Bionic Commando

The first series faithful to the classic 1988 Nintendo Entertainment System original, Bionic Commando marks the return of bionically enhanced Nathan "Rad" Spencer, the voice of Mike Patton, former lead singer of Faith No More. The weather was not kind to Spencer: Ten years after his heroic defeat of the Imperials in the original game, which was betrayed by the government sworn to serve, imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, and sentenced to death. The same day, Spencer execution, terrorists detonate a massive experimental weapon in Ascension City, unleashing an intense earthquake that has turned the city into ruins and its population annihilated. With the land and ruins of the air defense network of the city now control a large terrorist army whose goal is clear, the FSA has only one option left - an attack behind the lines. The perfect job for Bionic Commando. Bionic Commando door swing and the game shooting 8-bit original to a stunning 3D environment of towering buildings, roads and suspended monorails, deep canyons and steep rocks, where every environment is scalable to the balance between, climbing, rock climbing - walking techniques. With Mike Patton, former lead singer of Faith No More, as the voice of Nathan Spencer.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1882 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 013388340033

Published on: 2009-05

Released on: 2009-05-19

ESRB Rating: Mature

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .58" h x 5.22" w x 6.75" l, .30 pounds

Features

Bionic Commando brings the original 8-bit game into an era of high definition graphics

Explore the beautiful, free-roaming 3D world of Ascension City

Bionic arm allows players to swing, grapple, and attack enemies

Multiplayer options allow up to 10 simultaneous players

Nathan Spencer voiced by Mike Patton

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Bionic Commando is back, now on the PS3, 20 years after the NES classic was initially released. And returning with it is the swinging bionic arm game mechanic that made it so popular and critically acclaimed. Bionic Commando makes the move to 3D, and gamers will be able to grapple, swing, and scale a giant environment filled with buildings, canyons, and more.

There are many creative uses for your bionic arm. View larger.

Being able to swing and shoot is an essential skill. View larger.

Freely explore Ascension City and its outskirts. View larger.

Ten players can get it on the action at the same time. View larger.

Nathan Spencer is Back
Bionic Commando takes place 10 years after the 1988 game, with Nathan Spencer again the protagonist. Voiced by Mike Patton, ex-Faith No More singer, Spencer is betrayed by his government, falsely accused of murder and sentenced to execution. Just prior to his execution, however, the city is bombed and Spencer is asked to track down the terrorists in return for his freedom.

Bionic Arm Offers New Control Possibilities
Like in the original game, the bionic arm is what separates Bionic Commando from other games. With it, you can swing between buildings, grapple onto ledges and zip up, walk walls, pull apart the landscape, throw heavy objects, attack enemies, and more.

Giant, Sweeping World to Explore
As you swing around with your bionic arm, you'll be subjected to beautifully detailed scenery that ranges from Ascension City and its bridges and skyscrapers, to outdoor environments like canyons. By mastering different swinging techniques, players will be able to reach different areas and target enemies while mid-swing or even hanging upside down. If you misjudge your swing by even a little bit, you might find yourself plunging to your doom.

Swinging Multiplayer Fun for up to Ten Players
Bionic Commando allows up to 10 players at a time to get in on the swinging fun, finding new ways and techniques with the bionic arm to dispatch your friends and enemies. Maps are designed with the swing and gun game mechanic in mind, rewarding players who are adept at simultaneously swinging and aiming.

Bionic Commando is an updated and beautiful take on the classic, bringing the core elements of the 8-bit original into a beautiful, 3D world. Fans of the classic and newcomers alike will delight at the unique game play options that the bionic arm afford.

Amazon.com

Bionic Commando sees the return of the bionically-enhanced Nathan "Rad" Spencer, voiced by Mike Patton, the former lead singer of Faith No More. Time has not been kind to Spencer: 10 years after his heroic defeat of the Imperials in the original game, he has been betrayed by the government he swore to serve, imprisoned for crimes he didn't commit, and sentenced to death.

On the very day of Spencer's execution, terrorists detonate a massive experimental weapon in Ascension City, unleashing an intense earthquake that has turned the city into rubble and wiped out its population. With the terrain in ruins and the city's air defense grid now in the control of a massive terrorist force whose goal remains unclear, the FSA have only one option left - a behind-the-lines assault. The perfect job for a Bionic Commando.

Bionic Commando transposes the swing-and-shoot gameplay of the 8-bit original to a 3D environment of towering buildings, suspended roadways and monorails, deep canyons and sheer rock faces, where every environment is scalable using swinging, scaling, climbing and wall-walking techniques.

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Customer Reviews

Getting the swing of things.
My first day of playing this game yielded anger and frustration. I had a hard time attaching the wire and swinging where it didn't feel like I was just beating around, not to mention the screen gets all red when you start dying which makes it harder to see whats going on. I played the second day and was much better swinging by working the right stick better. Now I feel like I have a pretty good handle on the mechanics and have beaten it through once. All games have problems you will get tired of as does this game, but once you can control him you get a much better experience than initially. It has a learning curve without question, and now I am glad cause I appreciate it much more. Bottom line great game, entertaining, top-notch graphics. I highly recommend this game just don't expect to pick up the controller for the first time and be a pro. Stick with it and you'll get it down cold. Also the arm has plenty of beat down moves, I only use bullets to complete in game challenges so be ready to get your mechanical hand dirty. If you liked any of the BC series this one will definitely blow your hair back. (Don't let the nay sayers who can't adapt discourage you from this game)

The real deal...
This game is only for gamers who like a challenge. That being said, there are some people on here reviewing who are dishing out worthless information. The game is fun, exciting, and awesome. Multiplayer can be fun, but it isn't the selling point of the game. But who cares, at least it is in there.

I'm not going to make this long and drawn out. I played games such as Devil May Cry 3 and Ninja Gaiden Sigma. These games are so tough they will make your head spin. This game is not that frustrating, and if you enjoy 3rd person games then you will like this game. If you enjoyed the other Bionic Commando games then you will love this game.

Lastly, if anyone has the balls to diss the look of Nathan (the main character)...well if you actually played Bionic Commando Rearmed and didn't give up on that in 2 seconds, then you could have easily unlocked the classic skin for the new bionic commando. Now obviously if you sucked at that game...well then I guess you will be giving this a bad review as well...

Honestly, have fun with this game...Capcom always delivers.

Great Game!
Although I am a game dev, I rarely play games. I have bought limited only titles for my PS3, however Bionic Commando is by far the most enjoyable and challenging in my limited library. Not since I was 12 years old have I stayed up till 1:00am playing a video game!

Hats off to Grin and their breathtaking aesthetics and tech. I really hope this is the beginning of a long next gen franchise!

Price: $17.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

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Capcom Generation 3 (Japanese Import Video Game)

Only playable in Japanese or modded Playstation! Includes four great arcade games from Capcom: Vulgus and it exceeds shmups EXE, Pirate Ship and Sonson Higemaru are the titles of action and puzzles.

Product Details

ESRB Rating: Rating Pending

Platform: PlayStation

Features

Japanese Exclusive Arcade Game Compilation

Includes Four Excellent Games: Vulgus, SonSon, Higemaru and Exed Exes

Amazing Gameplay, Fun, Fast and Furious

Only Playable on Japanese or Modded Playstation

Price:

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Lost Planet 2

A decade has passed since the first game, and the face of EDN III is radically changed. Terraforming efforts have been successful and the ice begins to melt, giving way to lush rainforests and deserts ruthless hard. Players enter this new environment and to follow the exploits of their own personalized snow pirates in their attempt to take control of the planet changes. Players control their heroes with 6 episodes linked together, creating a new interactive experience that changes the actions of those involved. The intense campaign mode, full of action has the ability to form teams of up to 4 players online objectives clear mission with friends. Lost Planet 2 has a wide range of equipment for players to leave the unsuspecting foes. machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, lasers, sniper rifles, grenades and countless other weapons are scattered throughout the game However, Lost Planet 2 big guns come in two legs: the heavily armed and armored Vital Suits, robotics to return a greater number and variety than the first game. VS must be transformed into other vehicles, for up to three players and others who are even more players to work .

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #512 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 013388340187

Published on: 2010-05

Released on: 2010-05-11

ESRB Rating: Teen

Number of discs: 1

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .30 pounds

Features

A truly massive scale of enemies, and a rewards system in which players will receive rewards for assisting teammates and contributing to the team's success against them.

An unbelievable variety of Vital Suits and new ways to use them. The new VS system will have a powerful impact on the way the player takes to the war zone in Lost Planet 2.

4-player co-op and split-screen co-op locally allowing you to team up to battle the giant Akrid. Teamwork is the player's key to victory as team members are dependent on each other to succeed and survive.

RPG elements added to the game include character customization, experience points, evolution of the game based on players decisions and actions (single player).

Beautiful, massive environments brought to life by Capcom's advanced graphics engine, MT Framework 2.0, which reflects the next step in 3D game fidelity and performance.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

The next installment in the popular Lost Planet action series, Lost Planet 2 is a third-person shooter which continues the story of humanity's futuristic struggles and attempts at colonization on the planet E.D.N III. A blend of new RPG elements and features that made the original game a huge success, including massive boss battles against the alien Akrid creatures, rugged terrain, mech warfare and dynamic multiplayer support, Lost Planet 2 is sure to please both new and longtime fans of the franchise alike. A huge weapons arsenal. View larger. Massive Akrid bosses. View larger. New Vital Suit warfare. View larger. Co-op with split-screen functionality. View larger. Story Lost Planet 2, offers deeper insight into the world of E.D.N III, the fictional NEVEC (Neo-Venus Construction) Corporation's attempt to control the flow of Thermal Energy (T-ENG), that is the key to survival on the harsh planet, and the uncertain fate of mankind as they battle the huge insect creatures known as Akrid. A decade has passed since the events of the first game, and the face of E.D.N. III has changed dramatically. Terraforming efforts have been successful and the ice has begun to melt, giving way to lush tropical jungles and harsh unforgiving deserts. Players will enter this new environment and follow the exploits of their own customized snow pirate on their quest to seize control of the changing planet. Gameplay Lost Planet 2, like the original game in the series, is a third-person shooter featuring huge boss battles, challenging terrain and the ability to pop in and out of battle mechs, known in-game as Vital Suits. The primary difference in gameplay this time around hinges on the inclusion of RPG gameplay elements. Players can now customize many of the aspects of their playable snow pirate, including his physical attributes, clothing and to a certain extent, weaponry and gestures. Players will control these customized heroes across 6 interconnected episodes, creating a truly unique and interactive experience that changes depending upon the actions of the players involved. With this concept, players will have the opportunity to engage in the story in a much more dynamic way as plot threads evolve from different players' perspectives. Multiplayer Beyond the deep single player mode, Lost Planet 2 is loaded with extensive multiplayer modes and play options. This includes 16-player online versus action, as well as a 4-player online co-op support and two-player split-screen functionality in local co-op play. In addition, the intense and action packed campaign mode allows for 4-player online co-op play to clear mission objectives with friends, unlockable weapons and the ability to resurrect fallen comrades. Weaponry and Gadgets No action game would be complete without an arsenal of weaponry, and to that end Lost Planet 2 comes loaded with a huge variety of hardware for players to unleash on unsuspecting enemies. Machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, lasers, sniper rifles, grenades and a host of other weapons are scattered across the game. However, Lost Planet 2's biggest weapons come on two legs: the heavily armed and armored robotic Vital Suits return in greater numbers and variety than the first game. There are Vital Suits that transform into other vehicles, and even some that hold up to three players and take multiple players to operate. Also, the grappling hooks that made the gameplay in Lost Planet a true 3D experience are back, allowing gamers to gain tactical advantage by quickly scaling buildings. Key Features 4-player Co-op Action - Team up to battle the giant Akrid in explosive 4-player cooperative play. Teamwork is the player's key to victory as team members are dependent on each other to succeed and survive. Split-screen Functionality - Share your Lost Planet 2 adventure with a friend locally with split-screen co-op play. RPG Elements - In addition to RPG elements like character customization, and experience points, the single player game evolves based on players decisions and actions. Deep Level of Character Customization - Players will have hundreds of different ways to customize their look to truly help them define their character on the battlefield both online and offline. Certain weapons can also be customized to suit individual player style. Beautiful Massive Environments - Capcom's advanced graphics engine, MT Framework 2.0 brings the game to life with the next step in 3D fidelity and performance. Massive Scale of Enemies - Players skill on the battlefield and work as a team will be tested like never before against the giant Akrid. Players will utilize teamwork tactics, new weapons and a variety of vital suits (VS) to fight these larger-than-life bosses. Rewards System - Players will receive rewards for assisting teammates and contributing to the team's success. Multiplayer Action - Multiplayer modes and online ranking system via PlayStation Network. Exciting New Vital Suit Features - Based on fan feedback, the Lost Planet 2 team has implemented an unbelievable variety of Vital Suits and new ways to combat VSs. The new VS system will have a powerful impact on the way the player takes to the war zone in Lost Planet 2.

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Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

In Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, you're a snow pirate - The battle for control of the precious thermal energy needed for humans to survive. Driven to the brink of extinction in the icy steppe humanity fight for survival. In extreme conditions and insurgent Snow Pirates to hostile alien giant Akrid, all you can trust your instincts. The overall experience, the different stages of visually rich environments, and huge bosses and thick swarms of enemies that keep the action intense. The multi-player action is just as fascinating. Do not miss this popular title as Capcom brings the PS3. The PlayStation 3 will also feature Snow Pirate Luka as a playable character. This makes the list up to five playable characters, and makes this version the most comprehensive package of features of the game. Foot and vehicle play - Commando armored vehicles and high powered weapons, including vessels of snow vehicles convertible strategic approach on foot gameplay as dictated by the situation and cooperative multiplayer battles online cons Enjoy, upload content as additional maps, missions and weapons.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1334 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 15782781

Published on: 2008-02

Released on: 2008-02-27

ESRB Rating: Teen

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .58" h x 5.68" w x 6.66" l, .30 pounds

Features

PSN Enabled: 16 diverse multiplayer maps right out of the box. 16 Player multiplayer cooperative and versus battles!

On-Foot and In-Vehicle Modes: Command heavily armed bipedal vehicles or switch to more stealthy exploration on-foot.

Vast and Vivid Environments: Snowstorms, arctic winds, towering buildings and mountains of ice create cinematic stunning visuals and breathtaking landscapes!

Next-Gen Realism: Immerse yourself in the brutal chilling world of Lost Planet as you labor through waist-deep snow, hear the crunch of ice with each step, and fly backward from explosive force during battle.

Alien Encounters: Face off with an array of Akrid, from massive rolling behemoths and long-legged ground-dwellers to fast-flying swarms overhead!

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Driven to the brink of extinction in ice-covered wastelands, humankind fights to survive, from the deadly elements to the hostile alien creatures known as the Akrid. With only fragments of his memory intact, Wayne Holden must struggle to recover his past and the answers to E.D.N. III’s secrets. While the search for the truth could lead to valuable allies and a means to save humanity, what he finds instead could be worse than he ever imagined!

Features

PSN Enabled:

16 diverse multiplayer maps right out of the box.

16 Player multiplayer cooperative and versus battles!

On-Foot and In-Vehicle Modes - Command heavily armed bipedal vehicles or switch to more stealthy exploration on-foot.

Vast and Vivid Environments - Snowstorms, arctic winds, towering buildings and mountains of ice create cinematic stunning visuals and breathtaking landscapes!

Next-Gen Realism – Immerse yourself in the brutal chilling world of Lost Planet as you labor through waist-deep snow, hear the crunch of ice with each step, and fly backward from explosive force during battle

Alien Encounters – Face off with an array of Akrid, from massive rolling behemoths and long-legged ground-dwellers to fast-flying swarms overhead!

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Customer Reviews

Not Brilliant, But Unique
I was a bit surprised to see IGN and other gaming sites give this game lower ratings. While not the most impressive game in the world, it is definitely more fun than they made it out to be.
Lost Planet definitely has some downsides, however, these cons do not make the game worthy of avoiding.

For example, one of the most annoying parts of Lost Planet is the fact that a 5 gigabyte installation of content is required before you can play. Another downside is that the same button is used to exit your vehicle as to pick up weapons for that vehicle, meaning you could be trying to pick up some much needed ammo and instead find yourself jumping out of your vehicle directly into harms way. And, despite the massive content installation, there are still a few points in the game where frames will be dropped and the screen will hang up a bit. However, these things I believe gamers will find to be forgivable.

Now for the pros...Gameplay for one. I found the game to be a unique and rather entertaining mix of first/third-person action and mech-style combat. Parts of the game you will play on foot while others will be impossible without a VS (mech.) Also, the graphics are pretty nice, granted this game did come out a while ago (and it's a 360 port...) so they are not as impressive as more recent releases. The cutscenes, however, I found to be very nice.

Overall, I found Lost Planet to be a worthwhile gaming experience, despite the flaws. The originality of the game definitely makes it worth checking out.

Fun Parts & Lame Parts...Worth a Play if Your're Bored
Other than Bioshock, this is the "strangest" game I've played on our PS3. It just has a WEIRD feel to it. Maybe it's the non-stop frigid planet...Or the obvious Japanese flavor to it...Or the cuss-inducing Boss battles that alternate with simple pushover Boss battles...Or the chief Japanese villain most oddly named "Dennis Isenberg"...Or the near coma-inducing cutscenes...Or the whole Mechs vs bugs thing. Perhaps it's ALL of those together. It's just STRANGE.

However, that doesn't mean it wasn't FUN. Lost Planet has some really enjoyable aspects. The rocket-fired grappling hook allows you to move vertically in addition to the normal horizontal play of most shooters. The mechs (V-S suits) add another dimension to the battles. You also have to continually locate T-ENG to avoid freezing to death in the elements. And any game with gattling guns, rocket launchers, shotties, laser and sniper rifles, homing missles and plasma guns can't be all bad...There are even BIG versions of these weapons too that can be shot from mechs or by hand.

If you like Boss battles, then there are 3 or 4 of them in this game that will give you a pretty good challenge. They're practically impossible to win on the first try on just normal difficulty. In fact, it will take a dozen or more tries for some players. There's one (the Giant Worm) you CAN'T DEFEAT no matter what you do...You just end up throwing your PS3 out the window or giving up the game or running away (the correct option here). As a rule, I don't like games that put invincible Bosses in them. It can take a great deal of time and effort just to finally find out there was nothing you could do to win...

One of the more annoying parts of this game were the cutscenes. There are some that truly sound like the voice talent were all in the same room taking turns READING their lines with a complete absence of emotion. This makes it really hard to get into a game. In addition, your character just fought through a large portion of bug and pirate-infested frozen tundra to reach another area, then he magically appears back at the command post in an involved discussion during the next cutscene...WTH?!?! I found myself DREADING the next cutscene, repeatedly. Talk about phoned-in performances...

The controls were mostly GOOD. But I kept running into a frustrating exchange problem when trying to replace weapons on the mechs. For example, you're in the heat of battle and jump the mech over to a rocket launcher you want to place on the right side of it. If you're SLIGHTLY out of position, it shows up on the left side ready for pickup, then you get hit by Boss fire and have to maneuver back to do the same thing again, all the while taking damage. Another example is just walking up to an empty mech in a Boss battle. If you are slightly off to the side, the screen may briefly show press "O to enter", then you press O and end up removing the weapon off the side mount. So then you have to press "O to attach" it again before entering or enter first then pick up the weapon, and some of these annoying delays can make the difference in a heated Boss battle. Having another button other than just "O" to enter, remove and attach weapons to mechs would make more sense to me.

The end cutscene was really pretty weak. Maybe I should say EXCEPTIONALLY weak. In fact, if it's late at night, you might just fall asleep to it. And that kind of sums up my experience with Lost Planet EC. I mean, your hero character loses his memory at the exact moment he shoots the bad guy. Apparently his friends who were watching the exchange just left him there when he went face down in the snow instead of taking him inside for medical care. Then he wanders around in a roughly 1/2 mile radius outside of the main base (where his friends are inside and warm & toasty) so he can bump into them when they finally come outside several months later. Just a HORRIBLE ending that was obviously tacked on in the final moments of development. You end up saying, "THAT WAS IT?!?!"

The whole game has the feel of a newbie director who was going for a summer blockbuster in his first directing gig, but ends up with a late night cult classic "B" movie instead. Some parts were enjoyable...Some parts deplorable. That's what you get with Lost Planet EC...

Good Game,Great Price
Allow me to start out by saying, Why did a lot of people/review sites give this game such a low ratings??

With that said, Lost Planet (LP) is a great game,while it doesn't do anything groundbreaking,it offers a lot of fun. The graphics are nothing to write home about but they are nice and do the job well, The story is a little bare bones but does have a surprising plot twist.

Length wise the game has 11 missions with cut-scenes in between each one. Each mission took me on average of 45 min each with the exception of the first 2 missions witch took me 30min to finish. LP can be beat in a weekend if you put your mind to it,but for me it took about 5 days to complete,I'd do 2 missions a night witch was more than enough for a person who is not used to TPS (3rd person shooters) I'm a RPG nut at my core.

Overall for the price you cant go wrong,It would cost you about $6 to rent,put in another $10 and own it. Perfect to waste a weekend on,or good for 5 days playing 2 missions a day :D.

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Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

After a decade of waiting, Capcom Marvel characters come together again in a design team of the new game to fight for a new generation. Fill the shoes of the legendary figures of popular entertainment franchises such as in a comic battle of life come to life in a VS. combat game for the first time Capcom MT Framework.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1184 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 34026

Released on: 2011-04-19

ESRB Rating: Rating Pending

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Features

Powered by an advanced version of MT Framework, the engine used in Resident Evil 5 and Lost Planet 2, now comes to Marvel vs. Capcom 3, bringing beautiful backgrounds and character animations to the forefront.

Wild over-the-top gameplay complete with signature aerial combos, hyper combos and other original systems. The evolved battle system takes the exciting mind-reading game to a whole new level!

3-on-3 Tag Team Fighting: Players build their own perfect team and use Assist Attacks and each character¿s special moves to create their own unique fighting style.

Living Comic Book Art Style: See the most adored characters from the Capcom and Marvel universes brought to life in a ¿moving comic¿ style, blurring the boundaries between 2D and 3D graphics.

Price: $59.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

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Maximo Ghosts To Glory

Maximo: Ghosts to Glory follows its unlikely hero Maximo across several polygonal worlds as he joins the Grim Reaper to stop Achilles from raising the dead, which comes from the kingdom. To help you, Max manages more than 40 special abilities, moves and power ups thanks to a flexible character customization, and with his sword, shield, and wits to defeat a number of different enemies. Dynamic environments change and a savegame typical engineer, and some of the most difficult for the PlayStation 2 are actually shown in the drawings of famous artists, Susumu Matshushita.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #7688 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 26006

Released on: 2003-01-06

ESRB Rating: Teen

Platform: PlayStation2

Number of items: 1

Features

tons of land to explore

3D graphics

single-player action

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
A modern version of Capcom's Ghosts 'n' Goblins series, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory is one of those rare games that offers a solid update of a classic arcade title. This 3-D platform game delivers all the charm of its 2-D side-scrolling ancestor with current gameplay mechanics. In his latest adventure, Maximo returns to his kingdom to find it in disarray. His formerly trusted advisor, Achille, has banished the four sorceresses that govern the land and forced Maximo's true love to marry him. To save the day, Maximo must run, jump, and fight his way through five environments spanning more than 25 levels. Like his predecessors, Maximo must constantly worry about upgrading his armor and weapons. Play the game skillfully and you'll have a heavily armed fighting machine. Take too many hits and Maximo will be fighting villains in his heart-covered boxers.

Graphics-wise the game is very strong. The animations are smooth, the textures are rich, and the environments are detailed. The sound is an absolute joy, the effects are humorous, and the music is fantastic. Tommy Tallarico Studios has done an excellent job taking the melodies from the original game and creating updated variations that are equally memorable. Although some will find the gameplay repetitive and many will think the boss fights are too easy, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory offers an excellent 15 to 20 hours of platform goodness. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

Great 3-D update of a 2-D arcade classic

A nice variety of weapons and moves

Fantastic music

Cons:

Boss fights are on the easy side

Gameplay can get repetitive

Amazon.com Product Description
Can't a noble knight go away to war without having all heck break loose back home? Not this time. You control the fate of the gallant Maximo, who returns home to find his kingdom in shambles. Your once-trusted advisor, Achille, has wrought evil on the land. Not only is the countryside filled with hordes of the roaming undead, but the four wise sorceresses have been imprisoned at the four corners of the kingdom, and to make matters worse, your girlfriend, Princess Sophia, has been forced to marry the scoundrel Achille. Talk about bad days! Help Maximo rescue the sorceresses, restore good to the kingdom, and whup Achille's butt. And while you're at it, get your girl back!

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Customer Reviews

talk about torture!
Maximo is quite a game. In many aspects it is quite good, with its great graphics and vast environments. But one thing just stands out and must be mentioned: one must possess some serious, SERIOUS masochistic tendencies in order to venture into this gaming world. I mean, come on, I enjoy a good challenge as much as the next guy, but the difficulty in this game is almost ridiculous, practically to the point of being painful.

There are 5 main worlds, which are broken up into about 5000 square miles of area you must check out, as you try and do battle with 35 monsters at the same time, just hoping to avoid those 3 hits it takes for you to croak, and hoping you'll get a single measly life potion so you can survive a few more steps til' you get attacked by 45 other beasts. Plus, if you do make it in one piece to one of the 3 or 4 save points in the entire game (and kudos to you if you do), you're so wasted by then it's practically pointless cause' the next time you load the game, all you can pretty much do is take one step and die.

So, basically, graphics wise, it's pretty cool. But the experience itself can be torture. The only reason i give Maximo 3 stars is cause' it's so freakin' hard that there is that feeling of "HELL YEAAAHH!!!", when you actually get to finish any part of your quest.... which most likely occurs when your armor is long gone and you're down to your boxers.

So great, and so hard
This game is one of the best for the PS2. It is by far the best action/adventure games I have played in a long time. It combines the old-school feel of Ghosts 'N' Goblins and plays out in a 3D world. You get powerups by spending coins you get from dead enemies. The only problem is that the game is very difficult, and by the time you get to save, you might have only one life left, that means that unless you know how to play perfectly, you'll die over and over in the same area. Otherwise it is great.

A great game
First of all, if you're playing stuff like MGS2 and GTA3 and just tossed your NES and SNES now then this game sure as hell isn't for you!

Maximo is like an Action/Adventure game we don't get anymore. So what if the game is just hack and slash! From all the previews I read of this game that is what I expected. So what if they're too may enemies, no one complained about that in the Contra series or any other game like this.

The game presents a great challenge in a light I haven't seen since the good ol days of my NES. But even if the game is a good challenge, its nothin to complain or get excited about. Once you realize how easy it is to battle enemies you'll feel strange knowing you ever lost to them in the first place. But the other disappointment with the difficulty is that bosses are a bit easy (but to be truthful what game actually has a tough boss nowadays on the PS2?)

I was not in any way disappointed with this game, and after reading all the bad reviews that people gave it I almost didn't get it. But then when I heard it was an old fashioned Action/Adventure game you can't resist.

Don't listen to all these bad reviews (they're mostly just complaining anyway).

The gameplay is fun and interesting but some of it can get really annoying sometimes like when you die and then when the game over toll keeps increasing making it harder to continue. The game is great and exciting for an Action/Adventure gamer.

The game was good in the aspect of graphics and sound. The music is so good and gets you into the game. The Voice acting is top notch. While the story is the basic "Save the princess and restore peace to the land" stores I had no problem with it this time (as IF, HOW MANY OLD CLASSIC GAMES HAD THAT!!! Mario also comes to mind.) The game is funner and presents a good challenge but its more about skill then difficulty. The game doesn't even get hard until the fourth world!

OVERALL
Positive:
+Great Graphics and Sound

+A great game for the old school gamer and action/adventurer
+Good combat system
+Top notch voice acting
+Good gameplay
+Good challenge but not for a veteran

Negative
-Gamers more fond of the "Next Generation Systems" (PS2, Gamecube, XBOX) will not be very pleased with the retro aspect
-Bosses are too easy
-The same old "Rescue the princess and restore peace to the land story" that we've heard since the beginning of time
-Those who don't like Action/Adventure games will be bored and then killed by hordes of enemies

Price: $62.45

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Dark Void

Dark Void is a new science fiction series Action-adventure that combines a mixture of air combat epinephrine, on foot, in a parallel universe called The Void. Players assume the role of Will, a pilot crashed into incredible that, during a routine cargo plane crashes in the Bermuda triangle flight leads to being trapped in a vacuum. This unlikely hero soon find itself embroiled in a desperate struggle for survival at the head of a group called Survivors. Taken in a vacuum, these resistance fighters are struggling to contain a mysterious alien race that plans to threaten Earth. Dark Void's unique combination of air and in the struggle on the ground, including the dynamic new experience of shooting in the third person. Taking 3D action to a whole new level, vertical combat system in Dark Void allow players to swing a foot thousand drops that take cover and drop enemies from above and below, bringing a new sense of vulnerability and emotion to the player. Defying gravity in vertical combat is only half the battle, over time, Will is upgraded to a rocket powerful package that allows you to fighting in the air for the players are able to fly in space at a speed unmatched by any that crosses their path. Blasting away at massive bosses has never been as fun as Dark Void offers a single dose consists of a variety of grip-based mini-games that include UFOs diversion .flight

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #2422 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 013388340071

Published on: 2009-12-31

Released on: 2010-01-19

ESRB Rating: Teen

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Original language: English

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .57" h x 5.36" w x 6.80" l, .27 pounds

Features

Huge bosses that require fast reflexes and aerial barnstorming maneuvers to defeat.

Unique Sci-Fi action/adventure combines aerial and on-foot combat for a totally unique third-person shooter experience.

Game hero, Will¿s jetpack delivers total freedom of movement allowing players to race against UFOs in high-speed chases and rain death from above onto unsuspecting otherworldly foes.

Gravity-defying vertical combat/cover system allows for seamless transition between jetpack flight, ship-to-ship dog fighting and 3rd-person shoot-`em-up action ¿ not broken up into different areas.

Unique grip system that allows the players to scale walls by jumping from surface to surface and hijack UFO¿s while in mid-air.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Dark Void is a single player sci-fi action-adventure game for PlayStation 3 that is destined to change the way gamers think about third-person shooter combat. An adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and ground-pounding combat mechanics and cover systems headlined by the game's signature in-game items--the hooverpack and jetpack--in it players will experience 3D action like never before as they transition from ground to air combat, and back again whenever they choose. Traditional 3rd-person combat. View larger. And on-command aerial action. View larger. An ancient evil to confront. View larger. Story Set in a parallel universe called "The Void," in Dark Void players take on the role of Will, a down on his luck cargo pilot who crashes in the Bermuda Triangle, and is inexplicably transported to the alien dimension which is the mysterious Void. Here this unlikely hero is caught up in a desperate struggle for survival, joining forces with a rebel human group called The Survivors in their struggle against an ancient and hostile race known as the Watchers who have enslaved the humans of the Void for millenia. Will's main goal is to discover a way to get back to his own dimension, but in that he and the humans of the Void have a common enemy, it eventually seems that he may be destined for a higher calling as well. Gameplay Action in Dark Void is a combination of aerial dog fighting and third-person ground combat that brings a thrilling new gameplay dynamic to the third-person shooter experience. Ground combat within the game is more or less standard to action in similar games. The aerial portion, is another thing entirely though, and is facilitated by a hooverpack and even more powerful jetpack with a mounted gun that Will is equipped with. Although there are other weapons in the game, these primary weapons allow players to hurtle through the Void at blistering speeds, shooting down anything that gets in their way. Available at anytime in the game after aquired, they epitomize 3D action by introducing a unique vertical combat system full of possibilities and bringing a whole new sense of tension and thrill to the player. In addition, if they so choose players can use their aerial capabilities to counter attacks leveled at them while on the ground and to deal with spatial issues that they may face throughout the game. But just becasue the hooverpack and jetpack are available at all times, this does not mean that they are always the best option. Through trial and error as well as experience with the devices, player's must determine their best uses for each situation. As a companion to its duel combat style, Dark Void also contains a duel cover mechanic. As with other aspects of the game's ground combat, players can expect convenient standard cover options, including a single button option to snap to cover against walls, etc. Cover options while using the hooverpack and jetpack are understandably more varied though, with players being able to utilize vertical cover options to shoot both up and down. Key Game Features Sci-Fi action/adventure combines aerial and on-foot combat for a totally unique third-person shooter experience. Will’s jetpack delives total freedom of movement allowing players to race against UFOs in high-speed chases and rain death from above onto unsuspecting otherworldly foes. Speed and scale unmatched by any other action title: send Will zipping through tight corridors and then out into immense canyons and futuristic geoscapes. Gravity-defying vertical combat system, where moving up is the only way to bring your enemies down. Seemless transition between jetpack flight, ship-to-ship dog fighting and third-person shoot-‘em-up action all exists within the same level – not broken up into different areas. Unique grip system that allows the players to scale walls by jumping from surface to surface and hijack UFO’s while in mid-air. Huge bosses that require fast reflexes and aerial barnstorming maneuvers to defeat. Developed by Airtight Studios, a new group featuring team members from the Crimson Skies series of video games.

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Customer Reviews

Why the critics are dead wrong
Browsing the plethora of reviews and finding that they handed out mediocre (or worse) scores for this game only served to reaffirm my belief that the majority of so-called "professional" critics and awards (though the latter is another subject entirely that I'll not get into here) are completely worthless. Simply put, the critics got it almost dead wrong when they reviewed Dark Void. At the risk of utilizing too much formality, I will break this review into two parts. The first part will discuss how the vast majority of critics' criticisms are completely off the mark, and the second half will discuss what they somehow missed about this game that makes it worthy of a place on my shelf next to Half-Life 2, Fallout 3, Bioshock, and the like.

For starters, critics complain that you spend too much time without being able to fly. This is flat-out false. First off, the ratio of levels that contain wide-open areas that encourage dogfighting and enclosed levels that encourage on-foot or hover action are pretty even. This is what is known as VARIETY. Not many games can claim that they have a flight simulator, a third person shooter with a super-jump and hover ability, and a platformer (of sorts, which I'll get into later on) in one game, and fewer still can claim that they implemented each mechanic with the same quality and care. In fact, I am hard-pressed to come up with a single example of such a game. Further, even when you are in an enclosed base of some kind (which is NOT the majority of the time), you can still go into flight-simulator mode for a few seconds to cover an amazing amount of ground in the space of seconds, then turn it off and hover...or even drop down and melee someone, earning you style points. And as I said before, it is a rarity that you are in a confined space. On the massive levels afforded to the player, you have three options of movement that you can switch between seamlessly and at will, and the result is the most amazing and fully 3D shooter experience you've ever seen. Even mundane (if you want to join the critics in calling them that) shootouts can be taken to the next level by utilizing your ability to go ANYWHERE. You can jet up and point-blank someone on a ledge with a sniper rifle...you can strafe them with your jetpack machine guns...there are an amazing number of options at your disposal. In addition, even if you do want to turn the shootouts into plain-old shootouts, what is wrong with that? The cover and weapon system is a very solid Gears of War clone, which of course is a fantastic game that even the critics agree on. The difference here? You can then also super-jump and hover or even fly if you like. Even when you think you are being forced into flying, you can often times end up doing other things like free-falling to your target instead (if you like) and seeing how far you're willing to risk it before you hit the hover button to break your fall. And this, I must tell you, is too much fun.

Now, the Gears of War mention brings me to their other criticism that is downright ludicrous: enemies are too repetitive. Wow, really? There's another thing this game shares with Gears of War, except that Dark Void has more impressive and creative bosses: with the exception of a few tougher enemies they introduce along the way, you'll be fighting the same kind of enemies all throughout the game. Shooters follow this formula all the time! If anything, Dark Void is LESS repetitive than other games (particularly shooters) because there are so many different aspects of play. And unexciting shooting they say? It's the same shooting you find in all other shooter games, only you have interesting and creative weapons at your disposal that you can upgrade for a variety of fun effects (something, again, many shooters lack).

Now that we have established how unfair and even downright false the criticisms are, it is time to address what the critics decided to leave out of their reviews that bump this game up from a good time to a great time. First of all, the vertical combat system is ingenious, novel, and all kinds of fun. In fact, I would like to cite an example from early on in the game: you find the U.S.S Cyclops, a naval vessel, hanging vertically from a Cliffside. Since at this early stage of the game your jetpack doesn't allow you to full-on fly yet, you must fight your way up the ship before it falls off. And as you do this, you take cover not behind, but UNDERNEATH various obstacles on the deck. You can then pop up and fire back at enemies who are shooting at you from above or below. In effect, this mechanic is very similar to your average cover-oriented shooter, with a few amazing exceptions: one is that you are obviously facing up or down instead of straight ahead. The other is that if there is another piece of cover directly above or below you, you may either jump or flip down in a stylish spin (depending on which direction) to achieve that position. Then, if you just jumped onto a ledge that an enemy is using for cover, you can grab their leg and drag them off to their doom. And amazing mechanics aside, the level design when based on vertical combat is very well done. Various parts of the ship break apart as you proceed, and at times the tremors force you to tap a random button repeatedly so that you don't lose your grip.

Switching gears a bit, there are a few minigames that start up under certain circumstances and provide yet another avenue of game play variety similar to the way The Force Unleashed did. When hijacking an enemy fighter in the air, you must avoid their rotating cannon while attempting to access the cockpit and kill the pilot and simultaneously making sure you don't lose your grip. Some of the tougher enemies require you to start up a similar minigame to defeat them, which are equally creative and fun. Archons can be taken out either by coaxing the pilot out (via sabotage) and breaking its oddly-shaped neck or grabbing one of its exposed pieces of metal on their weapon emitter, tearing it off, and chucking it into the main weapon's nozzle, causing an overload of some kind (the danger here is of course getting out of the way of the weapon before it fires).

Last, but certainly not least, there is one critical element that elevates this game into great status, and this is overlooked by many (including critics) for reasons I cannot fathom. Just as this game took a bold leap into the realm of freedom of movement, so did the developers demand a quality musical score. Sure, there have been great scores composed for video games in the past...but none of them completely matched the tone of each level, nor did they develop themes that represented various characters or races and evolved with the situation. The care that the composer took not only to develop a quality score but also to ensure that you never heard exactly the same piece of music twice is astonishing. Further elevating the soundtrack's quality is the simple fact that the drums, South American woodwind instruments, string sections...the entire, massive ensemble was recorded live. There is not a single fake instrument sound to be found. The result is music in the background that enhances your game play experience to such a degree that it makes you feel like you're in the latest box-office hit. From racing, thundering Taiko drums underscoring the frantic melodies carried by the French Horns or perhaps the Duduk, to soft, introspective character moments, Dark Void has covered the one area that is so often overlooked by developers to a degree that I have never before seen. Kudos, Capcom, for actually spending money on an aspect of video games that is, in my opinion, equally as important to the experience as the level design or the gameplay mechanics.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that Dark Void has no flaws. I would add my own that hasn't even been touched by the "professional" reviews that I've seen (they can't even get the weaknesses right!): the dialogue is very uninspired. The story is good, but when the dialogue isn't very sharp, it can be hard to be concerned about the plot as much. And in fact, there is one universal criticism that this game actually deserves: there is no multiplayer or even coop featured in the game. Your only option for play is a single-player campaign. The campaign is of course fantastic and hours upon hours of fun...but a cooperative mode and especially some sort of minigame mode involving aerial stunts, races, obstacle courses, and the like would have been excellent additions to this game. Better still would have been deathmatch maps for multiplayer play, designed so that players can dogfight or duke it out on the ground in the same area. This game, while realizing much of the potential it revealed, still has more potential to rise and meet, but anyone who rates this game as anything less than an 8/10 or so would be a hypocrite, because I guarantee you they had more fun than that. As I would suggest with any medium that has dedicated critics to tell you what is good and bad, ignore them and try it out yourself.

DArk Void is in a dark place
I played the demo on PS3 prior to playing the actual game. So far my opinions regarding the game are not shining. For one there isnt a life bar....it tries to use the newer technique of the more damage you take the screen either gets bloodier, darker, redder, or blurrier like in many other games. However, in Dark Void there is no way to associate if you are more or less dead, or how fast you are healing (which takes a while as well). As for the controls....Flying is fun but taking off is a knee-jerk reaction that often times makes your character go flying into some obstacle and either die or take major damage which again, takes forever to heal. The AI for the characters you are supposed to protect gets them killed causing you to redo that section you are in from the beginning. The graphics are crisp, but for a game called DARK VOID, its too colorful and the intro screen when the title comes up as well as the menu screens are blah. So all in all, I was excited to get the game because of reviews regarding the vertical combat techniques and the flying and hijacking of spacecraft. Too bad I felt like I was playing Uncharted fighting aliens (The main character's voice and attitude are very similar to Drakes' from Uncharted). Overall, the game feels a little lacking and I would probably have been better off buying Darksiders instead of Dark Void.

Great Game
If you ever played Crimson Skies you'll feel right at home. Control config. is even the same wich is a good thing. Newbies might have some trouble with camera work but is a skill easily attained. cover system is basic and easy but the real fun is in the flying. 2 hours slipped by me without even focusing on the missions. I gave this game a 4 because the cover system can be a little etchy at times, and graphics arent too wowing, but this is definitely a game that should not b ignored.

Price: $25.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

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Darkstalkers 3

Three ancient spirits ruled the Dark World, Jedah, mind oldest, has increased. In an attempt to dominate the world dark Jedah only want to save all souls discouraged. To create his perfect salvation, he calls those with valuable souls to his world, to take control of them. Choose from 18 characters horror theme in their fight to death in a tournament. Each character has unique moves and combinations and hand-drawn animation takes action to life. Darkstalkers 3 will test your skills as you battle to become the king of the night.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #5911 in Video Games

Released on: 1998-11-18

ESRB Rating: Teen

Platform: PlayStation

Features

Based on the arcade game

18 horror-themed characters

Each character has a unique fighting style

Arenas affect each character

Hand-drawn animation

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Customer Reviews

Rated #1 by demons and the undead
Darkstalkers 3 - Circa 1998

GOOD:
- Good Balanced 2D fighter
- An old school fighter that really stands out art style or theme wise

BAD:
- Loading times, short but still there
- Not much bonuses
- The games art style or theme is not for everyone

WILL IT FIT YOUR TASTE:
- Really off the wall looking/acting fighters based on old Hollywood "B" movie monsters but with anime look and feel
- Surprisingly plays similar to Street Fighter Alpha

GAME ITS MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
- Samurai Showdown 4
- Guilty Gear (original)

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Practicality same game on Sega Saturn and Playstion Portable
- Darkstalkers franchise has been through a few names the original was called Darkstalkers and the second was called Night Warriors
- Darkstalkers 3 has all Fighters and moves from Darkstalkers and Night Warriors

Fun Game, If You Can Get Past The Choppy Animation That Is
First I'd like to say I enjoyed this game, while not as well known as the Street Fighter series the Darkstalkers series is by far more enjoyable. The cast of charactos is diverse and the animation is much like that of the Vs. series, Wacky and over the top. The downside is it's hard to appriciate on the playstation. When compared to the first darkstalkers on playstation the charactor animation actually got worse!!! It's choppy and even upgrading the speed to turbo you can still see the painfully obvious missed frames. That said it in NO WAY compares to the Sega Saturn Night Warriors (the second in the Darkstalkers series). Sure there are more charactors and some pretty backgrounds in this, but they also suffer from poor animation!! If you have a Sega Saturn just stick with Night Warriors, if not then this is the best your gonna get. It's sad how the playstation mars the graphix of 2-D fighters like this, If you can look past the playstations downfalls this is one of the most fun fighters to date.

Unique
This game was good at first,but after a while it gets boring, Unlike usual fighting games that I could play hours on end. I do,however,think it was clever that they tried to mix horror and put it into a fighting game. All the characters and more are back from the arcade version, but the lack of frames compared to the arcade version will disappoint you.The main reason I got this game was because I enjoyed playing Marvel Vs. Capcom, and it had not yet come out on the Playstation.My favorite character was Morrigan,so the main reason I got this game was for Morrigan.

Price:

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Dead Rising 2

Dead Rising 2 PS3

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #2307 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: 15782631

Published on: 2010-08

Released on: 2010-07-30

ESRB Rating: Rating Pending

Number of discs: 1

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .30 pounds

Features

Dead Rising 2 PS3

Price: $56.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

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Devil May Cry 3

Devil May Cry 3 pour PS2

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #6908 in Video Games

Brand: Capcom

Model: P2CAPC 013388260416

Released on: 2005-03-03

ESRB Rating: Mature

Platform: PlayStation2

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: .53" h x 5.75" w x 7.75" l, .30 pounds

Features

Pick from 4 styles of combat, Gunslinger, Swordmaster, Trickster and Royal Guard, all offering greatly improved skills in each area

More powerful bosses and enemies that act independently and react more realistically

New range of weapons - Battle your enemies in style with the enchanted Electric Guitar, Nun-Chucks, and newer swords and firearms

Advanced game engine with all new Shadow Effects, weather conditions, graphics and sharper gameplay

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The good news is that we no longer have to worry about the Devil May Cry franchise falling into generic action game obscurity; Devil May Cry 3 rises from the ashes of the series' sophomore slump with a vengeance that cannot be ignored. The bad news is that it seems pretty angry. Offering improvements that add a brand new dimension to the combo-driven demon meat carving, this title takes the concept of a hardcore action experience and contorts it into a humiliating position before administering a handgun enema.

Devil May Cry 3 is, without a doubt, the most difficult game I have played this generation. Yes, it's even harder than Ninja Gaiden (pre Hurricane pack). However, it lacks the same strategic finesse of Tecmo's infamous title, often requiring you to earn your victories through pure blood and sweat rather than art and precision – it's the working man's ruthlessly challenging game. Some victories are just made sweeter by working hard to earn them, and the game allows you to replay previous missions to collect orbs and style points to make sure those triumphs are within reach. The sense of accomplishment you get when you master your skills and beat one of the insane bosses into submission makes all the toil worthwhile. That is, if you consider performing outstanding feats of supernatural combat "toil."

Of all the new tools at Dante's disposal, the ability to switch armaments at the press of a button does the most to add new depth to the battles. Given the versatility of each weapon, I was frequently impressed by my own overwhelming awesomeness as I effortlessly switched swords mid-air and seamlessly kept the combo going with a barrage of new attacks. The game masterfully blends form and function to create situations that look incredibly stylish and complex while keeping players intently focused on the frantic action at hand.

In an utterly unexpected turn of events, even the story commands the player's attention. With cutscenes before and after each mission, Dante's purpose and intentions are much clearer and the sequences provide the perfect venue for him to showcase his unique talents. The only gripe I have in this department is Dante's recent attitude adjustment; his one-liners and party dude demeanor were so clearly brewed in the early ‘90s that I expected Bebop and Rocksteady to show up for a boss fight.

The game has its fair share of problems: the difficulty is an obvious hurdle, your demon form isn't available until you've completed the seventh of 20 missions, and the camera remains a consistent problem (though it is thankfully better than in DMC 2). Even though Devil May Cry 3 hasn't entirely renewed that indefinable spark of the first game, it is still relentlessly entertaining, and has certainly established DMC as an enduring and dynamic franchise as opposed to a one-trick demon-pony.

Concept:
Dante is back, and he wants to kick your ass for badmouthing his last game

Graphics:
The looming gothic environments return, setting the stage perfectly for the outstanding, over-the-top cutscenes

Sound:
An ideal combination of rockin' metal and eerie choral compositions

Playability:
Even the coolest looking combo can be pulled off with ease, but the game has a prohibitive learning curve

Entertainment:
Always stylish and satisfying, though it is sometimes an unbalanced mix of frustration and fun

Replay:
High

Rated: 9 out of 10
Editor: Joe Juba
Issue: March 2005

2nd Opinion:
Gluttons for punishment, rejoice! The ass-kicking of a lifetime has just arrived! Devil May Cry 3 beat me senseless, poured salt on my wounds, and told me to go home and cry to my mommy. As my blistered fingers and frazzled hair are testament to, there hasn't been a game quite as arduous as this in a long, long time. Some people may view the unrelenting difficulty as a major turn off, but I tip my hat to the developer for not bowing down to the masses. You have to master the arts and prove that your skills are truly worthy to reap its benefits. The implementation of different fighting styles, ability to switch weapons on the fly, and multitude of new weapons really opens up the options that players have at their fingertips. It's combo heaven. Level designs are very reminiscent of the first chapter in the series, boss fights are larger than life, and the story breaks are just flat out cool. This is the sequel that you have been waiting for, but only the greatest of gamers will truly embrace it.

Rated: 9 out of 10
Editor: Andrew Reiner


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From the Manufacturer
Devil May Cry 3 is a thrilling new game that features an involved plotline, outstanding graphics, and brings back our mysterious hero, Dante, once again.

Set before the first Devil May Cry, the story unfolds that fateful clash between Sparda's twin sons. One of the characteristics of this game is that it adds even more styles of action, besides firearms and swords, to the mix. Players are free to choose your own fighting style by customizing Dante to your advantage.

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Customer Reviews

Excellent game, revitalizes the series, extremely difficult
I must say Devil May Cry 3 is an incredibly awesome game. I loved the original DMC immensely, and like a ton of other people, I was very disappointed with the sequel. This game lives up to the original, and expands upon it in every way.

DMC3 is a prequel to the series and focuses on the relationship between Dante and Vergil. The game actually has story behind it, unlike the other two games that felt like they had a little story tacked on. The cut-scenes are great, and everything's still over-the-top and cheesy, but in a good way. With the new Style moves, the game has depth beyond button-smashing; it even encourages it with Combo style points that are awarded for your flashiness on screen, and are decreased as you use the same move over and over, much like in the Tony Hawk games.

This game is extremely difficult. The PS2's Ninja Gaiden. The American "Normal" mode, which is the only difficulty mode available in the beginning, is the Japanese "Hard" mode. After you get your butt kicked a few times, the "Easy" mode becomes unlocked, which isn't that much easier. Trust, this game is freakin' hard. Your skill, reflexes, and brain will definitely be up to the test with this one.

The graphics are completely redone and it shows. Nice graphics and special effects, and the levels are greatly detailed and the gothic theme is superb. On the sound front, the music really pumps you up and puts you in the midst of the action. Sound effects fit the bill, especially melee clings and clangs.

Replay value for this game is pretty good, since with the different Styles (with two unlockables), you can play through completely different every time. The multiple difficulty levels also add to the replay, along with secret missions and weapons. Seriously, this game is going to eat up a lot of your time, and you're going to love it.

Overall, this is an extremely fun game, and I'm glad Capcom did the series right with this one. If you like action games, pick it up. But if you get frustrated easily, skip it since you'll be dying. A lot.

If you don't wimp out it's fantastic
First off a caveat, I am not finished with DMC3. I am on level 7, about 8 hours into the game. If I change my opinion or have to add information I will do that when I've finished the game. I just want to pass on my experience with this game for those on the fence about it.

This is to PS2 what Ninja Gaiden is to Xbox. And I don't mean that they are both kick ass action games and are the kings of the genre (which they are, by the way). But they are both two of the hardest games I've played on either in a long time. And not hard in "the controls are wonky" kind of way. If you aren't the top of your game, you will die. All the time. And even when you think you are the top of your game, DMC3 will remind you that you are definitely not and you will die.

And yet, through all of this, you will be having fun. Capcom has managed to wipe the slate clean with the abysmal failure that was DMC2. This game follows the gameplay of the first DMC, that is small rooms with lots of creatures, gothic architecture and insane monsters who keep coming. DMC3 takes these conventions and kicks it into high gear. The biggest and by far the most welcome change is that you go into a mission being able to select two long range and two short range weapons (from those you have acquired) and your attack style.

In the mission you just hit L2 and R2 to switch between your two guns and 2 melee weapons. What this means is that 1) there's no more going into your inventory just to switch your weapons and 2) since it's so fluid your combos become amazing. Imagine throwing an enemy up in the air with your sword, juggling him with your hand guns, switching to your shot gun to blast him, switching to your three headed nunchucks to finish him up, then jumping on his prone body and use him as a skate board and sliding around the level blasting the other creatures. You can and will do this if you want a high combo rating (and more red orbs of experience).

The four beginning styles are an awesome addition too. The beginning four are Trickster (evasion), Gunslinger (shooting), Sword Master (swords) and Guard Royale (defensive, counter attacks). I am currently using Trickster and I think that's probably a great beginning start for this game because with a push of the circle button you zoom out of harms way, you can run up walls, run across walls, and (at higher levels) zoom while jumping. I haven't use the other styles yet, but Trickster is very helpful in a sticky situation, which you will be in a lot.

My problem with the game is not the high difficulty level. It's the fact that there isn't a check point in any of the levels I've been through. Unless you have a yellow orb, if you die you will start back at the beginning of the level. This can be frustrating for some. Take for instance, the level I'm currently at Level 7. Not only is it a long level but towards the end you are fighting creatures that summon more creatures so you have to kill them before any others, then the boss from the second level shows up only he's not a boss (even though he has the same amount of life). After you finish off these hard encounters you have to fight the real boss. And if you die you're doing it over again. For some this will be a major turn off.

My recommendation is to save during the level if you find the fights turning sour. This way, when you do die you will save all of the red orbs and items you've collected during the level. For me, dying isn't THAT big of a deal then because you aren't losing any of the xp progress you've made.

The graphics are great, the sound is a nice heavy metalish sound. Sometimes the voices can't be heard over the music so it's a good idea to have subtitles on. It supports Pro Logic II for the game and 5.1 for the cutscenes.

As it stands, I think this game and Ninja Gaiden are the pillars of action excellence. They definitely aren't for everyone and those who don't want a hard game should definitely look elsewhere. But for those who are tough enough to stick it out, this game is excellent bar none on the PS2. It's fun, moves fast and will blow you away.

.... party time...!
Well, capcom has made an attempt to wipe from our memories the mess that was Devil May Cry 2... and have done a pretty good job of it. Here we have DMC3, a prequil to the first, legendary game. Lets start with the good stuff first: The game has great controlls... a fusion from the first and second games, this instalment has a control scheme that just feels natural. You will find pulling off slick, super stylish moves almost second nature. The story line is more involved this time, but is still nothing too impresive... this is a hardcore action game after all, so a great story isn't tradationally required, but you can tell the developers spent more time on the story for this game then they did for previous installments. Also, and probably most improtantly, you have RPG elements in this game. Think back to previous games..... what did you like the best? The awesome sword play and killer combos? The barking blasts of gunfire you could lay on your enemies from all directions? The awe-inspiring acrobatic moves that allowed you to dodge enemy attacks? Well, now you can have more in this game with the "my Dante" system, that allows you to pour attribute points into any of 6 catagories (2 of which are secret and need to be unlocked) including gunslinger, swordmaster, and trickster. This allowes you to customize Dante with more of what you liked about the past games, and offers more replay value. Now to the not-so-good stuff... The game has some pretty bad graphics. Sure, the PS2 is ancient, but still, the second game looked smoother than this. Also for some, the "stylish crazy action" may be a little over the top, as cut scenes have Dante doing things and saying things that are so over the top, crazy and insaine, they may make you cringe (think Neo meets Shinobi). Now... the game's largest downfall... the difficulty. Don't worry, the game is not too easy like the second game, but rather too hard. The first game was insainly difficult for newbies, but it offered fair challenge. This game is equally as hard, but crosses the line between changeling and cheep by throwing wave after wave of fast moving, strong enemies that have an extreme advantage over you. The funky camera doesn't help either... although mysteriously, the camera seems only to have awkward angles in the begining half of the game. Sure... just like the first game, there is an easy mode, but there is very little difference between easy and normal, as both are just as frusterating. Don't let this steer you away however, as you can now revisit past levels at any time to level up your abilities and collect more currency to purchase power ups (believe me... your gonna' need 'em)and the game is still one hell of a ride. Some of the most intense and visceral combat ever witnessed by human kind is locked inside this game. Once the game sucks you in, you will have very little problem looking past the flaws the game has. more or less, the game follows in the footsteps of the original while offering enough changes to make it different and memorable in it's own right. just expect to be cussing and swearing at the game as much as you love it. If you have the spare cash however, I highly recomend it.

Price: $10.94

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