Tomb Raider: Legend

Tomb Raider: Legend

After seeing how the Tomb Raider franchise was milked dry and ran into the ground I was a bit hesitant to pick up Legend. Fortunately Crystal Dynamics did a great job capturing all the elements that made the series a blockbuster back in the day. Its not a very long adventure, but despite a few annoyances it is well worth checking out.

Gameplay: A welcome return to the roots of the series.

Graphics: Good but could have been much better if created from the ground up for the Xbox360.

Sound: Decent voice acting and a nice soundtrack

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under the Knife is quite a unique game and might easily be overlooked. However, doing so would be a crime as this game has a lot to offer and really stands apart from other DS titles. You’ll need quick reflexes and the ability to work efficiently, but saving people’s lives has never been this much fun.

Gameplay: More of a arcade / puzzle game than a sim but very challenging.

Graphics: A nice blend of 2D story scenes and 3D operations.

Sound: Tense tunes that will keep you focused on the operations

DESYNC

DESYNC

Assault your eyes, ears and self-confidence with this ultra-challenging first person shooter by The Foregone Syndicate. Desync is an all-out action fest that doesn’t believe in hand holding or pulling punches. This can make it an extremely frustrating game, but also very satisfying when you master the skills required to stand a chance. The visuals are stylish, but blinding while the music is outstanding. If you prefer playing your shooters on the easiest setting or easily frustrated, then this is probably not the game for you, but if you want to really put your skills to the test then this is the game to get.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and very unforgiving.

Graphics: The Tron-style visuals are stylish, but a little headache inducing after a while.

Sound: Sound effects lack a little punch, but the music is excellent

Prince of Persia®: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia®: The Sands of Time

Definitely one of the most engrossing, entertaining and action packed games I’ve played in a long time. Despite some minor flaws, this game is essential to any good game collection.

Gameplay: A bit slow paced & frustrating at times but has it’s moments.

Graphics: Not outstanding but for the genre it’s not too shabby.

Sound: Decent voice overs and nice music

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme is a prime example of how to remake a classic game without completely ruining the gameplay or boring fans of more modern games. The frantic mix of fast paced action, psychedelic visuals and pulse pounding soundtrack makes this a must have experience for all retro shooter fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay: Classic retro style shooting action.

Graphics: Pretty basic but the backgrounds bring it to life.

Sound: Integral to the game and very well done

Copoka

Copoka

Copoka is a unique sandbox experience where you get to play as a bird that is reveling in its freedom while surrounded by the oppressed citizens of a totalitarian city state. Your only object is to gather bits and pieces for your nest while listening to the conversations around you to advance the story. It is a very serene experience and the sensation of flying is quite relaxing, but after an hour or two you will have seen everything there is as the gameworld is quite small. While it is not a game for players seeking action or a big challenge, Copoka is fun while it lasts and offers something a little different without costing an arm and a leg.

Gameplay: Fly around eavesdropping on citizens while collecting shiny objects for your nest.

Graphics: The visuals are colorful and stylish, but not that detailed.

Sound: Decent audio and pretty good voice acting