Video Game Review of the Week

This week i had the priviledge to rent two games from Gamefly.com for free. Unfortunately i couldn't get a copy of Shaun White's Snowboarding or Pure, but i did recieve two games that aren't quite my style, but i enjoyed nonetheless. The first one was:

NBA Live 09

I was a bit confused when they chose Tony Parker to be the coverboy of the video game, but now i know why. The game has as much personality as the Spurs themselves. It has some novel additions to the game such as the loading screen training simulation and the DNA.

But there are some serious setbacks like, the fact that they haven't updated the Oklahoma City Thunder's team name, when you buy the game they are originally called the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Cities, with the same jerseys as the San Antonio Spurs. I dont know if you can upload the new team name and jerseys when you update the game via online through the EA Server, but it was pretty disappointing. And the fact that you can no longer create-a-team really got my hopes and stabbed the shit out of them.

The other thing that really got me was the fact that (yes, i am a n00b at basketball video games) the last time i played one was in 2005 and the game was so much simpler then! If you are a newcomer to basketball, let alone EA Sports progression games that insist you keep up with every years edition, than i advise you to stay away until you play NBA Live 04, 05, 06, 07, and 08. The game isn't really going to help you much. But if you are a serious gamer for these things, it ceases to amaze, Graphics are great, the gameplay is smooth and authentic. GRADE: B-

Lego Batman: the Video Game

It was a bit of a strange request but i found this game far more entertaining than the previous game, only because it doesn't demand so much knowledge and button memory to play. its simple and doesn't require dialogue to get you into the action. The characters are cute and identifyable (as Batman and Robin always was). But what always makes these Lego games so great, is that they are fun, clean and have a great family enthusiasm about it. This one in particular has a solid theme of TEAMWORK.

Constantly throughout the story line, you play as the Caped Crusader alongside his sidekick Robin and there are certain suits that have abilities to get through challenges, and it requires teamwork for the duo to continue. For example, there is a suit that Batman has that is flame proof, and there is a challenge, where batman must press a lever that is surrounded by flame, then once the lever is pressed the flames are reduced and Robin can pass. It's a great co-op game and is a major time consumer (if you have it). GRADE: A-