TipsyMcBee

Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time is the final game to the future saga and overall became a more exciting game than Tools of Destruction and Quest for Booty. The game may have the same formula as previous Ratchet and Clank games, but provides new elements that's never been featured in the other Ratchet titles like exploring through space freely and the new Clank's time puzzles. I think what makes this game really engaging is the continuation of the story and those outstanding animations. Though some parts of the plot are a bit mind boggling and even if the visuals are really vivid this time around, the cutscenes seem too inconsistent compared to previous Ratchet games. As always, the writing in the story and humour is great for both kids and adults to enjoy with a great set of voice cast to make the experience really entertaining. Like Tools of Destruction, A Crack in Time came close to a perfect 10 with its old and new variety of gameplay, but the lack of world explorations and recycled weapons gives it a 9. Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time is definitely the better Ratchet and Clank game to try out on the PS3, but be warned that you might be confused with the story if you decide to play this game before Tools of Destruction.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is not only the best game on the N64 in 1998, but one the greatest action adventure games of all times. Does it hold up today? In my personal opinion, it holds up pretty well and was pretty close to perfection. The visuals may look outdated today, but you cannot deny yourself that the atmosphere in the destinations within Hyrule are mesmerizing to explore in this game. The locations, the character designs, the temples, the story and the soundtrack (especially the soundtrack) are absolutely memorable through out this game and this game practically made me became a Zelda fan in the first place. I could see why there are some people whether they are Zelda fans or not that they are too fond with this Zelda title. It's a bit identical to A Link to the Past on the SNES, but with 3D rendered visuals and there is a lack of personality within many characters compared to the later Zelda games where character personalities has improved in. However, for Nintendo to produce an engaging story for their first 3D Zelda game, it became forgivable for its time. This maybe a really overrated Zelda game, but there's a reason why people prefer Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as an instant classic.

Jet Force Gemini may not be the most memorable Rareware game on the N64, but it is one gem of a title with a really unique concept and completely different gameplay than what Rare does in most of their games. This at least shows that Rare weren't afraid to pull out a new IP to work on and release it to the public. I really like the exploration and playing as three different characters as you progress further to the game, where each character had their own missions to accomplish in identical or different destinations. The music is also fantastic too which immediately dives you right into the experience. Though I like the originality of the game, I find the iffy controls difficult to maneuver at times whether you are aiming at your enemies. Aiming with those controls becomes something you need to practice a lot with if you want to defeat the tough bosses. Jet Force Gemini maybe a great 3rd person action adventure title to play through, though I would not consider it to be the best Rare game I had ever played.

Okay, this game is meant for little kids to begin with, especially for girls from ages 3 to 6. However, it isn't a well presentable Disney game unlike Epic Mickey and Kingdom Hearts for example. Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey is a pretty boring game with some clunky motion controls (i.e. waving your wand), outdated visuals and really off synced voicing from the characters. I'll give the game a point for putting some variety in the gameplay. However, the game is really simple with not that much challenge at all, unless you are 3 years old. There's also two players within the experience which you think that sounds awesome at first until you realize you find second player to be completely ignored and hated within the cinematic sequences and game itself. Enchanted Journey is definitely a game to avoid immediately, unless you wish to give your 3-6 year old daughter, niece, or sister this game.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is the best revival title of the Donkey Kong franchise since the DKC trilogy on the SNES. Retro Studios has done an incredible job taking the same kind of game platforming that Rare developed in the original DKC, but added some new and original twists within the gameplay. The game is visually stunning, the controls are responsively good (for the most part), and there are many side scrolling levels to play through that has a great challenge to each one of them. This almost beats the original DKC, but there are tiny little things that doesn't make the game as superior as Rare's DKC, i.e. Switching DK or Diddy in one player. For gamers who wants a challenging game for their Nintendo Wii's, then DKC Returns is the game for you. Hopefully it doesn't make you go completely bananas for its difficulty.

I'll give the game some credit for having a couple of jump scares (only works when you have your lights off), however the EXTREMELY slow pacing, frustrating controls and predictable moments really ruins the experience with Ju-on: The Grudge. If you like haunted house simulation gameplay, this might be your kind of game, though it seems less scary if you're retrying a level again. I recommend renting Ju-on: the Grudge and playing it with friends first. Hardcore single playing gamers will definitely get bored from this game right away.

If you played the Sly Cooper trilogy games too late on the PS2 (or haven't played the games at all), then think again when you can purchase all three Sly Cooper games in one HD bundle. This is a platforming trilogy providing with a unique art direction, charming characters and the use of stealth and shimmies in your gameplay. Sly 1 contains an old-school platform appeal if you're into that kind of style, but Sly 2 and Sly 3 improves the game with open world levels, compelling storytelling and more replay value to the gameplay. The Sly Collection would have reached a perfect 10 if it weren't for those silly PS Move mini-games and some of the non responsive controls in Sly 1. Other than those nitpicks, it is a worthy collection for the PS3. Kids who aren't allowed to play the Mature stealth games yet like Metal Gear Solid for example, Sly Cooper is one series they can start off with.

Ratchet and Clank were one of the biggest mascots back on the PS2, and seeing the mechanical duo again in their first PS3 game with Tools of Destruction is a must own platforming title for the PS3. Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction consists all the things we loved about the series back on the PS2 games, but with updated visuals, new charming characters, six-axis controls and a new story premise in seeking more about Ratchet's race origins for the first time to newcomers and R&C veterans alike. This game would have been a perfect 10, though a couple of the clunky six-axis controls (The Decryptor puzzle game for example) and the unexpected rare crash that happens before one cutscene on planet Mukow bumps the game down to a 9 instead. This is the game that made me want to get a PS3 in the first place and it is a must own title to add to your PS3 collection.

Super Mario Galaxy takes our favourite iconic plumber into to a whole different setting that captures a fairy tale atmosphere to the overall game experience. Super Mario Galaxy is a gorgeous looking platforming game with a captivating soundtrack and fun gameplay that will keep you playing this game 'til the stars come up at night. This game also introduce us to a new character named Rosalina (who is awesome by the way) with little star assistances that follows her around called the Lumas. If you wish to have a virtual game tell you a bed-time story, the game tells an okay origin story about Rosalina and the Lumas, which is quite unforgettable to those characters. The game does have a wonderful charm to this new concept for the Mario franchise, though some of the gameplay could have provided more challenges for the older gamers and fans of the series. For the most part, this game is easy once you get the hang of the controls, plus re-playing the same game as Luigi was a slight let down. You think you would expect new challenges when it comes to playing as Mario's taller younger brother. Super Mario Galaxy is no Super Mario 64, but it is still a great installment to the Super Mario franchise and a great title to be added to your Wii collection. You will not believe you eyes!

I gave Mario Party 8 a try at my friend's house and oh boy, this game disappointed me in many levels. I've enjoyed the Mario Party games in the past like Mario Party 3 on the N64 (one of my favourites from this Mario spin-off), but somehow this game left me with uninteresting junk in my loot bag for its tediously long board levels, dull mini-games and obnoxious computer A.I. Maybe kids under the age of 10 will enjoy playing this game, but no matter what, the fun will only last for less than 30 minutes in Mario Party 8.

If you think living as a farmer is utterly boring, think again when you play Harvest Moon 64. The game's cute visuals and unexpected moments will always keep you coming back for more in the Harvest Moon universe. Tasks like growing crops, raising animals and finding the girl of your dreams is an addicting experience, though the time in the game does fly by pretty quickly when you are doing many things in one day. Harvest Moon can be pretty overwhelming at first, but the more you play the game, the less overwhelmed you will become. This game may have many glitches and typos in the dialogue speech boxes, but don't let that stop your farming days. If you're looking for addicting gameplay where running your own farm is fun, then Harvest Moon 64 is your crop to own. A must recommend with people who has a lot of times with their hands.

Despite the frustrating challenges and missions, I-Ninja is still an Incredibly fun platformer. The game contains a simple (but appealing) visual direction, solid controls, a catchy soundtrack and a great sense of humour, especially when Billy West voices as the main protagonist in this game. The story and boss fights were pretty forgettable, but somehow the nostalgic atmosphere of the game becomes easily playable. If you are looking for a 3D platformer with a lot of collecting and tough challenges, then I-Ninja is right up your turf. Too bad this is the only game from the I-Ninja franchise, which never got a sequel after the game's release.

What made Twisted Metal Black memorable were the cinematic sequences from each playable character and the song "Paint in Black" played at the ending credits. Everything else in this game was slightly fun in some levels with highly frustrating controls by using the directional buttons as your vehicle's acceleration. The controls were very irritating in the gameplay that my fingers were literally hurting two hours later. It also does not help either when the gameplay's difficulty is extremely tough. Twisted Metal Black has a great presentation in visual and sound starring these pretty dark characters in a fun sudden death car match competition, but it is just those excruciating controls that loses the game's fun.

Super Mario 64 is the game that brought platforming into a 3D world. Without it, we would not see other 3D platforming franchises like Banjo-Kazooie, Ratchet and Clank and other platforming mascots existing today. Super Mario 64 is an outstanding game that takes all the levels in one location (Princess Peaches castle) and make collecting star pieces playable and fun. I would had given Super Mario 64 a perfect 10 if I was 9 years old again, but I have given the game a bit of a lower score just because some of the controls on the N64 controls (like flying with the wing cap) feels a bit uncomfortable which does not hold up in today's gaming world. Super Mario 64 may look simple, but less equals more with this Super Mario title. Fans of Mario and 3D platformers will have a fun time playing Mario in a 3D universe. Even if it looks outdated in today's world, people will still enjoy riding on Koopa shells and flinging Bowser around.

Who needs Super Mario 64 when you can play as a bear teamed up with a bird in a back-pack in Banjo-Kazooie? Banjo-Kazooie may had the same concept gameplay as Super Mario 64 did, but the game did offer really creative levels, a quirky style and a different take in the gameplay to make the whole experience in Banjo-Kazooie acceptable. Rareware did a magnificent job creating these humorous characters that quickly became charming and fun throughout the game. The presentation in visuals is outstanding for a 1998 game on the N64 and the overall game soundtrack is extremely catchy to match the Banjo universe perfectly. Like Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie is one of those titles you do not know when to put the controller down. The game is entirely fun with solid puzzle challenges and great exploration through each and every location. However, the game can be really nerve wrecking at times if you plan to complete the game at 100% or playing later portions of the game such as the final boss with Gruntilda. Believe me, beating her to finish the game is pretty difficult. In results, Banjo-Kazooie is a solid platformer containing jigsaw piece to find and birds to fire eggs out of their butts. I highly recommend anyone to get Banjo-Kazooie to any fans of platforming games or video games in general. It's definitely a game you will not get disappointed with.

Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One is "All 4 Fun" for both co-op and Ratchet fans. Like previous games from the Ratchet and Clank franchise, All 4 One consist the fun witty dialogue, charming cinematic sequences and a good performance of voice cast that makes you want to continue playing the game. However, the gameplay is a huge difference compared to other Ratchet games with linear level designs and a directed camera, though it works quite well for only this game. Playing Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One is all about co-op and it is a blast playing the levels with other players, whether it is online or offline. Playing alone with an A.I. is fun, though slightly annoying in some portions of the gameplay. The Clank A.I. (or Qwark if you pick Clank as your playable character) is co-operative and does his commands for the most part, though barely there are those moments where he does some dumb actions or not listening to your calls once in a while. Though All 4 One is really fun, but I have only two problems with the game itself. 1. The cutscenes in the game cannot be skipped. Picking these levels and playing them again is like playing Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc, but with multiplayer to the mix. As much as I love watching the cutscenes from all the Ratchet and Clank games, but seeing those cutscenes over and over again will make you remember the dialogue in those sequences so easily. 2. Pesky glitches and freezes can ruin your fun in rare occurrences. If you and other players are glitched in a location where you cannot escape, you pretty much have no choice but to quit the level or redo the segment again. This is something that can burn my grill. Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One may not be the best game out of the franchise, but itâ