Looking for a serious soccer game? Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) delivers plenty of sharp, realistic graphics and mixes it in with a set of intuitive controls. PES 2012 features include a more detailed career mode, improved teammate AI (artificial intelligence) so the players work better, better zonal marking and positional defending, and a new collision detection system. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
Help Dora and Boots get out of Wizzle World and make it to Dora’s birthday party on time. In the Wii version, you hold the Wii controller like handlebars to jump, climb, swing through a forest and slide down a mountain. In the DS version, you will trace, tap, shout and scribble your way through challenges, such as riding a unicorn over the rainbow, floating in a magic bubble across Sea Snake Lake and traveling through mystical lands including the Dancing Forest. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
EA’s promise of “simpler, quicker, and deeper” has come true with Madden NFL 11. The new GameFlow playcalling system automatically selects the best play for your team based on authentic NFL game plans. This means you can now spend less time in the huddle and more time on the field, and play a full game in as little as 30 minutes. The Dual Stick Control allows you to play using only the two control sticks for easier play. Developed by EA Tiburon. Prices are $60 for Xbox 360 & PS3 versions, $50 for the Wii, and $40 for PS2 and PSP. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating, and see why this received our Editor’s Choice Award.
This collection of ten games, for 1 or 2 players, is a mixed bag. The main thing to note is that while the game plays like the other Nick Jr. inspired titles from 2K Play, where you simply tilt the Wii remote like handlebars to move, this is not a side-scrolling platformer. This is more of an activity pack, and the games vary in quality.
After you select the number of players, you choose a Ni Hao, Kai-Lan character to serve as your avatar. There are both male or female options. Next, you see a game-board-like menu representing the games. Prices are $40 for the Wii and $20 for the PS2 version. Developed by High Voltage Software for 2K Play. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
DJ Hero Renegade Edition Turntable
This game expands on the gameplay mechanics of Guitar Hero but instead of pressing buttons, you use a turntable controller which, at times, has you bending streams of notes to earn a higher score. There are 100 songs highlighted in 93 mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica.
The turntable controller allows you to use and master various DJ techniques including scratching, crossfading and sampling. So you can learn some real DJ techniques. The game features five levels of play: beginner, easy, medium, hard and expert. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In PES 2010, you take your team to the Champions League. Your roster can include real life players, each with unique characteristics. The improved AI will now help your offense to build attacks or close down your opponents attacks. Other new features include a Master League where you can create and manage your team for a longer period of time. Prices are $40 for the Wii version, $60 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, and $30 for the PS2 and PSP versions. Developed by Winning Eleven Productions. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
In this seventeenth edition of FIFA, you first create an avatar using a 3D head using the Photo Game Face. Then you can join a club and play as yourself across any mode, and grow your player attributes through 200 accomplishments. Next, you can take your game online, competing against up to ten other players in online competition. You can assign a specific role to each outfield player, and then combine them. The AI allows players to avoid passes not intended for them, avoid blocking teammate shots, and throw themselves in the way of attacker’s shots in defense. A practice mode lets you work on individual skills before taking the field. Prices are $60 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, $50 for the Wii, $40 for the PSP, and $30 for the Nintendo DS and PS2 versions. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
A classic title gets a lot better, in this second edition of Marvel Ultimate Alliaance. The PS3 version features 24 playable Marvel heroes including Spiderman, Wolverine, Iron Man, and villains such as Venom and Green Goblin. You will choose a side – Pro-Registration in defense of national security, or Anti-Registration and fight for personal liberties – and create and customize four-character teams. Developed by Vicarious Visions for the Xbox 360 and PS3 ($60), n-Space for the Wii ($50), Nintendo DS ($30) and PS2 ($30) and Savage for the PSP ($40). Note: All games are rated T except for the DS which is rated E10+. Please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.
Third in Disney’s Sing It Series, this karaoke game turns your Wii or PlayStation into a well designed, pitch-sensing vocal coach. Content includes 16 songs and a set of vocal exercises that introduce concepts such as breathing, hitting high and low notes, staying on pitch and so on. The song list is pulled from Disney singers, including Miley Cyrus, Jonas Bros., and Demi Lovato, as well as pop stars such as Coldplay and Colbie Caillat.
The game requires a USB microphone, which is not included in the $30 price (a $50 bundle includes a good quality Logitech mic). More information is at www.disneysingit.com. See also Disney Sing It High School Musical. Created by Zoe Mode for Disney. Subscribers, please log into our database using your password to read the full review along with our rating.