This does look like a video game that’s going to be worth the wait. Although some are saying it’s really similar to certain other games (I’ll let you be the judge of that), it brings a rather unique view to the whole dungeon crawl genre. There’s a bit of humor. And goblins. Goblins moving boxes. Goblins drinking. Goblins spouting poetry. And even evil goblins to mow down with you sword. (It’s a rather violent game in some spots…)

As with most RPGs, your character has a skill tree and can improve as you progress through the game, becoming more and more powerful. Don’t worry, the monsters coming from the middle of the earth get a lot more difficult to deal with too. Not so much that the game isn’t fun anymore, but enough to make it challenging, which is nice.

And there’s the humor. The goblins. Heh. This is classic goblin taken a little further from what’s available to see on the Internet. If they can pull off the social aspect of this ‘dungeon romp’ they’re going to have a hit video game on their hands – no matter what company owns it now.

If you’re wanting to see this game made, leave a comment below and let us know why you’re wanting to play it so bad. Thanks!

CID the dummy is set in a near-future version Earth where people have become obsessed with safety. Whether it’s surviving a steamroller or even a book, everything in the future is safety checked by the Crash Impact Dummies. CID is one dummy, but he’s bored with life. He wants to adventure … with you!

CID can climb walls, swing on ropes, burn obstacles, destroy exploding barrels, use lifters, bounce on springs and with a neat head butt destroy walls. Game environment interaction is VERY important part of the gameplay. This is one reason you might like it, especially if you’re into this type of game.

There are, of course, a lot of enemies for CID to battle in this immersive environment. This looks to be a very fun game. It won’t be for everyone maybe, but it’s going to be popular for a lot of people.

Sure, a crash test dummy is an unlikely hero, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a likable her. And CID is likable, for a dummy.

Here’s how Oxygen (who came up with the game) describes him:

CID is a young, funky Crash Impact Dummy. He’s knows he’s cool, he knows he’s street, he knows he’s widdit. He’s not really sure where he’s heading in life. He kinda knows he’s destined for bigger things, but he’s stuck in this damn job…. He’s got a quick sense of humour, and uses his wit as a defence.

Sounds kinda fun, huh? This will definitely be a video game to watch. If you have any thoughts about CID (or know any dummies – crash test or otherwise – please input your comment below.) Thanks!

In the game, you take on the character of Claude or Rena. The two characters are connected in the game, but I’ll leave that for you to find out more about. Smile.

A lot of the problems in the original Star Ocean have been taken care of – including having to journey back over vast distances in the wilderness/world to get somewhere you’ve been already, running into easily beatable foes again and again. A lot of people are going to be happy that this was changed.

Battles in the game occur in real time. You control the main character while the game’s AI controls other members in your adventuring party. The AI doesn’t do too bad of a job. If you want to take over another character in middle of a battle though (if you don’t think the AI is doing what you would be doing), it’s not a problem.

Overall, this is a pretty good adventure RPG for the Playstation Portable (PSP.) It might not be for all gamers, but if you like RPGs, there’s a good chance you’re going to like this one.

If you’ve played any of the Star Ocean series, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below letting us know what you think.

Until next time … remember to evolve a little each and every day.

The mini-games weren’t really needed in the game, but they may have been thrown in to make the game (ported from a PC with different interfaces and controls) more Wii-like. Whatever the case (Get it?), if you can get past the mini-games, there is a rich and detailed mystery for you to solve as Nancy Drew.

The storyline is typical Nancy Drew type material. (What, you haven’t read all the Nancy Drew books?!) There’s a lot of detail in the storyline, which lets you get drawn into the world and story of the Nancy Drew universe. Then a mini-game is thrown in, which pulls you back out as you try to shake or twist the Wii remote in just the right way.

The mini-games fit in the storyline by being tasks that Nancy has to complete while she’s undercover working. I’m sure they could’ve released the game without adding them, though. But enough of the annoying mini-games!

If you like Nancy Drew (the movies or the books), you’re going to like the story and attention to details that will really draw you into the game. It’s not a good game for everyone, but if you like mysteries and adventure, you’re gonna want to check it out.

If you’ve played Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek on the Nintendo Wii, leave a comment below and let us know what you think. (How much do YOU hate the mini-games in this game? Do you wish they would make a version specifically for the Wii instead of porting an older one? Let us know!)

Til next time, keep hunting clues.

The game is definitely fast paced, with most characters only “surviving” for minutes at a time because there is so much carnage going on in the game. This leads to a gameplay that’s reckless and also a little exhilerating. Don’t worry, though, as it only takes seconds to respawn your character and get you back into the action.

There are a lot of different weapons and they’re pretty balanced – no one weapon dominates the game. This is a good sign of game balance, something that’s important to most gamers who game a lot. They don’t want it too easy or too hard, but they do want a challenge. And Crash Commando definitely offers a challenge.

There are six basic weapons in the game, but as you play, you’ll also come across some super “power-up” weapons. Keep your eyes open as these really enhance your ability to do damage in the game! Chaingun anyone?

Unlike a lot of side-scrollers from the past, Crash Commando’s scenery is very impressive. Beyond just looking good, though, they also offer great gameplay. The level design is a work of art too.

One thing they might have added to make a good game great is some kind of level advancement where your character gets better and better as the game progresses – maybe keeping you alive and in the action longer with more health points?

If you thought side-scrollers were dead, think again and pick up Crash Commando. If you liked side-scrollers in the past (Contra!!!!), you’re sure to love this next gen version of a classic game style.

In the game you can play good or evil, which is kind of unique. After battling trolls, orcs and ents for a while, it might be good to switch sides and play one of the bad guys. Things like this make games even more interesting for a wide array of people. There’s more than one campaign you can play for each side – good and evil.

For most of the game, you’re going to play one of the four basic classes available – warrior, archer,  mage, or the scou. Each character class has their own strengths and weaknesses, so depending on your gameplay style, you may want to try one or more to see which one you like best.  There is both ranged and close combat.

The campaigns are tough if you’re fighting alone (alone with the game’s AI helper), but you can have two player cooperative play either locally or online, which will help out immensely with most of the campaigns.

Don’t worry, you’ll also get a chance to play as some of the movies heroes – Gandalf, Aragorn, Sauron, etc. This is great fun after controlling a lesser character in the game.

If you’re tired of the campaign, there are several 16-player online modes, including Hero Deathmatch (which is as exciting as it sounds.)

If you’re a fan of the movie or a fan of other Lord of the Rings games, you should make sure you give this one at least a try. I’m thinking you’re going to like it.

What makes the early part of the game so … well, boring? Perhaps it’s the old school walking around and talking to characters that, for the most part, look pretty much the same. Ah, the good old Zelda and Ultima days of wandering around talking to people from villages far and wide…

Like I said, if you can get past that, there’s some decent damage able to be inflicted later in the game as it takes on a more heroic stance with, yes, wait for it – fighting and carnage. Let’s face it – in the action/adventure genre, that’s what gamers are looking for, right?

Throughout the game you’ll pick up special abilities – some that are constand and other that must manually be put into use during combat. You get the abilities by making the right decisions in combat and also on the (boring) dialog pieces.

The action and combat is fast paced and exciting, but the game could do with a lot more of it that it has. It’s still an ok game you might want to add to your collection, but only if you’re really into the genre.

Have you played Rise of the Argonauts? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you liked the game or hated the game (and the dialog), leave a comment and share with us. I’m sure other gamers reading the Video Game Freaks site would enjoy hearing some different viewpoints on the game as well.

Until next time, keep gaming.