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Hallowinners! |
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Videogames with Tricks and Treats |
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by Evan Shamoon |
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Just in time for everybody's favorite holiday, we've picked out some videogames that let you fight baddies, build civilizations, and try out the fashion biz. Whether you need some entertainment before you go out on the town or need some entertainment instead of going out on the town, these titles are super fun.
Lego Batman
In the fine tradition of Lego Star Wars and the more recent Lego Indiana Jones, Lego takes the man in the cape, his partner, and Gotham City and gives them all the good old blocky treatment. Batman, Robin, the Joker, the Penguin, and Harley Quinn are just some of the playable characters throughout the game, which is broken down into three episodes. Each level has its own crime boss: the first starring the Joker, the second the Penguin, and the third the Riddler. You'll even get to chase Catwoman through one level as she escapes with a diamond.
Gameplay focuses on Batman's cool toys. A batarang (a bat-shaped boomerang) comes standard, and a variety of suits enable each character to access different parts of the level. Robin even has a magnetic suit that allows him to walk up the walls of metallic surfaces and another suit that can be used to take control of other gadgets such as a radio-controlled car. Two new characters, Nightwing and Bane, also fight alongside Batman and Robin.
Platform: All systems
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Price:$20 to $50
Rating: E
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Spore
Easily one of the most eagerly anticipated computer games ever developed, Spore is the latest creation of genius/mad scientist Will Wright, the man behind mega-titles like The Sims and SimCity. Spore covers the rise of a space-faring civilization, from its humble beginnings in the primordial soup to its development as an extremely advanced civilization.
Six different themes break down the styles of gameplay: tidepool, evolution, tribal, city, civilization, and invasion. Once you finish the first five stages, the invasion section of the game is huge and infinitely playable. Hunting for other populated worlds, players venture into the universe in the way they choose: by using Star Trek-like diplomacy or shooting anything that moves. By the time players are ready to conquer the galaxy, they'll have mastered every element of the game interface and will be ready to tackle the rest of the universe on their own terms. If you want to get started for free, download the Spore Creature Creator trial.
Platform: Mac/PC
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Price: $50
Rating: E
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Pop Cutie!
Pop Cutie! bills itself as a "street fashion simulation" game—letting you play trendsetter, fashion buyer, and retail storeowner all at the same time. You start the game running a stall at a flea market. As you develop your business, you move on to better venues. You'll need to do all the things a shop owner would do: hire staff, create ambience in the store, design clothes, and compete against rivals. The game's aesthetic is full-on Toyko street fashion, so the more you love cosplay and gothic lolita styles, the better you'll do. The graphics are super cute (as the name might imply), and very Japanese-styled. If you love playing dress-up, this may be just the game for you.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Koei
Price: $30
Rating: E
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"Hallowinners!" has been edited for shojobeat.com.
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