WHAT WE’RE THE STRIP PLAYING Find out if the reboot Four-player action of the Superman comes to the 2D franchise lives up to Mario universe. our expectations. PAGE 9 PAGE 17
Second Quarter 2010
TO DE UI G G IN AY PL TS OR IMP
Get the skinny on broadening your video game horizons with games from the other side of the world PAGE 2 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 editorial Playing imports are an acquired taste for the curious gamer didn't fully get into the import sometimes. Two great examples Buying imports is actually rather scene until I was 19 years old. are the original Guilty Gear X and easy once you get past the two It was then that I discovered Capcom vs. SNK 2. The Japanese points above. Pick reputable I that with the right tools, I versions, released on the Dream- shops to buy from and you won't could play Japanese games. Up cast, were the definitive experi- have much of a problem. We sug- to that point it was a big mystery to ence. The American versions, re- gest three that we've dealt with me how I could play games from leased on the PS2, were lacking a and heard wonderful things about: another region. And I wasn't com- little something in the translation. Play Asia, National Console Sup- pletely ignorant about imports, ei- Whether it was the ambiance or port Inc. (NCSX) and Software Cry of War ther. However, it wasn't until I was the controls felt a little strange, we'll Seconds. These three shops are exposed to the world of competi- never know. But I do know those reliable and, while pricey, less likely tive fighting game tournaments two were games where I would not to rip you off. I have personally that I realized that in order to com- buy the American versions. never had an order lost with Play pete well, I needed to play like the Believe it or not, there are down- Asia, paid more than what I should pros. Playing like the pros might sides to buying imports. First, with Software Seconds and have involve buying a better- there's the inherent language bar- heard extremely good things about constructed joystick and a better- rier. Consider RPGs. If the game NCSX. constructed game. doesn't have an option for translat- And when you purchase your Lyndsey Imports are vital to the gaming ing Japanese text and you can't import, be certain that you have community, even today. I no longer read Japanese, there's an immedi- the right tools to start with. There's Mosley compete on a tournament level, ate problem. nothing more frustrating than real- but I still recognize that Japanese Most games now do have that izing that you don't have the right games are the way to go. Yes, I do option but there are still some ma- disc to swap in a PS2 when you're buy American versions sometimes, jor franchises that do not. Second, trying to play DDR Extreme. Once but if it's rhythm or fighting games, there's the cost. Import games are you've got the right tools and you I look to the East. The American not cheap. Be prepared to spend know what you want to play, you're versions just don't hold a candle money. set. Just don't break your system. contents Columns Features Usual Suspects
The Cry of War ..…...... ….2 Playing Imports….....3-8 What We’re Playing ….. 9-12
From the Dungeon …...10 Tech Geeks …….……...... 13
NG YI A TS Strip Talk …………...…....17 PL R Retrograde …………... 14-16 PO IM Otaku …………...……....18 Save the date ……..…21-23
GAMING staff this issue INSURRECTION Editor Lyndsey M. Mosley Brandon Beatty is the contrib- uting editor for Gaming Insur- Associate rection. Beatty writes stories Editor and the Otaku column. He Jamie Mosley resides in his hometown of Columbia, S.C. Contributing Editor ContactContactContact: brandonb@ Brandon Beatty gaminginsurrection.com Web site What I’m playing: Sonic the Hedgehog 222 (Genesis), Phantasy www.gaming insurrection.com Star 4Star 4 (Genesis) Blog Jamie Mosley is the www.gaming associate editor of insurrection.com/ Gaming Insurrection. GIforum Mosley contributes his quarterly D&D column The Strip www.gaming From the Dungeon as insurrection.com/ Lyndsey Mosley is the editor and founder of GI. She well as stories and TheStrip is a copy editor and page designer in the newspaper appearances on the industry as her day job and is an avid gamer and Editor’s Weekly Podcast. YouTube amateur photographer in her spare time. Mosley resides Mosley resides in North User: Gaming in North Carolina with her husband. Carolina. Insurrection
Twitter Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] Contact:Contact: ContactContact @GamingInsurrect
What I’m playing: Super Mario Kart (Super Nintendo), What I’m playing: Final Fantasy Tactics (PSOne), Left 4 DeadLeft Dead 222 Super Smash Bros. Melee (Gamecube), New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Xbox 360), Borderlands (Xbox 360) SECOND QUARTER 2010 2010 QUARTER SECOND features
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GAMING INSURRECTION INSURRECTION GAMING G B games overseas.Happy trails retro aficionados! get to startedbring someof favorite your foreign tions,rate thedifficulty involved andexplain how breakdown how to play with step-by-step instruc- tems andthe tools you need toget started. We play Japanesegames for someof retro your sys- froming overseas. jorityof) the games were of superiorquality com- tems? Simply because sometimes(read: thema- fromgames Japan.Why go Japan on older sys- W W This This quarterGaming Insurrectionlooks at how to AMING Y INSIDEINSIDEINSIDE Where to buy …...8 Saturn …………...8 PlayStation 2 …...7 Gamecube ….….6 PSOne …………. 5 Dreamcast ……...4 INSIDE L YNDSEY I NSURRECTION M. M
OSLEY
meanyou can't enjoyold-school terms of development, doesn'tthat towardthe Westas base a in the hile gaming market is shifting
their collection of collection their some of the retro retro the of some import import Jamie Mosley discuss how to to how discuss Mosley Jamie games. games. yesteryear and and yesteryear play imports for for imports play HEAR MORE MORE HEAR HEAR HEAR MORE MORE HEAR HEAR systems of of systems Editor Lyndsey Mosley Lyndsey Editor and Associate Editor Editor Associate and podcasts podcasts PAGE 3 3 PAGE
PAGE 4 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010
DREAMCAST
Before you begin: Note that you can change your cable type or TV mode to get certain games to work. The options are there but most times are not needed unless you will play the European version.
STEP 1: Insert your DC-X or Gameshark disc.
DC-X Gameshark
Follow the instructions Choose your game onscreen for swapping and whether you will the DC-X disc and the im- use codes for the port disc. The Dreamcast OR game. Make sure your should boot up as normal memory card is in- FACT FILE and allow you to play your serted and follow the GI Difficulty: game. instructions onscreen. videovideovideo Tools you will need 1. VMU of any region featurefeaturefeature 2. DC-X or Gameshark disc Saves?: Can use any region VMU. U.S. and Japanese saves can co-exist. SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 5 PSONE
Before you begin: Research if your import game requires anti-mod codes before playing.
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Make sure the PVC tape Insert the PS X-change Follow the instructions piece is firmly in place 2 disc and let it boot up. onscreen for swapping over the PSOne lid latch. the PS X-change disc and your import disc. If you have a game that re- quires anti-mod codes, press select to access the code entry screen. Enter your codes and then press select again. FACT FILE With the import disc in- Difficulty: serted, press start. GI Tools you will need videovideovideo 1. PS X-change 2 2. Anti-mod codes (possibly) SavesSavesSaves?:Saves Can use any region 3. PVC tape piece memory card. U.S. and Japanese featurefeaturefeature 4. Memory card of any region saves can co-exist. 5. Something to keep the lid closed PAGE 6 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 FACT FILE
Difficulty:
GAMECUBE Tools you will need 1. Action Replay with 4MB memory card 2. Gamecube memory card
STEP 1 STEP 2 Insert the Action Follow the instructions Replay disc, the 4MB onscreen. memory card and the Gamecube memory card.
Saves?Saves?Saves?:Saves? Must have a separate GI card for U.S. and Japanese saves of the same game. Saves from videovideovideo different regions for the same game cannot co-exist. featurefeaturefeature SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 7 PLAYSTATION 2 Before you begin: Take the PlayStation 2 logo off the disc drive tray. This will make future attempts easier. Research which version of the original PlayStation 2 that you have. Version 3.6 works with any version of the original PlayStation 2. Also, note what type of disc you will play. CD-based games require the CD Swap Magic disc and DVD-based games require the DVD Swap Magic disc.
STEP 3 STEP 1 Remove the Swap Magic disc and in- Insert the Swap Magic disc for either sert the import disc. Push the drive door a CD- or DVD-based game. Wait for the back into the system and gently lift the disc to read and bring up the “Please drive door again to slide the white latch insert game” screen. back to the left. You should hear the FACT FILE latch audibly click back into place. NOTE Difficulty: With the disc firmly in place, press O GI These instructions refer to or X to boot up the import disc. Tools you will need videovideovideo the original version of the 1. Nail manicure file (metal preferable) PlayStation 2. They do not STEP 2 2. Swap Magic discs Gently lift the top part of the disc tray up apply to the slim version of 3. Memory card and look for a small white latch on the right feature the PlayStation 2. featurefeature 4. Mini-pliers side. This is the disc drive spindle. Use the Saves?: Any type of memory nail file to gently but firmly slide the latch to card may be used. Japanese and the right. The drive door should come out U.S. saves can co-exist. NoteNoteNote::: If you have done this correctly, the border around the screen will change to blue and the game will start. If it is not done correctly or you slightly. Use the mini-pliers to grasp the have used the incorrect type of boot disc (i.e. the CD-based disc to boot up a DVD-based disc) the border will change to red. Also, after inserting edge of the tray door and pull out slowly. the boot disc, NEVER open the drive door using the tray eject button. This will cause the drive to open automatically and not read the boot disc. PAGE 8 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010
SATURN Import
FACT FILE purchasing Difficulty: STAFF REPORTS To play import games, you need the tools to do so. We’ve pulled together a list of Tools you will need: places to go and the cost as- sociated with importing retro 1. Action Replay 4M Auto Plus systems and games. The merchants listed below are shops we consider reli- able and safe to import through previous experience.
Where to buy STEP 1 www.playasia.com Make sure the Action Replay cartridge www.modchipstore.com is inserted in the expansion slot of the www.amazon.com Saturn. Insert your import game and (accessories)
boot up the system. Estimated pricing Gameshark CDX Lite - $24.95
Action Replay 4M (Saturn) - $25.90
Swap Magic 3.6 - $29.95
DCDCDC-DC---XX - $12.90 STEP 2 Action Replay Follow the instructions onscreen. (GamecubeGamecubeGamecube) - $35.49
PS XPS X-X---changechange 2 - $13.95 SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 9 whatwhat we’rewe’re playingplaying
PPHOTOSHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insu rrection
Mario returns to save Princess Peach in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Nintendo’s newest entry in the Mario Bros. series. Mario returns to his roots in New SMB Wii BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION As an unabashed old-school Nintendo- phile, it was almost inevitable that I would play New Super Mario Bros. Wii. I played the DS incarnation, and though I didn't necessarily come away impressed, I knew that I would play any new version because of my long-standing love for Mario. This time, color my opinion changed for the better. Where the original on DS failed to lure me in and despite the rehash of the previ- ous experience, the Wii version suc- ceeds. I found far more reasons to be in- vested in the gameplay and multiplayer aspect of the sequel, and I distinctly en- joyed the teamwork that this new version fosters. It's something Nintendo can be proud of in this era of forced waggle gim- micks and bad party games. Where New SMB Wii changes from its New Super Mario Bros. Wii incorporates older elements of the penultimate predecessor is the multiplayer. The ability series and newer elements such as the rotary lifts of New Super Mario Bros. for the DS. to play with four characters through what is essentially a one-player campaign in- took stock of the previous game and did a WATCH MORE stantly adds traction. The potential chaos little housecleaning. The giant mushroom or teamwork that could erupt from a ses- and tiny mushroom of the first game have sion is unlimited, and the replay value been taken out and toned down, respec- GI soars solely because of this. Players can tively, and there is more emphasis on ice See video at Gaming videovideovideo join or drop out at anytime through the flowers and fire flowers this go round. The Insurrection’s story mode and there is a coin battle balance of powerups tilts heavily in the YouTube channel at mode as well. Working together to ac- favor of the flowers but at least it's more youtube.com/user/ complish reaching a stage goal and col- balanced. The way Mario and Co. physi- GamingInsurrection. lecting star coins has never been so fun, cally pick up items has been changed, featurefeaturefeature and it invokes a special warm fuzzy feel- and while it took some getting used to, ing upon completion. However, the me- now it's second nature. You're going to chanics of picking up and throwing play- need all of the help you can get when it ers and the ability to stomp on their heads comes to the single-player campaign. key appearances – Mario remembers will lead to frustration. I can't count the New SMB Wii is easily the hardest in the where he came from. number of times I was pushed off a ledge Mario series. It easily surpasses Super New SMB Wii also goes back to its roots to my death or missed a jump because Mario Bros. 3 by leaps and bounds in with its soundtrack. Many of the tracks Associate Editor Jamie got in the way (or terms of difficulty. And while you will die have previously appeared in other games deliberately caused it!). Despite the often going through the game, coins and with a few new sprinkled in. The sound- havoc that can be wreaked, it's still a extra lives are abundant. The extras help track is improved upon from the original great addition to the Mario game style because the level design is extremely DS game and is a throwback to Super and we'd like to see more of this in future challenging. Mario Bros. 3 mostly. There are several entries. Many times throughout the course of the standout tracks, such as Volcano Under- Simplicity in the form of the game's play game I found myself saying out loud ground and Bowser Final Battle, which mechanics should also make a return. “Wow, that's messed up” about the level make the soundtrack worth a buy or a Here, it's an excellent update to the origi- design. It's got the old-school flavor of download in the very least. nal Super Mario Bros. formula. It doesn't easy enough to pick up and play versus If you've fallen out of favor with 3D Mario take much to learn how to control the just challenging enough for veterans – just games in the past decade, you owe it to characters and all of them play exactly the way it ought to be. As we were playing yourself to check out his most recent 2D the same. Also, the annoying sliding prob- through, I found that Nintendo reached offering. lem from the DS is gone. Mario, Luigi and back to earlier entries to get Mario back to Even if you didn't care for the DS itera- the Toads all stop solidly and wall jumping his roots. Elements of nearly all of the tion like I did, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a little easier to perform. The new abili- games are meshed well together; from finds a way to lure old-school players ties introduced such as flying with the pro- Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario 64 there back with engaging gameplay and multi- peller suit require little to learn and are are little touches and flourishes that come player fun. easy to master, and the new suits are in- together. Whether it's the inclusion of the It's a nice trip down memory lane and teresting and bring a lot to the game. This long-lost Koopa kids as bosses or the me- subsequently has become a must-own is good because it's clear that Nintendo chanics of riding Yoshi – who makes a few title for the Wii. PAGE 10 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 Command squads to conquer the world
BY JAMIE MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION
I have been a fan of the Command & Conquer universe since 1999. I went over to a friend's house and watched him build huge armies to attack his opponent, an- other friend of ours sitting in the next room. I sat down and watched my two good friends attack and defend against each other’s advances, and I became more engaged after watching the ion can- non being used for the first time. I was hooked. After that experience, I moved on to other games in the series and I arrived at one of my favorites: Command & Con- quer: Red Alert 3. I must admit, I was intimidated by the game when the first trailers appeared on the Internet. I later learned that I wasn’t the only one. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, also called RA3, gives the com- mander the full control of each faction’s military. You have the ability to build your army to your liking using special tactics. If you specialize in dominating the air, you have the opportunity to build an air force that the world will dread. If you want a strong army, RA3 will allow you to “be all that you can be.” If you want to control the PPHOTOHOTO BY JAMIE MOSLE Y Gaming Insu rrection high seas, then you will get the opportu- nity to keep any landlubbers from getting Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 was released for Windows-based PCs in October any sea legs. In theory, a victorious com- 2008. It was later released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. mander will use all of these tactics to- gether with deadly effects. fighters. That's right, you have your own 6 series/ATI X1800 or better, DX9c or 10 Red Alert 3 is a real-time strategy game “transformer” to command. compatible sound. Before you ask, the that’s like other strategy games, yet differ- While you are building your forces and answer is yes, RA3 can run on Windows ent. It’s similar to other RTS games in that defense to counteract any strategy that Vista. you must build your army and send them may sent against you, remember to pro- For you Red Alert music fans out there, to face destiny against your opponent or tect your income resources. Even after you will be happy to know that composer opponents. While you are sending your the programmers decided to allow you to Frank Klepacki returned to do three tracks army to their possible deaths, you must build super weapons at half the cost due for RA3. In an interview, he mentioned build up your base defenses at the same to the world's economic crisis, shortage of that he had a strong desire to do more time. Building base defenses are not free. income will mean a painful defeat. tracks. However, seeing as though he’s You will have to gather an income of some Since you are out at sea, you’ve got time no longer at Electronic and is at Petro- kind. In Red Alert 3, ore collectors and oil to notice the detail that EA's graphics arts glyph Games (makers of Star Wars: Em- derricks are your main sources. team used to make the waves come pire at War), it would violate his current In most RTS games, whoever has the splash against the walls of your construc- contract if he conducted any more music largest army or the most advanced would tion site (editor’s note: Command & Con- for EA. Klepacki’s contributions are good, normally win once the enemy's defenses quer used to be under the Westwood Stu- though. The RA3 tracks seem to add to are broken. This is where Red Alert 3 is dios). On land, you can watch the Empire the already fast-paced real-time strategy, different. The game is designed for the of the Rising Sun (new to the Command and each track is uplifting and motivating. most experienced RTS player that can and Conquer series) soldier put away I really enjoy Red Alert 3. It doesn’t mat- adapt and change tactics at a moment’s their rifles and pull out their lightsaber ter if you are a beginner or expert RTS notice. Even if you have an extremely katana and attack the enemy's infantry. player, there is something for everyone large land-based attack force, the odds You can watch as trees are leveled under- here. The battle can change more times may still be against you defeating your neath your instruments of destruction and than a chameleon can change it is skin foe. in horror as the Allies' special officer — color and it has full-motion video with If anyone is overwhelmed by this land played by Jenny McCarthy — walks into stars that will attract people from around attack, you can simply pack up your con- your base and destroys each building, the world. Tim Curry, Vanessa Branch, struction site and move it out to sea. Safe soldiers and vehicles, all with little effort. Gina Carano, J.K. Simmons, Kelly Hu and at sea, you can build up your naval forces You may become overwhelmed as you George Takei are a few names that pop and bombard your foe from a safe dis- see the Soviets V4 Rocket Launchers up. tance. You can even build your airfields blast your soldiers high into the air from If you are a geek like me, then as soon out on the drink and send in your death long range. In order to watch or deliver as you saw Takei, you made up your mind from above. the carnage, you will need to meet these that this is a must-have game. There is Every unit has an alternate fire ability, minimum requirements to run it on your also an expansion out that has Ric Flair which can range from building defense PC: Windows XP SP2, AMD Athlon and David Hasslehoff just in case you bunkers, using laser-guided missile 3000+/Intel P4 2.2GHz or equivalent, 1GB need a few more popular names to catch launchers, to transforming robots to jet of RAM, 6GB free on HD, nVidia GeForce your attention and get you to download it. Spring cleaning means out with the old, in with the new for game ideas t's here: Spring! It's time when we saw their endless track of everything. We have to start that Spring army mounting a defense. to come up with ideas for our cleaning that you have During this year's Spring own adventure while we are I been putting off for so cleaning, my group has de- not holding back. And did I long. I’m not talking about cided that it's time to put our mention that there are eight dusting off the ceiling fan be- creativity to the test. Here are people in my gaming group? fore you have to turn it on; the rules: That means 16 characters I’m talking about cleaning out We will rotate through locked in mortal combat. that gaming folder that game masters every gaming Since there’s a guy in our you’ve been holding onto. It's session; group who is in the Navy, I’m time to look over all those Each player must have a sure that we can expect a pi- characters that you created From the Dungeon playable character and a rate battle or thrice. throughout the year. Be sure By Jamie Mosley non-playable character; I challenge you to stop hold- to mourn the ones that are Every gaming session ing back. As the game master, dead and gone, but for the act to each other’s actions must tie in to the previous now is the time to unleash that characters that lived through with deadly results. one; deadly battle that you have dangerous battles, it is time Some of our most challeng- The campaign must con- been trying to talk yourself out to plot and plan what those ing games have taken place tinue until the group as a of. If you want to put your characters will need to sur- during the Spring months. whole runs out of ideas or the group through the nation of the vive the rest of the year. We have fought against an game goes south; and dead, then Spring is the time If you are the type of gamer enraged dragon empire hell- Every one must start a new to do it. Players, when your like those in my gaming bent on destroying all other level one character. If anyone game master pulls out that group, then it's time to clean life. We have been swept of your characters ceases to creature that is known for de- out any ideas and plans that away from our medieval exist, then you can create stroying mortal and deity alike, you have been holding on to times and left in the year another one level lower than look in their eyes and say, “Not for quite some time. 2000 (thanks to the D20 the highest character level. If on my watch.” If the kingdom At this time of year, my Modern Handbook) with no this happens at level one, that you just saved double- group stops holding back on way to get home. We have then you just start over with a crosses you, Spring is now the each other. The game master lived through devil invasions new character. time to get even. May the gam- stops pulling punches and and walked among the army Now, I like to think that this ing gods watch over you. the gaming group stops try- of the dead. We have taken will be an extremely difficult Good luck! ing to act predictable. During over good and evil kingdoms game for all of us. We have to the Spring, we try our best to from their rulers and along pay attention to each person’s Jamie Mosley contributes From the be the very best. We make the way we decided to bring story in each gaming session Dungeon each quarter for Gaming decisions without talking it a war to the demons in their and we have to control two Insurrection. Contact him via e-mail at over as a group, and we re- own world and not flinch characters at once and keep [email protected]. SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 11
Fly back in time to 1943
PPHOTOSHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insu rrection Capcom released 1943: The Battle of Midway in June 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was re-released as part of the Capcom Classics Collection for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in 2005. Capcom’s take on World War II is a classic shoot-’em-up BY BRANDON BEATTY GAMING INSURRECTION WATCH MORE
Living history is fun. Especially if you like GI games. See video at Gaming videovideovideo Picture it: It’s the late 1980s. Punky Insurrection’s Brewster and the Cosby Show are the big YouTube channel at primetime players on the small screen, youtube.com/user/ Nintendo and Sega were dog fighting for GamingInsurrection. conquest in the game console wars and featurefeaturefeature arcades across America were booming. Gaming tokens, especially from my favor- ite gaming watering hole Aladdin’s Castle, are flowing like fine champagne. The by reaching certain point levels. While 1980s allowed developers to showcase bombed the player’s American aircraft making the transition from the original their skills with the latest arcade games. carrier. game to the console port I noticed that Among those companies was Capcom, a With these odds against players suc- not only is the gameplay is secure, but rising developer, which took advantage of cessfully completing the mission at slim to also the music is in near perfect form de- the opportunity and presented a little ver- none, I was very glad that the controls re- spite weak sound effects. Newcomers tical scrolling shooter game that is now a mained simple enough to move the plane and veteran players of 1943 will also be gaming classic. This is 1943: The Battle of around and to use a special loop move pleased that the original graphics did not Midway. that would confuse onscreen enemies lose any of their arcade quality but in- A word of caution GI readers: This re- while I fired on them. Another obstacle stead obtain crisper color via the PS2. view focuses on the Capcom classic col- encountered while playing 1943 is the For any old-school gamer who wants to lection port for the PlayStation 2 rather lack of lives. This is despite having an en- relive their arcade glory days playing ver- than the NES version for the benefit of ergy bar to keep track of damage while tical shooters or for the Capcom fan that those who do not own a NES. The game- fighting with a dual machine gun as my wants to take a look at Capcom’s arcade play is still the same as in the original primary weapon. skills, 1943 is a game that I recommend game, which is set during the Pacific Bat- Fortunately, Capcom does provide play- for two reasons: First, 1943 is a prime ex- tle of World War II. Players control a P-38 ers with a saving grace in the form of spe- ample of a great game that has positively airplane through 16 levels on a mission to cial weapons such as shotguns, auto- impacted video game history; and sec- seek and destroy the Japanese battle matic machine guns and laser cannons. ond, it serves as a testament to how Cap- ship Yamato, in addition to other Japa- There’s also the ability to customize the com contributed to gaming’s past, pre- nese naval and air forces that have plane’s offensive and defensive abilities sent and future. PAGE 12 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010
Latest life simulator from Nintendo lacking in creativity, new features
BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION
Animal Crossing, which had its debut on the Gamecube in 2003, has become one of Nintendo's most enduring fran- chises. Now with three games to its credit, the life simulator has exacted a following that quite a few other fran- chises would love to have. But, alas, not all is well in the kingdom of the animals that speak high-pitched English and de- mand letters from human characters. There's laziness afoot and Nintendo's to blame. How exactly did Animal Crossing be- come so trifling and set in its ways? Well, for starters, practically porting over the excellent Wild World from the DS, slapping a coat of paint on it and trying to call it something new was not a smart move. It's not just the fact that the animal characters have in no way evolved; it's also the fact that down to the music, nothing has changed. Sure, there's now the ability to go to the city, a few new items and clothing have been added to the catalog, a couple more new fish and insects are included, and a handful of new songs have been PPHOTOSHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insu rrection added to K.K. Slider's repertoire. Oh, Animal Crossing City Folk was released in November 2008 for the Nintendo Wii. It is and you can change the way Tom the third game in the series and the second in the United States to be released for a Nook's store operates. That's nice, and main console. with a few other changes that were needed such as the ability to take pho- tos, the game is a little better. But this upgrade is only marginally better than the two previous iterations. You're still kind of required to pay off a home loan to Tom Nook, which is a pain if you've already done it twice before. You're still required to fix up your town and the museum. You're still required to catch all of the fish and bugs. In the year since the game has been released, I know there have been some gamers asking the all important question of “Why go through all of this if you've done it twice before?” Believe me, I've asked it. And if you're a veteran player like myself, this may not necessarily be your third town. It's my sixth since I've started two characters in the original and started a town three times in Wild World. At this point, doing Nook's odd jobs at the onset is wearing a little thin. Also wearing thin is the new addition of the city. When it's the touted feature of the game, it needs to shine and the city doesn't exactly glow. Everything it has to offer can be seen in less than an hour and really, it comes off as pointless and underwhelming. Yes, you can go to Gra- WATCH MORE There is a saving grace in the game, cie Grace and Redd's shop to spend however. With the connectivity of the your hard-earned cash on overpriced DS, players can import their Wild World clothes and furniture, but what does this GI character's catalog into City Folk. This really offer? There are shows, which of- See video at Gaming videovideovideo makes tricking out your home a little fer emotion icons, and the auction Insurrection’s easier once the important pieces are in house, but neither of these really did YouTube channel at place and independence has been es- anything for me. youtube.com/user/ tablished. This is one bright spot in the The city idea is dripping with potential GamingInsurrection. Animal Crossing wash-rinse-repeat cy- and it's disappointing to see it wasted featurefeaturefeature cle players have come to know and here. About the only things really useful love. in the city are Shampoodle, the hair- Overall, here's my main problem with dresser you couldn't obtain in Wild Animal Crossing City Folk: I don't like World until you opened up Nooking- to govern what I want to do and what I the rehash. Nintendo has a nasty habit ton’s, and the shoe shine guy. That's don't want to do. of taking two steps forward and three about it. Imagine the ideas that could Another head-scratching decision in steps back, and that's readily apparent have come with the city: You could play the game is the decision to not allow with City Folk. It's laziness on Nintendo's the role of apartment renter to animals cross platform visitation. What this trans- part to drop Wild World on the Wii with- who wanted to live in your building, lates to is that my Wild World town can- out really trying to upgrade and im- which could be purchased and ex- not communicate with my City Folk prove. If it's not broke, don't fix it is the panded much like your home in your town. The Wii and DS can “talk” to each motto here but the designers should town. This would generate income for other, just not to trade. It's actually de- have said “If it ain't broke, let me up- players and provide more of a reason to signed to transport a Wii character to grade you.” buy furniture and accessories long after another Wii, much like memory cards I can count at least three instances upgrading their homes. accomplished in the Gamecube ver- where City Folk took a giant leap back- Another highly touted feature of the sion. That is extremely lazy. There is no ward in terms of advances made be- newest version is the Wii Speak periph- reason why Lyndsey in Japan (Wii) can- tween the original game and Wild eral. Sadly, that doesn't do anything for not communicate and trade with Lynd- World. Why dismantle the progress me, either. It's a wholly unnecessary ad- sey in Kyoto (DS) other than Nintendo made? I came to the realization that City dition to the game that thankfully is rele- chose not to implement it. Folk was not made for players like my- gated to the sidelines for those of us The potential for more exploration and self who've invested in the series long who don't want to talk online. That's not connectivity, which Nintendo was so term. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I to say that I don't want to reach and high on several years ago, went out the hate Animal Crossing after this disap- connect with fellow players. I do, and I window. It's 2010, Nintendo. You have pointing entry, and to a certain degree I wish Nintendo would give me that op- the technology to make this work and it like City Folk. But if it were dinner, I'm tion instead of taking it upon themselves should. still stuffed from yesterday's meal. SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 13 technologytechnology TECH GEEKS — GEAR YOU CAN USE
BY GAMING INSURRECTION
t’s the return of the bargain-priced applications and, boy, have they made a comeback. This quarter we’re steering you toward organization and productivity that maximizes your bang for your bucks. As anyone who plays video games a great deal and collects them can tell you, organization is paramount. Just keeping up with the various systems you may I have a hankering to play is work, but with a good system selector, that is a worry of the past. If you’re like GI, you need something to help you put out your publication and a good suite of applications like Open Office is the way to go. While you’re pulling together your latest project, sometimes music helps push things further and puts you in the right zone. Winamp is a good free alternative with robust features that helps accomplish this. Don’t sleep on the free stuff.
OPEN OFFICE
We're Microsoft Office users at Gam- Microsoft's products. Also, a cool fea- cation suites apart, however: Open Of- ing Insurrection and whenever things ture that we searched for is a document fice is free. have to be created for the magazine, we converter. Because our page layout ap- You aren't charged a dime for Open jump right in and design it using Micro- plication is a Microsoft product, there Office whereas Office will set you back soft Publisher. We discovered Open Of- was a need to convert ODT files to the about $400 for full editions. Based on fice and it has quickly replaced Office Word format. the simple fact that they are similar in as our go-to word processor. With a simple downloadable macro execution yet one is free and the other Open Office features a lot of applica- plug-in that someone created, we can is not, we’re thinking we’re going with tions that are just like Office: standard easily switch between formats for publi- the free version. applications such as Calc, Drawing, cation. Writer and Formula. It helps that the With a lot of similar features, there's PricePricePrice:Price Free Open Office counterparts work a lot like one main difference that sets the appli- Where to download:download Openoffice.org SYSTEM SELECTOR
Every once and awhile extra set of AV cords to GameStop does some- hook up to a TV. We've thing OK. On one good read reviews that say occasion, the company interference and color decided to make a sys- distortion are prevalent tem selector that was but GI hasn't had that useful for gamers. While problem. It's a decent it isn't the model that product if you want to they sell now, the selec- keep systems out and tor is still a useful tool if organized. you have multiple sys- tems that you want to PricePricePrice:Price $20 keep hooked up at all Where to buy: Ama- times. It holds four sys- zon.com, Games- tems and requires an top.com
WINAMP
If you're looking for a free music video game music formats and MP3 player, look no further than Winamp. creation with simple plug-ins. The This is, of course, assuming that you ability to change the program to add have a Windows operating system. more is well worth the small amount of Winamp works wonderfully, though. time it takes to download it. GI is us- There are two features that make it ing version 5.24 because we've found worth getting if you're a gamer. The it is the most stable for our uses. While first is the price: You can't beat free. the program release is at version 5.57 Yes, you can get the pro version that (as of the second quarter 2010), has more features but for the basic newer versions may work better for player it's got a lot and it's free. The you. second is the level of customization. You can add in extra features such as Price: Free (for basic version) video playback, playback of native Where to download: winamp.com PAGE 14 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 retrograderetrograde
Contra was released for the Nintendo Enter- tainment System in 1987. It has since been released for the Xbox Live Arcade.
PHOTOS BY JAMIE MOSLEY
Gaming Insu rrection
Go commando to save Earth in Contra BY JAMIE MOSLEY the action onscreen are so intense that GAMING INSURRECTION WATCH MORE it may be hard to see every projectile or enemy that is assaulting you, it’s not a In 1987, Konami released a popular GI huge problem. run-and-gun game simply called Con- See video at Gaming videovideovideo The game will slow down slightly if too tra in the arcade. Since I was 12 years Insurrection’s much action is taking place on screen. old at the time, my parents wouldn’t YouTube channel at You don’t need to use your imagination drive me 40 minutes away to the near- youtube.com/user/ to know that the enemies are jumping est arcade that housed this monster of GamingInsurrection. out from all angles to attack the heroes. a game known for making gamer's fin- featurefeaturefeature You can see the enemies fire single gers sore for repeated use of the fire shots at you from all angles or attempt button. So I had to sit back and wait to run you through with some type of until Konami released a home port. My lethal melee weapon because of pretty waiting was over in 1988. Lance (Lance has black hair and Bill decent graphics. In terms of levels, the Keep in mind what era it was: Every- has blonde hair) must move, jump and snow stage is easy on the eyes and body had acid-washed jeans; the U.S. fire unlimited amounts of ammunition to the no single color stands out as awk- Supreme Court sided with Hustler rid the world of this threat. You will have ward. against Jerry Falwell for defamation; to fire in eight directions to keep the The music helps you keep pace in Nintendo revamped Doki Doki Panic enemies at bay while looking for this suicide mission. I can say that not and released it as Super Mario Bros. 2; weapon powerups like the ever- at any time did anything seem out of Sega released Phantasy Star; and important spreader. The game is place or was a sour cord played. Al- George H.W. Bush was elected the viewed from the side at times and an though I heard the game over tune president of the United States. Bush’s interesting third-person view while you many, many times, it’s still a classic election was important because he and are attacking the enemy bases. sound for me. The ending music is not and CBS anchorman Dan Rather got The home adaptation is a little differ- one of the best in my opinion, but it into a heated discussion about the Iran- ent than the coin eater at the arcade. doesn’t hurt my ears. Contra scandal. At 13, the only thing For starters, a boss battle will occur at Overall, Contra is simple in its objec- that I knew about the Iran-Contra affair the end of each stage. The base tive: Move your character from point A was President Ronald Reagan could stages are linear instead of being maze to point B while shooting anything that not recall anything that happened and -like in the arcade. You also are re- moves. Lt. Col. Oliver North was taking up a leased from the pressure of finishing But don’t let that fool you. It may seem ton of TV time. each base stage without a time limit. deceptively simple but Contra has After hearing so much about Iran- These changes don’t make the game been rated as one of the hardest Contra, I decided to play the game of easier. With longer stages, more traps games ever created along with its se- the same name. The plot of the game is and enemies, different bosses and only quels Super C and Contra 3. I enjoy simple: Two armed military commandos one hit from the enemy will kill you, Contra, but I have also been told that I are sent on a mission to neutralize a Contra will put the gamers who mas- am a glutton for punishment, too. To get terrorist organization called Red Falcon tered the arcade-version to the test. the full enjoyment of the game, grab a that is secretly planning an alien inva- The colors mesh well in this Contra partner and don't forget to enter in the sion of Earth. Simple enough. Bill and affair. Although there will be times when Konami code. SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 15
PPHOTOSHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insu rrection The Guardian Legend was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988. Shooter-platformer guards good gameplay
Guardian Legend mixes genres as an answer to Metroid
BY BRANDON BEATTY GAMING INSURRECTION
We’re going back to the ’80s where action- adventure and scrolling shooter games were an in- strumental piece to the NES’ reign in the home con- sole wars in the U.S. My time travel involves a game that, despite having a frus- trating password feature, perfectly mixed both action -adventure and shooter ele- ments. This is The Guardian Legend. In 1989, publishers Broderbound Software, and Japan’s Irem, which is best known for the Load Runner, Carmen Sandiego, and R- Type series, collaborated to bring GL to U.S shores. Originally created by Japa- nese developer Compile, GL was originally a sequel to the game “Guardic,” which was never released outside of Japan. In GL, spaceship, traveling nades, lightsabers and was back to square one, players control a nameless through Naju’s dungeons to wave cannons to dual laser which seriously sucked. female guardian of Earth battle with the various and cannons and an enemy However, there were unlim- whose mission is to stop nightmarish life forms. eraser. ited continues that helped Naju, a large planet sent by After beating the dungeon GL’s character controls relieve my frustration of unknown aliens to destroy boss, players are rewarded are very simple just like a wanting to beat my NES Earth. with either the destruction regular NES scroll shooter with a baseball bat. In order to stop Naju, of a safety device or a key action-adventure game only Despite a lame password players must explore to find that will grant access to without a jump feature that feature, Guardian Legend and destroy 10 safety de- deeper levels. was not needed. does have a challenge and vices that will activate a self As for weapons, the The music in GL is de- replay value that will make -destruct device within it. guardian’s primary weap- cent, having the right mix of old-school gamers play it Gameplay has two modes ons consist of a laser pistol outer space music for the repeatedly to relive those that focus on the player’s and shield, which are capa- game’s story setting but good times of outer space goal: Humanoid, which has ble of upgrade as players without being cheesy or action. players exploring the many progress farther in the over the top. While I liked In my opinion, GL is an labyrinths of Naju a la the game. GL, I had a serious beef NES classic that offers ac- Legend of Zelda; and Other weapons that the with the password feature. I tion for those who desire a space fighter, where the guardian can use on her followed instructions, but space shooter worthy of guardian transforms into a journey range from gre- when starting a new game I legend. PAGE 16 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010
Advance to the dawn, light warriors Fifth entry in Final Fantasy series is perfect classic RPG homage
BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY GAMING INSURRECTION Stop me if you've heard this one: Four warriors go on an adventure to save the world. They equip items, use Phoenix Downs to revive themselves and fallen comrades and gain experience and gold to take on a giant world-domineering megalomaniacal boss. Despite its use as the plot of just about every Final Fantasy game up to the present, it still has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it irresistible to play. The fifth entry in the series is no differ- ent. white mage and become a white mage Another draw is the music. Longtime Fi- Consider that the plot device of four war- that performs Cover! on allies near death. nal Fantasy composer Nobou Uematsu riors on a journey is the setting of Final The system lends itself to almost limitless outdid himself with Final Fantasy V's score. Fantasy V and you have yourself a story. possibilities for customization and that is It is the only Final Fantasy game that has The story itself is very simple and doesn't where the meat of the gameplay comes in. prompted me to purchase the original take up any time. You are introduced to the It's a blast to work on different jobs for soundtrack at full price. The music is abso- four main characters pretty early on in the each of the characters to the point where a lutely excellent. From the faithful rendition adventure and over time they become en- unstoppable juggernaut is created. of the victory fanfare to the town theme, dearing. I personally enjoyed making a white everything fits. Each theme, with the I sincerely cared about the exploits of mage that can also cast black and blue Spread Your Great Wings and Town Bartz, Lenna, Galuf and Faris (and later magic or a monk who can cast black Theme in particular, feels like it should be Krile), and not just because I have thing for magic. Early on, those are most helpful in every Final Fantasy and evokes memo- pirates. There is a little exploration behind when I'm struggling. ries of the era. Prelude is another long- the characters' motivations and influences The rampant customization is helpful with standing track from previous entries that and, throughout the course of the game, pacing. The game doesn't throw you into sounds great here. exactly why they are on this adventure situations you can't handle too early and What I've found interesting in the few comes forward. The introduction of the ele- it's particularly good about letting a quick translations that we've received in America mental crystals and their importance to the save literally save you. The random battles is that there's no fancying of the graphics world's survival ties directly into the new every five or so steps is annoying but for this version. There's a few FMV scenes play mechanic: the jobs system. they're helpful in a way because you will in the PSOne version but thankfully, no one The jobs system is first implemented in need them to grind your characters' level has felt the need to pretty up Final Fantasy this entry, prominent and a uniquely crea- up. V. I'm fine with the old-school look of the tive compliment to the core Final Fantasy The difficulty isn't really that high once game, and I'm glad that the presentation gameplay. Jobs can be assigned to any you know what to look out for or you have has been left intact. character, and as they stick with this job a good guide that walks you through. Sup- I'm not a Final Fantasy fan by any means, class, abilities can be learned. posedly, the difficulty was the main reason so when a game in the series comes along For example, Bartz can start out as why this wasn't translated for America until that compels me to pick it up and play it, knight. As he gains Ability Points (ABP) he Final Fantasy Anthology on PSOne and I'm all for it. Five is that which compels me learns abilities such as Cover! and Dual Final Fantasy V Advance on GBA. Maybe and is the only one that I will consistently Wield! at certain pre-described levels. it's just me, but I'm not seeing it. play to this day. Just because it's a little Bartz can switch classes to say, a white The difficulty of an old-school RPG is late to the party doesn't mean that Final mage, and learn white magic. At any point partially the draw and appeal of the Fantasy V is any less interesting than the he can assign his learned abilities to his game. others to play.
PPHOTOSHOTOS BY LYNDSEY M. MOSLEY Gaming Insu rrection SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 17
Let me count the ways why MARVEL MOVIE REVIEW I hate the Phoenix saga h where to start about why I despise the CHARACTER HIGHLIGHT SUPERMAN RETURNS Phoenix saga of the X-Men? OK, I know that started out a little harsh, but Warner Bros., 2006 O we are talking about the Phoenix saga after NAME: Arkady Gregorivich all, and it's one of the few story arcs that I absolutely cannot stand in comic book lore. I can't tell if it's the self AFFILIATION: Red Mafia, -righteousness of Cyclops, the ridiculous self-sacrifice Upstarts, The Hand Attempted reboot of Superman of Jean Grey or the fact that everyone in the X-Men or otherwise couldn't see the plot holes forest for the trees. SPECIAL ABILITIES: Can pro- I'm not a fan of Cyclops or Jean Grey. I have never ject Carbonadium tentacles from his franchise an admirable effort warmed to either character and I think they're perfect wrists; drains life force from living be- for each other in a not-so-flattering way. Neither seem to ings to regenerate energy. The reboot of the Superman Brandon Routh On tap this issue: realize that the X-Men isn't about them. And of course, movie franchise was long in com- stars as Clark with the Phoenix saga, both are at the forefront of the BACKGROUND: Arkady ing. Let's face facts: Superman IV Kent/Superman Gregorivich was once an impris- drama and tragedy. was a disgrace to the franchise's in “Superman It's the sanctimonious attitude of Cyclops that really oned serial killer in his native name, Christopher Reeve was roll- • Strip Talk: Editor bothers me here. Let us not forget that this is the story Russia. Instead of killing him the ing over in his grave at the lasting Returns.” in which he abandons his wife and child at the mere KGB attempted to make a su- legacy, and the movie had spent Photo courtesy of Lyndsey M. Mosley mention of his not-so-dead wife's reappearance. To per soldier and subjected him at least a decade in development Warner Bros. make matters worse, he's written to later cheat on her to experiments. These trials hell with various directors and ac- explains her dislike with Emma Frost because the Phoenix Force was gave him mutant powers tors attached to the project. Su- “becoming a strain.” I know he's written to be human, through carbonadium im- perman, himself, needed a hero. for X-Men’s Phoe- show flaws and be the embodiment of “everyone plants and genetic treat- Set after the events of Superman makes mistakes.” But using ments. II, Returns brings a measure of nix Saga story arc the Phoenix Force three or The downside of the credibility back to the DC stalwart. four story arcs down the road experiments was Firstly, Kevin Spacey was a prime as a crutch? Thanks but no that he was now choice for Lex Luthor. That's not to • Review: Superman thanks. required to survive say that Gene Hackman wasn't a And yes, please make a off of victims' life good choice, but Spacey is Lex. Returns is a good barely tolerable character all energy. Second, Brandon Routh had the the more likeable for me by Omega Red look of Reeve as Superman and start to possible making him cheat on his wife was then placed he handled the role well despite who really can't control her in suspended ani- the inevitable comparisons. Kate series reboot manifestation problems. mation until he Bosworth was rather throwaway as Character assassination 1.0 STRIP TALK was revived af- Lois Lane but she didn't necessar- for Cyclops receives a grade ter the fall of the ily detract from the film; she A. Lyndsey M. Mosley Soviet Union. just doesn't necessarily add any- • Marvel comic Jean is forever the victim. If I Since his re- thing. had to hear her utter “Oh Scott!” one more time in “X- emergence, he Plot-wise, it's the same old fare character Men the Animated Series” I thought I'd stop watching has taken on foes from the comics: Lex throws his altogether. It was annoying to see Jean be classified as such as Wolverine, acquired money around, tries to summary: The life one of the most powerful mutants in the collective uni- Kitty Pryde and Spi- kill Superman, Lois needs rescu- and times of verse yet she is always dying, reborn, manifesting the der-Man. ing, wash, rinse, repeat. It's nothing you HOW WE GRADE Phoenix Force, teasing Wolverine, etc. in a never- haven't already seen but at least no one We score the properties in three categories: Omega Red ending cycle. It gets old after awhile. And can someone R E L A T I O N- stands around chewing scenery. And Casting (or voice acting in case of animated), plo t please tell me how she's supposed to be an omega- SHIPS: Wolver- the addition of Lois' son is an interesting and similarities to its source material. E ach cate- level mutant (look it up kids and get back to me if you ine, nemesis; Sa- twist even if you can see it coming from gory receives points out of the maximum of 10 don't know what it means) as the Phoenix yet is always bertooth, neme- a mile away. per category and 30 overall. The percentage is • Otaku: Brandon “exhausted”? She can't seem to use her powers more sis; X-Men, neme- Spacey is appropriately melodramatic the final score. than five minutes without fainting or going to sleep. It's sis as Luthor should be and Routh does Beatty lets you in mind-numbing stuff like this about Jean that makes me an excellent job with emoting Super- ing to quit smoking. Where did that question the coddling. FIRST man's dislike of the former multi- come from, we ask. on Death Note The writers did no favors to the X-Men by having the VERSUS GAME billionaire. Overall, the movie isn't bad. It's got Phoenix Force annihilate an entire universe. I get it, APPEARANCE: One of the better aspects of the movie great casting, the plot works and it's Su- she's all-powerful, can cause destruction in the blink of Marvel Super He- is the costume design. Characters really perman. You can't go wrong there, well, an eye, is a force to be reckoned with, blah, blah, blah. roes vs. Street look like they would have existed in the unless you're Superman III or IV. We be- I get it, really I do. But I don't care. Having her wipe out Fighter 1950s and the décor matches well. lieve that, contrary to popular criticism of an entire universe is a bit much. Too much. The writers Whoever designed the movie should the film, Routh was not acting as Reeve almost painted themselves into a corner just showing APPE AR ANCE S have won some accolades for their acting as Superman. We've read that bit her power. Was it too much to ask that it be implied and IN OTHER ME- work. of information in multiple places, and we not seen? I can accept that about the Phoenix. DIA: X-Men the Ani- So what's there not to love about the really don't get that. He worked with View this content Really, after having the Phoenix saga shoved down mated Series, X-Men reboot? While director Bryan Singer what he had and he channeled his my throat in the animated series in a five-part arc and Evolution, X-Men: Mu- does excellent work (as he does with predecessor pretty well, in our opinion. at www.gaming having to be constantly reminded by its reappearance, tant Apocalypse (SNES), most of his properties), it's a little too It's a shame that there hasn't been an- I'm quite sick of the Phoenix. Take obnoxious charac- X-Men: Children of the long for some of us in the GI crew. While other movie since 2006 because the insurrection.com/ ters, make them the centerpiece of a huge arc and Atom, Marvel vs. Cap- its fans point out that all Superman mov- world really does need Superman. voila! You have the equally obnoxious Phoenix saga. To com 2, X2: Wolverine's ies are around this length, it's a little too TheStrip paraphrase the Scarlet Witch in the House of M saga: Revenge, X-Men Leg- dry in some areas. Casting: 9 No more Phoenix Force. ends II: Rise of Apoca- The beginning starts slowly and there Plot: 9 lypse, Hulk Vs. are some odd plot points such Lois try- Like the comics?: 7 Lyndsey Mosley is the editor of Gaming Insurrection. 8 Contact her via e-mail at [email protected] PAGE 18 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 Death Note Vol. 1 a stroke above TOP 5 ON THE STRIP—FAVORITE VILLAINS EDITION
’m going to throw in a little manga for all of you otaku out there. Don’t worry Mar- I vel and DC comic fans, GI will always have you covered since we know both companies have made a major impact on not only the comic world, but also on worldwide pop culture. For now, though, it’s manga’s time to shine, so I’m kicking it off by asking you to name five of the worst people you can think of. Next, imagine if you had a notebook that could kill them just by thinking of the im- ages of the people you chose plus writing their names in that notebook. If you guessed that I’m reviewing the first volume of Death Note, you’re in the right MAGNETO – ERIK LENSHERR DOESN’T DWELL place. ON HIS PAST AS A HOLOCAUST VICTIM OR THE FACT Death Note is a 12-volume THAT HIS ENTIRE FAMILY HAS BEEN WIPED OUT NU- series created by writer MEROUS TIMES. WHILE ANYONE ELSE WOULD LIVE A Tsugumi Ohba and artist Take- HARD LIFE BECAUSE OF THE REPEATED LOSS AND DEV- shi Obata, who is best known ASTATION, MAGNETO FINDS A WAY TO MAKE IT HIS for his work on the Shonen MISSION TO MOVE HIS LIFE FORWARD. YOU’VE GOT LEX LUTHOR – SUPERMAN ONCE HAD NOTHING TO Jump series “Hikaru no Go.” TO GIVE THE MAN HIS DUE WHEN YOU STOP AND RE- DO IN METROPOLIS SOLELY BECAUSE LEX LUTHOR WAS BE- The English adaptation of the ALIZE THAT ULTIMATELY, HE’S PROBABLY RIGHT HIND BARS. WHEN YOU PROVIDE THE MAJORITY OF THE Hikaru no Go and Death Note ABOUT HOMO SAPIEN SUPERIOR NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK FOR A CRIME FIGHTER YOU ARE SOMEBODY. LEX IS NO series are published and li- CO-EXIST WITH REGULAR HUMANS. AT LEAST HE’S EXCEPTION. YOU REALLY KNOW YOU’RE SOMETHING SPECIAL censed by Viz Media. In the GOT HIS EYES OPEN TO THE INEVITABLE. WHILE HIS WHEN YOU CAN COMMIT AS MANY CRIMES AS LEX, GET OUT first volume of Death Note, METHODS MAY BE BRUTAL (MUCH LIKE HIS ARCHETYPE OF JAIL AND STILL WIN THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. readers are introduced to Light MALCOLM X), HE WORKS HARD AT ACHIEVING WHAT DR. DOOM – VICTOR VON DOOM LEX REPRESENTS WHAT MANY OTHER ASPIRING KINGPINS Yagami, an ace high school HE’S SET OUT TO DO. HAS BEEN THE THORN IN EVERY SELF- WISH THEY COULD BECOME. student with great potential RIGHTEOUS GROUP OF SUPERHERO who finds the Death Note, a WHY WE LOVE HIM:MAGNETO WILL DO ANYTHING SQUAD SINCE THE VILLAIN’S DAWN IN WHY WE LOVE HIM:TRYING TO KILL THE MAN OF STEEL notebook of death dropped on TO FURTHER HIS MISSION, EVEN IF IT MEANS SACRI- THE 1960S. IF HE ISN’T TERRORIZING IS NO EASY FEAT. NEARLY SUCCEEDING IN ALMOST EVERY earth by a shinigami or Japa- FICING HIS CHILDREN AND HIS LIFE. HE’S GOT NOTH- THE FANTASTIC FOUR TO DEMONSTRATE INSTANCE MAKES YOU A CUT ABOVE THE REST. nese god of death. Any human ING IF NOT DETERMINATION. HIS SUPERIORITY OVER MR. FANTASTIC, whose name is written in the HE’S STEALING THE INFINITY GEMS TO notebook dies and Light de- MAKE HIMSELF A GOD. FOR ALL OF cides to use the Death Note as DOOM’S INTELLIGENCE (HE’S GENIUS a weapon to eliminate evil. But LEVEL), HE STILL HAS CHARISMA. WITH- when criminals around the OUT IT HE COULDN’T RUN HIS OWN NA- world started dying back to both claiming to be defenders TION, LATVERIA. back, the International Police of justice. Readers will find that Organization sends in a legen- Death Note’s plot is a first in WHY WE LOVE HIM:HE’S MEGALOMA- dary detective known as “L” to manga to combining three of NIACAL AND CHARMING. WHAT’S NOT TO hunt down Light who is using a the most popular storytelling LIKE TO TAKE HOME AND MEET YOUR new persona, “Kira.” Be elements that will please both MAMA? warned that the first volume of manga and non-manga fans. In Death Note sets the stage for addition it combines sci-fi, hor- 12 volumes of both supernatu- ror and mystery genres ral and psychological cat and that will have its readers mouse games. hooked from volume one to the The first two chapters intro- end. duce Light, L, and the discov- If you are looking for a mix of OTAKU VENOM eries of both the Death Note Brandon Beatty sci-fi, horror and mystery with – OK, LET’S JUST GET THIS OUT THERE FROM THE and the shinigami Ryuk, who is nail-biting battles of wits, then THE JOKER – IN HIS MANY INCARNATIONS, THE BEGINNING: VENOM IS CRAZY. NO, NOT JUST REGULAR INSANE, attached to light. Also, readers Death Note is for you. Will Light JOKER IS MULTIFACETED. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF HE’S THE BUT WAY OUT THERE EXTRA SPECIAL SPICY INSANE. THE SYM- are shown the methods that FBI to investigate Kira. Ryuk’s Yagami see his dream of an MALEVOLENT KILLER CLOWN OR THE BUMBLING CHEMICAL BIOTE DIDN’T KNOW WHOM IT WAS DEALING WITH WHEN IT Light is using to kill criminals. deal with Light to use his shini- evil-free world come true, or GENIUS; HE STILL MANAGES TO FIND A WAY TO GET UNDER PICKED EDDIE BROCK TO BOND WITH AFTER PETER PARKER RE- The third, fourth, fifth, sixth gami eyes to expose fake will L deliver on his promise to THE SKIN OF BATMAN. EVERY ACTOR WHO’S PORTRAYED HIM — JECTED IT. VENOM’S BRAND OF LOGIC INCLUDES KILLING AS A and seventh chapters look at names is also explored. bring Kira to justice? Stay CAESAR ROMERO, JACK NICHOLSON AND HEATH LEDGER, MARK MEANS TO AN END. IF YOU GET IN THE WAY, YOU DIE, BUT HE the methods both Light and L While reading, I learned that tuned for further reviews on HAMILL — HAS FOUND INSPIRATION IN HIS DARK AND FUNNY DOESN’T GO OUT OF HIS WAY TO HARM YOU. THAT’S WHAT WE use to outwit each other rang- both Light and L have a strong Death Note as this new classic SIDES. THAT IS THE STROKE OF A MAN WHO REALLY NEEDS LIKE ABOUT VENOM. HE’S A GOT A METHOD TO HIS MADNESS. ing from Light’s method of kill- sense of justice, but their level in manga begins its rise to the NO EXPLANATION OR INTRODUCTION FOR HIS WORK AS A IT’S JUST FIGURING OUT THE METHOD THAT MAKES NO SENSE. ing criminals while leaving of intelligence during their bat- top. CRIMINAL. cryptic clues, and L’s use of tle will make readers think of WHY WE LOVE HIM:DID WE MENTION HE’S CRAZY? AND ANY- agents from both Japan’s Na- Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Brandon Beatty is contributing editor of WHY WE LOVE HIM:HE’S THE JOKER. ETERNAL THORN IN ONE WHO SAYS “WE WANT TO EAT YOUR BRAINS!” AS A TAUNT Gaming Insurrection. Contact him via e-mail at tional Police Agency and the Moriarty, only this time they are [email protected]. THE SIDE OF THE CAPED CRUSADER. NEED WE SAY MORE? IN A VIDEO GAME IS AWESOME. PERIOD. SECOND QUARTER 2010 GAMING INSURRECTION PAGE 19 ONLINE THIS QUARTER AT GAMING INSURRECTION
podcasts PODCASTS
ING • Playing Imports — The GI crew discusses playing im- AY ports and the impact of foreign games on their gaming PL TS collection. OR MP • Strip Talk — Associate Editor Jamie Mosley and Editor I Lyndsey Mosley discuss why Lyndsey dislikes the X- Men’s Phoenix Saga, her favorite parts of the saga and
VIDEOS feature videos why too many villains can sidetrack a comic book-based film. Editor Lyndsey Mosley shows you how to import games for various retro system featured in this quarter’s feature, Playing Imports! EDITOR’S WEEKLY PODCAST oin Gaming Animal Crossing Insurrection editors 1943 as they discuss City Folk J gaming issues from the past and present.
GAMING INSURRECTION SHOW Contra New Super Mario Bros. Wii Catch new episodes of the show on our blog or at our YouTube channel. PAGE 20 GAMING INSURRECTION SECOND QUARTER 2010 APRIL 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Blur (PS3, Xbox 360)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Monster Hunter Tri (Wii)
Dead to Rights: Retribution (PS3, Xbox 360)
Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest (Wii)
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction (Xbox 360)
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Nier (PS3, Xbox 360)
25 26 27 28 29 30 Red Dead Redemption (PS3, Xbox 360)
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (ALL)
Super Street Fighter IV (PS3, Xbox 360) MAY 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Iron Man 2 (ALL)
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Lost Planet 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
Mafia II (PS3, Xbox 360)
Alan Wake (Xbox 360)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 The Sw arm (Xbox 360) Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii) Brink (PS3, Xbox 360) Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (ALL) Skate 3 (PS3, Xbox 360) UFC Undisputed 2010 (PS3, Xbox 360) Split/Second (PS3, Xbox 360) Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (ALL)
30 31 JUNE 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 Alpha Protocol (PS3, Xbox 360)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (ALL)
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Warriors: Legend of Troy (PS3, Xbox 360)
Syberia 3 (PS3)
27 28 29 30 Metroid: Other M (Wii)