A Hit on the PSN

Just the other day I downloaded this PlayStation Network Exclusive title with high (and blind) expectations that were gladly met. This arcade shooter is graphically gorgeous, and extremely easy to jump into and know instantly what to do.

The point of the game is to just shoot--shoot any and everything that crosses the path of your little powerhouse spaceship. The game takes place in an area surrounding fictional planets from deep space. One of the unique elements of this game is the fact that you're not on a glorified 2D platform, you actually fly the ship around the planets, not over them.

Straight from the get go you are thrown into nonstop action as large asteroids drop onto the playing field. From here you blow them into smaller chunks, then to dust as even more fall onto the screen. Some of the asteroids house green masses which you shoot to acquire a bonus item to instantly upgrade your weapons, gain an extra life, or use as a shield. As you progress through the five phases that each planet has, other alien enemies appear, and more and more asteroids appear as well. Each phase gradually gets more difficult, leading up to the boss battles on phase five of each planet. However, even with the overwhelming number (easily a couple hundred sometimes) of enemies and space rocks to destroy is clouded by the simple graphic beauty and flawless gameplay.

All isn't green pastures and blue sky though. While the addicting gameplay will keep you coming back for more, the difficulty level does seem a bit high at times (even on the "easy"setting). However, given a few tries this becomes easier to overcome, and given how perfectly polished the game is, this seems more of a complaint than a real issue.

Games are more than entertainment

This game makes feel awkward at first, but after you get past the strange dance patterns and realize you can do something in front of people without being embarrassed, it's awesome. On top of a continuation of Konami's Dance Dance franchise, and being one of the best rhythm-dance games for PS2, it also shows that videogames can be of more use than only entertainment. It's guaranteed to get you off the couch and put down those Cheetos, because you definitely can't eat while playing this game. There are countless success stories of how former obese couch potatoes got back in shape, and had a new life because of how this franchise got them on their feet and moving. However, the only drawback I find is that some of the songs have never been heard of, but they're still so much fun to dance to. I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a different gaming experience.

Daxter

Daxter is perhaps one the best games out there for the PSP. On top of exploring what Daxter did for those two years when Jak was held captive by the Baron, it shows that the PSP can be a fun system. For the most part Daxter isn't the most challenging thing you'll come across. Although the boss fights can be a bit difficult. But at the game's core is a very fun, and interesting, experience.