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BATTLING BEAUTIES, BANDS & BANDITS |
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THE LATEST GAMES UP THE ANTE FOR GIRL GAMERS |
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by Peter Cohen |
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Final Fantasy XIII
The newest version of possibly the most beautiful role-playing adventure game ever is finally out. Square Enix first told us about the game in 2006, so it's been a long time coming. And while this title has some common ties to previous games, it's not a direct sequel to anything you've played before.
Final Fantasy XIII features tactical turn-based battle sequences and an intricate plot involving a mysterious figure who destroys the world according to legend. Plus, it has some of the most gorgeous cinematic sequences you've ever seen in a game.
Platform:
PlayStation 3,
Xbox 360
Publisher:
Square Enix
Price: $60
Rating:
Pending
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Guitar Hero World Tour
Battling Rock Band 2 for music game domination is Activision's Guitar Hero World Tour, which now features more than just a guitar. You can play drums, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and bass as well as sing into a mic.
As with previous Rock Band games, your goal is to keep time with the music. Do well and you'll build up your Rock Meter, earn extra points, win endorsements, and become a rock god. Do poorly, and you'll get booed off stage. Successfully completing a song earns you money to buy virtual instruments and outfits.
Guitar Hero World Tour also has a new beginner mode and boss challenges with real-world veteran axe gods Zakk Wylde, a frequent collaborator with Ozzy Osbourne, and Ted "Motor City Madman" Nugent. Wii players get a special bonus-a Mii Freestyle mode.
Platform: Multiple
Publisher: Activision
Price: $60 for PS3 and Xbox, $50 for Wii
Expected Rating: Teen
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Rock Band 2
How do you build on one of the biggest music games in recent years? Make it better. Rock Band 2 offers improved drum and guitar controllers and has new features such as an online World Tour mode, a Battle of the Bands game, and a Drum Trainer mode—very helpful, as the drums were the hardest part of the original game to learn. The game features 84 songs on the game disc and a slew of free downloadable songs (for the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3 versions); hundreds more will be available, each for a nominal fee. If you already have the original Rock Band instruments, you can use the new game with the old gear. Newbies can buy a hardware and software kit with the game.
Platform: Multiple
Publisher: MTV Games
Price: $60 for PS3 and Xbox, $50 for Wii
Expected Rating: Teen
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SimAnimals
The addictive Sims franchise adds a new twist: critters. Similar to other versions of The Sims, you help SimAnimals build happy, interesting lives. The 60-plus types of SimAnimals include little furry beasts like squirrels and beavers, fowl such as ducks and owls, big critters like bears and wolves, and everything in between. This earthy-crunchy game has you developing habitats rather than building apartments and houses. Do a good job and your SimAnimals will be healthy. Do a poor job, and you can expect really angry, unhappy creatures. The Wii game's multiplayer mode lets you invite other players to enter your forest and interact with your wildlife. The DS version lets you blow into the microphone to gather fruit from trees and spread blossoms.
Platform: Nintendo DS,
Wii
Publisher: EA
Price: $60
Rating: Pending
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Sonic and the Black Knight
The newest Sonic the Hedgehog game, coming exclusively to the Wii this spring, is the second entry in the Storybook series. (It follows the Arabian Nights-themed Sonic and the Secret Rings.) This game places Sonic in the world of King Arthur, who has been turned evil by the Black Knight. It's up to Sonic and his friends to save Arthur and restore order to Camelot. Sonic keeps his signature speed moves but now also wields a sword for some hack and slash play. You'll navigate through a fully 3D world-helping out citizens, collecting magical items and swords, and defeating enemies. Occasionally, you'll switch to a traditional 2D style to help Sonic race through levels.
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Publisher: Sega
Price: $50
Rating: Pending
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"Battling Beauties, Bands and Bandits" has been edited for shojobeat.com;
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