Hands-On: Cladun: This is an RPG!

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“We’re not exactly sure how someone can be sexy “in an 8-bit sense,” but we certainly applaud the folks at NIS America for loading up their latest retro gaming throwback with some seriously off-the-wall character dialogue and wacky self-referential humor. Amusingly, Cladun: This is an RPG literally wears its genre on its sleeve while poking fun at it in the process. Blocky 8-bit warriors, jokes about cosplay, heavy duty dungeon grinding and talking cats punctuate this promising and quirky retro RPG.”

Check out the full hands-on preview here at GamesRadar.

Top Downloadable Games August 2010

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Summer has faded away, and school is back in session, but that hasn’t stopped the flow of great downloadable games. In this month’s exploration of downloadable gaming delights, we jump into high speed racing boats, corral strange monsters on a dangerous planet, pummel 8-bit baddies to win a girl’s affections, and explore a mirror-image kingdom.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

Review: TNA Impact: Cross The Line (PSP)

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“It may have taken two years for the portable versions of TNA Impact to finally make it to launch following the console release in 2008, but don’t expect to find many improvements or major changes in this handheld port. The extra time in the oven hasn’t made a real impact on pinning down and beating into submission the problems that kept the series debut from being the tour de force TNA wrestling enthusiasts had hoped for. Staying faithful to the machismo drama and intense man-pummeling action of TNA just isn’t enough when the gameplay so readily degenerates into repetitive and frustrating button mashing. Context-sensitive control issues and bastardly enemy AI also take a lot of wind out of the game’s testosterone-powered sails.”

Check out the full review here at GameSpot.

Review: Ys Seven (Second Opinion)

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

Fellow freelance writer Gus Mastrapa dug into the new Ys Seven game in and came up with some good points on this entertaining JRPG action adventure. You can read his fine review, along with my second opinion on the game, in the latest digital edition of EGMi. Peep the review in the new issue here.

PTOM Print Contributions August 2010 Issue

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

Hey gang, the August issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine is out and about. Awww, isn’t it cute? Here’s a quick rundown of the stuff I have in it. On pages 90 and 91, the PSN Games section is loaded with (mostly) good stuff. This time around I tackled After Burner Climax, The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, Patchwork Heroes, Hyperballoid HD, and NBA Unrivaled. I have some other good stuff coming up in the next few issues, including some larger PSN game coverage. Thanks!

Top Downloadable Games June 2010

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Summer is officially here, and the month of June brings with it some seriously hot downloadable games to match rising temperatures and sunny weather. If you need a break from the bright sun, there are plenty of cool new gaming downloads to check out for every system. Get ready for action this month, as we blast colorful gems, pull off daredevil bike stunts, incinerate space garbage, and dogfight with classic cartoon characters.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

Top Downloadable Games May 2010

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“The warmer season is ramping up into full swing, prompting many folks to venture outside for some fresh air, T-shirt temperatures, and pleasant sun. But when the inevitable rainy spells and cold snaps put a damper on the many delightful outdoor activities that summer brings with it, there’s still plenty of downloadable gaming fun to explore. This month we ride along with rocket-powered possums, shred carpet in tiny remote controlled race cars, go jogging with Commander Video, and bust out some silly kung-fu moves.”

Check out the full column here at What They Play.

PTOM Print Contributions March 2010 Issue

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

If you can still find a copy on news stands, check out the March issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine for my monthly PSN Games section write-ups in the back of the mag. This month I tackle Pixeljunk Shooter, Diner Dash, Call of Duty Classic, Revenge of the Wounded Dragon, a handful of PSP Minis and more! There’s some great stuff out on the PlayStation Network now and tons of new sizzle-tastic games coming out shortly. They’re a great way to fill in the down between mega-hit releases. Oh yeah, and check out that cover. Crysis 2? That’s freakin’ HOT!

Review: Lunar: Silver Star Harmony

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“Epic struggles involving dragons, wizards, demons, and warriors never really get old, do they? The first entry in the Lunar series–a game that blended all of the aforementioned elements deliciously–has seen a lot of love during the past few decades. After making its grand debut on Sega CD in the early ’90s, it quickly grew to become one of the top-selling games for the system. It’s already been remade a handful of times for different consoles since then, but many years have passed since we last had a chance to take up a mighty blade and chase down the magic emperor while striving to become a world-renowned dragonmaster. Game Arts and XSeed saw fit to change that by lavishing the original adventure with cartloads of TLC. Indeed, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony on the PSP is the remake to top all Lunar remakes.”

Check out the full review here at GameSpot.

Top Downloadable Games: February 2010

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Nathan Meunier

“The downloadable gaming delights just keep coming, and February has a glut of new affordably priced games that are absolutely worth your time. This month’s top downloadable games list is packed with action. Grab onto your seats, as we go toe-to-toe with hovering space tanks, heavy metal monsters, firepower-packing towers, and musical block puzzles.”