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Patch And Price Rise Promotion - Storked is on Sale!
2008-04-30 19:29:00
In honor of our recent update to Storked we are going to have a Storked sale. Storked will be heavily discounted starting today (3/1/2008) and the price will continually increase through the end of April. Needless to say, now is the time to buy Storked! Click the magic button below to see how much Storked is selling for today. You can also use the coupon code: "Patch NPrice Rise " on checkout if you navigate to the Storked Buy Now Page through another means. You can learn more about Storked and download a free demo at www.storkedgame.com. The Patch N Price Rise Promotion is only offered through plimus/graduate game store sales. No refunds.
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Ratchet & Clank: Future Tools of Destruction
2008-04-01 15:46:00
Ratchet & Clank : Future Tools of Destruction is the most recent iteration of the very successful franchise which has spawned sequel after sequel. It is a very good game that shows off the advances of moving from the PS2 to PS3. Insomniac Games is definitely one of the best developers Sony has , but R & C: FToD is just too much of the same. I couldn't help thinking that I had played this game before...3 times before. Gameplay: 8.5/10Pros: The game offers solid platforming, some new gadgets, nice uses of the SIXAXIS and the same great gameplay features in previous iterations.Cons: Not enough innovation or enhancements since the last game. Clank's new Zoni gameplay is not up to snuff (granted Clank's missions have always been weaker)Graphics: 9/10Pros: Ratchet and Clank certainly look better than they've ever looked before and the worlds they visit are much more vibrant and busy. Excellently animated too.Sound/Music: 10/10Pros: I have always loved R&C's music and FToD ...
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Top 5 Games with Longevity (NextGen)
2008-03-25 13:36:00
5. Warhawk4. Hot Shots Golf 53. Puzzle Fighter HD*huge gap*2. Rock Band1. Halo 3
More About: Games , Longevity

Indie Showcase: World of Goo Preview
2008-03-21 13:59:00
World of Goo Gameplay Trailerby 2dboyI recently preordered World of Goo and was lucky enough to sample the first chapter (which I have almost completed....blasted tower of goo level!). Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love the art style. It's hard to explain exactly what it is, but it definitely has a pop-up book type feel. All in all, it's shaping up to be a very unique and slick game. Just as dragging and dropping the black goo got tedious, I was introduced to some mind blowing other goos such as inflatable goos and green movable goos. I am really excited to see what other goos make it into the final game. Hopefully, World of Goo will get the notoriety it deserves when it is finally released...I think it could make quite a splash on the Wii. Simple gameplay permeates this game, but you have to be smart with your goos or 2d Boy will cry.
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Storked Version 1.2 is now Available
2008-03-02 00:00:00
We've listened to the critiques, collected complaints, and have finally finished updating and improving Storked. The new version has finally arrived. The new demo demonstrates a lot of the implemented features, but if you already own the full version, you'll need to download the update patch at http://www.storkedgame.com/. Here is a list of the new features that the update contains:Point & Click Mouse Controls - Tired of playing old school with the keyboard? Now you can simply point and click to where you want your penguin to move. To use your Penguin's abilities, simply double-click the penguin. I advise switching to the keyboard for jumping since it is still tricky.Even More Frustration Free! Watch Puzzle Solutions - The first 50 puzzle solutions can now be watched via the pause menu. If you get stuck, just hit ESC and then click "See the solution"...the penguins will take a few moments and then walk through the solution. (Please let us know if you would like more solutions...
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Gears of War 2 Official- My 5 thoughts
2008-02-20 22:48:00
Watch out Sony, Microsoft may have blown their load of AAA titles early, but they still have some tricks up their sleeves. Gears of War 2 is officially coming to the 360 in November. Here's 5 things I think about the matter:5. The only thing surprising about this announcement is the fact that the game is scheduled to release this year.4. Locking Chainsaws would be a cool addition.3. Gears of War 2 gives Xbox a much needed hyped game. Fable 2 and Halo Wars is not enough against: Metal Gear 4, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Resistance Fall of Man 2.2. Gears of War really needs to step up the Multiplayer Balance in order for me to get excited about it. The game exists as a glitch & bug fest currently.1. The trailer doesn't reveal anything! The models even look they're from the 1st game.
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Devil May Cry 4 Review
2008-02-18 17:54:00
Devil May Cry 4 is a very solid entry into the Devil May Cry universe. It doesn't suck like DMC2 did, though it is significantly easier than DMC1 and DMC3. Dante's styles return and you can change styles at any time during gameplay...which is fantastic. Nero is an ok addition and plays drastically different than Dante, but he plays a little too much of a predominant role. It's not really 50/50 Dante/Nero which is what it should be at the minimum. Great Action games don't come around often and Devil May Cry certainly delivers in the genre.Gameplay: 9/10Pros: Same great DMC gameplay makes a triumphant return (even if its a lot easier). Dante is especially fun to play as with his 4 styles, multiple guns, and weapons. Changing styles at any time is a great addition. Nero's arm is a cool tool and he plays as basically a simplistic, melee heavy Dante.Cons: Too much Nero, not enough Dante. This would be more forgivable if Nero had more than 1 lousy gun and 1 sword (though the ...
More About: Review , Devil , Devil May Cry , Devil May Cry 4

Indie Showcase: Everyday Shooter
2008-02-15 17:06:00
Everyday Shooter is THE BEST downloadable game I have played on a console. It takes the popular geometry wars formula and adds a chain system and puts it all to music. Playing the game really is like playing through a music album. Each level has a unique music track, mood, feel, and a new chain system to learn. Learning how to chain is crucial to beating the levels and progressing through the game. The game is a little hard, but the incentive is always there to unlock the next level and experience a new song and shmup system. I can't recommend this title enough. Check it out in the PS3 store.
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Rez HD Live Arcade mini Review
2008-02-14 14:17:00
Rez HD is a freaking steal at 800 MS points ($10). It is among the best downloadable shooters I have played. The evolution system of your character/virus fighter is great and the way the music and sounds add to the experience makes the game work. The crazy vector graphics look great in HD too. This game was a sort of cult classic for PS2, but it has truly found it's home as a downloadable game. The gameplay is very very reminiscent of Panzer Dragoon (lock on and release) and has some phenomenal boss battles. In fact, Rez is really just a simpler Panzer Dragoon wrapped in psychodelic graphics and given a superb soundtrack/music interaction. Rez is definitely an enjoyable and unique gaming experience that should be experienced by all. Well worth the $10 investment. Rez is a retro game (not too old though) that actually still feels fresh today instead of nostalgic and dated.Gameplay: 9/10Graphics: 9/10Sound/Music: 10/10Lasting Appeal: 8/10Average: 90.00%Tilt: +2.00%It oozes s...
More About: Arcade , Review , Mini , Live

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
2008-02-07 22:48:00
First Released: October 18 1985 (USA)Gaming Era: 8-bitCPU: Ricoh 8-bit ProcessorCost: $199.99 (SMB bundle) Sales: 60+ Million UnitsController: GamepadDeath: 1995 (Japan continued manufacturing them until Oct 2003)Life: 10 yearsBest Games: Super Mario Bros. (1-3), Metroid, Legend of Zelda, BattleToads, Double Dragon, Ninja GaidenThe Nintendo Entertainment System was a game changer. It was released despite the video game market crash of 1983 and was extremely successful. Atari blew its chance to distribute the system and the NES went on to become the best selling video game console of all time (at the time). The Nintendo is also the birth place of many of Nintendo's stellar franchises: Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. The NES has also had one of the longest lifespan's of any system. In fact, Nintendo of Japan still repaired Nintendo's up through 2003 when parts became too scarce. Atari may have started the home video game market, but Nintendo revived it and made it what it is toda...

MotorStorm PS3 Mini Review
2008-02-04 14:47:00
MotorStorm for Playstation 3 remains a gorgeous looking game and really boils down to this: It's an intense racing title with gorgeous graphics, a great variety of vehicles, and a bunch of levels and tracks that all look very similar. I understand that Motor Storm takes place in an undisclosed desert and is an undersground event...but do all the levels have to be sandy gold, gritty orange, and muddy maroon? Don't get me wrong...the different textures and tracks and how different vehicles all handle them is very fun. It's just a shame that all the tracks look so similar. There's actually not many tracks at all which further hampers what could be a fantastic game. It's a great start and a great showcase title for the PS3. It could be a franchise to contend with the next time around. Imagine Motorstorm 2 with grassy levels (with varying muddy batches, high grass, etc.), snow covered and icy terrain levels, new vehicles (snow mobiles, hovercrafts, monster trucks), and a wider selec...
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Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Review
2008-01-29 13:33:00
Uncharted is one of the finest games I have played for PS3 thus far. One of my only complaints is that it is too short.Gameplay: 9.5/10Pros: Gameplay is very fun and combines a lot of styles nicely: platforming (Mario 64, Jak&Daxter, etc), pop-n-stop gunplay (Gears of War), and puzzle solving (tons of games). The story of this game is also very compelling with quite a few twists.Cons: Game is short, only single player, and the gunplay is not nearly as refined as many shooter fans will require.Graphics: 10/10Pros: One of the finest looking games out there for PS3 period. Beautiful graphics and fantastic animations. Water even soaks into Drake's clothes!Cons: Some animations look odd to me (climbing sideways?). Locales in the game lack variety (primarily because there is only 1 large island) though they do their best to mix up the looks.Sound/Music: 9.5/10Pros: Fantastic Indiana Jones inspired score and music. Fantastic voice acting and constant bad guy chatter. The Sound effects...
More About: Fortune , Review

Heavenly Sword Review
2008-01-22 02:37:00
Heavenly Sword is a hack and slash action game similar to God of War, but more heavily focused on the action aspect. It has beautiful graphics and is an amazing start to a franchise despite its missteps, the biggest of which is the brevity of the game's story and single player campaign.Gameplay: 8/10Pros: 3 different stances with some great combos and transitions, engaging story, exciting and chaotic action gameplay.Cons: The ranged stance is almost entirely useless, only 2 attack buttons, not enough puzzles, and an extensive overuse of "aftertouch" (tilt controlled) aiming /firing missions.Graphics: 9.5/10Pros: Absolutely gorgeous with a fantastic art direction and amazing character design and animation. Cut-scenes are gorgeous. Impressive number of characters on the screen. A truly technical feat that exemplifies the PS3's power.Cons: Repetitive enemies, and some questionable character design choices (Roach?)Sound/Music: 8.5/10Pros: Great voice acting, epic score, and excellent ...
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GameGrad.com is back up and running
2008-01-20 14:24:00
Sorry for the delay everyone but GameGrad.com is finally up and running again. Check it out for great casual games.
More About: Running , Back , Back-up

Assassin's Creed Review
2008-01-15 14:37:00
Assassin's Creed is a gorgeous game (especially on PS3), but it lacks a lot of the fun found in the studio's previous Prince of Persia games. The game is great at first, but as you plod along things get repetitive.Gameplay: 6/10Pros: Game is easy to pick up and play, and the free running technology (hold buttons and character automatically scales walls, jumps, grabs etc) is impressive. Assassinations missions (9 total) all offer a great variety of locales and situations. Combat engine is a shining spot and a vast improvement over the Persia games.Cons: Not nearly enough variety in information gathering missions, Free-running takes away from the skill/fun of the great platforming found in Prince of Persia games, the story is convoluted and has no resolution (sequel setup), the gameplay gets pretty repetitive and dull.Graphics: 9.5/10Pros: Absurdly gorgeous game. The historical world is accurately depicted and flawlessly rendered. Animation is superb.Cons: The in-between sci-fi stor...
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Storked is the Recommended Game over at Manifesto Games
2008-01-14 19:13:00
Pretty self explanatory, but we are very proud of being featured on Manifesto Game s . Simply put: Buy Storked Now. Get ready for a major update to the game as well. We listen to your complaints and suggestions. New features include:Mouse Control - click to move the penguins!Easier Easy/Kid modes - control the eggPuzzle Solutions - click see the solution to further reduce frustration& much more

GameGrad.com will be down for a few days
2008-01-10 13:14:00
GameGrad.com, our casual games site will be down for a few days as we update the site. Please look for it again early next week.
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Storked Now on RETRO 247
2008-01-02 22:10:00
Storked is now a featured game on the Retro 247 website. If you haven't already, now would be a good time to download the free demo.

The 5 Things I think about Playstation 3 after having it a week
2007-12-27 18:03:00
5. The SIXAXIS controller if very light, but instantly comfortable and familiar. Not having a battery pack strapped to it is a appreciated feature and the USB charge interface is the same for my Digital camera which means no purchasing of needless accessories.4. I feel stupid for admitting this, but I do miss Achievements. Then again, achievements have chained me to games that I didn't want to play in the past and for what? a higher Gamerscore? Something happened to me over the past year, Microsoft got me with those damn achievement points! I thought they were stupid when I first got my Xbox...then I liked them...and now I'm just not sure...3. Not including an HDMI cable (~$50) is really annoying...ok, maybe that would be ok if Sony included another type of HD hookup...nope. I can understand not including an HDMI cable but come on! only a basic video hookup! not even S-video? Really annoying.2. While PSN is not nearly as robust as Live Marketplace, the caliber of downloadable game...
More About: Playstation , Week , Playstation 3 , Things

The Atari 7800 Video Game Console
2007-12-26 19:09:00
First Released: June 1986 (USA)Gaming Era: 8-bitCPU: 1.79MhzCost: $139.99Sales: 1 Million UnitsController: JoystickDeath: Jan 1992Life: 5.5 yearsBest Game s: Pole Position II, Mario Bros, Asteroids, Donkey Kong The Atari 7800 was too little too late. By the time it was released, the NES already had a firm grasp on the US market and the Sega Master System had the rest. The Atari 7800 was compatible with all Atari 2600 games (making it a valuable collector's item) but it was plagued by a 2 year delay and a complete lack of titles due to many developers exclusive contracts with Nintendo. It should be noted that Atari made one of the Biggest Video Game Mistakes of all time by turning down Nintendo's offer to manufacture the NES in America in favor of the 7800. One can only imagine what the Atari name would mean today if they had the sense to accept Nintendo's offer.
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The Atari 5200 Console
2007-12-18 15:01:00
First Released: Nov 1982 (USA)Gaming Era: Early 8-bitCPU: 1.79MhzCost: $249.99Sales: Exact Figure Unknown, but very PoorController: Joystick w/keypadDeath: 1984Life: 1.5 yearsBest Games: Space Invaders, Dig Dug, Q*bert, Robotron 2084 The Atari 5200 was a failure despite it's improved graphics. It's big mistake was that it was not backwards compatible with the successful Atari 2600 (this was later resolved albeit too late). Of course there was another big mistake: the joystick sucked - it broke and wore easily and didn't auto-center making games like pac-man miserable. Atari didn't really support the 5200 either, instead continuing to focus on the 2600. Then the Video Game Crash hit...which pretty much killed the 5200. There were 125 games released for the 5200 and they were of good quality garnering a cult following for the 5200. However the 5200, remains one of the first misteps of many by Atari.
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Retro Review: Atari Asteroids
2007-12-17 14:18:00
You can play asteroids above for yourself. The above is a pretty spot-on translation of the 80s Arcade classic. It seems even more appropriate to review Aster oids since it was just released to Xbox Live Arcade. Asteroids was surely one of the best games for the Atari 2600. The game gave you more control over your ship (compared to space invaders) and while it was only black and white, it featured smooth animations/rotations for the time. The most important thing was that the gameplay was simple yet extremely challenging. As an arcade game this puppy just ate your quarters up and it is still worthy of a couple minutes here and there. Does Asteroids stand the test of time? Not really. The gameplay is too simplistic compared to even NES or Master System games, and while it still controls/plays well, it is clearly an arcade game with limited appeal. Graphics & Sound are pathetic and poor for even 2d games, so while in its day it was king, Asteroids is a little too retro fo...
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Indie Showcase: Outpost Kaloki
2007-12-14 14:46:00
In honor of Ninjabee and it's recent release of Band of Bugs on PC, we are showcasing one of Ninjabee's best titles: Outpost Kaloki. Outpost Kaloki is a simplified Real Time strategy game that challenges you to build a space station. It's a fantasic game that is also available for Xbox 360. We gave it a 94%...so no fears BUY IT NOW for only $14.95! At the very least Play the Demo below.
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The Atari 2600
2007-12-13 23:32:00
First Released: Oct 1977 (USA)Gaming Era: Early 8-bit CPU: 1.19 MhzCost: $199.99Sales: ~40 MillionController: JoystickDeath: Jan 1992Life: 14 years 2 monthsBest Games: Pitfall, Adventure, Breakout, & PongWhile there are technically earlier systems...they really were more like computers. Atari is the home console that started it all. Before Nintendo & Japan ruled Gaming, a US company started bringing video games into people's homes. While released in the late 70s, Atari didn't explode until 1980 when it brought in profits over $2 billion dollars. It reigned supreme until the video game crash of 1983. The Atari era gave birth to one of the biggest developers today: Activision. Activision's Pitfall! is considered the best selling game ever for the Atari 2600.

Video Game Systems Evolution and Pictorial History
2007-12-12 22:34:00
Get ready for a serendipitous retrospective look into video game history over the course of the next few months. With 2008 approaching, it's time to take a look at gaming past. It's time to remember Neo Geo, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, TurboGrafx 16, and many others. The above picture/chart shows the start of home gaming and the evolution of game systems over the years (click the picture/chart to see it full screen). In the coming months, we'll have video game system profiles, console war sales figures, video game medium evolution and much more. Retro Gaming and Video Game History is coming this Holiday Season and will continue into 2008.
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Top 5 Games to Watch for in 2008
2007-12-11 16:44:00
5. Devil May Cry 4 (PS3, Xbox 360) Devil May Cry 4 Jumps the ship from Dante to Nero...which definitely bums me out and makes me sceptical. If they follow the DMC3 formula, here's a winner. If they mess with it too much (DON'T Get Rid of Styles!) then we may have DMC2 on our hands. Perhaps only odd #ed DMC are good.4. GTA IV: Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360) GTA IV returns to Liberty City. The story looks good, dealing with Eastern European Immigrants and them trying to establish some criminal power in Liberty City. Graphics are OK and what else do we really know about GTA IV? If they don't have some kind of online element...been there done that...but still it's GTA so you have to anticipate it.3. Castle Crashers (Xbox Live Arcade) Gameplay: Old School Arcade Beat-em-Up + Great Unique HD visuals + 4 Player Co-op = One helluva a Live Arcade Offering. You have got to love the Behemoth (they made Alien Hominid). A great Indie Studio to keep your eye on for sure.2. Super...
More About: Watch , Games , 2008

Mass Effect Xbox 360 Review
2007-12-10 14:04:00
Mass Effect is a Bioware game, action fans be wary because not that much has changed since Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire. Mass Effect is definitely an RPG, but it gives action fans something to grab a hold of with a pretty dynamic battle system. This game is not for everyone, but is more approachable and enjoyable than Bioware's previous efforts.Gameplay: 8.5/10Pros: Much more action focused than Star Wars KOTOR and less button mashing than Jade Empire's real time battles, Dialog system with full speech is awesome and immerses you, engrossing story.Cons: Enemy AI is suspect...usually just bum rush, Side Missions are repetitive and Ancillary planets are pretty much the same with different terrain skins, Not as Epic as advertised. No real Tutorial.Graphics: 8/10Pros: Graphics are gorgeous...just look at a still frame shot of this game in action...Cons: The problem is that still frame shots don't capture the multiple layers of texture loading visible to the ...
More About: Xbox , Review , Xbox 360 , Mass

Indie Showcase: Steam Brigade
2007-12-07 15:26:00
Steam Brigade is a fantastic and unique 2D action/Real Time Strategy Game. It has amazing graphics and oozes the style and individuality of the best Independent Games out there. Check out the free demo below or just BUY IT NOW, it's only $9.95.
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Parents Don't Make these Mistakes! Top 5 Games to Avoid this Holiday Season
2007-12-06 14:15:00
5. The Simpsons Game (Xbox360, PS3, PS2, Wii) - While this game is not a total bust, it is a very short lived experience and hardly worth the $60. Unless the person is a super hardcore Simpsons Fan and collector, pass this one up and get then a blockbuster gift card so they can rent it for the weekend.4. Blacksite: Area 51 (PC, PS3, Xbox360) - Generic First Person Shooter Please!...that's all you'll get with Blacksite. The game oozes mediocrity, but what makes this such a bad purchase is the fact that you have options such as: Halo 3, The Orange Box, Resistance Fall of Man, etc. open to you.3. Bleach: Shattered Blade (Wii) - Yes, all the kiddies love this anime show, but even rabid fans will hate this casual and completely botched fighting game. Fans will actually leave liking the anime less than when they first booted up the game.2. Lair (PS3) - One of the most hyped Sony Gems is one of the biggest flops of the year. While the game is nice to look at, it is a nightmare to pla...
More About: Holiday , Games , Season , Parents , Make

Whatever Happened to Battletoads?
2007-12-05 14:41:00
Talk about a series dying quickly (probably due to the Double Dragon Crossover)! Battletoads was one of the most graphically impressive and extremely difficult games for the NES. It was made by Rare Ltd. which is interesting since they have gone on to make so many hit games. Is it just me, or did this series seem extremely short lived considering its popularity? Oh well...