Review #3: Portal 2 (XBOX 360)

9.5/10

In portal 2 you play as a character with a gun that creates portals essentially in single player you go in one and come out the other. This unique device allows incredibly complex puzzles to be solved, but in portal 2 there is a lot more than just portaling around. There are lasers, mirror cubes, weighted cubes, light bridges, and 3 types of goop with different effects that combine in so many ways that they can make your head spin.

It is hard to believe that the longer independent sequel to such a great first game could be fun, challenging and not get boring or repetitive. The puzzles start off easy but the difficulty elevates quickly. At points I found myself scratching my head trying to figure out what to do. One of my main worries was the plot I figured the game would become quickly boring and annoying, but the story is quite good. This game is a must for any fan of the original or anyone who feels like putting down that repetitive shooter and playing a game that requires some intense thought. Although I haven't mentioned it the co-op mode is also very fun with near impossible challenges. The puzzles might be frustrating if you can't get the solution, but very few games can provide the same sense of satisfaction as portal when you complete the test.

Positives: Unique game, great story, that undefinable portal magic, characters, this game has almost everything and it's available on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC so there is really no excuse

Negatives: the screen spinning when traveling through portals can be dizzying or sickening to some and occasionally it is frustrating to try and find the one spot you can place a portal in a giant room.

Review #2: NHL 10 (XBOX 360)

8.5/10

This Hockey game by EA sports is very powerful and realistic. The player can lock on and control only one player or play as the entire team. It also includes modes that allow you to be the manger of a team or control a player through their career.

While many of these features are great the real draw of sports games is the multiplayer aspect and this game has a great system. While connecting online isn't always fast shootouts and games versus other players are easy to come by and I've had very few disconnects. I normally play with my suite-mate Ryan on the same screen but this is a great game. Also the game does include elements of chance so even a superior player and team can have a few bad bounces and find themselves trailing late in the third allowing games to get heated especially when players are similar in skill level.

I know this is an older game, but with sports games becoming obsolete so quickly any individual that wants to get a good hockey game cheap should check out NHL 10.

Positives:

Multiplayer

Many Different Modes (Battle for the Cup- a personal favorite for a rivalry with Ryan)

Online Play (Shootouts and Full Games)

Good Graphics

Negatives:

Not the most current game

EA allows you to purchase upgrades for your custom skater (something I frown upon because it replaces hardwork with a few microsoft points)

AI when sharing a screen could have more hockey sense.

Review #1: Epic Combo!

6/10

Epic Combo is a game from armor games that is available online. This game features the player as a businessman who is paid for creating combos of flying turtle shells hitting things. Although you start with just a hammer it allows the player to build a contraption of spring platforms, mines, turrets and saw to increase their combo. The standard mode is a race to a 10,000 combo and the unlimited has no cap.

The game is fun but can be boring after you have a huge setup that you must wait for your shells to stop bouncing or end your combo early. The controls are also strange with the player swinging his hammer with spacebar and then waiting until that combo is over to swing again. The combos escalate rapidly and anyone willing to try can complete normal mode fairly easily.

Positives: original idea, many strategies, simple concept

Negatives: player input occurs at burst then long wait periods, very easy game with very little strategy.

Play it here: http://www.kongregate.com/games/ArmorGames/epic-combo

Note: I am in no way affiliated with armor games or Kongregate