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PS3 Review: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Ubisoft backtracks to a prettier prince with the prequel to Warrior Within. The sands make a comeback, along with a female sidekick, a common move for the Prince of Persia series. As the Prince and his brother Malik break an ancient seal, they release King Solomon’s sacred army, a misnomer. These skeletal and armor-plated fiends operate under an evil spell that threatens to cover the world with a sandstorm. With the help of a magical Djinn named Razia, the Prince wields the elements of water, wind, fire, and ice as his only hope against the power-hungry Ratash.

The Forgotten Sands sits more comfortably among earlier PoP games like Sands of Time than the recent experimental ones, such as the cel-shaded remake that, as gorgeous to view as it was, made a lot of players grumpy (who wouldn’t be after that cakewalk and story ending?). This run-around takes a step down in graphics, but it does construct a stable balance between traversing obstacle courses of spikes and whirly gigs and engaging in combat. Players can rewind time as usual, but what makes this edition unique is how it challenges gamers to mix environmental and water manipulation and aerial boosts on command. Thanks to Razia, the Prince can solidify water and interact with it like he would a wall or beam. Timing is key, camera clues are vital, and specialized aerial jumps and area restoration add an extra edge to the gameplay. A few instances will leave players exasperated with buggy missteps, but for the most part, the Prince follows orders (nudge, nudge).

The game quickly immerses players by introducing various fighting methods and enemy types. The selectable upgrade system, based on experience points gained in battle, enhances combat and allows for a better grip on health and magic (longer water and time control, more powerful elemental attacks, etc.). Over the course of the game, these upgrades feel as unnecessary as opponents are redundant. The Prince swings a mean sword, and it does the job right.

A little more dedication to the adventure could have saved players from occasional boredom. Scattered throughout the palace, the blue sarcophagi that award bonus XP act as the sole incentive for careful exploration. Forgotten Sands falls into fits of uninspired gameplay, only to pick up its pace and then lapse into a creative coma again. While the narrative blows over more like an bothersome breeze than a strong sandstorm, at least the vigorous final boss fight justifies the investment.

The Forgotten Sands isn’t altogether unwelcome, but it does little to earn a valuable place as a member of the Prince of Persia series. 7/10

Tags: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Prince of Persia, PSP, The Forgotten Sands, Ubisoft, Wii, Xbox 360
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PC Review: Silent Hill 2: Director’s Cut

As the most acclaimed of the series, Silent Hill 2, much like protagonist James Sunderland, shoulders a considerable burden. After nine years, do the mannequins and geometric monsters still emerge from the woodwork as viciously as before? Revisiting that “special place” should fill any gaps in memory. I plugged in a PS3 controller and loaded the PC version, companion to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions.

What You’ll Like

Turn Left on Nathan Avenue

Restless Dreams blankets players with the town’s looming isolation. The sirens, otherworlds, and even the staple flashlight and radio slowly drop into the player’s lap. Between Sunderland’s impeccable map-keeping abilities and the direct tactic of gameplay, players can navigate Silent Hill without breaking too much of a sweat. Memorable, unique architecture distinguishes key locations, and the heavy atmosphere complements the dreary wallpaper settings. Akira Yamaoka’s outstanding musical score and his fifty-plus sound effects provide each moment a haunting undercurrent.

Of Special Interest

Although James often pines over his late wife, even he enjoys a good puzzle—and so will the player. In addition to the several gameplay modes, selecting the riddle difficulty ensures a manageable experience. Logical and fair, the puzzles occasionally call for pen and paper solutions, but the clues rarely stump for long.

Fighting, split between light and heavy attacks, proves an equally satisfying affair, and James can target different enemies with a quick tap. A little exploration returns a big profit, as the game packs surpluses of ammo and health into its nooks and crannies. Keeping the flashlight shining will attract James’ attention to any noteworthy item, as well.

You Say Mary; I Say Maria

Silent Hill 2 gushes with more than blood: It writes the book on psychological horror. Voice-acting striking a reasonable chord, the dynamic characters interact purposefully with James throughout the gradually developing story, which is topped with a grand reveal. The clever scares, second only to the intelligent psychology manipulating them, lure players deeper into James’ mentality.

Pyramid Head, who has become the series’ go-to icon, triumphs as an unsettling antagonist, goading players onward through paranoia.

“Born from a Wish” places the seductive Maria in the midst of a haunted mansion. The extra scenario offers a less engaging run-around and little incentive other than a deeper look into Maria’s character, which interested players can appreciate.

What You Won’t Like

Look Sharp

Sometimes the game’s eerie perspectives enhance the frightful effect. In many cases, though, the stubborn camera controls inhibit exploration and acts as a nuisance, particularly upon entering rooms. James’ health meter also suffers from poor construction. Except for the unmistakable red health sign that appears when James is about to keel over, the static distortions viewable from the inventory screen give a lazy estimate of his overall status.

Recommendation: Rewarding and gripping, Silent Hill 2 expertly handles its love story bridled with horror. A solid game, players will find themselves venturing through the fog more than once, minor inconveniences doing little to dent the impressive experience. Few will forget the terror waiting among James Sunderland’s memories … unless they can’t bear to remember. 9/10

Review format credited to the Girls Entertainment Network

Tags: Akira Yamaoka, Creature Lab, Director's Cut, Konami, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Restless Dreams, Silent Hill, Team Silent, Xbox
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Somebody Call Walter Sullivan: Dexter Composer Moves In

Recently at E3, Silent Hill owner Konami debuted a trailer for a post-Akira Yamaoka title. The game, temporarily labeled “Silent Hill 8,” follows a convict Murphy Pendleton as he stumbles into the nightmarish town. Now, really. Who just “stumbles” into Silent Hill anymore? Play us a new tune, Alessa.

I guess that’s where composer Daniel Licht comes in; he’s got quite the reputation (Hellraiser, Children of the Corn, Dexter), but will his songs fit the series? The music sounds a bit too exotic for my tastes, and the gameplay looks like it meddles in the action-adventure genre (get that out of my survival horror!), but who knows. The thematic face lift could be just what the nurses ordered.

The game’s director does promise an “evolution of the franchise’s core combat.” What do you think? Too much Homecoming, too little James Sunderland, or just right, Mary?

Vatra Games is developing the 2011 title for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows.

[GameInformer]

Tags: Daniel Licht, Konami, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Silent Hill, Vatra Games, Xbox 360
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PC Review: Plants Vs. Zombies

I’ve never been much of a PC gamer, even though my first video game experiences involved Wolfenstein 3D and a desultory Sherlock Holmes game. But thanks to the generous PopCap folk, I hunkered down with Plants Vs. Zombies, which had already caught my eye, and played to my heart’s content. And luckily PVZ serves an all-you-can-grow veggie buffet. Check out the review at OneMetal.com

Grab a rake and plant yourself in front of PopCap’s most recent tower defense game that sprawls bloom and doom … on your lawn. Plants Vs. Zombies challenges your green thumb and hones your zombie extermination skills. Players harvest sunflower power and command an earth-friendly army, saving your house one recycled undead at a time. These plants pack quite a head chop, and thankfully the game’s foundation holds just as well—rain, shine, or zombie..

Tags: iPhone OS, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Plants Vs. Zombies, PopCap, Xbox Live Arcade
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PS3 Review: Mini Ninjas

Appealing to the stealthy ninja wannabe in all of us, Mini Ninjas sculpts eye-popping animation, cutesy forest animals, and all-ages entertainment into one package. Of course, more cynical gamers know that flowery aesthetics don’t equate to full genius, and even the stealthiest of heroes can’t ensure a mighty punch. Well, rest assured, because Mini Ninjas infuses all of its ancient samurai muscle into a presentation as reliable as bamboo-chomping pandas … predictable, mind-numbing pandas.

Mini Ninjas markets as a game satisfying to both children and adults, and the influence leaves a clear trail throughout the game’s entirety. The difficulty setting can be adjusted with one quick trip to the options menu, and even your enviable Kuji magic integrates various hint methods for when you get stuck chasing fireflies and picking tiger lilies. Luckily, there’s a lot to admire about such a feel-good game that doesn’t hesitate to pull at the heartstrings. As you zip through mesmerizing, gorgeous painted environments, you’ll relax with soothing music one moment and then glide into unleashing your fearsome ninja moves the next. Along with the user-friendly controls and activity pallet, the result feels virtually therapeutic—certainly advantageous when you need to unwind after a long day.

Regardless of the many hints sprinkled about, Mini Ninjas shows you the courtesy of free-style gameplay. You follow a basically linear course, but gamers are encouraged to meddle with different scenario approaches and take-down methods. The six ninjas at your beck and call each bring a distinguished technique to the array of challenges, and some are better suited to the present situation than others. Everything stacks together neatly; each level’s finish totals your score of freed animals, compiled potion ingredients and scrolls, special gold tokens, and Jizo statues and allows you to replay sections at more convenient times. The weaponry and equipment at your disposal wield impressive versatility, as well. Your ninja hat, for example, acts as a boat, snow sled, and overall protection against flying arrows and falling debris.

But behind the smoke and mirrors parlor tricks essential to the ninja trade, a handful of flaws rear their ugly heads. Mini Ninjas strays from its own beaten path disappointingly little. Eventually you’ll tire from gathering dainty plants, decking silly mini (or in some cases, giant) enemies, and breaking probably expensive pots. The commonplace hunt-and-gather missions render the more carefully hidden treasures into cheap yard sale trinkets. When the game does veer towards something new, it either fails sorely or taunts you with a fresh taste of ephemeral action. The avalanche aka sledding sequence nudges excitement with a stick, but the technical frustration nips any possible thrills before they can flourish.

Mini Ninjas sustains quite a few odd yet minor bugs concerning maneuverability and functionality, including rotating your makeshift boat and aligning your character with the ropes spanning buildings. Plus, although enemies gradually advance in more ambitious and trying waves, you’ll practically be swimming in health and other replenishing items; even in the toughest battles, deaths are few and far between. Despite all that extra magic and commodity, your supposedly convenient Ki wheel never expands slot-wise, forcing you to rummage through your inventory menu instead.

Mini Ninjas delivers better as a rental: It has an innovative concept and inspiring visuals, but replay value and entertainment rewards simmer down after several hours. Character extras delightfully tell the ninjas’ origins, but the in-game storyline could have benefited from such charming personality. Like the breathtaking world, the dominating features might be superficially breathtaking, but the qualities underneath lose their polish, sucking the mystery out of the ninja heart. 7/10

Tags: Eidos Interactive, IO Interactive, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Wii, Xbox 360
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