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Review Round-Up: Fallout, Vanquish, DJ Hero, And More
If there was any doubt left that crazy video game release season had begun, let it be removed from your mind. We've had no less than six big reviews go up already this week, plus a couple from last week, and more are coming. We've collected links to all of the reviews in this story so you won't miss anything.
Check out the excerpts from the reviews below, but be sure to click through to read the full text and see the scores we settled on.
Arcania: Gothic 4 (360, PS3, PC) - "Arcania isn't what anyone thought Gothic 4 would be. It's a marginally competent action/RPG with all the depth of a kiddie pool, not the huge open-world role-playing epics the series was previously known for. At least it isn't afflicted by the plague of bugs that crippled Gothic 3 at release. I didn't hate my time with it, and it's by no means impossible to find some value here. Just know what you're getting into before taking the plunge." -Adam Biessener
DJ Hero 2 (360, PS3, Wii) - "While there’s still work to be done (a more meaningful career mode and some sort of mix creation tool would be great), at its best DJ Hero 2 is positively thrilling. As you crossfade, scratch, and manipulate the gorgeous mixes, the feeling is akin to riding the perfect wave. In some ways, I almost feel a greater connection to the music than I do when playing the guitar-focused games on the market. Hopefully this game will meet the success it deserves, allowing FreeStyle Games to keep searching for that perfect beat." -Matt Helgeson
EA Sports MMA (360, PS3) - "The game’s presentation also lacks a bit of the spectacle and style found in real broadcasts. I’d also like to see some refinement to the submission system as the minigames you use to put the hurt on your opponents feel a little gimmicky. Despite these issues, EA Sports MMA is still a powerful brawler, and another year or two in the gym should turn it into a true monster." -Ben Reeves
Fallout: New Vegas (360, PS3, PC) - "Maybe Obsidian’s lack of familiarity with Bethesda’s technology resulted in New Vegas’ plateau. Maybe Bethesda barked orders to make it identical to Fallout 3. In any case, gamers should expect more of the same from this follow-up. If Fallout 3 holds a place among your top 10 games of this generation like it does for me, another rewarding 200-plus hours of survival awaits you." -Andrew Reiner
Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) - "Honestly, the only crowd that I can imagine not enjoying Kirby is jaded gamers who are too cool for something so whimsical. Maybe they didn’t grow up with the equally family-friendly Nintendo games of the ‘80s and ‘90s, or maybe they’ve just forgotten their roots amidst the constant flow of first-person shooters and gory action games. Whatever the case, they’re missing out on a colorful, unique game that reminds me of why I fell in love with gaming back on my NES: imagination, challenge, and fun." -Phil Kollar
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (360, PS3, Wii) - "The Pro Evolution series was known as the franchise that is too old school, too hardcore, and a step behind. I think that’s changed, and it’s now in better position for itself and the sport as a whole." -Matthew Kato
Rock Band 3 (360, PS3, Wii) - "In many ways, Rock Band 3 is a culmination of Harmonix’s efforts to
bring music to the masses. But it’s also a new chapter in the franchise
that starts the gradual merging of real and game-based music. Plenty of
naysayers have already declared music games dead. Harmonix certainly
hasn’t gotten the message; this band is primed for a new tour." -Matt Miller
Super Meat Boy (360) - "I probably died more times playing Super Meat Boy than the combined deaths of every other video game I've played in my life. With the exception of a few introductory areas, Super Meat Boy's 300-plus levels refuse to handle the player with kid gloves. By the time you reach the final world, you will die countless deaths if your aim isn't pixel perfect, or if your timing is off by a millisecond. With most games this would be a recipe for disaster, but SMB's flawless controls and lighthearted demeanor make this a title tailor-made for gamers hungry for a challenge." -Jeff Marchiafava
Vanquish (360, PS3) - "If Vanquish had been fleshed out with better characters, more variety, and a more substantial campaign, it could have been great. As is, the awesome suit amounts to little more than a fun toy in a forgettable world." -Dan Ryckert
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