TNA Impact on Sony PS3 Review

Something a little different from me this week, taking a look at Midway Game's TNA Impact. Superb wrestling action on the Sony PS3 is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Product: TNA Impact (PS3)
Price: £44.99 (RRP) : £26.00 (average)
Supplied by: Midway Games
Contact: +44 (0) 191 482 8720

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review

I must admit to never really getting into the whole Harry Potter thing, yes, shame on me! For some strange reason, when EA released 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' for the Sony PS3, I was drawn to it like a magnet and just had to take a look.

Previous incarnations of the Harry Potter games seemed to lack something in the magic department, they just seemed to try and do too much magic. In this latest offering EA have nailed it right on the head, the atmosphere of the whole game is spot on, you really feel like you are right there with Harry and the gang in Hogwarts. This feeling is mainly due to the superb graphics and textures that are very detailed and accurate.

To keep the game moving along you have to complete over 30 tasks, learning spells along the way. You also unlock discovery points which in turn make your spells even more powerful. This allows you to unlock even more secrets and certainly kept my interest locked in. There are plenty of battles to be won, which have you twirling your wand, casting spells to defeat nasty kids and even the Dark Lord. During these spell casting battles, you will be impressed by the graphics, and the animation of Harry who reacts in some really cool ways to victory or defeat. Of course the main objective is to defeat your opponent, but paralyzing them is very effective.

The PS3 adds some six-axis controller features, and although they don't seem that accurate, being able to wave your controller to wave Harry's wand is a nice touch. I do not think Sony's six-axis will ever be that accurate, so it was nice to see EA at least implement it in some way.

In summary, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a nice rounded game. Interesting game play, different on-screen battles (rather than awful cut scenes), a nice control method and good sound. Above all, what really stands out is the atmosphere of the game. It really makes you feel part of it, and has you coming back for more. This is certainly one you won't put down until you have finished it.

Product: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Price: £49.99
Street Price: £34.96
Supplied by: Electronic Arts
Contact: 0870 2432435

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom PS3 Review

We covered the US launch of the Sony PS3 some time ago now, it seems like ages since we brought you any PS3 coverage, so it was nice of Electronic Arts to send us 'Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom (ULDK)' to review.

I have always wanted to get into Dungeons & Dragons (the board game) and really wanted to try World of Warcraft, but what stopped me was the dedication (and time) required to play. So, when this game touted itself as 'The Ultimate Next Gen Action RPG Experience' it caught my attention. Maybe, just maybe I could get my fix in a pick up and put down format. By that, I mean that I want to be able to grab a game, play it for half an hour, then be able to come back to it later.

ULDK gets off to a good start with some stunning graphics. Even the player select screen is stunning, with some great level of detail on the characters. At this stage the game introduces you to the storyline, and I was thinking "Oh no, this is going to be boring", but then you are thrown into the action, quickly taught some awesome moves and the blood is (literally) flying.

You work your way through battling various opponents, including some rather rabid creatures. Along your way, hacking and slashing through whatever gets in your way, you get items to pick up. Pieces of armor enhance your protection, as well as various spells and add-ons for your weapons. Your team that accompanies you help, but in what seems a very random way. Maybe, further in the game there are options to determine how you are helped in the harder battles, I certainly hope so.

Each stage is completed with the obligatory 'boss', but in a way that does not break the fluidity of the whole story. This is very well done, and eases you into the game, by not making the first few bosses overly difficult. You can also save your progress at various points, so this game definitely fulfills my need of having something I could play in short sittings.

As well as the single player, there are also co-op and internet modes. Each of these modes play perfectly and add superb value to the gameplay. In summary, the graphics are excellent, the sound is awesome and the gameplay (although a little repetitive) is a joy, the perfect balance in fact between difficulty and enjoyment. I would certainly recommend ULDK to any gamer who wants to experience a magical action packed RPG, without having to spend hours and hours on dedicated gaming.

Product: Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Price: £49.99
Street Price: £39.99
Supplied by: Electronic Arts
Contact: 0870 2432435