Horror

With the dawning of online play for consoles this year, a big selling point is that players will get the chance to interact with live people for an increased human element in games. The idea has merit, but in my opinion videogames that take place offline haven't done more than scratch the surface of offering similar experiences through simulation and programming.

This new version of Shadow Man plays a lot like the old one—the graphics have been upgraded (the character models look a little more realistic, although they still look like first generation Playstation 2 graphics) and the core gameplay tweaked (theres a wider variety of weapons this time around); but those who played through the first game will find that 2econd Coming is very familiar, flaws and all.

Game Description: B-movie horror-film producer Michael Reynolds offers a million dollars to anyone who can survive his terrifying movie-themed park, Illbleed. Four teenage horror fans—Eriko Christy, Kevin Kertsman, Randy Fairbanks, and Michel Waters—receive invitations to the ghastly park. Filled with enthusiasm, Kevin, Randy, and Michel carelessly rush to Illbleed, leaving behind young Eriko, the main star of the game. Eriko eventually heads to Illbleed to search for her now-missing friends. As Eriko, you must find your friends and survive the horrors of Illbleed. Will you make it out alive?

With some minor tweaking, Eternal Darkness could have been a great game. The core ideaa horror story wherein the player takes control of a variety of different characters from different eras is an excellent one. The game's scope is nothing short of epic, which makes it a shame that the actual gameplay is so pedestrian.

In writing the Second Opinion for Oni, Brad discussed what he saw as the main pet peeve he had to deal with as a game critic. According to him, nothing is worse than being stuck reviewing what clearly appears to be a bad game. Such titles will force you to spend hours playing them, only to leave you in the end feeling robbed of time that would have been better spent doing just about anything else.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Blood and Gore, Violence

Blood and gore sell games, much to the horror of parents and senators everywhere. For proof, you need look no further than the runaway success of franchises like Capcoms mega-popular Resident Evil or Konami's fan favorite, Silent Hill. Despite this, Nintendo has rarely tried to capitalize on the phenomena.