Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires

Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires is a much needed improvement to the Dynasty Warriors series. Instead of picking a hero and following their every battle (Which often results in having to do the same battle 3 times) you are the story line. You decide where the battles take place. This time, you're the boss. You get to rule your small province of China and you grow by forming alliances and conquering others until you eventually rule China. Also, Instead of killing the enemy's general you have choice of either hiring him or releasing him (or her). This may sound to easy but not all generals will join you. Some will get smart and cause an uprising at one of your territories before attacking you. Some foes will offer a long term alliance because they know they will be crushed if they don't. But still, every game has it's own problems. First of all, remember when you where almost dead and then found a box and you were saved by a rice cake? Well, I guess the chef didn't like putting them in boxes any more because a box won't save you now. No, you'll have to earn your health by fighting a general to steal his. But still, on the easier difficulties it is hard to get hurt. But this game is just lacking something. Overall though, it is one of my personal favorites.

Sound:
Ha! Ugh! *Grunt*-alicous

Immersion:
You can't rely on your allies to your job fighting. You must always be protecting bases and generals.

Graphics:
A definate improvement, but could have done more.

Difficulty:
Easy

The Grade:
+Empire mode
+Edit mode
=Constant involvement
-stationing is hard to learn
-no cool new weapons for characters
Final Score:9.0 Reviewer's Choice

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend

Tomb Raider: Legend is the seventh installment of the Tomb Raider series, but hopefully, not the last. Sure the game of 8 levels may be a little short but it is still is very good. With plenty of outfits and bonuses, Legend is bound to keep you replaying levels for awards and hidden easter eggs. The story makes you travel the globe searching for hidden artifacts that turn out to form the mighty Excalibur when joined. Legend is a platformer, so be prepared for plenty of leaps of faith, shimmying from ledge to ledge, and fighting in third person. Even though it is short, it still gives you a good game.


Sound:
The sounds are something you should pay attention to. They provide vital clues on how to survive. Ducati Monster sounds a little weak though.

Graphics:
The graphics are OK, but they could have done a little better job here.

Immersion:
You must always stay on your toes in this game, with hidden traps and awards you wouldn't want to miss.

Difficulty:
Easy-Medium

The Grade:
+Fun Levels
+Good storyline...
=Ducati Monster
-...but not enough answers
-too short
Final Score:8.5

Blazing Angels: Fighter Squadrons of WWII

Have you ever wanted to fly a B-17 over German controlled France while dropping tons of explosives on factories and other buildings on a grand scale? Well you will find it in Blazing Angels Campaign mode. Have you ever wanted to drop a bomb onto your rival in mid air or shoot him down with rockets like you did in Secret Weapons Over Normandy? Well you won't find it in Blazing Angels multiplayer. Blazing Angels campaign is everything you could ask for with blackouts, gushing hydraulic fluids and German pilots screaming Die! Die! Die! as they hurl toward the ground, but the multiplayer could use some help. Sure the co-op is great but the player vs. player battles stink. Instead of having rockets and bombs and heavy machine guns like in SWON, you just get the good'ol machine gun. if you are just going to have one weapon you should have to at least use it wisely, an overheat meter or something, I mean really, is it realistic to go guns blazing (no pun intended) throughout the entire mission?

Graphics:
The graphics won't melt your TV, but don't expect a lot here.

Sounds:
Sounds are pretty much what you would expect here (what else do you here other than the engine?)

Immersion:
Once again, not much here.

Difficulty:
Easy

The Grade:
+variety
+Ace paintings
=achievements
-multiplayer
-not enough bombers
Final Score=8.0