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Check out the latest video game reviews from the ShogunGamer staff. We are committed to providing honest, unbiased and thorough reviews to our community and constantly look for ways to improve our process. To learn more about how we score games and products, please read our Shogun Review Policy.

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Gunblade NY & LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:25
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
The Gunblade NY and LA Machineguns Arcade Hits Pack is a terrific product that encapsulates a prime era in both the history of arcade gaming and Sega as a company. With gameplay that’s still addicting to this day and a perfect price point of $29, anyone who has a passion for arcade gaming and that owns a Wii should pick up this combo of awesome since it’s the epitome of timeless arcade gaming.
The Pros: 
Both games offer an amazing amount of fun. The visuals may not be awe-inspiring but they look good from a retro perspective (yes mid 90s arcade gaming is now retro -_-). Online leader boards and bonus weapon abilities add even more replayability to both games.
The Cons: 
It would’ve been nice if Sega perhaps added another mode or included an entirely new adventure mode exclusive to the Wii.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
9

When it comes to video games, Sega is probably known for two things in particular: the widely popular blue hedgehog Sonic and the plethora of arcade games the company has released in the past 25 years. While the arcade industry has all but waned in the wake of console gaming, the late 80s and 90s were a tremendous highlight of Sega’s talent when it came to producing a quality arcade game.  With classics such as Outrun, Virtua Fighter and Virtual On, Sega cranked out arcade games that were beloved by all, and still to this day hold a place close to the hearts of many gamers.

Mafia II [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 08:36
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
For a market flooded with crime based action games and sandbox/open-world games, Mafia II has lived up to its core potential of delivering a memorable period based mafia epic. With an experience that is well-rounded and executed well, the game doesn’t have many weak points aside from one chapter at the mid-point and a few small gameplay and story issues. Don’t let the 1940s setting fool you into thinking Mafia II isn’t as good as GTA as it certainly is.
The Pros: 
Amazing atmosphere created in part by the acting, music and visuals. Most of the missions are exciting and often intense. Both the hand-to-hand combat and gun battles have a nice visceral and realistic feel to them. The world of Empire Bay is beautiful and so are the vehicles. The original score ranks as one of the best game soundtracks I’ve heard this year.
The Cons: 
Certain aspects of the story could’ve been fleshed out or pushed further. Cover mechanics are slightly awkward. It would’ve been nice if there was at least one side activity in the game instead of just searching for Playboy magazines. Some of the mission checkpoints are spread too far apart. The ending is a bit too abrupt.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

As I drive along the snow laden streets of Empire Bay listening to a nice medley on the radio I feel a certain level of apprehension. My destination is located in a sketchy part of the city, more so than the parts of the Bay I’m familiar with, and the task at hand is far from being legal. Stealing a car can sometimes be an easy thing but when you’re stealing a gorgeous high-end car from an African-American gang, things could go a bit haywire.  After slowly jumping a fence to enter the target destination, I’m immediately faced with a fist-fight, of which I easily win.

Shank [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 16:22
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Shank is a game with terrific art design that’s well produced but doesn’t have everything at optimum levels as far the gameplay side of things is concerned. Klei has laid down a good foundation for the side-scrolling action of Shank, but things don’t feel as entirely fleshed out as they could be and ultimately the last few stages get really repetitive. Despite the gameplay issues, Shank still feels like a fresh experience in the side-scrolling genre and should be checked out by those looking for an entertaining brawler.
The Pros: 
The comic book/cartoon inspired art design is amazing, both in the cutscenes and the in-game visuals. Shank has a nice arsenal of weapons at his disposal which are all fun to use. Even though it’s short, the co-op mode is fun. Fun boss battles all of which surpass the standard run and gun mechanics.
The Cons: 
Combat doesn’t feel as deep as it could be. The slight button input delay can be slightly annoying at times. The game gets really repetitive towards the end with only a few standout sections. Unless you look online, the game doesn’t tell you what the criteria are for unlocking the bonus costumes.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
7

Most games these days often rely on style over substance. Of course such a thing is to be expected at times since video games are often meant to be showpieces of amazing graphics and awe-inspiring art design.  That’s not to say every video game follows the Michael Bay mantra of “blow sh!t up, have cool camera angles and everything else is just fluff” but that’s most often the case these days.  Klei Entertainment’s side-scrolling brawler Shank is a game that’s high on the style and originality department.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 08/23/2010 - 21:53
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is a game that takes no prisoners on all fronts. Featuring a hard-edged story that is acted wonderfully, the game may not take the gameplay risks or feature the improvements one would hope for but it’s still a blast to play. Aside from a lack of variety in the campaign mode and a few issues concerning the amount of action, K&L2 is an exceptional action game whose originality and implementation of special camera effects should be applauded.
The Pros: 
The story is tight and the acting is beyond amazing. While the levels may not be filled with original set-pieces, the tension is still high which makes for entertaining battles. Shanghai is recreated with an insane amount of detail which really sets the tone for the game. The post-processing camera effects add a lot of character to the game and are really cool. All the online modes are fun to play despite the small learning curve.
The Cons: 
Most of the missions follow the same structure which gets a tad boring eventually. Enemies at times take too many bullets to take down and have slightly stiff animations. Game is short and can be completed rather fast when playing with a buddy.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

When it comes to most video game sequels, we often expect a small gradual improvement.  Most of the time developers and publishers feel no need to reinvent things drastically since they already have a proven formula.  This often leads to games that merely feel like 1.5 versions instead of a proper sequel that actually moves things forward in every department.  There are of course games that are exceptions to that rule such as Uncharted 2 which take the core formula but amp it up to such an incredible level that it feels like you’re experiencing the franchise for the first tim

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light [Review] [Summer of Arcade]

Submitted by Casey White on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 15:49
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light feels like a rebirth for the Tomb Raider franchise. It is a reminder that this series was once a pinnacle of gaming, and could be again in the right venue with the right "vibe".
The Pros: 
The best Lara Croft-centric title in years. Addictive arcade-themed gameplay: challenge rooms, bonus objectives, score, and co-op. Best co-op experience for Xbox Live in quite some time. Plenty of content for re-runs both co-op and solo.
The Cons: 
After you've played co-op the solo campaign can feel a little lacking. Live co-op disabled 'til Sept 28th, wtf?
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
9

 

Monday Night Combat [Review] [Summer of Arcade]

Submitted by Casey White on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 20:09
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
A blend of tower defense and third-person class-based shooters, MNC is a unique take on two genres that works a whole lot better then I would have originally expected.
The Pros: 
Quick, easy fun. Interesting character/level design art. Unique characters that provide for every game-type. Addictive game-play that will bring you back over and over.
The Cons: 
Really only one game-type varied in two ways, so not much change up.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

Yesterday the fourth instalment of Xbox’s Summer of Arcade series dropped: Monday Night Combat. This is a game that I’ve been following with a medium level of anticipation. It’s a great concept with some goofy marketing that seemed like it could end up falling quite easily on to either side of the fence. So when I finally got around to downloading a copy for myself, I approached with a very cautious optimism. For those unaware, the basic idea of the game is a blend between tower defense and third-person class-based shooters.

Clash of the Titans: The Video Game [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 09:41
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Clash of the Titans: The Video Game is an epic waste of time to play. Those who enjoyed the movie are likely to be burned by a game that is extremely dull and fails to capture the Greek mythology essence. Even those looking for a mindless action game are sure to be disappointed by a combat engine that feels like it belongs in a PS1 game.
The Pros: 
There’s laughter to be had by some of the bad voice acting and production values. Smashing skeletons to pieces is mildly entertaining for the first twenty minutes.
The Cons: 
Visually unimpressive in almost every way, especially the lifeless cutscenes. The combat lacks a spark and doesn’t offer much we haven’t seen before. Most of the missions and levels are extremely boring.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
4

Being an avid gamer, I like to support as many games as I can, whether they’re big budget AAA titles or lesser known IPs/indie games. Sometimes my openness to support a game, not necessarily hyping it up to others, can backfire on me in such an ugly way that I can’t help but feel like an ass.  One such game that my anticipation of has completely punched me in the gut is the game adaptation of the recent Clash of the Titans remake. 

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair [Review] [Summer of Arcade]

Submitted by Casey White on Fri, 08/06/2010 - 08:29
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
It feels like a Gameboy Advance title that got lost somewhere in Konami's vault and then was thrown on Xbox Live Arcade without anyone bothering to check if it worked, or was worth paying money for.
The Pros: 
6-person multiplayer, that's rare for any title. The core gameplay works alright. Collecting gear for your character could definitely be addictive with the right group of people.
The Cons: 
Terrible graphics. Eye-hurting menu systems. Ridiculous decisions for playing from a map-view, which when zoomed in upon feels like you just blew up a thumbnail (and distorted the image). Single-player experience feels almost broken. Loading pages are annoying.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
4

The third entry in Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade series has now come and gone, and honestly this one has been the hardest for me to try and formulate an opinion on. You see the problem is that I’m a pretty big fan of the Castlevania series, and the road to the title had me all kinds of hyped for the game… unfortunately it turned out to be… well not so great. Castlevania Harmony of Despair feels like a cheeky little ploy to throw “HD” in the title, and in the menus on the Xbox they actually do abbreviate it down to just “Castlevania HD” which in the end becomes ironic.

Starcraft II [Review]

Submitted by Casey White on Fri, 08/06/2010 - 07:59
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
One of the most value-packed PC titles that I've experienced in sometime, Starcraft II offers a whole lot of awesome in one small pack. Both the multiplayer aspects and the single player game are fantastic and expansive. This is definitely a must-have title for all gamers (RTS fans and non alike).
The Pros: 
Plenty of game-types to choose from. Wide, expansive single player campaign, with branching story-lines that allow for multiple play-throughs. Deep multiplayer experiences that are as fun as our memories of the original title. Plenty of game modes including: campaign, challenges, multiplayer matches, and even an arcade shooter to take an in-game break from the war.
The Cons: 
Honestly? I can't think of even one thing that could have improved this title.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
10

For the last week or so I’ve been trying to decide on how to approach a review on a series that, honestly, I felt under-qualified to write about. Writing a review of a wildly popular RTS for PC is something that can be a bit tricky when you don’t particularly enjoy RTS games, and your preferred medium is the console for gaming.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane [Review] [Summer of Arcade]

Submitted by Casey White on Mon, 07/26/2010 - 10:57
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
A slick upgrade on the classic arcade franchise, Hurricane offers the return of everything that drew people into the original along with some sexy graphical updates and plenty of new gameplay.
The Pros: 
Classic arcade racing action, modernized. Split-screen multiplayer, that can go online! Sleek new models for the classic boats. Tons of new play types. Original arcade/fun feel to everything.
The Cons: 
Not the original voice over for announcer. Unable to smash boats into the air with boost. Control of some boats changed to much for them to be used in the same fashion as the previous title.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

One of my favourite things about the Xbox Live Arcade platform is the ability to resurrect old arcade/console classics and bring in modern graphics and features (especially online play). This week’s Summer of Arcade release returns one of my all-time favourite arcade classics, and allows me the opportunity to jump online and really test my skills behind the wheel… of a power boat.

DeathSmiles [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Mon, 07/26/2010 - 08:38
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Deathsmiles is a game that somehow defies the expectations most have about the shmup genre. Even though you still shoot stuff, dodge endless energy pellets and face incredible bosses, the game is far from being your ordinary shmup. A unique art style that is one part Victorian and one part anime/manga combined with gameplay that is fun and relatively easy to get into warrants Deathsmiles a must play for shmup genre enthusiasts.
The Pros: 
The art style works well even though it combines 20 different things into a bouillabaisse of awesome. Gameplay is rather addicting and offers a nice amount of challenge on the higher difficulty levels. Really good soundtrack that has a mid-90s retro feel to it. The Achievements are rather easy.
The Cons: 
There are a few rather noticeable framerate drops when the action gets really intense. It would’ve been nice if the story was fleshed out a bit more with static cutscenes. The price is a tad high given what the game offers.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

So far this year I’ve played a few games that have genuinely surprised me due to how crazy they are.  I’m all for games taking a risk and presenting new things to the player, but I’ve had the pleasure of playing games where I didn’t know what the hell was going on.  It’s no surprise that most of these befuddling games are from Japan, the land of all things awesome and wacky.  The latest contribution from the Japanese video game industry is the North American version of the 2D shmup Deathsmiles.  Originally released for the Xbox 360 in Japan three years ago, fans of the s

Limbo XBLA [Summer of Arcade]

Submitted by Casey White on Wed, 07/21/2010 - 15:00
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Dark, creepy, atmospheric puzzle/platformer that hits all the right notes and creates a truly unique experience, but the price may be a little too much for what's provided.
The Pros: 
Dark, simple, attractive art-style. Creative puzzles that will give you a head-scratch. Fun, simplistic gaming and controls.
The Cons: 
Very short. No additional play modes. $15 price tag, with little to no replay value.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
7

Finally summer has arrived; beaches, warm weather, sun, and blockbuster films… But for a gamer there’s really one event that trumps them all: Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade. Each year we receive a collection of new arcade titles featured on the Xbox Live Marketplace that offer a variety of gaming experiences; a sort of video-game-buffet for those of us who are easily offended by the sun. This year’s first entry into the Summer-time fun is Limbo.

Transformers: War for Cybertron [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 22:42
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Transformers: War for Cybertron will please any hardcore Transformers fan and those who enjoy 3rd person action games. The action is good and more importantly the story and characters are there as well so it isn’t a shallow experience. If you’re looking for a fun Transformers game that will please both the Transformers fan and action gamer in you then without a doubt Transformers: War for Cybertron is the game for you.
The Pros: 
The scale of the action is portrayed well as it truly feels like a war is going on. Optimus, Megatron, the other Transformers and Cybertron look good despite a few Unreal Engine 3 problems. All the weapons pack a powerful punch and are cool to look at. Voice acting is top notch.
The Cons: 
Action gets a bit repetitive at times. Would’ve been nice if there were more unique boss battles. Vehicle forms still don’t feel as utilized as they could be in terms of level scenarios.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
8

There are some franchises that just hit home with some folks, whether its gamers, comic geeks or just all around geeks who love anything that is sci-fi or have a fantasy element to it.  One such franchise that has hit all the key bases of geekdom is the Transformers.  When you have robots who can disguise themselves as various vehicles or in some cases animals and dinosaurs, then it shouldn’t be too surprising if the fanbase is large and uber dedicated. 

Tournament of Legends [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Wed, 07/14/2010 - 08:44
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Tournament of Legends is a competent fighting game that keeps things simple and doesn’t try to copy the big Japanese fighting franchises. The combat is often heavy on the button, or rather waggle, smashing but despite its simplicity the core combat is still enjoyable. It would’ve been nice if the game had more content but Tournament of Legends is still worth trying out for those Wii owners hungry for a new fighting game.
The Pros: 
The art style puts a nice spin on some classic Greek mythology creatures. Using the Wiimote to fight is simple and most of the time feels responsive. While not entirely deep, the combat is fun and some of the special moves for the characters are rather cool.
The Cons: 
Character movement feels a bit slow at times. Outside of the story mode there aren’t any additional modes and multiplayer fighting is limited to local 1vs1 combat. The combat does get a bit old after awhile since the combat moves list isn’t robust. Some of the QTE motion segments don't feel responsive.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
7

Fighting games on the Wii are a bit of a rare breed.  And by fighting games I mean proper 1v1 fighting games and not party game centric ones where it’s simply a mad dash race to see who the faster button masher is.  The Wii has had a few notable releases such as Soul Calibur and the terrific Tatsunoko vs.

Sin & Punishment: Star Successor [Review]

Submitted by Ian Fisher on Tue, 07/06/2010 - 03:46
Posted in
Overall Feeling: 
Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is a throwback to the good old days of arcade shooting games. The game has a surprising scale as the action and boss battles are simply epic at times. With easy to handle controls that are responsive, a storyline which will leave many bewildered and big explosions, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is a game that any arcade or shoot-em-up lover will enjoy.
The Pros: 
The visuals maintain a nice crisp level of detail and the framerate is surprisingly stable. Blasting robots, monsters and soldiers is easy thanks to a very responsive aiming reticule. From spaceships, abandoned cities and the depths of the sea the action, settings of the game and art style are really diverse and enjoyable. Insane boss battles that are a throwback to the old days of gaming. Nice soundtrack that is also a bit retro.
The Cons: 
The lack of a proper intro to the story may throw some people off. Even though it’s awesome the game is a bit short as it can be completed in around 5 hours.
ShogunGamer.com Rating : 
9

It’s not too ridiculous to say that the Wii is known for being a casual-centric console.  Every now and then we do get a game that’s aimed at the core audience such as Dead Space Extraction or No More Heroes 2.  Nintendo does seem to be gradually improving the amount of core games available on the Wii as evident by their showing at E3 last month. But my hat must be tipped to whoever at Nintendo decided to release Sin & Punishment: Star Successor in the states.

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