Sherlock Holmes debuts on high definition consoles for the first time ever as The Testament of Sherlock Holmes lets you play as both Holmes and Watson in a third person perspective. Set in London, England in 1898, this new investigation adventure game centers on Holmes and Watson finding clues, gathering evidence, reenacting crimes, questioning witnesses, and examining crime scenes to prove Holmes’ innocence to a crime he did not commit. Players have several action possibilities with several question sets to consider as theft, fraud, and many other intriguing themes.

This one player game has great puzzle challenges and a new deduction system to assist in key decision making. A hint system and optional ‘skip puzzle’ command provide some assistance while fans can enjoy many references, surprises, and special treats throughout the game. A few navigation issues (e.g. bad environment layouts that hinder movements) detract from the game, but they are very minor. The music, sound effects, and character voiceovers all impress while the visually complex scenes and high-resolution textures make an appealing landscape where players must scrutinize every detail. Developed by Frogwares, The Testament of Sherlock Holmes comes highly recommended (***1/2, also available on Xbox 360 and PC, rated M for blood, gore, intense violence, and drug use.

Need for Speed Most Wanted XBox 360 video game review by Sagar Sharma

Electronic Art’s long running Need for Speed franchise was in a major slump until Criterion Games, creators of the excellent Burnout series, took over the helm two years ago.  They return this year with Need for Speed Most Wanted, a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Burnout Paradise.  Either through single player or multiplayer, the player can progress through the game to become most wanted driver in the fictional city of Fairhaven.  Need for Speed offers a superb sense of freedom and exploration while still maintaining the thrills of high-speed racing and pursuits

In Need for Speed Most Wanted the premise is simple, earn 100,000 speed points to be able to take on one of Fairhaven’s 10 most wanted drivers to eventually take the crown as most wanted.  Criterion Games does not force the player down a linear path of how to pursue this goal.  You are immediately offered the entire map and a large collection of exotic cars to tackle various races at your desire.   There are five races associated with each car including speed runs and traditional circuit races as these races range in difficulty.  Depending on how you place, you will unlock various mods for the car such as nitrous and brake modifications.  The points accumulated also go towards the 100,000-point goals.  Adding to the thrill of these races is the threat of police chases that happen after the race is complete and the player must escape authorities in order to freely roam again.  Fairhaven’s police will be extremely aggressive in taking down your car and will use spike traps to slow down your escape.

Criterion Games wanted to created a seamless experience between the single and multiplayer and has done so better then any racer before it.  Fairhaven becomes a playground for you and your friends to cause havoc and compete with each other in various races.  All the points acquired in the multiplayer carries over to the single player so a sense of progression never stops.

Whether it is fine-tuning your car, switching to multiplayer or selecting a race, the player is forced to use the Easy-Drive menu system.  In theory this system was created so the player never has to feel disconnected from the experience and can effortlessly select the bevy of options the game has while driving through the city.  Unfortunately in practice this doesn’t work as well as desired as it actually takes away from the flow of the game because the player is concentrating on the menu selections which more often then not leads to major car wrecks

Need for Speed Most Wanted achieves a true sense of speed and when coupled with the beautifully created city of Fairhaven it is a thrilling experience that elevates the series to the top of its genre.  Regrettably an inconvenient menu system limits the potential of what is otherwise the finest racer of 2012 (***1/2, MSRP $59.99, available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, rated E for Everyone).

+ Beautifully created world with outstanding presentation

+ Seamless integration between Single and Multi-player

+ Great variety and lots to explore with the promise of future DLC

- Easy-Drive menu can be cumbersome to use

The launch of a new console in the video game industry is always a spectacle as unlike other technological industries, gamers have to wait approximately five years before the successors debut.  Nintendo’s launch of the Wii U has been shrouded in mystery, large in part because of the hardware giant’s own doing.  Not until September was the interface of the system revealed and gamers still had no idea what to expect from the online portion of the console until launch day.

I personally pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the Wii U the day pre-orders were made available on September 13^th at a local GameStop store.  Being the 6^th person to place my order I was quite confident I would be able to acquire the device on launch day. Within a few weeks pre-orders were generally sold out at all major retailers but specific numbers were not released.  Two days prior to the launch I asked the GameStop manager if there was going to be a midnight launch event, something that routinely happens with major hardware and software releases, he said there would not be one because of the interest was not there.  The hype surrounding the launch of the Wii U was not on par with previous console launches could be due to several factors.  Technologically speaking, the systems power is reported to be similar to that of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, keep in mind this is five to six year old technology that is just now being met by Nintendo.  Instead of Nintendo opting to advance the technology they decided to just match it as the Wii was a generation behind in technology.  Another factor sapping some of the hype is the growing anticipation of the successors of Nintendo’s rivals, as rumors are continuing to build and grow louder for the PlayStation 4 and next Xbox.

Absent from Wii U is that “must have” title, the “system seller” that gamers cannot resist.  The cream of the launch crop is New Super Mario Bros. U, other standouts include Zombie U and Scribblenauts Unlimited.  Gamers will likely have to wait till next fall for Nintendo to trot out its big guns.  According to Nintendo, they plan on selling as many units as they can produce with 5.5 million units sold by March 31st of next year.  With the buzz surrounding the launch of the Wii U being noticeably less then that of its predecessor, Nintendo may find difficulty in meeting that claim.  The Wii also launched being vastly inferior from a technical perspective and its future being questioned but has gone on to ship close to a 100 million units, whether Nintendo can strike gold twice remains to be seen.

Nintendo’s Wii U is a sleek modern looking device with a shiny black plastic coating.  This leads to the console being a fingerprint magnet with even the slightest touch, which is also the case with the gamepad.  The system is not heavy or bulky but is surprisingly long measuring at nearly a foot deep.   Nintendo has finally stepped into the high definition era with up to 1080p support and an HDMI connection.

The dual-screen gamepad is the main attraction for the first entry into the next generation of gaming hardware.  It is the biggest controller ever used for a console but is actually quite light so long play sessions should not be a physical chore for the gamer.  Because of the lightweight, the battery also suffered so expect approximately three to four hours of battery usage.  This unfortunately means a charging cradle should be nearby and defeats the purpose of using the Wii U gamepad as a replacement for a television remote.  The controller also has it’s own microphone and speakers.

Setting up the system was effortless as the interface was very clean and streamlined.  Those with a Nintendo 3DS will be familiar with the menus as similarities between the two are apparent throughout.  The menus took a very long time to load and hopefully are a top priority for Nintendo to fix as this makes navigating the systems many options more cumbersome then it has to be.

Early adopters are faced a massive update as soon as they try to connect the system to a Wi-Fi network.  This update is quite substantial as it allows access to all online functionality of the Wii U, without it, only playing retail disc games is available for user.  This type of day one patch is alarming as it shows that Nintendo was barely ready for the launch of this console.  Once I updated the system I was greeted to the Miiverse, which is a robust online community center for the Wii U.  It allows specific communities for games and interests to interact with other gamers around the world.  The Miiverse seems like a more intuitive system to that of anything provided by Microsoft or Sony.

Those lucky enough to grab the premium version of the Wii U will find Nintendoland packed in with the console.  The game is similar to that of Wii Sports for the Wii as it serves as not only a multiplayer game but as an introduction to the various ways the Wii U controller can be used.  It is a fun distraction but really just gets the appetite wet for what is to come in the future.  The Wii U offer something truly unique for gamers but the burden is on Nintendo to make sure a steady stream of quality software is provided as third party support does not appear to be there now.

(***, Premium Package (Black/32GB) MSRP $349.99, Standard Package (White/8GB) MSRP $299.99, available at major electronic retailers)

+ Dual screen setup has potential for a truly unique console experiences

+ Off-screen gameplay convenient for multi purpose TV use

+ Miiverse is a well-built community setup

- 3-hour battery life for Wii U gamepad

- Interface is slow and needs refining

- Current and near future exclusives are spares

- New owners greeted with a lengthy mandatory update

2013 Video Game Outlook by Michael Siebenaler and Sagar Sharma – Toledo Free Press

2013 will be an exciting year for video games with exciting offerings like Tomb Raider, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Sim City, Gear of War Judgment, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist, Grand Theft Auto V, Beyond: Two Souls, God of War Ascension, Company of Heroes 2, The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite, Dead Space 3, Injustice: Gods Among Us, StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, Rayman Legends, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Crysis 3, and Metal Gear Rising Revengeance

LEGO maniacs will continue enjoying an expanding game series with LEGO Marvel Superheroes and LEGO City Undercover on the way. Expanded fitness options on the Wii U will include a new Wii Fit game while adaptation series with potential include South Park: The Stick of Truth. Release dates are always subject to change, but we are also hoping to see Ico’s long awaiting The Last Guardian, Bungie’s first non-Halo game tentatively titled Destiny, Ubisoft’s open world hacking game Watch Dogs and The Walking Dead: Season Two.

Sagar’s Most Anticipated titles of 2013

Grand Theft Auto V (360/PS3)

Gears of War: Judgment (360)

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3/Vita)

God of War: Ascension (PS3)

Ni No Kuni (PS3)

Last of Us (PS3)

Bioshock Infinite (360/PS3)

Tomb Raider (360/PS3)

Rayman Legends (Wii U)

When it comes to the schedule of video game releases, there is usually a long drought of major titles.  Most publishers release their major franchises in the fall and winter holiday shopping season.  2012 saw a shockingly high number of titles see delays that pushed the release date into 2013.  Now that the New Year has arrived we can enjoy the spoils of these abundant delays.

Owners of Sony’s PlayStation 3 have the most to be excited about as there are number of exclusive major releases.  Fans of role-playing games have the Japanese import Ni No Kuni releasing this March.  With the art direction in the hands of the Academy Award winning studio, Studio Ghibli, this promises to be one of the most beautiful games of this generation.  God of War: Ascension brings multiplayer to the franchise for the first time while Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time incorporates exciting cross play capabilities with the PlayStation Vita.  Perhaps the most anticipated exclusive title of 2013 is Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us.  The entirely new franchise focuses on a gripping narrative of survival and the relationship of two people trying to live in a horrific future.

In what will undoubtedly be the highest selling and most talked about game of 2013 is Grand Theft Auto V.   Five years after the release of its predecessor, the industry has never seen anticipation for a title like this before.  Rockstar has been unflinching in remaining secretive about this title and have only slowly dripped out tidbits of information.  The series returns to San Andreas and expands from the city to the mountaintops.  Heat, the classic criminal drama film, is said to be a major inspiration for the narrative of this epic.

Dead Space 3, Tomb Raider and Bioshock: Infinite lead a wave of high-octane action multiplatform sequels arriving this spring.  Wii U owners unfortunately do not have much to look forward to in the first half of 2013 but they can count on the finest platform experience anywhere with the exclusive Rayman: Legends.  The one notable exclusive for the Xbox 360 is Gears of War: Judgment.

Video game review by Sagar Sharma – Toledo Free Press

Halo 4 (343 Industries / Microsoft Studios)

Before Call of Duty took the crown, Halo was known as the king of console shooters.  The storied franchise helped pave the way for the first person shooter genre to feel comfortable to play with a gamepad.  Its sequel, Halo 2, introduced the matchmaking party system that has become the standard for any multiplayer game.  Bungie, the developer responsible for Halo, has moved on and 343 Industries now has the unbelievable pressure of carrying the torch.  Fortunately for the millions of fans of the franchise, not only have they absolutely delivered on the hype but have crafted a fitting swan song for the Xbox 360.  Halo 4 is the best looking game ever seen on the console and the single player and multiplayer experience make sure that it does not go to waste.

Master Chief returns several years after the events of Halo 3 and is awakened from his cryonic sleep by Cortana, his A.I. companion.  She informs the super soldier of a new ancient race that threatens the human race.  If this is all starting to sound cliché, that is because it is.  343 Industries tries to create an emotional attachment with the player by focusing on the emotional struggles of Cortana as she slowly starts to breakdown throughout the story.  This falls flat because of the embarrassingly bad dialogue exchanges between Master Chief and Cortana.  Thankfully the most memorable campaign since the original makes up for the weak story.  The pacing in this game is superb as the player never feels overwhelmed with constant firefights that plague many shooters today.  Without giving away too many spoilers, the variety of locations and vehicle stages keeps the campaign feeling fresh till the credits roll.

Halo’s iconic multiplayer is back and not much has changed from its competitive standpoint.  The customization options are purely atheistic, which goes against the Call of Duty style of gameplay altering perks.  What is new however to the series is a set of cooperative story based missions.  These missions are entirely unique from the single player campaign and 343 Industries plans to add new chapters months after release.

The Xbox 360 is already seven years old and in the technological world that means it is ancient.  Many new releases for the system are starting to look a bit aged as games are starting to suffer graphically as developers are feeling the restriction of the system.  So it came to a shock to many that Halo 4 is one of the most breathe-taking games to be released in years.  Developer 343 Industries have managed to squeeze every bit of juice out of this system.  The game stays at a steady 30 frames per second, offering a stable playing experience even in the most hectic of firefights.  The lighting in Halo 4 is simply phenomenal, creating a mood that will truly engulf the player in the different locations they will visit.

With the Xbox 360’s successor right around the corner, it is fitting that the franchise that helped launch Microsoft’s console endeavors closes out its second console in style.  Halo 4 marks the start of the next chapter of stories for the series and we can rest easy it is in good hands (****, Rated M for Mature, MSRP $59.99, available for Xbox 360).

+ Best graphics on the Xbox 360

+ Strongest single-player campaign since the original

+ Excellent co-op campaign story

+ Classic Halo multi-player

-  Weak story

Guardians of Middle-Earth (Warner Bros. Interactive) video game review by Sagar Sharma

MOBA, multiplayer online battle arena, is the ever-growing genre of competitive PC gaming. It pits two players against each other in a real-time-strategy type gameplay. Guardians of Middle-Earth has the difficult task of not only faithfully bringing the Lord of the Rings universe to life but the somehow figuring out a way to convert a PC centric genre to consoles…in this case, Xbox Live Arcade.

When a gamer thinks of an RTS (Real Time Strategy) game being controlled on a gamepad, chills of terror usually follow. The reason for this is its heavy reliance on a mouse and keyboard for precision and access to countless commands. Monolith Productions does a remarkable job of streamlining the experience to feeling as natural as possibly on the Xbox 360 gamepad. To help simplify the experience is the lack of the ability to select or attack a particular enemy. Instead the player attacks a designated area and hopes for the best in the form of a burst attack. This works quite well because if you were to miss the specific enemy you were hoping to damage you would at least get some added bonus in the form of a health or power boost. To also make things simpler, Monolith Productions eliminated the concept of an in-game storefront that is commonly used in MOBA’s for purchases and upgrades. In its place, the gamer selects a perk load out, similar to Call of Duty.

The main draw to this game and the genre of MOBA is competitive online multiplayer, so it is a real shame to see this game trip over and fall on the networking side of things. Expect to see long wait times to be matched into games and constant drops from during online bouts. This is an extremely frustrating experience on a number of levels. Not only will you lose all the abilities and powers you leveled up during the fight but also much of your time will be for nothing as these online skirmishes can last up to 40 minutes.

It is really unfortunate the online gameplay is so unstable as the game behind it is quite promising and shows developers everywhere that the MOBA genre can be successfully executed on console. It is possible the online experience can improve with future patches, but the online experience today is what counts and it needs much work (**(1/2), 1200pts ($15 on PSN), Rated T for Teen (Fantasy Violence)).

+ Lord of the Rings universe tastefully implemented

+ MOBA computer controls successfully integrated into a console experience

- Horrible network experience holds back competitive play

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Earth Defense Force® 2017 Portable (D3Publisher)

Available via digital download on the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable offers action packed shooting action with retro sci-fi scenarios. This enhanced version of the 2007 Xbox 360 version features ground troops, which can progress through four different levels, who get over 150 possible weapons to battle alien onslaughts (can carry up to two at one time). Players can also enter vehicles including special mechs, helicopters, tanks, Pale Wing and more. Use the vehicles to move towards targets otherwise you will spend too much running on the ground.

The dual analog stick control scheme makes this a natural re-adaptation that includes seven new levels in addition to the base levels that number over 50. Enemy movement can be choppy at times, so it can be challenging to predict where to fire a wide array of weapons including flame throwers, shotguns, rocket launchers and grenades.

Multiplayer modes support up to four players and include new missions, enemies, and equipment. Coordination is key and the cooperative aspects enhance the game and benefit from the added voice chat support. The highly destructive environments (e.g. buildings fall with just the right strike) and familiar sci-fi situation create entertaining thrills. Recommended (***) and rated T for animated blood, mild language, and violence. Earth Defense Force 2025 will release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sometime this year. Purchase this game before February 4^th to receive free downloadable content (DLC) of the following weapons: Electro Paralyzer, Heat Blaster, Limit Booster, and Reverse Drone ($0.99 each after February 4^th).

Launching in November 2012, the release of the system had almost no Nintendo first party support to speak of besides New Super Mario Bros. U and the bundled Nintendoland. First party titles, including Pikmin 3 and Wii U Fit, were supposed to release only months after launch, but have been delayed until at least this summer. As with the launch with the 3DS, Nintendo expected third-party publishers to do the heavy lifting of supporting the console, and once again they have not cooperated. The most telling summary of this dreadful start has to do with the once Wii U exclusive, Rayman Legends.

Rayman Legends was first scheduled for launch then delays forced the title to move to February. Nintendo’s Wii U has disappointed in sales since its debut and has sold millions less then projected. Video game publishing giant Ubisoft took notice of this and has decided to not only make Rayman Legands available on PS3 and Xbox 360, but also to delay the finished Wii U version till Fall 2013 to coincide with the release of the other versions., which is a significant blow to Nintendo as the outlook of Wii U game titles dims.

Third-party support has been a major issue for Nintendo dating back to the Nintendo 64. The Nintendo Wii was an enormous success for Nintendo but still had very weak support from other publishers. Nintendo has already reduced their overall sales projections from 5.5 million to four million for Wii Us sold through March 2013 as potential fall releases of the PlayStation 4 and the next Xbox console loom.

The saying has always been that you buy a Nintendo console for Nintendo games. This will not change for the Wii U. I do not regret buying the system on launch day because as a gaming enthusiast, system launches is something I rarely miss. The average customer though should wait for the price of the Wii U Deluxe to drop at least $50 and wait a year once there is a shelf full of Nintendo first-party games we all love. Nintendo will have to double down on releasing games and acquiring exclusives, something they have struggled in the past.

This survival, sci-fi sequel again pits engineer Isaac Clarke and Sergeant John Carver against endless waves of human experiments gone bad called Necromorphs. Isaac is a familiar character, so, of course, developers give players some nice incentives for playing as John, a relentless warrior. The third person shooter action takes place on the icy planet Tau Volantis where the Necromorphs are reanimated by the Marker, a mysterious alien entity. New baddies include an insect-like Nexus and the Waster, which adapts its combat in unique ways based on its body state. The boss battles underwhelm at times while the unique game ending has striking originality.

New features include a special weapons crafting system using collected items. These weapons can be shared in the drop in/drop out, two player co-op campaign (online pass required) where players can invite a friend or chat it up with someone new. Sharp graphics and a more action-based focus anchor an approximately 20-hour single player campaign. The online co-op campaign depends on the partner, so playing through the single player campaign is highly recommended.

The impressive heads up display (HUD) provides a nice window to the horror-filled action while the familiar resource integration gear (RIG) suit helps players manage their resources. Oxygen amounts, weather condition, and the constant antagonist threat provide ample tension. Unlockable weapons, side missions and clothing items are great pick-ups along the way.

A solid thrilled filled sequel has fantastic moments, flexible gameplay, and several options and is also available in a limited edition version. Additional bonuses include a witness suit, a first combat suit and even a Mass Effect 3 bonus. Purchased add on content will include Dead Space 3 Awakened pack coming this March (***, also available on PC and Xbox 360, rated M for intense violence, strong language, and blood and gore). Special note: The Xbox version has Kinect support, but this PS3 version has no PS Move support.

In what was the most anticipated gaming conference in years, Sony officially announced the PlayStation 4 this past February 20. 2013 marks the arrival of the next entries into the next generation of consoles, as much as Nintendo would tell you otherwise. Sony hosted a two-hour conference in New York City in front of 1,200 attendees and gave a glimpse on the vision of their next hardware and showing off a few games in the process.

Sony revealed the PlayStation 4 was being built like super-charged PC and it would be painless experience for developers to realize their visions on the system. Much of the conference focused on how developers had a heavy influence on how the console was engineered. The gaming world was pleasantly shocked to find out that the gaming machine would have 8GBs of GDDR5 RAM, an extremely cutting edge piece of technology and that it would be in abundance. Specifics on GPU and CPU remain unknown to the public, but will likely be known as the launch nears

The DualShock 4 controller was revealed to now include a touch sensitive pad, similar to that on the PlayStation Vita, and a new share button. The new button will allow gamers to record gaming footage instantly as well as easily connect friends together online. Sony revealed a few in-game demos of first party titles, including the latest from the Killzone franchise. The title was easily the most visually impressive game the public has seen and shows much promise for the PlayStation 4’s future. Several game engines were shown including Unreal Engine 4, Unreal Engine 3 dominated titles for this generation and its successor will likely do the same.

Most surprising about the conference was the fact that Sony did not actually show what the PlayStation 4 looked like. I do not recall the last time there was a conference for an electronic item that was not even shown. This is likely due to the fact that PlayStation 4 is not due for release till the holidays of this year and they did not want to reveal all their cards just yet, with Microsoft yet to introduce their console. The price point is still unknown but with the impressive technology under the hood of the PlayStation 4 I predict the console will be no less then $399.99.

This successful reboot elevates the Tomb Raider game series to a higher level with stronger emotional elements, expanded gameplay opportunities, and an extensive multiplayer mode. Game developers Crystal Dynamics continue their quality work in this game series and use actual elements as a base for the story, which retains the learning experiences (geography, history, etc.). After a quick initial setup of the PlayStation 3 game, players get three save slots and choose the difficulty (easy, normal or hard) for this Lara Croft origin experience.

Players already know this young adventurer can survive the elements, which set the tone for her expedition group as they are stranded on a mysterious island. The endless activities match very well with the tension filled plot, which is well paced and gives players a nice variety. Lara’s activities include salvaging, hunting, puzzles, traversing, climbing, exploring, zip lining, fighting, evading, archery, melee pushing, shooting, and, of course, tomb raiding. The only notable combat snafu is environmental objects occasionally block the view when using the zoom option when the objects (e.g. trees) are located well behind Lara. Players make upgrades at various base camps (only at safe times) and can thankfully travel fast through the large environments as they progress.

Developers incorporate quick time events (QTEs), action cues (hit specific button similar to “God of War” games), and even music cues plus players can always press the L2 button to analyze the environment for clues to progress. Certain challenges also give players clues (e.g. reappearing items, etc.) in addition to the environment analysis. Great rumble (controller vibrates) options, slow motion, and challenging boss fights enhance the high octane gameplay even more. The reactions are truly impressive and include special dialogue when panning to view certain environment areas. Human enemies usually approach Lara at a fast and furious pace, which can be an advantage (e.g. take note of explosive barrels, then quickly lure them to that spot). Surprises, unpredictable situations, and multiple actions create an amazing framework that engages and entertains on a high level.

The multiplayer mode features a casual or regular difficulty with up to 8 players total in entertaining skirmishes that include rescue, team deathmatch, cry for help, and free for all. Crystal Dynamics enhances familiar series gameplay while pushing the PlayStation 3 to its limit with amazing visual effects, lighting, and camerawork. Add-on content and PlayStation Home options also available. Highly recommended and also available in The Final Hours edition and Survival/Collector’s edition (****, also on PC and Xbox 360, rated M for intense violence, strong language, and blood/gore).

Sims 3 University Life video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Sims 3 University Life (Electronic Arts)

Sometimes it’s fun to escape your own life for another. Recent simulation video game can give you some release into an entertaining world…just for a while. Sims 3 University Life opens a new chapter on the PC for young adult Sims to elder Sims and anyone in between. This entertaining expansion pack (a welcome encore from the Sims 2 University & University Life Collection) involves new career tracks, new items, and several new opportunities, especially on the social side. Players must reach adult status with their characters to attend Sims University. Living options include rent your own house or joining other Sims in the dorm or frat/sorority house. The new social groups include nerds, rebels and jocks. It’s fun to play with the social types in this sandbox game, which includes several key choices that affect gameplay (e.g. whether or not to cheat on exams). Tech options also factor into gameplay like the new smart phone that lets Sims blog.

Players have the underlying goal of improving their Sim’s life by landing that high level entry job when they graduate, so learning and development are the key paths to progression. Players must balance their Sim’s academic work with academic studies and stress relieving recreation and social activities. Degrees include business, technology, science and medicine, fine arts, communication and physical education. Earning a strong degree can make a big difference when your Sims go back home. Endless content creates constant opportunity and great gameplay moments. Requires The Sims3 to play (***1/2, rated T for crude humor, sexual themes, and violence, also available on Mac).

From Linda Haas of Project Peace:

Larry and I are traveling to the Holy Land with Sister Paulette Schroeder who worked as a Christian Peacekeeper in the West Bank for three years. Sister Paulette Schroeder, coordinator of Project Peace and a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin, prepared this trip to the West Bank to promote understanding and firsthand experiences of the Palestinians’ life under occupation. The group will, upon their return to the U.S., continue their peacemaking activities with a clearer awareness of the plight of these people under siege. The other members of our groups are Father Ted Miller, Josie Setzler, Phung Vo, Matt Meyer, Rich Stein, and Alice Body. This trip is intended to be educational as well as seeing some of the holy sites.

Alice in Wonderland

Columbus, OH

Monday April 1, 2013

Larry and I left home at 9:00 to pick up Fr. Ted who was on the west side of Columbus.  We met up and drove to the airport.  There was no one in line and we got right through the ticket counter and security.  We arrived before the rest.  Before long Sr.  Paulette, Josie and Matt arrived.  While we were waiting and talking Paulette got a call from Alice in Albany, NY that she missed her plane to Newark.  She decided to take a taxi back home and try and drive to Newark to catch the plane from there.  We got on our flight to Newark no knowing if she was going to make it.  Our flight was uneventful and we arrived at the gate for Tel Aviv in plenty of time.  We got a call from Alice that she was at the airport and looking for a parking spot.  When we got to the gate we found we had to go through another security check.  So before we did that those who had not eaten yet got something to eat.  While we were eating Alice called from the shuttle bus, then again from the desk where there was another hold up because she had not taken the first flight.  We went through security where we had to show our passports and boarding passes and then have our bags hand inspected while we were each wanded.  Then we had to take our passports and boarding passes to the desk to be signed again.  When we sat down Alice called to say there was a long line for security.  We encouraged her to ask other people to let her go ahead so she could make the plane.  In the meantime we are all praying up a storm as boarding was about half done.  We kept saying take your time, take your time, and boarding did take longer than the schedule said.  It started late and ended late.  In the meantime Paulette is standing by security, not having a clue what Alice looks like.  But they figured it out when she came through security and we all rejoiced.  Alice said, “I don’t really believe in miracles, but this was a miracle.”  We were almost the last ones on the plane so Larry and I had to check our luggage after all.  The plane ride over was without incident.  We were sitting in two separate groups.  Some of us got some sleep and others didn’t.

From Linda Haas of Project Peace:

In the Old City, Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel

Tuesday April 2, 2012

We landed in TelAviv a little bit early at 9:33 even though we left late.  It was easy getting through security, just passport control, where they asked a couple of routine questions.  Then we picked up our bags, some  people exchanged money, and we walked right out to get the taxi to Jerusalem.  It was about an hour’s drive.  On the way we saw some evidence of the walls that separate the Israeli’s and the Palestinians.  Paulette said we could tell the Palestinian homes because they have water tanks on the roofs.  All of the houses are made of cement blocks and stone.  There are very few trees here.  You could tell it is spring and that there has been some rain as there were several kinds of trees and flowers blooming along the side of the road.  Eventually we came to terraced hills covered with olive trees.
When we got near the Old City by the Damascus gate we left our taxi (a big van) and then walked into the Old City

Felafel and Hummus Peta

.  It is surrounded by walls that were built long ago.  Paulette said it would be just a little walk to the Golden Gate Inn and Hostel.  Well it was quite a ways, down stairs and ramps of stone once we were inside the walls.  As you enter the gate you are assaulted by the shops selling everything from souvenirs to produce and meat hanging in the wind.  I think one of the pieces was half a goat or something.  There is candy everywhere, sold by the pound.  There were clothing shops, kitchen wares, and groceries.  We checked in and then went to eat at a little restaurant real close to the Golden Gate.  Luckily they had menus in English.  I ordered a felafal and humus peta.  It had cucumber, pimento, pickle, cabbage and a creamy dressing.  It was very good.  A lot of us ordered pomegranate juice.

After lunch some people decided to have a rest.  Larry, Alice and I headed to the ATM outside the Damascus Gate.  When Larry and I stopped at the hostel to get a map of the Old City, we lost Alice. She had been taking a picture when we left.  So we walked out of the Damascus Gate and got  200 NRI (sheckels) at the ATM.  Right now a dollar is 3.67 sheckels.  We decided to walk outside the walls to the New Gate.  It was uphill all the way.  When we got there we decided to go back into the city.  We found we were in the Christian Quarter.  The city is divided into the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter

Lunch in the Old City

.  We stop at Alfredo’s Christian shop and he asked us to bring our group there to shop.  It was very small and had some beautiful icons.  Not many tour groups make their way to the Christian Quarter and he was asking our help.

We kept walking and found ourselves in the Armenian Quarter and then back on our street.  We ran into Phung and then a lady helped us find the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  We went inside but didn’t really know what we were looking at.  It will be better when we take the tour on our return to Jerusalem next week.  Next we tried  to get to the Dome of the Rock but soldiers blocked our way saying it was closed.  So we headed back to the hostel.  On the way back we finally found Alice and she had had quite a time getting lost and finding her way again.  We went back to the hostel and I blogged our first and started our second when Phung came and said she was going to the Hashimi Hotel and Hostel just down the street for a 360* view of the Old City.  We went along and went up to the roof top garden for a wonderful view of the Dome of the Rock and other Domes and Minarets.  When we got back I blogged some more and Larry and I sat on the terrace of the hostel and looked at the resident birds.  Paulette and Josie went to get the phone we will use while we are here and to scope out the route to the bus we take to Bethlehem tomorrow.  Phung decided to go find the other five gates of the Old City

99 Names for God, Plaque in Restaurant

.  Alice and Ted have crashed and Matt is AWOL.

When we gathered to meet for supper we heard loud booms coming from the direction of the Damascus Gate.  Paulette thought it was just fireworks but then we learned that a demonstration was taking place.  We shared for a while about our day and what we had all done.  We decided to go to the 4 Seasons which we had seen across from the Damascus Gate.  Paulette said the food was good.  So we headed toward the Damascus Gate as there was no more noise coming from that direction.  When we came out of the gate we were met by a crowd of people, soldiers, and police.  Some of them were mounted on horses and they had a bomb sniffing dog.  There was a news team interviewing someone and a little shrine with a picture of a man behind them.  Paulette went over and talked to a young woman who was near the shrine and found out that an Palestinian man had died in custody because he had cancer and they didn’t give him the medication he needed.  This was a  Palestinian protest in answer to that event.  We were told it would not be safe to go to Hebron for two days which is okay as we weren’t planning to go until Saturday anyway.  We walked through the crowd and by the soldiers and police and crossed the street to the restaurant.  When we got inside it was not as Paulette remembered it.  There was no restaurant on the ground floor but a bakery.  But we did find a new restaurant upstairs so we went there.

We checked out the menu and decided to try it.  Inside they were playing Western music loud enough that we couldn’t hear what was going on outside.  The menu was quite varied.  Matt got a Chinese dish, Larry got Chicken Schnitzel, Ted got a big hamburger,  Paulette and Alice got Jerusalem salads, I got a grilled chicken salad, Phung had shrak kbab, and Josie grilled eggplant and humus.  Everything was good.

When we got back we went to bed.

Major League Baseball video game reviews by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Baseball season has begun so be sure to catch some Major League baseball video games with quality graphics and animations. Cross play with PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Vita versions of “MLB 13 The Show” or try “MLB 2K13” on PS3 and/or Xbox 360 – all rated E.

“MLB 13 The Show” (Sony)

The PS3 (with full PlayStation Move capability) and PS Vita “MLB 12 The Show” versions allows players switch between both games with constant synchronization so either version presents current progress before players start or continue a game mode (season, franchise and Road to the Show). The new postseason mode and play now mode offer detailed gameplay within shorter times while new features this year include a beginner mode and other instructional elements that are perfect for new players. Online play is free. Real time MLB game broadcast presentations enhance the experience even more (***1/2).

“MLB 2K13” (2K Sports)

The “MLB 2K13” on Xbox 360 and PS3 lets players control pitching with a nice analog stick setup and a strong My Player mode where players experience more development in the minor leagues on the way to superstardom. Unfortunately, this game totally whiffs on online play. It’s gone and so are the PC, Nintendo DS, PSP, or Wii versions this year. Hardly any new enhancements or additions, but players can also win in real life in the Perfect Game Challenge, a skill-based competition with considerable cash prizes beginning on April 1, 2013 and ending on April 30, 2013 followed by a final competition (**1/2).

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (Electronic Arts)

In Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14, video game fans and golf enthusiasts get a great active option using the motion-based Kinect controller on the Xbox 360. As with their Madden football games, Electronic Arts has a daunting challenge of improving this popular sports series every year. They succeed in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 with improved graphics, PlayStation Move controller capability, and new game mode, Legends of the Majors, which offers playable legendary golf stars like Seve Ballesteros, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Sam Snead, Lee Trevino and, of course, Tiger Woods. Developers also represent the PGA and LPGA with the present-day playable stars including Bubba Watson, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson, Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer.

Players can complete the “Grand Slam” that includes four majors, the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship and the PGA Championship. Enjoy several full courses complete with smooth graphics enhance the gorgeous gameplay while the impressive weather conditions add vivid realism. The icons and meters help you measure and estimate those perfect shots. Players can customize their swing amid 24 unique styles with a helpful strike meter and improved ball physics. It is very easy to succeed and customize your character and give them those special “retro” looks with special clothing and accessories.

Other first-time features include night golf, which features an illuminated ball. Developers also incorporate online and tournament play in a country club setting for up to 100 members or players can test their online skills against up to 24 competitors. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 14: The Masters Historic Edition also available at a slightly higher price (***1/2, rated E, also available on the PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move capability).

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (Nintendo)

In this Nintendo 3DS exclusive, Mario’s famous brother suits up in his familiar green duds and grabs gadgets like the powerful Poltergust 5000 ghost-catching vacuum cleaner to hunt various spooky creatures across five mansions set in Evershade Valley. Developers create a deliberate pace full of action, discovery, surprises, and puzzles, which could have been more integrated into the storylines. Players have the ultimate goal of collecting pieces of the magical Dark Moon to win against the spooky specters at the request of Professor E. Gad.

Of course, Luigi collects coins and other items for gadget upgrades. The new Strobulb and Dark Light Device gadgets expand the already engaging gameplay. Luigi also gets an upgradable flashlight to uncover different baddies, special areas, etc. Single player mode focuses while players can also expand to a cooperative multiplayer mode (local and online).

The intuitive action combines well with the 3D viewing option and gyroscopic controls, which gives players an enhanced experience…as long as they have the room to roam a little. Luigi even hums along to the soundtrack as the content entertains with enough originality among various clichés and familiar fear elements.

Backtracking and a few clunky movements, which are especially inconvenient when avoiding enemies, can frustrate occasionally. The game needs more save points, but overall, players can really enjoy this charm game full of replay value and clever challenges (***1/2, rated E for crude humor, supernatural themes, and mild cartoon violence).

This action-adventure game was developed by Next Level Games and is the sequel to the 2001 GameCube game Luigi’s Mansion. Look for Luigi to continue his winning streak later this summer with New Super Luigi U on the WiiU (with special content for New Super Mario Bros. U owners) and Mario and Luigi Dream Team.

With the launch of Sony’s PlayStation Vita, it was an unknown downloadable title that stole the show.  Developer and self publisher, Drinkbox Studios, released Mutant Blobs Attack to much critical acclaim and universal praise.  The titles lush 2D visuals and addicting simplistic gameplay captured gamers attentions. Now Drinkbox Studios returns with Guacamelee, a 2D platformer that offers wonderful visuals with a well-written story and solid gameplay to make Guacamelee one of the finest downloaded titles this generation.

Juan is an everyday farmer that returns from the afterlife as a superhero wrestler to fight off the demons that have come to cause havoc.  If that premise sounds silly that is because it is and Drinkbox Studios pokes fun at the absurdity of the story with great comical dialogue that never tries to take itself seriously.  Carrying on the tradition of the stunning 2D artwork from Mutant Blobs Attack, the developers offer a simple art style but with bright booming colors that truly bring a sense of character to the world.

Super Metroid was an obvious inspiration for Guacamelee as the title offers a non-linear approach to exploration and character development.  When new abilities are acquired the game encourages the player to go back and access areas previously unattainable.  You will need all the abilities you can attain to defeat some of the challenging boss encounters in the game.

Guacamelee’s 2D artwork is beautifully realized on the system’s OLED screen. Sony has really made an effort to make their platforms attractive for indie developers and with games like Guacamelee being created in this new indie-friendly environment, we have many more classic gems to look forward to (****, $14.99, available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, Rated E for Everyone).

+ Beautiful hand drawn animation

+ Exploration is encouraged and rewarded

+ Cross-platform game saves between PS3 and Vita

+ Charming story and characters

Toledo Free Press video game review by Michael Siebenaler

Injustice: Gods Among Us (Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment)

“What if our greatest heroes became our greatest threat?”

In the Nintendo WiiU game Injustice: Gods Among Us, the long-standing DC Comics franchise melds into a high quality fighting action game in the familiar arena format with highly destructible environments. This appealing visual production mixes 3D action with a 2D feel in cinematic style presentations featuring 24 core characters include Batman, Superman, Green Arrow, Nightwing, The Joker, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Lex Luthor, Cyborg, Raven, Doomsday, Black Adam, Harley Quinn, Solomon Grundy, Deathstroke, Green Lantern, Catwoman, and Bane. Player can enjoy the exclusive WiiU option where gameplay works on the TV or the GamePad, especially ideal when someone is watching TV.

Players learn advantages and disadvantages to each character and matchup information relating to every other character. This setup keeps the replay value high for incentive thinking players. As the response time and quick reflexes increase, so does the level of play. Load times are very short while customizable control schemes cater to all players at any skill level. The five difficulty levels range from very easy to difficult plus players can take advantage of the helpful tutorials and training sessions.

Light, medium, and heavy attacks are easy to perform along with super power attacks while players can always try the slightly more complicated stick/button combos. Players build up the power bar at the bottom then unleash a super power attack at the right time for devastating effects on their chosen enemy. The top bars represent the main health where players must first deplete a full bar then a second bar to defeat enemies. It’s a bit unnatural when the winning character resets their position after first bar depletes. Timing is paramount amid all the action.

The Individual stories, written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, blend together amid the single player mode, multiplayer mode,  online mode, S.T.A.R. Labs challenge mode, unlockables, hero cards, and downloadable content. Veteran voice talent actors like Richard Epcar (The Joker) and Jennifer Hale (Killer Frost, Hawkgirl) enhance the strong production values. The audio levels and sound effect production values are great plus players get additional enhancement through the impactful controller vibrations.  Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Injustice: Gods Among Us comes highly recommended (****, rated T for blood, language, suggestive themes, and violence, also available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 with collector’s, limited and battle (exclusively at GameStop) editions).

Players can also try the free-to-play mobile game on iPad, iPhone and IPod touch, which features a collectible card mechanic, 3-on-3 tag tam combat, and unlock content for the console game version (PS3 and Xbox 360 only) and vice versa (just register a Warner Bros. ID (WBID) account). Visit AppStore.com/Injustice.