DS Remakes
So, this whole HeartGold/SoulSilver things has got me thinking.
Probably around 75% of all DS RPGs are remakes of an older game. Square-Enix are especially bad in this regard, I mean how many originals have they released on the DS?
Now, I have nothing wrong with remakes, especially when the original game was never released over here in North America, like Dragon Quest 5. But with games like Final Fantasy 4 which have been remade multiple times already, do we really need another remake?
Let’s take a look at a few game which I thought were remade especially well, and a few that weren’t, shall we?
Scribblenauts: Doesn't Dissappoint
So you may have read koolguy’s review of this little gem of a game. But keep in mind that his opinion doesn’t matter (especially since he pirated it) 
The only, and I mean only, thing that’s somewhat disappointing is the crappy control scheme. Instead of a snazzy four button control (which would’ve worked very well IMO), the developers decided instead to make it entirely touch screen controlled. Unfortunately, jumping is annoying to do and sometimes the character does what you don’t want to do, like run headfirst into a charging T-Rex.
But that’s easily overlooked when you realize the scope of the game. Over 20 000 words are in this game’s dictionary, though some of them reproduce the same thing (i.e. rocketship and spaceship are the same), still the fact that it recognizes all these words is ridiculously awesome. The puzzles have a huge number of solutions. One of my favourite examples: there’s a guy who needs help seeing, I spawned binoculars, they worked. Spawned a monocle, it worked, spawned a telescope. It worked too. Sniper Rifle? You bet your ass. Last, but definitely not least, carrots fucking work. Just goes to show how much effort went into providing creative solutions to the problems.
The graphics and sound are a bit bare bones, but they’re not terrible.
Anyway, the hype is basically justified. It’s not a perfect game, but definitely very good, pick it up if you have the chance.
LordoftheReDead's favourite VG songs. :D
I like a lot of video games, and consequently, a lot of video game music. Whoever says video games aren’t a form of art obviously hasn’t played any of these. 
I’ll organize them by game, in whatever order I feel like.
Oh and please keep in mind that this is very much a work in progress, as I haven’t played near as many games as I’d like and I’m sure there are a very good few tunes that I haven’t heard yet. 
Welcome to the Madhouse – A Quick Look at Batman: Arkham Asylum
Ok, think back to when I wrote the super hero blog post.
Keep thinking…
Good.
Now remember where I said I was pretty hyped up about the upcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum?
Yeah. It’s fucking awesome.
Here’s my two cents worth.
The combat is fluid and dynamic, it has it’s own “FreeFlow” combo system, which is apparently trademarked. It’s pretty cool. The stealth system doesn’t feel tacked on, it really fits well with the Batman theme. There’s also a “forensic investigation” mode where you find a clue hidden in an area and follow a trail to find someone or something. It’s kinda cool, but seems a bit tacked on. He also has sorta “sonar vision”, which allows him to see bad guys through walls and plot your next move accordingly. There is an RPG-like experience system, which allows you to acquire upgrades to your gadgets and armour, not entirely necessary but a decent addition nonetheless.
The soundtrack is pretty damn good, it definitely fits with Batman, a lot like how the movie soundtracks from the first couple and the recent ones fit. In fact, they’re very similar.
There seems to be a ton of content included, as the game spans the entire island that Arkham Asylum is. The Riddler has even included some bonus hidden objects to find and collect, much of which unlocks challenge maps or figures to look at.
The challenge maps are cool, they’re kinda like a quick game type mode where you have a specific objective that you have to achieve, ranking yourself against others if you want. Some of them reward stealth and others reward clever thinking.
It looks nice, and has a suitably dark theme for the Dark Knight himself. I’m not much of a graphics person myself, but there are cool things like if you take a lot of damage, Batman’s costume gets torn in places. It’s this attention to detail that really makes the graphics good.
So there you go, just a quick take on my experience with it so far.
Bottom line? If you have a PS3 or Xbox 360, pick this game up or at least rent it. It’s awesome.
Jelly Soup
insane2100
