Truama Center: Second Opinion for the Nintendo Wii. Rated Teen.
First off, to tell the honest truth, I don't own a Nintendo DS, in which the original game (Trauma Center: Under The Knife) was brought to life. The difference between the two are minimal, such as a small cut (no pun intended) in what one has to do during the surgery sessions. The additions include that every time one chapter is finished, an extra chapter about a Doctor Nozomi, where you find bits and pieces of her life and use her to save lives as well as your original character, Dr. Stiles.
Of course there will be questions asked. Three years a surgeon and he doesn't know how to properly sew stitches? Three years a doctor and he doesn't recognize the antibiotic gel they've been using (which, by the way, is completely futuristic). Three years a surgeon and the hospital still allowed you to not only stay there, but you never realized you had the Healing Touch?
However, as a video game, we are able to forgive these and continue onward to see what kinds of tumors we're to extract.
But as the game continues, we find that we're not just going against any regular diseases. Suddenly, GUILT (Gangliated Utrophin Immuno Latency Toxin... Whatever the heck that really means) rears it's ugly head. In the form of some type of Pokemon. No, there aren't Pokemon inside of everyone. But, I guess this is just how they decided to show the disease so one can defeat it. By using what they call the "Healing Touch," Dr. Stiles (whom you play) slows down how fast everything is reacting so you can work faster.
The game play itself is actually pretty fancy, considering it takes a bit more concentration than the DS version. One can quickly use the stylus to stitch up a victim, or clamp down on glass. There were some parts that I was stuck on because of the touchy-ness of the game, but, overall, I've actually become an "S Surgeon" (the highest score!). Of course, there is always the hospital drama, but they tend to just keep going because, in a real hospital, they take things into consideration, but they're more worried about saving the patient and closing up the wounds. Except for those persistent glass pieces. You just need to take those in stride and never question.
And also know that there will be a time when one is a doctor that using the same tools as on a patient, you will dismember a bomb.
All in all, this game is fun, challenging and, though the action is all in your own hands, not the facial expressions of the characters around you, it actually keeps you involved.
Did I mention that if a mission is too hard, you can change it to easy to pass it and practice?
This game receives a well drawn out yeti call, which probably sounds like a moose mingled with an African swallow.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
Right By The Head
SSX Blur for the Wii. Rated E for Everyone.
Or is it?
First of all, it's important to note that, not only is this a snowboarding game, but it's completely not an original type of snowboarding game. Instead of the plain ol' 360 turns or a once in a while flip, as points go up during the game for landed tricks, soon one can do "uber tricks," such as doing the worm on the snowboard or other impossible tricks.
The main thing that I have stressed multiple times is that the Wii takes a lot to get used to. Between the actual moving of the controller one uses and trying to learn the new controls to the game in the first place, SSX Blur is actually a game that I'm sure is fun once you realize that by playing the Wii, you're going back to the basics, the days when one used to play Mario Kart 64 and lean as one made the huge turn in hopes one wouldn't hit the wall.
And this isn't much different.
Using the nunchuck, which is held with the left hand (unless you can have the choice for left-handed people), one presses forward to go, but by tilting the nunchuck left or right to go left or right.
In the other hand is the Wiimote. Now, in the original games, after going off of a jump, pressing buttons is the best thing to do. The more one presses, the more points and the crazier the trick can get. I wondered how the buttons would be pressed on newer controller until I read the directions in the booklet; you tilt the Wiimote side to side or up and down to do turns or flips in the air.
So, basically, the game is like rubbing your tummy and patting your head. Or rubbing your head and patting your tummy. Whichever is harder. And if someone has mastered this, prepare to be stumped.
However, as soon as the controls are down, I'm sure this game is a great piece of work. There are returning characters from the previous games, though the style they're shown through is slightly different, a bit more cartoonish. Of course, this game is only on the Wii, so the looks don't have to accommodate all the systems.
By winning races or gaining points through trick sessions on the mountain, one can get more accessories and up the characters so they're easier to control, just like the others.
It's even on the same mountains as SSX Tricky 3.
Giving the situation of confusing controls, this game is just a regular yeti. After I master the game, it'll take a long time to actually get someone to be able to play, just as I'd done before with the other games. And, considering I want people to have a good experience when they play the Wii with me (especially since it's my party system), I'm going to wait before actually yanking this one out for everyone to play.
Or is it?
First of all, it's important to note that, not only is this a snowboarding game, but it's completely not an original type of snowboarding game. Instead of the plain ol' 360 turns or a once in a while flip, as points go up during the game for landed tricks, soon one can do "uber tricks," such as doing the worm on the snowboard or other impossible tricks.
The main thing that I have stressed multiple times is that the Wii takes a lot to get used to. Between the actual moving of the controller one uses and trying to learn the new controls to the game in the first place, SSX Blur is actually a game that I'm sure is fun once you realize that by playing the Wii, you're going back to the basics, the days when one used to play Mario Kart 64 and lean as one made the huge turn in hopes one wouldn't hit the wall.
And this isn't much different.
Using the nunchuck, which is held with the left hand (unless you can have the choice for left-handed people), one presses forward to go, but by tilting the nunchuck left or right to go left or right.
In the other hand is the Wiimote. Now, in the original games, after going off of a jump, pressing buttons is the best thing to do. The more one presses, the more points and the crazier the trick can get. I wondered how the buttons would be pressed on newer controller until I read the directions in the booklet; you tilt the Wiimote side to side or up and down to do turns or flips in the air.
So, basically, the game is like rubbing your tummy and patting your head. Or rubbing your head and patting your tummy. Whichever is harder. And if someone has mastered this, prepare to be stumped.
However, as soon as the controls are down, I'm sure this game is a great piece of work. There are returning characters from the previous games, though the style they're shown through is slightly different, a bit more cartoonish. Of course, this game is only on the Wii, so the looks don't have to accommodate all the systems.
By winning races or gaining points through trick sessions on the mountain, one can get more accessories and up the characters so they're easier to control, just like the others.
It's even on the same mountains as SSX Tricky 3.
Giving the situation of confusing controls, this game is just a regular yeti. After I master the game, it'll take a long time to actually get someone to be able to play, just as I'd done before with the other games. And, considering I want people to have a good experience when they play the Wii with me (especially since it's my party system), I'm going to wait before actually yanking this one out for everyone to play.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Smooth Moves
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. Rated E for Everyone.
I find it odd that I haven't really done any Wii games, but I suppose it's because the system is new and the controls could be confusing to anyone who hasn't played the game before. But then I thought it was ridiculous to consider that. So, here it is: one of the best games to get for the Wii.
Wario had a game like this for the Nintendo DS (a wonderful system to those of you who don't know). It's the same effect, and I've said that the Wii is kind of like a Wii, except with more benefits, but the DS has two small screens, whereas this is fantastic to play with friends and family.
The beginning starts out with Wario's food being stolen by some weird creature. He chases the guy down to a place where he finds the Wiimote and... we go immediately into a mini game session.
I guess what I find the most amusing part of the game is the parts where you learn the different "positions" for the Wiimote to be placed into; it's not that it makes it fantastically fun and intense, but it's the way they pronounce it. I'm not sure if you guys have ever heard of Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, but it's shown to us a lot like those used to be shown on SNL. The first we learn is The Remote; you hold the Wiimote like a remote to do the next game, which is usually something easy, like shaving the hair off of someone's cheek--you have to do it in a certain amount of time, and on other games, there are usually some restrictions.
There's also The Umbrella, The Waiter and, my favorite, The Samurai. The purpose of each of these are the explanations of how to hold the Wiimote (though it normall has nothing to do with the actual name). Such as, while doing The Big Cheese (commemorating the CEO), a mini game to go with it could be Hula Hooping. The Umbrella pose could have you playing Mario, bouncing the Wiimote to have him get the coins within the blocks.
As the game continues within those mini games, it gets quicker and quicker, causing an intensity and tension I'd never thought possible for a "kids game." I did get rather frustrated at times when I didn't understand what the game wanted me to do, but each mini game gives you four tries to finish the "section."
As for multiplayer, the cool thing is that you only need one Wiimote--when it's the other players turn, you just switch the controller around. At first, I thought it was rather dumb, especially considering Nintendo has been giving huge warnings as about Wii straps. As it is, I think that, in general, people should just realize that, with all video games, if one doesn't take care, then problems will arise. I haven't had one problem with my own Wii-ing experience. Yet, I suppose behind every rule/caution/warning, there is a name.
Up to twelve people can play this game. Twelve. Can you imagine? I could get my entire family/friends at Christmas to play this game at once, and we'd all be engaged and laughing as we went.
I suppose the only harsh realties of the game itself is that it does, indeed, take some time to get used to. As I said before, I was confused at times as to what the game wanted me to do. Also, it's a good idea to make sure one is far away from the sensor because the Wiimote will be doing a lot of moving around, with the mini games and passing of the Wiimote. Make sure to point the Wiimote at the sensor bar.
Also, the graphics aren't exactly anything amazing. I don't mind, because I'm more about gameplay/storyline, but for those of you who want to drool at graphics like while looking at Final Fantasy XIII or Halo 3, this is more like... well, a cartoon.
As it is, I can't stop raving about the game. It's fun, hilarious and more random than any game I've played yet. And I highly recommend this for showing off the Wii's capabilities and wanting someone to buy the system. The children will love it, as will anyone else. I give this a full hearty fingers of a yeti up.
I find it odd that I haven't really done any Wii games, but I suppose it's because the system is new and the controls could be confusing to anyone who hasn't played the game before. But then I thought it was ridiculous to consider that. So, here it is: one of the best games to get for the Wii.
Wario had a game like this for the Nintendo DS (a wonderful system to those of you who don't know). It's the same effect, and I've said that the Wii is kind of like a Wii, except with more benefits, but the DS has two small screens, whereas this is fantastic to play with friends and family.
The beginning starts out with Wario's food being stolen by some weird creature. He chases the guy down to a place where he finds the Wiimote and... we go immediately into a mini game session.
I guess what I find the most amusing part of the game is the parts where you learn the different "positions" for the Wiimote to be placed into; it's not that it makes it fantastically fun and intense, but it's the way they pronounce it. I'm not sure if you guys have ever heard of Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy, but it's shown to us a lot like those used to be shown on SNL. The first we learn is The Remote; you hold the Wiimote like a remote to do the next game, which is usually something easy, like shaving the hair off of someone's cheek--you have to do it in a certain amount of time, and on other games, there are usually some restrictions.
There's also The Umbrella, The Waiter and, my favorite, The Samurai. The purpose of each of these are the explanations of how to hold the Wiimote (though it normall has nothing to do with the actual name). Such as, while doing The Big Cheese (commemorating the CEO), a mini game to go with it could be Hula Hooping. The Umbrella pose could have you playing Mario, bouncing the Wiimote to have him get the coins within the blocks.
As the game continues within those mini games, it gets quicker and quicker, causing an intensity and tension I'd never thought possible for a "kids game." I did get rather frustrated at times when I didn't understand what the game wanted me to do, but each mini game gives you four tries to finish the "section."
As for multiplayer, the cool thing is that you only need one Wiimote--when it's the other players turn, you just switch the controller around. At first, I thought it was rather dumb, especially considering Nintendo has been giving huge warnings as about Wii straps. As it is, I think that, in general, people should just realize that, with all video games, if one doesn't take care, then problems will arise. I haven't had one problem with my own Wii-ing experience. Yet, I suppose behind every rule/caution/warning, there is a name.
Up to twelve people can play this game. Twelve. Can you imagine? I could get my entire family/friends at Christmas to play this game at once, and we'd all be engaged and laughing as we went.
I suppose the only harsh realties of the game itself is that it does, indeed, take some time to get used to. As I said before, I was confused at times as to what the game wanted me to do. Also, it's a good idea to make sure one is far away from the sensor because the Wiimote will be doing a lot of moving around, with the mini games and passing of the Wiimote. Make sure to point the Wiimote at the sensor bar.
Also, the graphics aren't exactly anything amazing. I don't mind, because I'm more about gameplay/storyline, but for those of you who want to drool at graphics like while looking at Final Fantasy XIII or Halo 3, this is more like... well, a cartoon.
As it is, I can't stop raving about the game. It's fun, hilarious and more random than any game I've played yet. And I highly recommend this for showing off the Wii's capabilities and wanting someone to buy the system. The children will love it, as will anyone else. I give this a full hearty fingers of a yeti up.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Things To Look For
All right, I've decided to make this post for things that people should be looking for in the GAMES TO COME! I'm excited for a few things, so why not get you guys involved as well?
Kingdom Hearts: Playing through the first one, the second, and so comes the third. Highly, highly recommend this game, especially because not only does each game continue to get better, but it's got killer gameplay, graphics and plotline. I've been a believer since the beginning, and my excitement for this upcoming one is only killed by the fact that I'm afraid it'll only be on the PS3, which is a system I'm still teetering about ever buying. Not sure when this'll be out.
Halo 3: When this first came out, who wasn't excited? And if you weren't at that point, this had to do you in. Shivers down the spine with every watch--basically guaranteed. Between graphics and the thickening plot (and awesome multiplayer), pick this up when possible (Novemberish).
Super Smash Brothers Brawl: Remember that commercial for the 64 version? And then they came out with The One that still continually played to prove one's skills with the Gamecube. And with the Wii's success, Brawl will be the next big game to prove one's skillz (with a 'z' this time, respectively). Wait for June to play.
Super Mario Galaxy: Rumored to be a sequel to Super Mario 64, it's difficult to say that the game won't at least be awesometastic. Everyone knows there'll be the lame swimming sections, but the game itself is something so different (as anything on the Wii is), one has to try it. Believe April for playing.
Phantom Hourglass: If anyone is like me (a freak for Zelda games), become excited! The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is what one needs to get hyped up for. After Twilight Princess, I don't think I'm the only one who screamed "I want more!" And, if my eyes don't decieve me, there is a fairy! Expect this in November, too.
God of War III: Ha. I know, the second just came out. Why speak of the 3rd as if it's already in development? Because, well, we all know it's coming. We just don't know when. Until then, kittens, beat the second at least three times. On the hardest level. Then complain.
Final Fantasy XIII: Again, I know. With XII accomplished, who need to be thinking so far ahead to XIII? Have you see the trailer? That's why. XII was good because it was one of the first games that didn't focus on love love love to get things done--and it was also the first for me to actually want more love to come out! But, as the graphics get better, and the gameplay gets better (and the boys keep getting cuter... and more like girls), then I have no complaints. Keep this one on the back of the mind as well, considering it's hard to actually pick out the date for when it'll come out, but December is told. It's a PS3 game, for sure. But, who knows? 360 could also pick this up.
Other Games: Wii Music, Super Paper Mario, Metriod Prime 3, Blue Dragon, Mario Party 8, The Miis (which is just like The Sims.. but with Miis, Animal Crossing (a new one!), Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, SSX Blur
Kingdom Hearts: Playing through the first one, the second, and so comes the third. Highly, highly recommend this game, especially because not only does each game continue to get better, but it's got killer gameplay, graphics and plotline. I've been a believer since the beginning, and my excitement for this upcoming one is only killed by the fact that I'm afraid it'll only be on the PS3, which is a system I'm still teetering about ever buying. Not sure when this'll be out.
Halo 3: When this first came out, who wasn't excited? And if you weren't at that point, this had to do you in. Shivers down the spine with every watch--basically guaranteed. Between graphics and the thickening plot (and awesome multiplayer), pick this up when possible (Novemberish).
Super Smash Brothers Brawl: Remember that commercial for the 64 version? And then they came out with The One that still continually played to prove one's skills with the Gamecube. And with the Wii's success, Brawl will be the next big game to prove one's skillz (with a 'z' this time, respectively). Wait for June to play.
Super Mario Galaxy: Rumored to be a sequel to Super Mario 64, it's difficult to say that the game won't at least be awesometastic. Everyone knows there'll be the lame swimming sections, but the game itself is something so different (as anything on the Wii is), one has to try it. Believe April for playing.
Phantom Hourglass: If anyone is like me (a freak for Zelda games), become excited! The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is what one needs to get hyped up for. After Twilight Princess, I don't think I'm the only one who screamed "I want more!" And, if my eyes don't decieve me, there is a fairy! Expect this in November, too.
God of War III: Ha. I know, the second just came out. Why speak of the 3rd as if it's already in development? Because, well, we all know it's coming. We just don't know when. Until then, kittens, beat the second at least three times. On the hardest level. Then complain.
Final Fantasy XIII: Again, I know. With XII accomplished, who need to be thinking so far ahead to XIII? Have you see the trailer? That's why. XII was good because it was one of the first games that didn't focus on love love love to get things done--and it was also the first for me to actually want more love to come out! But, as the graphics get better, and the gameplay gets better (and the boys keep getting cuter... and more like girls), then I have no complaints. Keep this one on the back of the mind as well, considering it's hard to actually pick out the date for when it'll come out, but December is told. It's a PS3 game, for sure. But, who knows? 360 could also pick this up.
Other Games: Wii Music, Super Paper Mario, Metriod Prime 3, Blue Dragon, Mario Party 8, The Miis (which is just like The Sims.. but with Miis, Animal Crossing (a new one!), Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party, SSX Blur
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
