Daze072401

No other game can show the Wii at its fullest potential better than Skyward Sword. The motion controls are responsive and add a layer to the combat and gameplay that has yet to be replicated. The graphics and soundtrack are, of course, a cut above the rest, but it's the game's surprisingly well-written story that pushes this Zelda up in my book. No one can pretend this gem's perfect; but Skyward Sword's heart proves it's more than just the sum of its parts.

Don't give a darn for the nay-sayers; Twilight Princess' graphics are still very enjoyable, its soundtrack immortal, and the sections controlling regular Link exhibit the olden formula at its best. Plodding wolf sections and occasionally archaic puzzles are more of a hindrance in multiple playthroughs, however.

With sublime tunes, abundance in content, and a battle system that feels right in every way imaginable, Tales of Symphonia is able to outrun its time-wasting dungeon design and stiff production values. One of the greatest games on the Gamecube.

Approach with caution; this game is proficient aesthetically and has solid level design, as well as a creative gimmick, but the divisive controls, questionably artificial length, and aggravating special stage system might be enough to derail the experience for you.

Unlike SADX, SA2B actively improves upon the original. Barring the inferior lighting, everything has been improved, from major revisions to the multiplayer to minor yet appreciated QOL improvements. A must-have platformer for every GCN owner.

Against the SD version; it has significantly higher production values, better hub worlds, and more content, albeit at the cost of an unbearable werehog, bad progression system, and occasionally "fleeting" day-time stages. On it's own merit; it's wiser to purchase this game nowadays compared to the SD version, as there are still some things only this game can offer. Still, it's a tough sell regardless with Generations providing a more polished experience.

The story's plodding pace, hard-aging graphics, and awkward battle engine ultimately undercut Xillia's awesome art direction and bold narrative. It was Tales' first step into the modern JRPG world, and it sure feels like it.

By no means flawless, The Last Story served as the Wii's swansong- it was the Wii's last story, true to its name. Some will get hung up by the games' abysmal framerate; others, it's janky default settings. But those willing to go along the ride like I did will find the utterly beautiful narrative, majestic soundtrack, excellent art style, and addicting combat more than make up for its flaws, culminating in the most criminally underrated RPG out there. Of the JRPG trinity Operation Rainfall gave Americans, The Last Story is the greatest of them.

It's a bit hard to appreciate the original when it's graphics have ironically been worsened (framerate being cut in half, cel shaders missing), and some odd audio **** sequel survives the transition slightly better, but there are still some audio issues, and the second game isn't exactly a fan favorite anyways. I suppose this is passable if it's your first time with Symphonia, but the Gamecube version is the preferred option.

The wonderfully hectic engine of this game is almost completely sidelined by the botched parry maneuver; mapping such a crucial function of a hack'n'slash to a directional input on an analog stick, as well as making it situational, while simultaneously keeping a face button for that mapping yet ignoring it, is borderline unacceptable. And this game simply can't work w/o that parry mechanic front and center. When something like that is so fundamentally flawed, it's a tough sell. Approach with caution.

Insanely fast, frantic rhythm action with insanely catchy music. If you like Vocaloid, you owe it to yourself to get this one.

Against the HD version; it's got lesser production values (go figure), worse hubworlds, and two missing stages, but it has a far more bearable werehog, significantly better progression, and "smarter" boost gameplay. On it's own merit, it's a solid game that's perfectly fine at a lower price. But with Sonic Colors on the map, there's very little reason to buy this game.

A true masterpiece, worthy of being remembered decades from now. It is the pinnacle of cinematic games, not just because of it's nigh unparalleled production values and ingenious narrative, but also because it's got solid gameplay to back it up. I mean it; the gameplay in MGS4 is the best of the series. Aside from some awful boss fights, this game is exemplary.

In retrospect, the insufferable story and total lack of polish are major downsides, but the core gameplay is conceptually sound, and perfectly playable. Couple that with good graphics and sound, and you have a game that somehow seems to be better in hindsight than on release, now that there is no hype to lead to utter disappointment.

Unlike SA2B before it, SADX seems to actively ruin the original. Noticeably worse controls, inexcusable amount of added glitches, and a botched attempt to improve the graphics, achieving the opposite. You're better off with buying the Dreamcast original.

Behind the gorgeous visuals and fantastic controls lies the result of a rushed development cycle. The horrendous collision detection and occasionally insufferable missions hold this otherwise brilliant game ransom. Approach with caution.