Quick Reviews: Volume I

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Platform: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo GameCube
Release Date: November 19, 2006 (Wii), December 11, 2006 (GCN)

The latest Zelda adventure was released for both the Wii and GameCube in late 2006. What Twilight Princess brings to the table isn't very different from the games before it, but with a tried-and-true formula only Zelda can offer, why the need for change? The hype leading up to Twilight Princess was so unprecedented that many fans were left feeling disappointed upon playing the game, as if it hadn't lived up to their seemingly unrealistic expectations. As someone who didn't very much pay attention to the game pre-release, getting my hands on and completing it was a very enjoyable, engrossing experience. While Twilight Princess offers incredible gameplay, brilliant dungeon designs, perfect use of the Wii Remote's motion sensing, rewarding unlockables and sidequests, there are a few areas of the game that could be improved for the next installment. At times the game seems to drag on, in particular the sequences where you play as Link's wolf form. Being a direct GCN-to-Wii port, the visuals aren't overly impressive (but they get the job done), and the audio department could use some orchestrated music and perhaps some voiceovers. In the end, it's still The Legend of Zelda, and it's an incredible game in its own right.

RATING: 9.5/10

Super Mario Galaxy
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: November 12, 2007

Mario's back and better than ever in the spiritual sequel to the critically-acclaimed Super Mario 64. If you're familiar with that game or Super Mario Sunshine, then you should have no problem jumping right into Galaxy. This game is great fun for beginners and hardcore gamers alike, as you traverse various galaxies (each with their own incredibly-implemented gravity systems) in search of the coveted Power Stars. Sporting addictive gameplay and tons of rewards, not to mention the best visuals I've seen on the console thus far, Galaxy is a real work of art. The soundtrack is beautifully orchestrated and the stage design has to be seen to be believed. Galaxy is essentially void of any real flaws, although parts of the game do tend to be overly simple. Collecting all 120 Power Stars is a real treat, and in doing so you get to play through the game as (SPOILERS)... Luigi, offering a style of play unique from his red-wearing brother, with added difficulty. Super Mario Galaxy, like Twilight Princess, makes just the right use of motion sensing, and isn't implemented as an obnoxious gimmick like so many Wii games are notoriously known to have. All in all, Galaxy's an incredible experience, and it's one of the (if not the) best games I've played in years.

RATING: 9.8/10