Real Steel
Available for Xbox 360 (XBLA) and PS3 (PSN)
Game Developer: Yuke’s
Release Date: October 12, 2011 on XBLA, October 18, 2011 on PSN
Official website: realsteelgame.com
Review summary:
Real Steel is the videogame adaptation of the recent Hugh Jackman movie of the same name. The movie seems to have been well received but unfortunately (as happens all too often) the game is mainly a bucket of bolts. The graphics are sub-par, even for a downloadable game, and the DLC options scream “gimme your money.”
Game rating:
2 out of 5 stars
Read the full review here.
Dead Island
Available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Game Developer: Techland
Publisher: Deep Silver
Release date: September 6, 2011
Official website: www.deadislandgame.com
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Dead Island review summary:
Dead Island‘s disaster-like tone and daylight setting are unique in the world of zombie video games. The scarcity of firearms and primarily melee based gameplay forces players to get up close and personal with some of the most powerful zombies ever created in a game. A weapon crafting system and RPG leveling system makes players more effective fighters over the course of the 30+ hour campaign, but players never become super powerful. The first-person perspective is limiting in some situations, especially when driving a vehicle, but small details make the overall experience more immersive than other games on the market. A frustrating respawn system does make areas of the game more difficult than they should be but a group of players working together through the main campaign will find one of the most rewarding cooperative experiences available on consoles this year.
Read the full review here.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Game Developer: Eidos-Montreal
Game Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Official website: www.deusex.com
Review summary:
Deus Ex: Human Revolution continues the sci-fi RPG experience with heavy doses of stealth action and first-person shooter mechanics. Customization mechanics compliment Adam Jensen’s augmentations and alter gameplay decisions and experiences. The excellent soundtrack and visual presentation within the game make Deus Ex: Human Revolution enjoyable but the experience can be clouded by shoddy voice acting and inconsistent AI at times. Read the full review to learn why this game is still worth your hard earned penny, and see why Deus Ex: Human Revolution kicks off this year’s AAA game releases.
Game rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Read the full review here.
Fruit Ninja Kinect
Available for Kinect for Xbox 360 (Xbox LIVE Arcade)
Game Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Publisher: Xbox LIVE Arcade
Release date: August 10, 2011
Official website: www.halfbrick.com
Rating: 3 out of 5
Fruit Ninja Kinect review summary:
If you have a Kinect sensor and want more gameplay out of it, Fruit Ninja Kinect is a nice pick me up. With many game modes and challenges to conquer, it can be a fun game if you want something new. The problems I had with this game is that it was simply a casual game and not for the hardcore, meaning you might only play it once in a while, then after you unlock everything, maybe not even play it again. The way the game feels has completely changed from the iOS version as well. Instead of the precision you have with a finger on a touch screen, you have your whole body to flail around and it is just tougher to play. Overall, Fruit Ninja Kinect has many game modes and challenges to complete. It is a must-have game for the iOS devices, and definitely worth a try if you have a Kinect sensor.
Read the full review here.
Runespell: Overture
Available for: PC & Mac (via Steam)
Game Developer & Publisher: Mystic Box
Release Date: July 20, 2011
Official website: www.runespell.com
Review summary:
For casual players, Runespell: Overture provides an enjoyable entry into the Puzzle/RPG genre by offering satisfying, poker style gameplay and streamlined RPG elements. Hardcore players may be turned off by the simplicity and lack of multiplayer, but most will find the card collecting elements addictive. As a download-only game, Runespell: Overture offers plenty of enjoyable gameplay for the money and any gamer willing to make the investment will find a perfect casual puzzle/RPG to add to their collection.
Game rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Read the full review here.
