For all you McGuiver wannabes: Nightlong is here

Don’t remember McGuiver? The guy that could break out of any situation with the mere everyday items around him? You might want to check into some of the cable rerun networks to find out just how fantastic this guy was. However, if you like to solve problems, and enjoy a good graphic adventure, perhaps Nightlong, Union City Conspiracy is for you! Nightlong was nominated for a GiN Award this year. And although it did not win, the game is nonetheless impressive. Set in the near future, you take on the persona of Joshua Reev, a close personal friend and former … Continue reading For all you McGuiver wannabes: Nightlong is here

Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine will compete w/Lara

The year 1999, and the start of 2000 for that matter, has been an interesting one for George Lucas. First of all, there was major criticism about his much-hyped Phantom Menace, especially in relation to the heavily-despised character Jar Jar Binks, and the ongoing controversy about no DVD release plans in the near future. The controversies continue to this day about who is going to play Anakin Skywalker in Episode II, with most of the rumors directed towards Leonardo DiCaprio (gag, barf, retch!), and there is also talk about a fourth Indiana Jones movie in the future. In the meantime … Continue reading Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine will compete w/Lara

West Front makes up for the mistakes of the East

The West Front of World War II is one of the more interesting theaters of the war. TalonSoft’s latest edition to their ‘Campaign Series’ explores this theater of War, which includes the deserts of North Africa, Sicily, the Bleak landscape of Norway and the march across France after the Invasion of Normandy. West Front is TalonSoft’s sequel to the ill-fated premiere game in the Campaign Series: East Front. Those familiar with this type of wargame will probably recall the volley of complaints that were leveled at TalonSoft after the release of East Front. Releasing ‘unfinished product,’ releasing ‘buggy games’ etc., … Continue reading West Front makes up for the mistakes of the East

Dukes of Hazzard: Racing for Home is stuck in the pits

When the powers that be here at GiN first gave me Dukes of Hazzard: Racing for Home to review I thought that Christmas had arrived early. What red-blodded American male could resist finally being able to live out their boyhood dreams and play as Bo and Luke Duke driving around in the General Lee battling Boss Hogg and Roscoe? I’ve been told I said something like, "This is the happiest day of my life!" before racing off to the testing center. Oh how wrong I was. The crux of my review for Dukes of Hazzard lies in four words — … Continue reading Dukes of Hazzard: Racing for Home is stuck in the pits

Odium is all about eye candy

Odium may be defined as hate coupled with disgust, but when it comes to the game Odium, my feelings lacked such passion. In fact, I was left with profound indifference. Following the thoroughly playable Septerra Core, Monolith has released TopWare’s Odium — and some unsuspecting gamers might be duped into buying the new title. It’s 2008 and you play for three NATO military commandos known as Group Two, sent into a hot zone where Group One has disappeared. Obviously, Group One has disappeared or been disabled. But for some reason, Group Two doesn’t exactly come well stocked with ammo, weapons … Continue reading Odium is all about eye candy

Y2K A.D. meet Y2K B.C.

Isn’t it amazing how much hype accompanied the arrival of the year 2000? The fact that a simple flip of the calendar page could cause such mass hysteria seems a little silly in retrospect, doesn’t it? As usual, all that was needed was a little perspective, something the real-time strategy game Pharaoh provides by the pyramid-full. With missions taking place from around 3200 to 1350 B.C., this game demonstrates that success involves thinking in the long-term. Sure, a worldwide computer meltdown could have caused problems, but that pales in comparison to trying to create and maintain an entire civilization. Egyptian … Continue reading Y2K A.D. meet Y2K B.C.

Invention Highway is a road to childhood success

Brighter Child’s Invention Highway is an educational game billed for 9-yr. olds and above. It certainly lives up to the billing. Even as a jaded 38-year old, wanna-be computer geek, it took me a few minutes (and honestly even a peek or two at the answers, all peeks with the goal of time saving, of course) to solve a couple of the puzzles. All in all it’s a high-quality educational tool. Invention Highway is designed around a principle of education developed by one of its founders that identifies four different methods for “thinking techniques.” In the introduction to the game … Continue reading Invention Highway is a road to childhood success

Roller Coaster Tycoon is an E-ticket

I was walking through Staples a few weeks ago and I saw a demo running of what looked like a really cool game, and I was thinking to myself that it looked like something I would like to try out. A couple days later the Corkscrew Follies expansion pack and the original Rollercoaster Tycoon were plopped onto my desk. This tells me never to go shopping for office supplies with my editor ever again. Since GiN never reviewed the original game, I thought I would try something a little bit different with this review. I am going to review the … Continue reading Roller Coaster Tycoon is an E-ticket

Mob Rule is an offer you can’t refuse

Ay Toni? Check dis kid out. Eh-eh-eh-eh. The little squirt says he wants ta be a mobsta. Eh-eh-eh-eh. So ya’s think bein’ in the mob is a slice of pie do ya’s? Well ya got it all wrong kid. Mobbin’ ain’t easy. Dere’s rules to da game kid. Rules to da game. Ya gotta have connections. Ya gotta have charisma, style, and class along with nerves of steel. Ya gotta be tough as nails. Don’t take no crap from anybodies! Eye for an eye. Someone steps on your toes? You step on dere’s back! There ain’t no room for softies … Continue reading Mob Rule is an offer you can’t refuse

Man of War II: Chains of Command will capture your free time

First player combat games can be challenging enough when it’s just a matter of controlling your own character. Naval Combat is the stuff legends have been made from. In Man of War II you are a Captain, Division Commander or Admiral in charge of one ship or a fleet. I haven’t played Man of War I, so everything about Man of War II was new to me. The graphics are pretty good. There is a lot of detail: water and sky textures, smoke from the cannon fire, and as you move about the deck you can see the damage to … Continue reading Man of War II: Chains of Command will capture your free time