The Amazing Spider-Man

To be honest, The Amazing Spider-Man is the most confusing number in the Vita’s collection of games. Why? Let me clarify:

• The movie it’s based on was released all the way back in mid 2012
• The game (across all major platforms) was originally released along with the movie
• The sequel game/movie are due to come out in a few months

With the following puzzle in mind, one can’t help but concede that the game has been released at a very odd time. Nonetheless, it’s good to see that The Amazing Spider-Man fills the particular niche of household third-person action games in PS Vita’s library, a category which the platform has been lacking in despite its vast array of various types of games.

Those who have played The Amazing Spider-Man on other platforms would be well-versed with the sheer size of the game. With that in mind, the main concern regarding the game’s PS Vita edition is whether or not the Vita would be able to handle the game without compromising on anything.

Well, let me break it to you: if you’re hoping for a perfect port of the game’s PS3 version then you’re in for a huge disappointment. It’s obvious that sacrifices needed to be made to make sure the wide-open New York City fits onto the Vita.

Plot (3/5)
The first of those sacrifices were, not surprisingly, the looks, which are quite ugly to be honest. Apart from that, the storyline is basically the same as the console version, which takes place not long after the events of the movie. Along with that, you’re free to roam around in an open world (New York City), stop crimes and collect some 700+ comic book pages which you will find throughout the city. Yes, there are a few hiccups here and there during cut scenes and combats but overall the game runs relatively well.

Gameplay (4/5)
The gameplay is good enough to hold up to scrutiny. The web swinging action you would expect is a rewarding setup, enabling you to put together big combos along with your spidey-sense constantly giving you the opportunity to evade and counter the attacks from various enemies. The stealth takedowns are also quite invaluable as they prove handy in a number of missions and you’ll find them particularly fun.

This brings us to the ultimate question; is The Amazing Spider-Man’s PS Vita edition any good or not? Well, the first impression with those bitter graphics would certainly be a negative one. But the game overall manages to be a complete package. And it goes without saying that yes, The Amazing Spider-Man on the Vita manages to pass as a good game.

Final Thoughts
Roaming around New York City would certainly give your memory a few glimpses of the legendary Gravity Rush as The Amazing Spider-Man provides you a similar sense of “Let’s explore the world!” Although, the game being nowhere near to the action-adventure is still a welcome addition to the Vita’s library and is definitely recommended for those who’re in the mood for some exciting open-world adventure.

Mario Party: Island Tour

Mario Party: Island Tour is the first from the legendary series to visit the 3DS. The game follows the format of Mario Party 9 but differs from the formula. It offers various boards that have a unique gameplay and different play times. The game is indeed, a fine addition to the franchise that is well-capable of challenging all Mario Party fans. Why? Let’s discuss.

Plot (2/5)
Island Tour doesn’t trick you or keep you confused as all it simply does is invite you to the party. Upon selecting Party Mode, you have the option to choose from six new game boards with an extra board which can be unlocked later on. Each board offers a unique experience.


Gameplay (4/5)
Solo Players can access multiple options such as Collectables, StreetPass Mini-games as well as Browser’s Tower.

Browser’s Tower is the main attraction of the solo mode. It provides you good company when you have no one around to play with, offering you a gimmick-filled challenge in which you have to make your way to the top of the tower while facing computer players on each level. After every five levels, the Browser sends a boss that you have to battle. If you conquer the tower you earn new rewards.

Furthermore, Download Play is the main attraction of the game which provides room for up to four people to play Party and Mini-game modes.

On one of its boards, the game simply requires the collection of Mini Stars. But other boards do offer special features such as boosters and bonus cards that can be used as well as event spaces on the dice. The variety of challenges each board offers is a welcome feature as it ensures you enjoy every board with more than just a theme change.

Inventive mini-games that use the 3DS’ console features such as the gyroscope keep things unique and interesting. They are all easy to understand, although the overly repeated directions and controls might tick you off at times in modes that have a number of mini-games, specifically due to the fact that they cannot be skipped. The versatility of the game doesn’t end there as you can also play the mini-games in a variety of other modes, such as Time Attack and Hot-Air Hijinks.

The collectables turn into Mario Party Points, which can be used to buy bubbles that include board game areas and characters. Unlocking bubbles and earning points are both very simple and can be completed quite easily.

Final Thoughts
Mario Party: Island Tour is a brilliant addition to the 3DS’ library, with crisp graphics that utilize 3D quite well and an exciting soundtrack that fits each mini-game and board. The only area where it lacks is an online multiplayer mode. Apart from that, each mode of the game is easy to pick up, master and play with friends anytime. In short, Mario Party: Island Tour offers you exactly what you would wish for in a portable party game and is a well-suited party game to the 3DS, something which was long overdue.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The 3DS at last has its own Zelda to brag about with “A Link Between Worlds” being a perfect mix of new and old to excite fans.

First thing is first, were the developers kidding with these graphics?

Story (1/5)
Moving on, there’s nothing new about the entirely inconsequential story. There’s a bad guy called Yuga who’s here from an alternate dimension and he wants to unleash Ganon yet again. That is pretty much all of it, apart from the part where Link gets zapped by the bad guy but survives, only to find out that he can now morph into a 2D version of himself whenever he wants thanks to the magic attack.


Gameplay (3/5)
This is what the game’s main gimmick is about as during gameplay you can merge into flat surfaces and proceed moving horizontally as long as the stamina gauge allows you to (which is initially 10 seconds) or until you encounter a 3D obstacle. Due to the strict top-down camera angle, a large number of secrets hidden in the game are discovered upon the move into 2D.

The 2D ability is more essentially used for a number of puzzles, which are solved once you learn how to merge onto moving platforms and slip past grates. But that’s not it. The game has a number of other impressive features in its armory, including the best collection of dungeons that you would hardly find in any other installment in the series.

The point where this game starts diverting from the same formula that follows every other Zelda game is when you realize you can choose to tackle the dungeons in any order you like. Upon reaching the main quest of the game when you land in the alternate world of Lorule, you are provided with a map that includes seven dungeons. And that’s where the fun begins, as you’re pretty much left on your own to work everything out all by yourself.

If there is something bad about the game other than its hideous graphics, then I’d say the fairly easy boss battles. As compared to the standard set by previous Zelda games, the boss battles are a letdown with little to know space to move in and absolutely no advanced tactics to utilize.

Comparatively, if you set out to explore the overworld then you’ll be in for quite an experience. The entire exploration is seemingly unending and it gets even more interesting with the addition of hidden caves and heart segments. Further features that deserve top recognition include the series of smaller dungeons that you can discover and visit and the mini-games that can be played to win special prizes.

Final Thoughts
To sum it all up, A Link Between Worlds offers some of the most impressive dungeons that you wouldn’t find in the rest of the series. Although, the little too easy gameplay and the rubbish graphics might be the biggest drawbacks but the game still passes with flying colors as long as you ask me.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Ultimate Edition

The PS Vita has quite an extensive range of outstanding fighting games. Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition is a welcome addition to that list, bringing to the console an alluring and interesting single player story involving the infamous alternative DC Comics universe that the fans will certainly admire.

Gameplay (3/5)
If you’re also a fan of the latest Mortal Kombat addition which was released on the Vita like me, then you’ll probably have no trouble at all adjusting to the fight controls of Injustice. The fights are pretty simple; one-v-one and you fight for three rounds until you lose. The controls are defined below and couldn’t be much easier:

Square: Light Strike
Triangle: Medium Hit
Cross: Heavy Attack

If you combine directional buttons with these, or press any two of them together then you can modify the attacks:

Down + Cross: Sweep/Knock Opponent Off Their Feet
Square + Cross: Throw/Counter

Then we have the special moves which are, not surprisingly, based on a combination of multiple buttons and typically have your character use its superpowers. This is where the game differs from regular fighting games that you would encounter as it places a great deal of importance on combo moves and juggling your opponents in mid air. The easy-to-adapt controls will get you pulling off all of these amazing combos in no time, even though they may be a bit tricky to perform.

You will also find a number of inputs that counter and deflect attacks. And the list of options expands even further with various inputs offering recovery from falls, dashes that allow you to move quickly around the arena as well as maneuvers that enable you to utilize the environment. The fight sequence becomes more interesting thanks to the addition of a three-tier power meter which can be used to unleash superpowers, or ‘super special’ as it is termed in the game.

The overall play is prompt and dynamic. And it is well-complemented thanks to a single player mode that seamlessly transforms cut-scenes to gameplay. Although, the change of models from detailed renders to pretty carelessly designed characters with dull colors may be a bit of a disappointment, nonetheless the characters are pretty smooth during battle and punches land quite convincingly. Plus, the epic soundtrack will get you pumped up for sure!


Plot (4/5)
As far as the story is concerned, you will notice it to be surprisingly dark. But why wouldn’t it be when you have superheroes like Superman and Batman in the mix? You will see all of these characters in ways you might’ve never seen in the comics and the cartoons.

Furthermore, there are a variety of exciting features such as Ad-Hoc, WiFi multiplayer, complex missions and trinkets to unlock that will effectively boost the amount of fun you would have with this game.

Final Thoughts
All in all, Injustice: Gods Among Us – Ultimate Edition is a strong contender in the already crowded pool of fighting games on the PS Vita. The game may be quite hard on newbies. But for seasoned fighting gamers, it’s a treasure.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition - PlayStation Vita

Ys: Memories of Celceta

The next game in the Ys series has arrived – the much awaited Ys: Memories of Celceta. And if you ask me, I’m all up for praising this game as much as I can. I do believe that it is indeed too early into the analysis to claim this but along the way I’ll be shedding light on some important and impressive features of the game that will surely get your attention for all the right reasons.

Plot (3/5)
For those who are no strangers to the series, the game has all the things that made us fall in love with Ys Seven. The quiet, red-haired explorer named Adol is again the protagonist and he’s on his way to an epic quest which involves discovering a huge map for many reasons like before. Like the previous installment, you’ve a team of friends that you need to look after along with your inventories and all the usual stuff (pardon my lack of emphasis but I find these details boring).


Gameplay (4/5)
The most important aspect though, is that much similar to Ys Seven, the series’ latest installment is keen on moving forward at a decent pace. In terms of combat, it’s all real-time and focused on button-mashing. Encounter an enemy, hit them, move forward; that’s all there is. In order to keep your characters moving you can keep tapping X and they’ll run, roll and jump as fast as possible, so you don’t have to sit for countless hours watching them move at the pace of a snail. Although there are occasional slowdowns for dialogue, but that’s as far as it goes. The side quests might require a bit of effort but you wouldn’t find any of it too difficult. The primary stuff you require can be acquired from defeating enemies. Further, there won’t be any hide and seek with objects that can be smashed to yield additional items as all of these objects will be clearly chalked out on your map.

Which brings us to the point – Ys’ has a phenomenal map! You don’t have to ponder and revisit places you’ve already been to; you don’t need to do that! All thanks to the percentage system which tells you exactly how much of the map you’ve discovered so far. This is a highly useful feature since the initial plot point of the game focuses around getting rewarded for mapping the entire forest.
And since we’re going on about usefulness, I think the game’s save system deserves some praises. Simply put, you can save the game anytime and anywhere (except for cutscenes). Yes, this is a dream come true.

Final Thoughts
Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind saying that this game is a gift sent from the heavens above for PS Vita gamers who had been searching for some sign! Similar to its predecessor’s fame on the PSP, Ys: Memories of Celceta is definitely among the best of what Vita has to offer. The ability to switch characters in and out of the gameplay and possess their different weapons and skills, to see different effects on the game earns top recognition from my side. Easy, quick and exciting; there’s no reason as to why you wouldn’t like the game!

Pokémon X & Y

Pokémon X and Y make up the 6th generation of the series. The latest installment of the franchise is mainly focused on the community. From the very beginning of your journey into the game, there isn’t a moment where you’d feel alone.

Plot (3/5)
This is partly due to the group of NPC friends that you’ll be heading out with. From the start of your campaign, these guys will remain with you at all times along the way. Apart from that the beginning is pretty much how it’s supposed to be; you’ll get to pick your first Pokémon from 3 starters. But the ones that don’t make the cut will be chosen by your team. Similarly, you will be facing such decisions up ahead which will offer small choices but your decisions will have quite an impact on how you progress.

The companionship, like stated before, is indeed a strong feature, but it isn’t just due to your NPC friends. The new player search system is the main ingredient which makes this game all the while interesting. It uses your 3DS’ net/wireless connectivity to give you a list of real life trainers who’d be playing the game near you. They will all be bunched along as passers-by but after interactions, they can also be promoted as acquaintances or friends. The various sorts of interactions that you can do with them including trading, gifting powers and messaging, are the real treat and the main reason why you will feel as if you’re playing with an entire network of trainers.


Gameplay (4/5)
Other than that, another key feature of the game is the fast progression. Unlike the previous installments, you will now be able to progress at a fairly quicker speed. In the very first few minutes of your game, you’ll already secure remarkable achievements such as your first gym badge. You’ll also acquire roller skates, which are a lifesaver that won’t let you die of boredom while you traverse the map.

It’s good to see more new additions in the series such as the Pokémon-amie, an interface in which you can play, pet or feed your Pokémon. This feature is a well-crafted distraction from the main storyline.
The franchise had long been lurking towards full 3D but Pokémon X and Y have at last taken the final step towards it. The switch to 3D has made way for some mesmerizing graphics in the game. Further enhancements include the ability to move diagonally across the world which is a refreshing change from the rather shackled, four directional movement.

Final Thoughts
With a history as rich as the Pokémon franchise’s, it must be very difficult to manage new installments. However, the developers have laid it all down quite well, and the game, instead of being depressed, is rather excited by its rich history. The latest installment is not only just a monster-hunting RPG but is also a decent social networking tool. And these two key features of the game are set to revolutionize the series to an extent where even the fans that had given up on the series wouldn’t mind giving this one a try.

Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God

Simply put, you wouldn’t find a simpler and more straightforward game on the Vita than Sorcery Saga. The game is a dungeon-crawler in its entirety; a dungeon-crawler that would surely have you going crazy thanks to its insanity.

Why am I saying that? Because I want to remind you how awful the subtitle sounds if you’ve happened to overlook it. “Curse of the Great Curry God” – what was Compile Heart thinking with that?

Plot (2/5)
And it just doesn’t conclude on the subtitle; the storyline is flat out bizarre as well. Let me walk you through it: you’re a heroic young girl named Pupuru who’s in a quest to save a curry restaurant that her friend owns. Why does it require being saved? Well, because it’s being battered in the market by a huge curry chain restaurant which happens to have opened up nearby. In order to do this, you have to put together the ingredients for a legendary curry. But making that task difficult for you is the owner of the curry chain who has eavesdropped on your plan and has sent a team of his own in search of the same ingredients.

Plus, you have this Pokemon-looking creature that accompanies you in your quest, which is also a pain in the neck as it keeps crying and attracting monsters if you don’t feed it constantly. Furthermore, it doesn’t just end on the occasional chat-ups with a disturbingly-dressed young girl who keeps uttering about the Curry God as there’s also an evil prince who’s overly obsessed with you and wants you as his future wife. And it is possible that the Pokemon-looking thingy is that prince’s father.

Yup, just your routine story.


Gameplay (1/5)
Anyhow, I might add that Sorcery Saga’s overly complex story can obscure the fact that the game is astonishingly simple – AND astonishingly stupid. Going through every dungeon, you have to grind your way out while carefully attempting to build up your stats. When you’re done, you do it all over in the next dungeon. Apart from getting the feeling of being stuck in a time loop, what drains whatever that is left of your excitement is starting back at Level 1 regardless of your progress in the previous dungeon.

Yes, it doesn’t matter how strong you might’ve grown in the first dungeon as in the next one you’ll start over from ground zero.

On the bright side, crafting across the game allows you to carry a variety of weapons into each new dungeon, which means you have a fighting chance. But if you die, which you certainly will, you lose all of them. Fun, right!?

Final Thoughts
Of course, this is where the ‘interesting’ storyline plays its part. If there is one good thing about Sorcery Saga, it is the storyline’s ability to draw you in and keep you occupied. Although you’ll pretty much be fighting the odds in this terribly difficult dungeon-crawler all the time, but you would be doing so happily, thanks to the oh-so-jolly ambiance of the game.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW!

You can guess the genre as the name suggests, “Explore the Dungeon” is a dungeon crawler in its entirety. It offers you a 100-floor labyrinth that needs to be completed.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! on the 3DS is shameful. Yes, I’m sure there are an insane amount of fans of the retro games niche but when they’ll play a game as lazy as this one, they’d rather feel ashamed of their favorite genre. The whole game basically seems a rush-job, with awful animations all around and cut-scenes looking as if they were made using MS Paint.

Plot (1/5)
Although the game comes without any solid plot, that’s fine. The story revolves around you following Princess Bubblegum’s orders and trying to get to the bottom of prisoners’ outbreaks from the dungeon. You can choose Finn, Marceline, Jake or Cinnamon Bun along with a few other unlockable characters. But it doesn’t really matter as to which character you choose because the story is entirely the same with each choice.


Gameplay (1/5)
The same lack of effort can be seen in the overall gameplay as well. Moving at a snail’s pace with no option to run seems a nightmare in itself, but it is coupled with a perpetual frame-rate issue. In simple words, the entire game seems to run in slow motion.

You have the routine button configuration with buttons for attack, block, dodge, super power and sub-weapons. The worst part is that you don’t even need mix any of these up as your normal attacks are enough to help you move along the game.

All the different characters have their own distinctive styles or powers. Jake and Marceline allow you to traverse gaps whereas Fin enables you to equip more items. But in the end it doesn’t really matter which character you choose as regardless of your selection, you can breeze through the game without any serious challenges. Boring, right?

Yeah, the first few floors are a good start to the game. But you would soon realize that each level is a flat-out repeat of the previous one and you’re pretty much stuck in a timeloop for 10 levels unless a new theme arises.

The enemies are poorly designed and barely resemble characters from the animated series, and the bosses are no different. The dungeon layouts are based upon the same formula which consists of a staircase that is always on the opposite end of your starting point. The vague foe designs plus the inability to gain experience from killing them couple to ensure you that you’re only wasting your time ‘exploring’ in Explore the Dungeon.

Final Thoughts
I honestly believe that while this game was under its development process for the 3DS, somebody should’ve had a look and scrapped the project completely. Because it is safe to say that Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! is a total disaster and WayForward has really set an example for others now.