Video game review by Sagar Sharma – Toledo Free Press

God Mode (Atlus/Old School Games)

The downloadable game market is quite crowded in 2013 as games now seem to be released weekly on the PlayStation Network.  Some of the developers who make downloadable games chose to stand out by attempting to offer something new and unique for the player.  Developer Old School Games does not seem to share the same thought process.  God Mode is a mindless fun co-op/third person shooter based on the extremely popular horde mode we have seen many times generation of games.  While the fundamental shooting mechanics are well implemented, there is a dearth of variety offered which brings the title down.

God Mode is entirely driven on the popular horde mode, which pits a team of players against a never ending swarms of enemies.  The gameplay is as basic as it gets, point and shoot until there is nothing left on the screen, then do it again with the next swarm of enemies.  I found the environments to be well constructed and fitting for the dark underworld atmosphere God Mode is set in.  The one twist on the mode are mutators, random gameplay changers such as friendly-fire being turned on and unlimited ammo.  It is a nice change up but little else is offered besides the usual weapon and color unlocks.

I do not expect a large variety of multiplayer options for a $10 title, but with so little being offered have trouble seeing this game having much of an active lifespan.  Even big budget retail titles have trouble keeping the multiplayer rooms full just months after release, so it is hard to believe God Mode will fare better.  The matches also quickly get tiring once you realize there is not much to the game as far as incentives to keep playing, limited maps certainly makes this issue worse.  The action can fun in quick bursts of play but you will find yourself looking elsewhere for entertainment quickly (*1/2, available on PC, PSN, and XBLA – MSRP $9.99/800 Microsoft Points,).

+ Well designed levels and moody atmosphere

+ Mutators well implemented

- Small number of maps severely hampers replayability

- Crashing and other technical issues

Video Game Review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press

Resident Evil Revelations (Capcom)

Capcom upgrades players to a stronger visual experience as they expand the Nintendo 3DS version to the PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, PC and Xbox 360. In this quality installment of the action-horror game series, players get an in-depth story full of surprises and intrigue on the big screen. This nightmare scenario begins on a cruise ship as the third-person shooter action follows a bio-terrorist plot.

The improved lighting and sound effects enhance the beefed up visuals while new features include a bonus difficulty mode, new enemy, new weapons/skills sets/playable characters in Raid mode where players take on enemy waves in two-player co-op via network play (no split screen) or single player play. Careful choices and mindful strategy in this feature pays off while adding more meaning and less mindless killing. With a name like Resident Evil, players can always expect combat, melees, blood, gore, and endless action.

Character favorite Jill Valentine returns in this strong installment with several strengths including high replay value, visceral gameplay, shooting mechanics, and quick melee attacks that save valuable ammunition. Players can use a special scanner to analyze enemies and investigate areas for hidden items (***1/2, rated M for blood, language, gore, and intense violence). Also available in Biohazard Revelations Unveiled Edition.

This futuristic third person action game (reviewed on the PlayStation 3) has a strong story and concept full of emotional and unique experiences. Set in 2084, the one player Remember Me features a female protagonist named Nilin in Neo-Paris. Memories are the most important element in this stark world as players help Nilin regain her memories and skills as a memory hunter while forces struggle for power. Memory hunters can break and enter into people’s minds to take and even alter their memories. Leapers and Errorists also factor into the overall plot while the basic memory interface called Sensen is visually shown on the back of characters’ necks.

Developers assist player movement through the outstanding environments with helpful orange arrows while characters assist Nilin with remembranes – special sequences where the white outlined character moves performs actions that Nilin must follow. Characters converse through dialogue (subtitles available) and the character talking appears in the upper right, which eliminates the need for lip syncing the characters’ mouths. Nilin develops into an admirable female protagonist who is thankfully not sexually objectified and depicted with cliches and stereotypes.

The challenges are fast paced and substantial while the game challenges player intelligence at every turn. The thrills and emotional investment make the experience very worthwhile. The only improvement would be more open world elements. For example, choose-your-adventure type choices would be ideal when players encounter situations where the actions are questionable and no alternative actions are available. The nine-chapter story works very well overall with interactive memory remix sequences where Nilin changes outcomes at the right moments while the sequence reveals more about her background. Players can really feel Nilin’s emotional conflict as they cycle through the video looking for key events to change, which are visually represented as blip-like distortions in the environment. These visual distortions also appear when Nilin’s health is low. Players choose only one option at a time in the remix sequence, but must get the correct overall sequence.

The fluid fight system requires finesse not button mashing. Combat is the only way to regain lost health. Different enemies always require different strategies as players gain valuable procedural mastering power (PMP) for every action they take. As player PMP grows, players get the specialized combo lab (accessible by pausing the game any time), which has a mild learning curve, but basically involves square and triangle button combinations on the left then assigning specific types from the left. It’s great to experiment with different  combos while learning the lab.

The trial and error is minimal and entertaining while the auto camera needs improvement as players experience occasional environmental issues (e.g. character movement off camera, views partially blocked with environment objects, etc.). Overall, Remember Me earns a strong recommendation while also impressing with highly detailed environments, strong voice talent, and a digitally enhanced musical score.Hopefully the future additional downloadable content will include multiplayer experiences and the likely sequel will incorporate more open world opportunities (***1/2, rated M for violence, strong language, partial nudity and blood; also available on XBox 360 and PC).

By Jeff McGinnis and Jim Beard

WARNING: The following column contains spoilers for “Man of Steel” and “The Superior Spider-Man”

JEFF: So, Jim. You have made very plain your distaste for how “Man of Steel” ended, with Superman killing General Zod in cold blood to save lives. An understandable reaction, if a debatable one. But I have to ask — in the recently released “Superior Spider-Man” #13, the climax saw Doctor Octopus, still masquerading as Spider-Man, killing yet another villain in cold blood himself — the Spider Slayer. Are you as disturbed with this turn of events, in actual comic continuity, as you are with the choice to make Superman a killer?

JIM: The difference, I think, is one of choice. In the film, Superman made a choice to kill Zod, for debatable reasons. In the comic, Peter Parker is not able to make a choice — because of Doc Ock’s invasion, he quite literally is out of his mind. That’s a big difference to me. And I also believe we’ll see the Spidey situation addressed as the story continues. Will we see Superman’s choice addressed in the next film? I tend to doubt it. Superman was both the gun and the trigger; Peter Parker’s body was the gun and Ock squeezed the trigger. Do we blame the gun? Do we arrest the gun? Not usually. We go after the murderer, most times. The question is if we ban the gun. Do we stick Peter in a deep dark hole because he was used by a criminal to commit murder, like the people of the Superman universe should contemplate doing with the guy from the stars who snapped someone’s neck? Huge questions.

JEFF: The problem is, we aren’t talking about Peter Parker. According to everything Marvel has said over the past six months, Spider-Man is and forever will be Otto Octavius now. I know it’s nonsense, you know it’s nonsense, but everything coming out of the Marvel hype machine says this is the new status quo, and that the company’s flagship hero is no longer Peter Parker, it’s Doc Ock.

OK, let’s accept that. For the time being, there is no Peter Parker. Let’s judge this Spider-Man by what he has done since taking over the mantle of “hero.” On two separate occasions he has killed enemies without remorse or moral qualms. And this is the new representative of a heroic legacy that has lasted over half a century — one which has been as much about the morality of using power responsibly as it has been feats of daring do.

JIM: I guess it’s just too difficult for me to see this as anything but temporary and nothing to get too shagged out about. Of course, someone could be justified in telling me that a movie Superman is not the real Superman and that’s something I should have just rolled with. I can throw that argument right back by noting that the times that Superman has killed in the comics and on film were minor blips on the radar, made even more superfluous by the fact that they didn’t work as story elements and we moved past them.

I feel the same about the current Spider-Man saga, though I feel there’s much more of a purposeful investment from Slott and Marvel to tell a long-range, good story than “Man of Steel”‘s scripters and director. Plus, the people who are truly upset at Ock’s shenanigans will, I trust, wait it all out, watch for Peter to return, and write it all off the same way they did the Clone Saga.

JEFF: And there’s the rub. The idea that “no permanent damage” could possibly be done to the Spider-Man mythos by any of this. Slott himself has said time and again on Twitter that no one can “break” Spider-Man. To a degree, perhaps he’s right, because the next writer can come in and totally undo everything, and the public is quick to forget.

Usually. But something’s different this time. I’m seeing many posters online making the argument that Ock really is a “Superior” Spider-Man because of the extreme measures he takes. A lot of readers apparently see a story that, thus far, seems to be making the point that Peter’s tactics really were the wrong way to go, and then deciding that they support the extremist vigilantism of Ock’s escapades.

Do I believe that’s Slott’s intent? No. But I think he’s riding the line of moral ambiguity very tightly. And given that he’s worked so hard to make Ock into the protagonist, readers naturally start to see things Ock’s way — because it’s the only view they hear. So if/when Peter does come back, who’s to say there won’t be pressure to make his new adventures “more like Superior?” There is the potential for real damage to the core of what makes Spidey who he is — just like you found in “Man of Steel,” I’d say.

JIM: I sincerely HOPE that these characters are “too big to fail” and that they’ll survive not only writers who are servicing alien agendas, but also us fans and our fickleness. The key here is what survives in the eye of the greater public and what the greater public doesn’t know from Dan Slott. Spidey will always be Peter Parker and Superman will always have a code against killing. The experiments will come and go, but the real icons will rise above them. I have to believe that. It helps me sleep at night.

Video game review by Sagar Sharma – Toledo Free Press/Star

New Super Luigi U (Nintendo)

New Super Luigi U, the expansion title for the launch game, New Super Mario Bros. U, has been released as a downloadable expansion pack at the price point of $19.99.  Mario’s sidekick, Luigi, finally gets his own side scrolling adventure to call his own.  New Super Luigi U offers the same rock solid gameplay from retail adventure with added challenge, but unfortunately does little else to set itself apart.

Each stage in the game has the same backdrop as before but is redesigned for greater challenge and with a 99 second time limit.  I do not exaggerate when I say that even the first level of this title presented a legitimate challenge for me and I consider myself a seasoned veteran of platform titles.  Luigi has a “floaty” jump, which allows for a high jump but with less control as he tends to slide when landing.  Luigi’s differing gameplay mechanics can make simple platforming more difficult.  Nintendo has clearly gone out of its way to make this game difficult.  For hardcore gamers this element could be viewed as a good thing, but for many less skilled players this could just yield frustration.

Luigi is a character that has waited many years to finally get a platform adventure of his own. Unfortunately, based on Nintendo’s approach to this title, many will be put off from the difficulty and even uninterested because every level is simply remixed as opposed to offering a new experience entirely.  Those looking for a serious side scrolling challenge will be pleased with this effort but Nintendo dropped the ball giving Luigi his time to shine (**1/2, Rated E for Everyone, $19.99 MSRP available on Wii U e-shop).

+ Challenging and fast paced levels

+/- Same solid gameplay but should have offered something new

- Exact same level set pieces as New Super Mario Bros. U

Video Game Review by Sagar Sharma – Toledo Free Press/Star

Pool Nation (Cherry Pop Games) – PlayStation Network

If you have any interest in virtual pool games you might have already heard of Pool Nation as it has been a favorite for fans on the genre.  For owners of the PlayStation 3 however, they have had to wait a few months for the title to be ported over from the Xbox 360.  Fans can be happy knowing the transfer has been faithful, but for those already who have the PlayStation title, Hustle Kings, the experience is very comprable.  Pool Nation offers stunning visuals and a wide variety of game modes but does little to separate itself from the competition.

When you think about graphical showpieces it is likely that a downloadable title comes mind, let alone a game about the common pastime of pool.  Developer, Cherry Pop Games, has gone through extraordinary lengths to make this game something to show off.  The variety of reflections and lighting effects from the highly detailed balls to the partial effects of the chalk spreading around when hit on impact showcase the greatly detailed graphics. Tour and Endurance Mode along with a tutorial option are the available types of play for offline play.  Tour mode offers the usual campaign experience mixing it up with 8 and 9-ball play and also offering other variations like challenges for some satisfying trick shots, which developers map out nicely for players in the tutorials.  A spin on the survival mode, often seen in fighting games, is presented with Endurance Mode.  A time limit is set and the player must knock in 24 balls before the time runs.  All the single modes are available for multiplayer and online play.

I have already experience Pool Nation’s main competition, Hustle Kings.  Besides Pool Nation being a aesthetically stronger game, I do not see myself being able to recommend one over the other because they both offer similar experiences, which may be because there is only so much one can do in the pool game genre. If you have not already played Hustle Kings, you will not be disappointed with this pool simulation game (***, rated E for everyone, $8.49 on PSN, also available on XBLA).

+ Variety of single and multiplayer modes

+ Fantastic graphics

- Does little to differentiate from competition

Anticipation ran to a fever-pitch for the debut of DC Comics’ first-ever comic book version of the infamous 1966 “Batman” TV show, but writer Jeff Parker and artist Jonathan Case have not succeeded in thoroughly translating the pop-art camp classic onto the printed page — in fact, they’ve created something entirely different. And, holy eye-opener! Batman ’66 is good!
Parker and Case retain many of the familiar elements from the show — the costumes, the car, the cave, the cameos — but reassemble them into something fresh and new. Not unlike the TV series itself, Batman ’66 can be enjoyed by old-school fans and young admirers alike, because there’s literally something in the comic for everyone. The beauty of the 1966 “Batman” was that it operated on many levels, delivering drama and action and comedy and satire in equal doses. The new comic does the same … but the difference is that the comic is not a slavish interpretation and seeks new ground while honoring its roots.
Some purists may howl a little at the changes made in Batman ’66; imagine the TV show with a budget on steroids. The Batmobile nearly flies through the air as The Riddler divebombs a special ceremony from a biplane. Alfred slides down the batpoles instead of taking an elevator. Batman utilizes his very own 3-D printer. The Gotham City police force is actually useful. One of the most curious changes comes in a scene in the Batcave where the Dynamic Duo has removed their masks, something never seen in the show. In Batman ’66, there is no need to worry about mussed hair on the set, no doubt, but perhaps something small is lost in dispensing with the TV series’ clever separation of Bruce and Batman as near-individual persons.
Regardless, the quibbles are minor. From the fun likenesses of Adam West, Burt Ward, Frank Gorshin and Julie Newmar to the bright pop-art colors and the in-your-face sound effects, Batman ’66 stands on its own as an evolution of that wonderful grab bag of personalities and sensibilities that came together and burst from our TV sets and into our living rooms almost 50 years ago. At long last BIFF! BAM! ZOWIE!

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press/Star

The Sims 3 Island Paradise (Electronic Arts)

Explore the world of The Sims 3 Island Paradise as this expansion continues the successful simulation game series on PC/Mac. In this standard edition, players can build and manage a five-star resort hotel among several other engaging escapist activities. Engineer-minded players can build a five star resort then manage it by fine tuning appealing amenities based on customer feedback. Players can also make houseboat then island hop from port to port. Other great activities include water ski, windsurf, fish, speedboat, snorkeling, jet ski, or scuba dive, which can yield some nice treasure.

Players can switch activities easily and experiment with positive and negative reactions, which has always been one of the strongest appeals of this amazing “sandbox” simulation series. Players also do not have to worry about their Sims job while on vacation – just make sure the simoleons (in-game currency) are there. Game developers consider every area including expanding elements in profession (lifeguard), building options (foundation and blueprint templates), friends, and other various items, which bring memorable results back in the base Sims 3 game.

As always, developers consider all player skill levels and offer related pop-up tutorials which can be viewed at any point. This game wisely builds on the freedom you have to do whatever you want in varied environments with dynamic characters. You can be a total slacker as long as you have the money to fund your fun endeavors. You can play ‘devil’s advocate’ and test situations making them worse or better. You can make your experience it as safe or as dynamic as you want. Look for a new surprise life state as well, which is easy to predict since Sims spend most of the time in or by water in this extensive expansion.

The Sims 3 Island Paradise, the 10^th The Sims 3 expansion pack, comes highly recommended (***1/2, rated T for crude humor, sexual themes, and violence). Players who have previously tried The Sims 3: World Adventures, The Sims 2: Bon Voyage, or The Sims: Vacation will have some advantages. Look for even more expansion packs and additional content before The Sims 4 launches in 2014. Also available in limited edition or as The Sims 3 with Island Paradise.

Special Note: Requires The Sims 3 for PC/Mac to play.

Summer movie video game roundup by Michael Siebenaler –Toledo Free Press/Star

Just because the movie wasn’t liked does not mean the licensed video game is bad and vice versa – or both were equally good or bad. A full blown Iron Man 3, Man of Steel or Elysium video game on modern consoles would have been great, but players still have many options from recent blockbuster films plus one mature choice that will hopefully be a film very soon.

The all ages game The Croods: Prehistoric Party! (**1/2) has 30 great party-style min-games on all Nintendo platforms plus four-player support for the Wii and Wii U versions (DS and 3DS are single player. Players get Grug, Ugga, Eep, Thunk, Sandy, Gran and Guy at a very affordable price with surprise creatures, but the loading times hurt the party mood a bit.

Disney’s Planes the Video Game lands exclusively on every current Nintendo platform (***, DS, 3DS, Wii, and Wii U) with a story mode (wings around the globe race), free flight (improve rank and explore at own pace), air rallies (precision time trial racing), Balloon Pop and multiplayer modes (with easy drop in (+) drop out (-)). In the co-op multiplayer mode, players can fly with a friend in the story mode or explore in free flight mode. Smooth, simple controls enhance the fun stunts include 180 turn arounds, 360 loops and barrel rolls though players have to watch out for solid objects to avoid damage. Collectibles include ranking “wing points”, speed upgrades, landmark postcards and puzzle pieces.

Star Trek: The Video Game (***, PS3, PC, Xbox 360) takes place between the two current films as players team up cooperatively as Kirk and Spock to fight off the antagonistic and reptilian Gorn, who are trying to disrupt the New Vulcan colony. This third person action-shooter sci-fi game also includes co-op online gameplay (players can join when the counterpart reaches a checkpoint). The action mechanics can be troublesome especially during boss fights or when camera angles block the views with objects yet the high production values, strong story (with different outcomes in each game session), and voice casting from actual actors earn a solid recommendation.

Fast & Furious Showdown (*1/2, PS3, Wii U, PC, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 3DS) took an approach from the characters point-of-view, but several other racing games (e.g. GRID 2, Need for Speed Rivals) offered better gameplay and more in-depth experiences. Turbo: Super Stunt Squad (**, Nintendo Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Wii) was somewhat better with varied jumps, drifts, slides, and flips with a growing set of customization options and characters from the animated film. Standard elements like shortcuts, power-ups and challenges are abundant, but the controls, movements and spacing with the movements amid the environment just don’t have a natural or exciting feel to them.

More mature fare includes Deadpool (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) with gory action and constant jokes/references from the “merc(enary) with a mouth”. This third person action shooter/action game talks to the player throughout the game while spoofing several video game genres. Great melee controls, but movement and weapons can be awkward due to troublesome camera mechanics. This one player game centers on an 8-chapter story with a main campaign and separate challenges. The great Marvel character cameos, in-jokes and references make this one a must have for fans, but a nominal thumbs up (**1/2) regular players.

R.I.P.D. The Game (**1/2, PC, PSN, Xbox Live) is based on the supernatural action-adventure comic book series and movie where two law enforcement officers rids the world of other worldly beings causing havoc. No voice work from Jeff Bridges or Ryan Reynolds, but players can choose either of their character likenesses to get into the action in this licensed game for one or two players (online co-op). In this action shooter players take on enemy waves to arrest, destroy, or even blow them up or impale them. The two player action also gets competitive with a unique in-game betting system where players can benefit by matching and exceeding their actual performance in capturing the most enemies, not dying for the longest time, and other challenges.

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press/Star

Pikmin 3 (Nintendo)

Creature is the name of the game in Pikmin 3, a real-time strategy action video game for the Nintendo Wii U. This sequel to the 2004 Nintendo GameCube game, Pikmin 2, showcases the multi-colored and multi-talented Pikmin who live on the planet PNF and are discovered by three visitors from the planet Koppai named Alph, Brittany, and Charlie. Players gradually discover different Pikmin types among massive environments full of various elements.

The main storyline is mainly driven by basic survival and food as related storylines and other characters eventually appear. These three visitors can give their new friends orders to build and destroy while commanding a maximum of hundred 100 of each type. Players can use the Wii U GamePad, the Wii U Pro Controller or the Wii Remote (Plus) with nunchuk. Of course, the GamePad has the coolest features (overhead maps, touch screen capabilities, Off-TV play mode, etc.), but my favorite control scheme is the remote and nunchuk mainly because of the precise aiming functions.

Players must choose control schemes wisely because the Pikmin needs constant management along with the multitasking gameplay, which features some great combat as Pikmin take down other creatures to survive. The main single player mode takes players through a daily timeline format while the Mission mode showcases special treasure gathering and enemy fighting challenges. The two-player, competitive Bingo Battle mode is a great split screen experience where competition involves gathers four fruit pieces in a row on the board to win.

This amazing game highly promotes exploration while players can always find rewards after when completing considerable challenges. A must have for the Wii U library due to the high replay value, creative gameplay, helpful sound cues, intuitive designs, and immersive graphics. Pikmin 3 also injects surprising emotion into the storyline, so players experience genuine feelings of excitement, care, and consideration, which can yield strong strategies with satisfying rewards. Nintendo HD gaming experiences are alive and well with the highly recommended Pikmin 3 (****, rated E10+ for mild cartoon violence).

In “Madden NFL 25,” Electronic Arts (EA) amazes again with extensive gameplay modes, a new owner’s mode, new content sharing options, and improved graphics/mechanics in several available formats. The title commemorates the 25^th version of the game since the groundbreaking 11-on-11 for the Apple II computer and later the PC and game consoles. The “Madden NFL” games series is also known as the NFL’s “33^rd Franchise” due to the authentic gameplay, Barry Sanders edged out Adrian Peterson for his appearance on the cover. “Madden NFL 25″ is currently on PlayStation 3, covered in this review, and Xbox 360 with a special anniversary edition also available on both (includes unlock codes for DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket services through the TV or on computers, tablets, and mobile devices – depends on service availability).

This review covers the standard PlayStation 3 version, which includes the new owner game mode where players manage one of the 32 professional football franchises. Day-to-day operations in the role-playing mode of the owner cover high profiles tasks like choosing a new stadium to increasing the fan base or even setting concession prices. The online game modes let players enjoy gameplay with others as a player, coach or owner. The new Madden Share feature allows sharing of the content roster and playbooks plus players can also save and share highlights (up to 10) of their most memorable plays.

The Infinity Engine 2 graphics experience is sharp while the all-new force impact system yields more realistic hits and many entertaining actions. The new stumble recovery feature even gives players the chance to fight for extra yards after a big hit. The defensive features help players get back into a play after missing a tackle.

The Ultimate Teams are an important element, but it a good idea to know how each special player fits into your playing own style before finalizing a team because team chemistry factors into the success. The anniversary editions include special player packs for every regular season week (17). Ultimate team items will carry over to the upcoming PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions (on launch date).

Be sure to try the skill trainer for practicing and mastering the run free option, which feature 30 new moves and special combination moves to impress and defeat the competition. Published by EA and developed by EA Tiburon, “Madden NFL 25″ celebrates professional football in every possible way with players receiving the gift of seemingly endless experiences, customization, and options (****, rated E for everyone). Other available versions on iPhone and iPad with a Google Play version coming soon.

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press/Star

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist (UbiSoft)

A great stealth, military-action game where players create special play styles while the “killing in motion” feature streamlines multiple takedowns on the run. Players see action in the third person perspective with co-op split screen and online (up to eight player) game modes besides the standard one player campaign. Players get 14 co-op missions among four types, which can also earn in-game currency for the single player campaign. The classic “spies vs. mercs” also returns (first seen in Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow). The single player campaign works well mainly due to the impressive mission variety.

In this latest series installment, players battle a terrorist group called “The Engineers” as protagonist Sam Fisher, voiced by Eric Johnson not Michael Ironside (Total Recall), heads the heroic Fourth Echelon group. Blacklist is the sixth installment in the Splinter Cell game series and the direct sequel to Conviction. The plot twists amaze and character development creates surprisingly emotional connections. The new tech options include remote cameras and the aerial “tri-rotor” drone that can shock enemies from far away.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist is published by UbiSoft and developed by multiple UbiSoft studios, including Red Storm, Tom Clancy’s own video game studio, which UbiSoft originally acquired in 2000. Tom Clancy-named video games have sold over 76 million copies worldwide. It’s amazing all three game series (Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six) are still going strong – a great testament to the recently deceased Tom Clancy’s book, which serve as the originating material.

This latest installment comes highly recommended (***1/2, also available on PC, Xbox 360 (w/Kinect voice integration), and Wii U (w/ special GamePad/touch screen functions), rated M for blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, and strong language).

Video Game Review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press/Star

Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar)

Crime is still king in the latest installment in the open world action game series, but players get more life simulation elements and activities amid three main character storylines. Set in the fictional world of Los Santos, Grand Theft Auto V (on PlayStation 3) is worth the purchase in replay value alone. Some graphic snafus and online version issues spoil the experience at times, but the overall freedom of discovery and role playing elements overshadow the technical problems.

Tennis, golf, scuba, shooting, yoga, triathlons, jet skiing, and base jumping are great recreation activities that also develop character skills. The AI improves on the law enforcement side (don’t expect an easy escape), but the character AI confuses at times and can cause some frustration.

Players can switch among the three characters any time though their special abilities are limited. Expert driver Franklin is a former street gangster looking to expand his horizons. Michael De Santa is an ex-con with a family in semi-retirement with a special ability in for precise actions while expert fighter/defender Trevor showcases fiendish behavior. Several characters cross paths across main plots, missions and other tangents at several different times during the game, which produces a nice element of anticipation and unpredictability.

Themes of economic uncertainty set up the overall heist theme, which expands into amazing strategy options involving planning and successfully executing robberies with a team. The improved melee actions, add-on content, surprising discoveries, and extensive music soundtrack expand the experience even more. The Grand Theft Auto Online mode features 2 to 16 players in co-operative and competitive play plus friend invite in options, voice chat, leader boards and the standard lobbies/matching features.

Players will encounter a few isolated graphic issues among environments (e.g. see above pictured ammunition shop), but they are usually resolved. Some clipping issues also still exist (e.g. guns poke through walls and doors) and the white colored aiming dot for shooting weapons gets lost when aiming in light colored backgrounds. Players can access vehicles by land, sea, or air, which produces some interesting new scenarios.

Developed by Rockstar Games and published by Take Two, Grand Theft Auto V makes no apologies for what it is and represents. Most players know what to expect from this rated M for Mature game series that continues creating content full of alcoholic references, innuendo, profanity, sexual advances, stereotypes, threats, and misogynistic elements. A highly recommended game (***1/2) that is also available on Xbox 360 with special editions and bundles for both consoles.

Video game review by Michael Siebenaler – Toledo Free Press/Star

Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX (Square Enix)

This PlayStation 3 exclusive (and Kingdom Hearts debut) includes an outstanding trio of the first three Kingdom Hearts games in a one player, role playing game experience. The games in this collection include: Kingdom Hearts (2002), Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (2007), and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (2009).

Square Enix combines their Final Fantasy characters with the mainstay Disney characters to battle evil forces from both franchises amid imaginative fantastical worlds. There are more than 100 Disney characters and their familiar rivals and adversaries. Baddie battles involve melee fighting and magic spells.

The HD remastered cinematics look great and the improved controls are even better with a right analog stick use instead of the R1 and L1 buttons. The air battles still amaze while new weapons and updated item locations recreate a nostalgic, yet fresh gameplay. Overall time spent easily reaches more than 50+ hours to conquer all presented levels, so the replay value is high. Veterans to the game series get enough changes while new players will enjoy the improved graphics and controls (***1/2, rated E10+ for fantasy violence).

Also available in limited edition. Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX has already begun development while players can also look forward to Kingdom Hearts III, which will be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The next generation of video games has finally arrived with the launch of Sony’s PlayStation 4 on November 15^th, 2013.  It is true that Nintendo launched the Wii U last year, but technologically speaking, it was not the leap forward gamers wanted, which can seen been with its sluggish sales.

Anticipation has been off the charts for the PlayStation 4 as more then one million units were sold in the first 24 hours, the biggest opening day in video game console history.  With such expectation and a seven-year wait, I am happy to report that Sony’s latest gaming machine is everything you have been waiting for.

Stunning, that is first description that came to my mind when I first unboxed the PlayStation 4.  Sony has created what is by far the most sophisticated and sleekest console every released.  The angled profile of the console is immediately noticeable as most consoles designs have been quite safe in design.

A futuristic looking light bar acts as an indicator for the status of the PlayStation 4, the light is colored blue when powering on, white when powered on, orange while on standby and is turned off when the system is off.  It is quite an elegant function.  Sony should be commended for how small they were able to make this system has it is significantly smaller then the original launch model of the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox One.

Perhaps most important in design is that of the DualShock 4, the controller of the system.  Sony essentially left the controller design unchanged for the last two generations; thankfully it gets a makeover and is the best controller I have ever used.  All the same buttons are here but now there is a touch pad on the front along with a built-in speaker.  A light bar indicator and a new option and share button for sharing recorded gameplay with the world also arrive.  With longer handles, redesigned triggers, improved button response and rumble feedback; I had a hard time finding any fault with this gamepad.

Loaded with an 8-Core AMD Jaguar CPU, AMD Radeon GPU and 8GB DDR3 RAM, the PlayStation features the latest in cutting edge technology to power the system for the next seven years.

Setting up the PlayStation 4 for the first the first time is painless and quite quick, as you will breeze through the straightforward setup options.  This theme of simplicity is carried out throughout the user interface.  Sony clearly designed the PlayStation 4 as a gaming machine first and foremost, unlike what Microsoft as shown with the Xbox One as being more of an all purpose entertainment hub.

You can still access your favorite apps such as Netflix, Hulu and NBA Game time, but games are clearly the focus.  Being able to quickly access your library of games, join up with your friends in party chat and opening up the PSN Store is quicker then ever before.  Gone are the days of slow loading menus and stuttering interfaces thanks to the power of the PlayStation 4, something that gamers have had to deal with since the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 launch.

The PlayStation Vita can also be linked with the system and have cross-play functionality.  During my testing of this feature I found little lag in the mirroring of the PlayStation 4 game on the Vita and look forward to taking advantage of this feature in the future.

Reviewing hardware is not as straightforward as software.  This is because as great as the hardware can be, it means very little if there is not software to support it, in this case that would be games.  Launch titles for a system serve primarily to offer a glimpse of things to come and games such as Killzone: Shadow Fall, with its stunning graphics and well integrated multiplayer, show that the future is indeed bright for the PlayStation 4.

For those eager to move on from the last generation of consoles, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Sony’s console at its very attractive price point of only $399.99 ($100 cheaper then the Xbox One).  It never hurts to wait to buy hardware, as the game library will continue grow and the user interface steadily improves.  The next generation of consoles has finally arrived and I am happy to go along for this ride.