Reviews: Downloadable video game titles offer a few nice touches
'Fable II: See the Future'
Game add-ons are a double-edged sword cast with a charm spell.
On one hand, they give you another reason to pick up a game you might have finished months ago. Yet, the other hand is left unsatisfied after spending $7 for what amounts to two-and-a-half quests and a handful of items and achievements.
"See the Future" is the second installment of downloadable content for "Fable II," and where it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with quality.
Murgo the trader -- the guy who sold you that musical trinket in your hero's childhood -- sets up shop by the river in Bowerstone Market, and he's eager to sell you some of his cursed items.
The first is a snowglobe, which transports you to its haunted village where the color has been drained by evil spirits. It's a new environment to explore, and, of course, it's got a dungeon area, chests and a bizarre cast of villagers. What's interesting about the villains you fight here is that they are the only things in color, which gives you a clue as to how to defeat them.
Then there's the golden skull, which sends you on a questionable quest decked out in bad-guy disguises, like the hollow man suit.
The next item you acquire from Murgo isn't so much a quest as it is a peek into Albion's future, thus the "See the Future" title. I won't spoil anything, but you do come away with a snappy addition to your wardrobe.
The final item you receive gives you access to the colosseum. Here you fight waves of enemies for various prizes. Not so much a quest, though.
"See the Future" includes some new non-cursed items -- including potions to change the breed of your dog -- and achievement points, but nothing terribly exciting. I'm still waiting for a way to resurrect my dog. Must I suffer the rest of my "Fable II" life because I'm such a selfless gamer?
The content barely was enough for an evening run-through, but you can co-op with another player who has downloaded the premium pack to extend its value. "See the Future" might come up short for $7, but while it lasted, it was time well spent.
'Star Trek D-A-C'
Just in time to cash in, I mean, coincide with the movie release, "Star Trek D-A-C" hits Xbox LIVE Arcade.
While the space environments dazzle and the soundtrack hits a high note, don't expect too much flash and fury. This is a top-down, arcade-style shooter that focuses on bare-bones space-shooting.
The "D-A-C" stands for deathmatch, assault and conquest -- all standard multiplayer fare. Whether you go it solo against A.I. ships or team up in co-op or multiplayer, you've got the same three modes.
You have three ships to pick from -- the flagship, the defender and the fighter -- on either the Federation or Romulan side. There's no story line whatsoever, which is fine, but without even a introduction, there's no emotional connection to either side.
This lack of intro also goes for controls. There's a screen that tells you which button does what, but as for how to execute these maneuvers, it's trial and error during gameplay. Prepare to die ... a lot.
The HUD map is woefully lacking, and the fact your weapons have to recharge after heavy use is annoying. If you're in the middle of heavy fire, you might as well be wearing a red shirt.
Respawn time can be nixed, however, if you hit the escape pod button as your ship is destroyed. It's a nice touch.
Your ship travels in a 2-D plane, so it's easy to pick up the numerous weapons upgrades and items littered throughout space, ranging from cloaking to invincibility.
As good-looking, brisk and fun this old-style shooter is, the thrill doesn't live long after a few hours. "D-A-C" lacks the personality and variety I'd expect for its illogical $10 price tag.
Additional Information:
'Fable II: See the Future'
Grade: B
Developer : Lionhead Studios
Publisher : Microsoft Game Studios
Platform : Xbox 360
Genre : Action-RPG
ESRB : Mature
Retail : $7 (560 Microsoft Points)
Additional Information:
'Star Trek D-A-C'
Grade: B-
Developer : Naked Sky Entertainment
Publisher : Paramount Digital Entertainment
Platform : Xbox LIVE Arcade (coming soon to PlayStation Network, PC)
Genre : Top-down shooter
ESRB : Everyone
Retail : $10 (800 Microsoft Points)
