Pads & Panels

It’s been way too long since we posted an edition of Trailer Madness. We guess that’s why we’ve got more than 10 videos comprising this post. You can always watch the videos as they’re uploaded on our YouTube account. Otherwise, we’ve got the latest recap of videos we’ve posted there, and highlighting this edition is Lost Planet 2‘s “Gears of War” video. Capcom also sent a Super Street Fighter IV promotional trailer our way. We’ve got two trailers apiece for Risk Factions and Shiren The Wanderer, and a whopping three videos for Blood Bowl. Things are rounded out this edition by new videos for bittos+, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for iPhone, Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll and Napoleon Total War. Enjoy!

Lost Planet 2 “Gears of War” Video

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#3 – Plants vs. Zombies (PC)

Publisher: PopCap – Developer: PopCap

Our Review

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Popcap strips down the tower defense genre so anyone can jump in, then level-by-level builds it up to perfection. Players place various plants to defend the house from waves of the undead. Everything’s got character, and it is damn near impossible to play this game not sporting a big smile. The pacing is perfect and is constantly mixing things up before any repetition sets in. Plants vs. Zombies is rounded out by a good sense of humor and a soundtrack guaranteed to get stuck in gamers’ heads. (more…)

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#4 – Assassin’s Creed II (360, PS3)

Publisher: Ubisoft – Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

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Assassin’s Creed II is the best example one can give of a developer listening to the criticisms of its first game and addressing the problems, adding compelling elements and continuing a tradition of innovation. For an open-world game, Assassin’s Creed has purpose in all of its actions and activities, creating a sense that even when running around jumping and climbing it is all part of a larger, grander scheme. This interconnected nature lends thematic credence to Ezio and his revenge quest through Italy during the Renaissance.

The first Assassin’s Creed was a successful title that sold extremely well, but turned out to be a polarizing game, dividing its audience for a number of reasons. It is a testament to Assassin’s Creed II that it can easily bring back the wayward souls that abandoned the first title and create passionate fans who will anticipate the inevitable third game. Assassin’s Creed II is a stunning achievement that should not be missed. –John

And the “Best DLC of 2009” is… (more…)

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Title: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Platform: 360

ESRB Rating: M

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar North

Review by: Dan Braun

Approximately one and a half years ago, Grand Theft Auto IV was released to almost universal praise amongst the gaming community. Despite this, some hardcore fans of the series felt that the game took itself too seriously and focused on the mundane and realistic, instead of showcasing the over-the-top (and often ridiculous) action and activities that have made the franchise so popular. For those who need the extreme, The Ballad of Gay Tony is a much lighter and more explosive foray into Liberty City that should have all GTA fanatics cheering for more. (more…)

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Title: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Platform: DS

ESRB Rating: M

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developers: Rockstar Leeds and Rockstar North

Rating:

Review by: John Gustafson

Imagine the sheer scope and immersion of Grand Theft Auto IV but without the irritating phone calls. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars takes the very best elements from its console brother, slaps it onto a DS cartridge, and then adds some inventive improvements bound to show up in the next console release. (more…)

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Title: The Lost and Damned DLC for Grand Theft Auto IV

Platform: 360

Publisher: Rockstar

Developer: Rockstar North

Review by: Dan Braun

Grand Theft Auto IV’s The Lost and Damned expansion is a mediocre addition to an outstanding game, but it does have some decent additions and improvements that will appeal to gamers who are looking for a little more from the title. (more…)

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We’ve got a Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars t-shirt (size Large), some Rockstar stickers and maybe a few extra stickers tossed in from the personal collection to give away. We thought we’d see who is paying attention, put up a post at 3 a.m. and make it really, really easy for one person.

How does one win this prize package? Be the first eligible user to post a reply to this contest post. That’s it. One person will win this package by being the first to post a comment. Who’s it going to be? (more…)

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