Review Roundup 10/27

Whew! We just posted a ton of new game reviews onto the site. Rather than force you to dig around for what you’re looking for, we’ve decided to make it a little easier to find the latest additions. Highlights this week include Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, Forza Motorsport 3 and DJ Hero, along with plenty of other games. What are you waiting for?

DJ Hero

In many ways, it feels like a new beginning for the music genre. Freestyle Games has pulled off an impressive trick, crafting a game that holds true to its sister franchise while at the same time putting a unique spin on both the gameplay and the music.

Tekken 6

Controls and combos are incredibly tight, and the entire package is dripping with polish. Despite the lackluster Scenario Campaign, it’s still a solid purchase for fighting fans.

Fairytale Fights

The creative level design and engaging graphics can’t make up for abominable controls, repetitive play and a lack of character progression.

Forza Motorsport 3

Forza 3 redefines the franchise, but it definitely didn’t take me to anywhere I hadn’t already been before.

Cars Race O Rama

If there’s anything nice to say about Race O Rama, it’s that it provides a teachable moment for parents: Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.

Nostalgia

The game is a sentimental homage to the classics of yesteryear: airships with 40-foot swords attached to their bow, young kids on a world-changing adventure, and level grinding until you’re blue in the face.

Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter

With poor execution and clumsy controls on the Wii, you'll find more fun with a coloring book and a 64-pack of crayons than you will in Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter.

Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time

A Crack in Time shows a good idea and consistent execution is all it takes to keep interest high. Keep ‘em coming, Insomniac!

Wii Fit Plus

Ultimately, Wii Fit Plus is basically the same game, slightly expanded. If you liked the first game for a while but lost interest, it’s hard to say that this one will keep you coming back.

Tornado Outbreak

This short game can be finished in one sitting, but there isn't enough gameplay variety to maintain interest

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop

Cooking Mama has fun, unique minigames to offer, but the vehicle for delivering them is becoming stale. Instead of throwing rehashed recipes and useless customization options at players, the game would definitely benefit from offering a tangible sense of overarching progression.

Risen

Risen can be awfully frustrating on a technical level (though rarely broken, like Gothic 3 before it), but it’s a *** good RPG.