By Matthew Scott Hunter
‘Tekken 6’ (T)
Battle to the death
****
Namco Bandai
Xbox 360
It may not have the same name recognition as “Street Fighter” or “Mortal Kombat,” but when it comes to easy-to-learn and hard-to-master fighting games, any character in “Tekken” can beat “Street Fighter’s” Chun-Li or “MK’s” Raiden. As usual, the newest version of “Tekken” can make a button masher look great…provided he’s battling another button masher, but any seasoned player will be able to parry and sidestep his way to victory. And you can still fight as a chainsaw-wielding fem-bot, a sumo-wrestling panda or a boxing-gloved kangaroo (if those are any of the 40+ characters that meet your fancy).
However, “Tekken 6” isn’t without its problems. Sometimes the background graphics look like they’re straight out of the PlayStation 2 era, which is made even weirder by the fact that the load times required to render those graphics are as long as they were on PlayStation 1. On the plus side, there’re an insane number of unlockable costumes and upgrades, as well as a whole new mode to easily get at them. This new campaign mode — which pits two of your new characters against multiple baddies — feels more like a brawler than a traditional “Tekken” fighting game, but if that’s not your cup of tea, then you can stick to one-on-one combat. And the new rage meter means that when you’re near death, you get a boost in order to stage an epic comeback, guaranteed to provoke a cathartic onslaught of profanity from your opponent.
‘DJ Hero’ (T)
****
Activision
Xbox 360, Wii
Okay, rhythm game lovers: I know your living rooms are already packed with “Guitar Hero” guitars and “Rock Band” drums, but if you’ve got room for one more bulky peripheral, here’s a game that puts a whole new spin (pun intended) on your favorite genre. “DJ Hero” puts you in front of the turntables with the same sort of addictive gameplay and infectious music that made you love music games in the first place. DJ-ing is slightly less intuitive than playing an instrument, but the learning curve isn’t too steep, so if you can afford the game’s cover charge, your living room can be a full-blown nightclub before you know it.
‘Way of the Samurai 3’ (M)
**
UFO Interactive
Xbox 360
There have been many games in recent years that give us choices. You can choose to do an NPC a favor or just summarily execute him. In “Way of the Samurai 3,” these choices are a coin toss. There are few moral incentives or consequences either way. So, if you’re a pacifist, then you’ll be running mind-numbing errands, and if you’re hostile or simply maladjusted, then you’ll be sword-fighting for the sake of mediocre combat mechanics. Either way, you’ll be one bored samurai. And where’s the honor in that?
‘Marvel Super Hero Sqaud’ (E10+)
*1/2
THQ
Wii
If you’ve ever wanted to know what your favorite Marvel characters would look like if they guest-starred on “The Smurfs”, then this game is for you. If you’ve ever wanted to see the most spectacular superpowers watered down into two button presses, then this game is for you. If you’ve ever sworn to hate fun, then this game is for you. I know the Wii has a habit of simplifying things for idiots, but Iron Man and Hulk are comic book icons. They deserve more respect.
FIFA 10 (E)
EA Sports
****1/2
Xbox 360
Footy fans rejoice: the definitive soccer gaming experience is here, and it’s a 35-yard blast into the upper 90. EA Sport’s FIFA 10 is the most complete, most entertaining soccer game created. EA has always had a slick presentation and plenty of game modes, but FIFA 10 has the gameplay to provide the substance gamers have long desired. Veterans of previous versions will notice after just a few passes everything simply looks and feels more like a real match, due in large part to the new 360-degree control scheme that truly allows control in every direction, instead of players being stuck on an 8-way axis. FIFA 10’s physics engine is wonderful. Never have states like height, weight, strength and speed been realized on the pitch so realistically. Burly central defenders will muscle smaller attacking players off the ball with ease, towering target forwards will win headers, and quick, tricky wingers will stop and change direction on a dime. The previously spotty AI is greatly improved. Players react to the ball just as they should. Scoring requires more creativity, but hitting the back of the ol’ onion bag has never felt so sweet. The most interesting game mode is Virtual Pro, which allows users to create a player, but him on a favorite team and steadily improve him by completing objectives in any game mode. It’s an RPG mechanic brought into the sports world, and it’s just as fun and addictive as it sounds. If you’re tired of beating up on the CPU, you can take your skills online where even more game modes await such as 10 vs. 10, interactive leagues, live season and more. The downside is that EA has put a price on some services which were previously free. FIFA 10 is the best virtual representation of the beautiful game yet, and an absolute must have of any soccer fan. CV
