Yep this feature is
returning. Its been more than a while since I last did one of these
(it was called What Have You Played This Week). I didn't play many
games this week but I got a few hours in.
Final Fantasy Fables:
Chocobo Tales – DS
This is the game i'm
currently renting. I honestly can't remember why this, and the Wii
version, are on my rent list, but its surprisingly good fun. It may
sound like a kids game and honestly it is a pretty casual game. Its a
bit hard to describe what happens. Its a Final Fantasy World of
sorts, there are crystals, a Cid, and Chocobo's. The game revolves
around magical books, you have to go into them and complete mini
games. These games are simple but competitive and completing them
gives you either a Chocobo card, a Battle Card, or a change to the
world.
So far i'm around 9
hours in and enjoying it. There have been a couple of times when I
have gotten stuck. Thankfully the game has a smart way to point you
in the direction. If the characters conversation isn't enough, as a
Chocobo you can eat stuff like apples and when you do you get a
moment of inspiration which helps point you in the right direction
whilst not taking you out of the game.
The game mixes up the
gameplay from competitive mini-games to simple competitive card
battles, with some exploring as well. As well as finding and
completing books, there are cards to find throughout the game, either
on the ground or by completing mini-games or by talking to
characters. You can use these cards to create a deck to use in
battles. There are 120 to find and i've got around 50 of them.
The game looks good
considering how old it is. The beginning, when you start the game, is
cute and fun, and the overall approach is simple, colourful, and fun.
The music is staple Final Fantasy music with a simple, bouncy twist.
The game looks like the Final Fantasy III and IV remakes on the DS.
Most of the game is controlled by the touch panel, with the top
screen mostly used to show the map.
RAGE – PS3
I didn't expect too
much from the game but I bought it for cheap. I have only played a
couple of hours but i'm pretty disappointed. The graphics are the
main issue on the PS3. There is pop in everywhere. When your not
moving and looking in one direction the game looks really good, but
as soon as you move graphic detail pops in. not only is it
distracting its disappointing. I've heard a lot about how good the
game looks but I'm not prepared to wait and put my game on hold.
Another issue i've had so far is controls. I've played a few shooters
before but its taken me a while to get used to the controls of this
game. The aiming seems sluggish and off, which doesn’t help when
the early enemies bounce all over the place. But again i'm only a few
hours in.
Super Mario 3D Land –
3DS
I only just got this
game, a long story, and you know what...its great. Its very pick up
and go, the levels are short, varied, and well designed. The game
looks great and makes good use of the 3D screen and tech. I've only
completed the first world so far but already i'm happy in saying that
this is a must own game for a 3DS Owner. Expect more impressions as I
progress through the game.
