GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
By B. Love
DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 (Namco Bandai)
System: DS
Picking up where Origins left off, this sequel once again casts players as young hero Goku and the allies he meets along his journey in search of the seven Dragon Balls. Mixing elements of action, exploration and puzzle solving, players can use either the stylus or traditional button controls to jump and swing their way through various terrains and battle the evil Red Ribbon Army. With single-player, multiplayer and co-op modes, Origins 2 is a fun-filled continuation of the Dragon Ball series.
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE FORGOTTEN SANDS (UbiSoft)
Systems: DS, PC, PS3, Wii, X360
The Prince of Persia series earned respect with its stunningly rendered 2008 entry, Warrior Within, but this sequel was clearly rushed to coincide with the release of the film. With bland graphics, monotonous hack ‘n’ slash gameplay, and an uninspired storyline about saving the Prince’s brother’s kingdom from a demon, Forgotten Sands may attract the movie-going masses. But in forgetting many of the elements that made Warrior Within such a refreshing reboot, the developers risk alienating their core fans.
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
Systems: DS, PC, PS3, Wii, X360
As a parent, it’s rare to find a game the whole family can enjoy, but this adaptation of the latest Shrek film is actually better than the movie on which it’s based. The story follows the film fairly closely, with Rumpelstiltskin tricking Shrek into signing a bum contract and the ogre hunting him down to retrieve it. The fun comes in playing as a group (including Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots), fighting bad guys, solving puzzles and laughing along the way. Way too easy for serious gamers, but a hit with the kids.
SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2 (Nintendo)
Systems: Wii
Nintendo is the Pixar of the video game world: They may not develop many titles, but nearly every one they do is awesome. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is no exception, improving on its beloved 2007 predecessor without losing the elements fans loved in the original. Once again Mario explores outer space while tackling over-the-top challenges, with new power-ups that allow him to smash through barriers and drill through planets, or join with dino-pal Yoshi for even crazier gravity-defying adventures.
TOY STORY 3: THE VIDEO GAME (Disney Interactive)
Systems: DS, PC, PSP, PS3, Wii, X360
Pixar CEO John Lasseter helped rejuvenate Disney’s flagging animation division when he was put in charge a few years back. Now, the company is revamping its gaming division after years of outsourcing, and Toy Story 3 reflects their improved quality control. The story mode is fairly rote, allowing you to play as Woody, Buzz or Jesse as they help their friends escape the daycare center. But the game really shines in Toy Box mode, allowing you to explore the vast, vividly rendered world that put Pixar on the map.
TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON (Activision)
Systems: DS, PC, PS3, Wii, X360
I’ve never understood the appeal of Transformers, but who am I to argue with decades of success? The series’ latest title allows gamers to experience the war between the Autobots and Decepticons on their native planet before their exodus to Earth. The 3rd-person shooter allows you to play as your favorite characters in two intertwined campaigns, battling solo, in team-based online co-op or head-to-head in multiplayer mode. I still don’t get it, but it’s more fun than anything Michael Bay’s done with the franchise.
OTHER JULY RELEASES
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (PC/PS3/Wii/X360, 7/1)
Tournament of Legends (Wii, 7/6)
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure (Wii, 7/9)
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (DS, 7/11)
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DS, 7/13)
Little League World Series Baseball 2010 (PS3/X360, TBD)
NCAA Football 11 (PS3/X360, TBD)
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