Z Space Blog

Every now and then, a game comes out that looks unassuming, but has a hidden, interesting side that takes you by surprise. This aspect is true of Radiant Historia, a turn-based JRPG for the Nintendo DS developed by Atlus and Headlock Studio. One of the aspects of Radiant Historia that comes out of left field is the time traveling mechanic, which allows you to explore two different paths of history. If you enjoyed Chrono Trigger and enjoy revisiting the same place in different points in recent history, you'll warm up to Radiant Historia. Gamers who don't care for backtracking or subtle time puzzles will want to skip this one.

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Shantae is a half-genie who lives on the outskirts of a place called Scuttle Town. Her first appearance was in the GameBoy Color cult hit Shantae. I'll be honest: I don't know why Shantae got the attention that it has, even on the DSi. Between the unclear game progression, a shop that's hardly labeled, and controls that aren't as responsive as they should be, Shantae: Risky's Revenge leaves much to be desired.

Before I begin, keep in mind that this game comes with a 1200 DSi Point price. That's $12 USD. I don't consider this game worth the $12 I paid for it. Its graphics are nice, and the music's decent, but everything else is lacking. It's a shame, because if this game had focused more on replayability or something to make the gameplay more varied and interesting, you'd have a winner.

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The Legend of Zelda series is known for its high quality games. From the beginning, Zelda has set the bar for the action-adventure genre. Other games in the same genre (and some in other genres) tend to emulate their success, but never seem to reach it. Among games, the Zelda series is at the pinnacle of quality and creativity. Skyward Sword is no different. Remember E3 2005? Nintendo promised us a Revolution. They said the new console would change the way we perceived and played games. Today, we can see the effect the Wii has had on the market, but motion controls still felt a little like an add-on instead of a full-blown innovation. We knew the potential that MotionPlus had, but nobody was using it for anything serious. Until November 2011, anyway. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the experience that Nintendo promised us at E3 in 2005.

To put it shortly, if you own a Wii you cannot miss this game. Skyward Sword is the reason the Wii was made. It's the full realization of every gameplay feature the Wii has to offer. It utilizes the Sensor Bar, the accelerometers in the Wiimote and Nunchuk, and is the best application of the MotionPlus. To ignore this game is to miss out on what the Wii is all about. I don't care who you are: you need to own (or play) this game.

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Derek Lin — author of The Tao of Daily Life and his own translation of the Tao Te Ching — once again brings his practical approach to the masses. This time, the focus is on using the lessons of Taoism to their intended effect and bring success — both material and spiritual — to one's life. It's evident from the quality and clarity of Lin's writing that he has proven this method with his own experience, and has spoken with many others about the concepts contained in the book. As a Tao cultivator, I can attest to the validity of the lessons and their effect they have on a mindful reader who's looking to bring more success and harmony to his or her life.

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The 2nd generation of Pokémon games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) is widely regarded as the best; it brought gamers two new types, a brand new set of varied moves, breeding, and is the only Pokémon generation to date to sport two regions, totalling 16 badges to earn. In many ways, the 2nd generation brought innovations well before its time, and Game Freak hadn't trumped or matched that success... until HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Make no mistake; HeartGold and SoulSilver are the pinnacle of Pokémon games. Even with the 5th generation Black and White versions on the horizon, I am convinced that Game Freak will not surpass what they have achieved with HeartGold and SoulSilver. If you played the original Gold, Silver, or Crystal, then you owe it to yourself to get HeartGold or SoulSilver. If you preferred the 3rd or 4th generation... you may not enjoy the heavy Japanese influence and classic-but-new feel. Above all, this game will devour your gaming time like a Snorlax goes through food.

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