any console

I’ve been an Apple user for only a short period of time now, but I’ve recently found that I dig the Super Monkey Ball on iPhone.  Take a look at the video below.

I’ve played Monkey Ball on Nintendo machines before, and I’ve loved it.  I think that the iPhone edition is nice, but I’ll stick to my GameCube and Wii versions.

Pros

• This game has amazing graphics for an iPhone, and even for a small display in general.
• Controls make a lot of sense for the type of game that Monkey Ball is.
• It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a franchise that many already know.

Cons

• Even with intuitive controls it’s tricky to control because the physics seem a bit off.
• It’s hard to pick up and put down quickly if you get a phone call.
• This game may be a bit over-priced at $10.
• There are no small mini-games like most of us know and love in Monkey Ball.
• There is no story line like what many of us are used to in previous Monkey Ball games.

The bottom line here is that for me, Monkey Ball’s story line was always just a way to get more points to unlock more mini-games.  I always loved the mini-games, and those are sadly missing from this iPhone version of the game.  The story line also doesn’t have much story to it.  I think SEGA could have done so much more to make this game better.

Popularity: 30%

I’ve never been a huge fan of the SOCOM franchise. I’ve never been a fan of shooters on hand-held systems either. This game breaks both molds in two ways: first, the missions are compelling, intuitive, and exciting. Second, the controls make sense and work well for the PSP. Finally, the online play really adds an unexpected element to this game that makes it more re-playable for me.

I really got hooked on this game with the PSN demo download for PSP, and I kinda never looked back.  I found that the missions of fireteam bravo were increasingly exciting, and they told me why each objective was where it was.  My favorite part of playing this game is still the first mission where you learn to snipe for the first time.  I remember scaring the pants off my wife shouting for joy when I got to put a slug in someone’s head for the first time.

As with all things, there are down-sides.  The first down-side is an unforgivable one as far as I’m concerned: it is too easy to go out of bounds, and if you do it too much you lose the mission.  I think this was a consistent problem throughout the game for me, whenever you’re in a field that looks open, it’s easy to get lost and getting lost often times means you lose and have to retry the mission.  There are also some serious stability problems with this game, as online play regularly locks up my PSP resulting in much shouting and cursing.

Pros:

• Online play for a PSP game is rarely done, and even more rarely done well.
• The story is beautiful, and from what my ex-marine buddies tell me it is a believable military story.
• The game keeps you up to speed on what your objectives are and why your objectives are what they are, it also shows you how your actions benefit or harm the overall story.
• The controls are well done and seem to be well thought out.

Cons:

• There are serious online multiplayer stability issues resulting in lockups.
• The graphics aren’t that great, even for a hand-held.
• There are no in-mission checkpoints, so if you fail a mission you have to start over.
• Even with controls that make sense, it’s difficult to always maneuver well in the game.

The bottom line is that this game is a great play for those who like shooters, but don’t normally consider them on the hand-held.  I think many have counted this game out because it’s an in-depth shooter on a hand-held, but it really does earn its place in the SOCOM franchise it seems.

Popularity: 39%

This is one of the few “must-have” games of the year as far as I’m concerned.  I anticipated this game to the point of pre-ordering it, and I can’t tell you how glad I am that I did pre-order it.  This game is fantastic, I don’t even know where to begin.

When I pre-ordered this game, I got it on Playstation3 since I wanted to get the most out of the graphics, and I think I made the right decision.  On the PS3 this game looks incredible: the animation is smooth, the environments are believable, and the images are crisp.  But as we all know, game play is what makes or breaks a game, so let’s go look there.

In recent times, many sports games have “practice” or “training” modes where you can go in and try to improve your skills.  For me, this is crucial, because I am terrible at sports games.  I’m so terrible that it is often difficult for me to win a game with 5-minute quarters playing on easy.  My rushing is great, my rush defense is acceptable, but when the ball is in the air all bets are off.  I can’t pass to save my life, and it’s hard for me to read a quarterback on defense, so training mode is quite helpful for me.  Madden’09 has a much more in-depth and intensive, and with the My Skill tests I find that the game challenges me more than I’m used to being challenged, without being overwhelmed.

It’s not all a bed of roses though.  Unfortunately many bugs and a handful of bad ideas made their way into the game.  Bugs are a big drag on this game, especially profile loading and management.  I’m constantly frustrated when instead of displaying my profile name “USER1″ is displayed all over the interface.  Bad ideas are present as well, even in features I loved like the My Skill.  When testing one’s skill, I didn’t think it was wise for the test to give me the answers and show me which buttons to press to get past defenders.  I also didn’t think it was great for the end-game interface to very confusingly try to get me to step into the trainer.  The last thing I want when I’ve just had my butt handed to me by the Miami Dolphins is for the game to rub it in by coercing me into the trainer.

Pros:

• The graphics in this game are outstanding, and great in high-definition.
• The play calling is a little easier here, and ask Madden makes a little more sense than in previous versions of the franchise.
• My Skill helps keep you from being overwhelmed, and it updates at the end of each game.
• Rewind is a neat idea that lets those of us who have a harder time keep from getting too discouraged.
• Online play allows league and season play, and with the EA Fantasy Football integration (collectors edition only I believe) you can import your Fantasy Football teams.

Cons:

• There are noticeable bugs that should have been taken care of.
• My Skill tests aren’t as accurate since they give you the answer.
• The end of a game is a bit confusing asking you to go into the trainer.
• The announcing is just horrible, I’ve found it best just to turn the volume off for the announcers.
• Online doesn’t let you play a full regulation season.

The bottom line on this game is that it is great for football.  My brother and I enjoy playing it together, and I think many others will as well.  This is Madden, it’s been around for twenty years, and I’ve played it for as long as it has been out.  I think they could still do better, but this is certainly a great addition to the franchise.

Popularity: 42%