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Hgzine Issue 17

Hgzine Issue 17

FREE! NAV IG AT E |01 Issue 17 | June 2008 REVIEWED! Everybody’sGolf 2 Verdict inside!

HGFree Magazine For Handheld Gamers.ZineRead it, Print it, Send it to your mates…

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! WIN! ONE OF FIVE : COPIES OF SBK-08! MINDAll-new OVER shots and infoMUTANT REVIEW PREVIEW PREVIEW REVIEW Soul Bubbles SimCity The Legend Another DS gem? Creator Hero: of A whole city Dawn of the Dragon – flaming Iron Man On Tour Heavy metal! on your DS! Latest news and shots! hot news and shots CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |02

QUICK FINDER DON’T Every game’s just a click away! MISS! SONY PSP Crash Bandicoot: This month’s Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Mind over Mutant Arkanoid DS Dragon Sword highlights Iron Man : Looney Tunes: HGZine Everybody’s Golf 2 The Chapters Cartoon Concerto DS of the Chosen DS Reviews The Legend of Round-up There are some big names in this month’s issue SimCity Creator Soul Bubbles Kung Fu Panda Spyro: Dawn of MOBILE PHONE of your favourite handheld mag, including Find out why this is the next Lost in Blue 3 the Dragon News : Soul Bubbles Reviews Crash, Spyro, Iron Man, Doctor Who, but there essential DS game to buy! Top Trumps: are a couple of surprises, too. On Tour For starters, we recommend that you check out Soul Bubbles if you’re looking for something MORE FREE MAGAZINES! LATEST ISSUES! a bit different on DS this month – it’s hugely CRASH BANDICOOT: entertaining and totally addictive. And the return of the classic Arkanoid promises to bring a classic MIND OVER MUTANT slice of gaming genius to the DS. Another classic series gets updated for PSP So once again we’ve managed to pack in an and DS. Naturally we have an exclusive almost embarrassingly good selection of interview with the developers games for you. Plus, if our review of SBK-2008 whet your appetite for a bit of two-wheeled action, then head over to our competition, where we’re giving away five copies of the DON’T MISS ISSUE 18 SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! game! Enjoy the issue. IRON MAN Taking the metal WARNING! MULTIMEDIA DISABLED! mickey, or a cast-iron If you are reading this, then you didn’t choose “Play” Dean Mortlock, Editor winner? Find out in when Adobe Reader asked you about multimedia when [email protected] our hot review! you opened the magazine. Without the multimedia playing, the magazine will look correct, but you will MEET THE TEAM be missing out on all of the extra content built into each issue, like videos, They play games for a animated screenshots, annotations, quizzes, competitions and more. living, drive around in Mark Ramshaw Dave Perrett Chris Schilling Damien fancy sports cars and live Games veteran Mark Next month is Dave’s Even illness and foreign McFerran We recommend you close and re-open the magazine and select “Play” when would like you to know Stag do. And yes, he travel this month could The nicest man in in castles made of gold – he really hates the term probably will take his not delay this gaming videogames again does asked about the multimedia to enjoy the magazine as intended. they are… the writers. ‘Games Veteran’. PSP with him. mammoth’s copy flow. what he does best. PLAYING THIS MONTH: PLAYING THIS MONTH: PLAYING THIS MONTH: PLAYING THIS MONTH: Arkanoid DS Iron Man Everything Indiana Jones (mobile) CONTROL It’s good to rule the world. Lead your civilization from the dawn of man to the space age and beyond, in an all new Civilization created exclusively for console and handheld systems. Go head-to-head with history’s greatest leaders as you wage war, conduct diplomacy, discover new technologies and build the most powerful empire the world has ever known.

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13 June 2008

© 2005–2008 Take-Two Interactive Software and its subsidiaries. Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution, Civ, Civilization, 2K Games, the 2K Games logo, Firaxis Games, the Firaxis Games logo and Take-Two Interactive Software are all “�” and “PLAYSTATION” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. , , , Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software. All rights reserved. Microsoft. NINTENDO DS IS A TRADEMARK OF NINTENDO. CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |04 PREVIEWS Your city’s inhabitants aren’t backwards There’s a very MySims-esque look in coming forwards with suggestions of to the characters who will pop up how to improve your city. to inform you of anything which SimCity Creator needs your immediate attention. Build ’em up, then knock ’em down LATEST NEWS Publisher: EA What’s the story? Developer: In-house It’s SimCity, given an almost Civilization-esque spin. Instead of just building Heritage: FIFA series, up a modern-day metropolis, you need to watch your city evolve over MySims, Boogie time. The game begins in the rather vague ‘ancient times’ before moving Link: http:// onto the Middle Ages, then the recent past, and then onto the present and simcitysocieties.ea.com/ finally into a space-age . creator/index.php ETA: 19th September What do we know? The game uses an intuitive touchscreen-based control scheme which allows you to get around your city with ease while micro-managing using a simple menu system. There are two main modes to choose from, with Free PREVIEW “You can take a Play allowing more creative freedom, FEEDBACK! picture of your with the Challenge option offering a Click here to more traditionally structured approach – tell us what creation, which can and one which is definitely tougher. The you think of be shared wirelessly” game should play quite differently each SimCity Creator time, as decisions you make affect how your city takes shape over the ages. If The game’s visuals you’ve built something you’d really like to aren’t exactly eye candy, show off, you can also take pictures of but they’re clear enough your creation, which can be shared to do the job effectively. wirelessly with friends – any you’ve swapped can be viewed in Gallery mode. When do we get more? It’s out in September, and we’ll have a review for you around that time. Anything else to declare? There’s a version released alongside the DS game, and there’s no word yet on whether the two will link up, but the Wii version allows you to destroy the city you’ve just created.

CONTROL THE ACTION-PACKED PREQUEL TO THE MOST FAMOUS FINAL FANTASY EVER

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CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY - © 2007, 2008 SQUARE CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA. CRISIS CORE, the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- logo, FINAL FANTASY, and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. www.crisiscoregame.com “�”, “PlayStation”, “�” and “UMD” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |06 PREVIEWS Though the top screen isn’t used for much more than a map screen, its display of your health, position and objectives completed Graphically, Race Driver: keeps the touchscreen clutter-free. GRID should be another Kung Fu Panda high point for the DS Bear-knuckle brawling LATEST Publisher: NEWS Developer: What’s the story? Heritage: Tony Hawk’s Why, it’s your average everyday tale of a panda named Po, who must Proving Ground, defeat the evil Tai Lung by learning the ancient and noble martial art of the Spider-Man 3 title. Utilising the moves of the so-called Furious Five – Monkey, Tigress, Link: www.activision.com/ Mantis, Crane and Viper – Po must use all his inner and outer strength to index.html#gamepage|en_ oust Tai Lung, and become Dragon Warrior. US|gameId: KungFuPanda&brandId: What do we know? KungFuPanda It’s based on the forthcoming animated Dreamworks comedy film starring ETA: 27th June Jack Black, which instantly starts the old alarm bells ringing. Not because we dislike the tubby actor himself, but “This looks like because it’s a movie tie-in, and games of it could be a cut films aren’t exactly renowned for their above your quality. Yet KFP could well buck that trend PREVIEW average license” – handheld experts Vicarious Visions are FEEDBACK! the folks behind the DS version, and it Click here to looks pretty decent in motion, with an tell us what A marker on the bottom anarchic sense of humour bolstering its you think of screen shows which action solid beat-’em-up action. With some Kung Fu Panda you’re about to perform. Nice. platforming sections thrown in to mix things up a bit, this could be a cut above your average license. When do we get more? It’s out on the 27th, meaning we should be bringing you our considered opinion in the next issue of HGZine. Anything else to declare? The game will feature several animated story sequences throughout, and it uses some inventive touchscreen controls for puzzle solving, with the face buttons also The game merely looks passable in screenshots, but like all DS utilised for those who prefer to keep games, it’s much better in motion. things old-school.

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAV I G AT E |07 PREVIEWS L ost In Blue 3 keeps you on your t oes b y f or cing you t o disco ver the best way of doing things b y trial and err or. There’s something fishy about this screenshot. Lost in Blue 3 “Do n’ t te l l m e what I ca n’ t d o!” LATEST Publisher: NEWS D eveloper: Konami W h a t’s th e st ory? Heritage: Castlev ania S am e as Lost I n B lu e 1 an d Lost I n B lu e 2, rea ll y. Yo u’re ma roo n ed o n a series, Lunar Knigh ts d e s e rt islan d, an d have to fen d fo r yo ur s e l f (an d ot h e r s) in o rd e r to g e t Link: www.konami.c om/ t hro u gh t h e day s , gra dua ll y ex p l o r in g yo ur n e w h o m e be fo re e vent ua ll y Konami/ctl3810/cp20104/ fin din g a w ay to e s c a pe. si3108582/cl1/lost_in_ blue_3 W h a t do we kn o w? ETA: TBC 2008 Th e US ve r si o n is a lrea dy o u t , an d hav in g spent s o m e t im e w i t h t h e gam e, i t’s fair to say t hat fans o f t h e s e r i e s w ill fin d p l enty to enj oy. Th o u gh, as usua l, yo u have b u t o n e co mpani o n to t a ke c a re o f – late r yo u’ ll fin d m o re PREVIEW surv i vo r s. This n ot o nl y ma ke s ex p l o rat i o n easi e r, b u t a ll ow s FEEDBACK! fo r greate r re p lay va lu e, as t h e re a re mul t ip l e en din gs Click here to “The story is gradually d e pen din g o n yo ur inte ra ct i o ns w i t h t h e ot h e r cha ra cte r s. tell us what revealed via a series Ot h e rw is e i t’s b usin e ss as usua l – p l enty o f sl ow-b urnin g you think of of flashbacks” mi c ro mana g em ent , coo kin g an d hunt in g mini gam e s , c asua l Lost in Blue 3 s ex ism an d t hi ck-as-p u d din g co mra d e s w h o d o n’t d o anyt hin g unl e ss yo u te ll t h em . I t’s ha rd g o in g at t im e s , b u t in c redib l y re w a rdin g w h en yo u fina ll y st a rt g e tt in g s o m e w h e re in t h e gam e. W h en do we g et m ore ? We d o n’t have a co n c re te re l eas e date fro m Ko nami, b u t i t is d e fini te l y co min g to t h e U K s o m e t im e s oo n . A nythin g else t o de clare ? Th e sto ry is gra dua ll y re vea l ed v ia a s e r i e s o f flashba cks to yo ur t im e a boa rd a c ruis e ship. S o Exploration of the island is While progression is almost painfully w hat ha p pen ed? Yo u’ ll have to done in baby steps, as you slow, the little triumphs become that finish t h e gam e to fin d o u t. gradually edge away from much more satisfying, thanks to the your starting point. amount of effort you put in.

CO N T R O L WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |08 PREVIEWS Dream Pinball Publisher: SouthPeak Games | ETA: Q2 2008 Skate It Publisher: EA | ETA: TBC 2008 ou can count the number of kate It is a handheld off shoot of the superb Skate which hit good handheld pinball games Y the 36 0 and PS3 last year, finally toppling Tony Hawk from on one finger (M etroid Prime S his throne as the of videogame skateboarding. Though Pinball), but SouthPeak are hoping simpler than its older Coming to a dualscreen near you! to double that figure with their brother, Skate It utilises an latest title – a six-strong collection innov ative -based of tables with a number of different take on the original ’s Flickit Dinosaur King ball ty pes, each with distinctive Publisher: Sega | ETA: September controls, allowing the ballistic properties to affect player to string tricks and ne of the best things ever is dinosaurs fighting gameplay. The game’s box features flips that would make a Oeach other – something Sega have exploited in a W i-Fi logo, which presumably pro skater jealous. No this handheld RPG, which sees them butt heads in means online high-score tables, but release date as yet, but full 3D. There are seventy to collect, and they’re found there’s also a four-player mode – some early footage by digging up fossils from five territories. With 240 whether that’s offline only though, showcasing some nifty special moves to choose from, battles shouldn’t ever remains to be se en. We’ll be stylus manoeuvres has become dull – and there’s always the Wi-Fi multiplayer watching this one pretty closely. once you’re done with the solo campaign. left us wanting more. MySims Kingdom Space My Horse and Me 2 Publisher: EA | ETA: Autumn Publisher: Atari | ETA: Autumn A’s MySims wasn’t quite the world- Chimps he original picked Publisher: Warner Bros conquering success some predicted, Tup quite a E ETA: August but EA clearly believes there’s still some following with mileage in the brand, with this new ased on the equestrian fans, and handheld adventure due to hit the Bforthcoming kids’ the sequel looks to handheld this Autumn. You control King film of the s ame improve on that in a Roland (yes, that really is his name) and name, Space Chimps number of ways. The must revitalise your kingdom by sees the titular simians already impressive exploring, building and helping others. cr ash-land onto an alien planet and attempt to free the animation has been With minigames including ski jumping enslaved inhabitants from their ty r annical ruler. The game tweaked to look even and kayaking to compete in, hopefully itself is a fairly tr aditional 3D side-scrolling action adventure more realistic, while a its more narrative-led gameplay will with a two-player mode and a blend of combat and puzzle brand new storyline should allow horse fans to form a greater make for a more focused game. A full elements. Whether these two ingredients will work attachment to their virtual steed. It’s also licensed by the FEI preview is coming very soon… together or come out as a lumpy mess remains to be seen, (Federation Equestre Internationale), for those who like the but we’ll know soon enough – it’s out in a couple of months. official seal of approval for their horsing around. COMING New International Track & Field(20 th June)… Wall•E (4th July)… Final Fantasy IV(Summer) … : The Force Unleashed(19 th September)… SOON LEGO Batman: The Videogame(September) … (Autumn)… WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009(Autumn) … (Autumn) CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |09 MOBILE MOBILENEWS

The Mummy 3 Transformers: Publisher: Gameloft | Release date: August 2008 G1 Awakening fter the rather lacklustre sequel you’d think the creators of LocoRoco Publisher: Glu | Release date: Autumn 2008 AThe Mummy films would probably have the common sense to call it a day, but it sadly isn’t the case. A third film – Publisher: Sonny Pictures Europe ast year’s movie may have upset and enthralled that will be set in Asia rather than the traditional Egypt – is in Release date: Q4 2008 moviegoers in equal measures, but any Transformers L production as we speak, and predictably a mobile adaptation ome people will argue fan worth their salt will tell you that the original toy line is has also been confirmed. No screens have been shown as yet that LocoRoco was, for where the action is really at. Glu has recently announced S but we’re confidently stick our necks out and predict that some a time, the only reason to Hulk that it is producing a strategy title based around the kind of action platformer will be the order of the day. We’re consider purchasing a PSP. Publisher: Gamelof t | Release date: J une 2008 ‘Generation 1’ storyline, and the solitary screenshot that promised a visual feast, but then they all say that, don’t they? This cute and addictive little has been published so far looks incredibly promising. nother movie tie- in, this time We’ll bring you a full review in the next month or so. game is now coming to This could be surprisingly decent, so watch this space. Afeaturing troubled sup erhero T he mobile phones thanks to Incre dible Hulk. T he previous Hulk Sony Pictures Europe. Quite movie – dire cte d by Ang Le e – was how the eye-catching deemed to b e a bit of a letdown, but visuals will translate to the this time around things promise to b e Sonic Olympic Games significantly smaller display different with thinking- man’s actor Publisher: Sega Mobile | Release date: TBC of your average mobile Edward Norton in the lead role of Bruce e’s already starred in one Olympics game alongside arch-rival , remains to be seen, but if B anner. Given the title character’s Hbut everyone’s favourite blue hedgehog is taking a second bite of the the developer can retain p enchant for destruction it would b e cherry with this mobile entry. Expect the events to mimic that seen in the the wonderful gameplay prudent to e xp e ct a game where you Wii version, but obviously with slightly less polished visuals and a lack of then this will be an essential get to smash things up in a r age. Could motion-sensitive gameplay. Given the pedigree of the developer and the game purchase. b e interesting. lofty status of the licence, this could be one to watch out for.

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |10 PREVIEWS Roll over screen for annotations HANDS ON “20 of the 25 tracks Publisher: Activision Developer: Vicarious included are Visions Guitar Hero: exclusive Heritage: Tony Hawk’s and have Proving Ground never been Link: www. featured in guitarheroontour.com On Tour any previous ETA: Summer There’s a new hero in town… game”

ear not, rock fans. Soon you’ll be listing. This is obviously pretty vital able to headbang your way to news, as the music is a large part of the Fwork, because Guitar Hero: On game’s appeal, and although there are When your Star Power mode Tour is almost with us, bringing with it a few random choices thrown into the is activated, your on-screen that unique blend of rhythm action mix, we’re fairly confident that the performs all kinds of that has made the home console selection of songs will meet with radical moves. originals so essential. the approval of fans. In an effort to Since we last looked at the game establish the DS version as a stand- we’ve gotten wind of the some of the alone instalment, 20 of the 25 tracks songs that will appear on the track included are exclusive and have never been featured in any previous game. That fact alone should ensure that hardcore fans will view this portable edition as a worthy investment rather than a toned-down facsimile of its home console big brother. But what songs are included, we hear you cry? Well, the developer has gone for a fairly eclectic mixture of tunes, with the likes of Brit Indie act Bloc Party rubbing shoulders with 80s poodle-permed rockers Twisted Sister, but then variety is the spice of life, as This is the Guitar Grip they say. Other acts that will be lending peripheral. It will connect to all versions of the DS. their own unique brand of musical harmony to the game are Kiss, ZZ Top,

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |11 PREVIEWS

Trust us, this game is gonna be hot! Guitar Hero continued can activate it by pressing the icon on the screen. Or, if you’re feeling liberated, , Maroon 5, Blink 182, Jet, screaming into the microphone. Smash Mouth and Nirvana. Such a Such is the undeniable commercial melting pot of different styles should pulling power of the Guitar Hero brand at least prevent Guitar Hero: On Tour that Activision and Nintendo have from becoming too samey, regardless announced that the game will be of your personal opinion of the actual paired with a Nintendo DS in a retail bands themselves. special bundle, as well as being We’ve also been given some more available separately with the unique details of how the controls work. As ‘Guitar Grip’ control accessory. We expected, strumming is performed by won’t bore you with more details about simply touching the appropriate area this innovative peripheral – as we of the screen with the bundled ‘pick’ covered it in our last preview – but stylus. It’s also possible to apply the suffice to say that it’s compact, easy on all-important ‘whammy effect’ by the eye and promises to revolutionize tapping the whammy bar of the guitar the way you view your DS as a gaming shown on the touchscreen display. device. One additional detail we’ve The DS has played host to When your Star Power meter is full you discovered is that owners of the old ‘fat’ some truly amazing examples “Strumming is style DS won’t be left out – although of videogame craftsmanship, and performed by Your opponent can put you the Guitar Grip is designed to fit snugly it speaks volumes for the quality touching the screen off with things like flashing into the GBA slot of the DS Lite, an of the Guitar Hero brand that we’re with the bundled cameras, as sho wn her e. adapter will be included so it remains awaiting this game with a of ‘pick’ stylus” compatible with the older variant, too. expectation that is exceedingly difficult to match. Of course we will reign in our fan boy levels of excitement and reserve ultimate judgement until we actually have the final version You can flip the scr een in our sweaty palms next of your opponent t o month, but our gut instinct is that thr o w them off guar d. it would take a catastrophic disaster of truly epic proportions for this to turn out to be a . HGZine HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS H yper speed? T hat 80% 90% doesn ’t sound good t o us. Rarely have we been excited about a new DS game

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HANDS ON CRASH BANG WALLOP! It’s all in the Mind… Publisher: Developer: Radical Crash Bandicoot: Entertainment/Virtous Heritage: Link: http://village. crashbandicoot.com/splash ETA: October 2008 Mind over Mutant A Crash course in The malevolent Dr Neo Cortex is platforming perfection? once again making trouble for the “The malevolent Dr residents of the Wumpa Islands, only Neo Cortex is once he dust barely seems to have this time he’s going about it in a more again making trouble” settled from Crash Bandicoot’s devious manner. He’s created a must- Tlast outing, but as the saying have gadget that bears more than a goes, you can’t keep a good marsupial passing resemblance to a mobile on one. The catch is that this iPhone- downs and the demented fellow is phone, and as is the case with these wannabie is in reality a nefarious mind- Crash Jack off Voice of preparing to return to our small screens kind of things, the vast majority of the control device that turns the user into history reason in an all-new 3D platforming adventure. population can’t wait to get their hands a mindless zombie. Being the fine upstanding fellow that he is, Crash isn’t about to watch his countrymen get VoiceJackCrash off ofhistory reason RFirstS inceather introduced his unusually inception in for Crashin this 1996, ofkind theCrash of Titans, game, Bandicoot the there’s ‘ jacking’ has an starred awful system inlot overis of one spoken 15 of different the most brainwashed, and with this in mind he dialogueuniquevideogames features in Mind and ever asover the seen Mutant. recent in a release CrashO ver 8,500Bandicoot of Crash lines, of title. to the be After Titans precise. pummelling proves, To ensure his an that heads out to shatter Cortex’s twisted thisopponentcommercial high volume into stock submission, ofis stillchit-chat as high Crash doesn’t as c anever. thenget O on riginally leap your on nerves, earmarkedtheir back the anddeveloper by Sony control as has the dreams of world domination. selectedtheir‘official movements ’ mascotsome impressive of using their hisPlayStation voice trust talent y friend console, – Aku-Akuincluding Crash – Mark iswho now ‘Lukehappens resolutely S kywalker’ to be platform a Those of you that loved Crash of the Hamill.talkingagnostic, mask,Rumours which obviously. is of good lightsaber news for duels gamers being everywhere. included are currently unfounded. Titans will be perfectly comfortable here. Mind over Mutant retains many features present in the previous title but also promises to bring some Not particularly sporting, but it is refreshing changes to the table, too. incredibly helpful nonetheless. The Titans make a return, as does Thankfully, this system has Crash’s rather worrying predilection for undergone a few changes. Crash is ‘jacking’ them – which, for those of you now able to store Titans up for later that haven’t played the previous game, use, which means you can switch to Looks like C rash has involves controlling their actions by the most appropriate one when the been taking lessons from L ara C rof t leaping on their backs and tagging moment calls for it. Apparently Crash them with the mystical Aku-Aku mask. is able to store Titans in his pockets,

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |13 PREVIEWS T his ghost-like Titan is Each Titan is imbued with handy f or tackling some special abilities that assist of the cr eepier le vels Crash in his noble quest explore the Wumpa Islands. Apparently you will be able to go anywhere, providing you possess the appropriate Titan. To round things off it is also possible for a second player to join in the fun in the co-operative multiplayer mode, assuming the role of Crash’s ebullient sibling Coco. For those of you that can’t get enough of human interaction, other multiplayer modes are mooted as well – as you would expect from a DS and PSP title. “Crash can also climb Mind over Mutant is predictably Crash Bandicoot cont. walls and possesses new coming out on several different home evasive manoeuvres” formats, including the Wii, Xbox 360, which must have Tardis-like qualities PS2 and DS (which is an entirely given the immense size of some of different game, showcasing a 2D these brutes. Crash can also climb several special moves witnessed in viewpoint and other features that walls and possesses new evasive Crash of the Titans will be available for promise to take advantage of the manoeuvres that should give the use in the game from the outset, rather console’s more unique aspects). combat a little more variety. Another than having to be unlocked later. However, it’s the PSP version that we’re neat addition is the ability to dig for Another aspect of Mind over Mutant previewing here and we have to say it’s bonus items, and we’ve been told that that appeals to us is the chance to fully looking extremely promising indeed, and looks set to retain all the fun and T he glo wing r ed e yes would frolics of its home console brethren. suggest this chap isn ’t her e Some might well question the as a welcoming committ ee wisdom of releasing another Crash episode so soon after the previous one, but from what we’ve seen here the developer is doing a fine job of enhancing the already enjoyable experience witnessed in Crash of the Titans. Watch this space… HGZine HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS 70% 80% More of the same, but it’s shaping up nicely

CO N T R O L WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAV I G AT E |14 INTERVIEW “ It’s time to look back at the things that made Crash Crash Bandicoot: so great”

Mind over Mutant Wumpa Island becomes a fr ee-r oaming envir onment T he wo rld’s cra zi est ma r su p i a l re tu rns fo r f resh hij i nks , f or the very first time. a n d this ti m e sid e k ick siste r Co co g e t s he r cha nce to shi n e

A nd wha t are you doing t o stamp your own mar k on the Cr a sh Bandic oot ser ies ? H M: Th e fir st t hin g we ’ve d o n e is gi ve Crash an d t h e w h o l e Crash uni ve r s e a Crash ’s monst er in fre sh n e w l oo k an d fee l . We have a ls o the pocket trick is a d d ed to t h e g enre by gi v in g t h e guarant eed t o va r i o us mu t ants t hat inha b i t t h e islan ds impr ess the ladies. m o re attent i o n . Yo u’ ll l ea rn p l enty m o re a bo u t t h em an d yo u’ ll be a b l e to d o Crash holds on f or dear t hin gs w i t h t h em t hat yo u n e ve r co ul d lif e, in another nail-biting battle against the minions he ar r iv al of ea ch ne w Cr a sh Is it da un ting t o wor k with such be fo re. N ow t hat we ’ve a chi e ved t h os e re st r i ct i o ns o f past gam e s w h e re yo u of ar ch enemy C ort e x. Bandic oot game is alw ay s a a w ell-established char a ct er? t hin gs , i t’s t im e to l oo k ba ck at t h e co ul d o nl y p lay w i t h Crash t hro u gh Tbig even t, with ea ch relea se H amish M ill ar, G am e De si gn e r: I t’s t hin gs t hat ma d e Crash s o great in a reas fro m st a rt to finish . I nstea d we ’ve br inging fresh fea tures, visuals, inc redib l y exci t in g to wo r k o n his the fir st p la ce an d ima gin e w hat t hat o pen ed up t h e wo r l d fo r yo u to and idea s t o the ser ies. To br ing gam e s. Th e fa ct t hat h e is s o we ll ex pe r i en ce sh o ul d fee l like o n t h e ex p l o re. I t wo r ks like t his : as yo u p lay you the low down on this la t est e st a b lish ed is a st ren g t h fo r us. Crash new g en e rat i o n o f co ns o l e s. yo u’ ll co m e a c ross fo r ks in yo ur pat h, outing for the P SP and D S we has g o n e t hro u gh a numbe r o f an d hub a reas a ll ove r w h e re yo u c an decided tha t the best thing t o do chan g e s in his m o re recent gam e s an d Is Mind over Mutan t going t o be d eci d e w h e re yo u w ant g o. Yo u mi ght w a s t o speak t o a s many people i t’s o ur j o b to kee p him o n co ur s e. Th e m uch more of a free-roaming e ven d eci d e to g o ba ck an d fin d a in the developmen t t eam a s we t hin gs t hat s o many peo p l e have l oved game than previous ones ? mu t ant t hat yo u w anted to pocke t fo r c ould get our hands on. Here’s a bo u t him fo r s o l o n g a re t h e ve ry De s H i nkso n, Le a d Le ve l De si gn e r: a fight o r a p u zz l e yo u n ot i ced – wha t they had t o say… t hin gs t hat w ill h e lp us d o just t hat. Basi c a ll y we ’ve t hrow n aw ay t h e s o m e t im e s yo u’ ll co m e a c ross a d ea d

CO N T R O L WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |15 INTERVIEW “Crash’s world has become a fully living, breathing place”

For the first time players can play as Coco as well as Crash. Each has their own set of attacks and moves.

The world of Crash is brought to life with a fresh new look in both the PSP and DS versions of Mind over Mutant. well as fight battles. Each of the Titans the player finds will begin as a low-level Titan that the player can level up as he/ Interview continued As Coco is now playable, what What new features have you she progresses through the game. As the skills and abilities will she bring been able to implement? Titan levels up, they become stronger, end that requires you to solve a to the game? Glenn Dphrepaulezz, Associate Producer: change in appearance and gain new problem elsewhere before you can Nick Unden, Lead Animator: Because Tose is developing the DS version of abilities to provide a twist to the gameplay. get past it. You can choose to follow Coco has a really capable and confident Mind over Mutant out of their offices Our PSP version, on the other hand, is the story and see where it leads you, personality, we wanted to set her apart in Kyoto. They have enormous DS being done by . In this port or ignore the story for a while and from Crash and complement him at the experience and that legacy has helped players will enjoy all features and visual explore the way you want. same time. In particular we wanted us decide on the key differentiating quality of the console titles, but lucky for Crash’s world has become a living, Coco to have a unique fighting style. feature: 2D platforming. We chose to PSP fans, its competitive multiplayer breathing place, with events happening Crash’s fight style is very fluid and venture away from using the gameplay feature is exclusive to the PSP. in different parts of the world whether whole-body. Coco is a little more style of the console skus to make a great Each of the new multiplayer modes you’re there or not. That means your controlled, so we gave her sharper game focusing on the DS’s strengths. uses gameplay based on key new CRASH BANDICOOT experience in each part of the game moves with a bit of a Kung Fu In addition to the focus on the 2D features in Mind over Mutant. Once MIND OVER MUTANT will be a bit different when you explore influence. We also added some fun platforming gameplay style, Mind over you’re done giving Cortex a beating, you Publisher: Sierra them at different times. Crash will be new idles that are totally in keeping Mutant for the DS uses Titans found can move onto bashing your buddies in Developer: Tose/Virtuos roaming like he’s never roamed before. with her unique style. throughout the game to solve puzzles as the multiplayer mayhem! ETA: October

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |16 PREVIEWS HANDS ON BATTER UP What’s newn e w iin n ththe e woworld rl d oof f bbricks ricks Up t o f our gamers ar e support ed in the Publisher: Square Enix Arkanoid DS highly smashtastic Developer: Taito multiplayer mode. Get your Heritage: Arkanoid, Forget the Dark Knight. Taito’s original Bat man returns… Manga on Breakout lassic arcade games Link: www.taito.co.jp/csm/ Arkanoid pr e viously made arkanoid_ds/trial/trial.html never die. Some are guest appearances in games Elongated ETA: July Cdestined to evolve, like Super Mario World 2. action gradually becoming bigger, better and altogether more epic. And A kick up PREVIEW then there are those that the arts FEEDBACK! don’t so much grow as Click here to shrink – staying true to tell us what their roots but finding a you think of new home in the small- Arkanoid DS screen, play anywhere land of handheld gaming. So it goes with Arkanoid DS has Arkanoid. It last graced a alr eady been T he player’s bat is Nintendo system way r oadt est ed b y actually a ‘Vaus’, a back in 1997, but Taito actually first Japanese gamers. ElongatedAGet kick your up Manga the action arts on spaceship that can be unleashed its sci-fi themed bat and ball T he y lo ved it. “At its core this is the TheThisT he DSclassicnew version DS brick-breaking version of Arkanoid of Arkanoid formula sports awards thr of eeTaito’s diffproficient er original en t game gamers coin-op modes, with gets includingthe the ability full an po wer ed up in all k inds game as a coin-op over a decade stretched-outtoall-ne change w st orythe version. DSgame treatment, ic onsT his and being with background a the Japanese play areaart. version It spanning still of all a boilsJapanese both down screens. c oin-op,to deft Of of cool way s. Arkanoid all the old course,selectionit’s not tit oo ofdoes surprising angles take when a littlethat trying thisgetting mode to bounceused sports to yourthe cut fact eweapon r obotic that theatcharact arrangements ball ers,has cto omplet switch of e earlier. What’s more, the taste of some DS-style old school farts know and love” game’s roots stretch all the action. At its core this is the Arkanoid all fromcolouredwith wide-eone blocks,to yedthe other ebut xpr a essions. asbit it of passes eye You candy gottaup and is lo always vedown that the nice. Manga! play area. way back to 1976, when the old farts know and love, with the Breakout gave juvenile same power-up infused action, and the makeover, courtesy of Taito’s award- t h e impo rt ro u te i f yo u a bs o lu te l y, delinquents the world over same magical ingredient that separates winning team of ivory tinklers Sadly, the posi t i ve l y must have t h e au t h ent i c something to obsess about the good from the great in the funky retro paddle controller that Taito ana l ogu e 19 80 s flashba ck ex pe r i en ce. while waiting for somebody videogaming hall of fame. released alongside the game in Japan Yo u’ ll have to fin d yo ur ow n sh o ul d e r to invent Space Invaders. This is also recognisably a 21st won’t be coming to these shores any pa ds , l eg w a rm e r s an d d od gy N e w Arkanoid has already century creation, with three gameplay time soon, but at least there is always R o mant i c hair, t h o u gh . been ‘doing the business’ modes to choose from, multiplayer over in Japan, and now – support, and extra goodies like the HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS thanks to Taito’s new(ish) ability for those with real gaming HGZine owners Square Enix – us proficiency to select new background 100% 80% Gaijin gamers can get a designs. Even the soundtrack gets a Smashing! Get ready to Breakout all over again

CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAV I G AT E |17 PREVIEWS

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Publisher: Square Enix Developer: ArtePiazza Heritage: Dragon Quest series (NES and PlayStation) Dragon Quest Link: http://na.square- enix.com/zenithia ETA: September Chapters of the Chosen European RPG fans finally get a chance to join the quest “In Japan, Dragon Quest (and not Final Fantasy) Chapter And Verse t’s harder to imagine a safer pair renowned Final Fantasy. T he original Dragon Quest IV: Chapt ers Of T he Chosen r ec eived much of hands for a new DS game that You could also say the company has is regarded as the most ac claim f or its pioneering chapt er-based f ormat, so it’s no surprise that Icombines fighting, fantasy and near a bit of previous with Dragon Quest. popular fantasy saga” the same frame work has been r etained f or the DS edition. lethal doses of cute characterisation Having launched the series way back T her e ar e five chapt ers in all – Ragnar McRy an and the Case of the than Square Enix. After all, this is the in 1982, the company has shifted over You would, however, be forgiven for Missing Children, Alena and the Journe y t o the Tourne y, Torneko and the company responsible for the world- forty million of the blighters in Japan, not knowing any of this, as the arrival of Extrav agan t Excav ation, Meena and May a and the Mahabala Myst ery, where Dragon Quest (and not Final this new DS Dragon Quest adventure and T he Chosen. T hese have been script ed t o build up an epic, with gamers given the opportunity t o st ep in t o the shoes of f our supporting The adventure Fantasy) is regarded as the most actually marks the series’ European charact ers bef or e finally gaining c on tr ol of the r eal her o of the tale. covers land, air, popular fantasy saga of all. debut. And just to complicate things sea and the even further, this is actually a complete, darkest depths. Six Million Dollar Man-style rebuild of t r i ed an d te sted gam e m echani cs an d an earlier adventure (the fourth in a sto rylin e, b u t w hi ch st ill d oe s full just i ce very, very long saga) that’s already seen to t h e DS p latfo rm t han ks to DS action on the NES and PlayStation. w ire l e ss sup po rt , an a ll-n e w o rch e st ra l So where, aside from confused, does s co re, p lus dua ls c reen 3D v isua ls t hat that leave DS owners? Cynics might feat ure c u te-as-a-b u tto n cha ra cte r an d used words like ‘money’, ‘old’ and ‘rope’, m o nste r d e si gns by n o n e ot h e r t han but we prefer to view this as an ideal D ra g o n Ba ll Z a rt ist A kira To r iyama. way for DS role-playing fans to get their Or to p u t i t an ot h e r w ay: S qua re hands on an epic adventure that sports d oe s DS fant asy. What’s n ot to like? HGZine HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS One of Japan’s best- The story may be 95% 90% loved RPGs gets old, but the cool 3D In the world of role-playing it’s hip to be Square Manga-fied. views are all new.

CO N T R O L WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAV I G AT E |18 PREVIEWS

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Publisher: Sierr a : D eveloper: E tr anges Libellules We’re guessing that this could Heritage: Asterix & be a battle of some sort. Obelix XXL Dawn of the Dragon Link: www. sp yrothedr agon.c om Spyro’s Le g e n d tri l o g y is co mi ng to a n e n d . Ti m e to fin d o ut mo re… ETA: October h e p urp l e pos e r is m ost d e fini te l y Daw n o f t h e D ra g o n is s e t s o m e p laye r s c an easil y sw i tch ba ck, in t h e fina l gam e o f t h e t hree yea r s sin ce Spyro an d Cyn d e r between Spyro an d Leg en d o f Spyro t r il ogy, Daw n we re l e ft t ra p ped in t h e c ry st a l at t h e Cyn d e r at t h e fli ck o f a PREVIEW T Spyro doing what of th e D ra g o n, b u t is i t l oo kin g like t h e en d o f Th e Ete rna l N i ght. As yo u’d swi tch . As yo u wo ul d Spyro does best: flying! FEEDBACK! diminu t i ve dra g o n w ill g o o u t in flam e s ex pect , t h e t r il ogy is s e t to ro un d expect , di ffe rent Click here to o r a p u ff o f sm o ke? Le t’s rea d o n an d t hin gs o ff ni ce l y, an d t h e re ’s t a lk o f cha ra cte r s have di ffe rent tell us what fin d o u t t h en, sha ll we? ‘ne w powe r s ’ an d ‘ful fillin g d e st ini e s ’, abili t i e s , an d ce rt ain you think of so it’s fair to assum e t hat a massi ve sect i o ns o f t h e gam e The Legend of co nfro nt at i o n w i t h t h e Da r k M aste r can o nl y be co mp l e ted Spyro: Dawn is like l y to be o n t h e c a rds. by th e cha ra cte r yo u a re of the Dragon Wh en yo u ini t ia ll y fire up t h e gam e current l y co nt ro llin g . t h en i t a p pea r s t hat b usin e ss is ve ry Th e A -list lin e-up o f mu ch as usua l . Th e re ’s t h e usua l mix voc a l t a l ent has a ls o re t urn ed . There are a staggering number of fire-b reat hin g , fl y in g an d g em Once a gain, t h e chil dlike to n e s o f It reall y wouldn’t be the same of icons, representing both co ll ect in g , b u t t h e re a re s o m e n e w Spyro have been vo i ced by t h e without a year l y update of the Spyro Spyro and Cynder, but you’ll soon get used to them. gam e p lay e l em ents we l d ed in to a d d chil dlike , w hil e t h e s er ies, and with p lot ends hopefull y s o m e va r i e ty to t h e familia r. remainin g cha ra cte r s have been being tidied up nicel y, we’re quietl y Fans o f fl yin g dra g o ns w ill be reco rd ed by st a r s su ch as Chr ist ina loo king forw ard to Daw n of the p l eas ed to h ea r t hat Spyro c an n ow fl y R i cci, G a ry Ol dman an d M a r k H amill – D ragon. Come back next month at any t im e. A n d t h e re ’s a ls o a co- w h o a ls o vo i ced cha ra cte r s fo r t h e to rea d our exclusi ve interv iew with o pe rat i ve m od e too n ow, m eanin g t hat new Crash gam e. the game’s developer s.

“Spyro can now HOW COMPLETE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS fly at any time in HGZine the game” 65% 80% He’s still our favourite t wisted friend

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REVIEWS With voice samples courtesy of Robert Downey Jr, the game audio is top notch. Sadly the same thing can’t said “The suit provides of the murky visuals. most of the fun to be Iron Man had in the game” Test your mettle by wearing, erm, metal

eing a One Man Army in a shiny A metallic suit and hands that metal suit has its plus points – emit super heat rays? Has Tony Byou can fly, you have an array of Stark really thought this super weapons at your disposal and nobody hero alter ego thing through? dares to spill your pint. But there are Publisher: Sega downsides too –women can use your Developer: A2M metal sheen as a mirror to check their Heritage: Spider-Man: makeup and, worst of all, when Friend or Foe enemies want to take you down, they Link: http:// don’t just send a couple of dudes with xxx xxx xx xxx xxx ironmanthegame. guns, they send a whole army and air xxx xx xxx xxx xxx xx marvel.com force to take you down. xxx xxx xxx xx xxx OUT NOW Such is the case in Iron Man, the xxx xxx xx xxx Tony Stark does some game that is loosely based on the film mincing around, while waiting for a delivery of a REVIEW (complete with voiceovers from Robert fun that there is to be had in the game, far cooler gold and bronze FEEDBACK! Downey Jr) but with different plot and as you improve and play the game armoured outfit. Click here to twists that fans of the comics will enjoy. more, so your suit can be upgraded to tell us what As Tony Stark, you have to bring peace toughen you up and make your you think of to the world by flying and blasting weapons more deadly. frustrating than fun and more insipid super hero mov ie tie-in that s ees you Iron Man through the levels, using your Iron Man Not that you’ll really want to play than inspir ing. The troub le st arts with whizz ing through the skies t aking on suit as a weapon, a shield and a flying the game that much though because, the contro l system, which is annoyingl y all-comer s, it’s even more disappointing machine. The suit provides most of the disappointingly, Iron Man is more clunky. Unfortunatel y, Iron Man c an to p lay this b land effort. perform more actions than there are Da ve Perrett b uttons on your PSP, and as a result , executing the action you w ant when ANY OLD IRON you w ant isn’t easy. What could’ve been From total zero to super hero The 13 levels aren’t much better HGZine Marvel-lous is drab and either – gamep lay’s repetiti ve and The game starts with you wearing a rubbish suit that any disappointing kid could construct out of tin foil. Sure, it can fly and blast tires ome, and the enemies are s o lame Verdict enemies, but it’s not up to much else. But as you progress you c an finish them off with eas e. It’s Authentic film actor voices through the game, so your weapons get more kick ass and not that Iron Man’s particular l y ba d – it the suit improves as it slowly turns into the iconic red and isn’t – but it’s not good either. And Weak enemies gold beast all comic book geeks know and love. gi ven that the action-packed subject Dull visuals and foggy levels matter should make for an amaz ing 5 CONTROL NAVIGATE |21

REVIEWS There are plenty of courses, and they’re all brilliant. Everybody’s Golf 2 It’s golf Jim, but not as you know it You have full control over the angle of t’s commonly believed that football the camera and the view of your hole, is a funny old game, but what so you’ll always know where you are. I about golf? You whack a tiny ball with a metal stick, walk all the way over Publisher: Sony to it and do it all again. Then, just when Developer: Clap Hanz you think it couldn’t get any stranger, Heritage: Minna no you’re then expected to knock it into a Golf (PS3) hole that’s only slightly bigger than the Link: www.claphanz.co.jp ball itself. And don’t even begin to get OUT NOW us started on the clothing that golfers xxx xxx xx xxx xxx seem to prefer wearing… xxx xx xxx xxx xxx xx Speaking of odd brings us very xxx xxx xxx xx xxx REVIEW neatly to Everybody’s Golf 2. A game xxx xxx xx xxx FEEDBACK! that throws traditional convention out “Everybody’s Trust us, you’ll know Click here to of the window to bring us a version of Well, there’s the expected (new exactly when you hit tell us what the sport that manages to be both a courses and characters) and also the Golf is truly in a the ball perfectly. you think of highly playable game of golf, and also a unexpected, too. The game now has a league of its own” Everybody’s well thought out computer game in its beefy Wi-Fi multiplayer mode, allowing slice the ball or a dd a ‘tur bo’ to your Golf 2 own right. Arguably the most addictive up to 16 players to compete online, choos e from a s election of covered shot for a dded dist ance. and enjoyable golf game ever made, while a new card system replaces the c ards for s ome bonus items. Thes e Everybody’s Go lf is both a p layab le Everybody’s Golf is truly in a league of reward one in the first game – could be a new piece of clothing or a game in its ow n r ight and als o a worthy its own. So what’s new? complete a round and you get to bonus point to increas e your st ats. It’s a s equel, too. And whether you like go lf random system, but one that als o or not , there’s a lot to enjoy here. wor ks reall y well. Dean Mortlock The var ious game modes are the COSTUME DRAMA usual motley crew of practice modes, A beautifully playable More outfits than Victoria Beckham tournaments, training and a range of HGZine and well-designed minigames that have you trying to get As you’d expect from a crazy game like this, you’re not golf game expected to parade around in plus-fours and cardigans. You a ho le-in-one for bonus points. Verdict have the potential to earn bonus cards at the end of each Behind the shine and options though, Stunning gameplay round, and these cards can – among other things – reward is a very tidy gameplay dynamic . It’s the you with bonus costumes… including this very fetching usual ‘hit the mov ing line in the correct Loads of options panda outfit – complete with fetching red cape. part of the bar’ method for hitting the 12-player online play ball, but you als o have the ability to 8 CONTROL NAVIGATE |22 REVIEWS While it’s mainly stylus controlled, you’ll need the D-pad to split your FOUND THAT SOUL bubble into pieces to squeeze into Uncovering Soul Bubbles’ key elements HGZine narrow crevices – usually where extra Soul stardust or calabash can be found.

Publisher: Eidos Developer: Mekensleep Bubbles Heritage: None Link: www.eidos We’re forever blowing bubbles… interactive.com/games/ info.=192 laying like a Later stages have environmental OUT NOW cross between hazards which you need to tap or PPSP classic rub with the stylus to get rid of. REVIEW LocoRoco and the FEEDBACK! Wii’s excellent LostWinds, Soul Click here to Soul Bubbles is hardly a tell us what Bubbles more than merits the comparison violent game, though you think of you do need to StarStar fruitfruit Water way Know your Soul Bubbles to those two great games. While it owes occasionally slice the to go enemy odd frog tongue in half. a small debt to the former, it very much “Soul Bubbles KnowWaterStar fruit yourway toenemy go feels like its own game. peaceful gameplay ice level YouTheWhile waycan the add the ultimate ‘bossbubble battles’ objective moves to feels Soulfor eachwonderfully Bubbles’ stage list is consistentto of simplyabsences get – sometimes– the and spirits the enemies you’llsafely You play as an apprentice spirit deserves to earn it p lays at a inhaveto generalthe to gateway really are battlefairly cubes, easily against to get dispatched. thethe elements,best ranking The environmentlike you’ll flowing need water itself to pick isand your up wind. all biggest the herder, tasked with guiding seven a legion of fans” pace akin obstacle,You’llpieces feel of stardustwith yourself fire, scattered pressingthorns and about,the sharp stylus as twigs well very as allfirmly the able calabash. against to puncture the Cleverly, touchscreen your bubble.the precious souls through a series of to an ear l y 2D S onic game, while the It’stspiritso o onlyvercome alert in the you these game’s to theobstacles. finallocations area Often ofwhere the these latter you’ll tricky by have turningsections to get into will handy pinklead with heartsto places the Tutorial? Of course wherestylus,when one calabashwith is morenearby. or flying bits of foes stardust than mostare hidden. of the other stages combined. there is a tutorial… circuitous levels. As the air is harmful to three c alabash fruits s ecreted within the spirits, they’re encased in a pieces to fit through narrow gaps, to each st age become harder to loc ate. bubble, which you need to deflate larger bubbles or to create new Yet you’ll s ee the end far s ooner than blow around – thankfully, not ones which can be joined to your you w ant to – though that’s test ament by huffing into the DS mic, but existing bubble or used to pick up water to how a ddicti ve it is rather than any Soul Bubbles is a stunning by dragging the stylus across to douse flames blocking your path. slight on its brev ity. And besides, you’ll HGZine game that is a real breath the screen to push it around on Soul Bubbles meanders along at its w ant to go back to get thos e remaining a cushion of air. It takes all of own pace, slowly upping the challenge c alabash and get a full s et of S rankings. Verdict of fresh air five minutes to get used to without ever becoming difficult, and S oul Bubb les might be too slow and Gorgeous graphics the fine control needed to get slowly introducing new elements, like easy for s ome, but its peaceful and around the various obstacles, pink and blue gases which make your enjoyab le gamep lay des erves to earn Superb bubble physics while you’re given three masks bubble heavier and lighter, allowing it a legion of fans. Gi ve it a go. Too sedate for some to cut bubbles into smaller you to rip through cloth barriers. A late Ch ris Sch illin g 9 CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |23 REVIEWS Good for them, but bad for you, though…

“It’s incredibly Top Trumps:simple and as such is perfect for younger gamers”

Publisher: Eidos Developer: Ironstone Doctor Who Partners Travel back in time with a classic given a new twist Classic characters Trust us, you’ll Heritage: Top Trumps, Top make an appearance, love it… iven that Doctor Who is the stats on it – height, intelligence, including the slitheen. Trumps: Dogs & Dinosaurs gaming equivalent of a vast monster rating, darkness and courage – Link: www.eidos underground goldmine of fun and you have to pick the stat that you interactive.co.uk G that’s just waiting to be tapped, you think is higher than the equivalent stat OUT NOW could be forgiven for letting off on your opponent’s card. If it is higher, something of a sigh when you realise you win that card; if not, your REVIEW that, rather than an action-packed opponent wins it, and the overall FEEDBACK! adventure featuring , Sontarans winner is the player who ends up with Click here to and Cybermen, this is a card battling all the cards. tell us what game. But while it would probably be It’s incredibly simple, and as such is you think of better if this was a fully fledged Doctor perfect for younger gamers, but there Top Trumps: Who , Top Trumps: Doctor are a couple of extra features included feature is unlockable power cards that Doctor Who Who is, as it happens, actually a pretty to help spice up proceedings. First, as you pick before each battle, and you decent game in itself. you rack up combos of winning cards, can use these to give you an advantage If you’ve ever played Top Trumps your power bar fills up and you can use over you opponent – think of it as legal before, you’ll know what to expect this to unleash your character’s chosen cheating if you will. is a It may be simple, but Top Trumps great card to get, here. Each player has a card with five special abilities. The second added as he’s pretty is actually pretty addictive, and with unbeatable. more than 35 different cards featuring PICK A POWER… all your favourite heroes and villains, …any p ower there’s plenty here to keep you Just like the Tardis, it may entertained and playing for a long time HGZine seem shallow but it’s Before each battle you’ll get the chance to pick three special to come. Don’t expect too many scary packed with fun cards to use. You start with only two available to you, but or action-packed moments, or too Verdict you’ll unlock more as you progress through the game. When much complexity, but Top Trumps: Addictive you’re up against it, touch the special card you want to use Doctor Who is a solid and fun card and you’ll unleash your power, such as the chance to spy on game that’s guaranteed to have Great link-up modes your opponent’s card or a free shot at the card they’re holding. younger fans hooked. Shame it’s not an action game Dave Perrett 7 CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |24 REVIEWS Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword The stylus is your sword in Team Ninja’s superb scrapper Publisher: Though the stages are very Developer: Team Ninja inja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is a relevant icon on the touchscreen. It’s a linear, the combat is so Heritage: Ninja Gaiden game full of surprises. The first great system that works really well. spectacular that you won’t mind. series, Dead Or Alive series Ncomes when you realise The game’s plot is relayed in a Link: www.ninja Tomonobu Itagaki has attempted to comicbook style, which looks fine, but Ryu’s ninpo techniques gaidengame.com/ninja recreate the fast-paced 3D combat of the story isn’t anything to shout about. its home console predecessors on the Though your vocal chords will get a are best saved for the Gaiden/ninjagaiden/ngds boss battles. OUT: 27th June humble DS. The second comes when workout when yelling into the mic to you see that he’s managed it. And the wake shopkeeper Muramasa. Sadly, third comes when you get a couple of he’s not stocking extra weapons this It’s easy to loose track of hours in before losing a life. Not the time, only upgrades and spells. the twists and turns in the same as the Gaiden we’re used to, then. With its stages perfectly sized for story, but it’s not essential Reduced difficulty aside, in every portable play, it’s just a shame that to follow the plot. other regard Dragon Sword feels like a there aren’t enough of them – the REVIEW Ninja Gaiden game should. Its controls game ends after around six hours. FEEDBACK! are masterful – with the DS held While this prevents repetition, it’s still a Click here to vertically (Brain Training has a lot to little too short for £30. A pity, as this is tell us what answer for) you simply use the stylus otherwise a great example of how to you think of for everything, with one notable translate a successful franchise from Ninja Gaiden: exception – any face or shoulder console to handheld. Dragon Sword button is used to block. And seasoned Gaiden players will know just how important that command is. Perhaps the game’s ease can be WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? attributed to how wonderfully the Hunting for prizes… stylus controls have been integrated. Simple vertical or horizontal flicks pull The DS microphone is used to find secret Short, but it’s an incredibly off nearly all Ryu’s moves, and it’s wood amulets in the game, which then HGZine sweet journey while it amazing to see how rare it is that your unlock various items in the prize menu – input is misread. Stringing manoeuvres available once you’ve completed the game. If Verdict lasts, though you hear a bird cry, blow or talk into the mic, together has rarely felt quite so Stunning 3D graphics intuitive, and it’s all so fluid that you’ll and be ready to shoot the bird whizzing be showboating in no time. Activating across the screen. You’ll get character art Immaculate control scheme and other such bonuses for your efforts. ninpo magic is a simple case of tracing Over far too soon a symbol brought up by tapping the 8 CONTROL NAVIGATE |25 REVIEWS “The idea is that you’re conducting the music for a series of Looney Looney Tunes: Tunes cartoons” Publisher: Eidos Developer: Amaze Entertainment C ertain sections Heritage: Crash of the Cartoon Concerto see not es falling fr om the t op t o Titans, Shrek the Third A f e w not es can be tapped, but Elite Beat Orchestra? Roll over screen for annotations the bott om, Link: www. it’s best t o drag fr om an empty which you simply space t o those so you don ’t eidosinteractive.co.uk/ erhaps the most surprising game need t o tap when accidentally r esort t o EBA’s newsinfo.html?nwid=334 we’ve played all year, Cartoon the y r each the contr ol scheme. OUT NOW PConcerto is a game which corr ect point. might seem best suited to a younger REVIEW audience, but will likely find more of a FEEDBACK! cult audience among hardcore gamers. Click here to It doesn’t start well. Opening with a tell us what tedious, unskippable tutorial presented you think of by possibly the worst Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes: impression you’ve ever heard, it Cartoon Concertoappears to be little more than a blatant rip-off of Elite Beat Agents. Yet, as the game progresses, you soon realise there’s more to it than that – and that aping such a cracking rhythm-actioner is hardly a bad idea in the first place. Even Bugs’ voice becomes curiously Stages ar e unlocked alluring – if only to laugh at how gradually as you pr ogr ess. hysterically awful it is. The idea is that you’re conducting appear as numbers, a la EBA. But couple of hours, frustrated by its the music for a series of vintage Looney instead of just tapping them to the toughness, everyone else will lap An unexpected treat that Tunes cartoons – many of which will orchestral soundtrack, you need to up the challenge. With plenty of HGZine we are more than happy only be familiar to those of a particular drag the stylus with perfect timing recognisable classical tunes to choose age, given how old they all are. While into the hit boxes – it’s remarkably from, a set of highly amusing cartoons Verdict to recommend it’s a shame they’re not recreated in tricky to get the hang of, and the to watch and the top difficulty testing Enjoyable gameplay their original form, Amaze have made a lowest difficulty is hardly well suited even the most hardened EBA player, decent fist of translating them to the to younger players. Cartoon Concerto is an effective take Plenty of challenge small screen. The bottom screen shows Yet somehow it all works rather well. on the rhythm-action genre. Some iffy note placement a blank music score, where notes Though kids will put it down after a Chris Schilling 7 CONTROL WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |26 COMPETITION

WIN! A COPY OF ! SBK-2008 FORWe gave the game an PSP8 out of 10 score last month, and if you fancy seeing what all the fuss While it’s fair to say that motorbike racing games have always been somewhat neglected is about for free, then why not enter our when compared to their four-wheeled cousins, competition, where you stand a chance of it’s also fair to say that those that miss out on winning one of the five copies of the game that this excellent driving game are missing out on we’ve blundered to give out to you lot! a real corker. Packed full of game modes (from a full-on racing season to a quick race to a To enter the competition, just answer the series of ingenious challenges), it’s one of the amazingly simple question to the right and that’s new batch of PSP games that more than it. And we wish you the very best of luck! deserves your undivided attention.

Competition closes 10th July 2008. See website for full T&Cs. CO N T R O L WWW.GAMERZINES.COM NAVIGATE |27 REVIEWS UEFA Euro 2008 MOBILEREVIEWS Publisher: EA Mobile All the latest from the world of mobile phone gaming nglish football fans may Ewatch this year’s European Championship with a mixture : of envy and resentment, but that hasn’t stopped EA rolling Top Agent out a mobile tie-in. Sporting Publisher: Sony Online some decent graphics and a his latest Bond offering is refreshingly original control Tan admirable attempt to system, this is well worth a make good use of the licence, Indiana Jones look. Instead of the traditional I-Play Bowling and we’re happy to report that ‘press and shoot’ controls, Publisher: I-Play it’s actually a jolly good effort and the pressing a button in Euro 2008 f you’ve experienced the as it happens. The game brings up a gauge which must RECOMMENDED Iglorious on features a series of bouts with Kingdom of be stopped in the correct Four mobile games Nintendo’s Wii console then classic 007 enemies and calls place in order to carry out the you must own you might want to extend on the player to select a range the Crystal Skull action successfully. Footie fans the fun by investigating this The Escape of pre-determined moves to Publisher: THQ Wireless should definitely check it out, The Crystal Maze mobile offering, too. Using Publisher: Element Studio help Bond win each fight. It’s t 65 years old. Harrison as it’s original slants are cleverly (Player X) ‘accelerometer’ control (which eing trapped in a prison an intriguing effort, if a light AFord may be old enough done as well as very playable. As polished as Richard is only supported by certain Bdoesn’t strike us as the on the action. to get his bus pass, but that O’Brien’s bonce. handsets, unfortunately) I-Play most appealing concept for a hasn’t stopped Spielberg Bowling impressively simulates game, but we approached The releasing another Indy flick. The Sims Pool 3D the act of rolling a heavy ball Escape with an open mind. The game is predictably an (EA Mobile) down an alley very well Sadly, despite some impressive action platform affair, with the Excellent simulation indeed. The command system 3D visuals, our reservations player assuming the roles of of the real thing. works incredibly well, which is were well founded. This is a Indy and his new sidekick, fortunate because the rest of brutal and sadistic game that Mutt. And it’s incredibly the game is actually pretty challenging, too. Some very Sonic Dash 2 is neither fun or interesting. (Sega) lightweight. The novelty of Within minutes the crate- neat 2D visuals and some the control method will thoughtful level design round Sonic’s finest mobile pushing gameplay takes its toll outing to date. undoubtedly keep you coming and any enjoyment that might off a very attractive package. back for more however, as it’s Recommended. have been offered evaporates. Block Breaker used very well. Neat 3D graphics Deep gameplay Decent challenge Attractive presentation Deluxe 2 Innovative controls (Gameloft) Boring gameplay Original concept Above average visuals Compelling controls A gloriously playable Incredible fun Quite difficult Not that exciting Might be too hard for some Not enough action Breakout . Bit light on play modes Leave it banged up 5 Shaken and stirring 7 Whip crack away! 8 Original and clever 7 Strike! 7

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LETTERS that the gameplay is still as timeless and playable as it ever was. GAME MATTERS Sure, there are plenty of new This month we’ve had a lot of games in development, and there’s letters about Manhunt 2… a strong possibility that a few of them could become classics in I READ A COUPLE OF GOOD their own right, but there’s little to REVIEWS for Manhunt 2, so match games like Space Invaders, thought I would buy it. What a Gauntlet and Arkanoid. mistake! And what a horrible Trust us, give them a chance and We like the idea of game. How can developers be >Inbox we promise that you’ll love them. Gauntlet on the DS, allowed to make such vile rubbish? and think you will to. Simon, Leeds Your questions answered and your fears I SAW YOUR DOCTOR WHO PREVIEW are still plenty of ideas for mags, put to rest, courtesy of HGZine! last month and can’t believe that Eidos and we’re always thinking ahead. >> Harsh but fair, Simon. haven’t produced a proper Doctor Who Mind you, if you think you have a There’s a lot of violence in I’VE NOTICED THAT THERE SEEMS TO game. I mean, Top Trumps? Eh? great idea for a mag that you think Manhunt 2, but there’s also a be a trend for really old games at the You could have a brilliant action we may have missed, then please pretty good game lurking moment. I mean, in the last couple of packed with Daleks write in and tell us about it! underneath it, too. months I’ve read about Arkanoid, and Cybermen, but instead we get a Gauntlet and even Space Invaders! card game? I’m still in shock. I CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY any new PSP I LOVE MANHUNT 2 and really What’s going on? Why can’t the Jeff Loftus, Belfast games – can you send me some? don’t know what all the fuss is developers produce some new games? Matt Livier, about. After all, it’s no worse than Have they completely run out of fresh >> To be honest, there were a few films like Saw and Hostel, and no- ideas for games? raised eyebrows when this game >> Nice try Matt, but we tend to one makes a big fuss about them. Bob Wade, Middlesbrough came in. The truth of the matter be very possessive about our Gary Milne, though, is that Top Trumps: Doctor games. Why don’t you enter our >> The thing about classic games Who is actually a really good game. competition to win a copy of SBK? Top Trumps: Doctor >> Actually Gary, there was Bob, is that they’re classics for a As to why there’s no ‘proper’ Dr Who… better than you quite a bit of controversy about very good reason, and that reason is Who game, then your guess is as might think, honest! those films, too. Violence is good as mine, but don’t be surprised computer games is nothing if one turns up in the future. new, but there’s an argument that games like Manhunt 2 only Don’t LOVE THE MAGAZINE I’ve been reading give fuel to the critics’ fire. Out it since issue one and it’s amazing value miss for money – considering that it’s free! I KNOW IT’S NOT A POPULAR thing July 10 Can you tell me if you’re planning to to say, but I really love the violence release any more magazines, as I reckon in Manhunt 2. It’s so over the top Issue 18 that there are a few you could do. that it just makes me laugh! Sign up Carl Parry, Steve Blackwood, Ipswich >> Thanks for the kind words Carl, >> It may not be popular, but now! and we’re chuffed to pieces that you it’s probably true, Steve. like the mag. And you’re right, there

CONTROL NAVIGATE |29 NEXT MONTH EXCLUSIVE! In HGZine Issue 18 Issue 18 Out July 10th! GUITAR HERO: MORE FREE MAGAZINES! LATEST ISSUES! ON TOUR Become an axe-wielding DON’T MISS ISSUE 18 SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! maniac with our WARNING! MULTIMEDIA DISABLED! If you are reading this, then you didn’t choose “Play” exclusive review ! when Adobe Reader asked you about multimedia when you opened the magazine. Without the multimedia playing, the magazine will look correct, but you will PREVIEWS be missing out on all of the extra content built into each issue, like videos, The Sims 2 Apartment Pets animated screenshots, annotations, quizzes, competitions and more. SmackDown vs RAW 2009 We recommend you close and re-open the magazine and select “Play” when Lego Indiana Jones asked about the multimedia to enjoy the magazine as intended.

Cranberry Publishing Limited All rights reserved. This publication may be copied in its entirety without REVIEWS modification for non-commercial purposes, for example but not limited to copying www.cranberrypublishing.com to CD-R for a friend, but it may not be offered for download from Publishing Director: Dave Taylor any website or similar without the prior permission of the copyright holder. You are WALL•E Email: [email protected] free to, and encouraged to, link to the original file for download from our website and you can find help on doing so here. While the greatest care is taken in producing Editorial Director: Dan Hutchinson this guide, we do not accept responsibility for the loss of any data or any other The Chronicles of Narnia: Email: [email protected] damage caused by following the instructions in this publication. We always recommend that you keep a backup of your hard disk data and ensure that you check Commercial Director: Duncan Ferguson all files for viruses before installing or using any new software. None of the Email: [email protected] information in this guide is intended as legal advice. All articles are for information Prince Caspian purposes only. Websites mentioned in this publication are not affiliated to or Telephone: 07770 648500 controlled by the publisher. We are not responsible for the contents of these sites or any changes made to them. The Incredible Hulk Call Duncan to discover how e-publications can work for you! All contents © Cranberry Publishing Ltd 2008 Editor: Dean Mortlock Company registration number: 4987058 Contributors: Chris Schilling, Darren McFerran, Dave Perrett, Mark Ramshaw

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