(Also featured in Reporter Magazine)

Accompanying the launch of the Nintendo DSi was a little gem of a game called Rhythm Heaven, made by the creators of the Wario Ware series. The title is essentially a collection of catchy, musical mini-games that are controlled with the DS stylus. Think of it as playing Guitar Hero by ear but, instead of getting colored note cues, you get visual cues by silly Japanese cartoons. Pretty soon you’ll be tapping, scratching, and flicking your stylus to the beat!

Loved: The feel-good attitude. This game is so cute, it’s nearly unbearable. After an hour-long session with the title, I felt like walking around campus and giving everyone I saw a big hug. Good thing my laziness to actually drive to campus trumps any cute vibe. The music is extremely catchy and will stick in your head for days. The quirky, Japanese art-style only cranks the cute factor up to 11.

Hated: The difficulty. This game gets tough and it gets tough quick. It’s rather odd that a game targeting a wide demographic, particularly female gamers (they did choose Beyonce as their spokesperson), should be this hard. I fear that those intimidated by the difficulty won’t give this great title the attention it deserves.

Great: It’s a great game to get your significant other (especially your girlfriend) into video games.



(Also featured in Reporter Magazine)

Rating: Skip It (for now)

What do you do when the iPhone threatens your handheld gaming empire? Well, if you’re Nintendo, you make a new version of the popular DS handheld with features to combat the “Jesus Phone.” Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the Nintendo DSi.

So what makes the DSi different from the old DS Lite? It has bigger and brighter screens, low-res internal and external cameras, SD card support for pictures and music files, a more accessible operating system and access to a wireless store for digitally delivered video games (Wario Ware: Snapped is an absolute must-play, by the way).

A bit wider than the DS Lite, long fingers and large hands will come to appreciate it since they don’t feel cramped while playing. Although you won’t notice at first, you’ll come to value the larger dual-screen real estate while playing games like Elite Beat Agents (my personal favorite). All of this doesn’t mean the DSi is a must-buy, though.

My real problem with the DSi isn’t with the gadget itself but with the lack of software support Nintendo has provided for this new portable device. There are no original DSi-only retail games that harness the gadget’s unique features that accompanied the handheld at launch. For now, I’m stuck playing the same selection of titles that were available on the DS Lite. So then, what do I need the two new cameras and higher price point for? Fortunately, this was the same case when the original DS was released in 2004, so expect the handheld’s truly defining titles to appear a year from now.

Should you buy it? No. Not right now at least. Your cheaper DS Lite will do just fine for now. Save your money for the time when titles that make good use of the DSi’s capabilities start rolling in next year. Go buy food instead. Food’s good for you.



(Also featured in Reporter Magazine)

Rating: Dig It

Zombies. There’s something about shooting them in the head that never gets old. I guess that’s why the Resident Evil franchise — the most recognizable name in the survival-horror genre — has been so popular over the last two decades. Resident Evil 5 marks the series’ introduction to hi-definition gaming, and it proves to be a top-notch debut.

Loved: The co-op.
RE5 is designed to be played with two people and that’s how it should be played. I wouldn’t suggest splashing cash on the game unless you have a friend to play with online or on split screen.

Hated: The outdated controls.
They’ll either make or break the game for you, simply because you can’t run (or walk) and shoot your gun at the same time. You’re telling me a special ops soldier with airplane-sized arms can’t run and shoot? I bet a Jonas Brother could even manage that.

Cool: It has zombies. On dirt bikes... And you thought you were safe.

(Also featured in Reporter Magazine)

The release of Killzone 2 meant only one thing to me: I could finally stop using my PS3 as a decorative piece and start actually playing it. I’ve been looking for something to pry my cold, dead fingers off Call of Duty 4’s multiplayer and there was a chance that Killzone 2 (KZ2) could make this happen. So did it? Sadly, no. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great game.

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(Also featured in Reporter Magazine)

The fictional metropolis of Liberty City, from last year’s epic Grand Theft Auto IV, somehow manages to squeeze itself into your pocket in the form of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Now you can steal cars and beat hookers on-the-go!

Loved: How the game makes good use of the Nintendo DS’s touch screen.
You’ll be hotwiring cars, detonating bombs and assembling sniper rifles with the tips of your thumbs in no time. These mechanics keep you on your feet and engaged with the game at all times.

Hated: The cliché plot.
Young Asian male with troubled past comes to America in order to avenge his father’s death, defend the family honor and protect the family heirloom (which is always an ancient sword for some reason). Blah, blah, blah — you’ve seen it before. It is definitely a step down from GTA IV standards.

Cool: To play while on the can.
No, really, try it.