No matter which version is "best," Chinatown Wars is still a fun game on whatever you're playing it on; a game that scratches the itch for GTA's particular blend of action, done up in a nifty hybrid of the old 2D editions and the well-familiar 3D sequels.
Anyone who's never played ChuChu Rocket should feel obligated to give this version a try; it's a devastatingly clever (and crushingly difficult) puzzle game that feels like it was always meant to be on iPad.
It certainly holds up better than certain other Mini titles, which shall of course remain nameless. Provided you can get past the fact that multiplayer is but a fleeting dream, the solo experience isn't bad at all.
With a little more polish, Dokuro's take on puzzle platforming could be fantastic, but a few problems hold it back from true greatness. From its cheap (though stylish) Flash game appearance, it's clear that GungHo didn't give this project the highest of budgets, which leaves some of the more precise levels feeling incredibly rickety and awkward, with escapes coming thanks to luck rather than strategy. And, at times, the developers bite off a little more than they can chew; Dokuro's floaty jumps and touchy controls aren't exactly made for boss battles or Canabalt-style death runs, but well, there they are. If you're able to overlook these minor problems, though, Dokuro makes for a fine addition to your Vita library -- which, judging by the state of the system, is probably in dire need of something new. It's not a system-seller by any means, but small, digestible, and charming experiences like Dokuro are exactly what Sony's ailing portable needs to survive.
The combat and visuals -- which are what Shank has always been about -- have taken big steps forward to the point that I'm not sure the original Shank even needs to exist at this point. Except for historical value, perhaps.
The combat and visuals -- which are what Shank has always been about -- have taken big steps forward to the point that I'm not sure the original Shank even needs to exist at this point. Except for historical value, perhaps.
Occasionally, Reckoning plays it too safe. As good as the combat is, it cannot make fights against giant rats any more interesting. Crime follows the Fable route of, "if you disappear and come back later, all is forgiven." Reckoning teases with consequences, but either doesn't follow through or does so in wacky ways.
