Kingdom Hearts 2

By Trent Felo

If you expect this to have the same control's and same exact things as one then you're wrong. It's kind of annoying because you want to do something with the triangle that was something else in one.

The controls in this game are kind of hard because you need really fast timing and good reflexes for some of the game. The other thing about the controls of the game that sorta pisses me off is that the camera doesn't like you but that's the only other problem.

Graphics in this game are the same as one normal graphics in gameplay but has some pretty nice cutscenes especially at the very end. If I had to tell you what graphics are better characters or environment I would have to say characters for sure.

In this game putting down that controller for even a second takes some really good will power. You will play the game for hours at a time and that's normal. If you are really a hard core gamer you will play for way more than just a few hours at a time. One time I actually played it for 6 and a half hours and barely could put down the controller.

Storyline in this game is the same as the first storyline except there are heartless and nobody's and like one the storyline is second to none it is seriously one of the best story's ever created. It is also very hard to understand the first few hours of the game.

Controls-7.5/10- The controls is it's worst category.

Graphics-8.5-It has some of the best cutscenes for the PS2.

Addictiveness-9/10-Like I said putting down that controller is hard.

Storyline-10/10-The best feature of the game.

Overall-35/40=7/7=A good score

If you like this review check out some more like these at http://www.freewebs.com/greatgamereviews

A Few Pleas For Video Game Visuals

By Ryan Valentine

I love it when a video game kicks off and makes you go wow! When your eyes are amazed at what's before you and you find yourself completely absorbed into a beautiful new world. I love peering up round the edge of a dark canopy and being blinded by the digital sunlight streaming down on you, with perfect fluffy clouds drifting overhead. Or when you hurl your car around a corner and gravel shoots from your spinning tyres while reflections flash over your bonnet and light bounces off your windscreen. It's amazing! So many techniques are being employed by artists working on video games these days. Light, shadow, reflection, textures, transparency, cloud, water, gravity...the list goes on for varieties of visual representation and, when it's all done well, an interactive game becomes truly immersive.

Many of the above mentioned things are done brilliantly and, in many games, I wouldn't dare fault anything. The brilliance of some optical aspects can, however, highlight the weakness in other areas. One thing games developers seem to struggle with still is modeling decent faces. I have seen this done well, Fight Night Round 3, for example, has some superb fighter models. The skin is perfectly matte, until they start sweating (genius!), and the shape and detail of their faces is just like their real-life counter-part. But far too many games present characters with skin and face like a mannequin. They are far too shiny- the contrast between light and dark is far too great, and they have generic features that look like they're plucked from a fashionably attired shop window. If I draw a face without referencing somebody real, I can only create something that looks like this, however hard I try. I'm not a professional artist but I still feel like it would be harsh to expect anyone else to produce a believable face from their own mind. But why, if this is the problem, don't they just use a model? Grab mister Calvin Klein and replicate his face for a more believable .

Hair seems to be another issue. There are plenty of nice examples of flowing long hair that moves quite believably but once the hair is cropped a bit shorter it suddenly becomes rock solid and usually shaped into some horrible blocky concoction. I would love to see a football game where the players hair changed as soon as they got sweaty. So we could see a fluffy, fair-haired striker gradually become darker and straighter once he's made a few runs. That would be great!

Another item on my personal wish list is a realistically animated fighting game. We have some fine spectacles in this genre with Soul Calibre IV and Virtua Fighter 5 which both have some gloriously shiny, flashy aesthetics, but what we don't have is a more simulation-style fighting game. I would love to see the kind of gritty, faded colours from Gears of War and Ghost Recon, accurately modeled characters and a completely different approach taken towards the animation. Most fighting games have a very arcade-ey style with lightning quick animation.

When you batter several buttons, your character hurls limbs about at such speed you can barely appreciate the fluidity of it. And it doesn't look remotely real, particularly when flashing green explosions light up the fighters when a blow hits home. I'd like to see some real-time, smooooth animation that looks like an actual fight! So when a weighty blow lands on your opponent it really makes you flinch. I want to see blows causing impact wherever they land and visual clues as to the severity and location of injuries. Fights can be quick and responsive but with slight delays for recovery of balance and poise. I wouldn't mind at all sacrificing a little immediacy of control for some more realistic movement.

The reward for seeing a poorly timed swing putting your opponent off-balance and unable to recover before a kick to the back of the leg sent his knee to the floor, would be enormous! A believable exchange with timing, technique and decision-making being the winning traits and everything played out like a pub brawl or an artful competition would be awe-inspiring. This must be a hefty challenge because I've never seen anything remotely like what's playing though in my head, but one day it must surely happen.

Ryan is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Airport Parking Gatwick Parking and Heathrow Parking.

How to Play All Classes in the Too Human Demo

By Marlon MM

Too Human takes a cyber punk retelling of Norse mythology. Instead of the typical gods that you would expect to see, the Norse gods are cybernetically enhanced humans. You play Baldur, one of their gods. In fact, you are the son of Odin. As the son of Odin, it is your job to keep watch over and protect the human race from an approaching army of machines led by the demented Loki and bent on the destruction of mankind.

There are five classes you can choose to play, but the demo only allows the option to play the Champion. With five choices and only one option, one can feel a little unsure of whether or not to buy this game to make the final decision.

How about trying all of the classes?

Berserker

With the Berserker you will find they favor fast, close-quarters combat. They are the only class in the game that can dual-wield swords or staffs.

Defender

The Defender's job is to be the tank. Massive amounts of armor makes him a perfect beating post to ensure the enemy's attention is on no one but him, so that his allies with less armor can unload their fury upon the enemies around him.

Commando

The Commando is your tactical, long-range combat class. This class can stand in the back and deal out explosions and damage if your defender can keep the attention of all of the enemies before you. If you don't have a defender around, the Commando can summon spiders that have their own array of attacks to distract foes.

Champion

The Champion is your overall balance of armor and damage. He can help the defender manage baddies around him, but can also do his fair share of damage to wipe out anything in front of him.

Bio Engineer

This is the guy who is going to ensure everyone in your group is going to stay alive. With different ways to heal both himself and the party, he is a highly needed addition to any group fighting against the forces of Loki.

"Great," you are thinking. "But how do I get to play all these awesome classes in the demo?" Silicon Knights have not forgotten you, but you are going to have to work for it. They have put this in as an intentional Easter egg for those who want to get as much as they can out of the demo.

To get these classes in the Too Human demo, you need to use a different kind of cheat code.

After you have finished downloading the demo, disconnect your Xbox Live. If you don't do this, then you will not be able to play as any of the other classes except the Champion.

Once you have disconnected from Xbox Live, go to the console settings in your Xbox menu, select the clock setting and change the date to 2009. Xbox Live sets your clock automatically if you are connected.

Now that you have done this, go back into the demo, and you will be able to play the game in the Berserker or the Commando class.

For the Defender or Bio Engineer classes, you need to select the character and over and over as fast as you possibly can for 4 to 5 seconds, and then press either left or right.

Now that you can play all the classes, you can get more out of your demo of Too Human. Be sure to check out the rest of the cheat codes for Too Human at: http://www.xboxcheatcodes.com http://www.Xboxcheatcodes.com offering cheats and cheat codes, free hints, with exclusive video game previews and daily news for all X Box, Xbox 360 games

Jane's Realty Game Review

By Mabel Lee

Jane's Realty is time management game on construction business. Jane has taken over the family business to maximize the profit and bring it to the next competitive level. Here you help Jane to buy land and clear the piece of land with the services available, then choose the type of building before able to start the construction.

There are two modes in Jane's Realty which are Business mode and Design mode. Get started with business mode first as design mode is available only after you have done Happy Valley: Level 3 at business mode. There are several places which you can build your real estate and there's a map to refer to for these places. South Village, Smiletown and Green Valley are few of the areas you develop.

Before you can build housing estate in a place, first, you have to build water tower and electric power station first. Upgrade them and then you are ready to build the houses. When the houses are ready, furnish them with bed, table, chair or paint the walls beautifully to get the rental fees as high as possible. When the tenants move in, money flows in every month and you get the money to buy more lands and build more buildings.

Occasionally, some rain fall will cause trees at the housing area to fall. Get the crane to clean up the mess to ensure safe environment for the people there. When the power station or the houses need repair, get the right tool and service to repair the buildings.

Each levels have different mission for you. Some required you to build garage, some need you to build houses and then upgrade them to more expensive houses, some requires you to build store and the list goes on. Focus on getting the goals achieved as early as possible and you get to complete the levels within the time given. When you are approaching you time limit for each level, there's this buzzing sound to remind you to speed up your actions. Some expensive buildings like garage need more money before you can build it, so accumulate enough rental money for that purpose.

Overall I find it amusing to play Jane's Realty as it really opens up the eyes for the real estate business even though it's just a simulation for casual game. Having said that, I feel that this time management game need to put in more additive factor as it tends to get repetitive at some point or other. Which means, once you have passed the learning curve of the game, you will face the same scenario at each levels except higher and higher goals set for you.

On the time management genre and also real estate theme, I recommend another similar but more engaging game.... Build in Time. Start your real estate business with Build in Time instead.

Mabel Lee is a PC and online game reviewer for casual games. Playing PC and online games have many advantages and keeps an active and healthy mind. Visit the collection of the downloadable PC and online games' review site. The games are free to download and have fun! http://www.mabelgames.com

A Tale of Three Tales

By Jerome Higbee

Certain phrases in the English language are often used to great effect, such as when we think of marketing: "Don't leave home without it", or "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands, and even "Obey your thirst". These key phrases and words associate certain products with them when we are exposed to them over and over, so it isn't surprising that in the world of video games, certain key phrases and words have taken on associated meanings. After all, there are tens of thousands of used video games, and thinking all the way back to the Nintendo Enterainment System(NES) and moving forward to the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, there is bound to be a wealth of intentional and unintentional 'sloganizing'.

We are all aware of the success of franchises like Super Mario Brothers and the Legend of Zelda, but what about the other guys, those games that might go unnoticed were we not here to salvage their epic playability and raise them to that famed 'classic' status? It is with these less well known video games that we are here to discuss today

If you have ever thought of the phrase Tales of.. in relation to a video game, what did you think of? For me, I envision a role-playing game (RPG) fraught with turned-based combat and towns full of common folk ready to share information with you. I also think of three particular games: Tales of Symphonia (Nintendo Gamecube, Playstation 2), Tales of the Abyss (Playstation 2), and Tales of Phantasia (Super Famicom, Game Boy Advance, Playstation, PSP). What do these three RPGs have in common? Let's take a look:

Tales of Symphonia - Like previous games in the Tales series, Tales of Symphonia uses a version of the Linear Motion Battle System - a real-time battle system, as opposed to the turn-based systems used in traditional role-playing games. When running around in the overworld, battles can be triggered by running into the monsters that dot the landscape. The Overlimit feature, which is a result of building 'tension points', allows characters to take less damage, perform special actions, and cast spells more quickly. 'Grade' is substituted for experience, and can be used to purchase items and EX gems

As characters level up in Tales of Symphonia, they can learn 'EX-skills' which allows them learn different abilities, sometimes combining them for greater effect. Each character can earn up to 25 titles in the game either by playing through a certain point in the game, by leveling, or by meeting certain conditions. Different titles will have different effects. Items in the game are a result of loot from battle, from recipes learned from the Wonder Chef (success in cooking is determined by the character's skill level), and from NPCs upgrading items when given certain components.

Along with the cut scenes in the game, decisions you make will affect how others think of Lloyd, the main character. Depending on the choices you make, the friendship's among the characters may change.

Tales of the Abyss - Tales of the Abyss is a story about Luke, and the value of friendship and sacrifice. As Luke, you begin inside your family's manor, an amnesiac caused by the shock of being kidnapped years ago. Shattering your forgotten memories, a girl named Tear breaks into the castle, and you are taken from the safety of home to places unknown. Luke roams freely through his environment finding treasure and voracious enemies to boot.

The land is full of particles created from elements including light, dark, air, earth, fire, and water called Fonons, and the you can master the a particular area by using attacks that are based in one of six particles. Luke can charge-up normal actions to become super attacks by using moves that require the primary Fonon found within that environment. Luke's companions Mieu and Jade, will join you along the way and fill out your party.

Elemental attacks are made more powerful by using slot chambers to add special effects such as power, damage, and health increases, and as your characters level up, you have over 80 unlockable attributes that affect Luke and his friends. As you journey through your main quest of uncovering Luke's affiliation with the Order of Lorelei, side stories include cooking to increase attributes and accessorizing with swimsuits, upscale clothing, and more. You can journey by yourself, or invite up to three friends to play along as characters in Luke's party.

Tales of Phantasia - Tales of Phantasia, was a role-playing game originally released for the Super Famicom, and due to its success as a series, it has finally been releasted in North America. Today, Tales of Phantasia distinguishes itself with its action-oriented, side-scrolling battle sequences (reminding one of Zelda II - The Adventures of Link (NES).

Tales of Phantasia is the story of Cress, a teenager out hunting one day who encounters a strange phenomenon, and as a result realizes he must save the past in order to insure the present. Along the way, he'll be joined by several other characters, learning magic, commanding elementals, taking sides in political struggles, and more.

The combat system defies the tradition of most RPGS, and is most similar to Tales of Symphonia. Rather than take turn based attacks, battles in Tales of Phantasia put you in direct control of Cress. You can perform a variety of strikes using the attack button and control pad,learning other techniques as the game progresses. It's also possible to perform chain combinations, much like Symphonia. The combat system is pleasant diversion from turn-based RPGs, and the animations and backgrounds are beautiful, and have held up well over time on the Gameboy Advance.

Certainly, as video game technology progressed, so did the marketing skills of the companies making the games. Reading the back of the boxes of some Sega Master System games one morning over a box of cereal, I realized how bad the writing was for some of the games. In the 90s, and 00s, companies started employing professional writers, and marketers caught on to sloganizing in video games, giving us a wealth of 'Tales of..' games. The ones I came with are listed here: Tales of Phantasia, Tales of Destiny, Tales of Destiny 2, Tales of Eternia, Tales of Fandom, Tales of Rebirth, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Legendia,, Tales of the Abyss, and Tales of the Tempest. Hmmm. It is starting to not sound like an accident after all. In any case, I will leave it to the reader to judge which elements are similar in the three reviewed titles, and which are not. You could also go out and play these three classics, given enough time.

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Nintendo Wii - "Carnival Games" Review

By Camilla Bertelsen

One of my most favorite memories growing up was going to the fair every summer. The best part of it was playing the games, which we all know now were rigged and only a certain percentage of people actually won. That didn't really matter then, but now we want to even the score. The Nintendo Wii has helped to do that with the creation of its video game, "Carnival Games".

Play begins when the player creates his or her character and the only drawback to this is that you can't customize or change your characters features like hair, clothes, etc. The video game begins as you take your character into the carnival to start playing games. The Nintendo Wii's "Carival Games" gives the player two modes to play in; 1) single-player mode where the player can earn prizes and 2) multi-player mode where the players compete against each other. The video game has twenty-five different games to play, which are most of the favorite games you remember playing as a kid when you went to the real carnival.

This video game does have some problems with the controllers; players must be quick and accurate to get passed the round and it seems there have been times that the players are faster than the controller. Nintendo Wii, I am sure, will reformat this problem in future video games, but in this one, it does seem to be an issue with some of the games the player must play.

In order to receive prizes the video game awards these based upon how well you do in four levels. The better you do the better the prizes; much like at a real carnival; if you want the ten foot tall stuffed monkey, you had better be real good at tossing the rings.

All in all the Nintendo Wii has done a pretty good job replicating the carnival atmosphere in this unique video game. I recommend "Carnival Games" for families to play together on game nights or at parties. It is definitely a video game that both children and adults will enjoy.

Article by Camilla Bertelsen and the owner of http://popularvideogame.com

Wii Sports Reviewed

By Alastair Harris

As most Wii console packages come standard with the Wii Sports package I thought it would be a good idea to review Wii Sports.

Wii sports comes with five sports.

* Baseball

* Bowling

* Golf

* Tennis

* Boxing

You can play all but the boxing with the controller that comes out of the standard package. But to play the boxing game, you will need the nunchuck. At least two controllers and nunchucks are ideal as this game is best in a group.

Baseball:

Apart from the Mii's having no legs the game is graphically quite nice. The game chooses your Mii's as players first so you will see your own names coming up on the team roster first. It you don't know what a "Mii" is, you can generate them in the Mii channel so keep all the stats for yourself, family and guests. I have one for each family member and the Mii looks similar (i.e. the kid's Mii's are shorter, slimmer, etc). The pitching in baseball is easy. Just hold the holder in your hand (cord attached to wrist for safety) and swing forward and downward - fast for a fast pitch, slow for a slow pitch. Pushing no button gives a straight fast ball, the "A" button a screw ball and "B" for a curve ball and "A" and "B" for a splitter (dropping ball).

Batting is even simpler - just swing the controller like you would a baseball bat. Timing is everything if you want a home run.

Unfortunately you can no longer steal bases as in the old Nintendo favorites, this and the fact the game is only 3 innings long are my only criticisms.

Bowling:

Ten pin bowling. Swing an underarm and hit the "B" button to release. My secret - hit the "B" at the very last moment - the ball will hit down and stay on track. This works until you improve to "PRO" level in which case you will notice the ball spins off to the side more. You can make the ball spin by moving your wrist while swinging.

I'm a much better bowler online than in real life getting scores of over two hundred. However the game is very realistic with bowling alley sounds, pins dropping and more.

Golf:

Like the real game, Wii Sports golf requires patience, timing and the right application of force. Up to a nine hole golf course with ever more difficult and challenging holes. The best bet is to be conservative in your shot selection and power it you want any hope of reaching a hole in par. Its also import in Wii Sports Golf to stay on the fairway as you have a significant penalty in power if you land on the rough.

Tennis:

This is the only game that is disappointing. Wii Sports Tennis is lacking the necessary control in the ability to slam and directing the ball it a matter of very fine timing. Also running the "Mii" over the court is difficult and slow, meaning you often are in the wrong place to even get close to hitting the ball. The two player game isn't too bad if you play with someone else on your team as you are able to cover the court better making up for the lack of movement in the Mii's.

Boxing:

Wii Fit Sports should come with a medical warning - see you doctor before you play, especially with the boxing because you will end up huffing and puffing. This is the most difficult to get to pro rating with the boxers you face getting increasing better. You will have to learn to dodge, weave and time your punch combinations. Its sometimes difficult to get the Mii to box as quick as you want, or in the place you want. I find making a side body shot particularly difficult. Boxers normally get back up after a knock down. Only a really good upper head shot combo while they are on the way down will keep them down.

Wii Sports also comes with a fitness and training option to test your reflexes, timing and power.

Its a great package to come standard with the Wii.

Want more Wii? Visit http://nintendo-wii-fanatic.blogspot.com/ This article is the property of Alastair HARRIS and his immediate family. It may be freely republished over the internet but must include original links.