Sunday Roundup: 10/13/13

New Games (10-13-13)A scheduling conflict prevented me last week from posting my new games added to my collection. This week however I had no excuse to miss the weekly reporting so I present to you essentially two weeks of games thrown into one! And, for a little extra kick, there’s even a single game I received three weeks prior that I’m writing about just for good measure. Huzzah!

 

 

 


Bomberman Act Zero CoverBomberman: Act Zero
Xbox 360
Release Date: August 29th, 2006
Purchased at: GameStop (Sunnyvale, CA – $2)

Alright, starting out strong with one of the worst games on the 360, as well as possibly the worst “Bomberman” game out there. For reasons unknown, I’ve always been drawn to the shittiest games out there: Bubsy3D, Pop’n Music, and even the more recent TMNT: Out of the Shadows. So it should come as no surprise that this game has been on my radar for years. Strangely I just now found it and added it to the collection. The GameStop employee ringing me up was even on my side, telling me it was a good buy because it was so crappy!

Boom Blox Bash Party CoverBoom Blox: Bash Party
Wii
Release Date: May 19th, 2009
Purchased at: GameStop (Sunnyvale, CA – $5)

After purchasing, subsequently playing, and thoroughly enjoying the very first Boom Blox about a week ago, I was all but happy to throw my money at picking up the sequel. Featuring more of the same gameplay and extra modes and setting as well, Bash Party seems to be regarded as the superior of the two games. So long as I can still play virtual Jenga and whip bombs at unsuspecting block-like animals then I’m happy.

Endless Ocean CoverEndless Ocean
Wii
Release Date: January 21st, 2008
Purchased at: GameStop (Cupertino, CA – $5)

An interesting title to say the least, Endless Ocean is more of an artistic, serene experience than a game. You play as a SCUBA diver as he (or she?) explores the depths of the ocean, viewing and interacting with all sorts of marine life. There are some gameplay tallies to conquer, such as finding and photographing each fish, but the real joy of the game is to just hang out with manta rays and clown fish. It’s these truly unique titles that I am usually most excited to buy. Now I need to get my hands on that sequel…

LA Noire CoverL.A. Noire
Xbox 360
Release Date: May 17th, 2011
Purchased at: GameStop (Sunnyvale, CA – $5)

Rarely do I not pick up a game that I’ve truly wanted to play for this long. I have been looking at L.A. Noire for years, basically ever since it came out over two years ago. The highly detailed visuals combined with what I can only see as glorified point-and-click gameplay (one of my favorite genres!) should make for quite the pleasurable play through. And if nothing else there’s always Egoraptor’s interpretation.

Resident Evil 5 CoverResident Evil 5
Xbox 360
Release Date: March 13th, 2009
Purchased at: GameStop (Cupertino, CA – $5)

For a series as venerable as Resident Evil, I sure as hell haven’t played to many of them. Resident Evil 5 is the one game that I’ve seen just about every single scene from, watching the whole game be played from my friend’s TV, but I never really played it myself. Regardless, the co-op gameplay is a big addition for me since I have a partner to play with now! Even though this game still utilizes the series-staple tank controls, I think it’ll still be a worthwhile game.

Scribblenauts Unmasked CoverScribblenauts Unmasked
3DS
Release Date: September 24th, 2013
Purchased at: N/A (Review Copy)

This is the game that I received a few weeks back. Since it was only the one game I never got around to actually putting up a Sunday Roundup for it, so here it is now! You can read all about the game in my full review here!

Sega Soccer Slam CoverSega Soccer Slam
Gamecube
Release Date: March 18th, 2002
Purchased at: Garage Sale (San Jose, CA – $5)

I found a garage sale listing on Craigslist that said there was going to be about one hundred video games for sale, as well as plenty of other vintage toys, games, board games, and collectibles. I already had the day off so Laura and I ventured over to San Jose and perused the goods. I only picked up this game, but I was tempted by a complete in box black Dreamcast system, a CIB Virtual Boy with eight games for $200, and a near mint set of maracas for Samba de Amigo! Plenty of cool stuff, but not the right time for me. Believe me, I thought long and hard about all of those purchases!

Vanquish CoverVanquish
Xbox 360
Release Date: October 19th, 2010
Purchased at: GameStop (Cupertino, CA – $5)

Ever since they game came out and reviewers were calling it a nice blend of action, role-playing, and shooting, I decided I should seek it out. Fast forward, what, three years, and I’ve finally tracked down a copy in decent shape and for a great price. With so many games to play I’m not sure where this will rank on the list, but I have comfort knowing I can pop this sucker in whenever I want.

Wario Land Shake It CoverWario Land: Shake It!
Wii
Release Date:
September 22nd, 2008
Purchased at: GameStop (Sunnyvale, CA – $5)

I bought this game I want to say two years ago now for my nephew for Christmas. I remember watching him play it and then getting to take a turn on a level myself and I really enjoyed it! I mean, it’s a Nintendo game, close to a Mario series, and it’s only $5. You really can’t beat that price, and there are certainly worse games for even more money than this!

Laters,
Jsick

DownStab has been a personal endeavor of mine for many years. Please enjoy the content and let me know if you have questions, comments, or just want to connect. And as always, game on.

– Jason J

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