One of the perils of
working in journalism is the hours. Specifically the fact I work nights. This
means, I rarely watch TV.
So, when I hear about
a great TV series, I often wait to buy it on DVD. And if it’s a series with a
lot of hype, I’ll often wait until there’s at least two full seasons on DVD
before I dive into it.
Such is the case with
Game of Thrones. I own the first season on DVD, but have yet to watch it.
Waiting until Season 2 is available later this year.
So, when Atlus fired
me up a copy of the Game of Thrones video game to review, I was a little
concerned. I don’t want the series ruined for me. Thankfully, the game, which
is available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, tells its own unique story in George
R. R. Martin’s universe.
The game was written
in conjunction with the popular fantasy scribe. You play as two former soldiers
from a rebellion who must unite to face a threat to the Seven Kingdoms.
The story apparently
parallels the first season of the show, so while it tells a unique tale, you do
interact with characters from Game of Thrones, namely Cersei Lannister, Qhorin
Halfhand, Jeor Mormont, Varys and Chataya.
I can’t attest to
whether those interactions are true to the show’s characters. But I can say
that the journey you embark on in the game is the real highlight. The story is
completely engrossing and you are tasked with making moral choices that shape
your own character’s journey.
I love story-driven
games, so the fact the plot of this game, advanced by character-driven
cutscenes, gives you a meaty treat to gnaw on for hours, I enjoyed my virtual
trip into the Song of Ice and Fire universe, as Martin’s creation is known.
Unfortunately, the
actual combat and some of the NPC (non-player character) interactions are
actually a little weak, especially when compared to other games in this genre,
such as Elder Scrolls’ Oblivion and Skyrim franchises.
Despite the weak
combat and the repetitive NPC dialogue, the story is so engrossing, the world
so fully fleshed out and the cutscenes so captivating that most gamers will
stick with this tale.
Rating: 3 stars out of
5. Rated M.
N n n
Here’s a quick look at
another title currently available:
* Zumba Fitness Rush
(Xbox 360; Majesco): Use your Kinect to turn this title into your own personal
trainer. There are 42 routines, including 10 specifically for the Kinect. The
music is pumping, you can play with a friend in a two-player mode, track
calories burned and even create your own workouts.
As far as weight-loss
games go, this one is a solid, lively entry.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Rated E-10+
* Country Dance
All-Stars (Xbox 360; GameMill Entertainment): Not a big fan of loud,
adrenaline-pumping, bass-thumping dance music? Well, here’s a chance for
country music fans to kick up their heels and dance to more than 30 hit songs,
whether you play alone or with a friend. The game supports Kinect. As for the
music, you’ll find cuts by the likes of Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban,
Sugarland, Johnny Cash, Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson,
Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert and more. 
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