil lantern to incinerate your enemies…other than that, it’s a run and dodge play style that you’re more than excited about leaving behind once it’s all said and done.

2) Navi

You knew this was going to happen. Zelda fans forever will loathe this little fairy for her constant pestilence and annoying shouts. “HEY!” “LOOK!” LISTEN!” “OVER HERE!”. It’s beyond annoying.  It’s still a shame to me that Nintendo has never added the flyswatter to Link’s inventory…I mean, imagine holding the Wii-mote and swinging crazily all over the place just in hopes you bat that little talk box with wings to the ground. I see an opportunity here Nintendo…capitalize on it and give the fans what they really want. Navi is nothing a can of Raid wouldn’t fix.

1)      Princess Peach

Getting kidnapped is something that happens to a princess. However, by the 30^th time you can no longer make excuses for this blonde moron. How many times must you get kidnapped before you make the executive decision to beef up castle security? Give Toad an assault rifle, SOMETHING! You’re in possession of several hundred servants (granted they’re only like 3ft tall), and we can’t arm them with ANYTHING? Princess Peach, as far as I'm concerned...you can stay gone. It's time to cut your losses Mario...let King Koopa take the bimbo. Besides, we all know Daisey is way hotter.