Sit Back and Relax with 'Entwined'

Jeb Haught
Thu, 24 Jul 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: PixelOpus

PUBLISHER: Sony

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3)
Updated: Fri Jul 25, 2014

DEVELOPER: PixelOpus

PUBLISHER: Sony

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3)

PRICE: $9.99 download

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)

Modern video game design has been stagnated by both limited vision and economic recovery. As a result, only independent game designers take chances anymore. When I'm tired of blasting my way through the latest Hollywood-style blockbuster, I like to sit back and enjoy unusual titles such as "Entwined."

Unlike most modern game storylines, "Entwined" crafts a tale of two souls seeking each other through nine lifetimes. One soul belongs to a blue bird while the other inhabits an orange fish. These soul mates exist on different plains, and the player's goal is to help them find each other. I really like how the lack of cut scenes forces players to use their imagination to help propel the story.

Each lifetime represents one level, and both souls must eventually join each other in order to reach the second stage of each level. This is accomplished by guiding each soul through a series of gates while also collecting orbs. This is more difficult than it sounds because players simultaneously control both souls using the analog sticks. After some practice, controlling each soul with a different analog stick feels intuitive and even becomes cathartic.

After enough orbs are collected, players are free to combine both souls into a beautiful green dragon and fly around open areas collecting additional orbs. There is no rush to collect orbs in dragon form, so players can enjoy the gorgeous scenery. When it's time to move on to the next lifetime, simply collect all orbs and then pass through the wormhole that opens up.

It's too bad that the game play only lasts for a couple of hours. It would also be nice if there were a way to increase the difficulty.

Nevertheless, "Entwined" offers a completely new style of gaming that will hopefully pave the way for future innovations.

'Ultra Street Fighter IV'

DEVELOPER: Capcom

PUBLISHER: Capcom

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

PRICE: $15.00 download

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5)

Although the "Street Fighter" series is officially at number four in terms of sequels, the actual number of spinoffs is staggering! If someone milked a cow as much as Capcom has milked this series, it would die from dehydration! Fortunately, each version of the game has significant changes or enhancements, and "Ultra Street Fighter IV" is no different.

Let's begin with this game's fighting roster. Not only does it contain all of the characters from "Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Version 2012" but there are also four new characters to the series. Poison, Rolento, Hugo and Elena have made the leap from "Street Fighter X Tekken" to "Ultra Street Fighter IV." There's also a completely new character called Decapre.

Several online modes from past incarnations such as "endless battle lobbies," "team battles" and "ranked matches" have also made a welcome return. In addition to the new "elimination" online mode, it's now possible to train while waiting for an online match. This is great because there's nothing more boring than staring at a blank screen while waiting for a virtual bare-knuckle brawl!

As for game play additions, the new "red focus" feature lets players absorb an infinite amount of hits rather than just one. This move isn't an automatic win button, however, because it can be broken, and using it costs two bars from the meter. Another new ability is a delayed wakeup that can throw off an opponents timing. No longer are players at the mercy of opponents who initiate vicious attacks the moment they stand up.

Many of these new features sound minimal by themselves, but they add up to make "Ultra Street Fighter IV" the best version of the game to date!

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

"Entwined"

"Ultra Street Fighter IV"