| Folklore Review
Using a soul to beat someone up sounds like sort of a strange hook for a game, but the quirky title Folklore from Game Republic offers exactly that. While it may appear to be sort of an RPG/action hybrid a more apt description would be a beat-em-up with a deep story, a brawler with some avatar advancement. Combining elements of such disparate titles as Silent Hill, Pokemon, and Final Fight, with a dash of PS3 motion-control (that actually works!) on top, the title's pitch stands out in a year already filled with unique offerings. The gameplay depth you experience in the first hour of play, unfortunately, is more or less the depth you'll experience throughout the game. Despite that, there's a lot to like here - especially for fans of things that go bump in the night. Read on for my impressions of this dark fantasy given form.
TOP STORIES ::
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll pray for a sequel. Best. Simpsons. Game. Ever. OK, that isn't really saying that much (Springfield's first family hasn't really had much luck in video-game adaptations). Still, EA's "The Simpsons Game" manages to nail the humor, tone and pacing of the hit animated television series. Of course, it helps that the writers of the series actually wrote the game and all of the voice actors reprise their roles. The game allows you to play as all of the Simpsons except Grampa. Little Maggie even gets in on the act in a few levels. All of the Simpsons have their own unique abilities. Homer can burp (temporarily stunning an enemy), turn into a large ball of fat to role over objects and enemies (a la Konami's "Katamari Damacy") as well as a few other moves.
USC gaining recruits from the state of Alabama
The state of Alabama continues to be fertile recruiting territory for South Carolina. Last week, DB Jarrett Burns (6-3, 186) of Huntsville committed to the Gamecocks after getting an official offer from recruiter Ron Cooper and head coach Steve Spurrier. "It was a comfort level," Burns said. "I talked to coach Cooper all the time. He showed me he could be there for me if I need something. That was a big thing to me." Burns is viewed as a big corner by the Gamecocks and had 79 tackles with one interception this season. "My advantage is my height," he said. "And I like to beat up the receiver. I like to come up and hit. And I roam the field well." Burns had an offer from Louisiana Tech and said he was getting strong interest from Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville and Mississippi State.
How Guitar Hero Shook Gamers All Night Long
On the fateful evening of Nov. 7, 2005, as youthful little gamers dreamt with childlike wonderment at the whimsical appeal of Nintendogs and Pokemon, a sinister force in rock was almost ready to be unleashed upon the world. Headed by a game developer named Harmonix Music Studios, this monster of a title would forever change the worlds of rocking and gaming, mixing and mashing the once completely differing entities into common allies in the struggle against authority. This game, known as Guitar Hero, would come from out of nowhere to sweep the nation, spreading shock and awe as any common gaming geek could now become a rock god. Apparently Harmonix Studios struck a vein in the body of the American gaming public and created a game that capitalized on the desire to become a rock and roll superstar.
For your gamer's wish list
Someday Mario and Master Chief might replace Santa Claus as spokespeople for the holidays. Mario and Master Chief are the main characters of two of this season's hottest video games, and unlike jolly ol' St. Nick, all kids believe in Nintendo and Xbox. As always at this time of year, video games — specifically, the latest video game systems — are on the top of many wish lists. But what kid has the cash to drop on a new piece of hardware that can cost upwards of $500? It's up to the parents to pony up the coin. "X-Box 360 rocks 'cause the first-person online experience of 'Halo 3' is seamlessly integrated with the wireless technology." Um. What? Discussing video games with your child requires learning a somewhat foreign language. Don't worry about it; we'll keep it simple.
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