So for the last several years I’ve been missing out on great titles on many systems. To make up for it, I’ve restarted a queue for an online game rental site. I’m hoping that what I’ve been subject to is not typical of things to come. The following is simply my biased opinions of a few games I’ve played lately.

Prince of Persia

I will just start by saying that this PS3 title was outstanding. The art style wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, but I can certainly see the appeal it would have to many with its colorful storybook tones. The gameplay was easy to pick up and master and the storyline was superb. I actually enjoyed the title so much that I played through in a weekend, which isn’t my normal thing.

The open world was actually something I felt was pulled off masterfully. Unless you’re a perfectionist, there’s no reason that you’d have to constantly revisit previously conquered areas. Even so, it was worth it to go back just to have more places to use the incredible powers you acquire. The built in teleportation system adds to the desire to spend time exploring.

While it’s certainly not the best game I’ve ever played, Prince of Persia is certainly worth picking up and playing through if you’re as behind as me and haven’t gotten the chance yet.

No More Heroes

Wow, what a horrible game. The Wii has been a source of some amusement to me, but this was unbearably horrid. Ok, I’ll admit that the whole nostalgic graphic style was cute for a bit, but the complete lack of any other redeeming quality will cause this to remain in any list of the worst games I’ve ever played.

The muddled story places you as a guy that acquired a beam sword through an internet auction site and then fought his way into the ranks of an underground assassin’s league. Sure, why not? Follow that up with button mashing gameplay that removes any challenge from the title. Then there’s the blood. Hey, I like a game that has a little spatter and gore, but there is a point at which it’s stupid. If you haven’t been paying attention, it was f@#king stupid. Slicing your apparently cloned enemies apart results in fountains of blood spewing forth over what seems to be somebody’s carnage laden wet dream. The in game dialogue was atrocious, end of discussion.  Open world travel while you do odd jobs (collect coconuts, mow lawns, pick up garbage, etc.) to make money to buy your way into the next ranked battle is accomplished by your clearly Akira inspired motorcycle. It would be nice if had any decent handling. Well, no, that wouldn’t really help that much. Each boss requires the same strategy to defeat. Strafe, dodge their attack, retaliate, rinse and repeat.

Ok, I know that was a bit of a rant, but this game had been hyped as one of the best games ever released on the Wii by the users on the rental site. When I see descriptions like “quirky” and “unique”, I presume that the high numeric rating attached means these are positive aspects of the game. I’m not sure who this title appeals to, but I know it will never be me.

Super Swing Golf Season 2

No worries, this one will be short. It’s a cute little cartoony golf game that incorporates strange characters playing Pangya (what they call golf). It’s not overly realistic, but I’m hoping nobody looks at this title and expects that. I actually own the first title in this series and this one was nearly the same game. In fact, it has the same characters and courses as the original. The story mode has changed and there are some mini-games to play as well. All in all, if you haven’t played the first one, give it a whirl.

… and that’s it for now. Be prepared to see more blogs just like this one from me in the future.