Tag Archive: video games


Last Minute Shopping

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April 18, 2010

Originally Published: December 17, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

The nights are growing shorter and so is your time to get that last solid present for under the tree. You know they want a video game, but which one? You don’t want to have it end up just as another trade-in at the local GameStop and most clerks at these places can’t tell their elbow from a Wiimote. Well have no fear, lucky reader. I am here to give you a list of last minute winners guaranteed to put a smile on their face.

Now, if you’re looking for games for some little ones and don’t feel they’re ready for an over the top, alien shoot ’em up, or some action-adventure, sword wielding bloodbath, then here are a few E-rated games that will keep them happy till their birthday rolls around.

1. Warioland: Shake It! – Nintendo Wii – This title reminds me of the old Super Mario World games for Super Nintendo. With some stellar cartoon cell-shaded graphics and a very forgiving life system, your child will love the cartoon antics of Wario when he catches fire or gets frozen as he goes searching for treasure over 30 unique stages. With at least three missions and secret treasures to find on each level, the replay value is strong for a children’s game and the race back to the beginning of the level is a great twist on the stage-ending mechanic. A great way to introduce your children into the classic platformer.


2. Ninja Town – Nintendo DS – Based on the popular Shawnimals plush toys, I admit I did not expect much from this game, but ended up being blown away. It easily deserves all the accolades it has won. This game is a great way to introduce kids into the RTS (real-time strategy) genre. With only one resource to maintain (your magical ninja cookies, of course) you do not have to worry about foraging constantly to create new dojo for your ninjas to become stronger and concentrate on pure strategy. Add in the ridiculously cute creatures that populate Ninja Town (that your kids might already be familiar with) and you have a winner whether they are looking to get into the RTS genre or simply hone their skills.

3. Lego: Batman – All systems – If your kids are fans of any of the other Lego based games, then this is a fine addition to the series. Star Wars is still the best, by far, but if your child has a predisposition towards the Gotham Guardian, this works on lots of levels. Warner Bros. opened the vault to help make this as authentic a Batman game as possible while still keeping it kid friendly. With the new movie just coming out on Blu-Ray, it could be a Caped Crusader Christmas.

“But, Ray! My kid is in high school and I don’t think these childish games will work for him/her.” Never fear! There is plenty of T-rated games just waiting to be picked up.

1. Prince of Persia – XBOX360, PS3, PC – The trilogy with the last prince was complete, so the fine folks at Ubisoft Montreal have started a new storyline with a new prince, a beautiful new world to traverse, and a fine looking mystical companion. The amazing new storyline plays out across an expansive world with new fighting mechanics and the same great wall jumping and acrobatics that made the series a breakthrough to begin with. This action/adventure gem is at the top of a lot of people’s lists for good reason so if you’re teen is into that kind of game, then this is a must pick-up.

2. Tales of Vesperia – XBOX360 – A Xbox exclusive, this one is for the more financially minded consumer. If your teen is a fan of RPGs (role-playing games), anime, or both, then this is great way to make them happy and to make sure they don’t go looking for another game for a while. With a minimum of 40-45 hours of gameplay before completion, this game will sit in the system for a while before they go looking for their next video game fix. The gameplay is solid, the storyline is compelling, and the characters are unforgettable. This will make a solid present under any tree.

3. Mirror’s Edge – XBOX360, PS3, PC – Another action/adventure game that deals with amazing acrobats, but this time you are in the head of a female urban free runner (those are the people that jump off and climb buildings for fun). The story takes place in a futuristic world where information is monitored and only the urban free runner can get the real information through. A sinister conspiracy is uncovered involving your family and things go for a crazy turn. Not a tremendously long game, this seems to be setting the table for something bigger (Do I smell a sequel?) and it is ridiculously fun leaping from rooftop to rooftop. Another strong showing for the action/adventure genre.

Now you’re wondering, “What about the games for Mommy and Daddy?” Well, there are plenty of M-rated games out there for long after the kiddies go to bed.

1. Left 4 Dead – XBOX360, PC – A gory, survival-horror game in a bright green case and tons of Christmas red blood splattering on the screen to represent the most wonderful time of the year. One of the best online multiplayer games to come out in years, this is a game you’ll want to play with a friend. The graphics aren’t as sharp as you would like, but this is truly a game focused on the gameplay. Hordes of zombies with little to no lag and never enough bullets to go around make this one of the best survival-horrors to come out in a long time.

2. Fable 2 – XBOX360 – The long awaited sequel to the revolutionary RPG. If you enjoyed the first one, then you have to have the second. Improved graphics, more choices and consequences, and all the RPG elements you’ve come to know and love make this a great 20-30 hour romp in the woods of Albion. You even get a dog this time around!

3. Fallout 3 – XBOX360, PS3, PC – This has truly been the year of the sequel and the biggest jump in terms of quality between titles is evident in this series. The year is 2277 and the U.S.A. is a nuclear wasteland. Your mission: survive. What makes this game memorable is learning how to survive. From constructing exploding teddy bears to locking in for a Matrix-like kill system; this game will consume your time well until it is safe to come out of your nuclear bunker.

Those are the games that will make everyone you know, no matter their age, happy. On this last list, are the games that leave everyone cringing and they will be returned. Guaranteed. Avoid these games at all costs Grandma!

1. Sam and Max: Season 1 – Nintendo Wii – It was a short-lived cartoon whose humor did not resonate with an audience. Now, I remember why. The series had an underground following on the PC, so it has been ported to the Wii for this holiday season and helps remind us why point and click adventures only work for the PC. I could not finish this game because it was just plain awful. Repeated, tired humor, with unresponsive controls makes this one of the worst games I’ve played in a while. If you are looking for a funny, point and click game, you might have better luck with Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law.

2. Castlevania: Judgement – Nintendo Wii – People jumped for joy at the announcement of a Castlevania game for the Wii. Then they heard it would be a fighting game. Moans and groans echoed throughout the video game community, as people feared how Konami would screw this up. Well, there were more ways than I could count. The powers were cool, and the story was okay, but it gets repetitive much too quickly, even for a fighting game. The levels were nicely themed and had some cool hazards, but I would rather fight the zombies and monster fish that were hazards as bosses than against characters that haven’t been around in over a decade. It left me completely unsatisfied as I yearned for the classic side-scrolling that defined the series. Overall, this was a sad effort from Konami.

3. Resistance 2 – PS3 – I was really surprised at this one. The first game was amazing, it put the PS3 on the map, and was an instant hit. The second game looks like the folks at Insomniac Games saw what Epic was doing with Gears of War and they would steal as much as they could. You can no longer carry different types of weapons as you come across them, you can only carry two at a time. Very frustrating for when you need a shotgun against a certain type of enemy, but dropped it at the beginning of the level for a rifle because you did not know what you were going to be up against. It may make the game harder, but it also makes it more frustrating when I could carry eight weapons in the first game. The enemy A.I. is predictable and the bosses are too simple to be anything more than a nuisance. It becomes more of a chore to beat the levels than an enjoyable experience because it is the same wave after wave of enemy as you progress. No puzzles or choices or anything imaginative to mix it up. The graphics are much better, but the game lacks so much of the soul from the first installment that I had to put this on my “Do Not Buy” list.

Well folks, there it is. For all you last minute shoppers out there, those are some helpful hints. I tried my best to showcase games that I have not highlighted before, so this might be a good time to look in my archives if you still need more ideas. Thanks for reading my article and have a happy and safe holiday season.

-Ray Carsillo

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The Patron Saint of Video Game Journalism

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Originally Published: December 11, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

A while back, I had a chance to sit down with one of the founding fathers of video game journalism, Geoff Keighley. Geoff and I talked about how he got his start in the business and what direction he feels the video game industry is heading in on many different fronts.

Geoff is currently the host of GameTrailers TV on Spike, a weekly look at the best games coming out for all the systems, and was recently promoted to Spike’s Executive in Charge of Video Game Publisher Relations. As well as these responsibilities, Geoff is also the Executive Producer of Spike’s Video Game Awards.

The 2008 Video Game Awards air LIVE on Spike TV, this coming Sunday, December 14th, at 9PM EST. The awards show is being hosted this year by Jack Black with such musical acts as the All-American Rejects and 50 Cent. I will be there on-site for the awards and will be sure to report back to all you fine folks on this year’s results.


CLICK HERE – to listen to my interview with Geoff Keighley, host of SpikeTV’s GameTrailers TV.

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Near-Flawless Victory

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Originally Published: November 29, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

Most felt that the Mortal Kombat series had suffered one of their own fatalities; they thought the previous installment in the series would mark a possible end to one of the most successful fighting franchises of all time. The genii at Midway would need something big, some twist, to rejuvenate the series and keep it fresh.

Enter one of the most enduring pop-culture franchises ever created, DC Comics. With the likes of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and many others, you had instantly recognizable names, faces, places, and powers that had just recently been rejuvenated themselves through blockbuster box office returns and are in the midst of one of the largest comic story arcs ever where evil is supposed to win in the Final Crisis.

So, what happens when two beloved pop-culture dynamos come together? They FIGHT! I present to you ladies and gentlemen: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.

If you are going to get one fighting game this holiday season, this is the one. From a storyline that actually makes sense, to brand new features like “Testing Your Might” in the middle of a battle, and mid-air and special “Klose Kombat” fighting sequences and the series has successfully been renewed.

In terms of the combat, the old Mortal Kombat system has returned along with a few new twists. There are now expert moves, moves that, if timed correctly, are automatically done twice and done more powerfully the second time. However, so small is the window to pull off these moves that even the better experts will have difficulty performing them every time. Mix this with the potential for some old school 10 hit combos, the new mid-air and up-close fighting systems, and some revamped fatalities (and brutalities for the DC Heroes since they cannot kill) and the gameplay is on par with the best of the series.

The addition of DC’s greatest heroes and villains adds depth to the game by allowing you to play a deep story mode from both points of view (and you have to if you want to unlock both of the game’s hidden characters). You play through the story mode and get a chance to try almost every character to see their strengths and weaknesses. (I am still a dominating force with Sub-Zero.)

The big change to the story mode from previous games is that, even though it worked for a short while, there is no more third person action adventure. The story plays out for you in-between character-specific fights. For example, when Batman meets Scorpion and the two have words with each other, there is no third-person take on this. We go to an old school, best of three rounds, Kombat scenario. I personally enjoyed the third-person adventuring, but this was the only possible way to pull off a story mode in this game considering how many great characters are available to you. And, of course, the story mode leaves it open-ended enough so there is a possibility for a second MK vs. DCU.

Those are the game’s positives, but there are a few negatives. One of the big negatives is there are no level specific fatalities like in previous games. In the last installment of the Mortal Kombat series, you could knock your opponent into a lava pit or a giant meat grinder by hitting them up against certain walls or boundaries. Even in the old school games, with the right mashing of buttons at the end of a battle, you could knock your opponent into a spike pit or acid bath. These have all been removed.

Another issue I had was the lack of unlockables. The Krypt has been removed and the only things you can unlock, aside from story and arcade endings, are two bonus characters added to the twenty you start out with. I liked the Krypt, even if it was nearly impossible to get everything in it, because I enjoyed looking at extra movies and concept art and getting alternative costumes. You’re telling me you couldn’t give me black suit Superman from when he came back after being killed by Doomsday? How about an old-school blue Batman suit? The Joker in his Hawaiian vacation outfit is always hysterical. A lack of unlockables is a sore point with me and it damages this game’s replay value.

Even with a couple negatives, this was a great game. The spectacle of my favorite DC Heroes and Villains kicking butt was great. Add in the return of some of my favorites from the Mortal Kombat universe and then mixing in some old school, button mashing and I was one happy gamer from this. If there is one fighting game you are going to get this holiday season (because you should have gotten Super Smash Bros. Brawl back when it came out) this is the one.

If you want some more information on the new fighting mechanics and the storyline of the game, take a listen to my interview with Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Lead Designer Brian LeBaron. CLICK HERE

Ratings are based on a system of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest.

Graphics: 9.0: Blood and guts galore are always the visual gem that a Mortal Kombat game provides and this one does not disappoint. A nice detail was how good Sub-Zero’s Ice Ball/Superman’s Ice Breath looked when the opponent was frozen solid. A point was removed because some of the interactive environment looked a little blocky and faded from the screen too quickly. Aside from that, this is a beautiful looking game.

Audio: 10.0: The voice acting was crisp and the SFX were all solid. The voice script was a little over the top, but its comic book characters fighting Mortal Kombat characters, I think I would have been more disappointed if it wasn’t over the top. This game delivers a great sounding experience.

Plot/Plot Development: 8.5: It was actually a plausible plot for these respective universes to somehow meet. Written by comic book veterans Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, the story kept in tune with both the Mortal Kombat and the DCU story lines. The time period was set happening sometime after the second Mortal Kombat game and before the Identity Crisis of the DCU and it fit well with the original plot. Some things were a stretch for both universes though and a few of the pop culture references were funny, but unnecessary.

Gameplay: 9.0: Like every Mortal Kombat before it, this was easy to pick up, but difficult to master. Some of the combos are simply impossible to complete and there were a couple of glitches if you liked to use Scorpion’s, Sub-Zero’s, Batman’s, or Raiden’s teleportation moves a lot. Still, this game was mostly smooth and not very frustrating.

Replay Value: 7.5: The lack of unlockables and extra characters keeps you from coming back to the single player story and arcade modes very often. The multiplayer and online features are solid, but won’t keep you coming back unless you need a constant dose of bloody, brutal fighting.

Overall (not an average): 8.5: This game is a great new entry into both Mortal Kombat’s and DCU’s respective mythos. The game gets a little repetitive after a while, but that’s the same for every fighting game. New in-battle Kombat systems, old-school characters, a revamped story mode, and old-school Mortal Kombat brutality makes this a must have if you are a fighting fan and/or a DC Universe fan. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is out now for XBOX360 and PS3.

-Ray Carsillo

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Double Review for Double 0-7

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Originally Published: November 16, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

With the release of the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, I’ve decided to review not only the movie, but the video game as well. We’ll begin with the movie.

Many people were worried that the series was on its last legs after the egg that Die Another Day laid and the lack of action in Casino Royale , but Quantum of Solace proves that Casino Royale was simply setting the stage for something much bigger and better than we could have hoped for. Quantum of Solace slams you against the back of your seat from the very get-go with its fast-paced, action-packed, sequences and a plot deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.

The movie picks up right where Casino Royale left off with Bond transporting “Mr. White” to a MI-6 safe house for interrogation. This also marks the first time in the series that a Bond movie picks up so closely on the heels of the previous movie, helping with the continuity of the story and insinuating that, if you didn’t get the feeling from Casino Royale, this isn’t your daddy’s James Bond.

Once the interrogation starts, you find out quickly that Mr. White and his unknown organization have people everywhere, as demonstrated by one of MI-6’s agents going rouge and freeing Mr. White. Thus begins another action packed chase sequence on the roofs of Siena, Italy.

I won’t give away any more of the plot except that Bond will find himself unable to trust anyone as it quickly becomes clear that no one is safe from the reach of this mystery organization and Bond will have to go rogue to get to the bottom of how far this mystery organization’s reach is. Along the way, he will question himself as he realizes that many of whom he holds near and dear begin to suffer in the wake of his path of destruction as he travels across oceans to corner solid leads and stop a diabolical plot or two along the way.

Bottom line is that this was an awesome Bond movie and it will rejuvenate the series. With the continuation of the story directly from movie to movie, it’s easier to follow the characters and their changes and really get engrossed in the mythos. Everyone gives great performances and Daniel Craig really puts his own touch on Bond by acting so blatantly defiant at times that it’s almost funny while still being a bad ass.

The plot and action sequences were really well thought out, played beautifully on the screen, and will keep your attention for the entire 1 hour and 45 minutes to the point you’ll be asking for more. Add in classic elements like tons of beautiful women with some…interesting character names like Miss Strawberry Fields and you’ll really enjoy the experience.

There were only two things with the movie that bothered me. The first was in some scenes, you could tell that someone wasn’t watching the continuity as certain characters were out of place from cut to cut and it didn’t make sense. To the untrained eye it could probably get by, but for someone like me, it got under my skin a little.

The other thing was that this movie basically confirms the cutting of “Q Branch”, the R&D gurus who outfitted Bond with his many wonderful gadgets. Although there was some cutting edge tech, there was nothing so outlandish like a grenade-pen or tracking beacons in his shoes. The most extensive piece of tech for Bond was his cell phone, which really helps solidify the new, more realistic, direction the Bond movies are going in. I miss John Cleese though. Aside from these minor complaints, never mind one of the better Bond movies, this was one of the straight up better action movies I’ve seen in a long time.

Quantum of Solace gets a solid 4.5 out of 5.

Moving from the theatre to the home, I picked up the Quantum of Solace video game, looking forward to boat, plane, and car chases across three continents and more chase scenes on foot than I could shake my controller at. Unlike the movie though, the game fails to deliver on many accounts.

Although the levels based on the movie are well thought out and stealth is highly encouraged, there were no vehicle chase scenes to speak of and this really took away from the length of the game. In order to compensate, they flashed back to Casino Royale and had half the game revolve around these flashbacks.

Now, these levels were enjoyable, but the fact that they felt they needed to virtually include both movies in the game to make this worthwhile simply speaks to the fact that there probably wasn’t enough here to make a game with to begin with and that disappointed me because from watching the movie there was, which means the developers got lazy.

Now, in fairness, all James Bond games will be compared to the smash hit, Goldeneye, from the N64. One of the things from that game was that the gameplay came straight out of the movie to the point that you had the entire plot without even having to see the movie. This game changed a few things around; some were good, some not so much.

One of the good things was that it explained the situations a lot more thoroughly so that you had a better understanding. Example, the chase scene in Siena, Italy. The scene takes place on the day of the Polio, one of the most famous horse races in the world held in the town square. If you are unfamiliar with Italian traditions though, you might be a little confused watching a horse race in a town square while watching the movie, whereas it is explained in great detail in the game.

Another good thing was that enemy physics system. Enemies falling down when you shot them in the legs, but not necessarily passing away, or falling over a hand rail into boxes below if their momentum was taking them towards the rail were nice touches. This gave the game a solid sense of realism and was one of the bright spots.

One other great thing was hand to hand combat. Sneaking up on enemies and stealthily putting them down by pressing a corresponding button was great stuff. Add in the boss and lock pick mini-games and of having to push the right button at the right time in order to pass and the game does try to keep you on your toes by mixing things up a bit.

One of the bad things is that the game basically changed a great deal of the plot, especially towards the end of the game, to fit where they were going with it more and showed us things from the villain’s points of view, which was interesting, but completely unnecessary since the game is supposed to revolve around James Bond.

Add in that the enemy A.I. was poor at best and that it began to feel like you were playing a shooting gallery down at the boardwalk, simply hiding behind cover and waiting to pick off enemies when they popped up to shoot at you, and you have a game barely worthy of a rental. If you are a fan of James Bond and the mythos, then rent the game to get a couple extra plot details you may have missed from the movie, otherwise, there are plenty of better 1st person shooters out there.

Ratings are based on a system of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest.

Graphics: 9.0: The game looked pretty solid. The fire graphics were alright, and the light effects were well done. Everyone’s faces and movements were smooth and everything looked as it should. It was difficult to tell exactly where to go sometimes because sometimes exits blended in a little too well to the darkness, but aside from this, the game looked pretty good.

Audio: 10.0: Voice acting was really well done and having a long list of enemy phrases to choose from prevented the A.I. from ever repeating itself. If Bond was spotted, enemies never called it in the same way twice, which was a nice touch. Explosions and gun fire sounded solid and the music was solid as is always expected from a James Bond game. Just play the opera level to get a sense of how good this game was sound-wise.

Plot/Plot Development: 6.5: The plot was only passable because if you didn’t see the movie, not everything made sense to you. And if you didn’t see Casino Royale, you were definitely in trouble. If a James Bond game is based on a movie, it should follow the movie as closely as possible, and this didn’t do that. Lots of holes in the plot make the movie a must see and the game a rental at best.

Gameplay: 7.5: A lack of levels based on the vehicle chases really took something away from the game. The enemy physics was solid, but their A.I. was subpar and it made it feel like a shooting gallery half the time. Even when they tried to flank you, it was so blatantly obvious that it was no difficulty at all picking them off. All you had to do was hide behind cover and that made it feel like the shootouts were cheap knockoffs from the Gears of War series. I liked the addition of a hand to hand combat system and that many “boss” fights and the lock picking system was basically a mini-game. It kept the feel of the game different and tested your reflexes a bit more. Overall, the gameplay passes, but was nothing special.

Replay Value: 7.0: There isn’t a lot to replay the story mode. You could go back to try to find the entire cache of cell phones with extra intel on the mission to unlock things for multi-player, but that’s it. The multi-player itself isn’t anything special and feels like something that was added because it is expected nowadays. I would rather have had more levels and a better enemy A.I. than an average multi-player mode.

Overall (not an average): 7.0: Although the game looks and sounds great, it is not. The gameplay is lacking and a lack of overall game to actually play is disappointing. Add in an average multi-player that looked slapped together because it is expected to be in every shooter out there and this game is a rental at best, even for the most die-hard of James Bond fans. Quantum of Solace is out now for all systems.

-Ray Carsillo

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I Wanna Rock!

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Originally Published: October 29, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (Now ESPNNewYork.com)

Growing up, you have dreams. You want to be an astronaut, a professional athlete, a scientist. Others dream of one thing: being a ROCK STAR.

Unfortunately, most of us have no real musical talent whatsoever and the farthest we get in terms of a record deal is our fantasies as we sing along in the shower with our radio.

This being said, MTV Games and Harmonix have come out with one of the most highly anticipated sequels in a long time: ROCK BAND 2.

The main problem with games like this is that there are usually few differences between the sequel and the original. So why should you get this game? Well, first off, all the great stuff from the original game is back like customizing your rocker, the instruments, and the awesome music.

The big difference is all the online and multiplayer interactivity. You can battle your rockers against a friend or online to rock out in ways never before imagined. Add in the hundreds of downloadable tracks and content and the game can keep evolving every time you add new goodies. If you’re a Nirvana fan, there is an entire package to download. Is AC/DC more your style? Not a problem. You can download their greatest hits, too.

Another awesome feature is that you can even purchase merchandise based on your personalized rocker. Imagine action figures, t-shirts, and other great memorabilia with your band’s name and logo all over it.

The main setback of all these amazing online features is that you do end up having to pay for it. The downloadable extra songs are $0.99 each, the same price as an iTunes MP3, but it could add up after a while and I am sure the personalized merchandise will cost you just as much as if you were buying anything from your favorite band.

So the real question is how badly do you want to rock? This is one of the most fun, and most entertaining games that have come along in a long time, but it is also one of the most costly. In the end, if you have the cash, and really dream of rocking out, then this is the game for you. The online community is unparalleled and the opportunities to battle are constant. If you are a little pressed though, I’m not going to lie, it can get expensive. The entire set of guitar, drums, microphone, and game is close to $200. If you already have these from the original, though, at least you won’t have to go out and buy them again as they are compatible with the new game. Personally, I’m tired of singing in the shower.

Ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest.

Graphics: 9.0: These games are not developed to look pretty, but the folks at MTV and Harmonix did not want the pyrotechnics to fizzle out either. Plenty of the game’s power has been devoted to keeping the game visually stimulating even if it’s more dedicated to pleasing your ears more than your eyes. Very pretty game results in a great score.

Audio: 10.0: Now this is where the bread and butter of the game really come into play. Looks are all fine and good, but when you’re playing a music game you want it to SOUND great and boy does this deliver. Great music from bands whose prime is past and those who are still rocking strong today keeps your foot tapping through all hours of the night and there isn’t a single hitch to think of. Perfect in every way possible.

Plot/Plot Development: N/A: There really isn’t a plot here. It’s a simulator, much like a sports game except instead of trying to win the Super Bowl or the World Series, you’re trying to become a rock star. You choose where you play and what you play, but, in the end, that doesn’t really constitute a plot.

Gameplay: 10.0: No glitches to speak of and a pace as steady as the rhythm of the song you’re playing. It’s almost a workout if you really get into it. I’ve broken a sweat rocking out on the drums a few times.

Replay Value: 10.0: With all the online features and downloadable content, it’s hard to put this game in the corner to gather dust. Add in that whenever a buddy comes over and sees the instruments, you’re going to have yourself a battle 90% of the time. You’ll be rocking on for months to come.

Overall (not an average): 10.0: For what the game is, it’s the best. There is no better out there. With its constantly updated content (even if it is for a price) and some of the best music the world has ever seen, if you can afford it, this game is a must have.

-Ray Carsillo

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Somewhere, Joe Theismann is Crying

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Originally Published: October 22, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

Brutal. Plain and simple. You wanted to look away, but it was like a car accident. You couldn’t do it. Joe Theisman’s leg was bent at a 45 degree angle in a place where the leg is not supposed to bend. Lawrence Taylor, the man who revolutionized the linebacker position, snapped Joe Theisman’s leg in two for all the world to see.

This play was a microcosm of the intensity and ruthlessness that this man, this defensive god, played the game with. Every play, every game, the original L.T. dominated the game like no other before him had.

L.T. had to retire at some point though, like all football greats. As time passed, the NFL became the “No Fun League” as hard hits and flashy moves have almost all been banned with threats of fines and suspensions from men in suits who have no idea about the smell of freshly cut grass on a Sunday afternoon or the sound of pads clashing as these modern-day warriors battle for the entertainment of millions.

L.T., like many, did not like the direction the NFL had been going. Some have come out and criticized the league in statements. Some players simply ignore the fines and suspensions and play the game the way it is supposed to be played. L.T. took a more creative approach.

Along with the arcade style genii at Midway Games, I present to you Blitz: The League 2.

Okay, so that was a little overly dramatic. Basically, Lawrence Taylor and Midway Games have put out a sequel to the original Blitz: The League. This game is everything you love about football with none of the restrictions. I am talking about smash-mouthed, hard-edged, no holds barred football where you are breaking people, like L.T. broke Joe Theisman, on every other play. Unsportsmanlike conduct is encouraged. In fact, it is all but necessary if you want to win and, by all means, dance as much as you want in the end zone.

This is one of the most fun gaming experiences I have had in a long time. Unlike the sports simulation games, this incorporates the one thing that is always missing: a story. Blitz 2 offers an in-depth story mode that plays out across three seasons that makes you care not only about the franchise like in sports sims, but your players as well. Every player and franchise has a unique history that makes you feel as if you’re rooting for a real team and this is a league that would blow the “No Fun League” out of the water.

Aside from the story mode, there is a great online mode with few people backing out because unlike in the NFL, this game can swing back and forth with each snap of the ball. Also, if you have some friends over for beers or what not, there are some great vs. modes aside from standard exhibition game. One mode has every tackle force a fumble. Another gives you bonus points for injuring opposing players. These bonus modes bring the level of competition to all new heights.

Overall, this game has it all. Great gameplay, engrossing plot, superb voice acting; you can’t go wrong with this game if you like football. I wish they could come out with a Blitz: The League every year so I wouldn’t have to get my football fix from the tired Madden franchise when there isn’t a Blitz option. If you don’t get this game, L.T. will have to make sure you end up like Joe Theisman.

Ratings are based on a system of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest.

Graphics: 10.0: I don’t give 10s a lot for sports games in terms of visuals. Usually graphics are sacrificed to fit in all the playbooks, rosters, stadiums, etc. This game, though, is one of the most beautiful games I’ve seen in a long time. The weather effects are AMAZING. You look forward to playing in cold weather stadiums just to see how real the snow is. Add in how realistic the players look and I can’t give anything less.

Audio: 9.5: Voice acting is crucial in games and this game delivers in almost every aspect. Jay Mohr nails the greasy, sleazy agent and Frank Caliendo is hysterical as a Madden-esqe color commentator. Add in Lawrence Taylor re-voicing hard hitting linebacker Quentin Sands and almost all the voice acting was spectacular. The only thing I took away from was that I felt the play by play commentator became tiring and little too quickly and so I had to dock it from the game’s score. Aside from that minor critique, music, SFX, and voice acting are all top notch.

Plot/Plot Development: 9.0: Usually, this is N/A, but this game actually has a story mode and it is phenomenal. The biggest critique for it is that it only lasts through three seasons. I would love to see a more expansive story mode that is a little more open ended, but considering it is the first major sports franchise to even think of incorporating story lines, it is forgivable.

Gameplay: 9.5: Smooth all around. No lag or glitches to speak of. I did notice a couple of minor things with the guys being carted off the field with injuries, but aside from that, there is nothing. This game plays beautifully and considering all the things going on with it, that is an amazing accomplishment.

Replay Value: 8.5: Online mode kicks butt and the bonus modes are great for when you have your boys over to chill. I have to dock points because there really isn’t a lot to bring you back to replay the story mode and it is a little shorter than I like. Still though, lots of fun and lots of bonus modes will keep this disc warm in your machine.

Overall (not an average): 9.5: This was one of the best gaming experiences I’ve had in a while. I did not want to put the controller down on more than one occasion. The only major knock I have is that it is relatively short and I want to break more people like L.T. broke Joe Theisman. There is nothing holding you back now from smashing people’s faces in as Blitz: The League 2 is currently out for XBOX 360 and PS3.

-Ray Carsillo

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EA vs. 2K: Round 2: Basketball

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Originally Published: October 14, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

With basketball season right around the corner as the pre-season has gotten underway, we take a look at EA and 2K’s continued slugfest for sports gaming dominance. Unfortunately, this would be similar to a highly anticipated Pay-Per-View bout you regret days later that you actually paid to watch because the most recent entry into these franchise’s respective libraries has finished off the bloodbath.

Traditionally the 2K games are very strong when it comes to basketball, and compared to their effort in the hockey realm, this is worlds better. The graphics are sharper, there are no glitches I can think of, and the pre-game movies of real game footage are a great touch. After that, this game takes a nose dive. Think of Wile E. Coyote when he keeps running off the edge of the cliff, but doesn’t fall until he recognizes there is no solid ground underneath him. That is what this game is. The game starts up and all the bells and whistles disguise it as a solid game, then you actually begin to play the game and you just plummet.

You end up being afraid to shoot the ball because there is no way of knowing what could or could not go in. Ridiculously impossible shots drop in for the opposition and you can’t even make a simple lay-up. It’s a frustrating experience at best. And don’t even get me started on the miserable defensive controls set up. If you miss a single shot you will lose every time because the computer will make a ridiculous 90% of their shots. Even with an okay franchise feature, all the bells and whistles make this a rental at best. What good is a franchise feature anyway with such horrible gameplay?

After another sorry entry from the folks at 2K, EA had a chance to deliver the knockout blow that would end what was supposed to be this heavyweight masterpiece. EA did not waste their opportunity. EA’s NBA LIVE 09 may not look as pretty as 2K’s offering, but everything else about it is amazing.

First, the newest and most amazing feature is called NBA LIVE 365. As long as your system is connected to the internet, your game will receive a feed every 24 hours updating rosters, player hot/cold streaks, injuries, and player development. This means that the team you play with will be as accurate as if you were playing with the actual team. If Tony Parker is more likely to pass to his left in a particular situation, you can bet it will happen in the game. Every shot you take is given a percentage of if your player is likely to make it or not before you press the shoot button so even if you don’t know anything about basketball, you know you had better not be shooting from three point land with someone like Eddy Curry (or anywhere for that matter).

Additionally, if you want to play a game from back in the season that happened in real life, maybe to give your favorite team a chance at revenge, it will use the rosters and hot/cold streaks back from that point in the season. All part of the new LIVE 365 package.
Even aside from LIVE 365 making this the most accurate sports game ever, the gameplay is solid. The controls come easily and quickly for even the most novice sports gamer. Defense is intuitive and you can call your own plays on offense. Free throws are difficult, but not impossible, and the overall feel of the game is just smooth. Add in a strong dynasty feature and you’ve got a winner on your hands.

The only down points are that the graphics aren’t as polished as you would like for the current generation of consoles and you would like a superstar feature possibly like in Madden or NHL 09, but the LIVE 365 feature is more than enough to satiate any diehard basketball fan.

You hear that sound? That’s the sound of Wile E. Coyote hitting the bottom of the canyon. Or if you’d prefer, 2K hitting the mat as they go down for the count.

*beep beep*

-Ray Carsillo

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EA vs 2K: Round 1: Hockey

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Originally Published: October 7, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

Every fall, two video game publishing juggernauts wage war with each other to see who will reign supreme in the sports video game world. EA is, of course, the favorite due to their sole rights to the NFL brand, so for the underdog 2K to dethrone the champ, they would have to contend with EA in the other two, basketball and hockey.

Traditionally, 2K takes basketball, but EA dominates hockey and, therefore, have remained the number one sports brand for years. This year, 2K planned on making a solid effort at taking the crown.

2K’s NHL 2K9 is one of the most fun games you will probably play…for about 10 minutes. You can pick it right up and start playing it, but it is not long before you see everything that is wrong with this game. The controls respond poorly, the computer A.I. is ridiculously simple, and it has the most glitches in a sports game that I’ve seen in years. Not to mention the graphics look last generation at best. The effort was there, I think, but clearly not enough because they couldn’t even get the rights to use “Madison Square Garden” in the game and it’s simply referred to as “Rangers Arena”, which as a Rangers fan, infuriated me to say the least. Anyone who gets this is doing a disservice to themselves if they actually paid for it and I’d be doing a disservice by continuing to talk about it.

EA’s NHL 09 is one of the most fun games you will probably play…ever. The new “Be a Pro” mode is amazingly accurate and the old standbys like “Dynasty” mode are just as good as ever. “Be a Pro” mode sticks you in the shoes of an up and coming prospect, much like Madden’s “Superstar” mode. There are many key differences from 2K’s poor attempt that makes this game even better. First, you can choose which franchise you belong to, which is crucial. There isn’t a Rangers fan alive that wants to play for the Devils or Flyers. Next, you can start in the minors and develop your own custom player as you see fit. If you want a stronger slap shot, you can add development points that you earn based on your performance to it then.

The third, and most impressive aspect, is that you don’t control anyone else on the team. When your shift is up, you go and sit on the bench and catch your breath. If you are out of position, the entire offensive rush could collapse or you could allow an opposing player a breakaway. Even if you’re the goalie, when the action is happening on the other side of the ice, you just stand there and wait. If you love the ins and outs of hockey or want to get a more in depth understanding of the game, then this mode is for you because it will make you learn them if you want to succeed.

The other amazing feature of this game is the puck. Whatever mode you’re playing, the puck almost seems alive. The best way to describe the movement of the puck would be organic. The only other place you would see the puck bouncing around like this would be in a real life game. That’s how real it is. My talking about it does not do it justice.

If you are a hockey fan, you must get EA’s NHL 09. No other hockey game gets you closer to the real NHL experience than this. The gameplay is superb, the graphics are great, and even the sounds of players being smashed against the boards are the most accurate you will find outside of a rink. EA has done it once again and dominated in the hockey arena. Sorry, 2K. Maybe you will fare better in the next round with basketball.

-Ray Carsillo

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Steel Chairs and Wheelbarrow Neckbreakers

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Originally Published: September 23, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (Now ESPNNewYork.com)

Imagine a steel chair slamming into your face at 100 MPH; in a good way, of course. That is what TNA Impact does to you from the very first match you play. You can either jump right into a match with some of your all time favorites like Sting or the “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe or you can take part in the expansive story mode that will take six to ten hours for you to complete depending on fast you pick up on the nuances of the game. And it’s those little nuances that make this game one of the most enjoyable wrestling games to come out in years.

Unlike another popular wrestling brand’s video game series, TNA Impact is more of homage to what makes wrestling as great as it is. It combines over-the-top non-stop action with an engaging storyline and a versus/online mode to keep you coming back for more with friends and strangers alike. Add its stunning visuals and this game is a winner through and through.

The first thing you notice is the awesome graphics. For the first time ever, the crowd is not a sea of sprites, but instead every person is a 3D model that comes to life as your match progresses. The details of every wrestler and every move they make are as sharp as a honed blade and the facial expressions are remarkably detailed. Add in that every wrestler and commentator voiced themselves (and did it well) and you feel like you’re watching TNA sometimes instead of playing it.

To create this sense of realism, there had to be a few cutbacks, though. Such as limits on your weapon selection and on exactly where you can go with the wrestlers. Aside from the immediate area outside of the ring, you are confined to fight in-between the ropes. It would have been nice if you could have gone up the ramp or into the crowd like so many of the great matches of the real TNA. Also, your only weapon is the customary steel chair, with a handful always scattered about the ring.

This limits your hardcore experiences, but it does give you a chance to focus on your moves. And every wrestler has his old standbys. Kurt Angle performs the Angle Slam with precision and if that doesn’t work, he’ll break out a series of submission maneuvers that almost make you want to tap your chair in hopes of making it stop. Kevin Nash comes across with all the power you would expect from all 7′ of “Big Sexy”. And all the guys from the X-Division fly high and fly far from the top ropes.

Only thing about the moves is sometimes the enemy A.I. gets a little reversal happy, though, and if you have trouble mastering the reversal yourself, you might get frustrated at times from this. It’s hard to find that mix of needing reversals and just being able to go for your moves in a wrestling game and this is another game in a long line that might want to look more into that. Maybe a reversal meter to go with your finisher meter?

The other thing that stands out by itself, but isn’t without fault, is the story mode. The fact that they have a complex story mode is amazing in and of itself because a proper story is something that has been lacking in wrestling games for a while. This might be the best game since WWE: No Mercy (largely considered the best wrestling game of all time) for the N64 just because it has a really compelling, well written story mode to it. The only thing it lacks is open-endedness. The story suffers because you are not in control of the choices your wrestler makes. You just keep winning and advancing through one story. A few options or consequences for losing would be nice.

Overall, this was a great first installment. TNA and Midway should be proud of this game. It’s fun, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing. It needs work though. They need to find a way to expand where your wrestler can go and what weapons he can use, they need a little more variation in the commentary, and they need to expand the story mode for this to be a complete smash hit. Otherwise, if you are a wrestling fan and a looking for a little old school, in your face, off the top rope action, you need to get this game.

Rankings are based on a score of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best.

Graphics: 10.0: This game is beautiful. Everything about it was great visually from the wrestlers’ entrances to the crowd to the wrestlers themselves. This game could not have been better visually.

Audio: 10.0: In terms of audio, this game could not have been better either. Having every wrestler and announcer voice themselves was great. The commentary got a little repetitive after a while, but it didn’t take away from the experience so I can’t take away points.

Plot/Plot Development: 8.0: The story mode is expansive for a wrestling game and really draws you in. The only problem, and it’s a big one, is that the story is too linear. You have no choice in how the game plays out aside from you winning or losing in the ring and having to either replay the match or continue on.

Gameplay: 9.0: Stellar. Only a handful of notable glitches to think of. Even the easy setting made the wrestlers somewhat difficult to beat unless you master the timing for the reversal button. Making you rely on the reversal or the steel chair in some matches to win though became tiresome, but I can’t blame someone for making a difficult, old-school wrestling button masher.


Replay Value: 7.0: A lack of options in the story mode make this a less than ten hour ride, but the multiplayer and online options are the bread and butter of wrestling games for the most part.

Overall (not an average): 8.5: TNA and Midway have the makings of a hit franchise on their hands, but it needs some work. More options in the story mode, more creative reversal format, more weapons, and more diverse commentary. Basically what every good first installment inspires from its fans. THEY WANT MORE. That alone means that TNA Impact might just be the must have wrestling game of 2008.

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We Will Rock You!

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Originally Published: September 16, 2008, on 1050ESPN.com (now ESPNNewYork.com)

It was one of the most popular games to ever come out for a home console. Following the trend of DDR and Guitar Hero, Rock Band took it to an entirely new level. With both bass and lead guitars, drums, and a microphone, Rock Band allowed you to gather a couple of friends and live out that dream of touring around the country with thousands of screaming fans, all from the comfort of your own home.

So how would they top it? How could they continue this phenomenon and continue to draw in not only their hardcore fans, but to extend it to even the casual gamer/rocker? I had a chance to talk with John Drake, a member of the Harmonix team that put together Rock Band 2 , to see just what they did to make Rock Band 2 bigger and better than the original.

Click here – To listen to my interview with John Drake a producer of Rock Band 2 .

After talking with John, I had a chance to try out the game myself and my initial review is that this is a chart topping hit in every way possible. Not only was the selection of songs larger, but the graphics were sharper, and the possibility of downloading extras for it made my mouth water at the prospect. I only had a chance to play a demo so I can’t give a full detailed review, but my gut instinct screams as I smash a guitar on stage that this is 10 out of 10. You can pick up Rock Band 2 for XBOX 360 now and expect it out on the Wii and PS3 sometime in the middle of October.

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