XBLA/PSN Review: Sonic CD

If Sonic had really made a good future, why does Nickelback exist?

By: Jess Castro

Everybody knows the kings of the 16-bit era, the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo. However, not many gamers fondly remember the Sega CD. Known for its game library saturated with titles boasting “revolutionary” full-motion video technology, the bulky Genesis add-on never really took off like Sega had planned — though that’s not to say it’s without some treasures that proud owners such as myself had cherished. (Well, we were “proud” because the damn thing was so expensive!)

Now an unsung favorite gets another chance to be enjoyed on large scale. Hot on the heels of celebrating his 25th anniversary with the multiplatform Sonic Generations, Sonic the Hedgehog returns in the beloved rarity, Sonic CD. Available on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network the blue blur’s forgotten time-traveling adventure is back at full speed.

CONTROLS (3.5/5)

This is pure old-school Sonic gameplay. The meat of the game is to simply run at top speed and press the jump button to grab rings, make it to the finish line and fight a Dr. Robotnik boss or two. Hit an enemy and Sonic loses his rings, and if he doesn’t have rings when hit, he loses a life. Not only does Sonic come equipped with a spin dash similar to Sonic 2, he also has the ability to perform a Super Peel Out by holding up while pressing jump as opposed to holding down. This unique move, which is absent from many future titles, has a faster punch than the spin dash but isn’t an offensive move and leaves you open to damage.

Revisiting Sonic’s 16-bit era games is always a blast of nostalgia for me, but I’d be lying if I said they had perfect controls. Without any momentum, it’s apparent that precision platforming is not the little guy’s finest hour as his jump physics are stubby. This is particularly problematic during the “3D” bonus stages, which definitely take some getting used to. But overall, once Sonic is running at top speed, the controls are fantastic and still provide a nice rush.

It’s also worth noting that Sonic 2‘s spin dash is selectable in this re-release, which is a great control tweak. The animation and charge physics of this move are much better than the spin dash from the original Sonic CD release that I remember being a disappointing aspect. The only negative is that this makes the Super Peel Out a bit obsolete. Poor Super Peel Out, the cool-looking Sonic move that never caught on.

GRAPHICS/SOUND (3.75/5)

When it came to graphics, Sonic the Hedgehog was a sight to behold on the Sega Genesis with its lush colors, crisp detail and wonderful art design. The sequel’s visuals were even better, so Sonic CD had its work cut out for it since it was an exclusive title for an expensive console upgrade. While it wasn’t a bad looking game by any means, the art direction just wasn’t as impressive as Sonic 2. Stages with dull color palettes and the messy scaling effects of the bonus stages didn’t demonstrate a powerhouse system in the Sega CD. What certainly did impress was the CD quality music, which was revolutionary at the time.

Eighteen years later, I’m seeing and hearing this game with a fresh set of eyes and ears and I must say I still love it. While it’s not a complete HD makeover, the up-rez of the original graphics are clean and crisp and now fit perfectly in a 16:9 ratio. The sounds are just as clean and the ability to choose between the original Japanese soundtrack and the American version is an excellent option. A small added bonus is the fantastic animated opening and ending in beautiful HD. A small nitpick is that the American song (“Sonic Boom!”) has its lyrics intact while the Japanese version (“Toot, Toot, Sonic Warrior!”) does not.

GAMEPLAY (4/5)

All the staples of a classic Sonic game are here; massive stage layouts, dizzying speed runs and inventive boss battles. One of Sonic CD‘s coolest aspects is the ability to time-travel between past, present and future versions of every stage. By zipping past signposts labeled “Past” or “Future” and maintaining top speed, Sonic will warp between time zones to affect the layout and aesthetics of the levels. By destroying Robotnik’s robot generators and hologram machines of his devious Metal Sonic in the past stages, “good” versions of the future are created that contain fewer enemies while destroying them all leads to a more prosperous ending.

Bonus stages are achieved by beating a stage with 50 rings in which you destroy weird UFOs under a time limit. Defeating these will score you a Time Stone and earning all seven will also score you a “good” ending. The large scope and replay value of this game is great with its seven zones packed with three stages, each with a past, present, good and bad future versions. That’s like… a bazillion stages, right? Going the extra mile to create a good future is satisfying even if it is to simply earn an extra animation clip of flowers blooming and avoid Robotnik’s mocking laugh of fail.

Fans of Sonic’s sidekick will be pleased to know that Tails is unlockable after beating the game, which is a brand new feature. Another nice addition to console owners is leaderboard support for speed run fans. But the best aspect of this re-release? It’s ridiculously low price point; 400 MS Points ($5).

Yes, there are awkward platforming moments scattered about and the bonus stages are kind of weak, but overall, this is a sweet game for Sonic fans to enjoy, new and old alike. Even if you’re a super Sega fan and still have your Sega CD hooked up or you own a copy of Sonic Gems Collection, this is the definitive version of Sonic CD to own.

OVERALL (4/5)

Sonic CD is a must-buy for Sega enthusiasts! Never played a Sonic game in your life? Heck, it’s pretty good for you, too! Some quirks aside, this rarity unleashed is now available for download and runs great on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Now that this Sega CD gem is here, where’s my perfect re-release of Sewer Shark? Amirite?

PSN Review: Family Feud Decades

What were in those pre-game drinks you served them?

By: Uma Smith

What’s the best way to demonstrate how close and supportive your family is? By going on national television, of course! That is what Family Feud was all about when it first premiered back in 1976. Family members would have to cooperate in order to earn the most important thing in the world, and the thing that will keep them together: MONEY!

All kidding aside, Ludia’s recent release title for the PlayStation Network, Family Feud Decades allows you to relive these magical game show moments. However, is there enough to make the game a success (or a failure)? Survey says…

CONTROLS (1.75/5)

You press X to enter the highlighted letter and triangle to backspace. For those that are used to sending private messages on the XMB, this could throw you off as you’d usually press square to backspace. However, in Family Feud Decades, you use that button to finalize your answer. And you’re pretty much screwed if you haven’t typed in the whole word and pressed this button by accident as there’s no opportunity to retract your so-called finalized answer.

Using the d-pad to type in your answers is not only cumbersome but time-consuming as well. An issue that is especially detrimental because you’re under a time constraint. So press as fast as you can because the game will show you no mercy as evident from its lack of keyboard support.

The game does, however, predict the word as you type and even present you choices, which you would select with the shoulder and trigger buttons. Nonetheless, this feature does not compensate for all this hassle you have to go through!

GRAPHICS/SOUND (2/5)

It’s an absolute treat to be able to view the different sets for each decade presented in this game. Other than that, however, the graphics does little to impress. The contestants look plain and ordinary while the animations are repetitive no matter the situation they are in. You also see an audience that has the appearance of a cardboard cut-out.

Hearing the original theme song brings out the feeling of nostalgia while everything else in the sound department brings out laughter (not in a good way). The announcer doesn’t come across as lively while the audience applause seems to be missing for the most part. Unless there’s something wrong with my sound system, we have a problem here!

GAMEPLAY (2.5/5)

Family Feud Decades is about having two competing teams of five family members, each answering basic survey questions that were previously asked to a group of people. So while there is more than one answer to every question, the key is to determine what would be the most popular response.

You first compete to buzz in and answer the presented question, which you then decide who should continue to answer — your family or your opponent’s. If there are three incorrect answers during the family’s attempt to completely fill out the survey, the opponent gets a chance of stealing the jackpot with a single correct answer.

If your family is the first to reach the required number of points, you move on to the Fast Money round where two team members answer a series of questions in a 15-second round. If the combined score reaches 200 points, you win the $20,000 grand prize (in virtual money of course)!

You can expect to find the questions, game show sets, and the contestants’ outfits to vary depending on the era you’ve chosen: the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Although none of these actually have much difference in terms of gameplay such a selection is welcome despite the minimal effect it produces.

If you don’t feel like playing on your own, you can have a friend join you in the challenge, where each player takes control of their family. It can be amusing to see your friend mess up with the controls, in which case your friendship may end up in a “feud.”

Those seeking an authentic Family Feud experience will find a flaw in this particular title. As mentioned earlier, while you insert letters during your answers, the game will predict and present completed words to you — meaning an answer would most likely be incorrect if nothing appears after inserting two letters. This eliminates a lot of legitimate guessing and, consequently, players end up cheating.

Other features included in this game are the character editor, which is pretty basic and ordinary, and the records of your winnings. Although they provide some replay incentive, they are hardly noticeable, especially given the number of drawbacks in this game that need to be dealt with.

OVERALL (2.25/5)

Family Feud Decades may feel like it takes a “decade” to play when trying to cope with the difficult controls and inherent flaws during gameplay. Although it’s a potentially fun little title, hold off on spending the $9.99 unless these issues are addressed.

PSN Review: Wanted Corp.

Like a monkey ready to be shot into space. Space Monkey!

By: Jess Castro

Being a galactic bounty hunter is a tough way to make a living. You bust your ass hunting for robot criminals and cybernetically-enhanced apes only to come home with loose space credits in your pockets smelling like hard liquor, cheap take-out and wet cigarette butts. Honestly, I’m just guessing that’s what it’s like based off playing Wanted Corp, a new top-down shooter available on PlayStation Network. I’m sure real galactic bounty hunting is less exciting than an episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter, but let’s pretend it’s a hardcore lifestyle packed with thrills, just for the sake of this review.

CONTROLS (3.5/5)

Moving on, Wanted Corp adds a few twists to the twin-stick shooter formula. For starters, there are two unique control schemes, one for each of its playable characters. First up is the trigger-happy gunman Madddogg.   (That’s double the “G”, son!) Controlling him is similar to most top-down shooters using both analogs for movement and aiming with weapon fire functions mapped to the bumpers and triggers. Irina, his unarmed partner with psionic abilities, has similar a control scheme, however the aiming of her powers is done by means of a reticule.

Secondly, these bounty hunters have the ability to capture enemies through non-lethal methods. An alternate shot incapacitates targets, which can then be beamed up to the authorities by standing next to them and pressing X. This adds some diversity to attack patterns instead of simply obliterating everything in site. Lastly, when playing solo, you’ll still need a partner to complete the jobs, so your partner will be AI controlled. Pressing circle swaps between your characters and pressing the d-pad toggles the AI attack patterns and range as well as its tendency to kill or capture.

Wanted Corp also features PlayStation Move compatibility. In fact, playing as Irina (and throwing Maddogg’s grenades) practically demands usage of the Move as controlling the reticule with a regular controller is simply not fluid. The clunky cursor makes it obvious her controls were created with Sony’s motion controllers in mind.  Players who don’t own the motion control peripheral will probably want to focus play on Maddogg while the AI or an online co-op player takes reign of Irina’s more complex psionic functions.

GRAPHICS/SOUND (3.25/5)

Wanted Corp has crisp graphics and solid sound design, but it’s certainly not a head-turner. Decent visuals lose appeal when you realize that you’re in the same jungle or sewer for majority of the game. The voice actors do an admirable job of bringing stereotypical cyberpunk dialogue to life, but much like the repeated environments and music cues, the repetitiveness sinks in and wears you down. Also, for a top-down shooter, it doesn’t bring the heat and intensity that makes this genre so enjoyably visceral. Sure, there are plenty of explosions and frantic firefights throughout the game, but they lack the boom and flare to stack up with the rest of the bunch.

GAMEPLAY (3.25/5)

Eight stages of mayhem await as the bounty hunter firm Wanted Corp’s top hunters, Maddogg and Irina, hunt down an militia of space monkeys as they unlock the mysteries of a pharmaceutical conglomerate conspiracy. Still on board with this insanity? Of course you are. Whether you go solo, local co-op or online co-op, the key is simply to blast for cash. Stashing up your space credits is essential for weapon and stat upgrades from a power-up shop that can accessed in between stages. Capitalizing on big money is also good for leaderboard scoring and personal bragging rights.

Easily, the freshest aspect of Wanted Corp is the ability to apprehend fugitives alive for bonus credits. Both characters will have to choose between lethal and non-lethal attacks on the fly to either freeze baddies in their tracks or evaporate them to dust. This adds a nice balance between total annihilation tactics and capturing the wanted scum of the galaxy. Strategically picking your take-down methods becomes a satisfying challenge within itself as you strive for scoring perfection.

There are some other decent moments scattered throughout the eight-stage campaign. The bounty hunting strategy is fun and the cooperation of the two different control schemes in co-op mode is nice change of pace from the usual death-to-anything that moves formula. Relatively large and boasting decent challenge, these intergalactic criminals will make you fight for it for about five hours. However, as a whole, Wanted Corp is a rather ho-hum affair with limited boss encounters, bland weapon selection and an overall lack of intensity. Even when the screen is flooded with small hordes of space apes and large swamp fish, it just doesn’t have that action-packed bite that makes you want to revisit the campaign again.

OVERALL (3.25/5)

Developer Zoo Entertainment brings some fresh mechanics to the classic shooter formula with Wanted Corp., but redundancy in its gameplay and generic aesthetics prevent it from really taking off. PlayStation Move owners looking for new titles can rejoice with its motion control support, but other than that, there’s not a lot here to get the blood pumping.

DLC Review: Vengeance and Virtue (Marvel Pinball)

Maybe the balls will listen to me if I use my shotgun...

By: Uma Smith

Zen Studios’ incorporation of the Marvel superheroes into its pinball titles has delighted many players, especially comic book fans, and they continue to celebrate the heroes we grew up with via Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. Their latest DLC, Vengeance and Virtue, consists of four new tables along with a new set of achievements and trophies waiting to be unlocked as well as some surprises for our new heroes and villains.

Ghost Rider
This particular table reeks of vengeance with its featured shotgun, which is used to fire at targets. You have a number of characters strategically placed within a rather dark setting. In terms of both presentation and style, your eyes will have a lot to feast on.

Moon Knight
Brace yourselves as there are numerous ramps crisscrossing the field as well as some really tricky side chutes that can be challenging to reach. And, just in case you doubt this is an actual Marvel table, an opening cutscene will acquaint you with Moon Knight’s background story. One drawback is the extra flipper that is tucked away in a forgettable spot. Despite this, Moon Knight is still a nice addition to this DLC.

Thor
With the fire and ice theme, the table will have you defending Asgard against Thor‘s half-brother Loki as well as the fire demon, Surtur, and the ruler of the Frost Giants, Ymir. You get a nice visual effect from Thor’s lightning as he slams down his powerful hammer on this stunning-looking table with a large number of animations and eye candy.

X-Men
On the top of this playfield is a series of ramps, each representing a different member of the X-Men. These will activate various missions that are all classic X-Men stories. If you launch them enough times, you will engage in a battle against Magneto! Along with that, you get to hear some nice voice acting from various characters from the comic book.

OVERALL

Not only are these new tables a refreshing addition to Zen Studios’ wonderful Marvel Pinball, but they’re also exciting and a treat to get a hold of. With the price tag of 800 MS Points ($9.99), you’ll find this particular DLC to be simply “marvelous.”

XBLA Review: Joe Danger Special Edition

It's so easy that even a monkey can do it!

By: Uma Smith

When Joe Danger crash landed onto the PlayStation Network in the spring of 2010, Xbox 360 owners were deprived of his glory. However, this week all that changed as Joe Danger: Special Edition arrived on Xbox Live Arcade. Those that love the simplistic gameplay of motor racing, like Excitebike or Mario Kart, combined with watching your character getting into accidents will be racing to the finish line for this. Developed by Hello Games, Joe Danger: Special Edition will get you screaming more than just a simple “hello” as you welcome him to your living room.

CONTROLS (4.5/5)

As with its previous PSN release, Joe Danger: Special Edition never fails to impress with its control scheme. You have the ability to accelerate and reverse with ease and finesse, which is vital as you’ll need to maneuver your bike over and around various obstacles.

During jumps, you can achieve more air by crouching as well as change directions without any hiccups, thereby allowing you to control where you bike lands. Using the boost in conjunction with the jump will launch you higher and farther. You can also pull off tricks with the help of the two shoulder buttons. Ultimately, the controls will make you as much of an impressive stunts person as Joe Danger himself thanks to a well laid out button configuration.

GRAPHICS/SOUND (4.25/5)

Joe Danger: Special Edition aims to mesmerize not only in terms of its death-defying tricks but also its presentation. Such marvelous detail and color scheme will keep your eyes glued to the screen. Even the smoke coming out of the bike’s exhaust glows with awe and beauty. You may even feel guilty enjoying the artistic scenes of Joe getting eaten by sharks or crashing into obstacles with a nice frame rate.

Although the music may not be ideal for some, it still gives a nice, happy feel during your run. Or if you prefer you can always use the media player for your Xbox 360 to play your own favorite tunes, which is a big plus. Additionally, the sound effects do the job well in making you feel the pain as Joe gets into accidents.

GAMEPLAY (4.75/5)

Taking control of Joe Danger from the side view, you’ll direct him as he rides his bike to avoid a diverse selection of obstacles, such as mouse traps, shark pits and huge spikes. You’ll be focusing on completing a number of challenges to earn stars, which will allow you to unlock later levels. In addition, there are various characters waiting to be unlocked and added to your roster.

The challenges are as straightforward as collecting all coins within a time limit. Introduced to the XBLA version are the “Pro Medals” that you earn by getting all items and coins while landing on every target as you perform tricks. Since this will most likely lead to a lot of trial-and-error, patience and perseverance will be your best friends during this ordeal. However, this also translates to higher replay value.

As you advance, it becomes apparent that scoring points is what will make a superstar. In fact, you will get recognized for your efforts through the online leaderboard for each level. If you want to score big points, then performing tricks is the way to go. For instance, holding the trick as long as you can and landing perfectly will not only increase your rating but also grant you a large number of points.

A new mode called “The Lab” has been included as a “special addition” to this… special edition of Joe Danger. Take note, though, that this mode is only accessible once you’ve fulfilled all the objectives in a single run. Here you have five labs that are divided into a series of new, challenging levels. Originally used by the development team for testing purposes, you can now experience them for yourself.

Both a split-screen multiplayer and sandbox-style level editor are also featured in this game. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play online with a buddy. On the other hand, the editor is so intuitive and effective that you’ll actually be entertained as you create your biker course of death.

OVERALL (4.5/5)

Joe Danger: Special Edition is a welcomed addition to the Xbox Live Arcade library with its intuitive controls, beautiful presentation and enjoyable gameplay. On top of that, it’s packed with additional content not included in the PSN version. With a bargain price of 1,200 MS Points ($15), you’re in no “danger” of getting ripped off. On the contrary, this edition may find a “special” place in your heart.