F1 2012
Codemasters' annual refresh of Formula One action is as predictable as this year's championship. We spend 12 months hoping for something different, but eventually end up with the same result… just about. Either way, diehard fans of the sport will appreciate the realism and, of course, FIA's changes to last year's ruleset. The UI system has been radically improved too, with F1 2011's horrendous menu ousted in favour of simplicity. The addition of Champions Mode also brings something new to the pitstops, as challenging as it can be.
Gamers are faced with the task of beating the six champions who currently race in F1, each with their own individual scenarios. It's a nice idea, but offers little replay value and would have been good to see some historic champions included rather than those still racing.
While as usual, the realism and responsive controls can be difficult for those more accustomed to casual racers, the game is awash with tips on how to use systems such as KERS and DRS effectively. The 60fps graphics are pretty mind-blowing too. Unfortunately, I did read negative reports about using the latest F1 with a gaming wheel, but have yet to try it myself. Your mileage may vary.
Little Big Planet Karting
When it comes to PS3 racers, most of my time has been spent taking my Sackboy for a spin in Sony's answer to Mario Kart. As with the more established LBP games, the target audience is clearly those yet to sit a GCSE exam. Even so, at the very least, adults will still appreciate the fun factor highlighted by the imaginative design.
As soon as players have skipped Stephen Fry's patronising instructions – needed perhaps for the little'uns used to hearing his Harry Potter readings – they set to work navigating a virtual globe of levels synonymous with the Little Big Planet style. Rather than platform based scenes, though, these levels are racetracks that see our customisable character speed through in a bid to take the central podium. As you'd expect, there are plenty of power-ups, quirky shortcuts and a profusion of collector items.
It'll take something very special to ever snatch Mario's crown in the casual racer department and LBPK is hardly a compelling case. Still, it's definitely worth considering for those who have regular PS3 battles with the nipper.
Next page: Okami HD
COMMENTS
DLC; making cheap games expensive
I think the main problem with some games is the massive amount of DLC. And also in such a way that it seems as if you're going to have to buy into this sooner of later if you really want to enjoy all merits of the game, depending on the game of course.
But I've also been looking at Tokyo Jungle for a while but then noticed the /huge/ amount of extra's available. Needless to say but that gives me a totally different impression of said game; I can't help wonder how long gameplay can really last without purchasing any DLC.
Re: Dark Souls
Yes... It can be really difficult and frustrating at times, but it's down to you to observe what you're doing wrong, and improve your strategy. Rarely does it feel like the game is being 'cheap' when dishing out death.
The respawning of enemies is completely intentional. The game wouldn't be so difficult, and yet so damn satisfying if you could stroll back to the boss after defeat. Things get a touch easier if you manage to summon help from other gamers online though!
It's definitely not a game for everyone, but Dark Souls and it's predecessor are easily my favourites of this generation and jumped straight into my top-five games of all time. Love them!
LBP Karting
Played it at eurogamer, and well, this was my take on it.
F1 Race stars played almost exactly the same as LBP Karting, which played almost exactly the same as Mod Nation Racers which was just a poop copy for Mario Kart. It just wasn't good.
Personally if I were to recommend a ps3 game people might have missed, it would be a much older one than that. Valkyria Chronicles. One of the best TBS games I've ever played, and not a single person I've talked into playing it has been able to disagree. If you like strategy then play that game.
Whatever any PS3 owner does this year...
...I highly recommend Okami HD, whether or not you played the original PS2 version. Its brilliant with or without the Move support, it looks awesome and it's one of the best PS2 games that ever came out.
Little Big Planet Karting as good as sonic racing? sonic racing is the best racing fun since mario kart on the snes.
we just got the new sonic racing transformed. cars then boats then aircraft. loads of fun and still pretty hardcore on the highest levels.
i do fancy Little Big Planet Karting but it was twice the price of sonic transformed. might pick it up after xmas when there are loads of user tracks.
