Ok, so due to some editing problems, the video podcast will be up NEXT weekend. This weekend, we’re bringing you just your typical normal written review. Plus, it’ll be a good weekend to begin the podcast with, right? New month, new format. Yeah, planned it JUST like that…

However, since most of the cool reviews are in the podcast…this week all I had left was one game…

RIDERS ON THE STORM

So, as is typical with a movie’s release into theaters, there’s always the video game tie-in, made in the hopes that fans of the license will snatch it up in order to recreate or extend their movie going experience. This time out, it’s GHOST RIDER, out for PS2 and PSP, based on the film that’s based on a comic book. And just like the film, it’s only mildly entertaining with occasional parts of really bad.

Once again the developers see to it that they extend the experience of the game past what the film offers, and thanks to comic scribes Garth Ennis and Jimmy Palmiotti we get a tale set somewhat after the events of the film. Johnny Blaze, who becomes Ghost Rider whenever the blood of innocence is spilled, is tasked by Mephisto to stop Blackheart once again from trying to kick-start the apocalypse. What this means in terms of gameplay is that you’ll be bashing a lot of minor demons and other weird looking thugs in a manor reminiscent of GOD OF WAR. Only, you know…not as good.

GR uses his chains much like Kratos uses his…the whip and pummel baddies in a frenzy of flourish and combos. Sadly, GR doesn’t have quite as many combos at his disposal, and his attacks can become repetitious quickly. What’s more, as you attack, you build up a combo meter, much like the one found in DEVIL MAY CRY 3, used in order to unlock larger attacks and special moves like shotgun blasts and large scale blasts of power.

While this sounds fine and dandy, the meter usually serves no real purpose unless you come up against a demon that has on a “shield” – one that can only be broken by reaching the right level in your combo meter. This is an especially lame way of extending gameplay, and usually as you’re building the meter to break the shield, you can be attacked from behind by another baddy and are forced to start all over again.

Then there’re the driving levels. Like a game of ROAD RASH but with little steering control, you whip down courses and attack whoever opposes you. Here, however, the baddies are much weaker than before, as you blast them out of your way on the course with your hellshot, or whip the mobile ones to the left and right of you with your chains. There are a few cool moments when you have to jump over or slide under things…but really, how cool can that continue to be after the first time you do it?

Like the movie, the game has its moments, but overall, isn’t that great. It tries (unsuccessfully) to ape the styles of more popular games, but doesn’t quite reach the grace or fun of those titles. If you’re a fan of the character, there’s some joy to find in the unlockable extras, but the game itself will leave you wanting more, as many of the character’s better foes are ill represented here. For everyone else, it’s a day’s rental.

One Gamer’s Opinion:

Next week is the premiere of the video podcast for “Game On!”, featuring reviews of Wii titles, a few DS games, and an interview with Bethesda Softworks about their upcoming PS3 version of OBLIVION and its PC and Xbox 360 expansion, SHIVERING ISLES. Tune in next time!

THE GAME ON! RATING SYSTEM

Ratings From Greatest to Least:

Kick Ass, Right On, Okay, Eh, and Stinker (aka CRAPTACULAR)

Comments: None