Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3 Only- Relentless Software
'Are you marvelous or moronic?'
A question I ask myself daily and one which is frequently posed when you become a member of The Blue Toad Detective Agency. Set in the 'picture postcard perfection that is Little Riddle' you must prove yourself more often the former than the latter to succeed in solving the murder of the local Mayor.
Using either a standard controller or a Playstation Move controller, you play the role of one of the team of four either alone or with up to three friends in co-op mode. You must explore the village, questioning locals and solving puzzles as you go, to help progress the search for the culprit.
Joy Ride for Kinect
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
XBOX 360 (Kinect required) - BigPark/Microsoft Game Studios
Whilst many of the launch titles for Microsoft's Kinect peripheral for the XBOX 360 appear to show off the extent of the hardware by requiring an active use of the whole of the users body, the SpecialEffect accessible GameBase is keen to explore the use of the controller for those with a range of abilities.
The first Kinect game we have come across, which requires just upper body movement to play is 'Joy Ride.'
To control the car the player puts there are arms out and clasps an imaginary steering wheel with their hands. Acceleration and braking is done automatically, leaving the user to steer left and right by moving the imaginary wheel from side to side.
Fifa 11
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3/XBOX 360 - EA Sports
When the two button gameplay mode appeared in Fifa World Cup South Africa we had our fingers crossed that the feature would reappear in the next installment of the Fifa franchise. Those weary digits seem to have payed off with Fifa 11 including the mode, unofficially named "dad pad."
The mode essentially streamlines the controls required to play the game to allow the use of just two of the buttons to carry out the functions usually requiring all of those found on a standard gamepad in conjunction with the directional left analog stick.
Sports Champions
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3 Only - Zindagi Games/Sony
"Compete in a series of ultra-realistic events that demand accuracy, abilty and skill. Your movement is the key to success in any event; so just how good can you get?"
Archery, Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Bocce, Disc Golf and Gladiator Duel are available to test your skills with the PS3 peripheral, the Playstation Move.
All of the different challenges can be played using just one of the Move controllers (the option is available to play with two for some of the sports) and, consequently, with using just one hand. The option is given before each sport is played to choose between using a left or right hand.
Beat Sketcher (demo)
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3 Only - Japan Studio
"Draw. Paint. Compose. Create."
" Doodles created by your movements also create musical notes, overlap and become music. It generates a new experience - you can enjoy drawing and sound at the same time!"
An intriguing game in which sounds and visuals collide in a creative and playful format. Using the Playstation Move Motion Controller, you are given the freedom to be able to paint or draw whatever you like, whilst creating music at the same time. Whatever you draw has it's own relative sound. The sounds created whilst painting will continue to play on a loop, allowing you to create a composition. Either concentrate on the visual or the audio or a balance of the two.
F1 2010
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
Tested on XBOX 360, also available on PS3
and PC - codemasters
''Immerse yourself in the glamour, pressure and
exhilaration of the world’s most exciting motorsport as F1 2010
roars onto the track.''
With a embarassment of riches in terms of driving
assist features in it's precursor (F1 Championship Edition),
F1 2010 again offers plenty of modes to help keep us on the
straight and narrow.
In a sport where lightening quick reactions and a mastery of
your car are a given, features such as full traction control
and a very welcome return of brake assistance allow a game which
would otherwise be impossible, or at best discouraging to
many, to take part and enjoy racing the fastest cars on some
of the most challenging tracks on the planet 'taking you to the
heart of Formula 1 like never before'.
Hamster Ball
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3 Only (available on PSN) - TikGames
"What is Hamsterball? Well, imagine if both Marble Madness and Super Monkey Ball were to meet a cute and unsuspecting hamster who’s out for a leisurely roll in his ball. This is the most frenzied race to the finish line he’ll ever run, guaranteed!"
Gameplay simply requires the use of the left analogue thumbstick for full control of your dare devil hamster. The cross button can be used in a addition to jump at some momments, but is unnecessary. In addition the circle button can be used to respawn, however this is again unnecessary as you automatically respawn when falling over the edge of the track etc. The right analogue stick can be used to move the camera angle, but does not aid gameplay.
Gran Turismo 5: Prologue
By Bill (R&D, SpecialEffect)
PS3 Only- Polyphony Digital/ Sony
Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is, as
the title hints, a preview of what we should expect to see
from the much anticipated (not to mention much delayed) next
installment in the racing simulator series.
With 60 cars, 6 tracks (with 12 variations) and online racing as
well, this isn't your average demo. In addition, the game
also comes with a full options menu
including controls. This is where it stands above much of
its competition, leading the way for many in terms of it's
button and controls cusomisation features.
Pure Football 2010
By Jack
PS3 (tested)/Xbox 360 - Ubisoft
Pure Football 2010 (if at the end you have any questions, please comment) is a fun five a side football game and is easy to play for all age groups and can be played by multiple players.
The game can be played in a range of different gameplay modes that includes Normal and online and campaign were you have a range of 38 top international and club sides to pick from. The game menus are easily navigated using the left and right arrow keys on the left hand side of the controller. Normal mode can be played in quick play were the computer will set up a game for you or Exhibition were you can edit every detail of the game as you wish.
International cricket 2010
By Jack
PS3/Xbox 360 - Codemasters
International cricket 2010 updates Ashes '09 with newer players,
prizes and a slight improvement in the graphics.
It can be played in one or two player with an online experience
available.
The controls remain the same and are easy to pick up using
the game tutorial. There are changes to update the teams and
there are prizes to be won that include new bats, gloves, and
pads.
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