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Top Six Characters that Need to Come Out of Retirement

Pato Banton sang a song with UB40 -- Baby Come Back. There are plenty of video game characters who have been retired for one reason or another. Some of them we would like to see again. If absence makes the heart fonder, then I am as fond of these characters as I can be. So please join me as we explore the Top Six Characters that Need to Come Out of Retirement. Maybe just maybe someone out there reading can help bring these characters back. 

Big Three Embrace Indie Games

The video game industry goes in trends. We have seen a variety of trends over the decades. Numerous companies tried to create an iconic character in 2D side scrolling adventures. The industry went crazy making 2D fighting games. There was a mad rush to create 3D fighting games. Many companies rushed to put out FPS games. Want to know what the latest trend in the video game industry is? Indie Games. Sony is talking about it, Nintendo is talking about, Microsoft is talking about it, and its all over Steam.

Gaming that is Inclusive

Every so often I get an email, or meet someone at a trade show that asks why do we ignore the 'M' rated games. There are a plethora of reasons to do so, one of the most prominent is I support gaming that is inclusive, not exclusive. By its very nature a game that is seventeen and older only is excluding a large percentage of the family. They are exclusive games that contain content children should not be exposed to. Children and younger teens are being told by the secular gaming media the exclusive games are cool. That is what you aspire towards. I disagree with that molding of the gaming population.

cg-now

All Star Cheer Squad

 

 

SCORE: 83

 

All Star Cheer Squad 

 

All Star Cheer Squad on the Nintendo DS is a miniature version of the cheerleader game from the Wii. The DS lets us ladies touch, whereas the Wii let us feel. Bear in mind part of the experience is different. This version of All Star Cheer Squad is all about the cheer camp, and the story was grown in an interesting and unique way. If it was not for the cheerleading aspect of this game, the RPG Master would probably be right at home since some aspects of All Star Cheer Squad feel like a role playing game. We take on the role of a rookie cheerleader, and rise up the ranks to be the captain of the team. There are also a lot of relational dynamics going on in this DS game.

The graphics are a little small in All Star Cheer Squad, (sorry having a House Hunters flash back) which can be a good thing since the cheerleader outfits will be less offensive to all of those who do not want to see so much digital flesh. The cheerleader outfits look realistic, so if you have seen outfits from cheerleaders in high school, and college you know what to expect. There are a lot of friendly colors, and the details are nice in this game.

The ESRB hit the nail on the head with the mild lyrics descriptor. The thing that will bother most people is the language issue that crops up from time to time. All Star Cheer Squad could be an excellent game if that part was left out (maybe a clean version sequel). The music does fit the cheerleading theme of this DS game, and it brings back memories of things like spirit fingers (from the Bring it On DVD).

All Star Cheer Squad has a fairly decent replay value to it. Wireless modes are included, as well as plenty of unlockables. The lengthy story is something that captivated me for quite a few hours. A lot of girls will be asking for this game, and if the lyrics do not bother you then it can be worth the money.

I absolutely love the different game play aspects of All Star Cheer Squad. THQ made sure the developer kept it fresh, interesting, and engaging. I found a lot to like about the different aspects of the game. I never got tired of the different mini games, chores, or relational aspects of this DS game.

All Star Cheer Squad has a few issues, yet all around it is a pretty safe game for girls. This DS game teaches working hard, be careful what you say (never know who is listening), concentration, and timing. I would love to see a sequel without the lyrics problem.
- Yolanda

 

Graphics: 83%
Sound: 76%
Replay/Extras: 80%
Gameplay: 90%
Family Friendly Factor: 84%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: THQ
ESRB Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Mild Lyrics}

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