Tony Hawk's Project 8
Manufacturer: Activision
Game System: Playstation 3
Reviewer: Ruptured Spleen
4 out of 5 stars

Any game bearing the name "Tony Hawk" ups the ante on expectation. In a genre that is actually defined by this game's namesake, we expect no less than a jaw-dropping, finger-twitching struggle between man and the hazards of scraped knees, broken bones and the almost canonized groin shot. Project 8, the newest edition of this dynasty franchise, brings us all the elements the casual and hardcore loved about the earlier editions, but with the added tastiness of rising from an amateur nobody to a Hawk-sponsored giant amongst Vanssporting men. But while it raises the bar again on innovation and immersion, it somehow still manages to fall a bit flat of that unfair expectation.

You begin as an unknown amateur, performing for audiences and completing insane stunts all across your beautifully detailed city in the hopes of rising in rank to be recognized as one of Tony Hawks' eight elite skaters to join his Project 8 team. While nothing ever becomes more interesting than this, the richness of the incalculable tasks you have available to you in order to reach your goal more than makes up for this.

Playability:
Game play, in general, remains the same as the most recent incarnations of the series, but with a few important additions, the biggest of which being the "Nail the Trick" mode. This mode gives a user an added weapon in their trick arsenal. It adds a dimension of risk and realism in a game that, for the most part, is categorized by impossibly long strings of impossibly difficult tricks.

The multiplayer mode is the same as always with nothing really new to speak of, but it's still fun if you've only got one buddy to play with. The online mode has taken everything we loved from Tony's multiplayer offerings and expanded it in scope, offering a few new games and a great "lobby" system.

Graphics:
The game has a massive landscape that constantly expands as you advance. It is clear that Neversoft put a lot of work into detailing this city, and it has paid off. If only they had put as much work in detailing the skaters, this game would be a prime example of the multi-platform nextgen games out to date.

Challenge:
But for all the solid game play, graphics and overall fun this game has to offer, it still seems to leave "true" Tony fans wanting. Perhaps it is because we really did expect more from the first next-generation offering of this storied franchise. But more likely it is because we will always be wishing to re-experience the awe-inspiring perfection of the very first offerings.

Replay: This has all of the elements to keep you coming back: a high level of playability, decent challenge and mostly dead-on graphics. I played it again and again.

 

Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Manufacturer: Activision
Game System: XBox 360
Reviewer: Camera Boy
3 out of 5 stars

For anyone who has ever enjoyed a comic book, this game is like a dream come true. With 25 playable characters ranging from popular heroes to unknowns (for non-comic book readers, that is), there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Make no mistake: this is a dungeon crawler - a beat 'em up type of game. Once you understand that, it can be an enjoyable game for its simplicity and straightforward approach. Though players are constantly mashing buttons, the so-so storyline keeps you going to see the next boss.

Playability:
Controls are responsive. Special moves are easy to pull off, but team AI needs some work. There are moments where a teammate will walk off a ledge to his or her death just in an effort to stay in formation with the lead character. This game is best played in multiplayer mode. Assemble three of your friends and most of the frustrating parts will not even be noticeable.

Graphics:
At a high 3/4 view, the only impressive graphics are the special moves. There are times when the camera zooms in, adding a more immersive aspect to the game, so it's a shame the majority of the game is at the 3/4 view.

Challenge:
This is pretty much a hack-and-slash game with some minor thought involved when dealing with the boss characters. Wave after wave of various minions are dealt with by using a single philosophy: find their weak point and apply that for the rest of the level until you reach the boss fight.

Replay:
Unlockable characters, costumes and power upgrades give this a lot toward repeated go-arounds. Renters will probably just stick to a few basic combos that should get them through the game just fine.