Sonic: All Stars Racing Transformed: PS3 Review

Sonic: All Stars Racing Transformed: PS3 Review

Released by SEGA
Platform: PS3
Rating: G

Sonic's back - and this time, he's bringing a lot more speed with him.

There's racing games aplenty currently on the PS3 - so games need to have a bit of a hook to help them stand out from the rest of the crowd. Developers SEGA know this for Sonic; that he's not quite the name pull that he used to be - so they've come up with an idea solution for a bit more attention to the old racing game.

This time around, the karts transform randomly during the race.

One minute you're drifting as either Sonic, Tails, or, erm Wreck It Ralph (think he has a movie out) and the next you're suddenly in the air or on the water, looking to boost your place in the race and to take the gold star at the end of the level.

Various weapons litter the tracks all over the place - and plenty of other racers serve as target practice - but it's up to you how you fly - or don't - in this. You can select difficulty, characters and karts as you go along, you can choose to sticker your kart as well; from battle arena, grand prix to world tour, there are plenty of options for longevity of game as well as multiplayer split screening. Along with the chance to unlock new characters, there's certainly enough to do if you're so disposed.

Here's the thing with Sonic: All Stars Racing Transformed: it's about nothing more than fun.

It's not going to change the universe and it certainly won't niggle at you for hours on end as you puzzle over how to crack a code. It's simply about kicking back, disengaging the brain, staring at the multitude of colours and just enjoying the damn thing. Granted, it's not perfect with moments where you go off track unexpectedly and struggle to get back in the game - and occasionally, when zipping about in the air, the controls aren't as responsive as you'd hope for a quick racing game - but Sonic: All Stars Racing Transformed is exceptionally cute gaming which is bright, breezy and a bit of fun.

Sonic: All Stars Racing Transformed will work very well with the younger spectrum of gamers - its combination of colourful on track gaming and random condition changing means the young won't get lost and confused in the game. While older people may give this a cursory glance, it's playable bubble gum entertainment - nothing serious and something a bit light and fluffy for the Christmas break.

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Disney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two: PS 3 Review

Disney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two: PS 3 Review

Platform: PS3
Released by THQ

Mickey Mouse's back in the sequel to erm, Epic Mickey...

Mickey and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit are returned to the Wasteland, and have to join forces to try and save the day. Mickey has his paint brush, paint and thinner and Oswald has his lucky electricity to help make a difference to the wasteland where stacks of forgotten characters live.

I have to admit I've not played the first game, so can't really compare, but I did quite love the mechanics of using Mickey's paint brush to create and give life to parts of the world around him, and to build and remove other parts - it's a neat touch.

One other relatively impressive touch is the co-op element needed to get through this title. Both Oswald and Mickey need to work together to achieve their goals. It means you can either play as one person or as a two player game together, which will be a nice touch for the kids to keep them occupied on the inevitably rainy days during the summer.

Graphically, the house of Mouse looks pretty impressive with the characters brought to life in a way which is both cartoonish and cute; and backgrounds and worlds are vividly portrayed. Story wise, it's not quite as great as it could be but it still has a certain amount of charm as you play through the platformer - even if some of the voiceover starts to grate as you try to work out exactly what you're supposed to do.

Overall, Disney Epic Mickey 2 - The Power of Two is certainly playable enough if you're of the younger persuasion. It has a charm and cuteness which is in keeping with the feel of all Disney titles and it's platformer which while not spectacular will find a certain audience during the holiday period.

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Jack Reacher: Movie Review

Jack Reacher: Movie Review

Cast: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, David Oyolewo, Werner Herzog, Robert Duvall
Director: Christopher McQuarrie

So, here it is then, the Reacher movie that has fans of the Reacher novels so incensed with its casting.
Even though the writer of them, Lee Child, has given his approval to the lead, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher.

In downtown Pittsburgh, a sniper kills five people, seemingly randomly. A series of clues lead the police easily to the criminal, named Barr, believed to be behind this attack. When questioned, the suspect writes only one thing to the police - "Get Jack Reacher"....Ex-military cop Reacher sees the case and joins the attorney Helen (Rosamund Pike) who's defending Barr.

But as Reacher begins to investigate further, a wider conspiracy opens up...

Based on the novel One Shot (the 9th of some 16 Reacher books), it's clear that Jack Reacher isn't going to satisfy the vocal masses who are unhappy with the casting of Cruise as the titular hero. I've not read the books, but I am acutely aware of the fact that Reacher's supposed to be 6'5", brawny and with blond hair. And yes, based on Cruise on screen, he's clearly not all that. But with a casting that's been approved by the author of the books himself, saying that "Cruise brings 100% to the character with only 90% of the height," I'm pretty sure that should be enough for the fans.

So, as a non-Reacher fan, I have to say Cruise brings a focussed, much pared down performance, with nary a sighting of his trademark megawatt smile and manic energy in the Jack Reacher movie. In fact, if anything, this is a darker and more opaque Cruise than we've come to expect - an outsider, a character (a drifter natch) who inhabits a morally grey area and is not above using a bit of violence and intimidation to get what he needs to. Reacher is an interesting character on screen and verges on anti hero as the action plays out. In some ways, a sinewy rough looking Cruise plays him as a traditional drifter and loner type, a guy who you want on your side for vengeance but wouldn't want to cross at other times.

But then there are the other moments in this film which border on the pantomime - Reacher curls up his hand into a fist when he's angry, Rosamund Pike spends an inordinate amount of time overacting, demonstrating with wide eyed horror the reality of what's going on as it hits her and there's some pretty borderline comical dialogue in places too - Barr describes Reacher as a man "who doesn't care about proof, doesn't care about the law, he only cares about the truth." (The kind of writing which works well on the page, but doesn't cut it on the big screen.) And also, the plot is a little muddled in terms of resolution / motivation of those involved - I wasn't quite 100% sure what the wider conspiracy was fully about - which is a bit of a surprise from the film.

The casting of whispering Werner Herzog as a survivor of a Russian gulag who had to chew off his own fingers before gangrene got them is an inspired one. The madcap director adds such menace to his hushed lines as the Zec that you really wish you'd seen more of him throughout - and certainly the denouement and ultimate showdown is a bit of a letdown. Likewise, Robert Duvall shows up late in the piece as a crucial character but nonetheless adds a certain spikiness to the proceedings.

McQuarrie's also brought some impressive touches to the directing of the action sequences. In some ways, they're very traditional - a bar brawl and a car chase - but they're exceptionally realistic, shot in duration rather than a gratuitous number of cuts and really impress in their lack of showiness and restraint. And a final showdown in a quarry, with rain dampening down the action is the least Hollywood fight sequence I've seen in a long time.

Be advised though, this Jack Reacher movie is not a Hollywood blockbuster by its usual standards - there's not gratuitous explosions and trite bon mots; it's a film of intensity and surprises - though if you're a Reacher fan, it may take a heck of a lot to get you in the cinema in the first place. My advice though, is to give it a (one) shot - you may well be pleasantly surprised.

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Brand new Star Trek Into Darkness trailer

Brand new Star Trek Into Darkness trailer

Hot on the heels of the recent teaser trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness and the reveal of who Benedict Cumberbatch is playing in Star Trek Into Darkness, comes something new and exciting

A new Star Trek Into Darkness trailer is here - and a brand new viral campaign for Star Trek Into Darkness has been unveiled too. AreYouthe1701.com has launched - see if you can spot it in the trailer...


See who the villain of Star Trek Into Darkness is here....

The announcement Star Trek Into Darkness trailer has landed....

Watch the Star Trek Into Darkness trailer.



And as if that wasn't exciting enough, the Japanese trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has 15 seconds more footage - here it is...including a rather worrying homage to Star Trek The Wrath of Khan - is this where we see the demise of Zachary Quinto's Spock???

Star Trek Into Darkness synopsis

In 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness.

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Returning again will be NZ’s own Karl Urban, along with a cast that includes Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Benedict Cumberbatch.  

Star Trek Into Darkness: releases in NZ on 16 May 2013.

Total Recall: Blu Ray Review

Total Recall: Blu Ray Review

Rating: M
Released by Sony Home Entertainment

It's the 2012 version of Total Recall...this time with no Arnie in sight.

Following the break out of a chemical Third World War which devastated the planet, the world is divided into two major colonies in the 21st Century - the United Federations of Britain and The Colonies.

The two ends of the Earth are joined by a giant gravity elevator, The Fall, which joins them via the Earth's core - and is used daily as a commute for the workers. 

Factory worker Douglas Quaid (Farell) leads a boring existence; he has a crummy job working on building robot synthetic police, lives in a bit of a slum and with a beautiful wife, Lori (Beckinsale).

Troubled by nightmares in which he appears to be a spy, Quaid decides to visit Rekall, a company which provides its clients with fake memories of a life they'd like to lead.

But when the trip to Rekall goes haywire, Quaid finds himself on the run.

This Total Recall remake ramps up the political aspects of the original and leaves aside any notion of anything other than mediocrity.

Granted, Wiseman's created a dark and greying dystopian future, with cityscapes which have hints of Blade Runner and slums proliferating his United Federal Britain and the Colonies.

But it's a CGI shade too far and gives the whole experience a distinct computer game feel, with sections playing out like the latest videogame - escape from Rekall, escape over rooftops, run from the synths, avoid your wife who's trying to shoot the hell out of you etc etc.

Still it is Len Wiseman after all - he who created the slow mo violence of the Underworld series, a trick he employs once again here as bullets fly right from the start.

Farrell acts better than Schwarzenegger (that's a given perhaps) but there is never any real edge to his continually confused and on the run Quaid throughout; Biel is a little more than just wet as his resistance co-fighter, Nighy is criminally underused as the leader of the insurgence, Matthias; Cranston manages to keep it the right side of evil rather than hamming it up as Cohaagen, a politico hell-bent on world domination and Beckinsale is a hard faced but yet pouty would be killer/wife from hell.

Yet occasionally, there are some pleasing visual touches- a flying car chase scene provides some thrills and breaks up the continual Farrell vs Beckinsale chases; plus some of the potential upgrades of technology deployed look totally plausible and just within our reach.

It's a shame because the 2012 version of Total Recall could have done with a little more of that spark of originality rather than trotting out predictably formulaic action sequences which make the whole film instantly forgettable and present a spectacle, lacking in real grandeur. Whereas the original film had iconic moments and ones which have lived on for good or for bad, this latest, really doesn't have anything which lingers long in the mind afterwards.

Extras: Theatrical release,extended release, director's commentary, featurettes - a good solid bunch.

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LEGO Lord of the Rings: PS3 Review

LEGO Lord of the Rings: PS3 Review

Released by Travellers Tales
Platform: PS3

It's all about The Hobbit at the moment, isn't it, my preciouses?

From the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in cinemas, you can't really escape Middle Earth at the moment - and now those clever developers Travellers Tales have got in on the act as well with the release of the LEGO version of the Lord of the Rings.

And what a LEGO game it is.

It's fair to say the most recent LEGO game releases have skewed more kid friendly and have been less than challenging, almost stale with overkill. So, the developers have taken that on board and have changed the game this time around - and it soars because of it.

The game follows the series pretty closely - although, I've yet to work out if there's an extended version of LEGO LOTR where you get an extra few hours play - in that you play Frodo and the rest of the Hobbits as they head out on the quest to get rid of the one ring to rule them all. You also get to play as the rest of the crew - from Gandalf to Aragorn, everyone gets a go at being part of the Fellowship.

While the basic tenets of the LEGO game remain in check (from stud collecting to puzzle solving) the developers have opened up parts of the world to a larger scale and it really benefits for it. As well as searching for bricks, you also get to take part in quests and carry out little tasks around Middle Earth, which take you slightly away from the main storyline, but allow for a bit more scale and scope which has been lacking in previous titles. The open world gives a welcome change to a format which has become a little tired and stale and in need of a spruce up. Plus in 2 player mode, it gives a chance for a bit more fun.

Graphically, as you'd hope for a LOTR series which was always about the scenery, the backgrounds are pretty stunning and true to what Peter Jackson and WETA set out to create. And the biggest bonus of the whole thing - having the original actors voice their characters. It's a surprise I hadn't been expecting to be honest and it's a touch which shows that Travellers Tales actually cared about this latest release - and the fans who would flock to it. It's a welcome move and one which adds to the Rings and Tolkein canon.

Sure, there's still a pretty strong emphasis on puzzle solving, item gathering and platforming but this is a game which actually revitalises the whole LEGO gaming format which desperately needed a revamp.

By adding in the quests, utilising the original voice talent and giving this an open world feel, it very nearly scales the heights of epic - and shows there's life in the old bricks yet.

Roll on the LEGO Hobbit...

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PlayStation All Star Battle Royale: PS VITA Review

PlayStation All Star Battle Royale: PS VITA Review

Platform: PS3 / PS Vita
Released by Sony Computer Entertainment

When it comes down to it, haven't you always wanted to know who would win in a fight between Sackboy and Ratchet? Between Parappa the rapper and Jak and Daxter?

If not, then jog on, because you're not needed here.

If the answer's yes, then the right beat'em'up has just arrived on your doorstep. There's no real plot here to be honest - you just pick a player of some of Sony's greatest and most rated and fight your opponents to the death, building up power and strength of smackdowns to finish them off. The one with the most beat downs, wins and goes on to the next game.

Rocket science it ain't - great fun, it certainly is.

On the VITA, the graphics are clear and concise and while occasionally the scope of the battle arena means you're looking at a smaller character to take in the gorgeous backgrounds from other games - but it's a visual sacrifice worth taking as you unleash a smackdown on the baddies.

From the likes of Nathan Drake, Sackboy, Sly Cooper, Fat Princess, Ratchet, Jak, Kratos, there's certainly one hell of a talent roster to call on. And each has their own set of skills to bring down on the opponent. Using the super moves, (a tiered power move) you have more at your disposal to help you win your bout. From combo moves to slick graphics, it's a game which visually hits all the right buttons. With the concise OLED screen, it means that the eye never really suffers as the game goes on. It takes time to get used to the best of the characters and at first, that's hard as the majesty of the game unfolds.

Away from arcade mode, there are other challenges, moves to complete, games to resolve and content to unlock - plus there's also the hint that further downloadable content is on the way in the form of other unlockable characters (I'm hoping for Crash Bandicoot to be frank with you), so there's certainly a long life ahead in this franchise. Online gaming and multiplayer modes exist to give this title a bit more of a social feel as well

PlayStation All Star Battle Royale reminds you of the great talent and iconic characters created by Sony and now you can make them fight for your pleasure. Fun and cartoonishly violent, this is a simply playable game which is portable and guaranteed to keep you amused either at the bach or in the car on the way to the beach this summer.

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