Reviews

Demon's Souls
Reviewed by Tan Shafaye of Victoria Junior College
18 October 2009

In comparison with Diablo, there are few games of its kind that are able to measure up to it, and beat its popularity. Except for Demon's Souls, that is.

Demon’s Soul shares some similar features with Diablo. For example, it allows players to choose from an array of characters – from a hunter to a thief, and forge weapons with splinters or chunks of stones they’ve obtained along the way.

In this PS3 game, players can enter five different worlds, and within each world are several other stages. To unlock these sub-worlds, you have to defeat demons to obtain their souls in exchange for a magic or miracle lesson. The ultimate aim of the game is to unify the five worlds, and put the ‘Old One’ to sleep by defeating all the demons in every world, without revealing too much information.

What makes this game so great is that it combines surreal visual experiences with good gameplay and a fantastic storyline. Each world has its own unique characteristics that differentiate it from the rest, thus making it possible to play the game over and over again without ever tiring of it. Overall, Demon’s Souls deserves a raving two thumbs up!

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Soldier Front
Reviewed by Joven Chan of North View Primary School
5 July 2009

This free online game is popular with hardcore gamers. It’s a 3D FPS (first-person shooter) that offers realistic game play and graphics. Gamers can retain their stats and rise through the ranks just like a real soldier, hence the name.

It’s very fun and thrilling to play if you know the right tactics to use to attack your enemy. The basics of survival are: Never panic or you will get killed. Always choose the best gun. Don’t spam too much as you will run out of bullets and need to reload your gun, and therefore give your enemy the chance to kill you.

All games attract hackers, but Soldier Front allows players to report them, thus making the game more enjoyable. Upon finding hackers, a player can buy a playback tape (which is free), and pass it on to GMs (game masters) who’ll then ban the hacker.

All high-ranking players use G coins (cash) to buy high-end guns like E-PSG, Golden AK, EVL-M16, Golden UZI. There are many guns available to suit different requirements. Players can also buy Armour to help reduce damage.

All these may seem alien to you now, but when once you start playing the game, you will be able to understand what it is all about. So go create an account and start shooting away!

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Fingerboarding
Reviewed by Jiong How of River Valley High School
18 January 2009

Looking for a fun hobby? I recommend you try out fingerboarding, the latest game that has become a hit all over the world! This leisure activity is made popular by Tech Deck, which also makes other miniature extreme sports equipment such as finger BMX bikes, surfboards and wakeboards. Fingerboards are obtainable from skate shops.

A fingerboard or finger-skateboard is a miniature version of a skateboard, with high-quality wheels, griptape, graphics and die-cast metal trucks. Skateboarders use them to demonstrate their tricks, but they are now highly popular with people of all ages.

Youll be able to perform a trick or two with some practice. You can learn more from the videos posted on YouTube by enthusiasts from all over the world, which include step-by-step tutorials for newbies. Some enthusiasts even go to the extent of setting up their own fingerboard companies to sell modifications like customised woodboards and trucks!

But youll need a high level of concentration, and lots of practice and determination to master the more difficult tricks. Each trick usually lasts up to a second, so fingerskating is an intense and fast activity, and will suit those who thrive on speed and action.

Unlike online games, fingerboarding is an activity you arent likely to get addicted to. Whats more, its affordable and risk-free, and all you need is a deck and playing surface. Parents need not worry about the fingerboards scratching their tables as the wheels are smooth and well-moulded. As long as skateboarders refrain from grinding tricks, your furniture will remain in good shape.

Tech Deck is also coming up with a new online fingerskating game, so computer gamers, look out for it!

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Little Big Planet
Reviewed by Tan Shafaye of Victoria Junior College
30 November 2008

Ever wanted to play an interactive game where you can control your characters head and hand movements, as well as its emotions? Well, in the game of Little Big Planet, you can!

In this game, your character comes in the form of a Sackman, whose body is made up of knitted material and a huge zip with lifelike seams and the like. As you progress along the many different stages, including savannahs and canyons, you can unlock many costumes, hairstyles and accessories, which can be used to dress up your character.

At every stage, there are different costumes and even materials for your Sackman to be collected. For example, the savannah stage will allow you to gain access of a lions mane and a zebras headgear for your character to wear and go exploring in. But unlocking costumes and customising your character are just a small part of the game, you can also take a photo of your character and paste it around your safehouse!

In this unconventional game, four players can pit themselves against each another at any time. The game is designed such that it is innocuously hilarious and non-violent, and can be enjoyed by both young and old. The little ones can participate, either by controlling their characters or watching how the whole game progresses. Even when your character gets maimed by the crocodile who persistently snaps at you, gets its behind singed by the burning coals or gets poked by the spikes which lie in wait at every turn, its clear from the characters facial expressions that this is all in good fun. The Sackman whos unfortunate enough to lose a life will be revived at the next checkpoint, so the game always stays fun and entertaining.

Children will love how their adorable little character turns out, while adults will love how easy it is to play this game, as well as its entertainment value. Being able to control the characters expressions makes you feel like you are the boss! You can press a button on the directional pad to select the expression you want. Your character can break into a sweet smile, an angry frown, a helplessly sad expression or an extremely serious face. And you can control their head movements simply by tilting the wireless controller.

Launched on the PS3 platform, this game provides wholesome family fun and is a great bonding tool. Its definitely worth the hours that youll have to spend manoeuvring your characters.

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World In Conflict
Submitted by David Aw (Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
2 March 2008

World In Conflict is a fast paced, genre-breaking game that has received rave reviews and critical acclaim: It won the Editor's Choice for Best Strategy Game 2007 from Gamespot and multiple awards at the E3 trailer screening. It is also generally regarded as one of the most promising multiplayer strategy games in the market.

It boasts several new, innovative features (for example, a 360-degree camera). There's also no building of bases and resource gathering required, as compared to traditional real-time strategy games.

A single player will present other players with a gripping war scenario, in which the now-defunct USSR, in an effort to prevent the collapse of Berlin Wall, marches into Europe and embroils NATO, and inevitably the USA, in a heated face-off.

And while the USA sends aid to embattle NATO forces in Europe, the Russians launch a secret attack on the American hinterland by sneaking into Seattle, with cargo ships and Soviet troops hiding within them.

Missions are a joy to play, and the learning curve's generally quite smooth. This allows first-timers to the real-time strategy genre to get a feel of the controls, which can be a little confusing for some of them.

There's also excellent voice acting involved; Alec Baldwin voices the main character, Lieutenant Parker, a personnel serving to defend Seattle against the Russian assault.

While the single player mode is reason enough to play the game, it is its excellent multiplayer feature that truly shines.

There is no lobby system - once players find a server, they are ready to jump straight into action and have their first units rolling onto the field in less than 30 seconds! Elements borrowed from team-based multiplayer games like Battlefield 2 are also present, which makes the game all the more engaging.

What's more, each player can select one of four roles: Armour, Air, Infantry and Support. Armour players are in command of everything, from heavy tanks to amphibious transportation, and are the main attack force on the ground. Air players are able to call on many different types of helicopters, from standard attack choppers to scout helicopters, and even transport choppers. Infantry players control specialised units, ranging from anti-tank and snipers to demolition engineers, and an all-purpose regular infantry. Transport trucks also fall under their command. Lastly, Support players can summon anything from mobile anti-air facilities to repair tanks, and even artillery pieces.

These roles are all inter-dependent on one another, with each unit having a counter unit. No one role can win battles by itself, which means that teamwork is of utmost importance. That's why World in Conflict has a Voice Over IP function, which allows players to communicate using their microphones and headsets.

In addition, there is a Tactical Aid function, which features capabilities such as air strikes, paratroopers and even nuclear missiles that players can make use of once they have garnered sufficient points.

All in all, World in Conflict is like a chess game played at over 50 miles an hour, with tactical nukes. It's a must-buy for any strategy gamer, casual or hardcore.

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GunZ!
Submitted by Lua Jiong How (River Valley High)
17 Feburary 2008

There are so many free online shooting games, but I think GunZ the Duel still reigns supreme.

This game is popular around the world, including North America and Singapore. To play it, all one needs to do is to register online. It's free of charge, but you'll need to buy premiums and other stuff to enhance your gaming experience.

This game has a dual mode, which means you can switch from using a sword to gun while playing. The settings are fast-paced, exciting, and unique; one wrong move and you'll be slaughtered! Like many other strategy games, GunZ requires a lot of skills, particularly if you want to master the K (Korean) and D (Dagger) styles.

If you're not sure how to play the game, there are plenty of online user guides and reference videos available on Youtube, where you'll also find professionals offering to teach newbies a trick or two.

Try out this game and you'll find it truly enjoyable and addictive. May the force be with you!

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Cool Game!
Submitted by Lua Jiong How (Radin Mas Primary School)
04 November 2007

Guys and gals, embark on a new adventure at Club Penguin! This is a children's social networking site where you can play games free-of-charge.

Players can dress up their penguin avatars in various styles, and buy clothes, backgrounds and colours with the "coins" they earn from the challenges. You can chat with other friendly penguins from the club, who'll be glad to help you around too.

There's so much to do here. You can sink your teeth into a crusty pizza at the parlour, dance to the rhythm of music at a disco, adopt a puffle from a pet shop and have fun with your little furry friend there, or plop into a comfy sofa to enjoy your caffeine fix and croissants at the coffeehouse.

During celebratory occasions, there are also plenty of parties where all penguins can come together, and get free fashion items as well. You can also marvel at the cool decorations that they've put up.

If you don't mind paying a small fee to become a member, your penguin can reap benefits like buying spiffy clothes and furniture (catalogues are updated monthly).

Can't wait to sign up and play already? Hurry and log onto this game site now!

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