360Zine Issue 20
NAVIGATE FREE! AXES AT THE READY... Issue 20 | July 2008 GUITAR HERO: AEROSMITH
360Free Magazine For Xbox 360 Gamers.ZineRead it, Print it, Send it to your mates… MASSIVE REVIEW
EXCLUSIVE THE BOURNE INTERVIEW! LEGO: INDIANA CONSPIRACY JONES PLUS... ALONE IN THE DARK REVIEWED LATEST NEWS Massive review NINJA GAIDEN II FAR CRY 2 CONTROL a NAV I G AT E |02
QUICK FINDER Don’t miss! This month’s top highlights Every gam e’s just a click a w ay! Infinite Undiscovery Shaun White Brothers In Arms: Snowbaording Hell’s Highway Lego: Indaina Jones Far Cry 2 The Bourne Prince Of Persia Conspiracy Velvet Assassin Guitar Hero: As we enter the summer months you’d Rock Revolution Aerosmith expect games to start drying up as people dare Star Ocean: The Last Alone In The Dark to leave the comfort of their consoles for the Guitar Hero: Hope Ninja Gaiden II great outdoors. But with the 360 in rude health The Bourne Aerosmith Last Remnant XBLA titles keep on coming thick and fast. With full reviews of The Bourne Conspiracy, Guitar Hero: MORE FREE MAGAZINES! LATEST ISSUES! Aerosmith, Alone in the Dark and Ninja Gaiden Conspiracy II, this issue sees four very different contenders vying for your cash, so you can be sure there’s something for everyone. Looking further ahead, and on the back of Ubisoft’s recent hands-on press event, we have previews of the epic looking Far Cry 2, Tom Clancy’s EndWar, Tom Clancy’s Hawx and Ninja Gaiden II Brothers In Arms: Hell’s Highway. Enjoy the issue… DON’T MISS ISSUE 21 SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE ! 360Zine WARNING! M ULTIMEDIA DISABLED! FEEDBACK! D a n H u tc h i n s o n , E d i to r Click here to If you are rea ding this, then you didn’t cho o se “Play” tell us what 360z i n e@g a m e rz i n e s. co m Alone In The Dark when Ado be R ea der aske d you ab out multime dia when you think of you opene d the magazine. the new issue. Without the multimedia playing, the magazine will lo ok correct, but you will be missing out on all of the extra content built into each issue, like videos, MEET THE animated screenshots, annotations, quizzes, competitions and more. TEAM Pro b a b l y th e b est We recommend you close and re-open the magazine and select “Play” when g a m es write r s o n Chris Steve Hill Ian Morris asked about the multimedia to enj oy the magazine as intended. th e p l a n e t Schilling All alone in Central Hanging out in the Bourne again Park arcade Far Cry 2
CO N T R O L 360Zine NAVIGATE |03 Previews
You’ll be able to control a FIRST LOOK party of up to four characters in battle, all in realtime. Infinite Publisher: Square-Enix Developer: Tri-Ace Heritage: Star Ocean series, Valkyrie Profile series Undiscovery Link: www.infinite undiscovery.com The new king of RPGs on 360? ETA: Sept 5th
WithWhat’s the world the under thestory? control of a fearsome army named the Order of Chains, PREVIEW an unlikely hero, Capell, emerges, to end the tyranny. Or does he? In fact, Capell is FEEDBACK! captured after a case of mistaken identity, before being rescued by a young girl, Aya. Tri-Ace has Click here to tell She is joined by Sigmund, the true hero. Upon meeting Sigmund the reason for the promised to mix us what you mistake is clear – Capell looks identical. Could they – gasp – be related? Who knows, things up a bit think of Infinite but the wise money would bet that they might be… during combat. Undiscovery ReluctantWhat herodo saves we the know? world? It’s clear we’re in jRPG territory again, this time Lost Odyssey wasn’t a thanks to genre master Square-Enix, with Infinite Undiscovery apparently the first in bad-looking game, but a series of role-players to hit Microsoft’s console over the next few years. The main this is a cut above – reason to be excited about this game is that it comes from Tri-Ace, the developer arguably the first role- player to really make behind ace PS2 RPG Star Ocean. It’ll have to go some to top Mistwalker’s the most of the visual tremendous Lost Odyssey, but then this looks a little less slavishly traditional than capabilities of the 360. that title, and sports some absolutely lush visuals, with the soundtrack being provided by celebrated composer Motoi Sakuraba. When do we get more? “This game We’re lucky enough to be getting a near-simultaneous worldwide release on this one – highly unusual for the genre. 5th September is the date RPG fans will comes from be hurriedly scribbling in their diaries. Tri-Ace, the developer behind PS2 RPG Unusually,Anything you’ll be doingelse your toscrapping declare? on the fly – with battles taking place Star Ocean” on the main gameplay environment in seamless real-time. Ace.
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Keeping an enemy busy while team members sneak around FIRST LOOK the back is truly satisfying when you pull it off.
Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Gearbox Brothers in Arms: Software Heritage: Brothers in Arms series, Halo: Combat Evolved Link: www.hellshighway Hell’s Highway game.com ETA: August On the road to destruction
BasedWhat’s on Operation the Market story? Garden, the largest paratrooper operation of the Second World War, Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway brings the series’ tactical squad- based shooting kicking and screaming into the current generation. Gearbox PREVIEW President Randy Pitchford claims that the revamped Unreal 3 engine the game uses FEEDBACK! means that it has 15-20% higher fidelity than Gears of War. Whatever that means. Click here to tell us what What do we know? you think of From our time with the game, we’re not entirely sure if that claim is accurate. Brothers in Certainly, while the game looked highly impressive in places, it wasn’t as Arms: Hell’s spectacular-looking as the above statement might suggest. Here’s hoping that the Highway bullets trailing from your weapon don’t appear quite as lightweight in the final game as the flyaway animation suggested in the build we played. Hell’s Highway allows for both tactical and run-and-gun approaches – if you’re clever enough with your squad commands, you might be able to get through a level without firing a shot, though it’s always great to get your men to hold a position while you flank an unsuspecting opponent. Cinematic cutaways show your ‘best’ shots, with legs and arms being blown off fairly frequently. Not sure how respectful that is, but we suppose it’s an unflinching representation of the horrors of war.
It’sWhen out in August,do wealthough get we wouldn’tmore? bet against a demo arriving before the game’s release.
IfAnything you play through theelse game into order declare? then there will be no loading screens after It’s often best to stay behind Brothers in Arms has always featured the initial load. It’s all completely seamless. cover while you order your story sequences to provide human drama. men to take riskier routes through the stages. CONTROL Rise to Rock Royalty with Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith® and rock out and jam on stage like you never have before with Aerosmith’s authentically captured legendary moves. Play the best Rock & Roll tracks of all time including Aerosmith’s greatest hits and chart-topping singles from some of the world’s best bands.
Movin’ Out Sweet Emotion Walk This Way (Run DMC) Dream On Back In The Saddle Make It Toys In The Attic Love In An Elevator Nobody’s Fault Mama Kin Ragdoll Train Kept A Rollin’
Lenny Kravitz Joan Jett and the Blackhearts The Clash The Cult PLAYBACK OPTIONS:
JUNE 27thth 20082008
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith © 2007-2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero, Activision, and RedOctane are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. The Aerosmith name and wings logo are trademarks of Rag Doll Merchandising, Inc. All Aerosmith trademarks and related rights have been provided pursuant to a license from Rag Doll Merchandising, Inc. Covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,739,457, 6,018,121, 6,225,547, 6,347,998, 6,369,313, 6,390,923, 6,425,822, 6,645,067 and 6,835,887; patents pending. The Guitar Hero controller shapes are trademarks of Gibson Guitar Corp. All Gibson marks, logos, trade dress, guitar models, controller shapes, and related rights provided pursuant to exclusive license from Gibson Guitar Corp. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “�”, “PlayStation” and “PLAYSTATION” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |06 Previews
The hang-glider FIRST LOOK returns, giving you some stunning views of Publisher: Ubisoft the African landscapes. Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Heritage: Prince of Persia: Far Cry 2 Warrior Within Link: http://farcry.us. Hands on with the African-set shooter ubi.com/index. php?page=home What’s the story? ETA: Q4 2008 At Ubisoft’s recent Ubidays event in Paris, we spent some time getting to grips with its gorgeous new FPS. The build we saw was looking You have the potential to extremely impressive; the huge environment gorgeously lit create absolute havoc with and generated completely seamlessly. It’s spread over an the fire in the game – from area of a whopping 50 square kilometres, and we were told trapping enemies to causing the game could potentially take fifty hours to complete if enormous explosions. you spend a bit of time exploring.
WhileWhat the 360do version we weknow? played wasn’t quite up to the standard of the jaw-dropping PC demo running on a nearby rig, it’s still one hell of a looker. We took a couple of small enemy settlements by storm with a hired companion, who was certainly more intelligent than the cannon-fodder opponents – though we were assured that their behaviour Sadly, you can’t steer and would be more effective on the higher difficulties. We spent shoot at the same time – some time driving a jeep and then a steerboat (complete meaning we had to stop the boat for a spot of zebra slaying. with onboard machine gun, which we used to blast a pair of zebras we passed) and marvelled at the impressive fire tech – a wayward grenade from an enemy managed to set his entire camp alight, allowing us to stroll in and pick off the few remaining survivors.
PREVIEW It’sWhen still on fordo a fourth-quarter we get release more? this year and it seems at an advanced enough FEEDBACK! stage not to slip further. Click here to tell us what you think of UbisoftAnything Montreal went else to Africa to to get declare? a feel for the setting they were recreating – Far Cry 2 and came back with 2 gigabytes of images and videos to help them.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |07 Previews Star Ocean: The Last Hope Publisher: Square-Enix | ETA: 2009 It’s quite a way off yet, but after Infinite Discovery, Tri-Ace is returning to its best-loved franchise, with the Rock Revolution fourth in the Star Ocean series. The A fistful of top new titles coming to 360… Publisher: Konami | ETA: Autumn game’s events are set before the With Guitar Hero and Rock Band original SNES title, while this iteration ruling the rhythm-action roost, will have a greater focus on sci-fi it’s easy to forget pioneering titles elements, with ship travelling Prince Of Persia like Konami’s Guitar Freaks and playing a more important part. Publisher: Ubisoft | ETA: Q3 2008 Drum Mania. The publisher’s Though it wasn’t playable at Ubidays, the roots prove it certainly knows reinvented Prince of Persia was still a talking its stuff when it comes to music, point, not least for its stunning cel-shaded and with a realistic drum looks. Joining the new prince is sidekick controller providing seven pads Elika, who will apparently be a uniquely and cymbals to thwack, Rock co-operative AI partner – one who is key Revolution could well be the to pulling off special attacks. genre king for the hardcore. Last Remnant Publisher: Square-Enix | ETA: Q4 2008 Velvet Assassin The second of Square-Enix’s Publisher: Gamecock | ETA: Autumn triumvirate of role-players, Last Shaun White Snowboarding Remnant’s trump card is its combat Making a refreshing change from your Publisher: Ubisoft | ETA: TBC 2008 system, which allows up to 70 units average take on World War II, this stealth- He’s won an Olympic gold and eight gold medals at the to battle it out at once. The Unreal action title is inspired by the story of Violette X-Games, so it’s high time Shaun White got his own Engine 3-powered RPG will have no Szabo, celebrated British secret agent. videogame. Produced in collaboration with the man random encounters, and its scraps Featuring some stunning realtime lighting himself in an attempt to capture the excitement and will contain Quick-Time Events, and surreal visuals, this has the potential to atmosphere of the sport, and utilising the Assassin’s Creed making for a more action-based be the 360’s answer to Metal Gear Solid 4. engine, this certainly looks the part. focus than your average RPG.
AUGUST SEPTEMBER AUTUMN WINTER Soul Calibur IV – 1st August Midnight Club: Los Angeles – 12th September Dead Space – 31st October Borderlands – Christmas Madden NFL 2009 – 15th August Star Wars: The Force Unleashed –19th September 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand – Autumn Call of Duty: World at War – Christmas
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CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |09 Previews Missiles are near-impossible to evade in the standard view. HANDS ON
Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Romania Heritage: Blazing Angels Tom Clancy’s HAWX 1 & 2 Link: www.hawx Fly into the danger zone… game.com “Tasked with ETA: Autumn 2008 guarding Rio de here haven’t been too many over a genuine city, packing in as much games recently that have detail as the excellent plane models. Janeiro from an Tattempted to recreate the high- What’s even more remarkable is how air raid, you’ll stakes tension and fast-paced smoothly it all moves – quite really feel like acrobatics of airborne dogfights, fewer something considering you’ve also got still that have been any good. Namco’s white trails spiralling through the busy you’re swooping The minigun can just about Ace Combat 6 is easily the best of its skies, with explosions showering chew through anything, though down over a You’ll be able to give basic kind on Xbox 360, but now there’s a particles and missiles fizzing towards it needs a little time to warm up. genuine city” It’scommands worth the wait,to your though. squadron. very strong challenger to its crown in their targets at a frantic rate. the form of Tom Clancy’s HAWX, a It’s this latter element that provokes game that looks impressive and also some of the most exciting moments – seems to play well, too. you’re given a high-pitched (and The most noticeable difference actually slightly irritating) alert, and when starting the game is in the you can zoom the camera out to get a ground detail. Tasked with guarding Rio better view of the projectile chasing de Janeiro from an enemy air raid, you’ll you. This allows you a better chance of really feel like you’re swooping down escape by diving and swerving your plane away from the missile – accomplished quite easily by a control scheme that eschews complexity for a more arcade-like feel that works really well. Beginners or less-able players can also benefit from computer-assisted targeting, which sets a series of chevrons to pilot your craft There are over fifty planes to choose from, though many of these will be There’s nothing quite like circling unavailable from the start of the game. behind an opponent and unleashing a pair of missiles into his craft.
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We’re not sure HAWX ever looked Tom Clancy’s HAWX cont. Rio. And when you’re close enough to quite this pretty on our playtest, an airborne foe, you can target them though it gives an idea of the level of through, in order to get the best angle automatically – as long as you stay background detail you can expect. of attack. One section of the level we within range and are facing roughly the played saw us plunging towards the right direction, your heatseekers will do city itself to fire upon a tank which had their job more often than not. Hardcore taken up residence on the streets of players needn’t fret, however – all these assists can be turned off for a more realistic experience. That’s not to say it’s easy, even with these options turned on – you’ll be attacked by several opponents within a fairly short space of time, with missiles frequently locking onto your position. Some give you very little time to escape. And if you’re turning at awkward angles, it’s all too easy to lapse into a stall, sending your get the opportunity to test it out, we’re as polished as the extremely impressive plane plummeting earthward. certain the co-operative option in the visuals. With a few more months As for multiplayer options, Ubisoft’s campaign mode will be a popular one. development time to get everything Thomas Simon confirmed that there The game will also support up to 16 working perfectly, HAWX is certainly would definitely be co-operative and players online, competing to earn on the right flightpath. competitive multiplayer elements in valuable cash and experience to unlock the finished game. Though we didn’t new weapons for your plane. While HAWX looks excellent and plays well, it could potentially get a little repetitive should the game fail to mix up the missions enough. As long as fresh elements are brought in fairly regularly (and we suspect that they will be), then the gameplay should wind up
PREVIEW FEEDBACK! Click here to The game is set in the same tell us what universe as the Ghost Recon titles, you think of HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS with that series’ Scott Mitchell Tom Clancy’s involved in asking for air support. HAWX 75% 85% Potentially the Top Gun of flight sims on 360
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HANDS ON Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Shanghai Heritage: Splinter Cell, GRAW Link: http://endwargame. Tom Clancy’s us.ubi.com ETA: Q4 2008 EndWar “ The voice commands work more efficiently Various major cities are the background for PREVIEW many of the skirmishes – Paris, Washington FEEDBACK! The Halo of RTS titles? than in any other and Moscow are among those featured. Click here to pparently “There’s no magic in strategy game tell us what the game”, we’re told as we we’ve played” you think of start playing EndWar for the first appearing as text on the screen as Tom Clancy’s A time. Every unit on the battlefield has they’re spoken, so you’ll always know The different factions EndWar to be dropped in and deployed. While work far more efficiently than in any if and when you’ve gone wrong. have their own strengths it might be a war of the future, there other strategy game we’ve seen. While the commands aren’t and weaknesses. are no magically respawning soldiers, That’s no exaggeration either – the particularly simplistic – “unit three no tanks appearing out of thin air. Yet game manages to recognise a wide move to target”, “deploy artillery” rather that’s not to say that there’s not a bit of range of accents for its amazing array than “go here, go there” – they’re all wizardry involved in its USP – the voice of commands. Even our broad North- intuitive once you get into the game’s commands that are used to multitask West tones were accurately read by the militaristic mindset. And you don’t even software – though that might have have to learn the lingo if you don’t something to do with having to make want to – all commands can be sure Ubidays host Vernon Kay was accessed from a menu, though you’ll catered for. The only prerequisite is that arguably be missing out on one of the you enunciate confidently – stumble greatest advantages such a system over your words and the game may provides – the ability to control areas of misread your intentions. Think of the battlefield you can’t even see. The yourself as a bold military commander, view you get is fairly close to the action, and you shouldn’t have any problems. so often it’s best to use a voice Though that might be difficult when command to set units out of range the battle gets intense – at least you’ll without needing to scroll across the The main online mode takes the form of a sort of MMORTS. have the opportunity to correct map (or abandon your current unit, yourself easily, with the commands particularly if they’re in a tight spot).
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The game features seven different unit types – ranging from engineers and riflemen to gunships and artillery. Endwar is a relatively cinematic-looking example of the genre, with the camera Tom Clancy’s EndWar cont. As for the tactical warfare itself, it’s allowing you to view the carnage in close-up. simpler than you might think – that’s Seeing infantry march into position to not to say that there aren’t enough help out is a genuine thrill when you’ve complexities, but merely that it’s been instantly know which unit you’re best possibility. If the game’s missions make merely instructed them with your own streamlined to make it more accessible summoning in any given situation. the most of its superb mechanics then voice while watching the action. “Get to newcomers. There’s a very simple Aside from annihilating enemy units, we could well be looking at a strategy the basic move and attack stuff down rock-paper-scissors combat chain – the main objective in each stage is to classic in the making here. and you’re good to go”, we’re informed. tanks beat transports beat gunships capture as many uplink facilities as And that’s an accurate description. beat tanks – which allows you to possible – allowing you to summon more allies, while also letting you Your units are controlled upgrade to (for example) increase your as a group, with no way to air support. Boost your facilities and select individual members. you’ll be able to access nukes – the US troops get a WMD, while European armies have a powerful laser which can cut through enemy ranks like a hot knife through butter. Our time with EndWar leaves us in absolutely no doubt that the question asked by our strapline is a distinct
Each unit type can be levelled up, HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS RPG-style, and you can also customise 75% 88% its look and even its abilities. It’s the end of the world as we know it – and it feels fine
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CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |14 Interview MINIATURE HERO As well as packing them in at the
cinemas, Indy’s been dazzling Many famous moments from the original trilogy gamers the world over – this time are recreated in the game. in LEGO form. With LEGO Indiana Jones topping the charts, we spoke to executive producer Shawn Storc to get the lowdown on Though they appeal to a wide audience, the LEGO Star Wars Our primary goal from the start of been just as positive as those who creating a genuine blockbuster games are generally geared designing and creating LEGO Indiana have seem the films. towards younger players. Jones: The Original Adventures has How have you managed to been to provide an exciting action What are the main challenges of communicate the appeal of Indy experience that just happens to also be developing a game that has to to kids who might not be as aware based in the Indiana Jones world. In appeal to both children and of the character as they are with that respect, when viewed by those adults – particularly in Indy’s the Star Wars universe? not familiar with Indy, response has case, as the audience will naturally skew a little older? The main challenge is finding the right balance of humour and action, a formula which the team has been able to achieve with great success in the “The main challenge was past. This is the only game that relives the three original stories and we With more frames of finding the right balance of wanted to make sure the players will animation than the LEGO Star personally be Indy in the tongue-in- Wars characters, Traveller’s humour and action” cheek world of LEGO, which fans Tales really captured the spirit of Indiana Jones. CONTROL 360Zine WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAV I G AT E |15 Interview Interview continued so unique and totally endearing. Since this is the only Indiana Jones of any age can relate to and have an game where players can play Publisher: Activision enormous amount of fun with. through all of Indy’s original D eveloper: Tr a veller’s Tales adventures from the movies, players Heritage: LEGO Star Wars, Are you at all concerned that many will inherently relate directly to the The C hronicles of Narnia of the game’s jokes won’t be films and be able to relive all of their Link: www.luc asarts.c om/ understood by those who haven’t favourite adventures from all three games/legoindianajones seen any of the films? of the great movies. OUT NOW Not at all! The team at Traveller’s Tales The developer took the opportunity has the wonderful ability to make the Is there anything you’d like to to lampoon the most memorable characters physically expressive and tell have included that either film sequences in cutscene form. the story without the need for actual LucasArts or LEGO wouldn’t allow? dialogue. It really doesn’t matter if you Not at all. There are so many options are familiar with the Indiana Jones offered by the Indiana Jones stories stories or not, there are plenty of jokes that we had to continually remind for everyone to enjoy! ourselves to stay focused and not overwhelm ourselves or the player LEGO Indiana Jones takes a slower, with too much content. more thoughtful approach than LEGO Star Wars. Can you tell us the Can you tell us any personal reasoning behind that? favourite moments from the I wouldn’t tend to agree with you on game? What one aspect are you this point, as I think that we are doing most proud of? our best to use the films as inspiration That’s a really tough question to for the pacing of the game, with the answer, as there are so many exciting goal of keeping the player immersed moments from the movies that have in the story and action, and always translated very faithfully to the LEGO wanting to keep on play for ‘just five world. If I had to choose a specific There’s a great use of co-operative more minutes’. gameplay moment, it would have to play, as you’ll often need your be Indy’s Trials from the Last Crusade. sidekick to get past certain situations. LEGO Indiana Jones captures the There are a ton of fun and interesting spirit of the films considerably puzzles one after the other as Indy better than any previous Indy gets closer and closer to the Holy Grail. games, all of which had a more The one aspect of the game I’m realistic feel – why do you think most proud of is the how the team that this is? has been working so well together to “The team has the wonderful I believe it is due to the LEGO treatment create the first ever LEGO-themed allowing for an even greater suspension Indiana Jones experience, and how ability to make the characters of disbelief, which is purely down to the they’ve made this process an exciting physically expressive” fact that the visuals and gameplay are one for everyone involved.
CO N T R O L 360Zine NAVIGATE |16 Reviews
The Bourne “High Moon, the developer, mixes up the game's sections by turning them into Publisher: Sierra Conspiracy flashback sequences” Developer: High Moon Could this be the start of a great new franchise? Studios Heritage: Darkwatch ome games keep you playing Though its glossy retelling of Jason introducing these sections in Link: www.bournethe because their gameplay is Bourne’s pre-Identity past eschews the chronological order, developer High game.com wonderfully addictive. Some slower, more character-based moments Moon mixes things up by turning them OUT NOW S keep you hooked by weaving a in the movie trilogy, in dealing with a into flashback sequences which build spellbinding narrative. And then there character most people will be familiar up to the events in the first film, and If you’ve got an automatic weapon are others, whose appeal you can’t with, its story makes for a fascinating then punctuate the levels thereafter, or a shotgun, destroying your quite put your finger on – they have framework to the action. Essentially, it’s usually sparked by Bourne finding a enemy’s cover is often a good tactic. an indefinable magic that glues the showing not how Bourne became such particular item, often a passport. controller to your palms, providing that an accomplished assassin, but showing one-more-go allure to see you through the missions he took before losing his to the end. The Bourne Conspiracy nerve during one hit and getting shot belongs in that latter category. for his clemency. Rather than
The sound team in particular deserve applause A few scripted events add to the chaos – you’ll often – every twisted arm or smashed face has an see pedestrians running for cover, and innocents appropriately bone-crunching sound effect. getting caught in the crossfire during the gun battles.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |17 Reviews The game’s one racing section offers some unusual handling to say the least – the e-brake is almost ludicrously effective for cornering. Still, it’s great fun.
Accumulate enough adrenaline, and you can take out multiple assailants in one go, with a series of button presses.
Bourne Conspiracy cont. While in some respects you’ll be keen shooting. For our money, the former of the battles, there’s a surprising to get back to the dramatic events of make for the game’s best moments, amount of variety to stave off “It’s wince-inducingly The Bourne Identity – particularly if and there are several reasons for this. boredom. You can chain moves into a brutal in places, and you’re a fan of the film, and a lot of For starters, the action is incredibly combo by alternating button presses, people do seem to like it – these levels cinematic – the camera is fixed upon while if you possess enough all the better for it” are just as interesting and dramatic, the two combatants, tightly framing adrenaline – gained through even if by the end they do start to get the pugilism as you attempt to successful hits – you can pull off a a tad on the repetitive side. pummel your enemy into submission. ‘takedown’ with the B button. These behaviour of the enemies – who will The game is essentially broken up The controls for the combat are kept are often context-sensitive – one dodge and parry attacks if you button into three distinct gameplay styles – very simple – X pulls off a quick, weaker famous moment involving a pen is mash – but mostly thanks to the bone- although there’s only one driving level, attack, while Y executes a more recreated, while you can pick up fire crunching sound effects, and the so for the most part you’ll either be powerful blow. A is used to block, extinguishers to club your opponent or solidity of the character models and engaging in close-up hand-to-hand and you can move around with the slam their heads into sinks. What makes the surroundings. Every punch and fights or more traditional third-person analogue stick. Despite the frequency this so satisfying is partly the intelligent kick really seems to connect, with FREEZE FRAME Breaking the game down, one stage at a time… 30 MINUTES 3 HOURS 5 HOURS 8 HOURS 10 HOURS Blasting propane tanks to distract a Zurich Airport is the scene for a chase Escaping the Embassy in Paris – a The Mini chase is an entertaining With three assassins on his tail, helicopter – the game gets off to an as Bourne tries to capture Turkish couple of timed sections here, and aside, and a decent attempt at it’s time for Bourne to fight back explosive start. general Divandelen. watch out for those snipers! recreating Identity’s best bit. instead of running.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |18 Reviews PULSOMETER Signs of life Jukebox and Dramatic book as weapons! ship scrap Exciting finale
Shooting Punch kick block, is tricky punch kick block… At various points you can tap A to nip behind cover. Enemies are plentiful so it’s best not to be out in the open too often. You can sneak up behind some enemies to pull off a stealth takedown – you get the indeed, and frequently feels exciting reward of the brutal cutaway without the effort of a fist-fight beforehand. and dramatic. With plenty of cinematic punch – a special mention must go to Bourne Conspiracy cont. the brilliant music – this is one licensed FIGHT CLUB title well worth getting. How to brawl like Jason Bourne enemies reeling from a powerful kick to in the direction of his nearest foe, this the head, and flopping unconscious to feels like a waste. Given that the the floor when they’re slammed adrenaline is also used for shooting against a concrete post. It’s wince- takedowns – one-shot kills with an inducingly brutal in places, and all the accompanying cutaway requiring a better for it. And some of the more quick button-press in a short time limit elaborate takedowns really do have to – it seems unfair that often you have to be seen to be believed. use it to stand any chance of getting Once Bourne has a gun in his hand, past multiple enemies. things are less successful. Though still Meanwhile, the one driving level is a remarkably solid, the shooting little on the silly side – the handling is mechanics suffer from a few irritating unrealistic and the car is incredibly niggles that prevent these potentially resilient for the most part – but it’s more explosive sequences from leaving undeniably exciting in places and quite the same mark as the fighting. makes for a pleasant change from the Kick, It’s all in Knockout The aiming is just a little too fiddly for constant fighting and shooting, which punch the mind its own good, with guns never seeming by the latter stages of the game is Bourne glee – a great tie-in quite accurate enough in the hands of starting to get a little old. that’s worthy of a sequel. the otherwise reliable Bourne. Enemies Yet Bourne’s repetition and minor Kick,It’sKnockout all punch in the mind take a few too many shots to go down, quibbles don’t affect the overall quality JabbingBideIf you’re your awayfighting time at before thesomeone attack giving while buttons them others an isn’t elbow are going shooting to tothe get face. atyou you, Against anywhere. try and the movetougherInstead while multiple shots often don’t of the product, which is remarkably Solid graphics, sound and music youcharactersyour need assailant to like time around Solomon, your soattacks, theyou’ll gunmen andhave set to have upevade combos to andhold parry,by their chaining fire.waiting You different forcan a also gap in register if the appropriate stunned accomplished and extremely polished. commands.yourmove opponent’s them aroundYou canattacks to also get topull closer hit off them chargedto glowing back. kicks Use items yourby holding for brain particularly and down you’ll either enjoyable survive attack animation hasn’t finished. Though you It doesn’t always work, and it’s best Cinematic and thrilling buttonevencontext-sensitive the – mostas long difficult as takedowns. they’re boss not fights. interrupted, they can’t be blocked. can use Bourne’s adrenaline to see the experienced in small doses, but it Dodgy aiming, repetitive % bad guys more easily, and to point him captures the Bourne spirit very well 83
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |19 Reviews ROCKIN’ ON BOBO “Guitar Hero: How to make it big with the band Aerosmith is Guitar Hero: essential if you're a fan of the band”
Publisher: Activision Aerosmith two songs as Javier Stone or Judy Nails Developer: Neversoft or any of the previous games’ axe- Heritage: Guitar Hero III, The GH train keeps a-rollin’ wielding protagonists. The covers were Tony Hawk series ith Guitar Hero: Metallica on best-loved bands, capturing their rise apparently chosen by members of the Link: www.guitarhero. the way, this isn’t quite the to fame and superstardom from band, and they’re a reasonable com/ghaerosmith last we’re going to hear from humble beginnings, and it’s just about selection, ranging from Mott The OUT NOW W Warm up Knock ’em Half-time the regular series before it goes all Rock essential if you’re a fan of the band. As Hoople’s iconic All The Young Dudes Band on us with the drum-and-vocal- a game, however, it’s perhaps the least (albeit not the original) to the Clash’s deadeadd fun enhanced Guitar Hero: On Tour later essential Guitar Hero to date. Complete Control. Pass these, and the this year. Although Aerosmith certainly Curiously, you’re not really playing as crowd will start chanting for KnockHalf-timeWarm up’em fun dead does suggest that the formula is Aerosmith themselves half the time – Aerosmith, whereupon you’ll be in You’llTheGet theband probably crowd played hyped recognise at half-time up for more their at tunes the favourites 35th than annual you by launchingrealise Superbowl, when each you’re though gig with playing it’s a just as starting to wear thin. It’s a fascinating instead you’re taking the role of a Aerosmith.referredpitch-perfect to asThe set.‘the game Thebig mixesgame’game’s uphere, difficulty the and old there’sandinitially new a seemsmore stuff substantialfairly pitched well, around though set than the twist on the music genre – rhythm- guitarist in a covers band support act, you’llthesame six-minute levelwish assome Guitar liv moree performance Hero of theirIII – slightlyNineties in 2001. harder output Though than was it’s the in not there. earlier the Downloadablemost games, accurate but action as biography, if you like – and it’s with the game’s heroes only brought recreation,contentstill doable. forthcoming, it’s Ho anwever, uplifting perhaps?it’s a celebrationvery gentle ofcurve the untilband’s near unlikely the end. comeback. an interesting document of one of rock’s onto the stage once you’ve completed
Tyler’s flamboyance is certainly well- captured. It’s almost a shame you don’t get a chance to attempt his vocals.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |20 Reviews The band were motion captured to make their performances seem more real – they certainly seem a little more animated than your standard band.
Star power sends a series of You’re not stuck playing as Joe electrical streams cascading Perry for the entire game – out from your guitar when Aerosmith’s two other guitarists you’re playing as Joe Perry. are unlocked as you progress.
Guitar Hero continued There’s no Crazy, no Cryin’, no Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing, and (scandalously) control of guitarist Joe Perry, usually Guitar Hero formula, only with And if you’re a fan of the band’s no Dude Looks Like A Lady. Presumably playing one Seventies hit alongside a Aerosmith taking over half the time. biggest stadium-rock moments – the these weren’t a great fit for the harder more recent tune – so Make It rubs Which is fine in one sense – if it ain’t tunes that brought them a significant difficulty levels, or some licensing issues shoulders with golden oldie Uncle broke, why fix it? – but then it does career revival in the Nineties – you’ll got in the way, but it’s still a great Salty, and Toys In The Attic. Get show a lack of imagination, considering find a fair few shocking omissions. shame that songs which most non- through both and you’ll be asked we’re dealing with one of the most hardcore Aerosmith fans would lap up onstage for an encore – usually one of flamboyant bands in the world. And “It's your standard aren’t featured in any way. If the latter the band’s most substantial smashes, post Rock Band, the formula is starting isn’t a problem, then surely they could like Love In An Elevator, or Walk This to show the strain, exacerbated by the Guitar Hero have been included as single-difficulty Way. And yes, you are joined by DMC fact that Neversoft clearly don’t quite formula, only with unlockables? Oh, and while we’re from Run DMC for the latter (the rapper have Harmonix’s ear for amazingly Aerosmith taking carping, why on earth did Neversoft is even available as an unlockable intuitive note placement. Even on see fit to include a horrible guitar battle character). Medium you’ll find a few extra notes over half the time” near the end – one which, on every In other words, it’s your standard where there aren’t any in the real song. difficulty, is a gigantic spike up from FREEZE FRAME Breaking the game down, one stage at a time… 30 MINUTES 2 HOURS 4 HOURS 6 HOURS 8 HOURS Starting out small, and playing on Playing the hits now, and busting Time to take a break and unlock Career mode’s almost over, so what Online options and harder difficulties stages that are little more than ‘the out some memorable riffs in the some new guitars and fresh tunes does the future hold for the band? add lasting value for serious fans. size of a postage stamp’. larger arenas. from the vault.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |21 Reviews PULSOMETER Signs of life The GHIII band return to do their All The Young Dudes – Livin’ and Love In Interstellar bit as the game’s support act. better than Aerosmith! – two classics rock gods
Decent but Struggling to uninspired tunes beat Perry
The game’s difficulty seems slightly lower than Guitar Hero III in general, with the Livin’ On The Edge or Sweet Emotion, later songs not nearly as tough as some of following Aerosmith from Max’s Kansas the harder tunes from that game. City to their induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame, it’s clearly too much Around 40 per cent of the Guitar Hero continued for any fan of the band to resist. tracks are from bands chosen by Aerosmith to the reasonably well-moderated curve appear in the game. of the rest of the game? It’s an irritant that could have been easily avoided. At least the game’s presentation does the job nicely – the recreations of Perry, Tyler et al are accurate, with a couple of animated interludes providing even better caricatures than “It's genuinely the in-game models. And, as we’ve interesting to said, it’s genuinely interesting to see the band’s star on the rise, even if the see the band's more outrageous side of the group is star on the rise” glossed over. The interview snippets between each stage are brief enough to be worth watching, while the sound is terrific throughout, with even the You won’t be Cryin’, but cover versions impressing. you won’t go Crazy either. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith ultimately proves that it’s very hard to make a bad Guitar Hero game, even if this is at turns Being Joe Perry is awesome lazy, and at others decidedly lacking The crowd will sing along to some of the (certainly in the songs omitted). That Lacklustre tracklisting most popular tracks – adding to the said, when you’ve got that guitar in Dodgy note placement % game’s already intoxicating atmosphere. your hand and you’re playing epics like 80
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |22 Reviews YOU NEED HANDS Alone in the Dark Messing around in coats The world’s most inconsistent game? lone in the Dark is a real curate’s buildings to rubble, raining down on over and over again. It’s a pity, as one egg of a game, jumping from you as you swerve and skid around the part in particular – driving into a Publisher: Atari inspired to awful throughout. panicked city. It’s a bravura sequence shopping mall, up the escalator and Developer: Eden Studios A Reviewing it is difficult because at from a dramatic standpoint – with out of the window – is goosebump- Heritage: Test Drive times it’s a ninety percenter, and at music, visuals and dramatic inducingly thrilling. Unlimited, V-Rally 3 others it’d struggle to get half that. cinematography combining to create That one mission isn’t necessarily Link: www.central A case in point is an early race something genuinely exciting. representative of the game as a whole, dark.com against time – driving a car onto the Unfortunately, the twitchy car handling but it does emphasise how the brilliant OUT NOW Burn baby, Favourite Skip to streets of New York to escape the coupled with the slightly unfair collision Hollywood action and hugely humanoid enemies who’ve been mechanics (hitting a slightly raised atmospheric stages constantly bump burn comcombosbos the end possessed by an unearthly power, you piece of tarmac can bring you to a up against the clunky gameplay find yourself outrunning what appears dead halt, while if you brush against an mechanics. When you find yourself FavouriteSkipBurn to baby, the combos endburn to be an earthquake that somehow oncoming vehicle, you might as well struggling to get your character to YouExplosive cancan’t choose actuallyglass upbottles instantlyto four and favourite plasticfast-forward bottlescombinations to are the your game’s of friends,items, climax, which though the are last it’s selected alwayslevel seems to be chasing you. In fact, it’s the prepare to restart) mean that the byrequiringbest holding to leave you down one to completethe space D-pad in thea and certain right pressing sidenumber oneof your of thesequences coat face for buttons. a first-aidto access You spray. the can also But same supernatural subterranean force, scripted event will invariably catch up swapending.then youthe The itemcan’t ability heldcombine into eachskip that sectionshand with by double-sided pressingis welcome the on appropriatetape, one stick or two it bumper. to occasions, an enemy It’s just ripping up roads, slicing fissures in the with you more than a few times and athoughand shame then – you messilyit’s can’t almost explodecombine as if Eden it items when knew outside you some shoot the of hopelessthe its gamebottle inventory was, can lacking… you? menu. sidewalk, tossing cars and reducing you’ll have to repeat the entire section
Carnby can use his environment to his advantage – there are a couple of clever puzzles involving electricity cables…
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Reviews Roll over screen for annotations
Though it’s undoubtedly infuriating, the drive through a disintegrating New York is an early game highlight.
Bashing down a door with a fire extinguisher is real action hero stuff.
Alone in the Dark cont. run in a straight line, you know you’ve Of that time spent creating the essential for the most part, you’ll need makes items “The developers got problems. And then you’ll find a game, reportedly Eden spent a long fire to burn the game’s monsters, most difficult to access spent a long time moment of genuine innovation that while getting its fire tech absolutely of whom will return if they’re not in a hurry. You’ll makes you grin, only to then reach an spot on – and the much-vaunted ‘real toasted when they’re down. then need to getting its fire tech epic fetch quest that kills the game’s world rules’ certainly lead to some As with almost every element of combine a absolutely spot on” otherwise immaculate pacing stone inventive puzzles, while the fire itself Alone in the Dark however, this is hardly bottle of dead. It’s strange to say for a game almost feels like another character in easy to accomplish. Say, for example, flammable liquid that’s been in development for four the game. It’s used to burn down you want to create a molotov cocktail with a bandage or years, but it really could have done with doorways, to immolate enemies, to to deal with a nearby foe. You’ll need to handkerchief (both of which are even an extra six months of polishing and create diversions and to shift large access your inventory, which involves more tricky to access, as objects on tweaking to get things right. Perhaps obstacles. Make a trail of flammable protagonist Edward Carnby opening the top-left side of your jacket require Atari simply got fed up of waiting for liquid and you can set light to the his jacket. Then you’ll need to very delicate analogue input), then Eden and decided not to spend any other end to detonate cars or other rummage through your pockets, using equip it, exit the menu and get ready more money getting it perfect. Shame. obstructions safely. While it’s not an awkward control scheme which to throw. Except by this stage your FREEZE FRAME Breaking the game down, one stage at a time… 30 MINUTES 2 HOURS 4 HOURS 6 HOURS 8 HOURS Holding on for dear life – for the A big change of pace for the Dramatic twists and shocks in the The park holds the key to the story’s One dragged-out section later, and first time of many. This is a great underground sections – these bits museum – and some seriously nasty secret. You’ll definitely be spending you’re ready to find out the final start to the game. are more horror than survival. enemies, too. plenty of time here. piece of the mystery.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |24 Reviews PULSOMETER Signs of life The root of the Inspired opening Burning bosses game’s problems
Driving you crazy Going batty
Quite a tricky bit, this – you’ll find yourself backing off from these critters, only to fall One terrific design decision is to have into the electrified water for instant death. thrown weapons arcing through the air in Overall, Alone in the Dark is one of slow motion, allowing you to blast explosive those games which goes on to inspire bottles to set enemies or vehicles alight. far superior titles. To catch a glimpse of gaming’s future, it’s worth a look. As Standard weapons are great, Alone in the Dark cont. long as you’re prepared to be infuriated but it’s the unconventional on occasion, that is… tools that often work the best. assailant is already slapping you about and you’re far too close to set off an explosion that will almost certainly kill you. While this does lead to some frantic moments (by design? Hard to tell) it’s also brutally unfair, especially when your enemies start getting tougher. You can access favourite item combinations using D-pad shortcuts, but that complicates the interface Your enemies further – and the limited number of Your handy GPS map shows you are fast, but things you can carry means that you’ll where you need to go next. not particularly often fail to realise you’re short on a intelligent. particular item until it’s too late. And then you’ll squirt mosquito spray into a line of flames to set alight A game missing a few an enemy standing behind and you’ll parts – the sequel should be hooked once again. The story is compellingly told, and the DVD-style be tremendous. presentation (which, admittedly, does Great atmosphere and innovative allow you to skip any bits you’re stuck The right analogue stick makes bashing enemies on) is marvellous. The ‘previously on…’ Terrific pacing and fine structure pleasingly physical, but it’s also quite slow to bits are almost worth the price of Glitchy and controls are terrible % execute and it’s only a temporary measure. admission alone. 79
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |25 Reviews WHO NEEDS ENEMIES? Ninja Gaiden II When you’ve got friends… Bloody brilliant, or bloody hell? here are two things you should been punishing – it’s practically the in the arse. It’s so awkward at times that know about Ninja Gaiden II. Two series’ calling card. If you’re coming to you wonder if it’s a deliberate design Publisher: Microsoft key aspects of the game which this expecting an easy ride, then you’ve decision to increase the difficulty level. Developer: Team NINJA T are going to polarise opinion. The first, certainly picked the wrong game. And While in theory it allows you to freely Heritage: Dead or Alive which is already widely known, is the while this sequel is, on occasion, look around, the only time you’re going Extreme 2, Ninja Gaiden difficulty. The original Ninja Gaiden was gruelling, it’s also more forgiving – to be able to do that is when not Link: www.xbox.com/en- hard; this one is harder. There’s an easier placing its save points more sensibly engaging in combat – it’s near- US/games/splash/n/ mode, named Path of the Acolyte, than before, and allowing you to heal impossible to be hitting buttons to ninjagaiden2 Frequent Hairy Green which – after the first few stages, as you record your progress. spark combo attacks while moving the OUT NOW anyway – feels almost as tough as its The second issue really is going to right stick simultaneously. flyers sitsituationuation is good knuckle-gnawingly difficult predecessor. be divisive – even for those who Given how battle-heavy the first few Choose the standard default adored the original. And that’s the chapters of the game are, you’re not HairyGreenFrequent situation is good flyers difficulty (i.e. the one which, upon game’s camera. We touched upon it going to be moving the camera TheseSpewing werewolveswinged a lime-coloured demons, are our as goo wellfavourite from as being their non-humanoid ugly severed buggers, limbs enemies, are rather more partlythan of an those because completion, unlocks a further – even briefly in our preview, but wondered they’reoh-so-satisfyingannoyance involved than inacrimson serious a couple ar threatcs of of corking blood, – though set-piece these get demons a battles.bunch are of Though amongthem alongside they’re the game’s harder – mode) and you’ll be beaten whether things might change in the mostlarge,some hateful ground-basedthey’re foesalso –quicker responsiblefoes and than they you’d for can a bigthink, combine difficulty so your to takespike best huge whenbet is chunks toyou take have from them to down even more frequently than finished game. Not so. The camera in fightoutyour with energya large twin meter.group swords ofBest themrather to shoot after than athem the boss Lunar from fight Staff distance with here. no savewith pointyour bow. in-between. before. But Ninja Gaiden has always Ninja Gaiden II is, to put it mildly, a pain
There’s evidently more than one way to beat a boss. Though it’s probably quicker to leap onto his head when he’s stunned, we found running around his feet and hacking away worked a treat.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |26
Reviews Roll over screen for annotations Ninpo magic should only be used in dire circumstances, as you’re better off saving it for boss fights – and you get precious few opportunities to replenish your Ki meter.
The Falcon Talons are our favourite weapon, if only because you feel like an even more powerful version of Wolverine.
Ninja Gaiden II continued manually very often at all, and it’s not as where it makes the combat feel less host of fast-moving ninja assailants, and of energy left, “When you're on fire if you need to move it during quiet repetitive – it so often points anywhere many require so many hits before they seeing that in battle it's like a times anyway. Admittedly, the right other than the direction you want it to drop that battles are as much a test of welcoming save trigger centres the camera behind Ryu, face that you’ll find Ryu is on the patience as they are of skill. point in front of ballet directed by and once you master the use of this, receiving end of several blows before Still, given how long the chapters are you brings an Sam Peckinpah” things get easier. It’s hardly the ideal he’s even glimpsed who or (many last an hour or more), even if you incredibly solution – though undoubtedly the what is attacking him. give up before the end, you’ll still more overwhelming system will have its apologists – but While we’re picking out flaws, the than get your money’s worth out of sense of relief and satisfaction. you can just about work around it. later levels are relatively uninspired Ninja Gaiden II. And while the above And when you’re really on fire in battle, For the platforming sections compared to the earlier stages, will frustrate a great many players, there and Ryu is bouncing off walls, slashing however, it’s a nightmare. While it throwing ever more demonic foes at are few games that give such frequent enemies into pieces, spraying gore frequently frames the action in a you with comparatively few human jolts of adrenaline as this. After onto walls, floors, ceilings and his own manner that can look cinematically opponents. It’s not nearly as satisfying slaughtering a group of giant enemies weapons, it’s like a ballet directed by impressive – particularly in battle, to slay these beasties as to destroy a and surviving with just the barest sliver Sam Peckinpah. It looks incredible – FREEZE FRAME Breaking the game down, one stage at a time… 30 MINUTES 4 HOURS 9 HOURS 14 HOURS 20 HOURS+ Sky City Tokyo – a spectacular The Big Apple is reduced to rubble An arena full of wolves? Some of the Right about now you’ll be visiting Dare you try the tougher difficulties? location to set events in motion as you fight huge demons and game’s set-pieces are truly awesome Muramasa’s shop to make your At least you get your upgraded and learn the ropes. even bigger bosses. to behold. Falcon Talons longer and sharper. weapons back.
CONTROL 360Zine NAVIGATE |27 Reviews PULSOMETER Signs of life Exciting intro and thrilling Tough bits and Underworld areas opening stage camera issues aren’t as interesting
New York in the rain Some brilliant boss fights – very dramatic
It’s healthy to keep a good mix of It’s quite a surprise when a boss you’ve weapons for different situations – fought and defeated suddenly reappears on surprise factor of the original just about don’t just level them all up equally. the next level. Gaiden II constantly ratches gives it the edge – at times, this will feel the difficulty up a notch. just a tad familiar to franchise veterans. Yet if this is the last in the series (as Ninja Gaiden II continued Itagaki has suggested) then it’s going out on a glorious high. Get hold of the incendiary blindingly fast, quite astonishingly fluid, shuriken and you can burn yet still amazingly detailed – quite the opponents to a crisp – ammo technical achievement. Little wonder is fairly scarce, though. that creator Tomonobu Itagaki saw fit to include a Ninja Cinema option, allowing you to record and rewatch your finest moments – in glorious technicolour or Kurosawa-esque grainy “Gaiden's real black-and-white footage. triumph is how Though it seems strange to say it accessible it is” for such a difficult game, Gaiden’s real triumph is how accessible it is – it doesn’t rely on overly complex controls or require players to learn ridiculous strings of commands to pull off its best A nice touch is how moves. Instead, it’s all about reaction, An action-packed different the timing, positioning, and simple single spectacular that’s almost weapons can look or dual-button presses to execute all of after you’ve Ryu’s ninja manoeuvres. literally unbeatable. upgraded them. In other words, it’s tough to master Looks fantastic We’re particularly in the best possible way, and thus all fond of the fully- Airborne moves are very deadly, so jump around as Combat is deep and fulfilling powered Lunar Staff. the more gratifying when you do get often as possible to both dodge incoming attacks the better of the onslaught of foes the Bizarre camera and difficulty spikes % and to set yourself up for some powerful combos. game constantly throws at you. The 89
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www.gamerzines.com CO N T RO L 360Zine NAVIGATE |29 Reviews
Xbox LiveAnother Arcade fantastic four available for download Round-Up today… Sealife Safari Elements of Developer: Wanako Publisher: Sierra Online Destruction Price: 800 MP (~£6.80) Developer: Frozen Codebase Publisher: THQ Price: 800 MP (~£6.80) earing more than a passing Bresemblance to Pokémon Snap, ver wished you could control the Sealife Safari casts you in the role of Eweather? Well, in Elements of an underwater photographer, who’s Warlords Destruction, that’s exactly what you’ll job it is to take research shots of fish. Developer: Stainless Games Publisher: Atari be doing. Playing as an outcast mad There’s even a Professor Oak-style Price: 400 MP (~£3.40) scientist, you’ll wreak havoc on your character to analyse your snaps former employers by converting when you’ve finished. While the e’ve been a bit harsh with yourself into a type of weather – game itself is an enjoyable, simple, Wthese Atari games recently, whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake and even relaxing romp, the but if the current rise in quality is or lightning. While we’re a bit “This is one of the most problem we have is with the rating anything to go by, these’ll soon all be disappointed there’s not a ‘sunny of the photos, where often good, must buys. Warlords is a great day’ option (hey, what could hurt fiendish puzzle games natural pictures of the fish are example of how these ports should your enemies worse than a bout of you’ll find on the XBLA” deemed ‘worse’ than crap ones. work. Taking an ancient arcade game, nasty sunburn?), what remains is a Roogoo Worth a look, though. giving it a coat of graphical paint and fun, if a bit limited destruct-a-thon. adding more depth than the original, Developer: SpiderMonk simply rotating the disk below to and Warlords is an instant smash Publisher: SouthPeak Price: 800 MP (~£6.80) match. You’ll pile up the various shapes four-player game. It works like a four- on’t let the cute and cuddly until there are enough to force their player pong – defend your ‘castle’ Dlooks fool you, as we promise way through each level, but believe us against enemy attack by moving a you that this is one of the most when we say this is a lot harder than it shield in front of the ball in time. With fiendish puzzle games that you’ll sounds. Still good fun though and one of four players and multiple balls, this currently find on the XBLA. There’s a the better games on there this month. one gets pretty mad pretty quickly. loose storyline pulling everything together here – some spurious tale Addictive Easy to play Good in multiplayer Blow stuff up about meteors and saving the planet, Good music Like Pokémon Snap Cheap! Cause earthquakes but all you need to know is you’ve Too tricky in parts Dodgy rating system Great, classic gameplay Bit overly complex got to guide these shaped blocks Say cheese! En garde, Sir Merryweather! Ride the lightning through the matching holes by Simple, but deadly 85% 81% 91% 84%
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