Hello all,

I am back from my holiday, with a whole new project to upload and a game design to get started on, so expect more uploads soon.
Right now, I've got reviews to do...


DVD Review - The Mask

I bought this in Switzerland for £8, and despite having the orginal on video, I thought it was a classic going cheap. Unfortunately, btoh I and the movie have aged since I first saw it, and it seems no where near as funny as I remembered. The graphics are outdated, and the slapstick comedy doesn't live up to Jim Carrey's newer work, with only one joke that gave me a real laugh.
Overall, it doesn't feel like what it used to be. Since I havn't been lounging around the house all day to give the extra features a look-in, I can't comment on them.

Rating: Not so special edition = 2.5/5


Game Review - Mario vs Donkey Kong (GBA)

Again, I bought this in Switzerland, but since it was around the same price as in England, I couldn't make advantage of the exchange rate. None-the-less, it entertained me for the trip back home.
Basically, you play as Mario trying to steal back the Mini-Mario toys that Donkey Kong stole. It may seem like a platformer, but essentially, it is a puzzle game. There are six worlds, each with eight levels, with the first six split into two part (in the first you have to collect a key and bring it to a door; in the second you have to find and free the Mini-Mario).
In the seventh level (called the Mini-Mario level), you have to guide all the Mini-Marios to a toy box. The eight level is a boss battle.
Overall, the game plays well. It introduces itself in the first world with a bit of nostalgia, with the scenery consisting of girders and the ocassional flaming oil can, bringing back memories of the arcade game that started it all. Yet it still manages to branch off into seperate locations successfully, which don't feel forced.
My only annoyance would be in the instruction manual (yes, I do read them) when it gives you a slight hint at what something would be useful for, but immediately underneath it tells you everything. This kind of ruined what could have been more exploration and thinking. But otherwise, it's a great fun game, full of clever puzzles in a platformer's shoes. An entertaining run, if too short at that.

Overall: 3.5/5


Game Review - Kirby Canvas Curve (DS)

I inported this from Canada for my trip to Switzerland (nothing else to do with Switzerland, I promise), but it didn't come on time. I can tell you this now, it was worth the wait. This is what you bought the DS for.
I havn't played much, but from what I have done, I can tell you that it is a well constructed, challenging game. Consisting of eight worlds, you guide Kirby through levels in the worlds using the touch screen, and must protect him from enemies, or detsory them by dashing into them, and sometimes copying their abilities.
At the end of the levels, there is a 'Dash Contest', which rewards you with stars (which can be collected for '1up's each time you get 100) the further you go. When you complete this you get a very fun, if not cute, little 'dance' from five Kirbies, renedered in black and white with charming, accompining music.
At the end of the worlds, there is a boss battle, where you choose which boss to face out of three. These seem to use the touch screen very well, and can become very challenging in the later battles. Each time you beat a boss, the next time you face them, they will be harder to beat. At the end of this battle you also see the black and white animation.
Overall, from what I've played, the game seems to have enough for me to do, without the replay value or the mini-games. It's one of the best games I've played this year, and a fantastic entrance into the world of Kirby out of Super Smash Bros. I say this because it is full of detail, and uses the touch screen and dual screen capabilities wherever it can, without feeling forced. It is a full adventure, with new things to discover every time you turn it on. Not a classic, I must say, but a great game none-the-less.

Overall: 4/5


Well, that's finally done. Enjoy!

- gerg