FIRST LOOK

Tomb Raider: Underworld
Eidos, Out Autumn 08

Things are all still very hush hush when it comes to Lara’s upcoming adventure, but those teases at Eidos have now released the first screenshots, which gives us a glimpse of the gameplay to come.

Underworld is Tomb Raider, but not as you know it; never has it looked so real or have you had the ability to do so much. Technologically the game has had an overhaul, with more detailed graphics and the ability to interact with the environment much more than ever before. Lara herself will also look more realistic, with her face showing emotion, and she will be getting dirty, muddy and wet to varying degrees depending upon what she is doing.

The gameplay will also have much more freedom, so there’s a lot to look forward to there. However, the story behind this adventure is still being kept secret – for the time being at least. We do know that Zip and Alistair will be around, but that aside, all we know is the theme that runs through the whole adventure. The stories Lara delves into are the underworld myths of some ancient cultures. Hence the name…

Beijing 2008
Sega, Out Summer 2008

Don’t want to just sit and watch the Olympics this summer, but want to be part of the competition? Well, this just might be the game for you. The online functionality of our current consoles mean that for the very first time, fans of the Olympic Games will be able to experience the thrill of competing against other gamers across the globe in the world’s greatest sporting event.

Beijing 2008 is a simulation of over 35 events from the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and has been developed so that everyone can enjoy the gaming experience, with control schemes that allow novice gamers to learn how to play the game, while providing experienced gamers the chance to set new records.

Compete in many of the official venues ranging from the famous Beijing National Stadium (the ‘Bird Nest’) to the National Aquatics Centre (the ‘Water Cube’) from the comfort of your own home, and away from the pollution problems currently blighting the event. Beijing 2008 the game, could be better than the actual Olympics itself!

REVIEWS

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams
Sega, £39.99
Wii, Out now
Rating: 3+

Both addictive and irritating, although Journey of Dreams has its downsides, it’s still quite enjoyable.

Hard to define, this game sees you control the overly friendly fantasy jester called NiGHTS, as you work to free Nightopia of evil Nightmarens, and make the dream world a happy place once again.

Using the Wii-mote, nunchuck or classic controller – each with their issues making steering awkward at times – you fly around colourful 3D worlds following set 2D pathways. The aim is to catch up with each levels’ evil bird which holds a cage key, and you do so by collecting orbs and gaining boost skills by flying through hoops. Looping and diving through each three level stage is quite repetitive, but these are broken up occasionally with different challenges, and of course the all important boss fights.

A downside is that if at any point during a stage you fail, you get sent right back to its start again; definitely a tad annoying. But if it all gets too much for a while, then take a break in its mini virtual world where you’re collected creatures hang out, or challenge a friend to a two-player battle or race. Short but sweet, this game has its ups and downs, but is still worth checking out.

We reckon…
3*

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
Sega, £39.99 on Wii, 319.99 on PS2
PS2, Wii, Out now
Rating: 3+

Best played on the Wii; using its Wii-mote to make the most of the adrenaline fuelled racing experience, this latest Sonic Riders offering is fun yet challenging. Expect to storm through different race circuits set in Sonic’s world and beyond, using the environment and your character’s skills to earn that coveted first place slot, and a chance to progress through the game.

There is a storyline there – something to do with meteors and evil robots – but it’s not really that relevant to the game. The main focus is racing, but it’s done in such a great way that you’ll be playing this game for hours. Perhaps at first it will be because you need to learn the routes, but as you discover new things to use to your advantage such as sneaky grind rails, trick points, air currents to boost you and even secret short cuts, you’ll just keep coming back. This could be to either improve your score for the world rankings board or collect more rings to upgrade your equipment. Simply put, there’s lots of features in this game to keep your hands tightly locked around your controller.

For fans of speed, racing, challenges or simply Sonic, this is a must buy. The fantastical levels, all bright colours and futuristic styling are good on their own, but add some speed and crazy 3D loops and you’re in for the ride of your life.

We reckon…
4*

Dragoneer’s Aria
Koei, £29.99, Out now
Rating: 12+

This game may have the most effeminate hero ever and some of the cheesiest voice acting, yet its still a solid RPG game that’s will appeal to fans of the genre.

Its humorous ‘quirks’ aside, Dragoneer’s Aria is an RPG by numbers. It’s got a top fantasy story about a world guarded by dragons (what more could you want?), exploration and of course, the turn-based battles we know and love, featuring quality magic and skills to learn as you progress.

The story focuses on the arrival of an evil black dragon, set to destroy the world’s guardians. Your goal as part of the elite protectors of these beasts – the Dragoons – is to find and save them from danger and bring an end to the wicked beast.

A challenging, but not too tough game (thanks to regular save points) you have a lot of freedom and choice in how you fight. During each battle you control the order your character attacks. This also lets you take advantage of the ability to use magical attacks in a specific order leading to powerful chain attacks. On the downside, each battle can seem slow and long-winded.

Also, if you get sick of random encounters then you can simply dodge them – the monsters in this game are visible and you can dodge any confrontations you may not want to have. This game has its pros and cons, but let me say this, RPG fans should enjoy this if they have a gap to fill, but those that are into FPS’s or action adventure games should probably give it a miss.

We reckon
3*

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Konami, £29.99
PSP, Out now
Rating: 12+

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood has been a sought after title by western gamers, as it has, until now, only seen release in Japan. But to fans’ delight, the game has been given an overhaul, packaged with two extra unlockable games and released on the PSP.

With the unlockables being the original version of Rondo of Blood and the classic Castlevania title Symphony of the night, this game is value for money, but will mainly appeal to fans of the series, or those that like retro side-scrolling action games.

Still, its arcade feel (music included) fits the PSP’s portable concept well, and is easy to pick up and play at anytime. The concept is to move ever onwards vanquishing all beasts and bosses that stand in your way, attacking anything and everything on screen (torches and walls included) to uncover hidden routes, bonuses and items to help you survive.

It’s fun, frantic and throws you in the deep end from the word go, and although each game is quite short the replay appeal is strong, as you can play through as two different characters, and always have new secrets to search for.

Perhaps this isn’t a game for everyone, but for those up for a bit of hack ‘n slash side-scrolling fun, check this out.

We reckon…
3*

The Spiderwick Chronicles
Vivendi Games, £39.99 X360 and Wii, £29.99 on DS, PC and PS2,
DS, PC, PS2, Wii, X360, Out March 14th
Rating: TBC

From the best-selling series of books and film adaptation, comes The Spiderwick Chronicles game, one of the best tie-in games we’ve seen. A fantasy adventure, sure its not exactly on par with games like Fable or Final Fantasy, but its an enjoyable mix of genres that is fun for kids and adults alike.

The game follows the adventures of Jared, Simon, Mallory and the mysterious book that offers them entrance into the unseen universe of faeries, goblins, pixies, elves and ogres, and the gameplay is really enjoyable, with a ‘family’ feel.

Quests are opened as you explore your surroundings, with multiple challenges available at any one time, giving you a variety of options. Different quests will offer you different experiences, from platform and action (read fighting) levels to tasks that involve using your memory – similarly to the card game Pairs – where you have to remember where you saw specific items to collect. Then there’s the Pokemon-esque collection aspect, where you catch different ‘sprites’ to get skill and weapon upgrades, power-ups and items.

Don’t expect a mundane, run-of-the-mill tie-in with ‘Spiderwick, but a quality standalone game, with a great mix of challenges and features that’ll have you hooked.

We reckon…
4*

Persona 3
Koei, £29.99
PS2, Out now
Rating: 12+

Aimed towards older gamers, Persona 3 is quite graphic in its violence, and seems aimed more towards a 16+ audience than a 12+.

A very stylised game, its obviously Japanese in creation, with its anime graphics and eastern style.  You play an orphaned high school student, who has recently transferred to Gekkoukan High School. Attacked by a ‘Shadow’, you discover the Dark Hour, a hidden time that exists between one day and the next, where Shadows claim victims’ souls. But these students aren’t going to take it lying down, and so spend their evenings confronting the evil head on.

Odd, yet appealing, you have a normal daily routine to keep to between fighting evil, which can make this game quite tedious and long winded, but for those that want a game to really get their teeth into, this is spot on. Its not without a point however – the skills you improve during the day, affect your combat skills at night.

Turned-based fighting is key here, and the best way to describe this is a modern-day fantasy RPG, where you collect items and persona’s (different versions of your inner-self) to use in combat.

Appealing but very dark, it’s even got quirky gameplay like that of it’s dating sim aspects. Overall, not suitable for our younger readers, but worthy of checking out if you don’t mind your violence, and want to experience something very different…

We reckon…
3*