teshime

Portal 2 is a very enjoyable, witty game. The narrative is compelling, and it proves to be a truly inventive puzzle game. I jumped into this Portal (haha, get it?) without playing its predecessor, and found no issues in understanding the plot or how the game works as such. So, if like me you haven't played Portal before, then throw away your preconceptions of what a puzzle game is right now, because Portal will smash them. Portal 2 offers a more hands-on puzzle experience than any other game of its genre I've played, and whilst the puzzles prove to be a challenging, they are heaps of fun to solve. Especially with the addition of GLaDOS' sarky commentary, or Wheatley's ramblings. That's another thing about Portal 2 - it's quirky and funny. Some moments made me laugh out loud, which is a bit of a mean feat. The characters, though you can count them on just one hand, are actually ingenious, and offer more entertainment than many games with casts of 20+ have. The game's main setting - the now rather disheveled Aperture Science Enrichment Center - is also really nicely done and just, well, cool.... Portal 2 is just the right mix of everything - humor, puzzles and a good story. You're really missing out if you've been putting off playing it!

Hands down my favourite title in the entire Professor Layton series. The quality of the music and the visuals are slightly improved compared to the preceding two games, and the puzzles as usual manage to achieve the perfect balance between challenging and mind-boggling. This game sees with it the improvement of the invaluable Memo function, now with the ability to change ink colour. Also, the Super-Hint Coin makes its debut, meaning it's less likely you'll be needing to side-glance the walkthrough after all... What sets this game apart from the pack for me, however, is its story. It was so compelling I couldn't put my DS down. The Professor's other outings have had fantastic story lines, but the Unwound Future's personal twist on Layton's part was very touching, and the ending? Heartbreaking. Also, the vengeful villain is very enjoyable - even old rivals have to lend a hand! So, after all my gushing, why a 9? Well, one thing that is a continual let down within the first few games of the Layton series is the voice acting. Layton and Luke are always consistent, it's just the ensemble of characters who join them that always really let the games down. It's a real shame, I wasn't really impressed with a Layton game's voice acting until Miracle Mask, which perhaps sacrificed its story-line in the process... If you've never played this game but have played other Layton games, then you're really missing out - a fantastic puzzle game with a lovely story!

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

I bought Fire Emblem: Awakening on a whim one day, and as a series newbie, I really didn't know what to expect. I was then pleasantly surprised to find I'd bought one of the best games I've played in recent years. The graphics and CGI cutscenes are incredibly stylish, and as someone who has always fallen flat with turn-based strategy games, I was amazed with how quickly I engaged with and got the hang of it. To more seasoned players I can see how it may come across a bit repetitive and simple, but that simplicity gives it a lot more accessibility, which a wonderful game like this should have. The story is interesting, and will appeal to anyone who likes a good fantasy narrative spliced with sorcery and dragons. Also, along the way in the adventure you build a band of beautifully designed, engaging characters who fight alongside you. There's also the support system, which is the icing on the cake; there's lots of lovely character development to discover as the characters get to know each other, not to mention the chance to marry them all off (which I really enjoyed)! In all seriousness, this is one of the best games for the 3DS so far, and you won't regret buying it!

Overall, Miracle Mask is another charming addition to the Layton series. The music is spectacular and the puzzles, as usual, mind-bending. It's safe to say that the transition to 3DS has, if anything, made the Professor Layton experience a little more special. The scenery is stunning, and exploration is made even easier with the addition of magnifying glass tool. However, when put up against its predecessors, I have to say the story was a little slow-paced and too predictable for my liking. If you've never liked Professor Layton, then this game definitely will not change your mind, as its core principles remain unchanged. Also, If you've never played a Layton game before, I would say do not make this your first, as its narrative has nothing on those of the original 3 games!