Shawn Wallbaum

Raiding the Tomb Again!: Tomb Raider Underworld

• By Shawn Wallbaum
Adolescent boys rejoice, Laura has returned. Tomb Raider helped define the original Playstation. The game sold millions of copies spinning many sequels and a brassiere-busting silver screen turn from a pre-tabloid Angelina Jolie. Now Laura Croft returns for another adventure with Underworld. Making her way through the wilderness of the Mediterranean, the deep jungles of Mexico and other exotic locations around the world that would give Indiana Jones a run for his money. On Laura's plate this time is the quest for the legendary Hammer of Thor. As with most of the Tomb Raider games you have to make your way through mind-numbing puzzles and just about every trap you could think of. Most Tomb Raider games follow a basic outline, and this one is no different. The layout of the game is gorgeous, and the lush landscapes team with life. A lot of time was put into the environments and animals to make them more realistic than the original Tomb Raider game. Crystal Dynamics was able to blend Tomb Raiders' old-school puzzle solving, shooting, and climbing so they overlap each other. The result is smoother and more realistic. A neat change also new to this edition is the melee combat system that makes Laura fight and keep her distance from her attackers at the same time.
• Tags: Film Events, Game On

Better Late Than Never: The top games of 2008

• By Shawn Wallbaum
Yes it's (almost) February, but every other website or magazine started, or ended the year, with a "Top 10" or "Best Of" list, so it must be a good idea, right? Either way, we're not sure if 2008 stacked up to 2007's monster gaming year, but there were certainly a few bright spots worth revisiting. 10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of Patriots. The original MGS was what hooked me on the first Sony game machine and this title was well worth the wait. Could this be the end of Solid Snake? Don't bet on it! 9. Mario Kart Wii. Even though the Mario Kart franchise is 16-plus years old it still kicks ass. With on-line multi-player for the next generation and addictive game play, MK Wii never gets old.
• Tags: Film Events, Game On

Purple Dragons, Oh My!: Spyro Dawn of the Dragon

• By Shawn Wallbaum
Puff on this dragon.Ever since Mario took the game scene by storm there have been many attempts to steal the limelight from the-little-plumber-that-could, with little success. One exception is Spyro the Dragon. The first Spyro game was released in 1998 on the original Playstation. The game was a straightforward platform game with Spyro freeing fellow dragons from their crystal prisons. The game won praise from gamers and spawned several sequels. Now comes the latest Spyro adventure, which is really more of a remake. The game uses an all-star cast of actors playing the main characters, including Spyro and sidekick Cynder. The game concludes much like the original game wherein Spyro must defeat his archenemy Malefor, the Dark Master.
• Tags: Film Events, Game On

Looks like a Whiteout!: Shaun White Snowboarding

Even as Central Oregon snowboarders have been praying for snow, there has been something available in the video game world to get them through the

• By Shawn Wallbaum
Even as Central Oregon snowboarders have been praying for snow, there has been something available in the video game world to get them through the drought. Shaun White Snowboarding comes at a time when snowboarding games like SSX and 1080 have all but disappeared. Why it has taken so long to fill the gap is a mystery, but developer Ubisoft has taken the reins. The game was created using the Assassin's Creed game engine - a wise choice - and will be released on the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The Wii version was created separately from the other two versions and is capable of using the Wii balance board. A lot of sports games are released with a star's name and face attached, with little or no input from the celebrity. Shaun White Snowboarding, however shows much of his personality and the laid-back humor of the sport of snowboarding. At this year's E3 he even gave a demonstration of the game. The characters in the game are stereotypically goofy, similar to the ones in the SSX games, but the attitude and mood seem to blend nicely. Even the snowboarding gear on the characters is used with permission from real life sponsors. The music is almost a character in the game itself; classic rock and indie artists thump your speakers while you tear up the slopes.
• Tags: Film Events, Game On

Saving the Game, and Your Wallet: Holiday gaming gift ideas

A glimpse of "Gears of War" - one of the reasons people keep buying games.Now comes the time of year when family and friends are

• By Shawn Wallbaum
A glimpse of "Gears of War" - one of the reasons people keep buying games.Now comes the time of year when family and friends are wanting their favorite video games which probably means dipping into funds that might be a bit short. With video games popular as ever and an influx of family oriented games hitting the market, there are many ways that you can get them inexpensively. Here are a few tips that may stretch your holiday gaming dollar and leave a bit left over for you to get a game for yourself. Sales: Many retailers this year are having big sales to make up for a slow year, this means a lot of good deals to be had. Some retailers like Wal-Mart are giving gift cards with game systems so you can pick up a system and use the cards to pick up a few games. Check the Sunday ads and be there early to get the best picks.
• Tags: Film Events, Game On