Faery Legends of Avalon Impression

Downloadable role-playing action waits on PSN

Role-playing games are not for everyone. They usually require hours of gameplay with tons of character management and customization and days of turn-based battles. The hook is usually a deep story where gamers know and care for the characters and settings during the course of such a long journey. Faery: Legends of Avalon looks to crack, no break, but crack this mold as an RPG download experience on both the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade. The first biggest change is the hours invested, usually clocking in around 10-15 hours (main quest) but what else? What should RPG fans get excited about and does Faery offer enough to hook new non-RPG gamers? Let’s take a look.

Gameplay – Gamers make the choice, become an Elf or Fairy and begin a journey to take on evil in the land. The chosen character will advance and evolve in battle and gamers make the choice on how to strengthen their main character and party members. Standard RPG formula here with a story seeing the magic of the fae world fading and gamers tasked with finding out why. Battles are turn based with the story being advanced through tons of reading. This is old school RPG as there is no voice work in-game. Conversations determine relationships so tread carefully on who you alienate as it could come back to haunt you later in-game.

Graphics – A very pretty looking game but don’t expect to see tons of unique characters. Heroes and baddies alike recycle look and feel. The environments look nice with bright visuals mixed with dark and gloomy settings. The over world detail is solid and continues into each battle sequence, very well done. The game will not hurt the retinas and is a solid effort as a downloadable title.

Sound – It’s not Final Fantasy in scope but the music matches the look and feel. Soothing and gentle, guiding the gamer is the core of the music but enter battle and the beat steps up. In an RPG good music is expected and Faery gets the job done

Design – The conversation relationship tree is well done and the leveling up / customization for each character is deep. The overall RPG formula hits on almost every cylinder with the one exception being the caring for characters. For a downloadable RPG Faery is solid but there is no connection forged with these characters and their story. It’s a fun tale but not a memorable one.

Miscellaneous – Episodic games are a mixed bag. There is price to consider but also time invested. With more Faery to come will gamers find enough in Legends of Avalon to make that next purchase at the same price?

Overall Faery: Legends of Avalon is one solid RPG that sports a decent price point and shows new gamers what RPG’s are all about and will feel welcome and familiar to fans of the genre. Gamers can go the route of looking for older RPG’s being made for download or they can take a fresh approach with a title that offers good customization and an interesting conversation tree for relationship building. Go with something new gamers.

10 Free and Addictive Games for Your Droid

Gaming on Droid; as good as iPhone?

iPhone has been written about time and time again when it comes to applications, especially gaming apps. Now, like in every other aspect, Droid is catching up so let’s check in with Online Certificate Programs (I know right) and read their 10 Free and Addictive Games for Your Droid.

What’s nice about this list, besides being an easy read to the point, is the inclusion of video to show off some of the games. Seeing is believing especially when the controls can only get so complex. Who missed the list? Which Droid game was overlooked? Chime in and let your voice be heard.

Oh, I love me some top 10 list, who doesn’t?

LittleBigPlanet 2 Impression

Charming, polished and deep; Sack Boy delivers the goods yet again.

For any gamer who has ever uttered the phrase " I could create a better game" it's time to prove it. The ease of use, feature options available on LittleBigPlanet 2 on PlayStation 3 delivers a package that's as fun to play as it is easy to create on. A game that's cute on the outside with one he'll of a creative engine appeals to the single-player and multi all in the same package. What's not to love? Let's take a look.

Gameplay – Like the commercial says it really does everything. Let’s take this in chunk; Chunk 1 is the single player, platformer that’s story driven and highlights many of the aspects, physics found in LBP2. Gamers assume the role of Sack Boy and get to adventuring. Gamers can customize the look of Sack Boy, or Girl and even get to import LittleBigPlanet (1) purchases and costumes, very cool. Gamers run, jump, grab, throw, activate switches, avoid baddies and electricity in a very fun story. Chunk 2 is the creation aspect which utilizes a very deep yet simple to use interface for creating levels, games, events which can then be shared online, played with friends. This goes into Chunk 3 which is the creation ability. Create a kart racer, traditional platforming level, a puzzle game, sports game … the mind is the limit for creation in LBP2.

Graphics – Beautiful looking with tons of textures, lighting effects and detail that never lets LBP2 lose its charm. It really is a plain amazing looking title in its variety and will put gamers in a good mood just by playing. It’s very charming.

Sound – Voiced segments are nice, help drive the story and are well acted but knowing the storage capacity of a Blu-ray disc why not have more? The music has a charm that approaches Katamari Damacy and will have gamers humming without their knowing it.

Design – Not even going to try to cover the amazing design in LBP2. Gamers get one rock solid single-player title while also having one powerful creation tool which allows for some amazing levels. Some of the best created levels from the first title also make their way into LBP2 so a nice piece of continuation for fans. The hours which can be lost finding, buying, creating costumes for Sack Boy is simple amazing and fun. Top to bottom this is what a sequel should be with new ideas and a polish to what was an already great title, very well designed.

Miscellaneous – Importing LittleBigPlanet content is HUGE. Gamers spent hours, days, weeks playing the first title, creating content, buying costumes (love Marvel costumes) and being able to move these in, not start from scratch is rock solid. Not many games, almost none, give gamers the chance to pick up where they left off (how many times does a hero start from level 1?). A fine design decision which not only helps out fans but also offers a ton of launch day content for noobs.

Overall LittleBigPlanet 2 offers so much game that the above impression does not come close to covering every aspect properly. Sack Bots, playing with friends, sports and racing games … there is so much to LBP2 it really is amazing. What really unique is gamers of all ages, preferences can find something to dig in this one little Blu-ray. Not just a great game but a classic that PlayStation 3 owners need to get, not check out but flat out get, buy, purchase … you get the point.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene on Xbox Live Impression

A stylistic new direction for a gaming legend

How? How does an iconic game get such a sweet makeover and slide under the radar? The answer could be the sheer number of games rolling out in the holiday season or it could be that Space Invaders has done well with its updates recently, but neither is an excuse. Space Invaders Infinity Gene on Xbox Live Arcade is all that made the original grand and addictive with a look, feel and stylistic update to engage today’s gamer. The core gameplay remains but what’s so special about this download, let’s take a look.

Gameplay – Any gamer worth their salt knows the left to right, right to left and shoot gameplay found in Space Invaders. This new version jacks up the visuals with enhanced music, adds in boss battles and new enemy types while retaining the original gameplay. The normal, expected gameplay is joined by Challenge, Bonus and Music mode. Bonus is just that, bonus content unlocked while music mode takes uploaded music and creates a graphical look that matches the beat of the music. Finally the Challenge mode is a series of standalone modes that challenge the gamer to meet certain objects. A new featured called evolution allows gamers to upgrade their ship and gameplay elements. This adds a bit more thinking on how to spend evolution points to further enhance the gaming experience. It’s Space Invaders that makes a nice series of improvements, nuff said.

Graphics – Keeping it simple is a good thing. The very linear, straight lines and designs, remains with added colors. No over the top, 3D visual facelift for Infinity Gene, just a fresh coat of paint on a classic that looks outstanding in HD. The black and white colors are joined by more color settings but it never overpowers the gamer and gets confusing. A game that be visually enjoyed by multiple generations of Space Invaders.

Sound – its old meets new as the original sounds and limited tunes get jazzed up a bit. This is not a soundtrack that will really jump out at gamers and after a few games will begin to blend into the background. Game is best served with some sweet MP3’s playing in the background.

Design – Nothing radical as the core design (left to right, right to left and shoot) remains with some updates. What’s fresh and a nice ‘way to go’ is that this old-school formula works really well with updated colors, enemies and enough gameplay tweaks to really engage a new generation of gamer. Being able to level up ones ship is a huge bonus and adds to the fresh feel of Infinity Gene.

Miscellaneous – What’s old is new yet again. Not all updates, remakes, re-boot’s work but this one does. Fans of the original, OG gamers and the young pups alike can dig this title while remembers old gaming memories and building new ones.

Overall for $10 gamers need to get Space Invaders Infinity Gene. It’s a great update to a very dated, classic title that works and works well. Nothing to turn off older gamers but everything to satisfy newer gamers.

New GameStop Promo’s for Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and Call of Duty: Black Ops

As the air begins to chill and leaves change color the season for holiday game shopping begins. With the close of the third quarter (July, August, September) gamers are in the home stretch of creating their holiday gaming wish list, something retailers begin to salivate about. How to entice? How to get a get a pre-order? The answer is no longer just advertising, now it’s about free content, CD’s, in-game exclusives and even social media give-aways. GameStop and Amazon lead the charge in this aspect and going forward we will take a look at these new promos as they come across. While not every deal will be covered we will hit unique ones and what they offer. So without further waiting let the holiday enticements begin.

Assassin’s Creed Project Legacy – A social role-playing game on Facebook. How’s it work? Gamers play on Facebook and sync with their console version of the game to unlock hidden features. This includes 25 exclusive missions in Assassin’s Creed Project Legacy which is part of the PC to console sync and console to PC sync. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood launches for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on November 16, 2010, so this gives fans a chance to get into the universe a bit early.

What’s the appeal? Besides being available to gamers early it gives much insight into the interesting world of Assassin’s Creed. A very nice teaser for fans who of course also get a nice more traditional pre-order in the form of an exclusive multiplayer character, Harlequin (at GameStop). So a chance to play online now in the Assassin’s Creed universe with un-lockable, good times and great use of social media.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Sweepstakes – Rewarded for doing a pre-order either in-store or online. CoD has a very solid, loyal following and when they pre-order they get the chance to win one of more than one million CoD: Black Ops inspired prizes, very solid reward. This runs through November 9th and from an outsiders view

What’s the appeal? Easy actually as gamers are already pre-ordering this soon to be sick title so why not win some swag. The prizes change every day and are plain sick (prestige edition PS3) to cool (shoulder bag). A bit tricky for the gift givers so don’t throw out that receipt, it’s needed to enter.

The season is here, let the enticements begin.

Puzzle Quest 2 on Xbox 360 Impression

A gaming hybrid that RPG gamers with a taste for puzzle mini-games can devour. Assume a generic fantasy character role and journey from screen to screen taking on ogre, orc and other baddies in bejeweled style battles. What makes Puzzle Quest 2 such an attractive download? Let’s take a look.

Gameplay – Mix the addictive puzzle gameplay of bejeweled with head-to-head battles seen in titles like Puzzle Fighter and top it off with upgradable characters, weapons, magic’s and equipment. The puzzle aspect is just a part of the gameplay as much attention needs to be paid to upgrading your character. Its plain addictive and easy to get into.

Graphics – Solid character and monster art slide around a vivid and bright puzzle adventure. Settings are static but feel pulled from an old-school Diablo angled adventure. Easy on the eyes and well detailed.

Sound – Decent sound effects and background music get the job done but otherwise nothing to really praise or detract.

Design – Excellent mixture of solid puzzles with a quest mode that will make gamers want to move onto the next fight all the quicker. Any game that makes you forget you’ve been playing for 2-3 hours is well designed and this is an area Puzzle Quest 2 excels in.

Miscellaneous – The quest mode and upgrading of characters adds a level of depth that puzzle titles have missed on. Utilizing spells and weapons in battles in ingenious and a mixture that works on all the right levels.

Overall, it’s a puzzle combat game mixed with RPG elements done right. Nothing is forced, it all flows very well and is a great purchase for any 360 owner.

Klondike Everyman Challenge game Impression

Game 2 of 3 in the Klondike Everyman Challenge is underway but what is it? It’s a series of online games and contest. The first game and contest is over but there’s still a chance to win but should gamers care or is this just a marketing ploy? Well duh, it’s most definitely a marketing ploy but Flash games can be a fun distraction and grow cultish so that’s the question. Where does Klondike sit, let’s take a look …

What Type of Game(s) is it? Three games to play, two available now, the third at end of July. Game 1 is Pack Master, an angled take on Tetris which is unique in its angle that has players packing the trunk of a car with junk. Game 2 is Bar Slinger, a slingshot shooting gallery game which feels perfect for smart, touch phones but not as fun as Pack Master. Game 3 is Concession Stand Hero … and there are no details yet. So two fun games so far built on popular Flash formulas but what about the contest?

What is the Hook? The hook right now is the 3-D entertainment system which players can submit to win. What to submit, a video of course so the winner has got to be creative which adds a nice element to what’s usually a ‘enter email’ to win process. The prize on the next game will really appeal to gamers as it’s a tricked out game room … sweet!

Why Should Gamers Care? The chances to win seem decent and getting a tricked out game room is worth the video creation. So far the two games are fun to play and worth a quick play or two but don’t expect the next Mario Bros. or Halo, these are fun and time consuming games, nothing more.

Overall Klondike has offered up two (soon three) games that are fun and promote a contest that is both original and been done before. Many contests have used games and many have used entries and the combination of the two `works really well. Play the games or create a video and enter to win. Easy, straightforward and of course sponsored. A model that other companies can follow. There is also plenty of social media plugged in for promotion with friends to get really creative with friends.

What’s the Future? Consoles my friends, consoles. Offer these three games as permanent downloads on each system and offer an easier, social media integrated video submission process (using the console cameras) and you’ll begin to see console download gaming married with social media and an online contest … this is why gamers should get behind this type of media and push for further innovation.

PassionFruit Games Impression

What is PassionFruit Games? It’s a collaboration between two women, Melissa Heidrich, a gamer, and novelist Marjorie M. Liu. These two have known each other since high school and now come together to create PassionFruit Games. Still wondering what this is all about … how about casual gaming, romantic casual gaming.

Yes, the same strong writing seen in all of Liu’s novels will now take center stage in PassionFruit Games which is a total female collaboration. The first game set to release in April is Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box which has strong ties to Tiger Eye novels from Liu. The gaming concept is familiar to any casual gamer. Hidden-object gameplay that follows a storyline, this time Tiger Eye. Voice acting cinematic will move this beyond the run-of-the-mill casual games and the romance tie-in adds an aspect that should draw in many gamers assuming proper word gets out. So how best to draw in noobs, contest of course. First was choosing a character appearance, second was the chance to join the beta test.

So has it worked, is there interest? Time will tell but with the game about to be release time is ticking down. What PassionFruit Games has going for it is a very, very strong writer in Lui with her following, both male and female, a chance for fans to get further into characters and settings they love and the biggest hook. It’s a romantic casual game full of passion and intrigue that is just perfect for the millions of casual gaming ladies … and yes they are the majority of casual gamers. Time is ticking so check out info on PassionFruit games now and check back for more info and interviews.