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emailA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z top
A
A Choice to Compute
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D
Deadly Creatures Wii
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F
Flower PS3
Food Frenzy DS
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I
Imagine: Makeup Artist DS
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P
Phineas and Ferb DS
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R
Retro Game Challenge DS
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T
Transformers DS
I am really pleased to announce I have been asked to write XBox 360, PS3, Wii, DS lite and PSP game reviews for Family Gamer! Although I am largely known for taking video game systems apart as the chip tune musician Pixelh8, this will be a more critical review than a physical dissection of the games, so I will be swapping the screwdriver for the game pad on this new adventure.
Food Frenzy DS is an extremely fast paced kitchen scramble. Over seven or so mini-games you slice and dice your way to deliver a perfect meal for a visiting food critic and at no time does the pace let up. Initially thought maybe I was getting a little old in terms of keeping up with games but it wasn't just me the pace left my kids a little bewildered and reluctant to carry on after seeing what the game was expecting of them.
Programming doesn't happen by mistake, it take people. People that know it exists, people that know they can do it, ultimately people who have managed to catch the bug. In a world where computing is ever more commodified, I take great joy in introducing schools and young students to the simple accessible wonders of programming outside the box.
I am always against replacing technology, especially when it's working and often feel we should use what we have until it no longer works hence the fact I still use a BBC Micro on a daily basis. Amusingly Transformers on the DS popped up with its re-invented characters after a lengthy discussion with my dear partner over replacing / upgrading our current perfectly working washing machine.
Never have I approached a game with so much fear and apprehension both as a man and as a parent. I know you should never judge a book by its cover, or maybe the phrase appearance isn't everything is more suitable when discussing this Imagine Makeup Artist, however my fears were fully realised after playing this game for an hour.
Retro Game challenge reminded me of one of the excitement of an approaching weekend, and having a friend stay over to complete the latest game on the Nintendo NES, it was one of my favourite childhood memories. It recreates that old gaming experience through it's well paced and knowing adventure.
I am so glad, my family and I don't live anywhere near a dessert, the things you will see, hear and feel in this atmospheric and almost claustrophobic adventure game are enough to solidify that view. This is a game that creeps and crawls its way into your affections and doesn't let go.
Flower is probably the most relaxing game I have ever played, everything comes together a simple relaxing experience, what more would expect from a game in which you control the gentle breeze.
After a day spent with my seven year old son, teaching him basic electronics and planning out a home-made pinball machine, it was both amusing and apt that we should sit down to play on Disney's Pheneas and Ferb that evening. Luckily you don't have to be a fan of the TV show to understand what's going on or enjoy playing the game - the back story and the catchphrases are all apparent in the tutorial level.
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