Video Game Reviews by Jeb Haught

DEVELOPER: Bungie

PUBLISHER: Microsoft

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)

 

Despite the fact that the "Halo" series is one of the most popular gaming franchises of all time, I can't help but think that it's past it's prime. The first title was released over eight years ago and the core game play is still the same. Now that the Master Chief is dead, players control a grunt in "Halo 3: ODST," but the differences are minimal.

Set mere hours before the beginning of "Halo 3," "H3: ODST" follows the exploits of several Orbital Drop Shock Troopers after a drop in New Mombasa goes horribly wrong. Now they must scour the darkness to find each other and survive through the night as packs of Covenant soldiers patrol the streets.

For starters, lets look at what is new. Players have a limited rechargeable shield, but they return to the archaic health pack system that the original "Halo" title nearly made obsolete. Players now run slower, jump lower and still don't have the ability to sprint. That's all "new" for the franchise, but rather lame in my opinion. I would love to see an effective cover system.

A visor, or VISR as it is called in game, offers the ability to see in the dark and highlight enemies with the press of a button. Since the game takes place mostly at night, the VISR must be used frequently, but it makes everything look blurry. On top of that, some areas are dim enough to obscure the view but still have enough light, so using the VISR is literally blinding. As a result, the visuals can never be fully appreciated, which is rather disappointing.

Fans of the series can look forward to a very short campaign using the same weapons and vehicles to kill the same enemies on an expanded version of a level they already played in Halo 2. Want even more of the same? How about Halo 3 online multiplayer? "Wasn't that already done in ... well ... Halo 3," you ask? Yes, but now you get more maps! There is also a new co-op mode called Firefight, but it offers little more than the "survival" mode found in countless other games.

If you're into archaic twitch-based shooters with more recycled content than Hollywood, then "Halo 3: ODST" is the game for you!

 

Battle Hordes of Deadly Robots in 'Spyborgs'

 

DEVELOPER: Bionic Games

PUBLISHER: Capcom

SYSTEM: Nintendo Wii

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)

 

Let's face facts; the Wii isn't the console of choice for core gamers looking for excitement.

In fact, it sometimes gets more ridicule than playtime. But that opinion may very well change if more Wii-exclusive titles like "Spyborgs" are released. Sure this robotic game has its share of flaws, but it's still tons of metallic fun.

When a genetically enhanced group of superheroes is betrayed by a former member, revenge is in order! Players control one of three Spyborgs as they pummel and blast their way through 35 action-packed stages of mechanical mayhem. If the going gets rough, a second player can drop in at any time to help out with a boss or just play though the adventure.

Three cybernetic super-soldiers are available to choose from, with two of them onscreen at all times. This lets a second player drop in and out without seriously altering the game because there is no split-screen. If only one person is playing, they can switch between their two characters at will, which is helpful.

Each Spyborg comes equipped with their own set of unique moves and specialties. For example, Clandestine is a nimble martial arts expert who is deadly with a blade, Stinger is an experienced soldier who packs a serious mini-gun and Bouncer is a large brawler encased in metal. In addition to their own moves, each Spyborgs can team up with another for devastating team attacks. Still, it would be nice to see more variety.

That's because using the same half-dozen moves to destroy countless metallic enemies in 35 levels can become rather monotonous. Confronting enormous boss enemies once in a while offers welcome variety, but then it's back to the same old grind. Some adventuring aspects beyond "smash the hidden crate" would have made things more enjoyable.

Despite its repetitive nature, "Spyborgs" is an enjoyable game for Wii-owners who want to do more than simply waggle their Wiimote.

 

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Pretty Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

 

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

 

To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM.