eBay and Paypal protest (spread the word!)

Please spread this video, or the message as far as possible.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Up until very recently, I called this the best game on the DS, and it's still up there as one of them.

Castlevania is one of the best action game series ever released. This title really delivers. It brings back Soma Cruise from the GameBoy Advance title Aria of Sorrow. Soma is the reincarnation of Dracula, and has control of the evil beasts. He's called upon again, but this time to stop an evil cult who wants to see Dracula return to power and rule the world (and has found other heirs to his throne).

The game is a 2-D action platformer, but with an equipment and experience system that keeps you wanting to level up. You also (randomly with different percent chances) absorb the souls of the enemies you come across and can use their powers afterwards (or powerup your weapons with them). It really gives it a "Gotta Catch 'Em All™" feel from Pokémon.

One of the things that will have you glued to this game is the map. Not only is it awesome to have the map on the top screen and always open, the game scores you based on how much of the map you've explored. Can you get 100%? There are lots of hidden rooms you know (but there might be a soul somewhere that helps you find those!).

Again, I couldn't put this one down for weeks while I finished it. I still pick it up from time to time just to relive the adventure.

By far, a must have title if you own a DS.

Neves

I've said it before: Puzzle games are either hit or miss. This is a hit for sure. It's so simple that it can't miss.

I can't explain it any other way than this: You've given sillouettes of different objects and then a group of shapes that will fill the sillouette exactly. The hard part is the shapes are all very simple things like triangles, quadrilaterals, and pentagons of different sizes. There's only one way to solve each puzzle and it's a serious brain teaser.

With hundreds of puzzles and several different modes, this game will keep you busy for months.

Endless Ocean

Wow. This "game" takes the cake.

The best games are always the most simple and it doesn't get more simple than this. Scuba dive with fish and coral. Go at your own pace and wherever you'd like to go. There's a story, but no rush to complete any part of it (they tell you that frequently). While you're diving, you'll find fish you've never seen before. Pet them or feed them until they like you, and it will catalog the fish. That's the whole game. The goal is to catalog all the fish around the islands that you're on.

Another neat feature is that you can take pictures of the areas you're diving in, save them to your memory card, and even put them onto your computer.

Did I mention this game has Wi-Fi online gaming? Find a friend and go diving with them. Too neat.

For $30, this game is a smash hit! One of the most relaxing games I've ever come across. I can't recommend it enough!

I took a brief video showing the simplicity of the game play. While I was diving, I even found a new fish and tickled it into my log book. It's just that easy.

Super Metroid

Time for my first Virtual Console Review. I couldn't think of a better game to start this out with.

Super Metroid was originally released for the Super Nintendo. It was the first game (other than the original Metroid to a lesser extent) to give you a gigantic map to navigate where you need to go back and forth to get into new areas every time you find new items. If you enjoy games like more recent Castlevania games and others, you have Super Metroid to thank.

For $8 on the virtual console, you can't beat the fun of this. I played this game when it was first released and not since. I picked it up on the VC about two weeks ago and can't put it down. I'm about 30 hours in, and still don't think I'm too close to the end.

Sometimes frustrating, but always satisfying when you get past those rough areas, this game really delivers.

Super Mario Galaxy

Also known as "U R MR GAY" (look at the stars on the logo).

If you don't know what I'm going to say about this game, you've been living under a freakin' rock! This title is worth the price of the entire Wii system. I honestly can't praise it enough.

I'm horribly biased against 3-D platformers. Unless the game is first person, I get disoriented, dizzy, and sometimes even sea sick. It takes a really great game to get me to play one. Super Mario Galaxy delivers.

The gameplay is a lot like any other Mario game, which is perfect. It's simple enough for anyone to play, but has enough subtle nuances to keep you coming back for more.

You spend the vast majority of the game on different planets that are very small. There are times that you'll be upside down, or sideways. They even twist things up by putting you INSIDE planets so the perspectives are even stranger.

Another great feature on this title is that you can pick it up for ten minutes, then put it away. The levels aren't overly long, and it saves after each one.

If you have a Wii and don't pick this up, you're doing a great disservice to yourself. This game is worth the price of admission and then some!

1-18-08

My latest slide show. I do these periodically.