Sonic Colors Wii Review

Color me impressed!

(that joke has been done to death, but I had to do it)

Sonic Colors is everything we wanted it to be, and more.

#1) Gameplay: Enjoyability

Sonic Colors is one of the most outrageously fun platformers I've played this year. It mixes side-scrolling with fast paced 3D action, and does it well. And while Colors was aimed towards younger children, I think it's safe to say it can be enjoyed by just about everyone.

Score: 9

#2) Gameplay: Playability

The controls are well implemented and are responsive about 90% of the time. Every once in a while, Sonic's lofty double jump caused me to miss a platform completely. The quick-dash (sidestepping) sections worked well enough (outside of 2-player, which I will discuss later), and the homing attack very rarely targeted anything you didn't want it to. HOWEVER, the difficulty curve was crap. Some levels were insanely easy, and others were flat out painful and ate up your lives like a Nega-Wisp. These difficult stages weren't the product of bad level design as much the product of unfairly demanding platforming sections (Screen zooms out and you're left wondering where Sonic even is). The Wisps (the sonic universe's equivalent of Mario's power-ups) aid in platforming instead of hindering it by giving Sonic new ways to travel. And since some Wisps aren't unlocked until late in the game, you can return to old levels with new abilities that help you discover hidden areas or getter better times. The learning curve was around 10 minutes for the average gamer, and 20 to 30 for people who don't normally game. As far as playability goes, this game is one of the best realized Sonic games in recent years.

Score: 7

#3) Replay Value: Play Again?

Sonic Colors boasts 44 levels, all of which use the Wisp powers and Sonic's classic speed to their advantage. Each level is unique and interesting, and theres a TON of exploring to do even after you've beaten a level several times. Some of the acts are enormous and encourage the player to look in every nook and cranny for hidden items. Even if you play through each level multiple times, you'll still find new areas.. As far as Replay Value goes, exploration and the genuine platforming are the centerfold in this surprisingly fun game.

Score: 9

#4) Replay Value: Extras

Sonic Colors focuses on two types of extras: Red Rings, and Unlockable Multiplayer Stages. Red Rings  are exactly what they sound like; I.E. Rings that are Red. Each stage has 5 to collect (excluding boss fights), and a plethora of different ways to collect them. They aren't pointless (or mandatory) either, they unlock new levels in the Sonic Simulator (multiplayer) and if you collect all 180, you gain the ability to (SPOILER ALERT)turn into super sonic in normal stages(END SPOILER ALERT). On the note of multiplayer, it honestly isn't that good. If you go too fast and leave your friend behind in the dust, they lose a life and are teleported back to you. This wouldn't be a big issue if you didn't start with 2 shared lives. The Sonic Simulator (which is SUPPOSED to be a mulitplayer experience) is much better if you play it like the rest of the game; single player.

Score: 7

#5) Graphics: Technical

Little to no graphical issues. The draw distance is huge and I never noticed any objects suddenly popping into existence. Sonic's model is fluidly animated (if a little low on the resolution side). Easily the best looking SEGA game on the Wii to date. I'd like to see this game in HD, then again, who wouldn't. It's certainly a good looking game.

Score: 9

#6) Graphics: Artistic

Sonic Colors flaunts some of the most brilliant environments I've ever seen.The worlds are varied and (dare I say it) COLORFUL. Everything looks great! Colors is easily one of the most beautiful games I've played, and is definitely in the top 5 best looking Wii games to date, just behind Mario Galaxy 2.

Score: 10

#7) Sound: Effects

SEGA has always had a thing for recycling old sound effects (Sonic 4 used a bunch of the effects from Sonic Heroes), thank goodness most of the ones used in Sonic Colors are new. other than that, it sounds much they way you'd expect it to. Enemies explode, balloons pop, rings ring (ding?).

Score: 8

#8) Sound: Music

Here's where Sonic Colors really shines. the music is absolutely incredible. The soundtrack is well done and some of the best the Sonic series has ever had. The music matches the environments perfectly, which is a plus (you'd be surprised by how many games mess this up). 

Score: 10

#9) Story

Sonic Colors is light on story, but what it sets out to accomplish, it does well. The only thing that really derails the writing is cheesy Saturday-morning-cartoon sound effects used during some of the cutscenes. Other than that, the writing is some of the best Sonic had ever had. The voice acting is surprisingly well done (SEGA made an excellent choice casting the new Sonic and Tails). Eggman's PA quips are exceptionally funny and add to the light-heartedness of the game. While the story isn't serious, it's well written and well voiced, and it shows.

Score: 8

#10) Bang For Your Buck

Sonic Colors for Wii - MSRP - 49.99$

For the content you get, I think the selling price is pretty reasonable (I'd be happier with 40$, but who wouldn't?). Although the game is short and the multiplayer is laughable, the campaign is fun while it lasts and there's a TON of replay value. I put in about 15 hours into my European copy and about 13 (so far) into my American copy (and I'm still playing!). While it isn't quite the 20 hour game that SEGA promised it would be, it's still a pretty good deal for one of the best Sonic games ever made.

Score: 9

THE FINAL VERDICT

Sonic Colors is one of the best Sonic games ever made. It's fun, fast, and beautiful. It does what it sets out to do and does it well. And while it has it's flaws, it's one gigantic leap in the right direction. Sonic Colors 2 anyone?

THE OVERALL SCORE: 8.6 PRETTY DAMN GOOD

-A Gamer Who Rants

P.R. (Post Rant): God this review took forever to get out. I've been a mixture of sick and busy lately. Sorry for the huge delay. Hopefully my next review (Donkey Kong Country Returns) won't take as long to get out. I should start playing today or tomorrow, depending on how I'm feeling. Also, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone who celebrates it!

EDIT: My original review was an incoherent jumble of thoughts, that didn't come out quite the way i wanted them to. Here's the final review, and hopefully I never mess up that bad again. Seriously, how did I not catch this?

An Influx of Sonic Colors Reviews...

I'll let these reviews speak for themselves.

German GamePro Magazine


The video basically says that Sonic Colors is better than the classics, and the multiple editors who scored it in Germany gave it a 100%.

And within the past couple weeks these reviews have been released as well:
-86% from NGamer
-9/10 from Nintendo Power
-86% from ONM
-8/10 from German NGamer
-15/20 from French ONM
-92% from WiiMagazin (German)
-87% from GamePro Magazine
-100% from GamePro German Magazine


-A Gamer Who Rants


P.R. Turns out, my statement that Sonic Colors was going to be the best Sonic game in YEARS was entirely correct. Not a big surprise, considering I also said Sonic 4 was going to suck (and look how that turned out) Seriously, it wasn't fun at all.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta REVIEW

Kratos proves that even after all these years, he can still kick ass and take names.

#1) Gameplay: Enjoyability

While technology has changed a lot since Kratos’ debut in his original PS2 title, the man (and his games) remains much the same. You still interchange mashing the Triangle and Square buttons to create a string of light and heavy combos (I shouldn't have to explain that too much). But there's actually a new power that you unlock fairly early on. And this is the Fire Gauge. After you acquire it, you use it to deal extra damage to enemies by lighting the Blades of Athena on fire mid-swing. This can be used the rush weak enemies, or break through the armor of tougher ones. And while this sounds like a straight-forward addition, it really isn't. The gauge is limited, and charges over extended periods of non-use. More than once I used the gauge to kill a weak enemy, only to be tackled almost immediately by another enemy, that I could have stopped if I hadn't been so hasty in using up all my Fire. It sounds shallow, I know, but on higher difficulties, missing that one opportunity can be fatal. Since some enemies can only be killed with fire, the gauge becomes mandatory almost right after you get it. Normally this would piss me off, but since it's a rather useful ability, I actually WANTED to use it. It has some sweet side effects you earn as you upgrade it (don't worry, I won't spoil it for you) using the "souls" of your enemies (Kratos' currency of choice), so the Fire Gauge becomes an integral part of the this adventure. The game as a whole is just as fun as the original, and is DEFINITELY worth your time.
Score: 9

#2) Gameplay: Playability

I have 3 words for you: smooth difficulty curve. It’s been a while since I’ve played a game that grew as you played it. It starts easy, and finishes with you losing 90% of your health meter and screaming in frustration as you attempt to kill the last enemy on the screen (or at least that's what happened to me). And that's a good thing. Without a challenge, you might as well be staring at a sponge for 6 hours. The controls are smooth (although sometimes I had problems activating the fire gauge mid-combo, but that may have just been me being stupid), and it's easy to string together attacks (so easy it's almost effortless). It never feels like the game's fault when you die; Newcomers and casual gamers alike should be able to jump into the fray with ease.  

Score: 10

#3) Replay Value: Play Again?

Unfortunately, there isn't much of a point to playing through the campaign again (other than getting more souls to unlock extras). The campaign is about 6 hours long (I screwed around a bunch so it's probably more like 5), and almost entirely linear. Sure, there's a couple branching paths, but that's about the extent of your exploration. So if you play again, chances are it'll be to unlock something, or to experience the story again. I'm not so sure this game can truly warrant another playthrough beyond the obvious...
Score: 6

#4) Replay Value: Extras

Extras! Oh how how I love thee! Shall I count the ways? God of War: Ghost of Sparta is boasting with extras! You can re-watch the cutscenes, take on the Challenge of the Gods (rage your little heart out Kratos), visit the Temple of Zeus to unlock a BUNCH of neat extras, or mess around in the Combat Arena (my favorite feature). What do these things do? Well, you can unlock new costumes, fight any enemy on your own terms, and power up Kratos even further after the curtain falls on the last act. Overall, the extras are a solid addition to the title.
Score: 9 

#5) Graphics: Technical

Consider me impressed. This game is without a doubt, the most beautiful looking game on the PSP to date. The backgrounds are fully animated and life-like. While running around the doomed city of Atlantis you see molten debris being hurled into the air by an active volcano in the distance. The models stand out and look beautiful, and there is almost no difference between the (sometimes) pre-rendered cutscenes, and the actual game itself. All in all, graphically, this game is phenomenal. Too bad, that during the first hour, Ghost of Sparta is plagued by an inconsistent framerate (not game breaking by any means, but still very noticeable if you’re used to looking for graphical flaws), and vertical tearing every time the camera moves even the slightest bit. I will admit, the framerate improves greatly over the course of the game (as does the vertical tearing), but as it is still an issue I’m docking points for it.

Score: 8.5 (that’s the first time I’ve given a partial reduction since I’ve started reviewing; for anyone who’s keeping count)

#6) Graphics: Artistic

While this Ghost of Sparta is easily the best looking PSP game on the market, artistically, there’s a lot left to be desired. Sure, it LOOKS good, but there’s nothing special about it. It’s basically a culmination of all the things we’ve seen before (cool, giant monster, weren’t the ones in God of War 3 bigger?). The only truly unique environment is the sunken city of Atlantis (as in the one Kratos destroys, and revisits in the center of a giant whirlpool; that part was just awesome). Art-wise, there’s nothing WRONG, but also nothing that makes it stick out. Although there is a lot going on in the background (the backgrounds are more than just still photos of landscapes), beyond that, the environments are bland and uninteresting. While this isn’t a major issue, it does certainly take away from the experience.

Score: 7

#7) Sound: Effects

There isn't to much to say in this department. Everything sounds the way it should. I wish Kratos had some more creative grunts though, because hearing the same 3 "HURRRAGHHH"'s throughout he entire game does get old fast.

Score: 8.5

#8) Sound: Music

HOLD. DEVILS. POT OF TEA.

Epic orchestral music covered with incomprehensible lyrics in another language; that's what you're listening to while you play. Not going to end up in my iTunes, but it definitely fits the mood of the game.
Score: 8

#9) Story

I'm going to be extremely vague here, because I don't want to spoil the game for you. Kratos is searching for his long lost brother Deimos. In the process, he destroys an entire city, causes a volcano to erupt, crosses 3 continents, and visits Disney World! But seriously though, the story is good! As in really good! Kratos actually shows emotion beyond pure anger. The story was well written, and the cutscenes actually do more than just push the game forward into the next area. It isn't just a side-story though, it explains a TON about why Kratos is so determined to destroy Olympus, and actually makes you more attached to the man behind the mask.
Score: 9

#10) Bang for Your Buck

God of War games have never been very long, so the fact that Ghost of Sparta flaunts a 5 hour campaign (and a ton of extras) is no surprise. 40$ is a bit steep for the content you recieve, so I would suggest waiting til' the price drops below 30$ (if it ever does).
Score: 7 

THE FINAL VERDICT

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is an enjoyable and accessible new entry in Sony’s multi-million dollar franchise, and is a must play for experienced gamers and newcomers alike.


THE OVERALL SCORE: 8.2/10 PRETTY DAMN GOOD


-A Gamer Who Rants


P.R.(Post Rant): Finally, Blogger added the ability to underline text. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY THIS MAKES ME.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta

Should have a copy of the newest God of War PSP game within the next couple days (YAY FOR LEAKS), which means that my review will probably be up before next Monday. Just a small heads up!

EDIT: Got my copy :D I'm about 5 hours in!

RE-EDIT: Just beat the game, plan on finishing the review by Wednesday, but I'm sick, so it may be longer than that. Sorry for the delay!

RE-RE-EDIT: It's 2 in the morning, and I'm already half finished with the review. I'm going to finish the section I'm working on, and then call it a night. The review will DEFINITELY be out Wednesday.

RE-RE-RE-EDIT: THE REVIEW IS OUT, GO READ IT.


-A Gamer Who Rants

Kirby's EPIC Yarn Review (FINALLY)

5 days without a post and I've FINALLY finished my review for Kirby (been busy), so HERE IT IS:

I honestly can't think of another series that is so disgustingly cute, but yet SO fun to play. So when I picked Kirby's Epic Yarn the other day, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into.

#1) Gameplay: Enjoyability

The amount of happiness that shoots off the screen in this game is astounding. It's hard to find games that are just flat out FUN to play. Even jaded video game veterans such as myself, can't help but crack a smile as Kirby turns into a car and honks his way through the levels. Kirby's Epic Yarn is a legitimate joy to play. It's glad to see gaming be fun instead of serious for once.

Score:9

#2) Gameplay: Playability

Kirby's Epic Yarn plays the way that a platformer SHOULD. It's extremely easy to just pick up and play, even for people who've never played a Kirby game before. The only complaint I really have playability-wise, is there was never really a moment where I went "Whoa, this is HARD!" To some, that's a good thing, to others (Me), a bad thing. The lack of a real challenge didn't really bother me, because Kirby games have never really been difficult anyway.

Score:9

#3) Replay Value: Play Again?

Like most Kirby games, the replay value is based on both the collectibles, and how much of a Kirby fan you are. So this part is a bit up in the air depending on YOUR personal opinion of our pink little friend. But since this is my review, I'm doing my opinion, feel free to let me know if you feel otherwise in the comments. Anyway, I'm a Kirby fan (played through the game twice), and the game was fun but not "OMG I HAVE TO PLAY IT AGAIN RIGHT NOW" fun, so I've scored it as such.

Score: 7

#4) Replay Value: Extras

If you've ever played a Kirby game before, you know that theres tons of stuff to collect. Lots of hidden items and smaller treasures called Beads are scattered throughout the levels. More than once I caught myself striving to reach that treasure chest that was JUST out of reach. You can use the items you find to build a sweet pad for our favorite little buddy too! At the beginning of the game you get a little house that you can decorate with your precious treasures. Kirby goes out of its way to make you WANT to get all of the extra stuff. And if you're a perfectionist like I am, there's enough content to warrant another playthrough.

Score:8

#5) Graphics: Technical

I didn't notice any technical blemishes during my first or second playthrough. As in; AT ALL. It was pretty nice, considering that most of the games I've played during the past year have had SOME kind of issue in this area. Obviously the coding was done pretty meticulously, and I respect that.

Score: 10

#6) Graphics: Artistic

This game is absolutely BRILLIANT artistically. The Kirby universe has never looked so interesting!
More than once I was staring at the screen in awe as the world grew by itself to create new levels. Enemies actually unravel like they're made of yarn when you grab them. The way that patchwork elements of the world come together, create some of the most interesting artistic elements I've ever seen. A well realized world makes Kirby's Epic Yarn flat out fun to look at.

Score:10

#7) Sound: Effects

The sounds are cheery and make sense in context. The only real problem, was that some of them became a bit... repetitive over the course of the game. Not a BIG issue, but I'm here to nitpick so that's what I'll do.

Score: 8

#8) Sound: Music

When I heard that the music in Epic Yarn game was largely orchestral, I was more than a bit skeptical. So I was surprised (and overjoyed) to find that the music was actually as well written as the Mario Galaxy series. I'm not ashamed to say that some of the soundtrack may find it's way into my iTunes folder in the coming weeks. Color me impressed Nintendo.

Score: 10

#9) Story

Kirby's Epic Yarn is narrated by an ominous voice, that tells the story of Kirby and Prince Fluff (and their epic quest to save Patch Land). It plays out like a child's storybook, which, as far as I know is the intention. So Hal Labs and Good-Feel accomplished their goal in that respect. Is the story very entertaining? Not particularly. It felt like the only purpose of the stale narrative was to push the game forward into the next world. But Kirby has ALWAYS been like that.

Score: 6

#10) Bang for Your Buck

On the day of it's release, Kirby's newest game is selling for 50$ (which makes sense since it's a second party Nintendo title and all). I'll make this short and sweet. I've played a lot of games. Kirby took me about 8 hours to beat (not including collectibles, and the time I spent playing it with my friends). Total, I've probably put in about 16 hours, and don't regret it (two playthroughs). So it met my expectations on the enjoyment I would get out of a Kirby title for the price.

Score: 8

THE FINAL VERDICT

Let's be blunt here. Kirby is a cute platformer series, and has always BEEN a cute platformer series. So if you don't like what you see, stay away. It's pretty straight-forward. I like Kirby, so I thought the game was just as EPIC as the title implied. Here's hoping you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

THE OVERALL SCORE: 8.5/10 PRETTY DAMN GOOD

-A Gamer Who Rants

The Death of Console Gaming...?

Someone in the Wii Forum on Gamespot made a post concerning what they considered "the death of console gaming".

Basically, the guy said that game developers have stopped taking risks, and that all we've been seeing lately is sequels to original IP's, and more Call of Duty clones.

And in a way this is true. People in the gaming world HAVE stopped producing new and innovative games. They stick with what they know sells, and run with it. But this isn't entirely the developer's fault. It's also OUT fault as gamers. If we didn't buy the next big Call of Duty game, then the developer would stop making new ones. They'd have to go back to the drawing board and find a new formula that works. So in the end, if console gaming DOES die, it'll be just as much our fault as the 3rd party developers that bring us games like Dead Space and Epic Mickey.

And on the note of original IP's; there is only so much creativity in the world. At some point, the well of ideas is going to run dry, and original games are going to stop coming out. This is inevitable. Just some food for thought.

-A Gamer Who Rants

P.R. (Post Rant) Wow, short post today... And by the way, this is just filler while I work on my Kirby's Epic Yarn review. It's taking longer than I thought it would. And this post was inevitable, so nows as good a time as any to get it out there.

More Sonic Colors Footage!

Thanks again to The Sonic Stadium for providing this awesome footage:

Sonic Colors - Sweet Mountain Act 1

Sonic Colors - Sweet Mountain Act 2

Sonic Colors - Planet Wisp Act 1

Sonic Colors - Planet Wisp Act 2

This game just looks better and better each day!