Playstation 3 Game Reviews

Despite it's previous popularity in earlier 16-bit incarnations, judging by the new Sonic release for the PS3, this hedgehog has not been able to keep up with the times. Anyone who wastes there money purchasing Sonic The Hedgehog for the PS3 will soon agree that this character should have retired years ago. Here's just some of the reasons why.

1. Poor Gameplay

Fans of Sonic himself will be dissapointed from the outset since there actually isn't that much chance to play Sonic during the game. You see, there are 3 different stories in this game - and only one stars Sonic as the main character! The other two stories revolve around two new characters named Shadow and Silver.


It would be one thing if the different characters added a little something to the game to make it more interesting, but they don't. Though each of characters plays a bit differently - Sonic jumps, Silver moves objects with his mind and Shadow drives vehicles, the structure of each of the 3 story lines is basically the same. It basically breaks down like this; go through a town, take on a couple side missions that include puzzles, then complete a final mission to exit the town. To make things even more dull, the load time between sequences is incredibly long.

2. Poor Controls

You'd think with the very simple attacks the characters have, that at least the controls would be quick and responsive in this game. Sadly, this is not the case. For example, Sonic's homing jump is just a simple matter of timing your hits on the A button while battling foes - but many will find this more frustrating than challenging.

Furthermore, when the camera angles change - which they do often and at the worst possible moment - the controls don't automatically compensate for the new point of view.

You'll often find your character coming to a complete stop when the camera changes until you get your bearings again and adapt your use of the controls. Again, this comes across as more of a glitch than a challenge that depends on your gaming skills.

3. Glitches Galore


Slow load times, poor control response and the camera angle issues are only the beginning when it comes to glitches in this game. For example, you'll find many levels throughout the game where your characters will not move very quickly at all. Considering Sonic was originally known for his speed, you'd think the game developers would have been able to take advantage of the PS3's processing power and made this an even faster and slicker game. They didn't. Also, the game doesn't save automatically and you can't save your game in the middle of a mission - so you have to remember to manually hit save at the beginning of each new level. Add to this the large amount of old-school text dialogue throughout the game and you wonder if the developers really put any effort at all into this release.

Sonic The Hedgehog for the PS3 could have brought this aging gaming icon back to life by taking advantage of the speed and graphic capalities of this next-gen gaming console. Apparently the developers decided to bank on the power of Sonic himself without putting any effort into making this game what it could have been though. If you waste your money on this game and actually spend a few minutes playing it, you'll soon realize that you'd probably have more fun pulling out your old 16-bit machine and playing one of the original Sonic titles instead.

Grab your own copy of Sonic The Hedgehog and see if you agree with me. I dare you! ;)

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent is the fourth game in Ubisoft's Splinter Cell series. First released on previous generation systems in October 2006, the Playstation 3 version was released March 30, 2007. Double Agent features the return of NSA agent Sam Fisher in another top notch globe crossing mix of stealth and action.



In Splinter Cell, it's all about the stealth, running around with guns blazing left me with nothing but a game over screen. Success requires you to be aware of your surroundings and plan your moves, and kills, carefully. The basic game play hasn't changed much from previous Splinter Cell games but there is one big new twist. If the game's title didn't already give it away, Double Agent has Sam working as a double agent for the NSA inside a rogue military group. This forced me to perform a bit of a balancing act to keep everyone happy.




I couldn't let the bad guys know I wasn't really on their side but, if I did my job too well, the NSA might start wondering if I was really betraying them. In the end though, it was usually easy enough to keep both sides happy. Still, the whole double agent part is a nice touch and makes for a very good story.



The single player game isn't extremely long but once it was done I still had the online multiplayer mode to keep me busy. Similar to the multiplayer in past Splinter Cell games, the action focuses on a team of quick and agile spies trying to sneak into an area and steal data while a team of mercenaries does their best to stop them. To add further variety, both the spies and the mercenaries play very differently. It's fun, challenging, and addictive, adding a ton of replay value.

The sound in Double Agent is excellent. Great music, great sound effects, and great voice acting all the way through. The graphics look very nice but aren't quite as good as in the 360 version, nothing major but some of the fancy visual effects from just aren't there.



Would I recommend buying Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent? Certainly! It's a great game that's sure to offer many hours of fun both in single and multiplayer, so unless you already own it on another system go ahead and pick up a copy.

This is the 8th Tony Hawk game designed for the Playstation, thus the name of the game. This means there has been a new Tony Hawk out on the market every year since Playstation hit the market. The number 8 of the game also has to do with the object of the game. Tony Hawk works to get a group of 8 unknown skate boarders together. He has come to your neighborhood to see what you and others have to offer. Do well and you will progress through the game. Along the way you will compete against professional skate boarders and pickup sponsors. The goal of the game is to gain the respect of Tony Hawk and be asked to join his Project 8 team. You will do this by performing a variety of skating feats. There is a lot of great action going on during this game.



Individuals new to the Tony Hawk games as well as those who are familiar with them will enjoy the challenge of the skating tricks to complete. They can be frustrating, but mastered in time. Players will also find the graphics of the game very appealing. As you maneuver the game, you will explore the areas in your town. This includes streets, parks, and state parks. Real skate boarding enthusiasts enjoy the famous skaters who help Tony Hawk throughout the game. Jason Lee may even sponsor you if you show you are good enough. Bob Burnquist will ask you to jump out of an airplane to do tricks in the air. Bam Margera will have you launch off a building into a trash dumpster.



One of the really neat features of the game is it doesn't ask you to set the skill level at the beginning of the game. Rather, you can choose it prior to each trick or competition. This is great for those you have mastered and those you still need to work on. The levels of skill include amateur, pro and sick. You will gain less points for lower levels, but it is better than no points.

With the development of the new Playstation 3 six axis control, the player can get into the game more. You can set it to do balancing for you. The new controller fits in your hand better and is lighter. This will enable players to be able to perform tricks and jumps easier. The career mode of the Tony Hawk's Project 8 game is excellent, allowing you to start where you want to in the game rather than at the beginning each time. There are about 13 challenges and the Tony Hawk Grande Finale, so there will be hours of entertainment ahead trying to master this game.


One disappointing feature of Tony Hawk Project 8 is that you can't play it online. However, overall Tony Hawk fans and Playstation 3 gamers are very happy with this game. It is fun, challenging, and offers great effects. The background music while you skate through the game is appealing as well. If you don't like a particular song offered, you can disable it.



The Tony Hawk's Project 8 video game is one of the best in the new line up. It can be purchased at most retailers or online for $45-$60. This is one action packed Playstation 3 game that you don't want to miss out on!
Get your Tony Hawk Project 8 now!