MARIO TENNIS
It's fun. It really is a lot of frikkin' fun. I had a blast with Mario Tennis 64 and I'm having almost as good of a time with this one. The Tennis is more refined and I feel like I'm able to do much more on the court with basically the same move set as the first. I don't think I'm as distracted by the power moves as most are, either. I think they're wonderfully done and play into strategy a good deal.
The control feels great, but I have a feeling this is a game that will feel better control wise with rumble. I've been playing with my Wavebird. I love the weight and momentum of the characters. It's what more games need.
The graphics are some of the cleanest I've seen. I played Virtua Tennis in Fudruckers today and it's about like the Image Quality wise. I would like to see the graphical features amped up a bit, though. You would think that you would see some self shadowing, fur shading, etc... on a game with such a small scale, but no dice. It's not a big loss this title lacks those things as everything else is just so superb.
I'm not really impressed with the music or the voice work. The music is dinky and childish like Mario Golf GC and the voice work always chimes in at awkward times. Sound effects get the job done, but I really wouldn't think it would be too hard to score a couple decent ball hitting sounds.
I'll play through the tournaments and try out more mini-games (which aren't so hot), but the real fun here is multiplayer. I played with a friend tonight and it's really a blast, especially on the gimmick courts. I'd love to shack up with 3 other people and give this a whirl.
METAL GEAR SOLID 3
In line with my MGS:TTS Impressions. The cut scenes are incredibly well done and very entertaining, but the gameplay needs a huge overhaul in order for me to find it fun. The control is limited where it needs to be precise, the combat is jerky and sloppy, and the perspective is basically fixed.
I still hold that if you're going to have a game with a stealth focus you need as precise control as possible and you need to be able to move the camera where you want it.
The graphics are a mixed bag. The models are great and the style is wonderful, but technically I've seen better not only on next gen systems, but also on the Ps2. Some poor textures, jerky animation, and average effects leave me underwhelmed.
The music is great and the sound seems very well done. I love hearing all of the little sound effects in the environment. Wind blowing, grass moving, birds flying around. The world is very alive.
I'm sure people will disagree with what I've said, but it's to be expected. It's only my opinion. I am going to keep on playing.
FEEL THE MAGIC
A Christmas gift I didn't really want, but am quite entertained by. The game is made up of simplistic touch-screen games that last too long and are too simple, but still manage to satisfy upon completing.
The graphics are lackluster, but it's more than made up for in style. The art is really unique and very well executed in game.
The music grates against my nerves, especially the title theme. I understand it fits the goofy story of the title well, but I would have much preferred a more catchy and more well done soundtrack. What is in place is odd and annoying.
The sound effects seem pulled from PowerPoint.
It's obviously a rushed title. I would like to see a more fleshed out sequel, however.
It's fun. It really is a lot of frikkin' fun. I had a blast with Mario Tennis 64 and I'm having almost as good of a time with this one. The Tennis is more refined and I feel like I'm able to do much more on the court with basically the same move set as the first. I don't think I'm as distracted by the power moves as most are, either. I think they're wonderfully done and play into strategy a good deal.
The control feels great, but I have a feeling this is a game that will feel better control wise with rumble. I've been playing with my Wavebird. I love the weight and momentum of the characters. It's what more games need.
The graphics are some of the cleanest I've seen. I played Virtua Tennis in Fudruckers today and it's about like the Image Quality wise. I would like to see the graphical features amped up a bit, though. You would think that you would see some self shadowing, fur shading, etc... on a game with such a small scale, but no dice. It's not a big loss this title lacks those things as everything else is just so superb.
I'm not really impressed with the music or the voice work. The music is dinky and childish like Mario Golf GC and the voice work always chimes in at awkward times. Sound effects get the job done, but I really wouldn't think it would be too hard to score a couple decent ball hitting sounds.
I'll play through the tournaments and try out more mini-games (which aren't so hot), but the real fun here is multiplayer. I played with a friend tonight and it's really a blast, especially on the gimmick courts. I'd love to shack up with 3 other people and give this a whirl.
METAL GEAR SOLID 3
In line with my MGS:TTS Impressions. The cut scenes are incredibly well done and very entertaining, but the gameplay needs a huge overhaul in order for me to find it fun. The control is limited where it needs to be precise, the combat is jerky and sloppy, and the perspective is basically fixed.
I still hold that if you're going to have a game with a stealth focus you need as precise control as possible and you need to be able to move the camera where you want it.
The graphics are a mixed bag. The models are great and the style is wonderful, but technically I've seen better not only on next gen systems, but also on the Ps2. Some poor textures, jerky animation, and average effects leave me underwhelmed.
The music is great and the sound seems very well done. I love hearing all of the little sound effects in the environment. Wind blowing, grass moving, birds flying around. The world is very alive.
I'm sure people will disagree with what I've said, but it's to be expected. It's only my opinion. I am going to keep on playing.
FEEL THE MAGIC
A Christmas gift I didn't really want, but am quite entertained by. The game is made up of simplistic touch-screen games that last too long and are too simple, but still manage to satisfy upon completing.
The graphics are lackluster, but it's more than made up for in style. The art is really unique and very well executed in game.
The music grates against my nerves, especially the title theme. I understand it fits the goofy story of the title well, but I would have much preferred a more catchy and more well done soundtrack. What is in place is odd and annoying.
The sound effects seem pulled from PowerPoint.
It's obviously a rushed title. I would like to see a more fleshed out sequel, however.
